Visiting Provence: 10 not-to-be-missed addresses around Toulon !
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Between the Mediterranean Sea and the sun-drenched hills, Toulon and the surrounding area unveil their finest treasures in May. With the return of fine weather, the region comes to life : the paths offer grandiose panoramas, the heritage can be visited under azure skies and the vineyards enter a period favourable for wine-tourism discoveries. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of spectacular scenery or looking for a gourmet getaway, this selection of 10 must-see places invites you to explore an authentic Provence. The vineyards of Provence, emblems of the region, open their doors to the curious : between tastings of exceptional wines, visits to committed estates and meetings with passionate winemakers, each experience plunges you into the heart of a terroir where each vintage tells a story. A journey through nature, culture and flavours, ideal for savouring spring with peace of mind.
Domaine de la Navicelle - A perfect balance between land and sea
Nestling between the hills and the Mediterranean, Domaine de la Navicelle embodies the essence of an exceptional terroir. On its sun-drenched red clay soils, the vines draw on all the richness of the Provencal climate, giving birth to singular wines that are both fresh and delicately iodised. Committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, the estate cultivates its vineyards with respect and patience: natural grassing, pastoralism and traditional care preserve the balance of the terroir. For over thirty years, it has combined ancestral know-how with modernity, with meticulous plot selection and a renovated winery to bring out the full expression of each grape variety. Guided by the vision of Romain Magnanou, a passionate and experienced winemaker, the estate combines ancestral know-how with innovation. La Navicelle offers total immersion in the world of wine, with tastings, walks through the vines and self-catering accommodation to extend the experience.
Château La Mascaronne - Provencal excellence in the heart of nature
Nestling in Le Luc en Provence, Château La Mascaronne offers a setting where nature and heritage blend harmoniously. Its stone terraces, olive groves and vineyards form an unspoilt setting where each plot expresses the typical character of its terroir. Converted to organic farming in 2016, the estate relies on virtuous practices to bring out the best in its wines: green manure sowing, soil protection and precise vinification. Since its acquisition by Michel Reybier in 2020, the château has continued its ascent towards excellence, with the signature Château La Mascaronne Rosé, a true benchmark in Provence. Château de La Mascaronne invites you to enjoy an immersive experience, combining wine tasting and discovery of the estate. The bastide, which is available to rent, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Provençal art of living, while the footpaths reveal the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Domaine de la Font des Pères - History, gastronomy and wines of character
In La Cadière d'Azur, in the heart of the Bandol appellation, Domaine de la Font des Pères is the fruit of a centuries-old winegrowing heritage. Founded by observant monks and marked by the presence of restanques fashioned in the eighteenthᵉ century, this estate combines tradition and modernity. Taken over in 2010 by Caroline and Philippe Chauvin, it has undergone a veritable renaissance, expanding from 6 to 14 hectares of vines cultivated with rigour and passion. Its modernised winery and Ferme Auberge restaurant offer a complete experience where wine and gastronomy meet. With cuisine inspired by the Provençal vegetable garden and terroir, every meal becomes a sensory voyage. Three renovated villas and a spa extend your stay in the heart of the vineyards, offering an idyllic setting for discovering the aromatic complexity of Bandol wines. A place where conviviality, refinement and authenticity come together in perfect harmony.
Mont Faron - A breathtaking panorama
The majestic guardian of Toulon, Mont Faron rises to 584 metres and offers one of the finest panoramic views of the harbour. Accessible by a winding road or cable car, it reveals a unique landscape between the Mediterranean and the craggy hills. A haven for nature lovers and hikers, its paths wind through typically Provençal vegetation, populated by Aleppo pines and holm oaks. The summit is home to the Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence, an essential place of remembrance dedicated to the events of 1944. With its breathtaking views, unspoilt wildlife and historic heritage, Mont Faron is an invitation to soar high and contemplate the beauty of the Var coastline.
