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.
Location: Toulon
Opening Hours: January 01-September 30 Wednesday,Saturday,Sunday 09:00-12:00,14:00-18:00
GPS coordinates: 43.10270,5.92573
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
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, one of France's main naval bases, presents warships and submarines. Mont Faron rises 584 metres above the city and provides views across the Toulon roadstead and coastline. The cable car leads to the summit, where the Memorial du débarquement en Provence is located. At the foot of the mountain lies the Mourillon district with its sandy beach and colourful facades along the promenade. The Cours Lafayette market takes place daily and showcases the region's Mediterranean produce. The Toulon Opera House, built in the 19th century, ranks among the largest opera houses in France outside Paris. The old harbour Darse Vieille displays fishing boats and yachts against the backdrop of limestone cliffs.
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