Vallon des Auffes, Marseille (must see)

The Vallon des Auffes, located in the 7th arrondissement of Marseille, is a charming traditional fishing haven. Situated approximately 2.5 kilometers southwest of the Old Port, it lies between the Catalans Beach and Malmousque Bay, accessible via the Corniche Kennedy.

This quaint valley houses around fifty fishermen's cabins and small traditional fishing boats, including the iconic pointu boats. The fishermen's catch is primarily reserved for local restaurants, adding to the authentic experience of the place. The name "Vallon des Auffes" originates from "l'auffe" or "alfa" in the Provençal dialect, referring to a type of grass used in the production of ropes, braids, and fishing nets.

A striking feature of the area is the reinforced concrete arched bridge, constructed with stone masonry, which spans the port with three semicircular arches, each towering 17 meters (56 feet) high. The bridge stretches a total length of 60 meters (200 feet) and was built as part of the Corniche of President John F. Kennedy.

In 1927, the monument to the fallen soldiers of the East Army and distant lands was inaugurated by President of France, Gaston Doumergue. This monument features a 5-meter-tall bronze statue of a woman with her arms raised to the sky, gazing towards the Mediterranean Sea. It was later designated as a Historic Monument on July 23, 2009.

Over the years, the Vallon des Auffes has witnessed various murals adorning its landscape. From 1998 to 2006, a large painted mural of the renowned Marseille footballer, Zinedine Zidane, was displayed by Adidas, boasting the phrase "Made in Marseille." This was later replaced by a Coca-Cola advertisement.

In 2013, during Marseille's stint as the European capital of culture, the artist JR unveiled a poster featuring an unidentified woman from Marseille, Annick Perrot-Bishop, as a tribute to the famous footballer, symbolizing Marseille's connection to the world. Subsequently, this portrait made way for an advertisement showcasing a well-known brand of sunglasses.