Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toulon is a strategic port city located on the French Riviera, known for its navy base and beautiful coastal views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 170,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 50-100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks include BNP Paribas and Société Générale; Revolut and N26 are also widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and local rentals through agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Maison Bleu offers budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Le Mourillon) is popular for its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center, near coworking spaces and cafés, is ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Toulon - a vibrant space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Le Saint Louis - offers Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Toulon Facebook Group for gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber operate in Toulon. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vélo Toulon offers bike rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage du Mourillon is a popular beach just minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France serves regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and easyJet operate flights from Toulon-Hyères Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A57 and A50 major highways connect to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Toulon SNCF train station connects to regional and national services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TCR offers day passes and monthly subscriptions for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus services connect to nearby cities like Marseille and Nice. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Saint-Anne is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Toulon offers multiple classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit is a popular gym chain with locations in Toulon. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique in city center provides self-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bouillabaisse - a traditional fish stew of the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Café de la Mer offers good vegetarian and vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Chocolaterie La Pagode is famous for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marché du Mourillon is a great local food market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Locally you can shop on fnac.com for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Auchan and Carrefour offer online grocery shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Le Mourillon and Place Puget are vibrant nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie La Cadière offers locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Les Caves de la Vigne offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The street food market at Place de la Liberté is popular. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various styles available, including Italian (Trattoria Da Nino) and Asian (Kim's Kitchen). |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Tour Royale and the Toulon Harbor for spectacular views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée des Arts Asiatiques features Asian art exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the ancient Fort Saint-Nicolas for history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathédrale de Toulon is a must-visit for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea takes place in June, celebrating local maritime culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town (Le Vieux Toulon) is rich in culture and nightlife. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre Liberté hosts a variety of performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Le Marché du Port is a lively market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | There are vibrant live music venues in the city center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the street art scene in Le Mourillon area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook & Go offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit Galerie de la Marine for contemporary art shows. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palais des Congrès is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its nautical heritage with various maritime events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Calanques National Park is great for hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Calanques National Park is easily accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal paths offer beautiful views perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mont Faron provides breathtaking views of Toulon. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby nature parks are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Coliposte and DHL provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Numerous shops offer repair for devices, including Phone Repair Toulon. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française offers French language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque de Toulon is a great place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre Culturel is a hub for cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Lan parties are hosted at various cafes throughout the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Toulon offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% on distributed dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Max rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign companies owned by residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 5.80% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residents can benefit from various exemptions, especially under certain programs. |