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Harbor · Marselha, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Vallon des Auffes
Small fishing port hidden under a three-arched bridge of the Corniche Kennedy, with colorful little houses and traditional boats. The Corniche runs for almost 4 km along the sea, with views of the islands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vallon des Auffes
The Corniche Kennedy (Corniche du Président-John-Fitzgerald-Kennedy) is the avenue that follows the sea for about 3.7 km, from Plage des Catalans to the Prado beaches. It was opened between 1848 and 1863 and widened in the 20th century. From the parapet, which serves as a long bench, you can see the Frioul islands and the Château d'If.
Midway, the corniche passes over the Vallon des Auffes on a 19th-century three-arched bridge. Below is a tiny fishing harbor, with about fifty fishermen’s houses, restaurants and roughly 80 berths for boats, including the pointus, traditional wooden Provençal boats.
The name comes from the auffe, a plant fiber that local craftsmen braided to make ropes and fishing nets from the 18th century. You descend by stairs from the corniche.
Heading south, the corniche passes the Monument aux morts de l'Armée d'Orient and the Malmousque neighborhood, with narrow streets over the rocks, down to the Prado beaches.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
In the late afternoon, when the sun sets on the islands' side (from May to August the sun usually sets after 9:00 PM). The restaurants in the Vallon mainly operate at dinner: French dining hours typically start from 7:30 PM.
Best time
Bus 83 from the Vieux-Port, which runs along the corniche. On foot, about 30 minutes from the Vieux-Port, passing the Palais du Pharo and the praia dos Catalans.
How to get there
The Vallon des Auffes is known for its fish restaurants and bouillabaisse. Book in advance in summer and check what is included in the bouillabaisse before ordering.
Tip
The Vallon des Auffes is known for its fish restaurants and bouillabaisse. Book in advance in summer and confirm what is included in the bouillabaisse before ordering.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vallon des Auffes
How to get from the Vieux-Port to the Vallon des Auffes?
By bus 83, which runs along the Corniche Kennedy, or on foot in about 30 minutes along the waterfront.
Is the Vallon des Auffes good for eating bouillabaisse?
It's one of Marselha's traditional seafood restaurant areas. Book ahead, especially in summer.
Can you swim at the Corniche Kennedy?
There are beaches along it, such as Les Catalans at the start and the Prado beaches at the end. Swimming season usually runs from June to September.