* PHOTO Toulon on your own & Le Petit Train de Toulon (June 4, 2010)*

daliflor · July 7, 2010

Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) passed by Jardin d'acclimatation du Mourillon and

continued along the beaches of Mourillon.

daliflor · July 10, 2010

The ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) continued in Corniche du Mourillon

as we passed one more time by the Fort St. Louis.

It is said that during the Franco-German War of 1870, the gold reserves of France were secretly stored inside the Fort St. Louis.

Minutes later, we were leaving behind the beaches of Mourillon, returning to Toulon.

daliflor · July 10, 2010

Our 45 minutes ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) will soon come to an end once returning to the city of Toulon.

Toulon, France (Friday, June 4th 2010)

Mayol Mall is considered the biggest shopping mall of the Var and it is located Downtown (City Centre), close to the famous market (Marché Provençal, Cours Lafayette - open daily, except on Mondays).

Here, you can find lots of stors such as GO SPORT, FNAC, C&A, ZARA, CELIO. There are also various restaurants (i.e. CAFE LEFFE, BUFFET ONE, L'TOSCANO, Subway, ITAGLIA or Mc Donald's).

CARREFOUR (somehow similar to a Walmart) is also present inside this popular mall.

daliflor · July 10, 2010

Our 6.00€ ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) continued in Toulon.

Eglise St. Francois de Paule - buillt in the 17th century as a chapel of the convent Recollects,

the Saint Francis of Paola Church is characterized in particular by striking facade of Baroque architecture.

Look out for the huge wall frescoes that have become so typical of Toulon.

If you are interested in Trompe l'Oeil art we suggest to take a look at La Corderie on the walls of the former Hotel du Port on Rue Chevalier Paul (behind Quai Stalingrad near the Naval Museum).

The mural represents a workshop for making ropes and sails from the late 19th centuries and on the higher floors shows us the lives of the occupants of this building. It is relatively new, a part of the restoration efforts of the old town. There are other interesting trompe d' oeil murals in the old town, but the one on the Hotel du Port is the largest and considered the best.

daliflor · July 10, 2010

Our 45 min ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) continued in the city of Toulon.

Toulon, France (Friday, June 4h 2010)

daliflor · July 10, 2010

Our 45 min, 6.00€ ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon - Circuit 1 (Mourillon) brought us back full cycle on the Avenue de la République and ended at the same starting spot: Square Germain Nouveau, by the Waterfront,

on the Quai Kronstadt (named after the famous Russian naval base).

Running along the waterfront, the Avenue de la République has been completely renovated by the city.

Note that the commentaries on this tourist train are in both French and English.

Along the 45 min ride, you will hear few comments in German, Italian or Spanish, as well as

traditional French songs that makes this pleasant ride entertaining too!

Le Petit Train de Toulon

Thank you for joining us on this relaxing journey in Toulon, France! Merci beaucoup!

daliflor · July 18, 2010

Now, you can combine the ride on Le Petit Train de Toulon with walking or you can simply decide to see the city of Toulon on your own, walking around at your own pace.

Couple of images may help from our last visit on June 4th (we walked from the Train Station up to the Waterfront area... as we returned from Cannes by SNCF train that Friday afternoon. The port is very secure thanks to the presence of the French Navy and its full ISPS compliance):

SNCF Train Station in Toulon, France (June 4, 2010)

Pete visited the city while taking a similar cruise about 2 weeks before us. He had the chance to visit the famous, colorful local market on Friday morning, so here are Pete's photos:

Marché Provencal, Cours Lafayette - Toulon 83000 (May 2010)

The picturesque Provencal street market of Toulon, France (considered the biggest one in Provence)

daliflor · July 18, 2010

Toulon is a picturesque city full of ancient fountains, colorful daily markets and a traditional fishing harbor.

Toulon's modern train station is located right next to old buildings with wrought-iron balconies:

daliflor · July 18, 2010

With its ideal central position on the French Med coast, Toulon nestles between mountain and sea in what is considered the most beautiful, widest and best-sheltered bay in Europe protecting the port from prevailing winds and offering accessibility in all weather conditions.

