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Toulon Cruise Port : Book your activities !
Toulon Cruise Port, located on the French Riviera, is a vibrant gateway to the Provence region. Renowned for its natural harbor, Toulon boasts stunning Mediterranean views and rich maritime history. Cruise passengers disembark near the city’s lively center, filled with markets, boutiques, and cafes. Highlights include the Toulon Naval Museum, dedicated to France’s naval heritage, and Mont Faron, offering panoramic views accessed by cable car. History buffs can explore nearby medieval villages like Le Castellet. The port is a great starting point for excursions to Aix-en-Provence and coastal gems like Saint-Tropez. Art, cuisine, and sandy beaches make it a memorable stop. Its pedestrian-friendly streets welcome visitors to enjoy local cuisine and Provençal culture. Toulon also serves as a strategic naval base, giving it unique character.
To enjoy your step in Toulon, here are the recommendations of Provence Tour Guide.
Toulon Cruise Port : Our TOP 5 of Best Activities!
Highlights of Marseille in 8 hours
Visit Marseille and Aix en Provence in Full Day Excursion from Toulon Cruise Port
Marseille and Cassis in a Full Day Excursion from Toulon Cruise Port
Toulon walking Tour
The beauties of the Provence countryside from Toulon Cruise Port : Le Castellet and Sanary
Saint Tropez in a Full Day Excursion from Toulon Cruise Port
For an 8-hour guided visit to Marseille with a driver, here’s a suggested itinerary highlighting the city’s top attractions:
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Begin your visit with a stop at this iconic hilltop basilica offering panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Mediterranean Sea.
Old Port (Vieux-Port): Explore Marseille’s lively heart, lined with cafes, restaurants, and local markets. It’s a great place to experience the city’s vibrant energy.
Le Panier District: Wander through Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, known for its colorful buildings, artisan shops, and historical sites, including La Vieille Charité.
MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations): Visit this modern architectural marvel, which showcases Mediterranean culture and history, connected to Fort Saint-Jean.
Palais Longchamp: Enjoy a stroll through this beautiful 19th-century palace and park with grand fountains and museums, offering a tranquil break.
Corniche Kennedy Drive: Take a scenic drive along this coastal road for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, passing elegant villas and beautiful beaches.
Château d’If (optional): If time permits, take a short boat trip to this famous fortress-prison, immortalized in « The Count of Monte Cristo. »
Local Cuisine Experience: Conclude with a meal at a traditional bistro, enjoying local specialties like bouillabaisse (fish stew) or other Provençal dishes.
This itinerary balances historical exploration, scenic views, and authentic local experiences.
Visit Marseille and Aix en Provence in a Full Day Excursion from Toulon Cruise Port
For a full-day excursion from the Toulon Cruise Port to explore Marseille and Aix-en-Provence with a driver-guide, here’s a suggested itinerary that captures the best of both destinations:
Morning: Aix-en-Provence Exploration
- Transfer to Aix-en-Provence (Approx. 1 Hour): Start your journey with a scenic drive to this charming Provençal town, known for its elegance and rich history.
- Cours Mirabeau: Stroll along Aix’s main boulevard, lined with grand plane trees, fountains, cafes, and elegant mansions.
- Old Town (Vieil Aix): Wander the cobbled streets of the historic center, discovering artisanal shops, boutiques, and markets in picturesque squares.
- Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: Visit this impressive cathedral, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, and dating back to the 5th century.
- Paul Cézanne’s Studio (Optional): If time permits, explore the former studio of the famous Post-Impressionist painter who drew inspiration from the region’s landscapes.
Afternoon: Marseille Highlights
- Transfer to Marseille (Approx. 30-40 Minutes): Head south to France’s bustling port city.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Start with a visit to this landmark church that provides stunning views of the city and coastline.
- Old Port (Vieux-Port): Experience Marseille’s vibrant core, where fishermen sell their catch and locals mingle. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in this lively area.
- Le Panier District: Discover the city’s oldest neighborhood, full of narrow streets, colorful facades, and art galleries.
- MUCEM and Fort Saint-Jean: Take in the striking architecture of this museum and the fort guarding the entrance to the Old Port.
- Corniche Kennedy Drive: Conclude with a scenic drive along the Corniche, soaking in spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Return to Toulon (Approx. 1 Hour)
End your excursion by traveling back to Toulon Cruise Port, having enjoyed a mix of Provence’s historical charm and Marseille’s dynamic culture.
Marseille and Cassis in a Full Day Excursion From Toulon Cruise Port
For a full-day excursion from the Toulon Cruise Port to explore both Marseille and the charming coastal town of Cassis with a driver-guide, here’s an ideal itinerary to capture the essence of both destinations:
Morning: Marseille Highlights
- Transfer to Marseille (Approx. 1 Hour): Begin your day with a scenic drive to Marseille, France’s oldest city.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Enjoy sweeping views of the city, coast, and islands from this iconic hilltop basilica.
- Old Port (Vieux-Port): Stroll through this bustling harbor area, dotted with cafes, markets, and local life. Optionally, take a short break for coffee or local snacks.
- Le Panier District: Explore Marseille’s oldest neighborhood, known for its vibrant streets, artistic vibes, and cultural heritage.
- Corniche Kennedy Drive: Take a drive along the beautiful coastal road, offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean and luxurious villas.
Afternoon: Cassis Exploration
- Transfer to Cassis (Approx. 30-40 Minutes): Head to the picturesque fishing village of Cassis, renowned for its charm and natural beauty.
