Toulon, France cruise holidays

Better known as Frances main naval base than as a cruise port, Toulon has unexpected charm as you can wander through the cobbled streets of its delightful old town untroubled by crowds.

Look out for the superb maritime and art museums, the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and Le Marche, where fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables are bought to market every day. Ship buffs also have the bonus of watching the comings and goings of the French warships around the harbour. The best view of the old town and the harbour is from Mont Faron which overlooks both - take the funicular up from Boulevard L'Amiral Vence. There are some excellent beaches a short drive along the coast or head for the beautiful and often dramatic Provencal countryside or to the French Riviera resorts.