4 Best Hotels in Toulon, Provence

Chef Alain Ducasse put this beautifully restored property—part of a convent once charged with shaping the future queens of Provence—on the map when he took over both the restaurant (now headed by chef Nicolas Pierantoni) and the inn, where guest rooms mix Louis XVI furnishings with regional accents, and the grounds have private gardens and vineyard views. The kitchen is still formidable, with creations that superbly balance flavor and texture—perhaps hake with sweet-almond puree and gnocchi or saddle of lamb with squash and fried chickpea panisse.

To say this sustainable hotel is unique is an understatement—where else in Provence can you stay in a luxury cave with a bathroom set into the rocks or in a round pigeon tower with sweeping village and countryside views? The 200-year-old farmhouse offers large but more conventional rooms and suites—complete with wood-burning stoves—that open onto a private terrace. The 7-acre property has lush flower, fruit, and vegetable gardens (to stock the excellent Jardin Secret restaurant); ancient trees; lavender fields (for the bees); a large pool; a small vineyard; and stunning vistas everywhere you look. The Bistrot restaurant, La TUF microbrewery, and O'Fadoli pastis bar round out the drinking and dining options.

Set on sandy Les Sablettes Beach, part of the Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer Peninsula across the harbor from Toulon, this fully restored, Belle Époque–era hotel has bright, casually elegant rooms with a few classic nautical touches and lots of modern amenities. The ocean view from some rooms is spectacular, and nine suites have terraces with a private whirlpool. You can swim in the sea out front or in the hotel pool—perhaps before or after a treatment in the lovely Nuxe spa. The ferry to Toulon is a 10-minute walk away.

Consisting of three 17th-century buildings that were restored and combined, this hotel is a stone’s throw from the port and the picturesque old town and within walking distance of most sights. Some rooms have lovely views of the bay (best seen from fourth-floor balconies), old town, and Mont Faron; all rooms are spare and functional, with a maritime design theme featuring uplifting shades of blue and white and spotless white-tiled bathrooms. The in-hotel restaurant, L’Équerre, is a popular neighborhood choice for a classic bistronomic meal or a cocktail. The tiny rooftop pool offers stellar views of the bay and cool respite on a hot summer’s day.