Mounts of Toulon

The "Monts Toulonnais" refer to the chalky massif situated to the North of the city. Numbering five mountains in all - Mont-Faron, Mont Caume, Coudon and Baou des Quatre Aures (or Quatre Oures) and Gros Cerveau - this massif forms a natural barrier sheltering Toulon from bad weather. The locals say it is quite common for it to rain behind the Mont Faron or Baou des 4 Oures while the sun is shining in the city! Mont Faron is the best-known of the five mounts. Set overlooking Toulon, it offers incomparable views over the Bay. A cable-car takes you to the summit, where you can discover an Allied Landings Museum and zoo (feline breeding centre). Le Baou is an impressive wall of rock and one of the region's top climbing sites. Le Coudon, to the East, marks the frontier between the city of Toulon and surrounding agricultural valleys and plains of Le Gapeau and La Crau. Le Gros Cerveau, to the West, marks the frontier between Ollioules and Sanary and offers stunning panoramic views over the coast and Massif de la Sainte-Baume. Mont-Caume is the highest of the five mounts, rising to an altitude of 801 metres behind the chalky massif. The Mounts of Toulon offer striking contrasts of white chalk, green pine trees and garrigue. The best way to explore them is definitely on foot, although some are suitable for cycling. CAUTION: access to the mountains is prohibited in case of risk of forest fires. For more information please call +33(0)4 98 10 55 41 or go to www.var.pref.gouv.fr.