Military heritage
From Roman times to contemporary conflicts, the Var has been the scene of many military events due to its strategic geographical position. The remains of fortifications, museums and commemorative monuments are an integral part of Le Var’s heritage and bear witness to its place in national military history.
Le Var and its military tradition
Its strategic geographical position has made Le Var an area of great military potential.
An important crossing point for the Crusades and conflicts between the various Mediterranean powers during the medieval period, Le Var was also the scene of numerous conflicts between the kings of France and the local princes during the Renaissance.
From the major battles of the French Revolution to the liberation of Provence in 1944, the region has been the scene of military events that have left an indelible mark on history. As a result of its rich military history and tradition, the Var today retains many historic sites and monuments linked to the defence of its territory, such as forts, coastal batteries, barracks, museums and memorials. Today, Toulon, France's leading military port, is the symbol of this history and of the ever-strong link between the Var and national defence.
The forts
The forts, batteries and gun towers make up the defence and surveillance system of the Rade, from Bormes to Six Fours via the Hyères islands. They bear witness to the region's military history, and today contribute to the cultural and heritage enrichment of the area.
One of the Var's most famous fortified buildings is the Fort de Brégançon in Bormes-les-Mimosas. Perched on a 30-metre-high rocky outcrop, this former French coastal defence post has stood the test of centuries. Since 1968, it has served as a summer residence for French presidents. The fort is open to visitors.
Fort du Pradeau (or Tour Fondue, in Hyères) stands at the southern end of the Giens peninsula, offering a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Restored in 2022, the Pradeau battery has been completely refurbished and now houses an exhibition centre showcasing the flora and fauna of the Port-Cros National Park.
In the Toulon area, the Tour Royale is the first in a long series of forts designed to protect the strategic Toulon harbour. Together with Fort Balaguier and Fort de l'Eguilette (La Seyne-sur-Mer), they formed a strategic ensemble designed to block access to the small Toulon roadstead. Today, the Tour Royale hosts a number of cultural events, while Fort Balaguier is a museum dedicated to the underwater world.
Fort Napoléon was built in the 19th century on the orders of the Emperor. It never saw combat, with the exception of the liberation of Provence in 1944. Today, the fort is a venue for contemporary art exhibitions, end-of-year festivities and other events.
Proudly anchored at an altitude of 563m, the Croix-Faron fort was mobilised by the Germans during the Second World War, when they installed cannons to attack Allied ships in Toulon harbour. The Allies then carried out a daring operation to capture the fort. It is now open to the public and offers a panoramic view of Toulon harbour.
They also made the history of the Var:
- The forts on the island of Porquerolles (Hyères): Fort Sainte Agathe (open to visitors), Fort de la Repentance, Fort d'l'Alycastre, Fort du Grand Langoustier.
- The forts on the island of Port-Cros (Hyères): Fort de l'Estissac (open to visitors), Fort du Moulin.
- Fort de la Bayarde, Carqueiranne
- Fort Saint-Louis, Toulon
Fortified buildings in the Var
The museums
A number of museums also showcase the Var's rich military heritage. Among them, the Musée national de la Marine in Toulon, a Musée de France, traces the history of the French Navy and the Toulon naval base through a rich collection of objects, scale models and period documents. The Draguignan Artillery Museum offers visitors an impressive collection of weapons and military equipment. The Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération de Toulon (which we'll talk about later in our section on "The D-Day Landings in Provence") tells the story of the city during the Second World War, while the Musée des Troupes de Marine in Fréjus presents the history and missions of French colonial troops. These museums bear witness to the region's military history and offer visitors an enriching and educational experience.
Other museums include
- Liberation Museum, Le Muy
- Musée Balaguier, La Seyne-sur-Mer
- Museum of the Resistance, Aups
Places of remembrance
Numerous memorial sites in the heart of the département pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country. They bear poignant witness to the bravery and courage of those who fought.
Among these sites is the impressive Rhône Memorial and American cemetery in Draguignan, which contains the graves of 851 American soldiers, including 62 unknowns, who lost their lives in the fighting in 1944.
These places of remembrance are an invitation to reflect, but also to discover and understand our shared history.
Some of them:
War 1914-1918:
- The National Necropolis at Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer
- Monument to Marshal Galliéni in Saint-Raphaël
- Black Army Memorial in Fréjus
- Monument to the dead classified as a Historic Monument in Toulon
War 1939-1945:
- The D-Day Landing and Liberation in Provence Memorial in Toulon
- Deportation and Internment Memorial, Toulon
- Boulouris National Necropolis , Saint-Raphaël
- 36th Division Monument , Saint-Raphaël
- Plateau du Mitan in La Motte
- Bargemon war memorial
- National Necropolis of the Provence Landings at Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
The Provence landings
The Provence invasion, also known as Operation Dragoon, was one of the most important military operations carried out by the Allies during the Second World War. It took place from 15 August to 14 September 1944 and contributed to the liberation of France by pinning down the enemy from the Normandy coast to the Var coast and forcing them to retreat.
Its memorial journey can also be followed through the various sites still visible in the Var, such as the landing beaches (Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Saint-Raphaël, Ramatuelle, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer and the port of Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer), as well as inland sites such as La Motte(Mémorial du Mitan) and Le Muy(Musée de la Libération).
Finally, a visit to the Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération de Provence in Toulon is a great way to discover the history of the Var resistance and the liberation of the town in August 1944. The museum displays objects, uniforms, documents and an example of a Sherman tank in front of the memorial.
All these sites bear witness to the rich history of the Provence landings and the contribution of the Allied forces to the liberation of France. They help us to understand the issues and challenges of this period in history, and to pay tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
Toulon Harbour
It is one of the most emblematic military sites in the Var and the region. Situated between the Saint-Mandrier peninsula and Mont Faron, it is, according to Vauban, the most beautiful harbour in Europe. It has witnessed many naval battles and has been the home port of the French Navy for centuries.
Fortified from the 18th century onwards, the harbour was protected by a defensive system with the construction of the Tour Royale on the Toulon side and the Balaguier fort on the west bank on the La Seyne-sur-Mer side. It was subsequently reinforced by others, such as the Croix-Faron fort, the Collégiale fort in Six-Fours on the heights, the Lamalgue fort and the Colle Noire fort. During the Second World War, in 1942, the Toulon roadstead was the scene of the scuttling of the French fleet when the Germans arrived. 90% of the ships in the harbour were destroyed.
Today, Toulon harbour is France's leading naval base and home to the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier. The forts that line the harbour have been restored, and some are open to the public for guided tours. The Toulon area is also a popular place for strolling. Come aboard with one of the boatmen for a guided tour of the harbour and a breathtaking view of the warships.
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