Toulon is the fifteenth city in France, the center city of the 9th
French urban area. It is both the prefecture and the economic center of
the Var department. The capital of Var is at the center of an urban area
and an employment area reaching more than 600,000 inhabitants in 2011.
Toulon is mainly a military port. This comes from its geography: the
port is protected by a harbor and overlooked by a mountain which allowed
observation. All these assets gave it a strategic position.
During the last decades, the city has acquired a bad reputation because
of certain mafia affairs, then, more recently, through the passage of
the National Front to the town hall. This reputation still sticks to the
city, although it makes many efforts to bring back culture and develop
its space.
In fact, living in Toulon is much more pleasant than
one might think (Toulon is the 63rd most popular city in France
according to the ranking established by the magazine Le Point (“Where do
we live best in France?” in 2008 ).There are still some pretty places
which are not disfigured by the town planning of the 1980s and the
Mediterranean climate and the presence of the sea are very appreciable.
The people of Toulon were previously nicknamed the Mokkos, but this is
less and less frequent.
1. Port de Toulon & the Arsenal (Harbor and Naval Heart)
The
Port de Toulon is the city’s iconic centerpiece and France’s largest
Mediterranean naval base. It has anchored the French fleet since the
late 16th century, home today to the aircraft carrier Charles de
Gaulle and much of the Mediterranean Fleet. The natural
harbor—protected by surrounding hills—has been strategically vital
for centuries, expanded under Cardinal Richelieu, Jean-Baptiste
Colbert, and military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban in the
17th century.
Start at the quayside (Quai Cronstadt or Place
d’Armes) for views of yachts, warships, and ferries. Look for the
statue of the Génie de la Navigation (a marble figure pointing
seaward, locally nicknamed for its orientation). Adjacent is the
historic Arsenal, with its 18th-century monumental gate (now the
entrance to the museum). Boat tours offer harbor perspectives,
including the Veille Darse (old sheltered basin from 1604–1610).
2. Old Town (Vieille Ville) – Narrow Streets, Fountains &
Provençal Life
Toulon’s historic core lies between the port,
Boulevard de Strasbourg, and Cours Lafayette. This pedestrian zone
features narrow medieval-to-18th-century streets, colorful facades,
boutique shops, cafés, and numerous restored fountains. Once faded
in the late 20th century, it has been revitalized with new boutiques
and a lively local vibe—authentic, uncrowded, and perfect for
wandering.
Key highlights include:
Fountains: The old town
is famous for its 17th–19th-century fountains (many rebuilt and
recently restored). Standouts are the Fontaine des Trois Dauphins
(1782, Place Puget—three dolphins spouting water), Fontaine du
Dauphin (on the Bishop’s residence wall), and Fontaine-Lavoir de
Saint-Vincent (1832, with historic laundry basins).
Sculptures &
squares: Place Vatel (boat sculpture), Place Raimu (Raimu card-game
statue honoring local actor Jules Muraire), and expressive Atlantes
(male caryatids by Pierre Puget, 1656–57—powerful Baroque figures
symbolizing strength and fatigue, once supporting the old Hôtel de
Ville balcony).
3. Cours Lafayette & the Provençal Market
Running through the heart of the old town, Cours Lafayette hosts one
of southern France’s finest daily markets (every morning except
Monday, ~7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.). Stalls spill along the street and
side lanes (Rue Paul Lendrin, Place Louis Blanc, etc.), overflowing
with fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, olives, spices, flowers, and
local specialties. It’s a sensory feast and a glimpse into everyday
Provençal life—vibrant, bustling, and fragrant.
4.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Cathedral (Cathédrale Toulon)
In the old
town’s center, this national monument blends styles from over 900
years of construction (11th–18th centuries). Early Romanesque bays
meet Baroque and classical elements, including a striking façade
with Corinthian columns. The 36 m (118 ft) clock tower features an
iron campanile and a bell cast in 1524. Inside, it’s atmospheric and
relatively simple—worth a quick, free visit for its historical
layers and central location.
5. Place de la Liberté & the
Upper Town (Haussmann-Era Grandeur)
This elegant central square
in the 19th-century upper town (developed under Prefect
Georges-Eugène Haussmann) is dominated by the grand Fontaine de la
Fédération (with statues of Liberty, Strength, and Justice).
