Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, South of France (le Midi), France

Toulon Beaches

Overview

Often viewed as just a major naval port on the French Riviera, Toulon is an excellent and sometimes overlooked destination for a beach holiday. The city offers a surprisingly diverse coastline, from wide, sandy shores perfect for families to the wild, secluded coves favored by locals. With its typically calm, clear Mediterranean waters, Toulon provides a fantastic setting for swimming and sunbathing, blending a vibrant city atmosphere with easy access to the sea.

Our editor's picks showcase this variety, starting with Beach du Mourillon, the city's main complex of sandy, family-friendly beaches that are both convenient and lively. For a complete change of pace, Beach de L'Almanarre is a world-famous hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while the iconic Calanque d'En-vau offers a breathtaking day trip to a dramatic, fjord-like inlet. To experience the coast like a local, head to the more natural, pebbly coves of Beach de la Mitre, a quieter spot close to the city.

The region's true magic lies in the contrast between its accessible city beaches and stunning natural escapes. A short ferry ride to the nearby island of Porquerolles reveals Plage Notre Dame, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This blend of bustling urban shores and pristine, picture-perfect islands makes the Toulon area a truly unique coastal destination. For more hidden gems and popular stretches of sand, be sure to explore our complete guide to the area's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Toulon a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Toulon is an excellent, if sometimes overlooked, destination for a beach holiday on the French Riviera. The city offers a variety of beaches, from the large, family-friendly sandy stretches of Mourillon to smaller, more secluded coves and pebble beaches like those at Anse de Méjean and Plage de la Mitre. The waters are generally calm, clear, and ideal for swimming. Beyond the beaches themselves, Toulon has a vibrant port city atmosphere, a charming old town, and serves as a great base for exploring other parts of Provence.

Beach du Mourillon

Beach de la Mitre

What are the main differences between the beaches in Mourillon and the coves like Anse de Méjean?

The main difference lies in their atmosphere and amenities. The Mourillon beaches are a series of large, man-made sandy bays that are very popular and family-friendly. They are easily accessible, have lifeguards, playgrounds, restaurants, and large free parking areas. In contrast, coves like Anse de Méjean and Anse Magaud are more natural and secluded. They are typically smaller, have pebbles or gravel instead of fine sand, and are reached via the coastal path or a short hike, offering a quieter, more authentic Provençal experience.

Beach du Mourillon

Can you swim comfortably in Toulon's beaches?

Yes, you can swim comfortably in Toulon's beaches, especially from June to October. The Mediterranean waters are known for being calm, clear, and clean, with many beaches awarded the Blue Flag for quality. The water temperature becomes pleasant for swimming in the summer, typically ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 26°C (79°F) in August. The Mourillon beaches are particularly safe for families as they are sheltered by breakwaters, creating shallow and calm swimming areas.

Beach du Mourillon

What's the best time of year to visit Toulon for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Toulon is from May to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. July and August are the hottest and most popular months, meaning beaches will be more crowded. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September.

Are Toulon's beaches good for families with children?

Toulon is very family-friendly, especially the Plages du Mourillon. These beaches were specifically designed with families in mind, offering wide sandy shores, calm and shallow waters protected by breakwaters, lifeguard supervision in summer, playgrounds, mini-golf, and plenty of space for kids to play. The area is also equipped with restaurants and has easy access with ramps for strollers.

Beach du Mourillon

How do you get to the beaches from Toulon city centre?

The main beaches at Mourillon are about a 2.5 to 4-kilometer walk from the city center. You can also take a public bus (line 3 or 23) which is a quick and convenient option. For more secluded coves like Anse de Méjean, you can take bus no. 23 or drive and park, but reaching the beach itself often requires a short walk along the scenic coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers).

Are there any 'secret' or less crowded beaches in Toulon?

Yes, for a quieter experience, explore the coves east of Mourillon. Anse de Méjean and Anse Magaud are considered local gems, offering a more rugged and natural setting with picturesque fishing huts. Plage de la Mitre and the creeks around it, once military-only zones, are also less crowded than Mourillon and are known to locals as beautiful, natural spots. Access often involves walking along the coastal path, which helps keep them less frequented.

Beach de la Mitre

Is parking available near the beaches in Toulon?

Yes, parking is generally available, but it can be challenging during peak season. The Plages du Mourillon are served by a very large free parking lot with 1,300 spaces, making it the most convenient option. For smaller coves like Anse de Méjean or Plage de la Mitre, parking is more limited, often consisting of small lots or street parking that fill up quickly, so it's recommended to arrive early.

Beach du Mourillon

Beach de la Mitre

People Also Ask

How do Toulon's beaches compare to those in nearby Hyères or Cassis?

Toulon's beaches, particularly Mourillon, are known for being convenient, family-friendly, and integrated into a lively city environment. Hyères offers long, sandy beaches on the Giens peninsula, like Plage de l'Almanarre, which are famous for watersports. The islands off Hyères (Porquerolles) have some of the most stunning, Caribbean-like beaches in the region. Cassis is famous for its calanques, which are dramatic, fjord-like inlets with small, stunningly beautiful pebble beaches, often requiring a hike or boat trip to access. Toulon offers a balance between a city beach experience and access to more natural coves.

Beach du Mourillon

Beach de L'Almanarre

Are there any beaches in Toulon where dogs are allowed?

Yes, while most of the main swimming beaches do not permit dogs, Toulon has a designated dog-friendly beach. Anse Tabarly, located at the eastern end of the Mourillon beaches, is a 'cani-plage' where dogs are authorized for both beach access and swimming.

What kind of amenities can I expect at Toulon's beaches?

Amenities vary by beach. The Mourillon beaches are fully equipped with public showers, restrooms, lifeguard stations (in season), restaurants, cafes, and water sports rentals like kayaks and paddleboards. The more natural coves like Anse de Méjean may have a restaurant nearby but generally have fewer facilities. Plage de la Mitre has showers and toilets, but fewer commercial establishments directly on the beach.

Beach de la Mitre

Are there any nudist beaches in or around Toulon?

While not officially designated, parts of some more secluded beaches are known to be frequented by naturists. The rocky coves along the coastal path, such as parts of Plage de la Mitre and the area around Batterie Basse beach, are locations where naturism is sometimes practiced.

Beach de la Mitre

Beach de la Batterie Basse