Car Rental in Toulon

Why rent a car in Toulon?

Toulon is a great place to visit. Located roughly halfway between Nice and Marseille, the city is quite small but has a number of historical attractions, museums, and parks to enjoy. Many beautiful beaches are located nearby, and with a rental car, you can also explore the rest of the French Riviera or even travel to the Alps or neighboring Italy.

Top ways to enter Toulon

• Toulon Airport: Also known as Toulon–Hyères, this small international airport handled about 570,000 travelers in 2018. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it hosts flights by eight different airlines and provides connections with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Located 24 km (15 miles) east of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes.
• Marseille Provence Airport: The fifth-busiest in France, Marseille Airport handled 10.1 million travelers in 2019. The airport is a hub for Air France and a focus city for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea. Located halfway between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, the airport is 88 km (54 miles) northwest of Toulon and can be reached in about one hour.
• Nice Airport: The busiest French airport outside Paris, Nice-Côte d'Azur handled almost 13.3 million travelers in 2022. The airport has flights by more than 50 different airlines connecting Nice not only to European countries, but also destinations in Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Americas. Located 140 km (87 miles) east of Toulon, Nice Airport can be reached in 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Montpellier Airport: Serving the city of the same name, Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport handled 1.9 million travelers for the first time in its history in 2019. The airport is served by 13 different airlines, although some only operate seasonally. Located 230 km (143 miles) west of Toulon, Montpellier Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport: Another smaller airport on the French Mediterranean coast, as of November 2019, it is served by only one airline, the low-cost carrier Ryanair. There are year-round flights to Belgium and the United Kingdom as well as seasonal flights to Sweden and Germany. Located 290 km (180 miles) west of Toulon, Beziers Airport can be reached in just under three hours.
• By rail: If you arrive in Toulon by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Toulon Central Train Station or Gare de Toulon.

City facts

• Like much of the surrounding region, Toulon has a Mediterranean climate with long, very warm summers and short, mild winters. The average high temperature is 30°C (85°F) in July and August, the hottest months, and 13°C (55°F) in January, the coldest. Precipitation is extremely low in July but quite high in October and November. Toulon is also one of the windiest cities in France, and the breeze is especially strong in winter.
• Toulon is home to many interesting and varied museums. The Toulon Museum of Art hosts the works, especially landscape paintings, of many local masters, as well as the photographs of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the Museum of Asian Arts has artifacts from places like India, Japan, and Tibet, and the Museum of Natural History has impressive dinosaur fossils from the Toulon area. Finally, the Museum of the French Navy which has ship models from the 17th and 18th centuries, celebrated its 200th birthday in 2014, making it one of the oldest museums in the region.

Top sights and activities

• Old Town. Known in French as Vieille Ville (the old town) or Basse Ville (lower town), the historic city of Toulon has plenty to see and do. Travelers love visiting the old Toulon Port, which has long ceased to fulfill its original function but remains one of the most picturesque places in the city and has a pretty marina. Other attractions of the Old Town include Saint Marie de la Seds Cathedral and Puget Square with a sculpture of dolphins.
• Naval Museum. Sometimes also translated as the Maritime Museum, it celebrates the seafaring heritage of Toulon. Many historical ships (some originals, some careful reconstructions) can be seen in the city. Located in a beautiful historic building, the museum is next to the Toulon Clocktower. If you’re interested in the French maritime tradition, you can also visit the nearby La Dives Boat Museum ( to this day, many pretty wooden boats can be observed sailing in the water surrounding Toulon). 
• Le Mourillon. A small settlement right next to Toulon (and often considered part of it), Le Mourillon is best known for its impressive 16th-century fort. The area is also home to the Museum of Asian Art and some very pretty beaches that are often less crowded than those in Toulon. Le Mourillon is just some 3 km (2 miles) east of Toulon’s city center and can be reached in ten minutes by car.
• Natural History Museum. This small and interesting museum is dedicated to the plant life of France and other Mediterranean countries. A number of herbaria are on exhibit, providing examples of fascinating extinct plants, as well as flora that can be commonly found in the region. The museum is located outside of the city itself, about a ten-minute drive to the north, and is near other attractions like the Point Sublime viewing platform.
• Mont Faron. Ride a cable car up to Mont Faron, a mountain overlooking Toulon and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. The outlook stands at an elevation of 584 m (1,916 ft). At the top, there is a memorial dedicated to the Allied landings in the Provence area and the liberation of Toulon in 1944.
• Provençal markets. One of the symbols of the region and favorite places to visit for the French and tourists alike, the traditional markets of the Provence region offer a chance to try the locally sourced fruits, berries, olives, seafood, and other delicious produce, as well as to meet locals. The markets are especially busy during the summer months, and in Toulon, they take place every morning along Cours Lafayette, one of the main thoroughfares of the city.

