Toulon is a city that makes more sense from the water. The vast Rade de Toulon has shaped its military, commercial and everyday life, and a boat trip lets you see the relationship between harbour, mountains and city much more clearly.
You have several ways to get afloat, from sightseeing trips around the harbour to public maritime connections and seasonal excursions further along the coast.
Start with the rade
A harbour cruise is the simplest choice for a first-time visitor. From the water you can appreciate the scale of the naval base and natural harbour while seeing parts of the shoreline that are difficult to understand from street level.
Commentary and routes vary by operator, so check what a particular trip includes before booking.
Use boats as transport too
Not every boat ride needs to be a formal excursion. Local maritime transport can be an enjoyable way to cross parts of the harbour while travelling somewhere useful.
Longer seasonal boat trips can also open up possibilities beyond Toulon, particularly towards the islands and coastline of the Var.
Schedules naturally change through the year and weather can affect services, so verify departures close to your visit. But if conditions are good, I would make room for at least one journey on the water. Toulon seen only from land is only half the city.