Toulon Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Toulon’s cruise port is straightforward. You can fly to Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN), which is 23km from the port, or use the bigger Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), 95km away. Both airports have taxis and shuttle buses that go to the cruise terminal.

If you’re coming by train, Toulon Railway Station is just 2km from the port. The station links to major French cities through the SNCF network, with direct TGV trains from Paris. From the station, you can grab a taxi or hop on the local bus number 3 to get to the cruise terminal.

Port Parking Options

Parking at Toulon’s cruise port is straightforward and convenient. You’ll find several safe spots to leave your car within walking distance of your ship – perfect for a stress-free start to your holiday.

These are your parking options at the port:

• P1 Mayol – covered car park with round-the-clock security, 400m from terminals
• P2 Zenith – open-air car park with CCTV cameras, nearest to cruise ships
• P3 Lafayette – wallet-friendly underground parking with shuttle service
• P4 Vieille Darse – extra parking space available during busy cruise periods
• Port Authority car park – special spaces for cruise passengers who book ahead

It’s worth booking your parking space online before you arrive to make sure you get a spot, especially in summer when it’s busiest. You’ll also get better prices this way. Daily parking costs between £15 and £25, depending on which car park you choose and what time of year it is.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to Toulon’s cruise terminal is straightforward with several good transport choices to the city centre and nearby spots. A port shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes between the terminal and city centre, and it’ll cost you £2 for each journey. Taxis are readily available right from the cruise terminal, with trips to the city typically setting you back £10-15.

If you’re heading elsewhere, the main train station (Gare de Toulon) is just 2km from the port, with regular trains to Nice, Marseille and Paris. Local buses #3 and #23 stop close to the terminal and will take you to popular beaches and shopping areas. For groups, you can book private transfers in advance for direct transport to wherever you need to go.

Port Terminal Facilities

The Toulon cruise terminal keeps things simple compared to bigger Mediterranean ports. While it might not be fancy, you’ll find the basics you need when starting or finishing your cruise.

What you’ll see in the terminal:

• Tourist info desk with maps and leaflets
• Loos and places to sit
• A little shop for local bits and bobs
• Wi-Fi (you’ll need to pay)
• Basic money exchange

It’s not posh, but it does the job and it’s kept clean and tidy. There aren’t any restaurants or cafes inside, but you can find plenty of places to eat just a short walk from the port. Security moves pretty quickly, and if you want to wander around Toulon before your ship leaves, you can store your bags at the terminal.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Just a few steps from the terminal, Toulon has loads of brilliant things to do before you set sail. Pop over to Place de la Liberté, the city’s main square, where you can see its lovely fountain and old buildings. Fancy a bit of shopping? Wander down to the Cours Lafayette Market – it’s packed with fresh local food, flowers and tasty treats from Provence.

The Naval Museum is worth a look – it’s full of amazing ship models and maritime bits and bobs that tell Toulon’s seafaring story. For a brilliant view of the Mediterranean and the city, hop on the Mount Faron cable car. If you’re keen on art, have a peek at the Toulon Opera House – it’s a gorgeous 19th-century building. You could also potter around the old town’s narrow streets, where you’ll find lovely shops and cafes.

Walks near the port

Fancy a lovely walk around Toulon’s harbour? The paths start right at the cruise dock and take you through some brilliant spots where you can soak up both local history and lovely sea views.

You’ve got several options:

• Mourillon Beach walkway stretches 2 kilometres with loads of seafront cafes and sandy beaches
• Wander around Port de Plaisance marina to see posh yachts next to local fishing boats
• Pop up to Fort Saint Louis on the coastal path – brilliant military buildings and cracking views
• Nip through the old town, passing Place Puget where morning markets spring to life
• Walk the Navy Museum route around Vieille Darse, where the old naval port sits

Each walk takes about an hour, so they’re spot on whether you’re just off a cruise ship or fancy a nice afternoon seeing Toulon’s seafaring bits and bobs.

Dining and Shopping

When you’re done walking around Toulon, you’ll want something to eat – and there are loads of good spots along the main shopping streets. Pop into the cafes and restaurants on Rue d’Alger and Rue Jean Jaurès for proper Provençal food, including fresh seafood and local favourites like bouillabaisse.

You can wander through the shops on Cours Lafayette, where there’s a daily morning market selling fresh fruit and veg, flowers, and local goods. If you fancy high street shopping, Mayol Shopping Centre is just a 10-minute walk from the port, with more than 100 shops full of fashion, accessories, and French brands.

Make time for Place Puget’s traditional restaurants – they’re brilliant for trying local wines and Mediterranean dishes while watching the locals play pétanque in the square.

