Toulon

Most larger ships berth not in Toulon itself but across the bay at La Seyne sur Mer, part of Toulon's agglomeration and immediately west of the city, 10 KM away. Cruise lines provide land shuttles, sometimes free. From La Seyne-sur-Mer, line 8M gives a good ferry link to central Toulon at Espace Marine every 30 minutes for 2 Euro each way; simply follow the signs. The journey is around 20 minutes. To find the ferry, look for Russo Yachting, then follow the coast for about 10 minutes to the ferry stop.

For the centre of La Seyne sur Mer, itself a pretty town, follow the same route for a further 10 minutes. The ferry to Toulon can also be taken here (Seyne).

A new cruise terminal building opened in 2016, with a few souvenir shops but no WiFi. Free shuttles run from here every 20 minutes to central Toulon, taking about 10 minutes.

Smaller ships in Toulon itself use the Quay Fournel pier. The city-centre is only a few steps from the ship, and passengers can readily reach the marina promenade, with its many restaurants and cafes, a main shopping-mall (100 boutiques), and the old medieval quarter with its picturesque Provencal street market, the biggest in Provence: a feast of colour and fragrance, animated by the sunny Mediterranean accent of the stall-holders. There are several fountains, shady' squares, a chic quarter by Baron Haussmann including the impressive Opera, museums and monuments.

The town has shifted from its traditional industries towards tourism in recent years. Extensive work has transformed the previously used docks into a park, marinas and a new hotel overlooking Toulon and the marinas. Downtown Toulon nevertheless retains a somewhat drab feeling.

Toulon is a major naval base, and aircraft carriers and other navy ships are often visible in port.

Toulon cruise calendar.

La Seyne sur Mer cruise calendar.

One of Provence's biggest, Toulon's bustling Provencal market opens every morning, while the many cafes and restaurants along the sea front have pleasant terraces overlooking the Marina. Highlights include the fascinating old quarter, its ancient cathedral, shady squares and moss-covered fountains. A cable car to the top of 'Le Faron' Mountain offers panoramic views across the city and bay, followed by a possible visit to the World War II museum. A little train provides town tours directly from the port.

Toulon may suit only an hour or two of sightseeing, so also plan to visit nearby places.

From Seyne sur Mer, rather than take the shuttle bus ($12.00), use the boat on maritime line 8M for only 2.00 Euros. Alternatively, a day pass covering bus, boat and cable costs 6.00 Euros, while a day pass for unlimited land only trips costs 3.90 Euros. The 8M maritime line (transfer boat) operates every 25-35 minutes, and the crossing takes 20 minutes.

Le Petit Train de Toulon: A summer-afternoon ride on the tourist train is thoroughly enjoyable and lasts 45 minutes. It leaves the port/ Waterfront area (in Square Germain Noveau) almost every 30 minutes or so. Cost: 6.00€/adult; 4.00€/kid. Two routes are available, chosen by interest at the 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 excellent views of Toulon, its harbor and the fleet, take the cable car up Mount Faron. First walk to the tourism office by the market to see whether it is running, as it won't if too windy, and obtain a special offer ticket: 7.5 € including bus and cable car. Then take bus 40, which runs every 20 minutes. As the cable cars are small and have very limited capacity, even non-peak times can bring a very long 1 to 2 hours wait.

Marseille and Aix en Provence appear on most shore-excursion lists. Toulon's train station is a 15 minute walk from where the transfer boats dock. Good rail connections run between Toulon and Marseille Saint Charles every 30 minutes; the journey takes about 45min to 1 hour and costs around 14 Euro per person.

Sanary sur Mer and Bandol make two relaxing beach resorts. Bus 8806 leaves from in front of the Kyriad hotel in central La Seyne sur Mer for a pleasant 40 minute journey, 3€ one way.

Daily except on Mondays, Toulon's Provencal Market is held from 8 am to 1 pm in Cours Lafayette pedestrian street. It is opposite the marina, just after the port exit (5 min walk from the ship). As it is a real local market, many touristy things are not to be expected.

The currency is the Euro.

Ask the local tourist office about Internet access.

The local emergency number is 112.

In France, most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks remain open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may be exceptions, closing for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Big shops generally trade from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, while smaller shops usually open Tuesday to Saturday, although some open on Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open on days when others close – normally until noon on Sunday.