Le Mont Faron
Discover one of Europe's most beautiful harbours from the summit of Mont Faron! At 584 metres above sea level you can take in an unobstructed, panoramic view of the coast from the Iles d'Or to La Ciotat, surrounded by the fauna and flora typical of the Provence region.
During the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, nine forts were built in this area to protect Toulon:
- the Fort du Grand Saint Antoine: built in 1845 to accommodate 150 men, it now houses the French Navy archives. It is worth visiting to admire the grandeur of the pentagonal building.
- the Tower of Ubac: low and huge with a metal footbridge providing access to a terrace which boasts a magnificent view of Cap Gros, Mont Caume, the Capucin and the village of Revest Les Eaux.
- the Beaumont Tower which has now been converted into the Memorial Museum of the Allied Landings in August 1944.
- the Sanctuary which is the Notre-Dame du Faron chapel, built in 1959 in a former powder magazine.
- the entrenchment of Leydet: an artificial ditch dug into the rock to deter enemies. It can be walked along from above.
- the Caserne du Centre: built in 1845, it could accommodate 200 men. It is surrounded by walls for security, but can be accessed by foot from a path after the zoo.
- the Fort de la Croix-Faron: built in 1875 to strengthen defences to the east of Toulon.
- the XVIIIe century Impluvium: built to protect the troops' fresh water tank. The tank is now used as a reserve in case of fire. However, you can walk around it.
- and the Fort Faron: former redoubt built in the XVIIIe century and extended in the XIXe century. It is open to the public on Heritage Days in September.
Mont Faron features mountain bike trails, way-marked paths, a rock face with several climbing routes suitable for all levels equipped with safety points, picnic and games areas, a refreshment area with children's play areas and a zoo (breeding centre) unique to France which has been safeguarding species of animals under threat of extinction since 1968: tigers, Asian and African leopards, snow leopards, European and Canadian lynx, servals, panthers, jaguars, lions, lycaons, hyenas, bears, civets and zebras.
Mont Faron is accessible by foot, by car or by cable car.
Memorial Museum of the Landings: Tel: +33 (0)4 94 88 08 09 open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.
Zoo/Big cat sanctuary Tel: +33 (0)4 94 88 07 89 open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 except on rainy days.
Bd de Vence cable car: Tel: +33 (0)4 94 92 68 25 and email: telepherique.toulon@wanadoo.fr You can take your mountain bike up with you! Open daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00 except Mondays and when there are strong winds, annual closure in January/February. Don’t forget your cable car pass (contact the Tourist Office on +33 (0)4 94 18 53 00 or visit http://www.toulontourisme.com/toulon_parcours_nature/parcours_nature_montagne.htm#telepherique)
Bus No. 40, “cable car” stop
