Toulon

Toulon is a naval port on the French Riviera, and larger cruise ships typically anchor at La Seyne-sur-Mer across the bay, with shuttles to the city. Toulon's harbour has been home to the French Mediterranean fleet for centuries, and you can still see warships moored along the quay. The Cours Lafayette market, open every morning except Monday, runs along a wide street in the old town and sells produce, flowers, cheese, olives, and Provençal soap. The old town behind the harbour has been heavily renovated and now has restaurants, small bars, and a pedestrian zone. The Opéra de Toulon, the second-largest opera house in France, has an ornate 19th-century interior. Mont Faron, the hill behind the city, is reachable by cable car and has views over the harbour, the coast, and the islands offshore. Day trips to Cassis, Marseille, or the Gorges du Verdon are possible but require transport. The currency is the euro, and a basic café crème at a harbour café is a good way to pass time.