Vallon des Auffes, Mediterranean fishing port in Marseille, France
Vallon des Auffes is a working fishing port nestled in a narrow cove where about fifty fishermen's huts and boats sit tightly packed on either side. An arched concrete bridge links the two sides, creating a sheltered enclosure where water meets stone and fishing gear.
The name comes from alfa grass, which local rope makers used to craft fishing nets and maritime gear during the 1800s. The port grew from this rope-making craft into a permanent fishing settlement for families.
The restaurants here serve dishes prepared from the daily catches of working fishermen using recipes passed down through generations. You can watch the fishing community at work, from boat preparation to the selection of ingredients at dawn.
The port is compact and easy to walk around, with plenty of corners to explore and photograph, especially in early morning light. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip since surfaces around the water can be slippery.
A large bronze statue of a woman with arms outstretched stands at the entrance, gazing toward the sea. The figure has become a quiet symbol of the bond between land and water that defines this place.
GPS coordinates: 43.28500,5.35139
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Marseille brings together ancient history and modern city life. This route reveals the many faces of the city through its most important places: the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica overlooks the entire city, while the Vieux-Port serves as the beating heart of urban activity. The harbor has been a...
Marseille offers a range of photo locations that show the city's history and geography. Visitors can watch daily life at the harbor in Vallon des Auffes, where fishing boats create traditional scenes, or walk the steep streets of the old quarter Le Panier, with its colorful facades and local shops....
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