The Best Way To Experience Toulon And Its Cruise Port

If you've booked a Mediterranean cruise, your itinerary may include a stop at Toulon Cruise Port. This delightful destination is regularly underrated, but it has plenty to offer you on your port day here!

If you’re wondering why the port of Toulon is important for cruise visitors, you’ll discover it is a captivating place to spend time. Found on the French Riviera, between Marseille and St. Tropez, Toulon is a major naval base. However, it also offers a glorious coastline, quaint architecture and a thriving art scene.

In this guide to Toulon Cruise Port, we'll help you plan your day ashore. We answer questions such as:

• Where do cruise ships dock in Toulon?

• How far is Toulon from the cruise port?

• What are the best activities by Toulon Cruise Port?

So, highlight Provence's Toulon Cruise Port on your itinerary, as this destination is a place to look forward to visiting!

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Toulon?

When your cruise ship arrives, it will dock at one of two of Toulon’s cruise terminals: Toulon Cruise Terminal, also known as Port Marchand (right by the city centre) or at La Seyne-sur-Mer, just across the bay.

La Seyne-sur-Mer Terminal

If you’re sailing on a larger ship, you may dock at the La Seyne-sur-Mer terminal, as it has a berth for vessels up to 340 metres. Opened in 2016, it is approximately 3 miles across the water from Toulon or around 4 miles by road. When you disembark here, you'll find a welcome desk with tourist information.

Toulon Cruise Terminal

If you're on a smaller ship, you'll benefit from docking at Toulon Cruise Terminal, right in the heart of downtown. This cruise terminal has the capacity for three vessels up to 300 metres in length. In Toulon's cruise terminal building, you'll find a welcome desk, snack bar, vending machines, toilets, and telephones. 

Another option for cruise ships, when it gets busy in Toulon, is to anchor in the bay. From there, you’ll take a tender boat to shore.

What To Do In Toulon On Port Days

If you're wondering what to do at Toulon Cruise Port, you'll be pleased to learn that the city is brimming with various attractions. Whether you're into exploring history and culture, want to sample the area's natural beauty with an outdoor adventure or simply enjoy the beautiful beaches near Toulon Cruise Port, there's something to suit everyone.

Here are some of the best activities by Toulon Cruise Port for you to enjoy:

Explore The Old Town

Toulon's Old Town has a captivating charm with its pastel-coloured buildings, traditional markets and alluring cafes. Wander its maze of narrow streets and check out the architecture, including the Toulon Opera House, the Hotel de Ville and 18th-century Church of Saint Louis. 

If you love art, don't miss the Rue des Arts, which offers a plethora of galleries, craft shops and cafes. Also, be sure to visit the Cours Lafayette morning food market, where you'll get a real sense of Provencal specialities.

Visit Toulon Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Old Town, you’ll come across Toulon Cathedral or Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds. This historic landmark dates back to the 11th century and showcases a mixture of styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Classical. Its ornate interior is home to wooden gilded statues, frescos and 17th-18th-century paintings, providing a glimpse into Toulon’s fascinating religious and cultural heritage.

Take A Cable Car To Mont Faron

This little red cable car transports you 600m up the ascent of Mont Faron and provides breathtaking views over the Toulon, its harbour and extending Mediterranean coastline. At the top, you’ll also see the Memorial Museum of WW2 landing in Provence.

The cable car is 3km from the city centre cruise terminal and is the only one on the coast of the Mediterranean! It's also certainly one of the best activities by Toulon Cruise Port!

Discover The National Maritime Museum

If you're wondering if there is anything near Toulon Cruise Port related to its naval defence, the Musée National de la Marine is just over 1 km away. With Toulon's extensive maritime heritage, a visit here is a must for history buffs. At the museum, you can explore over 400 years of naval legacy, with an assortment of exhibitions and events offered throughout the year.

Relax At The Beaches

For a chilled-out vibe when looking for what to do in Toulon on port days, you'll find several beautiful beaches not far from the city centre. Some of the best beaches near Toulon Cruise Port are found at the Plages du Mourillon.

This coastline offers seven hectares of sandy shores, as well as landscaped gardens, bars, restaurants and a water sports centre. It's a popular place for visitors who come to swim, sail, sea kayak or simply soak up the sun!

Toulon may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about Mediterranean cruise destinations. However, as you discover its colourful local culture, enchanting beauty and intriguing history, you’ll see how it’s an underrated gem of the French Riviera. 

If you have any further questions about Toulon Cruise Port, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.