Toulon

Most larger ships do not dock in Toulon itself, however they dock at La Seyne sur Mer, across the bay. It is part of the agglomeration of Toulon, and is situated adjacent to the west of this city. 10 KM away. Shuttles by land provided by the cruise line, sometimes free. From La Seyne-sur-Mer there is a good ferry connection to the center of Toulon (line 8M), Espace Marine, every 30 minutes, 2 Euro each way, just follow the signs. Trip takes around 20 minutes. To get to the ferry look for Russo Yachting and follow the coast for about 10 minutes till' you get to the ferry stop.

To get to the center of La Seyne sur Mer, a pretty town in itself, take the same route but continue for another 10 minutes. Here you can also take the ferry (Seyne) to Toulon.

A new cruise terminal building has opened in 2016. It has a few souvenir shops but no WiFi. From here free shuttles, every 20 minutes, take you to the center of Toulon. The trip takes about 10 minutes.

In Toulon itself smaller ships dock at the Quay Fournel pier. From the ship to the city-center, passengers are only a few steps away. They can easily reach the promenade along the marina with its many restaurants and cafes, a main shopping-mall (100 boutiques), the old medieval quarter and its picturesque Provencal street market (the biggest one in Provence), it's a feast of color and fragrance, alive with the sunny Mediterranean accent of the stall-holders. You will find several fountains, shady' squares, chic quarter from Baron Haussmann including the impressive Opera, museums and monuments.

In recent years the town has moved from its traditional industries to tourism. The docks previously used have had extensive work done and now comprise a park, marinas and a new hotel overlooking Toulon and the marinas. Downtown Toulon still has a somewhat drab feeling to it.

Toulon is a large naval base and you often will see aircraft carriers and other navy ships in port.

Cruise calendar for Toulon

Cruise calendar for La Seyne sur Mer

Toulon's bustling Provencal market - one of Provence's biggest - is open every morning and the many cafes and restaurants along the sea front offer pleasant terraces overlooking the Marina. Points of interest include the fascinating old quarter with its ancient cathedral, shady squares and moss-covered fountains. Cable car rides to the top of 'Le Faron' Mountain provide panoramic views over the city and bay and can be followed by a visit to the World War II museum. Passengers can tour the town directly from the port on a little train.

Toulon is perhaps good for an hour or two sightseeing, so plan to visit nearby places also.

From Seyne sur Mer: Instead of using the shuttle bus ($12.00), one can take the boat (maritime line 8M) for only 2.00 Euros (or buy a day pass valid for bus, boat and cable for 6.00 Euros; or buy a day pass for unlimited land only trips for 3.90 Euros). The 8M maritime line (transfer boat) runs every 25-35 minutes and the ride takes 20 minutes.

Le Petit Train de Toulon: Jump on the tourist train on a summer afternoon and the 45 minutes ride is thoroughly enjoyable. It departs from the port/ Waterfront area (in Square Germain Noveau) almost every 30 minutes or so. Cost: 6.00€/adult; 4.00€/kid There are two types of routes that you can choose from (based on your interest; same cost): a). Visit the Naval Base July-August:10h - 11h - 13h30 - 14h30 - 15h30 b). Visit the city and the beaches of Mourillon (Circuit 1) July-August: 10h30-11h-11h30-12h-13h30-14h-14h30-15h- 15h30-16h-16h30-17h-17h30-18h

For a great view of Toulon, its harbor and the fleet take the cable car up Mount Faron. I would suggest you first walk to the tourism office, where the market is, to check if the cable car is running (won't if too windy) and grab a special offer ticket, 7.5 € including bus and cable car. then hop on bus 40 and go, every 20 minutes. The cable cars are small, with very limited capacity, so be aware that even in non-peak times, there can be a very long wait (1 to 2 hours) for the cable car.

Marseille, Aix en Provence, are on most shore excursions lists. The train station of Toulon is a 15 minute walk away from where the transfer boats dock. There are good train connections between Toulon and Marseille Saint Charles (every 30 minutes). The ride takes about 45min to 1 hour and costs around 14 Euro per person.

Sanary sur Mer and Bandol are two relaxing beach resorts. Take bus 8806 in front of the Kyriad hotel in the center of La Seyne sur Mer, a 40 minute pleasant trip, 3€ one way.

Provencal Market In Toulon: Daily (except on Mondays) from 8 am to 1 pm: Cours Lafayette pedestrian street, opposite the marina just after the port exit (5 min walk from the ship) It's a real local market, so do not expect many touristy things to buy.

Euro

For Internet check with the local tourist office.

Local emergency number: 112

Most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks in France stay open all day. The exceptions are the smaller shops and enterprises, which may close for lunch sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm. Basic hours of business are from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday for the big shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some of the smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). You can always find boulangeries and food shops that do stay open, however, on days when others close – on Sunday normally until noon.