Toulon, France, October 2022
Toulon, France, October 2022
Toulon is a port city with no need for grand gestures. While much of the Côte d’Azur presents itself as a glossy postcard scene, Toulon has remained down-to-earth. There are no film festivals, no luxurious promenades. Toulon is home to France’s most important naval base, dominating much of the bay. Photography, however, is strictly prohibited.
In the old town, laundry hangs between buildings, the alleys are narrow, and the cafés exude the worn charm of places that no longer feel the need to stand out. The Hôtel des Arts, however, is a stark contrast. With its vibrant, colorful façade, it stands out among the muted tones of the city—like an eccentric uncle in an otherwise reserved family.
Another eye-catching landmark, though in a more dignified way, is the Fountain of the Federation on Place de la Liberté. A monument to the Republic, a stage for pigeons, and a meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. A few streets away, an unexpected sight appears: the Sculpture de Bateau, a colorful ship’s bow with Neptune at the front. But this ship isn’t going anywhere. It’s embedded in a building’s wall.
Toulon may not seek the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean it lacks character. Beneath its naval discipline and unpolished streets, the city reveals moments of beauty and surprise. Above all, it simply continues doing what it always has—welcoming ships, serving coffee, and gazing out at the sea. And in that, too, there is beauty.
