Between the sparkling harbor, markets filled with the scent of olives, and artisan workshops hidden in the alleys, Toulon has everything you need to come back with an authentic, compact, and sun-filled souvenir. 🏖️ Local delicacies, Provençal creations, or scented bottles: a roundup of the 5 gifts that hit the mark at first sight – and even more once unwrapped.
Top 5 must-have souvenirs from Toulon to bring back in 2025
These five gems summarize Toulon’s identity: a mix of the Mediterranean, know-how, and friendliness.
| 🎁 Souvenir | Why it’s a must | Recommended point of sale |
|---|---|---|
| 🍪 Cade toulonnaise | Soft chickpea cake, symbol of the port; gluten-free! | Market Cours Lafayette, 83000 Toulon |
| 🍸 Pastis Henri Bardouin | 65 plants & spices, premium alternative to classic pastis (consume in moderation) | Grocery store Maison Bremond 1830, 10 Place Louis Blanc |
| 🧼 Savon de la Savonnerie du Midi | 72% vegetable oil formula, natural drying, coastal scent | Le Comptoir du Savon, 31 Rue Hoche |
| 🍷 Vins Domaine de la Navicelle | Organic rosé IGP Mediterranean, notes of grapefruit and peach | Domain cellar, 2840 Route de Sanary, Le Pradet |
| 🪆 Santons Escoffier | Hand-painted santons, Provençal clay, Christmas tradition | Workshop, 7 Impasse Puy Giraud, La Valette-du-Var |
- 🌟 Each product fits in carry-on luggage (except bottles) and costs less than €35.
- 🔗 More ideas in the Var? Check out the BuzzFrance selection and the Guide-Sud-Provence.
- 📚 Curious to compare? Take a look at the pages: souvenirs from Dijon or from Metz.
Cade toulonnaise: the market star
In the shade of the plane trees on cours Lafayette, the queue in front of “La Cade à Dédé” proves locals’ attachment to this soft cake. Round, golden, and slightly salty, it is sold by the slice; ideal for traveling without crumbling.
- ⏰ Available from 7 a.m., perfect for a beach breakfast.
- 🥡 Biodegradable packaging provided on-site.
- 📺 Want to learn the recipe? Ouigo explains the history of the cade.
Assembled in Forcalquier, Pastis Henri Bardouin unfolds a bouquet of licorice, cardamom, and centaury. Toulon wine merchants recommend it to accompany poutargue or a platter of Biscuits Le Drageoir – perfect for aperitifs.
- 🍋 Dilute 1 part pastis with 5 parts very cold water.
- 🛍️ Also available at Olga Cadeaux, 12 Quai Cronstadt.
- 📊 Sales up 12% in 2024 according to Var-Matin (source).
Where to buy these souvenirs: shopping itinerary in Toulon
From the Port de la Rade to the alleys of the old town, each shop displays its specialty. Following this itinerary guarantees a bag full without unnecessary detours.
- 🗺️ 9:00 a.m.: Marché cours Lafayette – cade, chichi, olives (Olives et tapenades La Lieutenante).
- 🔔 10:30 a.m.: Maison Bremond 1830 – olive oils, Terre d’Oc scented teas.
- 🍬 11:15 a.m.: Confiserie Fouque, 15 Rue d’Alger – nougats and calissons.
- 🍫 2:00 p.m.: Chocolaterie de Puyricard, 36 Rue Marius Jannon – preservative-free ganaches.
- 🕯️ 3:30 p.m.: Savonnerie du Midi corner, Centre Mayol – traditional soap.
- 🪆 4:30 p.m.: Santons Escoffier workshop – figurines & free customization.
Spotlight on three addresses not to miss
1️⃣ Biscuits Le Drageoir, 18 Rue d’Alger – “Grêlons aux épices” assortment at €6 per bag.
2️⃣ Olga Cadeaux – cicada mugs, Toulon harbor magnets, vintage cards.
3️⃣ Maison Bremond 1830 – “Olives & tapenade La Lieutenante” box + AOC Vallée des Baux oil.
Packing and gifting tips for unbreakable presents 🎁
A good souvenir must arrive intact and even better than at the moment of purchase. Here’s how to achieve this.
- 📦 Optimize the suitcase: slip the soap between clothes, place the wine bottle in the center surrounded by socks.
- 🌡️ Manage the heat: Chocolaterie de Puyricard chocolates tolerate 28 °C; above that, use an insulated pouch.
- ✈️ Respect customs: pastis & wine in checked baggage (maximum 1 L per adult within the EU).
- 🎀 Personalize the gift: add a scented Terre d’Oc postcard for an olfactory wink.
- 🔗 More transport tips? Read: souvenirs from Florence and from Toulouse.
Mistake to avoid: the impersonal gift
Giving a generic magnet with no link to the recipient lacks emotion. Prefer a soap personalized with initials or a wine label signed by the winemaker; these gestures cost little but leave a lasting impression.
Frequently asked questions about Toulon souvenirs
What is the average price of an Escoffier santon?
Expect €12 for a 7 cm hand-painted santon; personalized pieces start at €18.
How long does the cade toulonnaise keep?
24 hours at room temperature, up to 3 days in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap.
Where can you taste Domaine de la Navicelle wines for free?
The cellar offers free tastings Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. / 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Are Savonnerie du Midi soaps suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, the “Pur Végétal” range contains no dye or synthetic fragrance, ideal for reactive skin.
Can you ship Pastis Henri Bardouin from the Toulon post office?
Yes, provided you use the approved bottle packaging and select the “Liquids >24%” option.
