Port Marchand Marina
A vibrant Mediterranean gateway, Port Marchand Marina buzzes with ferries, cruise ships, and waterfront charm. Explore Toulon's maritime heart.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Port Marchand Marina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Mediterranean gateway, Port Marchand Marina buzzes with ferries, cruise ships, and waterfront charm. Explore Toulon's maritime heart.
"Amazing view from the port. Accessible for reseau Mistral Ferris routes."
🌊 Ride the Blue Land Train
A fun way to see the port and nearby attractions! Great for a quick overview. :train2:
🗣️ English is Widely Spoken
Don't hesitate to ask locals for help; many are proud to assist. :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bustling Port
Port Marchand Marina
Witness a stunning array of boats, from small ferries to grand cruise ships, creating a picturesque maritime scene.

Old Port Charm
Near Port Marchand
Stroll through the pleasant center near the old port, discovering attractive beaches and scenic coastlines.

Mediterranean Gateway
Port Marchand Marina
Catch frequent ferries to Corsica and Sardinia, or embark on a Mediterranean cruise adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Maritime Charm
Navigating Toulon's Waterfront
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Ride the Blue Land Train
A fun way to see the port and nearby attractions! Great for a quick overview. :train2:
🗣️ English is Widely Spoken
Don't hesitate to ask locals for help; many are proud to assist. :speech_balloon:
🚢 Ferry to Islands
Frequent connections to Corsica and Sardinia make for easy island hopping. :ferry:
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy beautiful views from restaurants lining the port. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Ride the Blue Land Train
A fun way to see the port and nearby attractions! Great for a quick overview. :train2:
🗣️ English is Widely Spoken
Don't hesitate to ask locals for help; many are proud to assist. :speech_balloon:
🚢 Ferry to Islands
Frequent connections to Corsica and Sardinia make for easy island hopping. :ferry:
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy beautiful views from restaurants lining the port. :forkandknife:
👟 Explore on Foot
The port area and nearby center are very walkable and scenic. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Port Marchand Marina to be a clean, presentable, and beautiful coastal city with a lively maritime atmosphere. The accessibility and the friendliness of locals who speak English are frequently praised, making it an enjoyable destination for various types of tourists. It serves as a key hub for Mediterranean travel.
"A very nice coastal city. Relatively clean and very presentable. Tourism activities are available for different types of tourists.
Most locals we met here understood English so communication was easy."
Dorge Rajah
"Nice cosy atmosphere and a lot of boats!
Most impressive, is the amount of French people that speak English. And they look so proud, doing so!"
Arjan Spannenburg
"Amazing view from the port. Accessible for reseau Mistral Ferris routes M8 , M18 and M28. The only place where you can see the sea water level is next to your feet along the route.On the other side beautiful restaurants . The connection to Corsica and sardinia ferries are frequent."
Zaheed Mansuri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port Marchand Marina is easily accessible. If arriving by cruise ship, it's often right at the port. For other travelers, local Mistral bus routes like M8, M18, and M28 connect to the marina area. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option.
While specific parking details can vary, the marina is in a central area of Toulon, so there are likely public parking facilities nearby. It's advisable to check local parking apps or signage upon arrival.
Yes, several Mistral bus routes, including M8, M18, and M28, serve the area around the port, making it accessible via public transport.
Absolutely! The port is adjacent to the pleasant center of Toulon, and many visitors enjoy walking along the waterfront to explore.
If you're on a cruise, the port is your starting point. You can walk, take the local tourist train, or use local buses to explore further.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Port Marchand Marina itself is a public area and generally free to access. Tickets are only required for specific ferry services or cruises departing from the port.
The marina is a working port and is accessible at all times. However, ferry and cruise schedules will dictate specific departure and arrival times.
No, there are no general entrance fees to walk around Port Marchand Marina and enjoy the views of the boats.
Ferry tickets to destinations like Corsica and Sardinia can typically be booked online through the ferry company websites or at the ticket offices located at the port.
