Corniche Beirut, Seaside esplanade in central Beirut, Lebanon.
Corniche Beirut is a seaside esplanade in central Beirut that wraps around the city's promontory for roughly 4.8 kilometers. It connects Saint George Bay to Rafic Hariri Avenue while offering Mediterranean views along its entire length.
The esplanade originated as the Avenue des Français, constructed during the Mandate for Syria and Lebanon along the seafront near the old town. It evolved into a center for recreation and public gathering as the city grew.
The ceramic-tiled benches created by artist Lena Kelekian in 2001 give the promenade distinctive colors and patterns. These benches serve as natural meeting points where locals and visitors pause to watch the sea and spend time together.
The esplanade features palm tree-lined paths suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists throughout the day. Street vendors regularly offer local snacks and refreshments at various points along the route.
Some palm trees along the esplanade display bullet marks from the Lebanese Civil War, serving as a visible record of the country's difficult past. These marks remain part of the landscape, reminding visitors of historical events.
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