Port Vauban

Europe’s largest marina
Like the rest of the city of Antibes, the harbor has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times.

The harbor area, now known as Saint Roch, was originally a Greek city founded by the Phoenicians and was an important strategic hub for fleets and trade from its inception.

In the early 1900s, the harbor partially served as an ‘airport’ for seaplanes, and it also had a shipyard that, among other things, refitted Jacques Cousteau’s world-famous ship Calypso. The development into the harbor we see today began in the 1970s, and between 1980 and 1986, the marina was established.

It is a harbor full of contrasts, gathered behind its 16th-century bastion walls called ‘Les Remparts’, from small fishing boats to yachts and mega-yachts in the multi-million class. Some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts have Port Vauban as their home port.

Europe’s largest with space for 1,650 boats
The harbor has a water area of about 62 hectares, including a total quay length of 4,200 meters and a total capacity of 1,650 berths. The harbor welcomes all kinds of boats, from local 4m fishing boats (‘pointu’) to 165m yachts.

Since 1986, the famous “billionaire quay” or Quai Camille Rayon has been able to accommodate up to 18 superyachts (70 to 170 meters).

Working for biodiversity with its Biohuts
In 2015, Port Vauban, in partnership with the city of Antibes, installed 92 Biohut® nurseries in the harbor.

Biohut® is an artificial habitat, installed along the quays and under the pontoons. Consisting of a steel cage filled with oyster shells (food cage) combined with an empty cage (protection cage), it protects the young “recruits” of fish when attacked by predators seeking to get closer to the habitat.

The operation has borne fruit, as scientific assessment has shown that more than 60 different animal species and marine plants have been observed. Among the observed species, 15 are of interest for fishing, which is enough to preserve fish resources and actually ease the hard work of fishermen.

The future of the harbor
Ideally located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, between Monte Carlo and Saint Tropez, it combines heritage and modernity. A prestigious harbor with the ambition to become the harbor of the third millennium and a testing ground for new technologies, while preserving its heritage through an ambitious architectural project. This investment project is 135 million euros.

Harbor facts: 1,642 berths, max boat length 170 m – max depth 7 m.

By Tommy Sverre / 2021