Port Vauban
One of Europe’s Largest and Most Prestigious Marinas on the French Riviera
Port Vauban, located in the historic town of Antibes on the French Riviera, is one of the largest marinas in Europe and one of the most important superyacht hubs in the Mediterranean. With its extensive berthing capacity, modern infrastructure, and prime location between Cannes and Nice, Port Vauban plays a central role in the international yachting world.
The marina is famous for its impressive lineup of large yachts, its professional nautical services, and its setting beside the historic old town of Antibes. Combining centuries of maritime heritage with contemporary superyacht facilities, Port Vauban is both a functional yachting center and an attractive destination in its own right.
Overview of the Marina
Port Vauban is a large, full-service marina capable of accommodating a wide range of vessels, from small sailing yachts to some of the largest superyachts in the world.
The marina offers:
Thousands of berths for yachts of various sizes
Dedicated superyacht areas
Deep-water access for very large vessels
Fuel station and technical services
Shipyard and maintenance facilities
Professional marina management and security
One of the most famous sections of the marina is the “Billionaires’ Quay,” a dedicated area for some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.
The scale and infrastructure of Port Vauban make it one of the most important operational bases for yachts on the French Riviera.
Location and Setting
Port Vauban is located in Antibes, a historic town situated between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera. The marina lies directly next to the old town, with views of ancient ramparts, historic buildings, and the surrounding coastline.
The setting is defined by:
A large, protected harbour basin
The historic old town of Antibes
Fort Carré overlooking the marina
The scenic Riviera coastline
The marina’s central position along the Riviera makes it an ideal base for cruising the region.
The Marina Concept and Atmosphere
Port Vauban is designed as a large-scale, professional marina with a strong focus on superyachts and nautical services. It is less about lifestyle and nightlife and more about functionality, infrastructure, and strategic location.
The atmosphere is:
Professional and international
Popular with large yachts and superyachts
Active throughout the year
Well-organized and secure
While the marina itself is focused on operations, the nearby old town of Antibes offers a charming and lively environment with restaurants, markets, and cultural attractions.
The marina is especially attractive to:
Superyacht owners and crews
Long-term berth holders
Charter operations
Yachts cruising the French Riviera
Cruising Area and Nearby Destinations
Port Vauban is ideally positioned for exploring the French Riviera and nearby Mediterranean destinations.
French Riviera
The surrounding coastline offers some of the most famous yachting destinations in the world.
Key locations include:
Cannes – a major marina and cultural center
Nice – a vibrant coastal city
Monaco – one of the most prestigious yacht harbours
Saint-Tropez – a glamorous Riviera destination
These locations are all within comfortable cruising distance.
Cap d’Antibes
Just south of the marina lies the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, known for its scenic anchorages and beaches.
Popular spots include:
Plage de la Garoupe
Quiet coves around the cape
Scenic coastal views
This area is ideal for short day trips and swimming stops.
Italian Riviera
Heading east, yachts can cruise toward the Italian coast.
Popular destinations include:
Sanremo
Imperia
Genoa
Portofino
This region offers picturesque towns and scenic coastal routes.
Western Mediterranean Routes
From Port Vauban, longer passages can be planned toward:
The Balearic Islands
Corsica and Sardinia
The Spanish mainland
The marina’s central location makes it a strategic base for extended cruising itineraries.
Lifestyle, Dining, and Leisure
While Port Vauban is primarily a functional marina, the nearby old town of Antibes provides a lively and attractive lifestyle environment.
Within walking distance of the marina, visitors will find:
Traditional French restaurants
Waterfront cafés and bars
Local markets
Boutique shops and galleries
Antibes offers:
Historic streets and architecture
The Picasso Museum
Scenic coastal walks
Sandy and rocky beaches
The town has a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to some of the more glamorous Riviera destinations, while still offering a wide range of amenities.
Accessibility and Travel Connections
Port Vauban benefits from excellent accessibility thanks to its proximity to one of the Riviera’s main international airports.
Nearest airport:
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport: approx. 20–30 minutes by car
The airport offers:
Extensive European and intercontinental connections
Frequent business and private aviation services
From the airport, the marina can be reached by:
Taxi or private transfer
Rental car
Train connections to Antibes station
The region is also well connected by road and rail along the Riviera.
Why Choose Port Vauban
Port Vauban offers a unique combination of scale, strategic location, and professional marina infrastructure.
Key advantages:
One of the largest marinas in Europe
Facilities for very large yachts and superyachts
Central location on the French Riviera
Close to Cannes, Nice, and Monaco
Adjacent to the historic town of Antibes
Excellent international travel connections
For yacht owners, crews, and visitors seeking a major yachting hub with world-class facilities and a prime Riviera location, Port Vauban is one of the Mediterranean’s most important marina destinations.
Discover the Full Maremedium Marina & Yachting Guide
This overview introduces the location, facilities, and cruising advantages of Port Vauban. For detailed information about berths, marina services, navigation, cruising routes, and local facilities, explore the complete marina guide.
