LA SEYNE-SUR-MER: Natural heritage - Fort Napoléon park reveals its new look
After five months of work, the Département du Var has completed the redevelopment of Fort Napoléon park to promote its history and secure visitor access.
The departmental park of Fort Napoléon, a green lung and a popular walking spot for Seynois as well as tourists, now offers a completely renovated face. After major works launched on October 6, 2025, and completed last February, this iconic site overlooking the rade de Toulon has been entirely redeveloped by the Conseil départemental du Var. The goal: protect this unique heritage while improving the visitor experience.
A much-needed facelift
With its very high visitor numbers, the Espace naturel sensible (ENS) of Fort Napoléon was showing significant signs of wear. The constant trampling of the numerous "wild" paths degraded the soil, exposed roots, and threatened the health of the trees. Added to this were repeated damage and acts of vandalism on street furniture, such as benches, bins, or sports facilities.
Faced with this situation, the Département has initiated a global redevelopment plan, which follows on from past investments. Back in 2002, €120,000 had been dedicated to enhancing the site. In 2003, €190,000 helped solidify the fortifications. More recently, in 2014, an orienteering course respectful of fragile areas was created for €20,000. The intervention of recent months therefore represents a crucial new step in the preservation of this local gem.
An open-air museum in the footsteps of Bonaparte
The centerpiece of this renovation is the creation of three thematic discovery loops, designed to replace the hundred or so anarchic paths that crisscrossed the park. These marked trails aim to guide the public to protect the ecosystem, while offering an unprecedented educational and cultural dimension. A true open-air museum now awaits walkers.
The first loop plunges visitors into history, following in the footsteps of Napoléon Bonaparte and the decisive battle of 1793 that allowed him to recapture Toulon from the English. Explanatory panels will answer questions about the military strategy of the time. The second loop is dedicated to the ecological richness of the site, highlighting its role as a sanctuary for migratory birds, its Mediterranean flora, and its fauna, including the very present red squirrel. Finally, the patrol path circuit offers spectacular panoramas over the bay, enhanced by landscape interpretation panels that decipher its history and characteristics.
A 100% departmental investment
The total cost of these developments amounts to €465,221.95 including VAT, a sum fully funded by the Département du Var. The project, led by Jean-Louis Masson, president of the Conseil départemental, and Martine Arenas, vice-president in charge of the Environment, was closely followed by the departmental councillors of the canton, Lydie Onteniente and Ludovic Pontone, in connection with the municipality of Joseph Miniti, mayor of La Seyne-sur-Mer.
In parallel with the works, brush clearing and pine felling operations were carried out to comply with the Obligations Légales de Débroussaillement (OLD), thus strengthening safety against fire risk. The parking lot located below the fort has also been rehabilitated for a better visitor experience.
To guarantee the sustainability of these efforts, the old wild paths have been closed. The public is asked to respect the new signage and to use exclusively the designated paths to preserve the beauty and richness of this restored heritage.
Article written based on a press release sent to the editorial team