Fort Saint Louis is an imposing castle at the western end of Mourillon Beach. Dating back to the 1600s, the fortress was ordered to be constructed by King Louis XIV to defend the port town of Toulon against invasions. Appreciate the unobstructed views of the fort from the adjacent pier.
The castle was initially surrounded by water on all sides, before a platform was built to connect it to the town. In earlier days, entrance to the structure came through an elevated gate and a drawbridge. See the structure at night, when it is illuminated by bright lights that reflect in the shimmering surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
Stroll along the connecting pier, which is bordered on one side by stones and the other by a row of yachts. The pier provides shelter to the Port Saint-Louis du Mourillon on the western side of the fortress. As you walk along this jetty, appreciate your picturesque surroundings, with the fort, the harbor and the southern shore of Toulon in your sights.
Formerly known as the Fort des Vignettes, the structure was almost entirely destroyed in the Siege of Toulon in 1707, before being rebuilt the following year under its present name. Arrive in mid August to see the annual fireworks display at the fort. View the fort for free from the outside at any time, although its interior is not accessible to the public. The building is still used today by the French Navy.
Fort Saint Louis juts out from the southern shore of Toulon in the south of France. It marks the western side of Mourillon Beach. Consider driving and leaving your car in the adjacent parking lot. See some of the other landmarks in the area, such as the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, Kiddy’s Land amusement center and the Aire de Jeux du Mourillon golf course.
