TheCorniche Beirut is a seasidepromenade inthe Central District of Beirut, Lebanon. Lined with palm trees, the waterfront esplanade has views ofthe Mediterranean Sea and the summits ofMount Lebanon to the east. Corniche Beirut has its foundation in theAvenue des Français, which was built during the period of theMandate for Syria and the Lebanon[1] along the seafront that extended from the old town.[2]
The Corniche, which is 4.8-kilometre (3.0 mi) long, encircles the Beirutpromontory from theSaint George Bay on the northern coast of the city, turning west into PlaceRafic Hariri, then intoAvenue de Paris and theRaouché, and then intoAvenue General de Gaulle before it ends on Rafic Hariri Avenue.[3][better source needed]
The Corniche is a common destination for walkers, joggers and bikers. Push cart vendors offer various local snacks and drinks.[4][better source needed] A number of the trunks of the palm trees that line the Corniche are pockmarked with bullet holes from theLebanese Civil War. Several hotels, such asLe Vendôme Intercontinental Hotel andPhoenicia InterContinental Hotel overlook the Corniche.
In 2001, the 76 cement benches were replaced with new ones covered with colorful cut ceramics that were designed by Lebanese artist Lena Kelekian, who also designed a Mega Chessboard on the widest section of the sidewalk on Avenue de Paris.[5][better source needed] In the summer of 2007, the distinctive blue railings were replaced, due to severe rusting, with an aluminum railing that has been modified to make it more difficult for thrill-seekers to dive off the railings.
Media related toBeirut Corniche at Wikimedia Commons33°54′0″N35°28′15″E / 33.90000°N 35.47083°E /33.90000; 35.47083