15 Best FREE Things To Do in Toulon France (with map)

Want a taste of the French Riviera with a peaceful village vibe? Look no further than the Mediterranean city of Toulon. This French port city is home to beautiful beaches, great cafes and bustling local markets. It has all the beauty of its more popular neighbours Cannes and Nice without all the crowds. Toulon is also an important port, being the base of the French navy. Not only that, but it is filled with a wide variety of great free things to do. In this Toulon travel guide, we’ll show you the 15 best free things to do in Toulon France.

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Top free things to do in Toulon France

We love a good bargain, and there’s no better bargain than getting something for free! For ease of reference, here is our list of the top free things to do in Toulon France.

1. Rade de Toulon
2. Point Sublime – Mount Faron
3. Le Village du Mourillon
4. Plages du Mourillon
5. Cours Lafayette
6. Statue du Génie de la Navigation
7. Plage de l’Anse de Magaud
8. Office de Tourisme de Toulon
9. Place de la Liberté
10. Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon
11. Partie de Cartes de Raimu
12. Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon
13. Place Pierre Puget
14. Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds
15. Musée d’Art de Toulon

Keep reading to find out more about each destination.

Naval and commercial harbour in Toulon France: Rade de Toulon

About Rade de Toulon France

Rade de Toulon (or Harbour of Toulon in English) is a small harbour on the Mediterranean in Toulon France. Use of this harbour dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. The harbour now houses the civilian and military port of Toulon. There are a number of protective forts surrounding the habour, including Fort Balaguier. The large and the small harbour are separated by a 1500m pier.

Why visit Rade de Toulon France

This free thing to do in Toulon France is a beautiful harbour containing many naval ships.

How long to spend at Rade de Toulon France

Half an hour to an hour is a good amount of time to enjoy the harbour area. Allow extra time if you want to visit one of the nearby restaurants for a waterfront meal.

Opening hours for Rade de Toulon France

The harbour is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day for the best views.

If you have money to spend in Rade de Toulon France

There are a number of shops and restaurants around the harbour.

Rade de Toulon France address

Rade de Toulon, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4W57+3M Toulon, France

Best views of Toulon France: Point Sublime – Mount Faron

About the Point Sublime – Mount Faron

Located at the peak of Mount Faron, Point Sublime is the highest point in Toulon. It stands 584m (1,916 feet) high. Nearby there is also a zoo as well as a memorial dedicated to the 1944 Allied landings in Provence (Operation Dragoon) and to the liberation of Toulon.

Why visit Point Sublime – Mount Faron

One most scenic places to visit in Toulon is Point Sublime at the top of Mount Faron. This free lookout point in Toulon France has spectacular views over the area. You can take a steep windy drive up here, cycle, or take the 6 minute ride on the cable car (7.50 euro for the return trip for adults if you book through the Tourist Office. Price as at 2024).

How long to spend at Point Sublime – Mount Faron

10 minutes is plenty of time to enjoy the views.

Opening hours for Point Sublime – Mount Faron

The Point Sublime is open at all hours. However for the best views we recommend coming during the day. The cable car up the mountain operates from 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm on most days from mid-February to mid-November. On windy days the cable car cannot operate. Call +33494185300 to check if the cable car is in operation.

If you have money to spend in Point Sublime – Mount Faron

You can take a cable car to the top of Mount Faron.

Point Sublime – Mount Faron address

8456 Rte du Faron, 83200 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WWM+7X Toulon, France

Seaside neighboughood in Toulon France: Le Village du Mourillon

About Le Village du Mourillon

Le Village du Mourillon (or just Le Mourillon) is a residential neighbourhood in Toulon which is known for its man-made sandy beaches. It is a beautiful Provençal village with a relaxed pace. The neighbourhood has a number of attractions including Musée des Arts Asiatiques, Port Saint-Louis du Mourillon marina as well as a number of fortresses, some of which date back to the 16^th century. In the centre of the village there is a pleasant promenade lined with bars and restaurants.

Why visit Le Village du Mourillon

This seaside neighbourhood has a peaceful holiday vibe. It’s a great place to spend a few hours or even a day. There are some nice shops and restaurants as well as a museum and other landmarks. However the main attraction for us are the beautiful sandy Toulon beaches.

How long to spend at Le Village du Mourillon

This is the perfect place to spend a few hours or even a day.

Opening hours for Le Village du Mourillon

This charming neighbourhood is open at all hours. However we think it’s best visited on a nice sunny day.

If you have money to spend at Le Village du Mourillon

There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the village. It’s also a nice place to hire a bike and cycle around.

