But since then the town has turned to tourism, regenerating the waterside, opening restaurants and building accommodation. This transformation is symbolised by the Pont de la Seyne, a century-old steel bridge converted into a stylish belvedere.
Defended to the south by the Saint-Mandrier Peninsula, Toulon Harbour is a natural harbour without equal: Mont Faron behind Toulon formed both a landward obstacle and a natural watchtower. Another way to experience the harbour is to stroll along the quays in La Seyne to see the maritime traffic coming and going.
A French force, led by Napoleon Bonaparte staged an assault on this fortress, which helped oust the British from the city. The fort is still owned by the French navy, but is run by the local council, which has set up a small maritime museum inside. This steel structure is 44 metres in length and was constructed in Since it was decommissioned it has been in a permanent upright position, and during restoration work was turned into a belvedere.
On the lower level is a small exhibition centre where you can inspect the century-old mechanisms that used to power the bridge. Plage des Sablettes is a kilometre-long curve of fine white sand bathed by waters that are clear and gentle most days. There are a couple of watersports companies based next to Plage des Sablettes offering windsurfing, kayaking, scuba diving and light sailing in summer.
And in the evenings you might be able to catch a concert or firework display on the beach. This waterside community on the way to Les Sablettes was laid out by the architect Michel Pacha at the end of the 19th century. He developed 70 villas here, along with chalets, two hotels, three casinos, all enriched by gardens. It was a winter destination where nobility and industrialists, sheltered from the mistral and taking advantage of the unobstructed views of Toulon.