To get to the beautiful Waterfron area from the local SNCF Train Station, we walked down the narrow, quite streets of Toulon, heading to the Lafayette Galeries while passing by the popular Freedom Square and its famous fountain first.

The old town of Toulon (the historic center located between the port, the Boulevard de Strasbourg and the Cours Lafayette), is a pedestrian area with narrow streets and many fountains found in many of the small squares, each with a different character.

Toulon Cathedral is located here. The area is also home of the celebrated Provençal market which takes place every morning on the Cours Lafayette, which features local products.

The original system of fountains was built in the late seventeenth century; most were rebuilt in the eighteenth or early nineteenth century, and have recently been restored.

Place de la Liberté - Toulon, France (June 4, 2010)

Galeries Lafayette (9 bd de Strasbourg - Toulon, France)

daliflor · July 25, 2010

Our next stop was Place d'Armes - this square designed by Colbert (it was called "Champ de Bataille" at that time) became very fashionable with time.

Place d'Armes - In the past, its restaurants, cafés and bandstand were frequented by the local bourgeoisie and officers.

Place d'Armes - located in the east end of Toulon, this large open area gives the city a spot for recreational sports and moments of relaxation.

The Place d'Armes is spacious and has cement plaza areas with benches, which are all surrounded by a fence of hedges. It is popular with couples; as well as mothers and children, who are all looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the Place d'Armes.

We then crossed the street to get to the Musee de la Marine:

daliflor · July 25, 2010

In Place Monsenergue, by the Quai de Norfolk, you'll find Musee de la Marine, our next stop and visit.

This museum is one of the most interesting museums in Toulon. It houses a large collection of marine models, figureheads, ship models and historic paintings (including Joseph Vernet's "View of the Port")

The former monumental gate of the Arsenal opens onto this museum which traces the history of shipbuilding through the ages; the history of the port of Toulon.

Musee de la Marine - this seems a great place to take children, with many interesting and educational displays throughout the museum.

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00am to 12noon and then from 2pm to 6pm (every day in July and August).

Admission is 5.50 €; large groups, students (up to 26 years old) and children pay only 4 €.

Before getting to the Waterfront area, we passed by the Marine Prefecture - the military port of Toulon is the major naval center on France's Mediterranean coast, home of the French Navy aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle and her battle group.

Cool off in the balmy public gardens and get bargain-hunting in the busy open-air markets.

Toulon, France - traditional wrought iron balconies laden with flowers everywhere.

mikeandlisa · July 26, 2010

Thank you so much. Of all our ports Toulon was the one I was least excited about but these pictures are wonderful!

daliflor · August 3, 2010

Thank you so much. Of all our ports Toulon was the one I was least excited about but these pictures are wonderful!

Thank you kindly for taking the time to review the images and provide feedback too. I am confident that with a bit of planning/ research, you'll enjoy the city and the entire area (if you will end up exploring passed Toulon - i.e. French Riviera)!

daliflor · August 11, 2010

From the Prefecture Maritime we then walked along the Quai Kronstadt,

named after the famous Russian naval base (it is closed to traffic).

Toulon, France (June 4, 2010)

Quai Kronstadt - gives pedestrians a view of the famous statue called "The Genius of navigation,"

as well as an open view to the sailboats and private yachts on the harbor:

Toulon, France (June 4, 2010)

daliflor · August 11, 2010

Toulon is a major town located on the Mediterranean coast to the east of Marseille, in the Var department.

Fusing French Riviera glam with the feel of a traditional old town, Toulon is your gorgeous gateway to the Côte d’Azur.

Toulon is situated around a rocky bay, sheltered by limestone relieves of the “Faron”, crowned with ancient fortifications. The sheltered position has given rise to a large harbour and Toulon's role as home to the French naval fleet.

The natural harbour and anchorage of Toulon has long been a busy commercial port and naval base. Toulon is the Principal Naval Base of Mediterranean France, with very little remaining unfortunately of the former Greek and Roman presence.

There is a great approach from the sea and Grande Rade is an excellent place to sail.

Toulon is a great place to watch the world go by at waterfront cafés as the Yachts sail in and out of Darse Vielle. Darse Vielle is inexpensive and in the heart of the city (but can be noisy in weekends).