Le Village du Mourillon address

83000 Toulon, France

Best beaches in Toulon France: Plages du Mourillon

About Plages du Mourillon Toulon France

Plages du Mourillon are man-made sandy beaches in the neighbourhood of Mourillon. Landscaped lawns gently slope towards the beach and there are nice paved paths running alongside the waterfront. The area also has 4 coves, playgrounds and sport & leisure areas as well as bars and restaurants. Other facilities include public toilets, parking as well as an access ramp to the beach. These beaches in Toulon were developed in the 1970s and made from a combination of natural sand from Var as well as artificial sand. It is a pristine area and is also known as ”Pavillon Bleu’.

Why visit Plages du Mourillon Toulon France

One of the most relaxing free things to do when visiting Toulon France is to visit the Plages du Mourillon. Plages du Mourillon are beautiful man-made sandy beaches located in a peaceful residential neighbourhood a short drive from the city centre of Toulon. Alternatively you can walk here in less than an hour. This spot is great for families, couples and friends. It has a relaxed atmosphere, calm water and beautiful vistas.

How long to spend at Plages du Mourillon Toulon France

These beaches are the perfect place to spend a few hours.

Opening hours for Plages du Mourillon Toulon France

These beautiful beaches are open at all hours. However we think it’s best visited on a nice sunny day.

If you have money to spend in Plages du Mourillon Toulon France

There are a number of restaurants and bars nearby. Alternatively you could hire a boat and experience the area from the water.

Plages du Mourillon Toulon France address

Plages du Mourillon, 83000 Toulon, France

Market street in Toulon France: Cours Lafayette

About Cours Lafayette Toulon France

Cours Lafayette is a popular street in Toulon which holds street markets 6 days a week.

Why visit Cours Lafayette Toulon France

Cours Lafayette is one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of Toulon. It is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Market vendors line the street selling fruit and vegetables as well as other goods. During the day this street is a hive of activity and a great place to experience the local way of life. One thing to keep in mind is to watch your step on a wet day as the pavement can get slippery.

How long to spend at Cours Lafayette Toulon France

Half an hour is plenty of time to have a good look around the markets and do some shopping. Allow extra time if you want a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

Opening hours for Cours Lafayette Toulon France

This popular free Toulon France destination is open at all hours. However we recommend coming here in the morning when the markets are on. The market is held Tuesday-Sunday and most market stalls close by 1-2pm.

If you have money to spend in Cours Lafayette Toulon France

Buy something from the local markets. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants along this street.

Cours Lafayette Toulon France address

Cours Lafayette, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WCM+MX Toulon, France

Iconic statue in Toulon France: Statue du Génie de la Navigation

About Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France

Statue du Génie de la Navigation (or Navigation Engineering Statue in English) is a bronze statue on the waterfront at the Port of Toulon. The statue stands 5.4m (17.7feet) tall on a white marble pedestal. It raises on arm and points out to see. The statue was sculpted by Louis-Joseph Daumas in 1845. It represents the spirit of conquest and exploration. It is called the Cuverville statue by locals, after Admiral Jules de Cuverville as the statue turns its back to the city and points sailors towards the sea. The statue was damaged in the bombardments of 1944 and did not return to this spot until 1997.

Why visit Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France

Statue du Génie de la Navigation is one of the major landmarks in Toulon. This is one of the most iconic things to see in Toulon. The structure turns its back on the city and points towards the sea. It is in a prominent location along the Port of Toulon and makes for some great photos.

How long to spend at Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France

Allow 5 minutes to see the statue and take some photos.

Opening hours for Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France

This free thing to see in Toulon France is open at all hours. However to see it properly we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France

There are some great cafes and shops a short walk from Statue du Génie de la Navigation. Perhaps rent a bicycle, ride over Statue du Génie de la Navigation and continue along the many bike paths running through Toulon. Bikes can be hired from bike share stations around the city as well as from bike hire shops such as VélÔToulon.

Statue du Génie de la Navigation Toulon France address

Quai Cronstadt, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WCJ+2P Toulon, France

Family friendly beach in Toulon France: Plage de l’Anse de Magaud

About Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France

Plage de l’Anse de Magaud (or Anse de Magaud Beach in English) is a small pebble beach set in a pretty cove. It is great for families as the cove is nice and protected which means that the water is gentle. However the water does drop away quickly, so it’s not the best for really young children. There is a row of pine trees bordering the beach. The beach has a shower, some free parking nearby and there are also a few shops and restaurants a short walk away. At certain times there are life guards that patrol the beach.

Why visit Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France

About an hour walk or a short drive from the city centre of Toulon, Plage de l’Anse de Magaud is one of the most scenic spots in Toulon. This Toulon France free thing to do is also a great place to swim, relax on the beach or have a picnic. Additionally, it’s great for snorkelling as you can see fish and starfish in the water. It is also a nice place for a walk along the beach or you can sit and enjoy the views. One thing to be aware of is that it is a steep walk to get back to the road after you visit the beach.

How long to spend at Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France

This is a lovely place to spend a few hours.

