To spot the Alexander I Garden in front of you, just look for an open, lush green space with neat pathways and a white statue of a seated man surrounded by quaint lamp posts-right under your nose!
Welcome to the Alexander I Garden: a slice of living history right here in the heart of Toulon. Imagine it's the year 1852: Toulon is buzzing, expanding, and in desperate need of a little nature amidst all the city chaos. So what did they do? They grabbed a patch of land from the Navy, rolled up their sleeves, and created a green paradise packed with wide, shady plane tree alleys. Word has it, the original garden was called the “Jardin du Roy” and served as the Navy officers’ playground, complete with fruits and flowers destined for royal tables at Versailles-talk about fancy fruit salad!
Fast forward, the garden gets a new royal twist: it’s named after King Alexander I of Yugoslavia, in honor of his visit before his tragic assassination in Marseille. Over the years, the Alexander I Garden grew into a playground for the people-a spot to unwind, gossip, or try to spot one of the fat goldfish in the old stone basin. Picture kids dashing toward the play areas, parents relaxing under the sun, and on a lucky day, music drifting from the grand bandstand, added during the 1989 makeover alongside the beautiful iron gates.
But wait, there’s more! Cast your eyes on the majestic gateway salvaged from the distant church of Notre-Dame de Courtine, transported stone by stone and topped with a heroic Hercules. And don’t miss the famous statue by your side, celebrating Toulon’s own Pierre Puget, alongside a proud monument to the local poet Jean Aicard and the war memorial. Each year, locals flock here for the spring Plant Fair or to savor sweet and savory chestnuts at the rollicking November Chestnut Festival.
So, take a breath, soak in the scents of fresh grass and blooming flowers. Alexander I Garden isn’t just a park-it’s Toulon’s cheerful and leafy living room!
