What to Pack & Bring: Toulon

Summer Attire June - August

Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and skirts are perfect for daytime exploration and beach visits.

Summer Packing List

Lightweight daywear: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses.
At least two Swimsuits for beach and water activities.
Evenings: A Light jacket or cardigan for cooler nights.

Shoulder Seasons April-May, Sep-Oct

Layering is : mornings and evenings are cool, afternoons warm. Pack a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts.

Shoulder Season Essentials

Mix of short and Long-sleeved shirts.
A light sweater or fleece and a Water-resistant jacket.
Long pants or skirts; shorts might be comfortable on warmer days.

Footwear Recommendations

General Walking

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are needed for Toulon's cobbled streets.

Good support is important.

Beach & Pool

Sandals or flip-flops are perfect for the beaches and around hotel pools.

Easy wear for coastal areas.

Evenings & Formal

Pack a pair of dressier shoes if you plan to dine at upscale restaurants or attend cultural events.

Smart casual is generally appropriate.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Keep all travel documentation organized and accessible, both digitally and physically.

Original Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your planned Schengen Area departure.
Visa Documentation: If needed, have your visa paperwork ready.
Travel Insurance: Keep digital and printed copies of policy details and emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit: Needed if driving and your license is not from EU/EEA.

Medical Documentation: Vaccination records, doctor's note for serious conditions/medications.
Reservations: Printed and digital copies of hotel, flight, car rental, and tour bookings.
Emergency Contacts: List family/friends, local emergency numbers (112, 17, 18, 15), and embassy details.
Discount IDs: Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power and Connectivity

Stay connected and keep your devices powered up during your trip. France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz, differing from North America (120V, 60Hz).

Electrical Essentials

Plug Type: France uses Type E plugs (two round pins + earthing hole). Type C (two round pins) also works.
Power Adapter: You will need one for your device's plug shape.
Voltage Converter: Needed if your device is not dual voltage (e.g., check for "100-240V"). Most modern chargers are dual voltage.

Mobile and Camera Gear

Ensure your phone is ready for local networks and consider camera equipment for capturing memories.

Connectivity & Imaging

Mobile Phone: Most smartphones are compatible. Make certain your phone is "unlocked" for a local SIM card.
Camera: Smartphone cameras are often sufficient. For enthusiasts, a Compact digital or Mirrorless camera.
Portable Chargers: Useful for keeping devices charged while exploring.

Data Backup & App Recommendations

Essential Apps

Google Maps for navigation. Google Translate (offline French pack) for language. RMTT app for local bus schedules.

Backup Solutions

Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive.

VPN Services

For secure browsing, consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, especially on public Wi-Fi. Airalo for eSIMs (Airalo.com).

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and maintains wellness.

Health Essentials

Basic first aid kit: pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister plasters. Consider Adventure Medical Kits.
Anti-diarrhea medication and antihistamine for allergies or insect bites.
Prescription Medications: Carry in original packaging with doctor's note (preferably in French). Pack enough for your entire trip.

Common Ailments & Hygiene

Prepare for common travel ailments and bring personal hygiene items you prefer.

Wellness & Personal Care

Over-the-Counter: Cold and flu remedies, indigestion tablets, mild laxatives.
Motion Sickness: For boat trips, if prone to seasickness.
Personal Hygiene: Most items are available locally. Bring specific brands or specialized products if needed. Travel toiletry bottles.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

Altitude sickness is not a concern in Toulon.
The city and its immediate surroundings are at sea level or low elevation.
Mont Faron is accessible by cable car and not high enough to pose altitude risks.

Motion Sickness Preparedness

If you plan boat trips, specifically to the islands or in choppier waters.
Motion sickness remedies may be useful for sea travel.
Over-the-counter options are available at pharmacies.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For trails on Mont Faron or coastal paths, sturdy walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers.

Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes with good grip.
A Small daypack for water and snacks.
Light jacket for changing temperatures.
Consider bringing Hiking poles if you typically use them.

Swimming & Beach Gear

Enjoy Toulon's beautiful beaches and coastal waters. Pack items for sun and sand.

Swimwear and a cover-up.
Flip-flops or Sandals.
A Beach towel or Quick-drying travel towel.
Sun protection: Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Boat Tour Essentials

Whether for harbor tours or trips to the islands, some items make your boat experience more comfortable.

Light jacket for sea breeze.
Motion sickness medication if needed.
Snorkeling gear (often available for rent, or bring your own Mask).
Water bottle and snacks.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Good to Rent

Bicycles: Easily available in Toulon and coastal towns, especially for car-free islands like Porquerolles.
Snorkeling Gear: Often available for rent on boat trips or at beach clubs.
Larger Equipment: Anything bulky or specialized that is not frequently used.
Kayak/Paddleboard: Rentals are common at beaches.

Good to Bring

Personal Hiking Poles: If you rely on them, bringing your own makes certain comfort and familiarity.
Personal Snorkel Mask: For avid snorkelers, a personal mask might be preferred for hygiene.
Specific Medications: Prescription drugs and preferred over-the-counter remedies.
Comfort Items: Travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items contribute to your comfort, security, and overall travel experience.

Travel Essentials

Comfort: A Travel neck pillow, an Eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys.
Security: A RFID blocking travel wallet or Money belt for documents and cash.
Small luggage locks for basic bag security.
Reusable items: water bottle, Reusable shopping bag, Reusable utensils.

Sustainable & Local Items

Contribute to sustainable travel and be prepared for local purchases. Most common items are available in Toulon.

Smart Packing Choices

Sustainable Travel: Use reusable items to decrease waste.
Local Purchases: Common toiletries are readily available.
Specific Brands: If you have a strong preference for a particular snack, cosmetic, or over-the-counter medication, bring it from home.
Language Barriers: Bringing preferred items avoids potential language barriers when shopping.

Sustainable Travel Gear

Reusable Water Bottle

Fill up from safe tap water.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For market visits and groceries.

Portable Utensils

For picnics or street food.

Reduce Your Footprint

Travel responsibly and respect local environment.

Activity-Specific Reminders

Cultural & Leisure Visits

Smart casual attire for nicer restaurants or performances.
Light scarf or shawl for covering shoulders/knees at religious sites.
Sun Protection (Wide-brimmed sun hat, Sunglasses) particularly in summer.

Outdoor & Active Pursuits

Sturdy walking shoes for Mont Faron trails.
Beach cover-up and flip-flops for the Plages du Mourillon.
A Beach bag for carrying essentials.

Packing Pro Tips for Toulon

Toulon does not call for highly specialized gear beyond general travel and outdoor equipment. Standard travel preparations apply.

What to Pack & Bring