Toulon

Toulon
City
View of Toulon View of Toulon
Coordinates:
Country	France
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Department	Var
Government
• Mayor	Hubert Falco
Area
• Total	42.84 km2 (16.54 sq mi)
Population  (2020)
• Total	176,198
• Density	4,100/km2 (11,000/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)

Toulon is a city in southern France and a large military port on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Toulon is the capital of the Var department. The city is known for its beautiful harbor, its naval history, and its role as a center for the French Navy.

History

Toulon has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally settled by the Ligures, and later became a Roman colony known as Telo Martius. During the Middle Ages, Toulon was an important port for the Crusades.

In the 17th century, under the reign of Louis XIV, Toulon became a major naval base. The famous military engineer Vauban fortified the city, and it became a key strategic point for the French Navy.

During the French Revolution, Toulon was a royalist stronghold and was occupied by British forces in 1793. The city was recaptured by the revolutionary forces led by a young Napoleon Bonaparte, marking his rise to prominence.

Geography

Toulon is situated on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by the Mont Faron to the north. The city has a natural harbor, which is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Economy

The economy of Toulon is heavily influenced by its naval base, which is one of the largest in Europe. The city is also a center for shipbuilding and aerospace industries. Tourism plays a significant role, with visitors attracted to its beaches, historical sites, and cultural events.

Culture

Toulon has a vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, theaters, and music festivals. The Opéra de Toulon is one of the most important opera houses in France. The city also hosts the annual Festival de Musique de Toulon and the Jazz à Toulon festival.

Transportation

Toulon is well-connected by road, rail, and sea. The Toulon–Hyères Airport provides domestic and international flights. The city is served by the Toulon railway station, which offers connections to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Nice.

Education

Toulon is home to the University of Toulon, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The city also has several specialized institutions, including the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Toulon et du Var (ENSI).

Also see

• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
• French Navy
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
• Mont Faron