Surrounded by cafés, the Théâtre Liberté, and ornate buildings like
the former Grand Hôtel, it’s a perfect people-watching spot. Nearby
Place Victor Hugo showcases the neoclassical Opéra de Toulon
(1862—one of France’s largest outside Paris).
6. Mont Faron &
Téléphérique du Mont Faron
Dominating the city, Mont Faron offers
breathtaking 360° views of the harbor, sea, and Var hinterland. Take
the scenic cable car (one of Europe’s few coastal ones; ~5–10 min
ride) or a winding road. At the summit: the Mémorial du Débarquement
de Provence (opened 1964 by Charles de Gaulle), chronicling the 1944
Allied Operation Dragoon landings that liberated Toulon and Provence
(with photos, weapons, models). There are hiking trails, a
restaurant, and sometimes a small zoo/fauverie.
7. Musée
National de la Marine (National Maritime Museum)
Housed behind
the imposing 18th-century Arsenal gate (flanked by statues of Mars
and Minerva), this museum traces Toulon’s 400+ years of naval
history. Highlights include intricate 18th-century ship models (used
for training), artifacts, paintings, and a modern Charles de Gaulle
model. The adjacent clock tower survived WWII bombings. It’s a must
for maritime enthusiasts.
8. Le Mourillon Quarter, Fort
Saint-Louis & Beaches
East of the port, this former fishing
village turned naval officers’ neighborhood features Fort
Saint-Louis (built 1696, Vauban-rebuilt; strategic harbor guardian
with fireworks on August 15). Nearby are sheltered sandy beaches
(created in the 1970s), a small fishing port, gardens, and the Musée
des Arts Asiatiques (in a former Jules Verne family home). It’s
relaxed and family-friendly.
Other Notable Mentions
Vauban’s Fortifications (e.g., Porte d’Italie gate, linked to
Napoleon’s 1796 Italian campaign).
Tour Royale (16th-century
round fort at harbor entrance).
Hôtel des Arts and art museums
for contemporary/Provençal works.
Best Time to Visit
Toulon's Mediterranean climate features mild
winters and hot, sunny summers. The best periods are spring (April–June)
and early fall (September–October) for pleasant weather (around
15–25°C/59–77°F), blooming landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Summer (July–August) brings peak heat (often 28–32°C/82–90°F+), ideal
for beach days but busier and more expensive; sea temperatures are
warmest then (up to about 24°C/75°F). Winter is mild but can be rainy
and windy (the Mistral). Avoid peak August if you dislike high tourist
volumes or closures for local holidays. Key events include the Bacchus
Festival (wine and gastronomy, late March) and Nuit des Pêcheurs
(seafood-focused evening, early August).
Getting There and Around
By air: Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) is small with limited flights;
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS, about 1 hour away) offers more options.
From the airport, buses or taxis connect easily.
By train: High-speed
TGV from Paris (about 4 hours, often changing in Marseille) or regional
TER trains from nearby cities like Marseille (under 1 hour) or Nice. The
station is central.
By car: Easy access via A50/A57 autoroutes;
parking is available but can be tricky in the center (garages like
Liberté or Mayol recommended).
Ferries: Regular connections to
Corsica and Sardinia from the port.
Within Toulon and
surroundings:
The city is very walkable, especially the old town,
port, and Mourillon district.
Public buses and local ferries (e.g.,
across the harbor to La Seyne-sur-Mer or Les Sablettes) are efficient
and affordable. A weekly bus/ferry pass is a great value for longer
stays.
The Téléphérique du Mont Faron cable car provides quick access
to panoramic views.
Taxis, rideshares, or rented bikes/scooters work
well; driving in the historic center can be narrow and congested.
For
cruise visitors: Ships often dock at the central waterfront (short walk
to old town) or La Seyne-sur-Mer (quick ferry or shuttle across the
bay). The port is integrated into daily life, so it's authentic but
functional rather than luxury-oriented.
Top Things to Do
Stroll the Old Town (Vieux Toulon): Wander narrow medieval streets,
lively squares like Place Puget (with its famous fountain) and Place de
la Liberté, and the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds. It's atmospheric
with shops, street art, and a creative vibe in areas like Rue des Arts.