Traffic and parking

• France drives on the right-hand side of the road.
• The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30km/h. Unlike for inter-city roads, the urban speed limit is unaffected by weather.
• Outside cities and as of May 2019, the speed limit depends on the type of the road. Highways are limited to 130km/h, 4-lane expressways to 110km/h, and 2 or 3-lane roads to 80 or 90km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during periods of heavy fog or other times of impaired visibility.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When you are driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• As of 2019, hands-free mobile phone use is banned in France and the fines are hefty.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
• The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

Most of the main highways in France (autoroute in French) are toll roads. Their names start with the letter A and you can recognize them by their red number sign. The toll for using a toll road depends on the specific route, distance traveled, as well as the type of vehicle - trailer cars and caravans have to pay more than regular cars. You can pay by credit card or in cash. You’ll be given a ticket that you have to keep while on the toll road.

Some rental cars are equipped with toll road transponders that can be used at the automatic toll road payment booths (télépéage). Ask your rental car provider to find out if they offer cars with toll road transporters.

Ideas for day trips

• Beaches. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Toulon is a great beach destination. While there are some nice spots in the immediate vicinity of the city, the truly great beaches can only be reached with a rental car. These include the picturesque La Capte Beach where the sea is very shallow, L'Argentière Beach which is surrounded by beautiful trees, and the beach at St Cyr sur Mer which is great for kitesurfing and other watersports. Even in winter, when at least the locals find the water too cold to swim, the beaches surrounding Toulon are a great place to relax.
• Nice. Located near the border with Italy (and even closer to the microstate of Monaco), Nice is a mecca for partying, enjoying the beach, and living the high life. But culture lovers are not to be disappointed, either, as they can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Archaeology, Henri Matisse Museum, and the Nice Cathedral. Located 150 km (93 miles) northeast of Toulon, Nice can be reached in less than two hours.
• Marseille. France’s second city is not usually seen as a great travel destination - it lacks the architectural delights of Paris and Lyon and the easygoing elegance of Nice. Nonetheless, those who give this ancient city a chance are not likely to be disappointed as landmarks like the old Marseille harbor, Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations are on offer. Located 65 km (40 miles) northwest of Toulon, Marseille can be reached in about 50 minutes.
• Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park. Although not known for snow-capped peaks or impenetrable forests, Sainte-Baume is one of the most scenic protected areas in the region. In addition to limestone cliffs, panoramas of Provence, and a variety of birdlife, the area is also home to the Grotto of St. Mary Magdalene, a famous pilgrimage site. The drive from Toulon to the park takes only about one hour.
• Port-Cros National Park. The smallest national park in the country, Port-Cros encompasses the four islands of the Hyères Archipelago that’s just off the mainland and is dedicated to the protection of the unique land and maritime flora and fauna of the area. The island doesn’t permit vehicles, but you can drive from Toulon to the Port of Hyères about a 45-minute drive east and take a ferry from there. Outside villages, the islands have limited access to drinking water, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Toulon is the Citroen C3, followed by the Opel Corsa and the Ford Focus. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

• Verdon Gorge. A 25 km (16 miles) long canyon that was created by the river of the same name that runs through it, Verdon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in France. There are opportunities to go hiking, rock climbing, or kayaking in the river, although you can also simply enjoy the view. Verdon is very popular with tourists - to avoid the crowds, it’s a good idea to drive to see it right after sunrise. Located 150 km (93 miles) northeast of Toulon, Verdon Gorge can be reached in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Monaco. Completely surrounded by France, Monaco is the world's second-smallest country by area and a place like no other. The 2.2 m2 (0.85 sq. miles) large territory has a higher concentration of billionaires, yachts, and super-posh villas than anywhere else in the world. There are things for a tourist to see, too, from Monaco Opera to the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. Located 173 km (107 miles) northeast of Toulon, Monaco can be reached in 2 hours and 15 minutes. You’d be crossing an international border, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Don’t worry about a visa, though - if you’re allowed in France, you can also go to Monaco.
• Ecrins National Park. Located in the Dauphin Alps, this beautiful national park is made up of deep valleys, alpine meadows, large forests, and deep lakes. There are impressive peaks, too - although the Dauphins are not as high as the main French Alps that are to the east, the highest point of the national park reaches 4,100 m (13,450 ft). Located 250 km (155 miles) north of Toulon, Ecrins can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes. After exploring the national park, why not go to the nearby beautiful city of Grenoble or one of the nearby winter resorts?
• Avignon. Most attractions of Southern France are naturally situated along the coast, but there are a couple of very notable exceptions. One of those is the city of Avignon, the only place outside Rome that has been a residence of popes. Nowadays, the city is known for its large and varied art festival that takes place every summer. The drive from Toulon to Avignon takes about two hours.

Car rental prices in Toulon

• Vans - from $65 per day
• Small cars - from $40 per day
• Medium cars - from $40 per day
• Large cars - from $45 per day
• SUVs - from $44 per day
• Station wagons - from $52 per day
• Premium cars - from $117 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Increase your chances of landing a great rental car in Toulon by following these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Toulon is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 38% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 60% cheaper than renting a vehicle in July.