Toulon National Naval Museum in Toulon
If you’re spending a few days (or more) at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette ®, we’re willing to bet you’ll want to explore the surrounding sights! Hyères of course, the Golden Islands naturally, but also Toulon and its cable car, stunning mounts and, of course, its military port, one of the city’s major points of historic interest. Today, we’d like to introduce you to the National Naval Museum (Musée National de la Marine), located next to the main entrance to the naval base.
A great experience for all the family
Although it’s something of a rarity in the beautiful Var area, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur, there’s always a possibility of rain making an appearance while you’re staying with us. In that case, as you won’t be able to make the most of the campsite’s water park or gorgeous beaches along the Var coast, why not take the opportunity to explore the surrounding cultural treasures?
Head for the National Naval Museum (Musée National de la Marine) located in Toulon, just a few kilometres from the campsite – a city famed for its historic military port. Lasting 1½ hours approx, the museum tour promises to delight parents and children alike!
Discover the must-see works on show at the Musée National de la Marine.
Opened in 1981 next to the ancient Clocktower (Tour de l’Horloge) adorning the Naval Base, this is one of the rare sites that escaped the city bombings during World War II.
Accessible via a monumental door dated 1738, the museum harbours an impressive collection of model ships and galleys, rubbing shoulders with submarines and aircraft carriers. In addition to models and mock-ups, you’ll find sculptures there too and a variety of objects that have marked the history of navigation, against a majestic backdrop of sculptural works testifying to the skill of the city’s ancient master sculptors. Huge paintings adorn the walls, portraying the Port of Toulon through the ages, together with navigation instruments and weapons systems showing the evolution of the port – now one of Europe’s foremost military sites.
Enjoy a fascinating deep dive into France’s largest naval base, from the 17th century to current day!
Good to know
How to get there from the campsite?
- Exit La Londe-les-Maures onto the D98 road,
- Cross Hyères towards Toulon via the A570 highway,
- Continue on the A57, then the A50.
- Enter Toulon on Avenue Alphonse Juin and follow signs to the city centre.
- Continue to the Bir Hakeim roundabout then take Avenue Georges Clemenceau (DN8)
- Go straight on.
- Take the 5th exit from the roundabout on Place Gabriel Péri onto Avenue Winston Churchill then continue on Place Léon Blum.
- Head left onto Rue Robert Guillemard.
- Lastly, head right onto Avenue du Général Magnan. You have arrived!
Museum practical information
The National Naval Museum (Musée National de la Marine) is accessible to visitors with physical, visual, auditory or mental disabilities.
It is a holder of the “Var Accessible” label catering for the mentally challenged. Just like your favourite seaside campsite, is it also a holder of the “Tourisme & Handicap” label for physical, visual, auditory and mental handicaps and makes every effort (equipment loan, free museum tours for you and your carer, etc.) to ensure you enjoy your tour unaided and at your own pace. For more information, please go to: Musée de la Marine de Toulon.
And for even more details, check out the museum’s FAQ by clicking on this link.