Visit the Cours Lafayette market (daily except Monday) for fresh
produce, cheeses, olives, and Provençal specialties—it's a local
favorite stretching several blocks.
Explore the Port and Harbor: One
of Toulon's highlights is its massive natural harbor with naval vessels,
fishing boats, and yachts. Walk Quai Cronstadt, enjoy cafés and
restaurants overlooking the water, or take a short harbor boat tour or
public ferry for views (cheap and scenic). The area buzzes with energy,
especially in the evening.
Mont Faron: Take the cable car up for
sweeping views of the bay, city, and sea. At the top, hike trails, visit
the Memorial Museum of the Landing in Provence (WWII history), or see
the zoo/fawn park. It's a refreshing escape with nature close to the
city.
Mourillon District and Beaches: This charming neighborhood
feels like a village within the city—narrow streets, daily market,
restaurants, and several sandy beaches with greenery and playgrounds.
It's relaxed and family-friendly, perfect for swimming or a picnic.
Nearby Les Sablettes beach is also accessible by ferry.
Museums
and Culture:
National Maritime Museum (Musée National de la Marine):
Excellent for naval history, ship models, and artifacts—highly
recommended even for non-experts.
Toulon Art Museum and other smaller
collections.
The arsenal and military heritage sites reflect the
city's naval importance.
Other ideas: Join a guided walking tour
of the old city and port, sample local wines (Bandol appellation
nearby), or relax at waterfront spots.
Food and Drink
Toulon
shines with fresh seafood, Provençal cuisine, and Mediterranean flavors.
Must-tries:
Bourride (fish stew) or other fresh fish dishes.
Local
specialties like tapenade, socca (chickpea pancake), and cheeses.
Bandol wines (rosé, red, white) from nearby vineyards—many day trips
include tastings.
Market finds for picnics: olives, breads, fruits,
and pastries.
Dine by the port or in Mourillon/old town alleys
for atmosphere. Avoid overly touristy spots right on main drags; venture
a block or two for better value and authenticity. Ice cream or coffee
overlooking the water is a simple pleasure. Vegetarian/vegan options are
growing, but seafood dominates.
Accommodation Tips
Old
Town/Port area: Convenient for walking, with options like L'Eautel
(modern mid-range) or boutique spots near the water.
Mourillon:
Quieter, beach-adjacent, and village-like—great for a relaxed stay
(e.g., near the sandy beaches).
Higher-end: Grand Hôtel des Sablettes
(5-star on the peninsula with spa and beach views).
Budget to luxury
range is wide; book in advance for summer. Central locations minimize
transport needs.
Day Trips from Toulon
Toulon is an excellent
base:
Nearby beaches/villages: Les Sablettes, Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer,
or Hyères (historic with palm trees and islands).
Provençal villages:
Le Castellet (hilltop medieval), Sanary-sur-Mer (colorful fishing port),
or Bandol for wine.
Calanques and Cassis: Boat tours to dramatic
cliffs and coves.
Islands: Porquerolles (national park, biking,
beaches) via ferry from nearby.
Further: Saint-Tropez (glamorous but
doable), Aix-en-Provence, or even Marseille.
Many are reachable by
bus, ferry, or short drive; organized tours (wine, villages) are popular
for cruise passengers.
Practical Tips
Safety: Generally safe
for a port city, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (market,
port, transport) like any tourist spot. Standard France precautions
apply—use common sense at night in quieter zones.
Language: French is
primary; English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants,
but basic phrases help in markets or with locals.
Money and Costs:
Euro currency; cards widely accepted. It's more affordable than glitzy
Riviera spots—markets offer cheap fresh food. Budget for cable car
(~€8–10 round-trip) and meals (€15–30 for lunch).
Accessibility: The
old town has some cobblestones and hills; cable car helps with Mont
Faron. Buses are generally accessible.
Other: Tourist office (near
Place Louis Blanc) provides maps, self-guided walks, and passes.
Download offline maps as signal can vary. Respect local etiquette—greet
with "Bonjour," and many shops close for lunch (12–2pm) or on
Sundays/Mondays.
Sustainability: Use public transport/ferries,
support local markets, and avoid single-use plastics at beaches.
