Our cruise ship will be docking at Toulon and I've rented a car at the train station to do a little exploring on our own away from the cruise ship crowds. I was thinking if going to Cassis. The cafes, the Calanques and the views look amazing. But I'd love to go to a place that's a little less touristy, a little more local. I was thinking of La Ciotat, but it looks like a bigger city. Any ideas? This will be on Mother's Day. So some place with shops to browse, cafes, a great view and maybe some local flavor would be perfect. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Actually I was thinking of US Mothers Day which is Sunday May 8 this year. Thanks for the great suggestions. Now I need to adjust my thinking to local European holidays! :-)
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10623 posts
Two things: French Mother's Day is at the end of May. I should know, I have two children with French nationality. Yes, my kids got to choose which one to celebrate.
Second: Cassis is bumper-to-bumper traffic on weekends from April on. In fact, two of my kids were there last month, February, on a Sunday and couldn't park, indicating that the situation is worse now than when we stayed there for six months a few years ago. They went back on Tuesday--not an option for you.
However, Cassis is a unique setting, nestled in a very steep bowl facing the sea. No other town around compares. If you can get there, park on top to stay out of the bumper-to-bumper traffic at the bottom and walk down. It's worth the effort.
Yes, La Ciotat is a bigger city.
Finally, I'm surprised that a car rental in a town the size of Toulon is open on a Sunday. Maybe they do it when the cruise ships are in port.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
Just a quick warning about docking in "Toulon." Most big cruise ships actually dock across the harbor in La Seyne-sur-Mer. Contact your cruise company to verify where the boat will dock, and if they will be providing a shuttle bus to take you to Toulon. If there's no shuttle, you may have to rent a cab or take the harbor ferry to get into Toulon.