Summary
Historically, La Seyne-sur-Mer functioned primarily as an industrial hub providing support for the Port of Toulon. The town was known for its shipbuilding, continuing to operate its yards well into the 1980s. However, it has since transitioned towards a tourism-focused economy, revitalizing its waterfront with the addition of restaurants and accommodations. This transformation is epitomized by the Pont de la Seyne, a century-old steel bridge repurposed into an aesthetically pleasing lookout point.
La Seyne-sur-Mer remains a charming destination, located just moments away from the beautiful Plage des Sablettes beach and the bustling ancient harbour of Toulon. As France’s principal Mediterranean naval base, it harbors a rich history that can fascinate those interested in the country’s military heritage.
Let us examine the top attractions in La Seyne-sur-Mer:
1. Toulon Harbour
Toulon Harbour, shielded to the south by the Saint-Mandrier Peninsula, is an unparalleled natural harbour, with Mont Faron serving both as a geographical barrier and a natural observation point. The harbour remains the French Navy’s primary base in the Mediterranean.
For enthusiasts of military machinery, taking a ferry to Toulon is a must-do to observe the warships and aircraft carriers during the voyage. Additionally, visitors can experience the harbour by promenading along the quays in La Seyne to witness the maritime activity.
2. Fort de Balaguier
This fortification was established in 1673 to safeguard the eastern boundary of Toulon Harbour. Its most significant moment in history occurred in 1793 when Toulon capitulated to British forces. A French contingent, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, mounted an assault on this fortress, resulting in the expulsion of British troops from the city.
This event marked a pivotal moment in Napoleon’s career, leading to his promotion to general shortly thereafter. While the fort is maintained by the French navy, the local council oversees it, having established a small maritime museum within its walls.
3. La Pont de la Seyne
In recent years, a remarkable transformation has taken place regarding La Seyne’s iconic bascule railway bridge spanning Toulon Harbour. Constructed in 1917, this 44-meter-long steel structure has remained in an upright position since its decommissioning and has been converted into a viewing platform during restoration efforts.
The observatory is accessible via a lift, offering magnificent views of one of the world’s historically significant harbours. Additionally, a small exhibition area located on the lower level allows visitors to examine the century-old mechanisms that once operated the bridge.
4. Plage des Sablettes
Located on the seaward edge of the isthmus connecting the Saint-Mandrier Peninsula to the mainland, Plage des Sablettes is one of the region’s most cherished beaches. It features a kilometer-long stretch of fine white sand, frequently graced by calm and clear waters.
From the beach, visitors can admire the dramatic outline of Cap Sicié and the Deux Frères rocks, which are steeped in Greek mythology. Moreover, several watersports companies operate nearby, offering windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving, and light sailing during the summer months.
In the evenings, there may also be concerts or fireworks displays on the beach, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
5. Tamaris
This coastal community, situated en route to Les Sablettes, was designed by architect Michel Pacha at the close of the 19th century. Pacha developed 70 villas, along with chalets, two hotels, and three casinos, all adorned with lush gardens.
It served as a winter retreat for nobility and industrialists, providing shelter from the mistral winds and offering unobstructed views of Toulon. The local tourist office organizes guided walking tours through this neighborhood, allowing visitors to explore Pacha’s ornate mansions, including Villa Tamaris, which currently functions as a modern art center showcasing temporary exhibitions from local artists.
6. Parc de la Navale
Located just east of the marina, Parc de la Navale encapsulates La Seyne’s revitalization following the decline of its shipbuilding industry. This park, which spans five hectares, is adorned with new pine groves and swaying palm trees, situated where the old shipyards once stood.
It features an expansive maritime-themed playground for children and a long water channel crossed by quaint footbridges. For couples, it provides an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls after dining, offering picturesque views of Toulon and Mont Faron on the horizon.
7. Église Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Voyage
Constructed in 1673, this church was established to serve the expanding seafaring community in La Seyne. Sailors would seek divine protection before embarking and offer gratitude upon their return. By the late 19th century, the church was beginning to deteriorate, prompting Michel Pacha to intervene.
Pacha redesigned the facade, adding a fashionable Neo-Gothic rose window and an intricately carved portal. The resplendent marble altar, crafted in Bourg-Saint-Andéol to the north, was gifted to the church by local construction tycoon Amable Lagane during his daughter’s wedding in 1892.
