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Toulon is a city located in the southern part of France and is also a part of the famous Côte d'Azur region of France. It has its roots as a harbor city and is also a major French naval base. Population wise it is the fifteenth largest city in France and area wise it is the tenth largest metropolitan area in France. Like most of France's metropolitan areas and old cities, Toulon has a rich history and heritage behind it. This means lots of beautiful architecture and splendid places to visit. The old town area in Toulon is one of the main places to visit in the city. It is a historic centre that is between the cours Lafayette, the port and the Boulevard de Stratsbourg. It is a pedestrian area with small squares, narrow streets and many fountains and is a place you must visit when you are in the city. The popular Toulon Cathedral is also close by and that should be your next destination. But before you go there, be sure to go to the Cours Lafayette in the morning to visit the Provencal market that sells local products. Afterwards, you can go to the upper town area that is located between Boulevard de Stratsbourg and the railroad station. Built in the mid 19th century by Louis Napoleon, it was originally started by Baron Haussmann (prefect of the Var in 1849). Amongst the many place you can visit are famous spots such as the Toulon Opera, the Grand Hôtel, the place de la Liberté, the palais de Justice, the chalucet hospital and the gardens of Alexander the first. There is also the Galeries Lafayette for the art lover in you. Taking a road tour of the South of France is top of many people's holiday wish lists. There are car hire Toulon services at the airport as well as nearby popular destinations such as Saint Tropez. Grab a road map or a sat nav and explore this wonderful part of France to your hearts content. It really is an experience you will never forget. One of the cities best features is the natural anchorage that is called the Rade of Toulon. It is supposed to be one of the best rades in Europe. This is what initially made the location so very viable as a naval base. Being a French naval base and a major one at that, there is an arsenal and a shipyard. Most parts are off limits to civilians but you can always visit certain areas of the shipyard. As a harbor city it has many lively bars that are counted as favorites amongst the locals. So you are certainly not going to run out of things to do after nightfall. All in all, Toulon is a great place for a short weekend vacation or a relaxing summer break.
Read more information about traveling in the South of France by taking a look at car hire Toulon and car hire Nice
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