The French navy has its headquarters in Toulon, and it is these ships that dominate the harbour. The tour boats cannot go too close to the military areas, of course.
The French navy's largest ship, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was not a home, but the second largest was. Our commentary told us all about the different ships which were mostly identified by number. Unfortunately, neither of us has a great interest in such ships and so most of the detail was lost on us, some where capable of detecting aircraft up to 500 miles away, others had been chasing pirates or rescuing boat people off Italy. There were nuclear attack submarines, anti submarine ships, cruisers, frigates and destroyers.
The port is not all military and after the military part, we moved on to the historic area. This is the tour Royale, a 16th century fort.
Fort d'Eguillette
Fort de Balaguier
We returned to the commercial port with its private parking.
Having 20 minutes in hand until the bus arrived to collect us, we took a look around the market. We had been there before and it was just as good as we had remembered with many stall of local fruit and vegetables.
After lunch, we set off in the bus for the Abbey de Thoronet, 75 Kmart away in the hills. The Cistercian abbey was founded about 1157 when thee monk moved from Florièges also in the Var. the Abbey fell out of use in 1791 when it was deconsecrated. Renovation of the abbey began in 1841 and continues today.
With our guide to the Abbey
The cloisters
Arches in the Chapter House.
Out tour ended in the church. Cistercian monks designed their churches to resonate for singing. Our guide demonstrated how one man can fill a large church by walking around while singing.
After a superb performance, our choir tried their hand at a few pieces, John joined them for one song that he knew well.
We returned to our holiday village for dinner and then took another walk to the sea with some of our fellow travellers.
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