8. Forêt de Janas
For those seeking an opportunity to enjoy nature, the Forêt de Janas presents a 391-hectare woodland area located on the coastal hills leading to Cap Sicié. A family outing amidst the aromatic Aleppo pines, holm oaks, and eucalyptus trees allows for breathtaking views of the southern part of the harbour from this natural balcony.
Alternatively, visitors may opt to drive along the Corniche Varoise, a scenic route that hugs the high coastal cliffs. Various stops provide opportunities to pause and reflect on the stunning vistas of Toulon Harbour, Mont Faron, and the Mandrier Peninsula.
9. Batterie de Peyras
Within Forêt de Janas lies Batterie de Peyras, a significant historical site housing an expansive artillery installation established in 1879. This fortification was created amidst rising tensions regarding potential conflict in the Mediterranean. Positioned nearly 200 meters above sea level, it was intended to bombard vessels attempting to invade the harbour.
Although it was never utilized for its original purpose, during World War II, German forces repurposed the site into a flak battery. At present, remnants of the original installation, including military infrastructure like powder magazines and barracks, can still be observed, partially encased in reinforced concrete.
10. Téléphérique De Toulon
As previously mentioned, Mont Faron can be accessed via a cable car that services the area just outside Toulon. It takes approximately 15 minutes from La Seyne to reach the lower station. The cable car, an impressive engineering feat constructed in the late 1950s, spans nearly half a kilometre while ascending 378 meters.
The ride concludes in six minutes at the upper station, where visitors are greeted with sweeping views of Toulon and its iconic harbour below. The area also grants access to a network of hiking trails, and a small zoo featuring wild cats is located about 20 minutes from the upper station.
11. Musée National de la Marine
For anyone seeking information about Toulon Harbour and its connection to the French Navy, the Musée National de la Marine is the ideal destination. Established under Napoleon in 1814, this prestigious institution is accessed through the grandiose monumental entrance leading to the former Arsenal of Toulon, dating back to 1738—one of the few historical edifices still intact after the Allied bombing raids of 1944.
The museum offers galleries that recount the history of the harbour and the various ships constructed and docked here, including the formidable Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Among the many intriguing exhibits are large ship models from the 1700s utilized for training sailors in maritime skills.
12. Cours Lafayette Market
Every morning, except Mondays, a vibrant market emerges, with two long lines of stalls populating this street in eastern Toulon. Approximately 80 stalls offer a diverse array of fresh produce, including fish, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and an assortment of regional specialties from Provence.
The selection can vary greatly depending on the season, enhancing the market’s appeal. Additionally, delightful aromas of local delicacies such as chichi frégi (long fried donuts) and socca (referred to in Toulon as “cade,” a chickpea flatbread baked in pizza ovens and seasoned with salt and pepper) may entice visitors.
13. RC Toulonnais
A brief 15-minute drive will lead visitors to the home ground of one of the premier rugby teams in the world. RC Toulonnais consistently competes for top honors in the Top 14 league and frequently progresses into the latter stages of the Heineken Cup, the most prestigious accolade in European rugby.
In 2017, the team featured several prominent French and South African international players, including the exceptionally fast Springbok winger Bryan Habana. Rugby enthusiasts should definitely seize the opportunity to experience a match at Stade Mayol, while newcomers will discover a remarkable introduction to Northern Hemisphere rugby.
14. Ollioules
This charming historical town is situated just ten minutes up the hill from La Seyne. Visitors can experience rich historical elements that may be less prominent in Toulon, enjoying a compact medieval core characterized by steep streets adorned with flower-laden balconies.
Ascending to the remnants of a feudal castle, one can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean from Gros Cerveau, provided they are up for the challenge. Moreover, the Ollioules Gorge and its caves were historically used as a refuge by Gaspard de Besse, an 18th-century brigand and folk hero known for robbing affluent travelers and donating to the needy.
15. Other Beaches
While Plage des Sablettes is a stunning locale, it can become crowded during July and August. For those seeking alternatives, several additional beaches are accessible within a 20-minute drive towards Cap Sicié. There are seven beaches in total, varying from the lengthy sandy stretch of the secluded naturist Plage du Jonquet to the smaller coves at Plage des Vernette and Plage de la Verne.
For solitude, visitors may choose one of the lesser-known pebble beaches, such as Plage des Pins, a charming cove bordered by pines and featuring an old, creaking boat ramp on the rocky shore.
