A stroll between land and sea at Pointe-Rouge

This is an urban stroll to discover the assets of the Pointe-Rouge district.

The promenade offers two simultaneous atmospheres: the hustle and bustle of the seaside with its marina, beach and shops, and the tranquility of the wooded areas of Parc Pastré.

The walk starts at the "Tiboulen" bus stop, served by line 19.

Walk along the seafront to reach a staircase leading to the Pointe-Rouge beach(1). Walk towards the seawall, then when you come to the ASPTT building, walk along it to the left. At the intersection, turn right down the street. In front of the YCPR yacht club, turn left into "Port de la Pointe-Rouge" (2). At the next intersection, turn left and follow the sign "accès plage et commerces". Climb the stairs in front of you to reach Avenue d'Odessa.

Then turn right. You'll pass a fire brigade barracks and then the municipal open-air swimming pool. On the right are the remains of a Südwall bunker (3).

A little further on, there's a promontory with a view of the deep blue sea, the Mont-Rose hill (in the distance on the left) and, above all, two bathing creeks with cabins. L'anse des Phocéens, home to the men's bath (right) and the ladies' bath (left).

Continue across the street to Boulevard Delpin, which you'll have to walk up to the end. Opposite you is Place Engalière and the church of Sainte Eusébie(4). It bears a strong resemblance to the Cathedral de la Major, which gives the impression of being miniaturized. Go up the street called "place" Engalière to enter a public garden and follow the path to the left. Then turn right to walk under the pine trees and go straight up.

You're in the heart of the Campagne and Parc Pastré (5). Follow the path along the fence of the equestrian center to the first pool. Go around the basin to the left and walk along the Canal de Marseille (6). The canal winds its way to the sumptuous Château Pastré (7).

Walk back down the main alley to the intersection with the Canal de Marseille, which you follow to the right (8).

When you reach the small house, turn left to go around a second small lake in a clockwise direction. Return to the canal and follow it to the left. When you reach a wider path, turn right to go up a little, then left to continue along a line almost parallel to the canal route. When you again reach a wide track, descend to the left to reach the top of the Parangon traverse (9).

Pass the Emmaüs Pointe-Rouge Community (10) and, if it's open, come on in! Reach the traffic circle in front of Lycée Marseilleveyre (11), then continue left along Avenue du Corail.

On your right, at the foot of the hill, you'll see a navigation bridge and the elements usually found on a large merchant ship. This is the flagship building of the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Maritime (12).

Finish your stroll by walking down the traverse Prat to the avenue de Montredon and a square lined with shops and restaurants (13).