Tour Royale has guarded the entrance to Toulon’s bay since the 16th century. Built between 1514 and 1524, the low, thick-walled fortress housed cannon. Walk around its waterfront grounds to see the submariners’ memorial and the FNRS III bathyscaphe.
More about your visit
Built in the sixteenth century, the tower belongs to the family of artillery towers. Its low, massive form served a military purpose: defending a maritime entrance rather than dominating a town centre.
The interior opens according to a seasonal or event calendar. The city usually announces a summer period; use the official link to plan entry, particularly outside July and August. The park and promenade are a separate outing. Do not interpret park hours as a promise of access to the fortress rooms.
Nearby are the submariners’ memorial and the FNRS III bathyscaphe. The latter recalls that Toulon’s maritime history extends beyond surface vessels.
Combine the Tour Royale with La Mitre or a seaside pause, checking the condition of paths before planning a continuous coastal route. Water, sun protection and stable shoes remain useful even on a short outing.
Construction began in 1514 on the initiative of Louis XII and ended in 1524. The heritage inventory details the role of the engineer Jean Antoine de La Porte, also known as Giovanni Antonio della Porta. These dates place the building well before the works of Vauban, whose name is often associated with French fortifications. The tower had to accommodate a garrison able to withstand a siege: its bulk therefore also reflects requirements for living quarters, storage and circulation.
Sources
Information from sources consulted on 25 September 2026.
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