Philippe Prost, architect, urban planner and historian of fortifications, has dreamed up a large-scale project for Port Vauban which combines modernity and heritage.
“To transform the Vauban port, I first of all based myself on the history of this port, a multimillennial port. The architecture must be in keeping with this history.
The port will be transformed in successive phases, and the transformations will begin with the eastern area. ”
The port is on its way to fulfilling its ambition, and we are speeding up its transformation. We have two goals for the modernisation of the port’s infrastructure: a fully renovated superyacht quay and top-of-the-range amenities for their owners and crew.
The new IYCA (International Yacht Club d’Antibes) will provide clients arriving by air with a personalised welcome in an intimate lounge facing the heliport. It will also feature a new exclusive crew area – the Crew Centre – with a lounge, relaxation spaces, a games room and a gym. It will also include a new bar, lounge, clubhouse, caterer and a 700 m² panoramic terrace facing the Fort Carré.
And finally, we are refurbishing the quay’s outdoor areas, offering spaces for routine vessel repairs and crew relaxation and fun.
On the eastern side of the port, we will also be fully restoring the majestic Saint-Jaume Bastion, creating two reception areas and completely redesigning the lighting system.
The Julien Baudino Quay will be the perfect place for a stroll. We will create a raised walkway, extending the existing promenade up to the beginnings of the old town of Antibes, with the new Café de l’Echauguette and its terrace at the foot of the old lighthouse, ideal for a relaxing break along the way.
Finally, to improve traffic flow in this very busy area, the Esplanade Sainte-Claire will be levelled out to connect the larger La Gravette beach to its smaller namesake. The work carried out here will return the coastline to its former scenic splendour and help showcase the ramparts on the seaward side.
The project for the future Port aims to clear the site between the Pré aux Pêcheurs and the present harbour master’s office, which is currently used for parking. It will be turned into a high-quality green space providing a natural gateway to the old town.
Between the old town and the foot of the Fort Carré, Anse Saint-Roch will be devoted to tranquillity with the redevelopment of a spacious landscaped area and a pedestrian walkway connecting the city of Antibes and its territory.
A new building with a skywalk will open the area up to the city and connect Port Vauban to Antibes’ bus and railway stations. In order to provide services to clients and yacht owners, this building will house the cruise reception and all the port’s administrative services under one roof. It will also feature a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, making Anse Saint-Roch the perfect spot for yachtsmen and cruise passengers to meet with the Port’s teams.
Home to the shipyard, the Fort Carré basin will provide facilities for repairs and refits on pleasure boats of up to 16 metres in length on a converted 16,000 m² dry-dock area, which will include a public zone covering at least 2,700 m².
This craftsman district will provide professionals with high value-added services and enable its sole operator, Monaco Marine Antibes, to exploit the département’s largest dry-dock infrastructure.
In harmony with its surroundings at the foot of the Fort Carré (a listed monument), the new dry-dock area will combine modernity and heritage, with the construction of a village of craftsmen dedicated to dry-docking activities. The village will also include a ship chandler, showers and toilets, an electric bike rental service, drinking fountains and a restaurant with a sunny terrace for a break to relax and socialise.