Virgin Voyages' guide to Toulon, France

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.

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.