While not directly at the marina, you can find guided tours of Toulon that often include the port area. The blue land train also offers a guided experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the diverse range of boats, enjoy waterfront dining, and use it as a departure point for ferries or cruises. The nearby old port area offers scenic walks.
Yes, the marina offers fantastic photographic opportunities with its array of boats, reflections on the water, and scenic coastal views.
Yes, the marina is designed for pedestrian access, allowing you to walk along the water's edge and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
You'll see a variety of vessels, including small ferries, private yachts, and large cruise ships, reflecting Toulon's importance as a naval and commercial port.
While the marina is more about the maritime atmosphere, kids often enjoy watching the boats and the general buzz of the port. The blue land train is also a hit with children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous restaurants located along the waterfront and in the pleasant center near the old port, offering various cuisines with beautiful sea views.
Yes, you can find local Provençal cuisine in Toulon. One TikTok highlighted a spot serving Polynesian-inspired dishes with local twists.
Marina areas usually feature a mix of casual cafes, seafood restaurants, and bistros, often with outdoor seating to enjoy the views.
Prices can vary, but restaurants in prime waterfront locations might be slightly more expensive. Exploring a few streets back from the immediate port can sometimes offer more budget-friendly options.
Yes, you'll likely find bakeries, cafes, and snack bars offering quick bites, sandwiches, and pastries, perfect for a casual meal or snack.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the boats, the harbor, and the surrounding cityscape. The waterfront promenade and the blue land train offer great vantage points.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be bright but still offers clear views of the vessels.
The sheer scale of the cruise ships docked at the marina, the colorful array of smaller boats, and the reflections on the water are all iconic photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Ferries and cruise ships offer unique perspectives of the marina and the coastline as you depart or arrive.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide harbor views and details of the boats. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While dining options are plentiful, look for family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. The general atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, making it a pleasant stop for a day trip or as a departure point for island adventures. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as is common advice for family outings.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
Take advantage of the fact that English is widely spoken by locals, making it easy to navigate and ask for recommendations. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, perhaps grab lunch at one of the many restaurants, or even take a short ferry trip if time permits.
✈️ Day-Trippers
Given the limited time, prioritize walking and utilizing the efficient local transport. The marina's central location makes it easy to combine with visits to other key Toulon attractions. Remember to check ferry schedules if you plan on taking a boat trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Maritime Hub: Ferries and Cruises
Many visitors arrive in Toulon specifically to embark on these sea journeys. The presence of large cruise ships is a common sight, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of the port. Planning your ferry or cruise bookings in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred dates and cabins.
The accessibility of the marina makes it easy for travelers to transition from land to sea. Whether you're heading for a short island hop or a grand Mediterranean cruise, Port Marchand Marina is your gateway to aquatic adventures.
Exploring Toulon from the Waterfront
For a unique perspective and a relaxed way to see the sights, consider hopping on the charming blue land train. This tourist favorite provides a guided tour of the port and nearby attractions, making it easy to get acquainted with the city. Locals and visitors alike find that English is widely understood, which simplifies navigation and interaction as you explore the attractive beaches and scenic coastline.
From the marina, you can easily access local amenities, including a variety of restaurants offering waterfront dining with beautiful views. This makes Port Marchand Marina not just a transit point, but a destination in itself for enjoying Toulon's coastal beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
Culinary Delights by the Sea
While seafood is a natural specialty in a port city, Toulon's culinary landscape is diverse. One TikTok highlighted a restaurant serving 'dishes from home,' including Polynesian-inspired options like raw fish and aito, showcasing a unique fusion of flavors. This suggests that beyond traditional fare, you can find exciting and unexpected culinary adventures.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite at a cafe or a more formal dining experience, the area around the marina caters to various tastes and budgets. Exploring the streets near the port can lead you to hidden gems offering authentic Provençal flavors or international specialties.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit