Toulon
A hidden gem in the French Riviera
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur — as the locals call it — is the crown jewel of the south of France. Its quaint yet world-renowned towns grant access to umbrella-dotted beaches and the lavender-rich countryside — making the French Riviera an alluring hotspot. But Toulon, found in the heart of the Riviera, often gets overlooked.
Toulon’s deep naval history put it on the map, but its provencal market, new art scene, and sandy beaches make it a true hidden gem of the region. Sitting between Marseille and St. Tropez, Toulon is the ideal port to fulfill all of your French Riviera fantasies.
Toulon’s claim to fame may be its proximity to Riviera towns like Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol, but its own shining attraction is the Rue Des Arts district — a network of streets and alleyways lined with murals, galleries and bars. If you’d prefer to admire the natural beauty, you can ride the bright red cable car to Mont Faron for access to winding hiking trails and sweeping views of the bay.
Boat Ride Through Calanques
Cala-what? Calanques are natural steep-walled inlets that look like canals. You’ll get to know their crystal-blue water and limestone walls on a tour of the calanques in Sanary-sur-Mer. After a 30-minute drive to Sanary-sur-Mer, you’ll embark on a boat to cruise through the canal-like inlets including Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau. After the boat ride, explore the city of Sanary-sur-Mer and enjoy a glass of wine in a waterfront cafe for a quintessential port town experience.
St. Tropez By Land & Sea
Set sail on the Gulf of St. Tropez, the watering hole for the world’s most glamorous people (and yachts). Get a glimpse of St. Tropez and Ste-Maxime from the water. If the seas are calm, the crew will drop the anchor for you to swim, kayak, snorkel, or stand-up paddleboard (it’ll be hard to choose just one). Or, sit back, relax and enjoy a light lunch. After your sailing, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the port and old harbor, plus save extra time to explore on your own.
Wine & Bike Tour
Ride on an electronic bike through Le Castellet in the Provençal countryside. On the two-hour cycling tour, you’ll pass vineyard after vineyard as you cruise through the countryside. After saying goodbye to your bike, you’ll visit one of the vineyards with a wine expert for a tasting.
Provence & Winery Sensations — Small Group Tour
Toulon
Located in the heart of Provence, this local vineyard offers breathtaking views of the valley and the Sainte-Baume massif. Enjoy a meal on the estate, whose products of the farm are the stars in the kitchen (fruits, vegetables, olives, herbs from the garden), and where an on-site chef creates the meal that will be served with local blends. After your lunch, take a scenic drive over to Sanary-sur-Mer, to explore on your own.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Visit the cellars, followed by tasting incredible local blends with the Provençal landscape as your backdrop
- Find out what an AOC Bandol appellation wine corresponds to, to better understand its history and the specificities of this unique wine
- Explore Sanary-sur-Mer with its colorful façades, shaded walkways, and seaside town
- This Shore Thing is for smaller groups — book early as space will be limited
- Please bring the local currency (the Euro €) if you wish to purchase items
- Approximately 30-minute drive to and from Domaine La Font Des Peres
- You will have approximately 1.5-hours to explore Sanary-Sur-Mer at your own pace
- Ingredients are all local and are based on the season — meals and ingredients will vary for each voyage
- Lunch and wine are included
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Alcohol purchases will be delivered to the Sailor’s cabin after 7 pm on the last evening of the voyage by the Housekeeping Crew
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Provençal Gems: Marseille, Le Castellet & Sanary
Toulon
Start your tour of the Provençal highlights at Marseille’s Notre Dame de la Garde to climb up the 170 steps for 360-degree panoramic views of the city. After getting a bird’s eye view of Marseille, you’ll head to Le Castellet, a historic eleventh-century hilltop village. At Le Castellet, enjoy a walking tour to see hillside castles and small squares. Finally, stop at Sanary-sur-Mer, a sixteenth-century port town, before a scenic drive back to Toulon.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Follow the coast on your drive to Marseille while taking in views of off-shore islands and mountainsides
- Visit Sanary sur Mer, a sixteenth-century port town with colorful façades and shaded walkways
- Stroll through Le Castellet, a historic eleventh-century hilltop village
- Please note that this Shore Thing is not recommended for Sailors with limited mobility
- Sailors must be able to navigate 160 steps at Notre Dame de la Garde
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Lunch is not included
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
St. Tropez & Port Grimaud
Toulon
Explore two Côte d'Azur hot spots: St-Tropez and Port Grimaud. In St. Tropez, you’ll walk along the port, old harbor, and pink and yellow houses that have been converted into cafes and luxury boutiques. After getting acquainted with the area, enjoy lunch on your own. Next, it’s off to Port Grimaud, an old-world Mediterranean village. Take a boat ride along Port Grimaud’s canals and people-watch from one of its cafes or climb to the top of the church for striking views of the sea.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Cruise along the canals of the eccentric Port Grimaud, the Venice of the French Riviera
- Take your free time in Saint-Tropez to another level by grabbing a drink at one of its fab waterfront bars or going on a glamorous shopping spree
- Find out why Saint-Tropez has been attracting the rich and famous since the late 19th century as you walk down the old harbor with a guide
- Boat ride may be shared with the general public
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Gratuities are included
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Hike Mont Faron
Toulon
Your adventure begins at the port, where you’ll meet your guide for an urban hike through the city center. Hop on a local bus to reach the cable car that takes you up to Mont Faron. After a relaxing ride, the real hike begins at 1,916 feet above sea level. To celebrate the end of the hike, enjoy a light lunch overlooking the city of Toulon before heading back to the ship.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Enjoy a light lunch overlooking the city of Toulon
- Stop by the viewing point of Mont Faron for views of Toulon, the harbor and the mountains
- Hike 1,916 feet above sea level
- Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
- Sailors must wear suitable clothing and footwear for this activity (hiking, biking, trekking, rappelling, ziplining, yoga, etc.)
- Approximately 1-hour and 15-minute transfer via coach and cable car to hiking starting point
- This experience is not recommended for Sailors with a fear of heights
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Foodie Segway Tour
Toulon
Segway around Toulon to try local bites. You’ll meet your instructor at the pier to familiarize yourself with the Segway before gliding toward your first stop. Start by trying a cade, a crepe-like pancake made from chickpea flour. Learn the history behind it and how it’s made in a wood-fired oven. Next, Segway over to savor the sweetness of artisanal biscuits. Finally, head to the historic district to admire the architecture and visit the famous foodie landmark: the Provençal market.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Discover Toulon and its food specialties by Segway
- Try a cade, a local pancake-like specialty
- Savor some sweet specialties at an artisanal biscuit factory
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Please note that this Shore Thing is not recommended for Sailors with limited mobility
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Naval legacy
The French Navy has been based in Toulon for over 500 years.
With a natural harbor that shelters the city from the wrath of the wind and sea, Toulon houses fashionable yachts and small fishing boats alike giving it a luxurious vibe with working-class character. But because of its naval prominence, Toulon has been subjected to attacks throughout the centuries. Years later, Toulon is experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. With its sculptures, fountains and murals found between the streets and squares, and its market in Cours Lafayette with stalls hailing from all over the Provence — culture thrives in Toulon. Whether it's the vibrancy of the city streets, the endless stretch of beaches, or its seemingly serendipitous location with easy access to the rest of the French Riviera, once you’ve experienced Toulon, you can’t help but feel a pull to return for more.
Just a quick insider tip — the market in Cours Lafayette is closed on Mondays, but with so many incredible Shore Things to choose from, every day in Toulon offers plenty of opportunities for immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Toulon, and a photo ID may also be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.
