Tour Royale (Royal Tower), Toulon

The Royal Tower (Tour Royale) is the oldest defense post built in Toulon’s bay, earning it the local nickname “the big tower”. Constructed between 1514 and 1524, the fort was designed not only for military strength but also for luxury and comfort, ensuring the garrison could endure a lengthy siege under optimal conditions.

Measuring 60 meters in diameter and rising 20 meters high, the slightly oval-shaped structure included wide entrenchments, a vast upper platform capable of holding numerous cannonballs, and an intricate system of underground galleries. The lower batteries featured powerful furnaces for heating cannonballs, while casemates, fallback rooms, cisterns, and storage areas ensured the fort could withstand prolonged attacks.

By the 18th century, the Royal Tower had lost its military significance and was primarily used as a prison. During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), it served as a depository for Banque de France’s gold reserves. Around 1900, it was fully disarmed and converted into a storage facility for torpedoes. During World War II, the Germans occupied the fort, equipping it with anti-aircraft guns, and it narrowly escaped destruction during American bombing raids. Despite its shifting roles, the Tour Royale has remained an enduring symbol of Toulon’s maritime defense history.

Today, the Tour Royale is open to the public during the summer months, welcoming visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a modest €2 entrance fee (for guests aged 6 and above). While much of its artillery is long gone, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Toulon’s military past and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.