Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Two of the best ways to get to know this lively city is from the deck on a boat and on foot. To make your four-hour excursion even more enjoyable be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture each memorable moment.

At the end of the tour, you can return to your ship with your guide or stay in the lively city center for some independent sightseeing (be sure to have additional Euros for any souvenir shopping, meals or visits to museums or galleries) before returning via the water shuttle service (included in your tour ticket).

First on your itinerary is a cruise out into the Bay of Toulon, home to France's largest naval base and naval force including the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, the massive Mistral and Tonnerre amphibious assault ships, and nuclear attack submarines. On the other side of the bay you'll spot a collection of umbrella pines, high ochre-red cliffs, Calanques (narrow and deep valley with steep edges), golden beaches and picturesque fishing harbors.

As you wind your way along the coast it may be hard to imagine that this picturesque paradise has been the scene of repeated conquests. First came the Greeks in the 7th century B.C., then the Romans a century later followed by the Barbarians between the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. By 852, peace had been restored and the area formerly became a part of France in 1486. But a trio of fortresses - Eguillette, Balaguier, and Saint-Louis forts, perched along the water's edge, were all built in the 17th century to keep Toulon safe from invaders.

Soon, your boat will dock at the pier next to the city center. Back on dry land, you'll follow your guide past the National Navy Museum. Visible from the main entrance is the 18th century clock tower, which once served as a lookout post. There, you'll see a true memory of the Arsenal of Toulon which it preserves the majestic monumental door dated 1738, the museum illustrates the maritime tradition in the Mediterranean by an exceptional collection of models of ships and galleys. Your guide will lead you inside and you will learn the history of the conflict of Napoléon against the British, and discover the evolution of the fleet.

From here you'll stroll to the Basse Ville area of the city, which dates back to the middle ages. Step back in time as you meander around narrow lanes, lined with yellow, ochre and pink facades and dotted with churches such as the Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds Cathedral. The construction of this Roman Catholic cathedral began in the 11th but completed 700 years later; the result is an architectural wonder with a classic façade, Baroque and Romanesque details and a wrought iron bell tower.

Your guide will continue to point out areas of interest as you walk to Liberty Square, Toulon's main square. Developed in 1852 it boasts the 125-year-old Fountain of the Federation, which features three carved figures representing France, Strength and Justice.

Your last stop is the open-air market on Cours Lafayette, a wide, shady boulevard famous for its fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as vendors selling clothes, tablecloths, and homemade fruit preserves and honey.