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The Corniche Kennedy

A viewpoint on the Mediterranean sea

From the Catalan beach to Prado. The Corniche Kennedy offers one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean sea and its  islands. Paying tribute to the American president murdered in 1963. Attracting a lot of tourists every year to enjoy this panoramic view, its beaches and its rich historic background. All along the Corniche, Marseille’s gastronomy is also highlighted by various famous establishments.

A popular walk from the Pharo palace to the Prado Beaches.

The Corniche has been opened since 1863, at the beginning, it was supposed to be a narrow coastal path. So it would be the perfect asset to develop Marseille by the seaside . Between 1954 and 1968, the road was widened by the Gaston Deferre’s municipality in order to make a breathtaking panoramic boulevard. In 1963, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the President of the United States is coldy murdered in Dallas. As a tribute to this stateman, the Corniche was named the Corniche President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Spreading for 3 kilometers, the Corniche Kennedy offers one of the most spectacular scenic balconies of Marseille. We can contemplate with passion the  Mediterranean sea and its islands.It is the  ultimate tourist spot with many  others attractions. All along the Corniche, you can see some fishermen’s houses, historical monuments, mansions from the 19th century, luxury hotels, famous restaurants, bars and beaches. The Corniche passes over the Vallon des Auffes via a three-arched bridge and the Vallon de la Fausse Monnaie.

In 1965, thanks to the Corniche Kennedy bench, the Phocean city entered into the record books. According to the legend, it would be the longest bench in the world (3 kilometers with no interruptions or almost). In fact, the bench is interrupted by passages in its concrete which made many people laugh.

In 2019, after renovations, a 2 kilommeter bicycle path linking the Catalan to the Prado parc was inaugurated. Since 2021, one sunday of the month cars are not allowed on the Corniche thanks to “la voie est  libre” (the road is free) event.

A popular swimming spot for all the people of Marseille

You can easily access the many beaches from the Corniche which is one of the reasons why visitors enjoy it. Indeed, they are sunbathing or swimming in the Mediterranean  sea.

Catalans beach is located a few steps from the city centre of Marseille and is definitely the most accessible beach if you are on the Vieux-Port. Well-known for its beach volleyball courts attracting players and spectators, this beach is perfect for an interrompu swim. 100 Metres from the beach and 5 metres below the surface is the Underwater Museum of Marseille where you can freely admire gorgeous underwater statues.

Probably the most famous and most frequented, the Prado beaches were created in the 70’s. The Beaches were used to develop a kilometer of undeveloped coastline with playgrounds and access to the sea for water based activities. They are usually crowded during the summer months, as access by public transport is easy.

A historical scientific research site

Beyond its breathtaking panoramic view and its beachs, the Kennedy Corniche houses le Maregraphe, a sea level measuring device, owned by the state. The latter has entrusted its management to the National Institute for geographic and forestry information (IGN).

Classified as an Historical monument, the tide gauge is still in working order and is essential for the proper functioning of the  observatory. Equipped with modern equipment, its current interest is closely linked to monitoring the rise of the sea level, one of the many effects of climate change.

A Mecca of  Provencal gastronomy

Along the Corniche Kennedy, gourmet restaurants and famous establishments satisfiy the visitor’s taste buds while enjoying a beautiful view of the Great blue sea.

Le Petit Nice

Le Petit Nice, a starred hotel and restaurant, is located on the Anse Maldormé and has belonged to the Passedat family since 1917.  With its 3 stars ( the highest distinction for  a restaurant) its one of the rare establishments in Marseille to offer a top of the range service. In this preserved and  intimate place by  the sea, the Chef Gérald Passédat cooks refined dishes respecting the marine terroir. He draws his inspiration from the Phocean city and the provencal region that he loves so much.

Practical information

Address

Anse de Maldormé
Corniche John Fitzerald Kennedy, Marseille 7ème

Opening hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
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  • Sunday
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Chez Fonfon

Chez Fonfon, is above all a family story that started in 1952 with Alphonse Mounier, a big hearted man who had changed the Beau Rivage bar into a restaurant. In 1996, his nephew Roger Pinna took over before leaving Alexandre and Peggy in 2003, to carry on the family  culinary heritage. A true local institution on the Corniche Kennedy. The restaurant is famous worldwide for its fish specialties and the unmissable bouillabaisse.

Practical information

Address

140 Rue Du Vallon des Auffes, Marseille 7ème

Prices

A la carte17€
Child menu16€

Opening hours

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
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  • Sunday
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Chez Michel

In front of the Catalan Beach, Chez Michel is a specialised restaurant for bouillabaisse and bourride. Installed since 1946, this establishment has been held by the Visciano family for the last  three generations. Today, Paul and Pascal welcome you in the dining room while Michèle is in  charge of the  kitchen. The team guarantees quality and first choice products and advocates traditional regional cuisine. This Michelin starred adress is a real invitation to return to the roots.

Practical information

Address

6 Rue Des Catalans, Marseille 7ème
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L’Épuisette

An 80-year-old house with an interior design that blends modernity and history, l’Épuisette offers guests an exclusive selection of limited edition products. The cuisine offered by the chef, who has been a Michelin-starred chef since 2003, is resolutely focused on the sea and attached to the local soil. He constantly collaborates with various local suppliers such as market gardeners and fishermen from the Vallon des Auffes.

Practical information

Address


Anse du Vallon des Auffes, Marseille 7ème
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