Boat trips French Riviera: a stopover at Cap d'Antibes
Considered one of the most beautiful coastal spots on the French Riviera, Cap d’Antibes is home to billionaires’ villas and luxury hotels, nestled in the heart of a forest of Aleppo pines. It appeals not only for its dense vegetation, but also for its turquoise waters and idyllic swimming spots. A boat trip on the French Riviera will allow you to fully appreciate the treasures this peninsula has to offer.
Anchorage areas at Cap d’Antibes
Cap d’Antibes is the ideal destination for yachting holidays under the Mediterranean sun. It offers numerous anchorage areas where you can moor your Axopar 45 yacht and enjoy a range of water-based activities.
- Anse du Croûton : Part of the Natura 2000 protected area, Anse du Croûton is particularly popular with yachtsmen. This Mooring and Light Equipment Area (ZMEL) is now equipped with free buoys to protect the Posidonia seagrass beds. It mainly accommodates boats from 8 to 24 metres.
- Anse de la Garoupe : This anchorage at Cap d’Antibes is one of the most beautiful along the coast, with its crystal-clear waters. Boats anchor opposite the beach in 3–5 metres of water.
- Marinas : If you’re looking for greater comfort and security, you can also moor your yacht at Port Vauban, Europe’s largest marina with 1,500 berths. It is world-renowned for its ‘Billionaires’ Quay’.
What to do and see at Cap d’Antibes?
Covering an area of 3.7 km², Cap d’Antibes is a natural sanctuary widely renowned for its wild coves and pine forests, as well as its historic villas. This destination for the international elite offers a wide range of activities both on land and at sea.
Activities on the water
From the sea, there are many must-see sites:
- The Bay of the Billionaires : admire its turquoise waters surrounded by pine trees and sumptuous villas. Be sure to anchor in designated areas and maintain a cruising speed of 5 knots.
- La Batterie du Graillon : equipped with masks, fins and a snorkel, observe the flora and fauna along the underwater trail at La Batterie du Graillon, a Natura 2000 site.
- La Plage de la Garoupe : don’t miss this swimming spot with its crystal-clear waters. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding here.
- L’Abri de l’Olivette : if you want to admire the traditional pointed boats, this is the perfect spot.
Things to do on land
At Cap d’Antibes, there are many exceptional places to visit should you decide to drop anchor and go ashore. At the tip of the peninsula, Villa Eilen Roc is a must-see. This superb 19th-century villa was bequeathed by the Beaumont family to the town of Antibes. Enjoy the gardens, featuring aromatic plants, an olive grove, a rose garden and a vegetable patch. Villa Thuret is also an idyllic spot, surrounded by a botanical garden home to 2,500 trees and shrubs of exotic species. The coastal path (Sentier de Tirepoil) will be a delight if you enjoy walking. Stretching for 5 km, it circles the headland and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Boat trips on the French Riviera : cruise ideas from Cannes to Cap d’Antibes
1. The Islands & Capes Package (Half-day – 4 hours)
The perfect format for a lively getaway, combining scenic sailing with a relaxing break in one of the Riviera’s most secluded spots.
- The pace : A smooth, contemplative coastal cruise, ideal in the morning or late afternoon.
- What’s on the itinerary :
o Departure from the port of Cannes. You’ll head east across the Gulf of La Napoule, leaving the Lérins Islands on your right.
o You’ll sail along the coast of Juan-les-Pins and the legendary Cap d’Antibes to the unmissable Baie des Milliardaires. Sheltered by high limestone cliffs and overlooked by the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, this cove boasts striking emerald-green waters.
o Drop anchor for a refreshing swim, a spot of snorkelling or a glass of chilled rosé before setting off again.
- The highlight : A quick and prestigious immersion into the heart of the Côte’s billionaires’ best-kept secrets.
2. The Epicurean (Full Day – 8 hours)
Designed for guests who wish to combine the pleasure of high-end water sports with the gastronomic lifestyle of the French Riviera.
- The pace : An exclusive day dedicated to relaxation, active exploration and culinary delights.
- On the programme :
o Morning : Departure from Cannes at 9am. Heading for the west coast of Cap d’Antibes. Your skipper drops anchor in the Anse de l’Olivette, a typical little harbour home to traditional pointus. It’s the perfect spot to launch the stand-up paddleboards.
o Midday : Your captain will arrange a VIP drop-off directly at the jetty of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc for your lunch overlooking the islands, or prepare a superb buffet on the extendable table on the aft deck of the Axopar 45.
o Afternoon : Sail south of Le Cap to round the Garoupe lighthouse and explore the coastal path from the sea. A final snorkelling stop is a must in the crystal-clear rocky waters off Pointe Bacon.
- The highlight : The ultimate Riviera experience, combining legendary spots and wild coves.
3. La Romantique (Evening – 3 to 4 hours)
A moment suspended in time, perfect for couples, private celebrations or corporate after-work events.
- The pace : A gentle cruise in the golden glow of the sunset, continuing into twilight.
- What’s on the programme :
o Departure at the end of the day from Cannes (around 6 pm). Head straight for the Pointe de la Garoupe at Cap d’Antibes as the light begins to bathe the villa facades and cliffs in golden hues.
o An exclusive mooring opposite La Garoupe beach or in a cove in the Baie des Milliardaires. The skipper cuts the engines to make way for the silence of the sea.
o With a glass of vintage champagne in hand, comfortably settled on the large sun loungers of the Axopar 45, you watch the sun set behind the Estérel massif, setting the sky ablaze with shades of purple and orange.
o A night-time return to Cannes at cruising speed, to admire the Croisette and Le Suquet fully illuminated.
- The highlight : Experience the magical transition from day to night on the water, in the absolute comfort of a premium floating lounge.