Opening hours for Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France

The beach is open at all hours. However it is best visited during the day.

If you have money to spend near Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France

There are a few restaurants and cafes within a short walk of Plage de l’Anse de Magaud as well as patisseries and other shops. On a nice sunny day it’s the perfect place to sit by the waterside and enjoy the views while having a picnic or a snack.

Plage de l’Anse de Magaud Toulon France address

Plage de l’Anse de Magaud, 83130 Toulon, France

Useful first stop in Toulon France: Office de Tourisme de Toulon

About Office de Tourisme de Toulon France

Office de Tourisme de Toulon is a tourist office in the heart of Toulon. The building is well signposted, which makes it very easy to find. Inside, you’ll find a gift shop as well as a service counter with very knowledge and attentive staff that speak both French and English. They have free maps and a good selection of brochures about the area.

Why visit Office de Tourisme de Toulon France

The Office de Tourisme de Toulon is a fantastic resource for discovering what to do in the area. We found the staff very friendly and helpful. They also speak English. The building is centrally located in a popular area of Toulon. They have tonnes of information, maps and brochures. A shop selling local products and souvenirs is also located in the building.

How long to spend at Office de Tourisme de Toulon France

10-15 minutes is enough time to get all the information you need about the area.

Opening hours for Office de Tourisme de Toulon France

Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 9am-1pm, 2pm-6pm

Tuesday: 10am-1pm, 2pm-6pm

Sunday: 9am-1pm

If you have money to spend in Office de Tourisme de Toulon France

The tourist office sells a selection of products local to the area as well as souvenirs.

Office de Tourisme de Toulon France address

12 Pl. Louis Blanc, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4W9M+RH Toulon, France

Main square in Toulon France: Place de la Liberté Toulon France

About Place de la Liberté Toulon France

The Place de la Liberté is the main square in the city centre of Toulon France. It was constructed in 1852 and features The Grand Hotel, The Casse d’Epargne Tower, Federation Fountain and Hotel des Arts. Being in a prominent position in Toulon, local buses and trains converge here.

Why visit Place de la Liberté Toulon France

The Place de la Liberté is one of the most scenic attractions in Toulon France. It is a popular town square with a picturesque fountain in the middle.

How long to spend at Place de la Liberté Toulon France

5-10 minutes is enough time to have a quick look around the square. However if you have more time available, we recommend spending 30 minutes relaxing in the square.

Opening hours for Place de la Liberté Toulon France

This free thing to do in Toulon France is open at all hours. It is very scenic during the day and it lights up at night.

If you have money to spend near Place de la Liberté Toulon France

Local markets are sometimes held in the square. There are also a few shops and restaurants nearby.

Place de la Liberté Toulon France address

Place de la Liberté, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WGJ+76 Toulon, France

Asian art museum in Toulon France: Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

About Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon – MAA (The Asian Arts Museum in English) is a museum of art in Toulon France. It has operated since 2001 in the Villa Jules Verne. The museum spans over 3 levels. The ground level has temporary exhibitions and events, the 1^st floor covers China and Japan and the 2^nd floor focuses on Southeast Asia, India, Mongolia as well as Tibet. The collection consists mainly of donations from collectors, many of whom are families of Toulon sailors.

Why visit Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon is an interesting art museum near Fort Saint-Louis. It is a small museum but has some excellent pieces in its collection. The artwork is accompanied by clear explanations.

How long to spend at Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

Allow between half an hour to an hour to explore the museum.

Opening hours for Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

Sunday-Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 12pm-6pm

Closed on public holidays.

If you have money to spend near Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France

There are a few restaurants nearby.

Musée des Arts Asiatiques de Toulon France address

169 Littoral Frédéric Mistral, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4W4P+XX Toulon, France

Sculpture of iconic French film moment in Toulon France: Partie de Cartes de Raimu

About Partie de Cartes de Raimu

Partie de Cartes de Raimu is a bronze statue depicting two men playing cards at a table. It is a homage to a scene in a famous 1931 French film called “Marius” and features the figure of Toulon born actor Raimu (real name Jules Muraire, 1883-1946). “Marius” was part of the Marseille trilogy by acclaimed French director Marcel Pagnol.

Why visit Partie de Cartes de Raimu

Partie de Cartes de Raimu is a distinctive public artwork in the middle of a charming square in Toulon. We enjoyed becoming part of the artwork by sitting in the spare chairs!

How long to spend at Partie de Cartes de Raimu

5 minutes is plenty of time to see the sculpture and take a few photos.

Opening hours for Partie de Cartes de Raimu

This free thing to see in Toulon France is open at all hours. However to get a good look at it we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Partie de Cartes de Raimu

There are a few nice restaurants not far from Partie de Cartes de Raimu. Alternatively you could buy a drink or snack and enjoy it in the square.

