Vallon des Auffes: Marseille’s hidden fishing village
If you are visiting Marseille and looking for that instagram-worthy picturesque spot, apart from the Vieux Port and Notre Dame de la Garde, the slightly hidden Vallon des Auffes is it.
About 5 minutes from Catalans beach and 20-minute walk from the Vieux Port, there is a small former fishing village called Vallon des Auffes. With a large bridge called the “Pont de la corniche Kennedy”, it is in the heart of Marseille’s 7th arrondissement and one of the most picturesque sites in the city.
Where to stay
- €€€€ – Hotel C2
- €€€€€ – Sofitel hotel
Getting there
One thing to note, the entrance to Vallon des Auffes is a little hidden. There are narrow staircases down if you are coming from the back of the Vallon, but if you are coming from the Vieux Port, you can miss it entirely.
Walking along the large avenue called La Corniche John Kennedy, you will cross a large monument that serves as a war memorial.
To get to Vallon des Auffes, you actually have to take a small staircase next to the memorial and go under the large bridge that spans the harbour. It is not the most accessible-friendly path, so if you are traveling with a wheelchair or stroller, so you may want to double-check your plans.
Bars, cafés and restaurants
Once you do enter the Vallon, you will see beautiful colorful pastel houses, plenty of fishing boats and small restaurant terrasses.
The waterfront is dotted with unpretentious seafood restaurants like L’Épuisette, offering fresh catches of the day. Enjoy a meal with a backdrop of lapping waves of the Mediterranean.
Other great cafes and restaurants that also serve drinks include:
- Chez Fonfon
- L’Avant Cour
- Chez Jeannot – pizzeria
The area is a wonderful spot to indulge in an apéro at sunset, so grab your spot early. Because this is coastal living!
☞ READ MORE: Best French beach towns and coastal cities
Where to stay?
There are plenty of wonderful hotels in Marseille, and if you want to stay along the coast, here are some good hotels:
Recommended Hotels nearby:
- €€€€ – Hotel C2
- €€€€€ – Sofitel hotel
Further along the Corniche with spectacular views are:
- €€€ – Le Rhul hotel
- €€€€€ – Le Petit Nice Passedat hotel
You can find more about where to stay in Marseille here.