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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Cote Dazur, France

Hyères & The Golden Islands

Hyères acts as the gateway to the stunning Golden Islands.

Reach Hyères easily by direct train (TER) or bus from Toulon. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Porquerolles Island

  • A car-free island paradise known for its stunning white-sand beaches (e.g., Plage Notre Dame, Plage d'Argent).
  • Pine forests and excellent cycling paths in a protected national park.
  • Reach Porquerolles by ferry from La Tour Fondue near Hyères. Seasonal ferries also depart directly from Toulon port.
  • Discover various Day trips and excursions.

Nearby Coastal Towns

Experience the charm of the Provençal coast.

Bandol

A picturesque coastal town famous for its rosé wines (Bandol AOC), a charming port, and beautiful coastal walks.

Getting There

  • Direct train (TER) from Toulon takes approximately 15 minutes.
  • A relaxed, upscale atmosphere awaiting discovery.
  • Enjoy the Sentier du Littoral for coastal views.

Sanary-sur-Mer

A picturesque fishing village with a colorful harbor, a lively Provençal market (especially on Wednesdays), and an authentic atmosphere.

Getting There

  • Reach Sanary-sur-Mer by direct train (TER) or bus from Toulon in about 10-20 minutes.
  • Known for its traditional fishing boats (Pointus).
  • Experience the Wednesday market.

Travel Considerations

Independent Travel

  • Maximum flexibility, setting your own pace and itinerary.
  • Often more budget-friendly.
  • Less suitable for multiple spots in one day without good public transport.
  • Logistics like parking and navigation are self-managed.

Organized Tours

  • Convenience, especially for multiple spots or less accessible destinations.
  • Transportation and guide often included.
  • Potentially more expensive.
  • Less flexibility in itinerary and pace.

Time Required & Suggested Itineraries

  • Most destinationsHalf-day to full-day trips
  • Porquerolles IslandFull day (cycling, swimming, tranquility)
  • MarseilleFull day (exploration)
  • Aix-en-ProvenceFull day (exploration)
  • HyèresEasy day trip
  • BandolVery easy day trip
  • Sanary-sur-MerEasy day trip
  • CassisDay trip (boat or hike)

Tip for Coastal Exploration

The coastal road west of Toulon towards Bandol and La Ciotat presents picturesque views.

Natural Escapes

The area around Toulon features breathtaking natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Calanques National Park

Just west of Toulon, this national park presents stunning limestone cliffs, deep turquoise coves, and challenging hiking trails.

Massif des Maures

Located east of Toulon, this mountain range presents extensive forests and hiking opportunities in a rugged, wild landscape.

Beaches & Coastal Views

Beyond Toulon's Mourillon, find beautiful beaches like Plage de Saint-Clair or those on the Giens Peninsula.

Outdoor Activities

Explore diverse terrain from coastal paths to mountain trails.

Coastal & Inland

  • Mont Faron offers immediate mountain access.
  • The coastal road west of Toulon offers picturesque sea views.
  • Enjoy swimming at the many local beaches.

Seasonal Wonders

Timed visits showcase unique natural displays.

Lavender Blooms

  • Visit in June or early July for iconic blooming lavender fields.
  • This requires a longer drive or a dedicated tour further north into Provence (e.g., Valensole plateau).
  • Capture stunning photographic moments.

Quick Facts: Nearby Nature

Mont Faron trailsImmediate access from Toulon
Massif de la Sainte-BaumeInland hiking in natural forests
Le CastelletCharming perched medieval village
Bandol Wine RegionRolling vineyard landscapes
Var hinterlandRural Provençal life
Coastal CornicheViews towards Bandol & La Ciotat

Environmental Note

  • When visiting natural sites, stay on marked trails.
  • Do not disturb wildlife.
  • Carry out all your trash.
  • Follow seasonal restrictions, especially fire risk warnings in summer.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially in hotels.

Cultural Excursions

Step outside Toulon to discover more of Provence's rich history and charming rural life.

Historical Sites

Explore history beyond Toulon's city limits.

Outstanding Locations

  • Fréjus: A Roman port city with an amphitheater and aqueduct remnants.
  • Glanum: A Greco-Roman archaeological site near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
  • Fort de Brégançon: Historic fortress near Bormes-les-Mimosas, sometimes available for tours.

Rural Villages & Agriculture

Taste authentic Provençal life in the countryside.

Countryside Charm

  • Le Castellet: A charming medieval perched village inland from Bandol.
  • Wine Villages: Visit Bandol AOC or Côtes de Provence for wine tastings.
  • Olive Groves: Explore local olive groves and mills, especially during autumn harvest.

Cassis & Calanques

Famous for its dramatic Calanques (limestone fjords with turquoise waters) and a charming, bustling fishing port.

Explore Cassis

  • Boat trips for stunning scenery into the Calanques National Park.
  • Hiking opportunities for adventurous travelers.
  • Direct bus from Toulon, or train to Cassis station (requires local connection).

Marseille & Aix-en-Provence

Two major Provençal cities within easy reach for cultural immersion.

City Highlights

  • Marseille: Explore its historic Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, and Panier district.
  • Aix-en-Provence: Elegant city with fountains, Cours Mirabeau, and Paul Cézanne's studio.
  • Frequent direct trains (TER/TGV) to Marseille (45 min - 1 hr), direct bus to Aix-en-Provence (1 hr).

Multi-Day Extensions

Toulon a great starting point for longer regional explorations.

Golden Islands Immersion

Extend your stay on Porquerolles or Port-Cros for a more immersive island experience, enjoying beaches and hiking.

Calanques & Coastal Charm

Combine Cassis with an overnight stay in La Ciotat or Bandol for deeper exploration of the dramatic Calanques.

Luberon Village Trails

Head inland for 1-2 days to explore the perched villages of the Luberon region (e.g., Gordes, Roussillon), ideally with a car.

Longer Travel Connections

Excellent train connections exist along the coast (TER services) and to major inland cities (TGV). Renting a car offers maximum flexibility for exploring rural areas and smaller villages.

Multi-Day Trip Ideas

Logical Next Destinations

1

Côte d'Azur Glamour

Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez for more glamorous Riviera experiences.

2

Deep Provence

Avignon (Papal Palace), Arles (Roman history), or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

3

Nature & Adventure

The Verdon Gorge for stunning canyons, hiking, and kayaking.

Coastal Itinerary

  • Start in Toulon.
  • Move west to Bandol/Sanary-sur-Mer.
  • Continue to Cassis.
  • Proceed to Marseille.
  • Explore Arles.
  • Conclude in Avignon.

Provençal Charm Route

  • Begin in Toulon.
  • Head inland to Aix-en-Provence.
  • Explore the Luberon villages.
  • Conclude in Avignon.
  • This route emphasizes countryside and cultural heritage.

Transportation Connections

Train System

Efficient for connecting between urban centers along the coast (TER) and major inland cities (TGV).

Rental Car

Provides maximum flexibility for exploring rural areas, smaller villages, and natural parks.

Organized Tours

Consider for destinations not well-served by public transport or for multi-spot visits. Find tours here.

Final Tip

Most listed destinations suit half-day to full-day trips. Porquerolles Island, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence warrant a full day.
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