Prehistory, Greek Influence, and Roman Era (Prehistoric to 5th
Century AD)
Archaeological evidence shows human presence along
the Provence coast since the Paleolithic era, with nearby sites like
the Cosquer Cave highlighting early habitation. In the 7th century
BC, Greek colonists from Phocaea (in Asia Minor) established trading
posts, including Olbia near modern Hyères, just east of Toulon.
Ligurian tribes settled the area from the 4th century BC. By the 2nd
century BC, the Greek colony of Massalia (Marseille) sought Roman
help against Ligurian raids; the Romans defeated the locals and
founded colonies. Toulon emerged as Telo Martius, one of two major
Roman purple dye centers (using murex sea snails and oak acorns).
Its harbor sheltered trading ships, and the settlement served as a
naval signal station. Christianity arrived in the 5th century, with
the diocese established and early bishops like Augustalis (attending
councils in 441–450) and Saint Cyprian (524–after 541), who
converted Visigothic figures. The first cathedral was built, but as
Roman power waned, the town faced barbarian invasions and pirate
raids.
Early Middle Ages: Invasions and Feudal Control
(5th–15th Centuries)
After Rome’s fall, Toulon endured repeated
attacks. Arabs (Saracens) plundered it between the 8th and 12th
centuries. It fell under the Viscounts of Marseille, then Charles of
Anjou (1226–1285) and his successors. Provence, including Toulon,
passed to France in 1481. The town’s coat of arms dates to the 14th
century, and Toulon Cathedral construction began in 1096 (completed
in the 18th century). Fortifications appeared around the old town,
but the site remained vulnerable.
Renaissance Naval
Foundations (Late 15th–17th Centuries)
Toulon’s transformation
into a military port began under French kings eager for
Mediterranean power. In 1494, Charles VIII started building a
military harbor to support his Italian campaigns (though they
largely failed). In 1514, Louis XII ordered the massive Tour Royale
(Royal Tower) at the harbor entrance—the first major fortification.
François I completed and strengthened it in 1524 against Holy Roman
Emperor Charles V (though it was briefly seized and the town
surrendered).
A dramatic episode came in 1543 during the
Franco-Ottoman alliance: François I invited Ottoman Admiral
Hayreddin Barbarossa’s fleet to winter in Toulon. Most residents
evacuated, and the Ottomans occupied the town for months,
highlighting its strategic value. Henry IV (r. 1589–1610) founded
the first naval arsenal and shipyard in 1599, with a sheltered inner
harbor (Darse Vieille) built 1604–1610. Louis XIV’s minister
Jean-Baptiste Colbert, determined to make France a sea power, tasked
military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban with a major
expansion in 1660: a new arsenal, the Darse Neuve (or Darse Vauban),
extensive shipyards, rope-making facilities (Corderie, 1697), and
fortifications. A triumphal gate (now the Naval Museum entrance) was
added in 1738. By the late 17th century, Toulon was France’s key
Mediterranean naval base, with the Faron heights serving as a
lookout.
18th Century: Wars, Plague, and Growing Importance
Toulon resisted sieges, notably in 1707 during the War of the
Spanish Succession (against forces led by Prince Eugene of Savoy and
Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia). A naval battle occurred nearby in
1744. The Bagne of Toulon—a notorious naval prison—opened in 1748.
Disaster struck in 1720 when the plague from Marseille killed about
13,000 (half the population). Despite this, the arsenal grew,
supporting French fleets in Mediterranean campaigns.
French
Revolution and Napoleonic Era: The Siege of Toulon (1793)
The
Revolution brought turmoil. In 1790, Toulon became the Var
department’s administrative center. In 1793, amid Federalist revolts
against the Jacobin-dominated First Republic, royalists and
Girondins handed the city and its fleet (over 30 ships of the line,
nearly half the French navy) to a British-Spanish fleet under
Admiral Lord Hood. The Anglo-Spanish force occupied the harbor in
the name of the imprisoned Louis XVII.
