Tour Royale, Military fort in Toulon, France
Tour Royale is a round fortress positioned at the entrance to Toulon's naval harbor with walls built into the surrounding rock. The structure displays a solid stone construction designed to withstand attacks from the sea.
French King Louis XII ordered construction of this defensive tower in 1513, with Italian engineer Gian-Antonio della Porta completing the work in 1524. The fort was built during a period when France sought to strengthen its control over Mediterranean waters.
The fort became a symbol of Toulon's naval power and shaped how people viewed the harbor for centuries. Today the structure reminds visitors of the role defensive works played in protecting this important port city.
The fort is visible from the outside and sits directly along the harbor, allowing you to view it from several angles. The best time to visit is during clear weather when you can clearly see the stonework and its position along the water.
During the religious wars of 1572, the fort provided shelter for Protestant families fleeing persecution. This humanitarian role is often overlooked today, though it shows an important contrast to its military purpose.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
The port city of Toulon on the French Mediterranean coast offers numerous subjects for photographers. The historic city centre displays buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral and the town hall with its atlantes by Pierre Puget. The military harbour,...
FNRS-3
101 m
Toulon Cathedral
2.2 km
Le Génie de la navigation
2 km
Fort Saint-Louis
1.2 km
National Maritime Museum
2.1 km
Fort Lamalgue
1.8 km
Fort de Balaguier
1.5 km
Marché du cours Lafayette
2.1 km
Fort de l'Éguillette
1.3 km
Halles Raspail
2.3 km
Église Saint-François-de-Paule de Toulon
2 km
Musée des arts asiatiques de Toulon
1.1 km
Jardin d'acclimatation du Mourillon
1.8 km
Villa Tamaris
715.5 km
Porte d'Italie, Toulon
2.3 km
Plage de la Mitre
408 m
Plages du Mourillon
1.6 km
Ancien hôtel de ville de Toulon
2 km
Église Saint-Jean-Bosco de Toulon
790 m
Corderie de Toulon
2.2 kmPorte de l'Arsenal - Musée de la Marine
2.1 km
Jardin de rocaille de la maison Noble
1.3 km
Palais épiscopal de Toulon
2.2 km
Plage de la Vieille
2.2 km
La partie de Cartes
2.1 km
Plage de Balaguier
1.6 km
Sentier des Douaniers
597 m
Scenic viewpoint
21 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes