Toulon

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-12-07 Diary Coverage: August 1873

Overview

Toulon is a major port city on the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France. Marie passes through Toulon on August 28, 1873, during her train journey from Paris to Nice.

Historical Context

In the 1870s, Toulon was:

• France's principal Mediterranean naval base
• A major commercial port
• An important stop on the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean (PLM) railway line
• Still recovering from the turmoil of the Franco-Prussian War and Paris Commune (1870-71)

Geographical Position

Toulon is strategically located:

• On the Mediterranean coast, about 65km east of Marseille
• About 150km west of Nice
• Important waypoint on the coastal railway route

Marie's Stop - August 28, 1873

During her overnight train journey from Paris to Nice:

• The train arrives in Toulon around dinner time (approximately 10:00 AM based on her comment)
• Marie and her companions have dinner at the station
• She finds the food "très bien" (very good)
• She wishes it were later (noon or 1:00 PM) so she could enjoy the meal more fully

Marie notes that from Toulon onward, she is "en proie à une grande douleur" (prey to great sorrow) because she is approaching Nice, which she abhors (in contrast to Paris, which she adores).

Railway Travel Context

The Paris-Nice railway journey in 1873 typically took about 24 hours:

• Departed Paris evening/night
• Marseille reached early morning
• Toulon mid-morning
• Arrival in Nice late afternoon/evening

Stops like Toulon allowed passengers to have proper meals, stretch their legs, and break up the long journey.

Related Entries

See also: #Train, #Marseille, #Nice, #Paris_1870s