17/04/2021
The Port of Antibes
During my bike ride today I made a stop in the port of Antibes and watched the fishermen bringing their catch to shore. It makes me happy to see that in the middle of all the exclusive yachts that dock there, you can still see some authentic local activity going on. A long time ago (more precisely 2600 years) before becoming the biggest marina in the Mediterranean Sea, there were already Greek ships stopping here and traded their goods like olives, wine and pottery. They gave Antibes its first name: Antipolis, which means the city opposite. Still today you can find ancient shipwrecks and coins in the waters of Antibes.
Those days are long gone, the Greek merchant ships have been replaced by modern sailing boats and mega yachts.
Port Vauban like it is officially called is the only port on the French Riviera where yachts with a length of 450ft can dock. Along the famous Billionaires Peer you can admire the most luxurious yachts of the world, like for instance Lady Moura which is almost a habitué here. With her 344ft length and 61ft high beam plus a helicopter on the upper deck, you can see her from far. Lady Moura was built to be a family home. On board, among other features, there are 6 Chefs and a seperate bakery, a Discotheque, an indoor pool and a sandy beach. After 30 years Lady Moura is still in immaculate conditions and if you wish you can buy her, as it looks she is for sale.
While most of the mega yachts belong to Russians or people from Arabian countries who cruise around the Mediterranean during the summer months, the smaller yachts are mostly owned by people from Great Britain who live in Antibes or have a second home here. The Port of Antibes is definitely an international place. I however prefer the fishermen and their old authentic boats.
