PORTS OF CALL - Europe
Provence (Toulon), France
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Ships, ships and more ships. Toulon is France's exciting naval epicenter. Bobbing sailboats dot its busy harbor. On land you'll find tons of maritime museums, ancient fortresses and a fair share of sailors. And in true French fashion you'll also find plenty of stylish spots for shopping and lunching. But what really makes this seaport so special is its proximity to glitzy Saint-Tropez and the Côte d'Azur.
Don't Miss
If you're looking for the perfect photo op, take a cable car to the peak of Mont Faron. After you've soaked up the scenery, visit the Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence, a museum that houses an interesting collection of World War II memorabilia.
Fun Things to Do
- Catch some Mediterranean sunshine at Plage du Morillon - the seaport's most popular beach.
- Pop into the Musée de Toulon and ogle its vast collection of Provençal, Italian and religious masterpieces from the 16th century to the present.
- Take a boat tour around the harbor.
Shopping For Bargains
There are plenty of places to shop for designer fashions, fine jewelry and French perfume. You'll even find a three-story mall that has just about everything, including a supermarket and a movie theater.
Local Flavours
Pull up a chair at a charming terrace café and make sure to sample the savory Mediterranean specialties.
Currency
The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of France. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.