car hire toulon
Pick up your hire car at Toulon airport and explore the sunniest city in France. Book car hire toulon airport now
the 60-second guide to toulon
in its own head
"We're the sunniest city in France. And a historic naval town to boot. Did we mention the sun?"
but more realistically
Statistically Toulon is indeed the sunniest city in France, and although much of the original old town was destroyed during the Second World War, there's still much to enjoy. Especially if you like boats.
the vibe
Despite a distinct naval feel Toulon's old town has a definite rustic charm with narrow streets, ornate fountains and public squares.
the natives
The locals of Toulon are warm and welcoming and are rightly proud of their historic city.
the weather
While its temperature is kept moderate by the soothing sea breeze, Toulon boasts the most sunshine annually of any city in France with a scorching average of 2,899 hours per year.
the local speciality
The local cuisine is deliciously French in all departments. Toulon's tapenade and ratatouille are of particular note, as is the local take on pizza - pissaladiere.
the celebrity
Toulon was a prominent setting in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.
did you know?
In Roman times, Toulon was a major manufacturing base for the dyes used to colour imperial robes.
they say
"Every day, accordingly, from morning until night, the quays, sluices, and the jetties of the port of Toulon were covered with a multitude of idlers and loungers, as they say in Paris, whose business consisted in staring at the Orion." - author Victor Hugo (Les Miserables)
5 to see in town...
- 1. Centre Mayol
- 2. Musee de la Marine
- 3. Toulon Port
- 4. Tour Beaumont Memorial du Debarquement
- 5. Quai Stalingrad
Toulon's shopping centre is a treasure trove of chic French fashion and practical provisions. A morning visit to the food court will reward you with fresh local produce at rock bottom prices.
where to park?
There is on-site car parking with 3,000 places.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Centre Mayol
- 2. Musee de la Marine
- 3. Toulon Port
- 4. Tour Beaumont Memorial du Debarquement
- 5. Quai Stalingrad
Toulon's maritime museum is one of the few imposing buildings to survive World War Two. Boasting a comprehensive history of Toulon's naval roots the museum will float the boat of any maritime enthusiast.
where to park?
Parking Port Marchand is right next to the museum, or you can use Parking Mayol in Centre Commercial Mayol. Alternatively, use the Vinci Park Services in Rue Lorgues.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Centre Mayol
- 2. Musee de la Marine
- 3. Toulon Port
- 4. Tour Beaumont Memorial du Debarquement
- 5. Quai Stalingrad
Home to more than 60 per cent of France's naval weight, Toulon is the largest military port in Europe and houses the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carriers and France's nuclear attack submarines.
where to park?
Use the Parking Marchand in Avenue Republique.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Centre Mayol
- 2. Musee de la Marine
- 3. Toulon Port
- 4. Tour Beaumont Memorial du Debarquement
- 5. Quai Stalingrad
Built to commemorate the Allied landing on Provence in 1944, this impressive collection of photos, weapons and models sits atop Mount Faron and can be reached by cable car from the town centre.
where to park?
You can park on the wider parts of Route du Faron and then continue on foot up to the memorial.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Centre Mayol
- 2. Musee de la Marine
- 3. Toulon Port
- 4. Tour Beaumont Memorial du Debarquement
- 5. Quai Stalingrad
Ill-judged post-war planning has left Toulon's quayside with a nondescript huddle of modernist buildings but the idyllic scenes of moored yachts and waterside restaurants should help you overlook the backdrop.
where to park?
Either use the Parking Mayol car park in Centre Commercial Mayol or Parking Port Marchand.
and 4 to drive to...
If you're tired of naval life and looking to relax on the seashore, Cavalaire-sur-Mer beach is a pretty stretch of coast surrounded by scenic wooded hills just 25 miles outside of Toulon.
how to get there?
Head east on the A570, turn right onto the D559 coastal road and follow the signposts for the beach.
and 4 to drive to...
Built in the late 12th century, this Cistercian abbey perfectly highlights the calming spirit of the religious order. Now restored as a museum the abbey is the perfect place to sit and reflect.
how to get there?
Head out east on the A57 for 25 miles towards Gonfaron, you'll go over the E80 and turn left onto a track towards the abbey for a few miles.
and 4 to drive to...
Whether you prefer your exploring on foot or by bike this expansive mountain range just 46 miles outside Toulon is the perfect place to lose yourself - with a map of course.
how to get there?
Take the N97 east, and then join the A57. Do a right onto the A8 and go past Le Muy. Now get on the E80 and take a right onto the D837 towards the Massif.
and 4 to drive to...
Toulon's surrounding Var region is awash with the plump and luscious vineyards for which France is renowned.
how to get there?
There are many vineyards to visit, the best bet is to head out east again on the A57 for 30 miles. Then take a left towards Carnoules and keep an eye out for vineyard signs.
ask a toulon cabbie!
Local taxi driver Serge Reynaud on car hire in Toulon: "As we are located between the mountain and the sea, we benefit from the site of one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Europe, with creeks and a chain of limestone massifs. If you are looking for a great drive, Place de la Liberte is perfect as it's lined with palm trees and a water fountain. You shouldn't have too much trouble with your hire car around the city as everything is well-signposted and the locals are mostly polite and considerate on the road."