The Calanques of Cassis - A natural jewel between cliffs and turquoise waters
Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques offer a spectacular backdrop where white rock plunges into deep blue sea. Sculpted by time and wind, these wild coves are home to exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. The hike to the En-Vau cove, with its sheer cliffs and crystal-clear waters, is an unforgettable experience. The more accessible Port-Miou and Port-Pin creeks offer an immediate immersion in this natural paradise. By kayak, boat or on foot, each visit reveals a new facet of these limestone wonders, where silence is disturbed only by the murmur of the waves. An unspoilt setting where nature expresses all its splendour.
The old town of Toulon - Provencal soul and maritime history
The beating heart of Toulon, the old town has an authentic charm with narrow streets and shady squares. Steeped in history, it bears witness to the city's rich maritime past with its colourful facades, ancient fountains and lively Provencal market. The Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds cathedral, built in the XIᵉ century, stands alongside craft workshops and cafés where time seems suspended. Between its gourmet markets and picturesque stalls, a stroll through the old town is an immersion in the Var art of living. A district to explore as you go, where tradition and modernity meet in a warm atmosphere.
The ancient theatre of Fréjus - A journey back to Roman times
A majestic vestige of the ancient Forum Julii, the Théâtre Antique de Fréjus bears witness to the Roman influence in Provence. Built in the 1st century AD, it could seat up to 3,000 spectators for theatrical performances and grandiose shows. Now restored, it brings back the splendour of yesteryear with open-air festivals and concerts, where the natural acoustics enhance every note. Strolling around the stone terraces is like stepping back in time and immersing yourself in the history of this ancient city. A place where culture and heritage intertwine, offering a fascinating experience at the heart of Roman antiquity.
The Gorges du Verdon - The Grand Canyon of Provence
Immense limestone cliffs plunging into emerald green waters, the Gorges du Verdon form one of Europe's most spectacular natural sites. Carved out by the River Verdon, this 25-kilometre canyon attracts hikers, climbers and thrill-seekers alike. The Blanc-Martel trail, which runs along the left bank for more than 15 kilometres, offers breathtaking views of these vertiginous cliffs. For a gentler way to discover the area, take a kayak or pedalo out on the water and admire the wild beauty of the site. A true paradise for nature lovers, the Verdon promises an unforgettable immersion in the heart of a grandiose, unspoilt landscape.
The Provence Wine Route - An itinerary in the heart of the terroirs
Between sun-drenched hills and sparkling coastline, the Provence Wine Route winds its way through landscapes of striking beauty. From Bandol to the Côtes de Provence, via the Cassis appellation, this itinerary takes in emblematic vineyards where tradition meets innovation. Each estate tells its own story, combining ancestral know-how with a commitment to sustainable viticulture. Tastings of fresh, elegant rosés, cellar visits and meetings with the winemakers punctuate this sensory journey. An interlude in Provence where exceptional wines, luminous landscapes and local delights come together.
Cap Sicié - A wild end of the world
At the southernmost tip of the Var, Cap Sicié offers a raw, unspoilt landscape, where steep cliffs and pine forests tumble into the Mediterranean. This rugged promontory, culminating at 352 metres, reveals hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the sea and the islands of Hyères. The Notre-Dame-du-Mai chapel, perched on the summit, is a place of pilgrimage and contemplation facing the blue immensity. With its secret coves, winding paths and 360° panorama, Cap Sicié is an invitation to escape, a land where nature reigns supreme and where you feel at the end of the world.
Between sea and mountains, heritage and nature, the Toulon region reveals a plural and generous Provence. Each of these emblematic places embodies in its own way the Provençal art of living: a balance between authenticity, wild beauty and deep-rooted traditions. From committed vineyards to breathtaking panoramas, from villages steeped in history to turquoise coves, this selection invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and let yourself be carried away by the treasures of Provence. A luminous escape, to be enjoyed in spring and all year round.