We had a wonderful day in Var Provence, exploring ship shore excursions in Toulon and La Seyne-sur-Mer, France, while filming for the new Avid Cruiser travel show, launching in 2012.
In Toulon, we walked through the local market, where we met many colorful characters, including the “Salad Lady.” We found the people here to be exceptionally warm and welcoming, friendly even, despite what you may have heard about French snobbery (nonexistent here, it would appear).
We sampled some local specialities, such as La Cade, a pie of sorts made from chick-pea flour, and later by the marina, we sipped glasses of the delicious and popular Rosé wine, accompanied, of course, by sumptuous servings of local seafood.
Following lunch, we crossed over to gorgeous La Seyne-sur-Mer, with its many beaches and charming city center. Big ships typically dock here, and from La Seyne-sur-Mer, cruise passengers can visit Toulon by water taxi, which takes about 10 minutes to cross the harbor and costs only 2 euros.
We ended our day by stepping on the only cable car in the Mediterranean, traveling 500 meters above sea level toward the top of Mont Faron. The views of Toulon and La Seyne-sur-Mer down below were spectacular, as was the sunset that ended this fine day in Var Provence.
Tomorrow, St. Tropez.
The “Salad Lady” at Toulon’s market.
La Cade a Dede, Provençal pancakes made from chick-pea flour. The local speciality originated during a wheat-flour shortage during the 1800s.
Caught fresh daily. At the fish market in Toulon.
Cocos Roses, a pea-like Provençal bean.
Charming Toulon street.
Place de la Liberté in Toulon.
A typical Provençal lunch, with a glass of local Rosé, of course.
Musée Naval Fort Balaguier in La Seyne-sur-Mer.
The unusual art and architecture of La Seyne-sur-Mer.
Rebuilt after destruction during World War II, La Seyne-sur-Mer features unusual architecture in some parts of the city.
Musée Naval Fort Balaguier in La Seyne-sur-Mer.
Window fronts & faces on the streets of La Seyne-sur-Mer.
Colorful apartments in La Seyne-sur-Mer.
Taking it to the top of Toulon.
Riding the Mediterranean’s only cable car in Toulon.
View from near the top of Mont Faron, at about 500 meters above sea level, overlooking Toulon.
Sunset on Var Provence as seen from the cable car.