Partie de Cartes de Raimu address

Pl. Raimu, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WCJ+GH Toulon, France

Clifftop church in Toulon France: Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon

About Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon Toulon France

Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon is a small Catholic chapel located at Cap Brun near Toulon. Built in 1975, it is dedicated to the memory of loved ones buried in North Africa.

Why visit Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon Toulon France

This pretty chapel is perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea. It’s a peaceful area and a nice place to hike to. It provides great photo opportunities.

How long to spend at Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon Toulon France

5 minutes is enough time to walk around the outside of the church and admire the views.

Opening hours for Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon Toulon France

Daily: 8am-6pm

If you have money to spend in Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon Toulon France

The church accepts donations.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Cap-Falcon address

Sent. des Douaniers, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4X3C+RM Toulon, France

Local square in Toulon France: Place Pierre Puget

About Place Pierre Puget Toulon France

Place Pierre Puget is a small local square in the heart of Toulon. This charming space has a number of cafes as well as a fountain in the shape of 3 dolphins.

Why visit Place Pierre Puget Toulon France

Place Pierre Puget is a nice square to visit and is centrally located in Toulon. The outdoor cafes are the major attraction of the square.

How long to spend at Place Pierre Puget Toulon France

5 minutes is plenty of time to look around the square. Allow extra time if you want to stop for a drink or a meal at one of the restaurants or cafes.

Opening hours for Place Pierre Puget Toulon France

This free Toulon thing to do is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend in Place Pierre Puget Toulon France

There are cafes and restaurants in the square.

Place Pierre Puget address

Place Pierre Puget, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WFM+95 Toulon, France

Historic church in Toulon France: Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds

About Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Toulon France

Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds, or Toulon Cathedral, is an 11^th century Roman Catholic cathedral in Toulon France. However the use of this site for worship dates all the way back to the 5^th century. The current cathedral was built in the Romanesque style and has undergone several alterations over the years. The most notable alternations were the expansion in the 17^th century as well as the addition of the bell tower. The church contains some notable artwork, including a Baroque retable. Toulon Cathedral is listed as a national monument.

Why visit Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Toulon France

Toulon Cathedral is one of the main religious buildings in Toulon. It is a peaceful place and contains a lot of beautiful artwork.

How long to spend at Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Toulon France

5-10 minutes is plenty of time to visit the church and take a few photos.

Opening hours for Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Toulon France

Monday-Saturday: 8am-7pm

Sunday: 8am-12pm, 4pm-6pm

If you have money to spend in Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Toulon France

The church accepts donations.

Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds address

55 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WCM+HJ Toulon, France

Best art gallery in Toulon France: Musée d’Art de Toulon

About Musée d’Art de Toulon France

Musée d’Art de Toulon – MAT (or the Toulon Art Museum in English) is an art museum which covers ancient, modern, contemporary and graphic arts. Its collection also includes archaeological and ethnographic objects. The museum is housed in a distinctive U-shaped building that dates back to 1888.

Why visit Musée d’Art de Toulon France

Visiting the art museum is a great free indoor activity in Toulon France. The building itself is a beautiful neo-Renaissance style building and is a grand location for a museum. The collection contains 15^th to 20^th century paintings, as well as contemporary art, photography and even a library area. The exhibition space is limited to 3 rooms with a rotation of exhibitions including a sample of the permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions throughout the year. We also found the staff very friendly.

How long to spend at Musée d’Art de Toulon France

One or two hours is a good amount of time to explore the museum.

Opening hours for Musée d’Art de Toulon France

Sunday-Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Saturday: 12pm-6pm

Closed on public holidays.

If you have money to spend near Musée d’Art de Toulon France

There are a few restaurants nearby.

Musée d’Art de Toulon address

113 Bd Général Leclerc, 83000 Toulon, France

Plus Code: 4WGG+GW Toulon, France

Train to Toulon France

Trains are a cheap and efficient way to get to Toulon France. The main train station in Toulon is Gare de Toulon. This is located in the heart of Toulon.

We recommend using the app and website TrainLine to book intercity train tickets in France. This is the app we used. We found it very easy to use with great functionality. Another great feature is that you can see days ahead to see what times of the day were the cheapest rates. The TrainLine app was much easier to use than the SNCF website and app, which we found really cumbersome and difficult to use.

Where to stay in Toulon France

We recommend the following accommodation in Toulon France:

• Best bed & breakfast in Toulon France – VILLA PRESENCE – Chambres d’hôtes – Activités bien-être is a lovely house and garden with beautifully decorated rooms. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the train station and in a very peaceful area. Breakfasts each morning and delicious and the host is lovely.
• Best 4 star hotel in Toulon France – OKKO Hotels Toulon Centre is a modern and stylish hotel in a great location close to the train station and attractions. The staff are really nice and welcoming. It also has a really nice rooftop terrace area. There are free drinks and snacks in the lounge area, which is a nice treat.

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