Enjoy the harbour bustle from the pavement cafes on Quai Kronstadt.

Walking along the Quai Kronstadt (named after the famous Russian naval base), leaving behind the book stores and heading towards the cafes.

daliflor · August 11, 2010

Toulon is both a Provencal town and a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the Dpt. of Var.

It is also one of France's principal naval bases, possessing the most important of the Mediterranean dry-docks and shipbuilding yards.

Quai Kronstadt - Pick a café on the promenade and enjoy a plate of fresh mussels and a glass of wine as you watch fishermen mending their nets.

Toulon's fine bay opens to the east. The most sheltered part, the Petite Rade and the Darse Vieille, in the west, is largely under control of the French Navy. Here, the navy is provided with a well-protected anchorage. The Faron Mountains form an imposing backdrop to the town.

Toulon, France - the fishing boats and tourist ferries in the port, with the yacht harbour nearby.

Jaalice · August 13, 2010

daliflor, Thank you for all the beutiful pictures and the info about the train ride. I have been wondering how much we could see while in port. We will be there on Adventure the end of Nov. Your postings have made this sound like a wonderful day. Since weather in late Nov is so uncertain are there any plastic type curtains on the side of the train that can be let down?:)

daliflor · August 13, 2010

daliflor, Thank you for all the beutiful pictures and the info about the train ride. I have been wondering how much we could see while in port. We will be there on Adventure the end of Nov. Your postings have made this sound like a wonderful day. Since weather in late Nov is so uncertain are there any plastic type curtains on the side of the train that can be let down?:)

Thank you for the feedback.

The train doesn't run November, December, January and February... according to their website, the rides start in March and end in October...

You may want to plan for a contingency plan while visiting in November but I am confident you'll enjoy AOS and Toulon/ French Riviera!

daliflor · September 19, 2010

Our few hours in the sunny port of Toulon, France ended shortly after 4pm that Friday (after couple of hours spent in Cannes on the French Riviera that morning- may want to check out there Petit Train du Cinema; then a walking tour of the city that started at the SNCF train station and ended on the Waterfront before taking the 45 minutes of Le Petit Train de Toulon ride).

There are various other options to explore while in this sunny port of France, so the above where merely some ideas that we wanted to share based on our own experience this summer (2010).

To conclude that day, we return to our ship, Adventure of the Seas, docked few miles away in La Seyne-sur-mer.

Below are the some images from our return trip:

(Note that RCI offers a shuttle transfer back to La Seyne-sur-Mer at about 12.00 USD/pax. You'll catch it close to the ferry stop, by the Waterfront)

Le Petit Train de Toulon (June 4, 2010)

Righ next door to Le Petit Train final stop, by the Waterfront, we took the boat # 8M (Ligne maritime) from Toulon to La Seyne-sur-Mer

(20 minutes ride for 2.00€/pax - you pay inside the boat when the man comes to collect, right after the boat leaves).

The sign by the Waterfront, next to the Petit Train, where you can take the 2.00€ boat # 8M back to La Seyne-sur-Mer (from Toulon)

Getting to the 2.00€ boat # 8M (from Toulon back to La Seyne-sur-Mer)

Schedule for transfer boat # 8M from/to La Seyne to/from Toulon

The 2.00€ boat # 8M schedule (from Toulon back to La Seyne-sur-Mer); other destinations available too

Gate 3 - where the 2.00€ boat # 8M was leaving from Toulon to La Seyne-sur-Mer (June 4, 2010)

Check the schedule for local boat # 8M from/to La Seyne to/from Toulon at:

http://www.reseaumistral.com/horaires_ligne/index.asp?rub_code=6&thm_id=1149&gpl_id=0

daliflor · September 19, 2010

Check the schedule for local boat # 8M from/to La Seyne to/from Toulon at:

http://www.reseaumistral.com/horaires_ligne/index.asp?rub_code=6&thm_id=1149&gpl_id=0

Gate 3 - where the 2.00€ boat # 8M was leaving from Toulon to La Seyne-sur-Mer (June 4, 2010):

Leaving the Maritime Station behind in Toulon (heading to La Syne-sur-Mer on the 8M transfer boat)

daliflor · September 19, 2010