Republican forces under
the Committee of Public Safety besieged the city from September to
December 1793. A young artillery captain, Napoleon Bonaparte (then
24), played a decisive role in the plan to seize key forts
overlooking the harbor. On December 16–17, Republicans captured the
positions; the Allies evacuated on December 18–19, and French troops
retook Toulon on December 19. Republicans executed hundreds of
royalist prisoners. As punishment, the city was renamed
Port-la-Montagne and lost its departmental capital status
temporarily. The siege launched Napoleon’s career and was a major
Republican victory. During the Napoleonic Wars, the British (under
Horatio Nelson) blockaded Toulon (1803–1805). Napoleon later
departed from Toulon’s Porte d’Italie for his 1796 Italian campaign.
19th Century: Industrial and Colonial Growth
Toulon expanded
as a naval and industrial center. The arsenal modernized;
shipbuilding flourished (e.g., Société Nouvelle des Forges et
Chantiers de la Méditerranée in nearby La Seyne-sur-Mer, 1853).
Population grew rapidly: ~28,000 in 1806, ~46,000 in 1841, ~63,000
in 1846, and ~70,000 by 1886. Urban planning advanced under Georges
Eugène Haussmann (prefect briefly in 1849). The city served as a
departure point for 19th-century colonial expeditions to Africa.
Infrastructure included the Toulon station (1859), opera house
(1862), tram (1886), and cultural institutions like the Musée d’art
(1888). Naval visits (e.g., with Russia’s Kronstadt squadron in the
1890s) underscored alliances. A cholera epidemic hit in 1884.
20th Century: World Wars and Postwar Recovery
In 1935,
shipyard workers rioted against austerity, leading to violence and a
state of emergency. World War II brought devastation. Italian forces
bombed Toulon in June 1940. After the Allied Operation Torch
landings in North Africa (1942), Germany occupied Vichy France (Case
Anton). On November 27, 1942, French Admiral Jean de Laborde ordered
the scuttling of the fleet at Toulon to prevent German capture:
~73–85 vessels (including 3 battleships, 7 cruisers, destroyers,
submarines) were sunk in a coordinated act of defiance. Allied
bombing in 1943–1944 destroyed much of the port and city center,
killing hundreds. French forces liberated Toulon in August 1944
during Operation Dragoon.
Postwar reconstruction was extensive.
The Hôtel de Ville opened in 1970; the University of Toulon (later
University of Toulon-Var) followed in 1968/1979. Population peaked
around 181,000 in 1975 before stabilizing. Politically, the
far-right Front National won municipal elections in 1995 (one of
four French cities) but lost power in 2001. Modern developments
include the A57 autoroute (1964), expanded port facilities, and the
city’s role as home to France’s Mediterranean Fleet (including the
aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle). Cultural sites like the Musée
de la Marine, Mont Faron cable car, and memorials (e.g., to the 1944
Provence landings) preserve its heritage.
Today, Toulon blends
its naval-industrial core with tourism, old-town charm (cathedral,
fountains, narrow streets), beaches, and proximity to Provence
attractions. Its history reflects France’s maritime ambitions,
revolutionary struggles, and resilience through invasions, plagues,
sieges, and world wars. Key remnants include the Tour Royale, Vauban
fortifications, arsenal sites, and the naval museum—testaments to
centuries as a “royal port” and strategic stronghold.
Location and Setting
Toulon lies at approximately 43°07′33″N
5°55′50″E (or 43.12583°N 5.93056°E). It is positioned between Marseille
(about 50–65 km to the west) and Nice (about 80–120 km to the east),
with the Italian border roughly 190 km away. The commune covers 42.84
km², with a population of around 179,000 (2023) and a high density of
about 4,181 people/km². It forms the core of the Métropole Toulon
Provence Méditerranée, which spans multiple communes and stretches along
roughly 200 km of coastline from Ollioules to Hyères.
The city is
nestled between the sea to the south and a dramatic wall of limestone
hills and mountains to the north, creating a natural amphitheater that
has shaped its history, defense, and urban development for centuries.
Topography and Landforms
Toulon's terrain is highly varied for
its compact size, with elevations ranging from sea level (0 m) to 589 m,
averaging just 1 m across the urban core but rising sharply inland. The
city is dominated by Mont Faron (584 m / 1,916 ft), a prominent
limestone peak that overlooks the harbor and city like a natural
sentinel. A cable car (unique on the Mediterranean coast) or narrow road
provides access to the summit, which features panoramic views, hiking
trails, a zoo, and a memorial to the 1944 Allied landings in Provence.
