Vallon des Auffes

About

Vallon des Auffes is a charming, traditional fishing haven tucked into the 7th arrondissement of Marseille. Situated just 2.5 km southwest of the Old Port, the enclave sits between the Catalans beach and the Malmousque bay, offering a quiet, authentic seaside atmosphere that is a welcome contrast to the bustling city center. The quarter is defined by its picturesque collection of fisherman’s cabins and classic pointu boats, many of which still belong to local families whose catch is sold directly to the surrounding restaurants. A hallmark of the area is the 19th‑century stone arch bridge – the Pont de la Corniche Kennedy – whose three semicircular arches rise 17 m high, spanning the harbor and adding a historic architectural touch. An added cultural landmark within the harbor is the bronze statue of a woman with outstretched arms dedicated to the East Army, erected by President Gaston Doumergue in 1927 and inscribed as a historic monument in 2009. Together, these features create a light‑hearted, maritime tableau that invites visitors to stroll along the waterfront, sample local seafood, and soak in the Mediterranean ambience of Marseille’s historic harbor.