Toulon
After Brest, Toulon is the second military port of France. And it is therefore not surprising that the town is organised around its naval base and the naval officers who inhabits it. Yet during the Roman period, Toulon was known for something completely different. The almost exclusive production of purple imperial dye, reserved for the masters of Rome. The dye came from the shells collected on the coast. Today only a few relics of this period remain.
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In fact, Toulon only found its military vocation in the 15th century when the town became part of the Royal domain. Louis XII and Henry IV successively organised its fortification. The arsenal was added to welcome the royal galleys that often came to dock in the old port called "La Vieille Darse". During the 16th and 17th centuries, the port became more and more busy and was a real hive of activity. Between the slave traders and the presence of criminals and poachers, the town became a place without scruples.
In 1748, the galleys were abolished and the arsenal was transformed into a prison. Vauban then fortified this area again. In Victor Hugo's novel, "Les Misérables", Jean Valjean escapes from this prison.
After the 1789 revolution, it appears as if Toulon declared itself firmly royalist. The port then bound itself to the Spanish and English Armadas. In 1793, Napoléon Bonaparte signed his first feat of arms and brought this rebel city to its knees. Consequently the English fled and destroyed many installations in doing so. Later on, the city was almost destroyed by its infamy. But rapidly it once again became a very important military port, due to Napoléon's efforts.
Another big moment in the history of Toulon is also a very painful one. In 1942, Hitler invades this free zone. The entire French navy that was based at this port did not have enough time to flee. So, rather than allowing itself to be requisitioned, the chief officer decided to take to the sea. On the night of 27 November, sixty vessels sank.
Besides its omnipresent military installations and modern buildings, Toulon also has some architectural beauties and a rather warm atmosphere. The old town is a maze of intertwining streets that hides some medieval houses, especially in the rue du Noyer. Numerous beautiful fountains, 18 in all, can be found around the city. The one of the "tambourin" dates back to 1889 and the "trois dauphins" fountain to 1782.
Its religious heritage is also well represented by the 17th century Gothic cathedral, Saint Marie, and the Baroque style Saint-François-de-Paul church built in 1744.
To have a look over the town and its harbour, one has to climb up the 500 meters of the Mount Faron. A cablecar is available. Near to the viewpoint, the 1944 "Memorial du Débarquement en Provence" is found. |
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