Mont Faron is part of the "Mounts of Toulon," a chain of limestone
massifs that form a protective barrier (roughly 20 km long) against
northern weather systems. Other notable peaks include:
Mont Caume (up
to 804 m, the highest in the chain)
Mont Coudon (702 m)
Baou de
Quatre Aures
Gros Cerveau
Cap Sicié massif (to the west)
These rugged, white limestone cliffs and slopes are covered in typical
Mediterranean vegetation: maquis or garrigue shrubland (aromatic herbs
like thyme, lavender, and rosemary), umbrella pines, and forests. The
geology is primarily karstic limestone from Jurassic and Cretaceous
periods, leading to complex underground drainage and occasional
flash-flood risks in small streams.
The urban area transitions from
low-lying coastal plains and port zones to hilly peripheries, with the
historic center squeezed between the harbor and the mountain backdrop.
Coastal Features and the Harbor
Toulon's defining geographical
feature is its Rade de Toulon (Toulon roadstead), one of the largest and
best-protected natural anchorages on the Mediterranean. It is divided
into:
The Petite Rade (inner harbor) — a deep, sheltered basin (up to
20 m depth) historically developed since the 16th–17th centuries with
the Darse Vieille and now home to France's primary Mediterranean naval
base, arsenal, shipyards, and much of the French Navy (including the
aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle).
The Grande Rade (outer
roadstead) — more open but still protected, used for larger vessels and
commercial traffic.
The harbor opens eastward and is naturally
shielded by the Saint-Mandrier peninsula to the south and the Cap Sicié
massif to the west. This topography minimizes wave action and provides
excellent shelter from winds and storms, making it a premier naval and
ferry port (with regular service to Corsica).
The coastline is
predominantly rocky with limestone cliffs and coves, but it includes
some sheltered sandy beaches. The Plages du Mourillon (Le Mourillon
neighborhood, east of the harbor) features artificially enhanced sandy
beaches protected by breakwaters, popular with locals. Further east,
areas like Cap Brun offer wilder rocky shores and small coves. To the
west lies La Seyne-sur-Mer and the imposing Cap Sicié.
Climate
Toulon has a classic hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with
subtropical influences, moderated by the sea. Key characteristics
include:
Abundant sunshine: ~2,854 hours per year (second-highest in
metropolitan France after Marseille).
Mild winters: January daily
mean ~9.9°C (rarely below freezing).
Hot, dry summers: July daily
mean ~24.7°C, with highs around 29.5°C (record 40.1°C).
Annual
precipitation: ~633 mm, concentrated in autumn and winter (often
torrential); summers are very dry (e.g., July averages just 6 mm).
Frequent strong winds: ~115 days per year, including the cold, dry
Mistral (from the north) and others like the Marin, Sirocco, or Levant.
January is the windiest month.
The mountain barrier shields the
city from harsher northern continental influences, while the sea keeps
temperatures moderate.
Hydrology and Environment
Surface water
is limited. There are no major rivers flowing through Toulon itself. The
primary watercourse is the small Las River (or Las), an urban
Mediterranean stream that drains into the Bay of Toulon. It is fed by
karst springs from the surrounding limestone aquifers (Jurassic and
Cretaceous layers) and is prone to flash floods during heavy rains. The
broader area features complex karst hydrogeology with underground
drainage systems.
The surrounding massifs support rich biodiversity
and are popular for hiking. The harbor and coastal zones support marine
life, fishing, and tourism, though the naval presence and urbanization
influence the local environment. The mountains are being considered for
Natura 2000 protection.
Urban Geography and Human Interaction
Toulon's layout is intimately tied to its geography: the historic Old
Town clusters around the port with narrow streets and fountains; the
19th-century Upper Town expands inland toward the railway; and modern
districts extend along the coast and up the hills. Neighborhoods like Le
Mourillon blend residential, naval, and beach uses. The port and arsenal
remain central, with Mont Faron providing a constant visual and
defensive backdrop. This compact, sea-and-mountain setting has made
Toulon a key military, commercial, and tourist hub for centuries.