Toulon

With its colourful buildings, café terraces in the Rue des Arts, and boat trips around the port, Toulon is the perfect place to take a stroll and immerse yourself in the sunny atmosphere of the southeast. And if Rugby is your sport, don’t forget to visit the Stade Mayol! All it takes is a 1.5-hour flight from Nantes to bring a little Provençal sunshine to your day.

The Côte d’Azur is a playground for hiking enthusiasts. With a sublime view over the port, climbing Mount Faron, 600 metres above the city, is a must! And if you need a change of scenery, the Calanques National Park or the Giens peninsula are worth a visit. A haven for many migratory birds, it's a great place for a spot of bird-watching. So make sure not to forget your binoculars! 

After a morning stroll along the port, head to the colourful Mourillon market and sample some of the locally sourced specialities including Ewe’s milk cheese, Bourride, Tropézienne or Oreillettes. And there’s no better way to sample southern cuisine than on a terrace overlooking the seas, with an assortment of Anchoïade, Tapenade and a glass (or two) or Pastis or Rosé.

From Toulon, it’s pretty easy to visit some must-see places along the Côte d’Azur. In just 1.5 hours, you can take a boat to the island of Porquerolles, one of the Mediterranean jewels along the coastline. In this beautiful spot of nature, with stunning landscapes and sandy beaches, everything can be done by bike or on foot. For a day of sightseeing and a fancy meal out, head to the famous bay in Saint-Tropez.