Accommodation near the port

Finding a place to stay near Toulon’s cruise port is easy, with plenty of hotels that let you walk to both the terminal and city centre. Whether you’re watching your budget or fancy something posh, you’ll find rooms with nice views of the city or harbour.

• The Grand Hôtel Dauphiné is a 10-minute stroll from the port, with modern rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace
• Best Western Plus La Corniche has rooms right by the sea, just 800 metres from the cruise terminal
• Ibis Styles Toulon Centre Port is good value and only a 5-minute walk from the port
• Holiday Inn Toulon City Centre sits in a handy spot near the shops
• Hotel Bonaparte is a charming boutique hotel in an old building, 12 minutes from the terminal

It’s smart to book early during the busy cruise season, as these well-placed hotels tend to get full quickly.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Toulon? Here’s what you need to know to make it simple. Get to the port three hours before your ship leaves and bring all your paperwork – printed cruise documents, passport and boarding passes. You’ll spot the cruise terminal easily in Toulon’s main port.

Pop your daily bits and bobs in a separate bag since your main suitcase might take a few hours to show up in your cabin. Sort out your euros before you arrive because the exchange rates at the port aren’t great. It’s worth having the port’s map on your phone, or you can grab a paper one from the info desk. If you’re coming by car, book your parking spot ahead of time on the port’s website – it’ll save you a headache later.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Toulon’s cruise port is simple if you know what you need. If you’re coming from outside the Schengen area, you’ll have to go through French border control, so keep your papers within reach.

What you’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• Your cruise card to show you’re from the ship
• Your landing card (if they ask for one)
• Proof of your travel plans home
• A printed copy of where your cruise is going

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes when it’s busy. Coming from another EU port? You’ll hardly notice you’re going through customs. Don’t worry if French customs pick you for a random bag search – it’s normal. There are staff who speak English if you need help with anything.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need to sort out your money when you arrive in Toulon. The euro (€) is used here, and you can find cash machines near the cruise terminal and all around the city centre. Most places take Visa and Mastercard, but it’s smart to have some cash on you for little purchases and taxi rides.

Getting money from cash machines gives you better rates than exchange places, but ring your bank before you travel to keep your card working. Many French shops use chip-and-PIN systems, so double-check what type of card you’ve got. Some shops might not take American Express, and others have minimum spends for card payments. If you fancy shopping at local markets or popping into small cafes, they usually prefer cash – keep about €50-100 in smaller notes with you.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Cannes for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Emergency Contacts

Keep these important emergency numbers on hand while in Toulon: 112 for general emergencies (works everywhere in Europe), 15 for medical help, 17 for police, and 18 for fire brigade.

It’s a good idea to save these local numbers too:

• Toulon Tourist Office: +33 4 94 18 53 00
• Port Authority (Capitainerie): +33 4 94 03 03 00
• Toulon Hospital (Hôpital Sainte-Musse): +33 4 94 14 50 00
• U.S. Consulate in Marseille: +33 4 91 54 92 00
• Taxi Services: +33 4 94 93 51 51

Pop these numbers in your phone before you travel, and sort out proper travel insurance. If you’re travelling by cruise ship, remember your ship’s security desk can help with emergencies and work with local authorities.

History of The Port

The old port of Toulon goes right back to Roman times, when it was a military harbour called “Telo Martius.” Over the years, it grew into one of France’s biggest naval bases, with King Louis XIV making it much bigger in the 17th century to house France’s Mediterranean fleet.

The port saw quite a bit of drama in World War II, especially when French naval commanders sank their own ships in 1942 to stop the Nazis getting hold of them. After the war, they rebuilt and updated everything. In the 1990s, Toulon started welcoming cruise ships, turning parts of the military harbour into a proper passenger terminal. These days, you can spot both navy ships and cruise liners along the historic waterfront – it’s rather special seeing military and tourist activities side by side.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

The port of Toulon has been doing its bit for the environment since 2015, with loads of green projects to look after the Mediterranean Sea. It’s quite impressive how much they’ve done to make the whole place more sustainable.

They’ve got several good things going:

• Special power points on the dock so ships can use clean electricity when they’re berthed
• Clever water cleaning systems that deal with ship waste and keep the sea clean
• Solar panels all over the terminal buildings and storage areas
• Proper air quality tracking systems
• Big recycling schemes for cruise ships and day-to-day port work

There’s also a brilliant “Green Terminal” scheme where ships get a pat on the back for being eco-friendly. Thanks to all this good work, Toulon is now one of the greenest ports you’ll find in the Mediterranean – they’ve managed to cut their carbon emissions by 30% since 2019.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

Toulon’s port makes cruise travel easier for everyone with disabilities or limited mobility. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps all over the terminal building, and lifts that take you between floors. The port gives free wheelchair help from ship to shore – just let them know at least 48 hours before you arrive.

