Toulon is a city I have a particular soft spot for, it’s where I was born and where I lived for nearly 20 years. Often overlooked in favour of flashier Riviera neighbours, Toulon quietly offers something rare: a genuine Mediterranean lifestyle, strong local identity, and real value for money.
Set between the sea and the mountains, Toulon combines beaches, a working port, vibrant neighbourhoods and easy access to nature. For expats, retirees, families or remote workers looking for the South of France without the Côte d’Azur price tag, Toulon deserves serious consideration.
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Best neighbourhoods to live in Toulon
Le Mourillon
Le Mourillon is Toulon’s most emblematic neighbourhood. With its family-friendly beaches, lively cafés, Provençal market and colourful façades, it feels like a small coastal village within the city. Close to the centre and well connected, it attracts families, retirees and young professionals alike.
Ideal for: families, primary residences, high-end furnished or seasonal rentals
Prices:
- Apartments: ~3,907 €/m²
- Houses: ~6,336 €/m²
Cap Brun
Green, peaceful and overlooking the sea, Cap Brun is Toulon’s most upmarket neighbourhood. Known for its discreet villas, pine trees and hidden coves, it offers exceptional tranquillity and natural beauty. Less animated than Mourillon, but unmatched for calm and exclusivity.
Ideal for: second homes, retirement, high-end projects
Prices:
- Apartments: ~4,655 €/m²
- Houses: ~5,411 €/m²
Le Pont-du-Las
A historic and lively district near the centre and universities, Pont-du-Las is undergoing real transformation. Its authentic feel, local shops and attractive prices make it popular with young residents and investors.
Ideal for: first-time buyers, families, students, rental investors
Prices:
- Apartments: ~2,249 €/m²
- Houses: ~3,397 €/m²
Mont Faron and La Serinette
Located on the city’s heights, these neighbourhoods offer calm living, greenery and spectacular views over the Toulon harbour. Mainly houses and small buildings, they appeal to families and remote workers wanting space without leaving the city.
Ideal for: families, teleworkers, nature-focused living
Prices:
- Apartments: ~3,279 €/m²
- Houses: ~4,428 €/m²
Cost of living in Toulon
Housing and property prices
- Average property price: ~3,543 €/m²
- Apartments: ~3,318 €/m²
- Houses: ~4,346 €/m²
- Average rent: ~15 €/m²
- Furnished apartment rent: ~716 €/month
The cost of living in Toulon is around 21.7% lower than Paris (excluding rent). To maintain a Paris lifestyle costing 6,100 €/month, you’d need roughly 4,150 € in Toulon.
Getting around Toulon
Toulon benefits from an excellent public transport system managed by Réseau Mistral, covering the entire Toulon Provence Méditerranée area.
- Over 60 bus lines
- Maritime shuttle boats linking Toulon, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Saint-Mandrier
- A cable car to Mont Faron
- Bus boats to cross the harbour and reach Les Sablettes
Monthly pass: 36.50 €
Annual pass: 345 €
It’s entirely possible to live in Toulon without a car, even when commuting or heading to the beaches.
Lifestyle in Toulon
Toulon regularly ranks among France’s cities with the best quality of life. It offers a rare balance between urban energy and relaxed Mediterranean living.
- Mediterranean atmosphere: markets, fountains, local cuisine, sunshine
- Active and sporty city: rugby (RCT), football, hiking on Mont Faron, water sports
- Port city energy: fishing, ferries, cruises and lively waterfronts
- Culture & history: National Navy Museum, Opera, cathedral, theatres
- Nightlife & food: bars and restaurants in the centre, Mourillon and Les Halles
- Youthful energy: student population, affordable rents, campus proximity
Toulon feels authentic, lived-in and local, not a resort town that shuts down in winter.
Expat life in Toulon
While quieter than cities like Nice or Marseille, Toulon has a growing international presence.
- Facebook groups such as “Expat Living in the Var”
- Local networks via Expat.com – Toulon
Expats tend to integrate well here thanks to the city’s down-to-earth culture and strong community life.
Why Toulon might be the perfect city for you
Toulon is ideal if you’re looking for:
- Southern France sunshine without Riviera prices
- A real city, not just a holiday destination
- Beaches, mountains and urban life in one place
- Strong transport links and daily practicality
- Long-term liveability, not seasonal hype
It’s a city that rewards those who stay, and one that still feels undervalued compared to its lifestyle offering.
FAQ: Living in Toulon
Is Toulon safe?
Yes. Like any city, some areas are quieter than others, but overall Toulon is considered safe and family-friendly.
Is Toulon good for retirees?
Very. Mild climate, healthcare access, affordability and walkable neighbourhoods make it attractive.
Can you live in Toulon without a car?
Yes. Public transport, boat shuttles and compact neighbourhoods make car-free living realistic.
Is Toulon expensive?
Compared to Paris or Nice, no. Property and daily costs remain relatively accessible.
Still deciding where to move?
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