Musée Balaguier

Built in 1634, and reinforced by Vauban, this gun tower was used to protect the Toulon harbour when it crossed swords with the Royale Tower

In July 2022, the museum changes and turns to the underwater world.

Since 1970, the fort has been a naval museum focusing on local maritime history, the Toulon penal colony and the life of the convicts. Listed as a Historical Monument since 1973.

At the beginning of July 2022, we can look forward to the revival of Fort Balaguier, with several immersive displays and a scuba diving exhibition.

A dedicated hospitality area and boutique will also be available to help you make the most of this jewel.

Balaguier Fort has been identified as a pilot site alongside those in Marseille (Cosquer Cave Interpretation Centre), Nice (Vivier Véran), Hyères (Fort du Pradeau) and La Londe les Maures.

At the Fort de Balaguier pilot site, the Neptune project involves the provision of a number of digital tools by the Région Sud PACA, and partnerships with the French Navy, IFREMER and the Louvre.

An immersive device has been installed in the former Balaguier chapel.

Using virtual reality headsets, visitors are plunged right into the heart of the underwater world, with a visit to the Arroyo wreck in 3D reconstruction.

An interactive terminal offers educational tours, and visitors can navigate according to their own preferences and/or with the help of the on-site guides.

You can also discover the Robin robot designed to explore the famous Titanic.

In the lower room of the tower, a film written and directed by Gil Kebaïli, "Je suis la Méditerranée" (I am the Mediterranean), evokes both the beauty of the Big Blue and the need to safeguard it at all costs.

From 01/01 to 30/06
Opening hours on Tuesday between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
Closed exceptionally on January 1st, Easter Monday, Feast of the Ascension, Whit Monday, May 1st and May 8th.
Museum open every day except Mondays, Tuesday mornings and public holidays.

From 01/07 to 31/08
Opening hours on Tuesday between 3 pm and 7 pm. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm and between 3 pm and 7 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 3 pm and 7 pm.
Closed on Monday.
Closed exceptionally on July 14th and August 15th.
Museum open every day except Mondays, Tuesday mornings and public holidays.

From 01/09 to 31/12
Opening hours on Tuesday between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
Closed exceptionally on November 1st, November 11th and December 25th.
Museum open every day except Mondays, Tuesday mornings and public holidays.

Full price: €3
under 18s, unemployed... : 2 €
Free for children under 5, disabled persons.

Facilities

• Picnic area
• Toilets
• Car park
• Coach parking

Services

• Guided tours