- Port of Cassis: Wander the colorful harbor filled with fishing boats, restaurants, and boutiques. Take some time to enjoy a leisurely Provençal lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
- Calanques Boat Tour (Optional): If weather permits, embark on a boat tour to explore the Calanques, stunning limestone cliffs and inlets often called the “fjords of the Mediterranean.”
- Cap Canaille: Take a short drive up to this breathtaking cliff, the highest sea cliff in France, offering panoramic views of Cassis and the coastline.
Return to Toulon (Approx. 1 Hour)
Enjoy the drive back to Toulon Cruise Port, reflecting on the day’s experiences that blended Marseille’s urban energy with Cassis’s natural beauty.
Book your Full Day Excursion to Cassis and Marseille from Toulon Cruise Port
Toulon walking Tour
A walking tour of Toulon from the cruise port offers a great way to experience the city’s rich culture, history, and charm. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a pleasant exploration:
1. Toulon Cruise Port to Place de la Liberté (10-15 Minutes)
- Begin your walking tour by strolling towards Place de la Liberté, Toulon’s main square, featuring a large fountain and vibrant flower beds. It’s a bustling spot perfect for photos and getting your bearings.
2. Toulon Opera House (Opéra de Toulon)
- Just steps away from Place de la Liberté, visit Toulon Opera House, France’s second-largest opera house. Admire its ornate facade and neoclassical architecture.
3. Place Puget
- Head towards the charming Place Puget, marked by its fountain covered in moss and surrounded by quaint cafes. Enjoy a coffee or soak up the local atmosphere.
4. Toulon Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds)
- Walk to the Toulon Cathedral, a beautiful building dating back to the 11th century, with elements from different architectural styles, showcasing Toulon’s layered history.
5. Provençal Market (Cours Lafayette)
- Explore the Cours Lafayette market, filled with vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, spices, and local products. It’s a great place to experience Provençal culture.
6. Toulon Maritime Museum (Musée National de la Marine)
- Located near the port, this museum tells the story of France’s naval history, highlighting Toulon’s significance as a military port.
7. Port Promenade (Quai Cronstadt)
- Take a leisurely walk along the Port Promenade, where you can watch boats in the harbor and see the old fortifications, with numerous cafes for refreshments.
8. Tour Royale (Optional)
- For those willing to extend their walk slightly, continue to the Tour Royale, a 16th-century fortress offering views of the harbor.
9. Return to Cruise Port
- Conclude your tour by heading back to the cruise port along the waterfront, stopping at shops or cafes as you please.
This walking tour captures Toulon’s rich mix of history, culture, and lively Provençal charm, all within easy reach of the port.
The beauties of the Provence countryside from Toulon cruise port
Embark on a delightful excursion from the Marseille Cruise Port to the medieval hilltop village of Le Castellet, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Provence region. This picturesque village, perched atop a rocky promontory, offers a charming escape into the timeless beauty of rural France.
As you arrive in Le Castellet, you’ll be greeted by narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings adorned with colorful shutters, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Begin your exploration by wandering through the village’s winding lanes, where you’ll discover hidden squares, artisan workshops, and inviting cafes tucked away in centuries-old buildings.
Make your way to the village’s central square, Place du Château, where the imposing 12th-century castle stands as a testament to Le Castellet’s rich history. From here, you can admire panoramic views of the lush vineyards and olive groves that blanket the countryside below, providing a picturesque backdrop for your journey through this charming Provençal village.
Visit Saint Tropez from the Toulon Cruise Port
For a full-day excursion from the Toulon Cruise Port to Saint-Tropez, enjoy a blend of scenic beauty, culture, and glamour in one of the French Riviera’s most iconic destinations. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Morning: Arrival and Exploration of Saint-Tropez
- Transfer to Saint-Tropez (Approx. 1.5 – 2 Hours): Enjoy a scenic drive through Provence’s beautiful countryside to reach the chic town of Saint-Tropez.
- Old Port (Vieux Port): Begin your visit by exploring the picturesque harbor lined with luxury yachts, colorful fishing boats, and charming cafes. Take time to wander around, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and admire the quaint architecture.
- Place des Lices Market (Market Day): If visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday, stop by the famous Place des Lices Market to explore stalls selling fresh produce, antiques, and Provençal goods.
- Citadel of Saint-Tropez (La Citadelle): Climb to this 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the bay and a small maritime museum. It’s a fantastic spot for photos.
Lunch in Saint-Tropez
- Local Cuisine Experience: Head to one of the many waterfront or old-town bistros to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Sample specialties like bouillabaisse, fresh seafood, or tarte tropézienne, a dessert unique to Saint-Tropez.
Afternoon: Cultural and Scenic Activities
- Annonciade Museum: Visit this museum showcasing an impressive collection of post-Impressionist and modern art, reflecting Saint-Tropez’s artistic heritage.
- La Ponche Quarter: Stroll through the charming old fishing quarter of La Ponche, with its narrow streets, historic charm, and a mix of boutiques and galleries.
- Pampelonne Beach (Optional): If time permits, relax or take a quick visit to Pampelonne Beach, known for its sandy shores and exclusive beach clubs.
- Scenic Coastal Walk (Sentier du Littoral): Enjoy a brief walk along the scenic coastal path, taking in the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline.
Return to Toulon Cruise Port
- Transfer Back to Toulon (Approx. 1.5 – 2 Hours): Enjoy a relaxing drive back, reflecting on a day spent exploring the mix of old-world charm and glamour in Saint-Tropez.
This itinerary balances historical exploration, scenic views, art, and relaxation in Saint-Tropez, ensuring a memorable day from Toulon Cruise Port.
Book your Full Day Excursion to Saint-Tropez from the Toulon Cruise Port