Full-Day 3 Village Tour of Provence: Splendid & Secret

Toulon , France

Full-Day 3 Village Tour of Provence: Splendid & Secret

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(22 reviews)

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

An incredible tour which starts at a near by, little known medieval village full of history, Napoleon and charm. We follow an ancient road through the mighty Gorges of Olllioules to our next destination, Le Castellet.

Immediately we are surrounded by the famous vineyards of Bandol wine appellation, and, as if we are in a road trip movie, we zig zag through typical bright Provencal country side. We do an obligatory stop to sample some of these great wines, while learning and understanding what makes the grape varieties here so special.

We carry on to Le Castellet and its famous castle where we will visit esoteric shops, winding streets, and have a 360 degree view of vineyards, mountains, and the sea. An incredible location at the heart of the Var district of Provence. This is off-beaten-path of most tours in Provence.

After we had lunch we will carry on to probably the most beautiful and authentic ports in all of Provence, the celebrated Sanary-sur-mer, and I need not say more.

Available options

Full-Day 3 Village Tour of Provence: Splendid & Secret

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Wine tastings

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

The medieval village is listed as one of "The Most Beautiful Bypasses of France". Ollioules welcomes us at the foot of its feudal castle and invites us to discover, over streams and fountains, more than thirty arts and craft shops, and a colorful and thriving farmer's market on Thursdays and Saturdays. We will roam the alleyways in the medieval district, look at the ancient houses and tell stories. Climb to the castle at the foot of the "Big Brain" ridge, tell what happened here, and look out over the village and mesmerizing Mediterranean sea.

Wine tastings of the famous Bandol appellation. What makes this wine so special? And why can its grape variety can only be grown here?

The beautiful feudal village has been widely publicized for being host to the famous Paul Ricard International car race. From the parking lot, nested between vineyards, we will climb to the picturesque village located at the top of a hill. We will look at the charming houses and the small plazas surrounded by carefully restored old stone houses. We will take pleasure in its small windy streets and visit interesting shops and craft booths. In the afternoon we will have free time to surrender to the inviting terraces of a host of restaurants. From the 15th-century promenade of the castle, we will discover an extraordinary panoramic view of the St. Baum Ridge, and the famous vineyards of Bandol will seduce us.

We will reach the colorful dock of the small fishing port and immediately fall in love with it! In this Provencal village, with its Mediterranean atmosphere, its colorful facades, its lively streets, we will recount the history of the port and its relationship with neighboring Ollioules. Sanary was awarded heroic decorations in World War II - who did it shelter from the Nazis? And why did a small fishing village stand up against the Third Reich?

What's not included

Lunch

Bottled water

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR HE

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

11 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

11 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Toulon

Toulon is a vibrant port city on the French Riviera, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich military history, and proximity to some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful islands. With its sunny climate, picturesque old town, and lively waterfront, Toulon offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Old Town (Vieux Toulon)

The historic heart of Toulon, with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Toulon Cathedral

A beautiful example of French Gothic architecture, with a rich history and impressive interior.

Religious 30-45 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Port of Toulon

One of the largest military ports in the Mediterranean, offering scenic views and a vibrant waterfront.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (museum entry fee applies)

Mount Faron

A scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Toulon and the Mediterranean Sea.

Nature Half-day Free (activities may have fees)

Museum of Asian Arts

A unique collection of Asian art and artifacts, housed in a beautiful building.

Museum 1-2 hours €5 (free for children under 12)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bouillabaisse

A traditional Provençal fish stew made with a variety of local fish and seafood.

Dinner Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Tapenade

A savory spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies, typically served with bread.

Appetizer Contains anchovies, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Ratatouille

A vegetable dish made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Side Dish Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Scuba diving Beach activities Spa treatments Wine tasting Museum visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit Toulon for beach activities and outdoor events. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Toulon is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Toulon-Hyères Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Toulon Station

By bus

Toulon Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is efficient and affordable, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Vieux Toulon) Waterfront (Quartier du Mourillon) City Center (Centre Ville)

Day trips

Île de Porquerolles

15 km from Toulon • Half-day to full day

A beautiful island with stunning beaches, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Hyères

20 km from Toulon • Half-day to full day

A charming coastal town with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

Toulon Jazz Festival • July Toulon International Fireworks Festival • August

Pro tips

Visit the Old Town early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
Take a boat tour to see Toulon from the water and visit nearby islands
Explore the local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and handmade crafts
Try the local specialties, such as bouillabaisse and tapenade, at traditional restaurants
Use public transport to get around the city, as parking can be limited and traffic can be heavy