Toulon/Provence (La Seyne), France
Toulon/Provence (La Seyne), France
Toulon has been the great bastion of the French navy since 1494, when Charles VIII chose its superb harbor as the site for a naval shipyard. Today, Toulon is homeport for the French navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle." The city is also the capital of the Var and provides an excellent gateway to the riches of Provence and the Cote d'Azur. To the north and west are medieval Provencal hilltop villages and superb vineyards. To the east lie the fabled coves and beaches of the Cote d'Azur, the setting for the legendary resort of St. Tropez. And everywhere there is the miraculous fusion of sky and sea that forms the essence of Southern France.
Toulon's Upper Town bears more than a strong resemblance to Paris - in the 1840s, the prefect of the Var was that same Baron Haussmann who gave the City of Light its elegant boulevards and architecture. Haussmann first tried his hand at urban renewal here in Toulon.
Points of Interest
- Aix-en-Provence
- Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Bandol
- Hyères
- Sanary-sur-Mer
- St. Tropez
- Le Castellet
- Marseille
More about Toulon/Provence (La Seyne), France Points of Interest
-
Aix-en-Provence -
Aix boasts the elegant Cours Mirabeau, the legendary brasserie Le Deux Garcons and the finest shopping - and markets - in Provence.
-
Bormes-les-Mimosas -
Famous for its flower-filled narrow lanes, this 12th century village is set in a magnificent mountain amphitheater with sweeping views of Lavandou Bay.
-
Bandol -
This famous seaside resort is also one of the great French wine appellations. Bandol produces big inky reds, minerally whites and arguably the greatest French rosé.
-
Hyères -
The oldest resort on the French Riviera and a well-known vacation destination since Roman times, the seaside town of Hyères offers cobalt blue waters, snow-white sands, flourishing gardens, luxurious villas, and historical sights.
-
Sanary-sur-Mer -
An enchanting 16th century resort, the beaches in Sanary-sur-Mer are open and active year 'round. With only 60 days of rain, it's been called the sunniest place in France.
-
St. Tropez -
The old fishing port is the ultimate luxury resort where yachts jostle fishing boats in the Old Harbor and the pastel-colored buildings of the Old Quarter house elegant boutiques, galleries and cafes.
-
Le Castellet -
Historical landmarks abound in this tiny town that's perched on the edge of a cliff. Sections of the 15th century ramports of this fortified hamlet still exsist.
-
Marseille -
France's second largest city after Paris. Nominated Europe's Cultural Capital in 2013, Marseille has much to offer: from its famous Old harbour ( Vieux Port ) to the outstanding Basilica of Notre Dame de La Garde , the discovery of this exotic and very lively city will delight you.
