During your luxury yacht charter in the South of France, make sure Toulon is on your itinerary and soak up the scenery at the pleasant sidewalks. Maybe you will find that special outfit you were looking for at one of the excellent boutiques at the palm-fringed waterfront!
Toulon centers around its picturesque port, which is sheltered by the steep hillsides of the Faron Mountains. The city combines the ambience of a Mediterranean seaside resort with the feel of a real town, as it is France’s main naval base, as well as a center of fishing industry. Toulon is also one of the best places to visit in Provence to experience the region’s douceur de vivre, or sweet life and to visit traditional Provençal markets.
Mont Faron summit
After an espresso at one of the outdoor cafes in the port, your private driver will bring you and your family to the most dominating landmark of Toulon, the impressive Mont Faron. You can walk to Mont Faron, or take the car, but the most spectacular way to get there is by cable car, the Téléphérique du Faron. The cable car ride features breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Bay of Toulon and the landscape of the Le Var region and is an attraction by itself, especially for children! In the early morning and at sunset, the azure Mediterranean waters and verdant coastline look especially stunning. At the 548-meter-high summit of Mont Faron, you will be awed by the sweeping views overlooking the five Mounts of Toulon, the sea, and the coastline. Make sure to visit the chapel, which can be reached by taking the scenic hiking trail and don’t forget to stop at the Wild Cat Breeding Center! The center is not a conventional zoo, but is dedicated to breeding and raising large cats that are in danger of extinction. The tigers, lions, panthers, jaguars, leopards, hyenas, bears and wolves are waiting for your visit!
Before heading to your next stop of the day, enjoy a relaxing lunch with a view at one of the beautiful picnic areas at the summit. Your chief stewardess made sure to pack all your favorite dishes and of course didn’t forget to include a bottle of chilled rosé.
Ecopark Adventures
If you are looking for an activity for your children with a bit of a difference, then Ecopark Adventures de La Castille is the place to be. Set in dense forest in the hills above Toulon, Ecopark specializes in tree climbing adventures, encompassing abseiling, tree canopy walks and rope ladders. It takes you back to being ten years old again and your children will love it as well!
After a scenic drive through the beautiful Provencal countryside, you will reach the park located in the village of Sollies-Ville, about 25 minutes from Toulon.
The park is well managed and the instructors will give you a full safety demonstration before you start. Everything is controlled by zip wires and there are ten tree climbing courses with increasing difficulty available. Hundred-year-old sycamore trees provide shade throughout the park and children as young as two years old have the chance to practice their tree climbing skills at the dedicated Minipark on the monkey bars and the mini zip line. Don’t forget to get on the duo slide and the two parallel lines and have your picture taken when you are zipping above the Gapeau River.
Île de Porquerolles
Back onboard, the chief stewardess is waiting for you with chilled refreshments and when you are settled on deck, the captain will set sail to the Île de Porquerolles, or Porquerolles Island. The largest of the Îles d’Or, or Golden Islands, this idyllic island offers a relaxing change of pace from the glitzy Côte d’Azur. Pristine beaches, rolling vineyards and an 18th-century village are among the sights you will find here. Ask your captain to approach the island from the south, the towering cliffs and hidden coves here will take your breath away. The crew will make sure you will get to shore safely, from where you can easily access the multiple well-groomed hiking trails, shaded by pine and eucalyptus trees, that crisscross the island. Stroll up to the 14th-century Fort Sainte Agathe, which boasts 360-degree views over towards Hyères. Just around the corner is Villa Carmignac, a large art gallery filled with contemporary works from international artists.
If you prefer sublime sandy beaches and gentle turquoise waters after spending time at the Ecopark, the north coast is the place to drop the anchor. Pristine coves and remote beaches compete for your attention and the water is just absolutely perfect to try out snorkeling.
Plage Notre Dame is the most beautiful and relaxing beach on the island and maybe on the whole French Riviera. It was considered one of the top ten beaches in Europe numerous times and you will soon find out why! The beach is long and completely unspoiled. The whole setting is exotic, with a pine forest right at your back, shallow crystal clear waters for about 300 meters, and a mix of rocks and sand on the ground. Only two meters into the sea you will find yourself on a sandbank and you can walk pleasantly. Daily visitors normally start heading back around 3 pm as most of them need to catch their boats back to the mainland, so after 3 pm you will have the beach to yourself. Relax in the water, lay out in the sun or have fun with your loved ones with the exciting water toys the crew put out for you. Where would you like to have dinner when the sun is setting? Your chief stewardess can book a table for you at the wonderful L’Olivier restaurant, offering Provençal-style dishes featuring Mediterranean ingredients. Or your chef can whip up all your favorite dishes to enjoy onboard, with a view of the Bay of Toulon!
