Port Vauban, from Roman garum to superyachts
Brine tanks from the 2nd century lie hidden beneath docks where yachts worth 50 million EUR (about 54 million USD) now tie up. L'anse Saint-Roch (Saint-Roch Cove), which has grown into the largest pleasure boat port in Europe by tonnage, has been a hub of activity since the Phocaeans established the trading post of Antipolis in the 4th century BCE. The contrast is stark, and that is exactly what sets this port apart from the sterile marinas found elsewhere along the French Riviera.
Why visit Port Vauban?
This port is more than just a parking lot for boats. It packs 2,500 years of maritime history into 25 hectares (about 62 acres) of water. It has served as a Greek fishing port, a Roman naval base, a departure point for the First Crusade in the 11th century, an oil terminal in the 20th century, and a seaplane base during the interwar years. Every era has left a mark.
It was also here, at the shipyard of the bastion Saint-Jaume (Saint-Jaume Bastion), that the famous Calypso of Captain Cousteau was outfitted before the site closed in 1985.
The current layout dates back to the 1970s, when Antibes made a major push into the luxury yachting market. With 1,501 mooring spots and 4,200 linear meters (about 13,780 feet) of docking space, the port accommodates everything from a 4-meter fishing boat to a 165-meter mega-yacht. This mix of high-end luxury and everyday local life gives the neighborhood its unique energy.
The Billionaires' Quay and superyacht culture
Inaugurated in 1986, the quai Camille Rayon (Camille Rayon Quay) is better known by its nickname, the Billionaires' Quay. It owes its existence to Camille Rayon, a Resistance hero who later became a developer of ports on the French Riviera. Protected by a 600-meter breakwater, this quay offers 18 mooring spots for superyachts up to 160 meters, managed by the International Yacht Club d'Antibes (International Yacht Club of Antibes). Leasing rights sell for record prices, and the owners count among the wealthiest people on the planet.
A stroll along the quay at the end of the day is a spectacle in itself. With helipads, infinity pools, and tenders larger than some sailboats, the features on these vessels defy the imagination. In summer, uniformed crews work on the decks while the scent of oiled teak mingles with the sea air. In the evening, the vibe changes. The yacht lights reflect in the dark water, and the promenade becomes surprisingly quiet.
From the bastion Saint-Jaume to Plensa's Nomade
At the entrance to the port, between the old town and the Billionaires' Quay, the bastion Saint-Jaume has seen many lives. It has been a Roman temple, a chapel, a fortified tower destroyed in the 17th century, a shipyard, and eventually an abandoned lot. Since 2010, its beautifully renovated ruins have served as the pedestal for Nomade, a monumental sculpture by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa. This 8-meter human silhouette, made of white stainless steel capital letters, sits facing the sea with its knees pulled to its chest. You can walk inside the structure and view the landscape through the mesh of characters. At night, spotlights turn the sculpture into a glowing sentinel.
Local tip: The bastion Saint-Jaume and the Nomade are open daily except Monday. From June to August, access is extended until 11pm, making it one of the few spots in Antibes where you can enjoy a nighttime view of the port without needing to buy a drink or dinner. The rest of the year, it closes at 6pm.
A port committed to biodiversity
A different kind of life is thriving beneath the docks. Since 2015, the port has installed Biohut units, which are artificial nurseries designed by the company Ecocean. These steel cages filled with oyster shells provide food and shelter for fish larvae and juveniles. The results are concrete. Ecological monitoring has recorded more than 60 species of marine animals and plants in these habitats, including 15 species of commercial interest such as sea bream, European sea bass, and pink shrimp.
Certified as Ports Propres (Clean Ports) and Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité (Clean Ports Active in Biodiversity), Port Vauban also manages a program to replant Cystoseira algae on the rock armor of its main breakwater.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Port Vauban is especially pleasant in any season, with absolutely magnificent views, whether from the ramparts of Antibes, Fort Carré, or the bay of Nice. You will have plenty of time to admire the many yachts, each one more impressive than the last!
A very good Italian restaurant to try at the port is Da Vinci, a 5 minute walk from the train station! Or the famous pizzas and ice cream at Gusto, next to the Porte Marine.