Cruising Area & Destinations from Port Vauban
Discovering the French Riviera and Beyond from Antibes
Port Vauban, located in the historic town of Antibes on the French Riviera, is perfectly positioned along one of the most prestigious cruising regions in the world. From this central location between Nice and Cannes, yachts can explore a wide range of destinations, from glamorous resort towns and historic harbours to peaceful island anchorages and hidden coastal coves.
Its strategic location on the Côte d’Azur makes Port Vauban an ideal base for both short day trips and extended cruising itineraries across the western Mediterranean.
The French Riviera: A World-Famous Yachting Coast
The French Riviera stretches from the Italian border in the east to Saint-Tropez and beyond in the west. This coastline is known for its luxury resorts, elegant marinas, scenic anchorages, and vibrant social scene.
Cruising highlights along the Riviera include:
Prestigious seaside towns
Sandy beaches and rocky coves
Clear turquoise waters
Historic harbours
World-class marina facilities
From Port Vauban, many of these destinations are only a short cruise away.
Nice: Culture and Seaside Promenades
To the east of Antibes lies Nice, one of the Riviera’s most vibrant cities. Known for its long waterfront promenade and lively atmosphere, Nice offers a blend of urban energy and coastal scenery.
Reasons to cruise to Nice:
The famous Promenade des Anglais
Urban beaches
Cultural attractions and museums
Restaurants and shopping districts
Nice is an easy and rewarding stop for yachts cruising along the coast.
Monaco: Glamour and Prestige
Continuing further east, yachts reach the Principality of Monaco, one of the most iconic yachting destinations in the world. The harbour of Port Hercule sits at the centre of Monaco’s luxury lifestyle.
Highlights of Monaco include:
The famous Monte Carlo district
Luxury boutiques and casinos
Fine dining restaurants
International events and festivals
Monaco offers a glamorous stop along any Riviera cruising itinerary.
Cannes: Film Festival and Sandy Beaches
Just a short cruise west of Port Vauban lies Cannes, one of the Riviera’s most internationally recognised destinations. The town is famous for its film festival, luxury hotels, and elegant waterfront.
Cruising highlights in Cannes:
The Boulevard de la Croisette
Sandy beaches
Prestigious marina facilities
Luxury shopping and dining
Cannes combines glamour, culture, and convenient harbour access.
The Lérins Islands: Tranquil Anchorages
Located just off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a peaceful contrast to the busy Riviera towns. These islands are popular with yachts seeking clear waters and quiet anchorages.
Highlights of the Lérins Islands:
Crystal-clear water
Pine-covered landscapes
Calm anchorages
Historic monasteries
The islands are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxed days at anchor.
Saint-Tropez: Iconic Riviera Lifestyle
Further west along the coast lies Saint-Tropez, one of the most famous yachting destinations in the Mediterranean. Known for its luxury beach clubs, historic harbour, and lively social scene, the town is a must-visit stop.
Reasons to visit Saint-Tropez:
The picturesque old harbour
Beach clubs in Pampelonne
Designer boutiques
Vibrant nightlife
Saint-Tropez is a central highlight of many Riviera cruising itineraries.
Antibes: Historic Charm at Your Home Port
While Port Vauban itself is located in Antibes, the town is also worth exploring as part of a cruising itinerary. The historic old town offers a relaxed and authentic Riviera atmosphere.
Highlights of Antibes include:
The medieval old town
Seaside promenades
Local markets
Cultural attractions
Antibes provides a charming and convenient base for exploring the region.
Coastal Anchorages and Hidden Coves
Between the major towns of the Riviera, the coastline offers numerous smaller bays and anchorages. These spots provide a more tranquil alternative to the busy marinas.
Typical features include:
Rocky coves with clear water
Small sandy beaches
Scenic coastal cliffs
Peaceful overnight anchorages
These locations are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxed cruising days.
Extended Cruising Routes
From Port Vauban, yachts can easily extend their itineraries to explore other parts of the Mediterranean.
East toward Italy
Monaco
Sanremo
The Italian Riviera
Genoa and the Ligurian coast
Tuscany and the Tuscan Archipelago
West toward Spain
Saint-Tropez
Marseille and the Camargue
The French Mediterranean coast
The Spanish coastline
The Balearic Islands
These routes allow for longer cruising adventures across the western Mediterranean.
Day Trips from Port Vauban
Several attractive destinations can be reached within a few hours, making Port Vauban an excellent base for short outings.
Popular day-trip options:
Cannes and the Lérins Islands
Nice
Monaco
Coastal anchorages between major ports
These short routes are ideal for relaxed day cruising with easy return access to Antibes.
Seasonal Cruising Considerations
The French Riviera offers favourable cruising conditions for much of the year, with the peak season during the summer months.
Seasonal highlights:
Summer: lively marinas and major events
Spring and autumn: mild weather and quieter anchorages
Winter: reduced traffic and a calmer atmosphere
The region’s climate supports a long and flexible cruising season.
Why Port Vauban Is an Ideal Cruising Base
Port Vauban’s central position on the French Riviera makes it one of the most convenient starting points for exploring the region. From Antibes, yachts can easily cruise both east and west along the coast.
Key advantages:
Central location between Nice and Cannes
Short distances to major Riviera destinations
Access to both glamorous ports and quiet anchorages
Ideal base for day trips and extended itineraries
Strategic position on the western Mediterranean routes
For yacht owners, captains, and charter guests, Port Vauban offers a perfectly located base in one of the world’s most celebrated cruising regions.
Explore the Port Vauban Marina Guide
For more details about this marina, please explore the full guide:
Cruising Area & Destinations
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