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Toulon
Bathed by the Mediterranean, Toulon mainly owes its fame to its harbour and rich maritime history. All the great characters of the History of France left their mark in Toulon. But, in addition to being the most important military harbour of France, the harbour of the city of Var is more than anything one of the most beautiful of the Côte d’Azur. With its blue sea and delightful colours of the façades of the old town, it’s a multi-coloured city that also benefits from the Mediterranean climate. Squares, streets, gardens and small traditional restaurants … Toulon is opening its doors to you!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Toulon.
Novotel Toulon La Seyne Sur Mer
60
With about 60% of the tonnage of the National Navy, Toulon is today the first military harbour of France. It’s also a very important commercial and leisure port.
542
From the summit of its 542 metres, Mont Faron dominates the city of Var and offers unforgettable panoramas over Toulon and the harbour.
1921
It was in 1921 that the sprig of lily-of-the-valley became the emblem of the RCT, the town’s rugby club and a veritable institution. This flower was the lucky mascot of the famous Toulon singer, Félix Mayol.
Museums & Exhibitions
The Navy Museum
All aboard sailors! Open to the public since 1814, this museum is a real pleasure for anyone with sea legs. As a veritable souvenir of the arsenal of Toulon, its collections illustrate perfectly the naval tradition of the Provencal and Mediterranean port. The children will especially appreciate this visit in the middle of magnificent models, two of which are very spectacular: the frigate, The Sultan and The Duquesne of 74 canons. A moment of play and education not to be missed!
Place Monsenergue, Quai de Norfolk, Toulon – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 02 02 01
Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 to 18.00 (September to June). Every day in July and August.
The Toulon and Var Natural History Museum
Off to track down the dinosaurs! The palaeontology section of the museum will allow all the family to go back in time to discover some very beautiful fossils and skeletons. The journey continues with zoology and its marvellous collection of birds of the Var, majestic predators and big waders. Don’t miss the window dedicated to the return of the wolf to the Toulon region, and others presenting all the mammals of Provence. A must for all animal lovers!
113, Boulevard du Marechal Leclerc, Toulon – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 36 81 10
Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00.
The visit of the Harbour
The people of Toulon are proud of their harbour, that they consider the most beautiful in Europe. Numerous ferrymen offer guided visits to help you discover this veritable open-air maritime museum. The opportunity for all the family to spend about an hour visiting the major French war port, which is also an exceptional natural environment. This unique water ride will allow you to come close to the immense war ships of the National Navy, as well as the amazing marine cemetery, or again the mussel farms. Great memories in store!
Quai Cronstadt, Toulon – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 18 53 00
Every day.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens :
The Tropical Bird Garden
An ornithological and botanical space, this garden, situated a few kilometres from Toulon, is incomparable. Young and old will admire the wealth and rarity of the birds presented in this park. Parrots from Brazil and cockatoos from Australia, it’s an amazing show of colour that awaits their visitors. Also note the great botanical wealth of the garden that gives the impression of diving into the heart of a real tropical forest. An enchanting moment!
Route de Valcros, Le-Londe-les-Maures – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 35 02 15
Every day from 9.00 to 19.00 (June to September) and 14.00 to 17.00 (October and February to May). Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 17.00 (November to January).
Aoubre – Cedar Park
Sliding, climbing, perching, moving … So many different challenges await you in this discovery park of about 30 hectares, not far from Toulon. Rope structures, monkey bridge, rope bridges… adventurers of all ages will particularly appreciate the adventure run in the middle of a cedar forest that’s unique in the region. This park is also a great opportunity, thanks to the numerous educational paths, to admire and learn about the Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Parc des Cèdres, Flessans – Tel.: (+33) 6 12 58 02 26
Every day subject to booking from 9.00 to 20.00 in summer, and 9.30 to 17.30 in winter.
Aquarium of the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
Sharks, octopuses, moray eels, scorpion fish… this aquarium invites all the family on a marvellous aquatic journey to discover the treasures of the Mediterranean. Situated between Toulon and Marseille, it’s a particularly educational place for getting to know everything about life in the sea. The natural environments of the different species have been specially recreated in 27 ponds. The children can even try out a baptism of diving by going on board the Aquascope, a futurist sea-going vessel, that will take them into the depths to admire the fish close up. Unforgettable!
Ile des Embiez, Le Brusc, Six-Fours-Les-Plages – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 34 02 49
Every day from 10.00 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 17.30.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Kiddy Park
Inflatable structures, ball pit, water games, pony rides, car and motorcycle races … Kiddy Park is a little paradise for children from 2 to 12 years. Note the presence of numerous incoof attractions as well as almost 500 sq.m. of picnic areas. Thrills and laughs on a play-day for all!
Avenue de l’Aéroport, Hyeres – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 57 68 93
Every day from 10.00 (for exact times, call the park).
Tortoise Village
An original village entirely dedicated to tortoises. A circuit guides young and old to a unique meeting with these shelled reptiles. Each enclosure gives an opportunity for even the very young to get to know more about this very special animal. The high point of the visit: the nursery and hatchery. Educational and touching!
Quartier Les Plaines, Gonfaron – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 78 26 41
Every day from 9.00 to 19.00 (March to November).
Port Cros
Port Cros is the smallest of the three golden islands of the gulf of Hyeres. Mountainous and wild at the same time, this little paradise has been a protected National Park since 1963. Numerous theme circuits cross the island from one side to the other. There’s even a submarine circuit reserved to all the family. Mask, flippers and snorkel are the only equipment you'll need for this extraordinary guided visit that will allow you to discover the wealth of the sea floors. The natural beauties of Port Cros will blow you out!
Information and the Hyeres Tourist Office – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 01 84 50
Bonnes adresses pour manger en famille :
Le Gros Ventre
This restaurant deserves its name and offers different ‘theme’ menus: Fish, Savoury, Provençal or Truffles. Not forgetting a very good kids’ menu for the very youngest!
279, Littoral Fredéric Mistral, Les Mourillon-Plages, Toulon – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 42 15 42
Every day from Saturday evening to Wednesday evening until 14.30 and 22.30.
Le Pascalou
A few paces from the Town Hall, this restaurant is the ideal destination for sampling fish and shellfish. A large choice of fresh products is on offer for the great pleasure of gourmands!
3, Place à l’Huile – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 62 87 02
At noon every day from Tuesday to Sunday.
Pizzeria Sicilia
A great menu that offers pizzas, pasta, fish or a great choice of meats. In a very child-friendly environment, it’s a perfect place for anyone with little ones in tow.
15, Avenue Aristide Briand, Toulon – Tel.: (+33) 4 94 22 50 24
Every day from 12.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 23.00.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Toulon.