Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération en Provence

Not much to see at this €6 museum ... Interesting view though near the German anti-tank gun ! The Beaumont Tower was part of the Toulon harbor defense and surveillance system built in 1845 where the Memorial is dedicated to the Allied landings of August 15, 1944, and the liberation of Provence. Inaugurated by General de Gaulle on August 15, 1964, the museum was redesigned wiyh modern technologies in 2016 and officially opened in its new form which is, somehow, disappointing. Though you can see ouside an interesting American tank and gun or enjoy some of the view ... It was the General de Gaulle who wanted a memorial to pay tribute to the soldiers of Army B (later renamed the First French Army) and commemorate the Allied landings of August 1944, in which French troops had played a role. In 1963, to choose the location, Toulon was proposed, whose capture was of paramount importance for the liberation of Provence. Although isolated, Mont Faron was appealing because of its prestigious location and the vastness of its panorama ! It was also a place of remembrance, as it had been the scene of battles, notably those fought by the shock battalion in August 21st and 22nd, 1944. Indeed, on the hill, facing the harbor, stood a small military fort used for surveillance, the Beaumont Tower. To create the memorial, the architect used its premises, attaching a series of low buildings to it ...

The most fabulous museum with the best views of Toulon from the terrace which would be worth the (small) entrance fee alone. Such an informative exhibition- the film near the end is simplt stunning. Bravo 🥰

A really important memorial and museum to what is, for many British history buffs, a woefully under-studied campaign to capture the south of France, Operation Dragoon. Beautifully laid out with french and English explanations throughout, the visitor really benefits from learning about the background and build up right up to the operation itself with all aspects, including the prelim commando raids on the îles d'Hyere, the British/American Operation Rugby parachute landings and the beach assaults themselves. There is also copious detail on the very stubborn combat by French forces to retake Toulon itself and other 'Festungs' along that coast. The panoramic screen layout for the operation landings themselves is one of the best I've seen. Overall a very worthwhile museum/memorial visit to a campaign that deserves to be better known (it was, to an extent, a victim of its own success and flawlessness in terms of notoriety). My only complaint is that the gift shop is genuinely non-existent, and it would be relatively easy to make some memorabilia marked with Operation Dragoon. The Musee d'Marine down in Toulon city near the harbour manages to do this, so would recommend the management take note from them.

The experience gives you the best views of the surrounding areas of Toulon, on a bright day, it’s easy to see as far as Marseille. The mini museum gives good insight and the experience it self is fairly in expensive, would recommend to any tourist visiting the mountain

A hair rasing ride to the top of the mtn was definitely worth it....but it was a skinny road. Great views of the city and the harbor! Museum was very narrow at points but very interesting, mostly in French...it is a French museum though..., but it did have a fair amount of English, interesting info on the French resistanc as well. Also learned a lot about Operation Dragoon.

Really beautiful place. You can return in the past and understand how and what was that suffering days of our comrades during the war. Very well explained and maintained. Perfect to have a walk around.

Great museum with grand views of Toulon from its terrace! Would come again.

A fantastic little museum telling a fascinating lesser known story from ww2. The museum is flanked by an M4a1 (76) sherman, a 7.5cm german pak 38 AT gun and a 90mm AA gun. Inside a range of exhibits and plenty of information tell the story and help you to understand truly why the memorial is there.