Toulon is a fantastic spot for food lovers. The city’s mix of seaside charm and Provencal flavors makes for memorable culinary adventures. What sets Toulon apart is its authentic regional dishes, lively markets, and welcoming local eateries. Among the many ways to savor this city, two standout food tours offer a compelling taste of Toulon’s flavors and culture. We particularly enjoy the Toulon Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better for its comprehensive, immersive approach—perfect for those who want to eat like a local and learn about Toulon’s food scene. The second, the Toulon: Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour, offers a more leisurely exploration of the city’s historic eateries and traditional specialties. Both highlight Toulon’s hearty Provençal cuisine, but each appeals to different types of travelers.
Below is a quick overview of the two tours, what they include, and what makes each one special. Whether you’re after a full, multi-course meal or a relaxed stroll through culinary history, this guide will help you decide.
1. Toulon Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience by Do Eat Better
For around $101.39, this 3.5-hour tour offers an authentic taste of Toulon’s local food scene. It’s ideal if you want to experience a full French meal with five carefully curated stops and an insider’s perspective. Led by a Toulonnais guide, you’ll visit the port, old town, and market areas, sampling dishes like the famous “cade”, a savory chickpea flour pancake with roots in Provence. The tour includes cheese tastings at Toulon’s covered market, where you’ll sample regional dairy delights, and a traditional Provençal main dish cooked with fresh ingredients that change daily. The highlight is the iconic Tarte Tropezienne, a pastry famously enjoyed by Brigitte Bardot. Along the way, you’ll also sip Côtes de Provence wine and learn about local culinary traditions.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive approach—covering a broad range of local specialties in a warm, friendly setting. The five stops are well-paced, and reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guide, Renaud, for blending food with local history. One noted, “The food was very tasty, and the market was 10/10,” emphasizing how memorable the experience can be. It’s best suited for those eager to indulge in Provence cuisine, enjoy leisurely tastings, and gain a deeper understanding of Toulon’s food culture.
Bottom Line: If you want a full, satisfying meal combined with local stories and a lively atmosphere, this tour offers excellent value and a genuinely authentic experience.
2. Toulon: Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour
Priced at $111 per person, this 3.5-hour tour takes a more relaxed pace as you explore Toulon’s culinary history on foot. Starting at the Brasserie La Tortue in the port area, you’ll meander through the city’s historic streets, visiting charming eateries, modern cafes, and trendy spots. The focus here is on tasting the best local products and learning how Toulon’s food scene has evolved. You’ll sample traditional delicacies and drinks, including the famous Tarte Tropezienne, and enjoy a variety of apéritifs along the way.
The highlight of this tour is its combination of sightseeing and tasting. Guests get a chance to discover Toulon from a different perspective—combining cultural sights with culinary delights. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Toulon’s history and food without the intensity of a full meal, making it perfect for those with limited time or a preference for a leisurely stroll. The reviews mention that it’s a great way to “see the city and try many local foods,” with the guide’s local insights adding to the experience.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a blend of cultural exploration and tasting multiple local specialties in a relaxed setting, this guided walking tour is a smart choice.
How to Choose Between These Food Tours
Choosing the right tour depends on your appetite—and how deep you want to go into Toulon’s culinary scene. The Toulon Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience is perfect if you’re hungry for a full multi-course experience with hearty Provençal dishes and want to learn the stories behind each bite. It’s ideal for foodies who want to indulge and enjoy local flavors.
On the other hand, the Toulon: Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour is better suited if you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy exploring on foot, and want to combine food tasting with a bit of sightseeing. It’s particularly good for travelers short on time or those interested in the history behind the cuisine.
Consider your budget, preferred pace, and interest level. Both tours include visits to Toulon’s historic and lively areas, but the full meal offers a more in-depth culinary journey, while the walking tour emphasizes city exploration with tastings.
Final Thoughts
Toulon offers two excellent options for food lovers: a hearty, full French meal, or a charming, historical tasting walk. If you’re after a comprehensive, satisfying experience with multiple dishes and wine, the Toulon Food Tour – A Full French Meal Experience is the way to go. For a more relaxed, sightseeing-oriented approach that highlights Toulon’s culinary heritage, the Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour offers great value and insight.
Both tours provide a chance to taste authentic Provençal flavors and learn about Toulon’s local food scene. To avoid missing out, consider booking early, especially during peak travel seasons. Whichever you choose, you’ll walk away with a full belly and a deeper appreciation for Toulon’s culinary traditions.
