Vigie, Pinède, Mitre, Batterie Basse… We might have thought it was a coded military language, since we are in Toulon, but these are indeed little corners of paradise hidden behind the rocks, below a cliff or a path. No need to go very far to escape into the heart of nature. In Toulon, sometimes all it takes is simply going down a staircase or walking a few hundred meters to leave the city and discover preserved places for swimming and lazing around.
This beach is well hidden, between two rocks at the tip of Pipady. Pinède Beach isn't very big, but how beautiful it is!
A pretty stretch of sand mixed with pebbles, a small path with its promontory, which you could imagine was designed to immortalize it in a photo and in selfies. Crystal-clear seabeds to discover while snorkeling.
Of course you have to get there, and you should avoid coming on days when the sea is rough. The path that leads there also has remarkable charm, with its little stone route that overlooks the water. Wooden footbridges, small staircases… Of course you'll avoid going there with a stroller or unruly children, but this walk promises happiness on the way there and rest on arrival.
Barely a hundred meters from the Saint Louis port of Mourillon and we are already in another setting. The colorful houses in an arabesque style imagine a journey through the Mediterranean.
You go down a staircase, and we're disconnected. In less than a few dozen seconds, we've gone from the city to nature. Hardly time to lay down the towel, slip out of the dress or the shirt-time for the plunge. The clear waters, mixing sand, seagrass and rocks, invite you to forget everything.
Don't look for information signs to find your way. Mitre Beach is one of Toulon's most hidden gems. Yet it's located right in the city, below a military site, under a cliff, with the pines, and around a small path. Once you're there, you understand why this secret is so well kept: an iconic rock, which would vaguely resemble an elephant's foot, fine sand to lay down your towel, a bit of shade too under the pines, very pleasant on hot summer days.
For children and the safety of swimmers, the beach is even supervised in summer. In short, a little corner of paradise, ideal too for forgetting that you're right in the middle of Toulon.
Discreet and well hidden under the path, Belle Rive Beach bears an evocative name. Tucked under the cliff, it isn't very big.
Sometimes it will be complicated to find a place to spread your towel, but in the end it offers an intimate setting where you almost feel alone in the world. The water is crystal-clear, perfect for snorkeling.
Mejean Cove and the Port Mejean Beach form a magical duo. This former little fishing port has kept all its charm: picturesque colorful houses and a cabanon atmosphere that try to resist time. On the other side of Mejean Cove is the fishing village of Cap Brun, which competes with it. There too, it's been a long time since there were any fishermen, but it has kept all its soul with its little houses with their feet in the water.
Between the two, over about 600 meters, is the swimming area of Mejean. In reality, there are lots of rocks and a bit of beach, especially on the part located to the east of the cove. There you find sand and pebbles. Part of the beach is even supervised in summer.
Just next to the port, another part of the beach, separated by a few rocks, allows even easier access to the water.
This beach hasn't been secret for a long time, and in summer, you'll therefore have to share it with the many tourists. But the view is so beautiful that there will be enough for everyone.
Located on the Cap Brun path, Batterie Basse Beach is hidden at the foot of majestic residences clinging to this rocky coastline. You access it via the coastal path, called here the customs officers' path. It's perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. The setting is sober and wild, ideal for a reading break or a quiet swim around the rocks.
A true emblem of the Toulon coastline, the Beaches of Mourillon win people over thanks to their accessibility and their many facilities. Made up of several artificial coves of fine sand, they are ideal for families, with their playground areas, seaside restaurants and calm waters suited to swimming. Lined with lawns and palm trees, they offer a pleasant setting for a full day of relaxation, between swims, picnics and lazing around.
In summer, concerts, dances and fireworks are organized there, in particular on August 15. The beaches of Mourillon are the summer spot in Toulon. They no longer have anything secret about them, but it's so easy to enjoy them that we couldn't have missed out.
Right next to the Tour Royale, Pipady Beach is often forgotten. That's true-it stays discreet, hidden behind this pretty 16th-century fort. The former torpedo pier, this abandoned military building just opposite, creates a certain atmosphere that clearly doesn't make it a paradisiacal beach like the previous ones.
And yet, the two Pipady beaches, separated by a seawall, are very family-friendly. They are supervised in summer and ultimately well appreciated by Toulonnais. If you don't want to walk too much and avoid the crowds, Pipady is certainly the right option.
