A Military Port
Toulon, French main naval base
We offer a trip back in time to trace the history of the most beautiful harbor in Europe. The harbor has a rich military past. The many forts around the harbor are witnesses of his military past and its strategic position.
HIS PAST
The past the port of Toulon is rich. Since its construction, as well as forts and towers nearby, but also its role during World War II. The Port of Toulon was sometimes a major role in the history of France, and important decisions were taken there.
HIS PRESENT
With such a heavy past, we can not stop there. Indeed, today the port is still active, whether the military part, with the arsenal of Toulon? But also travel, with departures to Corsica, from the pier of the port of Toulon.
Our Shuttles
CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE STATION :
Take part in a 1 hour cruise to visit the most beautiful harbour in Europe: Toulon, discover the military installations of Toulon, the Sablettes bay and the picturesque port of Saint Mandrier, go up the Mourillon dyke and learn about the history of Toulon’s fortifications.
Departure every hour, reservation on the spot or by phone
Boarding Quai Cronstadt
Regular departures, Group rates
FIXED PRICE ALL DATES 15 € adult – 10 € child.
The authorities reserve the right to modify or cancel all or part of the ferries scheduled, without warning, in case of adverse meteorological conditions or for technical reasons.
Cheques, Holiday Vouchers, and Blue Cards accepted.
His past
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the military port that is Toulon.
UN_PASSE_MILITAIRE_RICHE
The history of this military port begins when Louis XII made built the royal tower in 1514. And then comes the construction of the arsenal of Mourillon, in the eighteenth century. This is an extension of great arsenal of Toulon, near the harbor. From the late nineteenth century, the first armored frigates are built, then comes the construction of the first submarine. Until the twentieth century, the arsenal of Mourillon is a storehouse where we store the wood for the construction of ships of the Royal Navy. After the twentieth century the arsenal of Mourillon takes on a different role as it will be entirely dedicated to underwater activities, it is the basis of French submarines.
During World War II, heavy decisions had to be taken to Toulon, the one everybody remembers is the scuttling of the Toulon fleet. Rather than join the Free French forces in North Africa, and to prevent the Nazis seized the fleet of Toulon, on the order of the Admiralty, 27 November 1942, the Toulon fleet was scuttled, or in other words sank itself its own warships.
His present
Toulon has a rich history, but the story does not end there, today it still has a very important role!
A port still in service
In France, there are two major military bases, Brest and Toulon. The Toulon Arsenal hosts including large military ships like the Charles de Gaul, the Mistral, the Dixmude, but also nuclear submarines. In total, over 60% of the tonnage of the French Navy is located in Toulon. Since 1 January 2011 the Toulon naval base became the largest French defense base.
Also in the arsenal several radar for maritime surveillance as air in the area. There is also a repair service and maintenance for ships and submarines. Today, marine, military and civilians work at Toulon Arsenal.
Toulon harbor is the most beautiful in Europe.
One-hour guided tour
of the rade de Toulon au départ de Toulon