Things to see in the Var, French Riviera-Côte d'Azur: the Bay of Toulon, Europe's finest bay
Visit the pride of Toulon during your seaside camping holiday in the Var, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur!
Visit Toulon and its famous bay, just 20 minutes or so from the campsite!
Elected Europe’s finest bay by Vauban, the Bay of Toulon is an absolute must-see!
Holidaying at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette® in Hyères and wondering “What to do in the Var area?” No sweat! The South of France, and in particular Provence, overflows with typical and astonishing places to visit! If you’re planning a fun or cultural excursion with family or friends, your favourite family campsite is here to advise you on the region’s most beautiful sights – and the Bay of Toulon is one of them!
Discover the bay by land or sea…
Encircled by the four “Mounts of Toulon” – Baou des Quatre Oures, Mont Caume, Mont Faron and Mont Coudon, the Bay of Toulon is one of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region’s must-see sight. Formed naturally over 8,000 years ago, it served as a maritime trading hub during Greek and Roman times. Well aware of its strategic location, King Louis XIV ordered Vauban to build a vast military port there, still in operation today.
The bay comprises a large outer and smaller inner area (“grande rade” and “petite rade”) and is lined with 3 towns: Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer. It is closed to the East by Giens peninsula and to the South by Saint-Mandrier. The two sections of the bay were separated by a sea dyke built by sailors and convicts in the 19th century. Its varied shores alternate cliffs and sand or shingle beaches. Every part of the bay offers magnificent natural vistas and seascapes.
How to visit the Bay of Toulon?
Whether you prefer hiking on the slopes of Mont Faron or heading out to sea, there are many ways to admire the bay! Boasting 360° views, the summit of Mont Faron provides a unique panorama of the bay.
You can also opt for a 1-hour boat tour of the bay complete with commentary, to get an up-close-and-personal view of the military port complete with battleships, surrounding fortifications, the maritime graveyard and a host of other curiosities.
Simply head to the quaysides of Toulon’s city centre marina and climb aboard for an unforgettable tour!