Experience in Toulon, France by Laura

What is it like to live in Toulon? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Toulon used to be a navy hub but things changed in the 80s when the city faced a very bad crisis. Fortunately, things have finally brightened up recently with the uplifting of the old part of town and the opening of many galleries, restaurants and bars where to hang out and have fun.

What is the student lifestyle like in Toulon?

It used to be quite dull but has recently boomed up thanks to the opening of many cafés, pubs and festivals.

How much does it cost to live in Toulon?

Though it costs a bit compared to some other areas of France, Toulon is cheaper than Nice or Aix en Provence, other university towns of the South East.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Toulon? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it is quite easy to find a moderately priced flat in the very heart of the city thanks to the renovation of many old apartment buildings and the constructions of many 1 room flats in new buildings near the port and in the suburbs, near the main campus located in La Garde, east of TOulon.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The specialities are very mediteranean like (tomato/ fish / olive based) but many restaurants offer a wide selection of fusion food.

What places would you recommend visiting in Toulon?

- The Mourillon is an old and quaint area by the seaside.
- The old town located behind the harbour is very nice now and offers a large selection of bars, galleries, quaint little shops and restaurants, most of them having nice terraces . Many concerts are organized at weekends.
The small MUSEE DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE located on the quaint Place du Globe hosts many interesting exhibitions of famous photograhers.
The HOTEL DES ARTS located on the Boulevard de Strasbourg hosts temporary exhibitions of Modern Art.

Is it good to eat out in Toulon? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Many good BRASSERIES and restaurants mostly opened at lunch time in winter offering good fish and international cuisine.

Is the nightlife good in Toulon? Where is good to go?

A few fun bars on the Place de l'Equerre, behind the port, organize great jazz concerts or disco sessions with local DJs.
The brewery of the BIERE DE LA RADE hosts many concerts at weekends.
The Théâtre Liberté, in the heart of town, shows many plays and concerts from all over the world.

What advice would you give future students heading to Toulon?

Don't listen to rumours and check out the city by yourself : Toulon has much more to offer than it had a few years ago !!!