There are adapted loos on both floors of the terminal, and all doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs, meeting international standards. If you’re coming by car, there are special parking spots right by the terminal entrance. The port runs wheelchair-friendly shuttle buses between the terminal and city centre. Ring the mobility help desk on +33 494 903 000 if you need any specific support.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Travel insurance is a must when cruising through Toulon – most big cruise companies won’t let you sail without proper medical emergency cover. The port has a good medical centre with staff who speak English, but it’s worth double-checking what your insurance actually covers before you set off.

• You can get emergency medical help round the clock at the port terminal
• There’s an ambulance station right by where the cruise ships dock
• The port’s medical centre can deal with everyday to mid-level emergencies
• You can reach local hospitals within 10-15 minutes from the terminal
• If you need medical transport elsewhere, your cruise line’s insurance sorts it out

You’ll spot defibrillators and first aid points clearly signposted throughout the terminal. Need medicines? There’s a chemist just outside the port that takes international insurance cards and can handle urgent prescriptions – just bring proper paperwork from your GP back home.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The port in Toulon has three special family areas where children can have fun while waiting for boats. You’ll spot good playgrounds sorted by age groups, loads of games, and a small cinema showing kids’ films in different languages.

You can find everything families need – baby change facilities, pushchairs to borrow, and a family-friendly café with proper food and snacks for little ones. There’s a quiet space for mums to feed babies and a medical room set up especially for kids.

Teenagers have their own space too, with video games, Wi-Fi and places to charge their phones. The port workers include qualified childcare staff who can look after your kids while you sort out your boarding or bags. They know how to work with children of all ages and from different places around the world.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

The lively port comes to life all year round with wonderful Provençal festivals and events. You’ll find yourself right in the middle of age-old celebrations that show off Toulon’s seafaring past and Mediterranean way of life.

• Pop along to the Naval Festival in June with its tall ships, naval shows and maritime displays
• Catch the Jazz Festival in July, where both local and international musicians play in historical settings
• Make time for September’s Wine Festival and sample the area’s famous Provence rosés
• Wander through the Christmas Market in December, packed with local crafts and Provençal food
• Browse the weekly Provençal markets at Cours Lafayette for fresh food and local goods

Worth a visit is the Opéra de Toulon, amongst France’s oldest opera houses, putting on regular shows throughout the cruise season.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

While Toulon has cultural events throughout the year, picking the right time for your cruise can really improve your Mediterranean trip. The nicest weather runs from May to October, when July and August see temperatures reach about 82°F (28°C) with very little rain.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are brilliant times to go, with fewer tourists and mild weather. You’ll find pleasant temperatures for wandering about, and cruise prices tend to be better during these quieter months. Summer is the busiest time with the highest prices, but you’ll get the most lively atmosphere and warmest sea temperatures.

Winter cruises (November-March) don’t run as often, and some services are limited. You can find the cheapest tickets then, but be ready for the occasional strong mistral winds and temperatures around 55°F (13°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Local Souvenirs Are Unique to the Toulon Region?

Most people coming to Toulon grab some local lavender as a keepsake! You can pick up proper French stuff like lovely Provençal soaps, bits and bobs made from olive wood, brilliant wines straight from Bandol’s vineyards, sweet little clay figures called santons, and bags of fresh herbes de Provence from the local shops.

Are There Luggage Storage Services Available at Toulon Cruise Port?

Limited storage lockers are available at Toulon’s cruise terminal. For peace of mind, you might want to ask your cruise line about their storage options, or pop into nearby hotels and the train station – they’ve got storage facilities too.

How Choppy Are the Waters Around Toulon Port Typically?

The waters around Toulon Port are usually quite mild and gentle, just like the rest of the Mediterranean. The natural harbour keeps things nice and settled, so you won’t see many rough patches. Being tucked away from the open sea means boats can sail about without much fuss or bother.

Can Passengers Bring Their Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Generally, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on cruise ships. It’s fine to pack a few snacks, but most cruise lines won’t let you bring your own drinks and want you to buy their meal packages instead.

Are There Any Self-Service Laundry Facilities Near the Cruise Port?

There are a few launderettes you can walk to from the port. The nearest one is roughly a 10-minute stroll away on Rue Berthelot, but it’s worth ringing ahead to see when they’re open.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Antibes Cruise Ship Port.