The Royal Tower of Toulon

Historical monument

Listed as a historic monument since April 11, 1947, the Tour Royale, also known as the Grosse Tour, was built in 1514 and completed in 1524 under the reign of François 1er. It was intended to defend Toulon’s harbor, and was also used as a prison. It played a glorious role in the defense of Toulon in 1707. During the 1870-71 war, it housed the Bank of France’s gold bullion in the greatest secrecy. Occupied by the Germans who lived there, it was almost destroyed by American bombing raids.

To showcase this exceptional site and panorama, the city of TOULON has built a landscaped park of over 3 hectares open to the sea, with children’s play areas and free parking, and a spectacular view of the Rade, its marina, military vessels and cruise ships. It’s the starting point for the coastal path that takes walkers on a pleasant stroll through Anse-Méjean and the Mourillon beaches.