Corniche Kennedy

The Corniche Président John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a five-kilometre coastal road in Marseille, running from the Vallon des Auffes toward the Prado beaches along the 7th and 8th arrondissements, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. A wide pavement follows the cliff edge for the whole length, so the route works as a promenade as well as a drive, with the sea to one side and elegant villas and apartment blocks to the other. Along the way are rocky swimming spots reached by steps and ladders, small beaches, the Monument aux Morts de l'Armée d'Orient, and a succession of viewpoints toward the Frioul islands and Château d'If. Walkers and joggers use the pavement all day, and fishermen, picnickers and sunbathers gather on the rocks in summer. The full walk takes one to two hours at an easy pace, longer with swim stops. The most popular photograph is the sunset view with the islands in silhouette, and the monument offers a good foreground. Bus 83 from the Vieux-Port runs the length of the Corniche, so visitors can walk one way and ride back, and metro line 2 to Rond-Point du Prado marks the southern end. The route is free and open at all times. Traffic is heavy at rush hour and on summer weekends, when noise and parked cars intrude on the experience; weekday mornings are calmer. Rocky swim spots have no lifeguards in many places, and visitors should take care with currents, slippery rock and sun exposure. Shade is limited, so water and a hat are recommended. The Corniche combines naturally with the Vallon des Auffes at its northern end for a seafood meal.