Antibes
18 July 2008 | Anchored in the Anse de la Salis
Antibes, although as everywhere on the coast, fearfully expensive, is a great spot. No wonder Graham Greene lived here for 20 years.
We anchored in the southern end of the Anse de Salis, looking about 1km north to the old town. This is a good spot; once through the weed there's good holding and it's well sheltered. It does get very busy on a sunny summer weekend, but nearly all the little boats disappear at night. At the other end of the spectrum is the parade of superyachts, which mostly anchor right outside the marina.
Pip did a clever bodge job on the outboard which was enough to get us into that marina. They were astounded at being asked if we could tie up, but let us tuck Bridget into a corner. We then walked to the Honda dealer in town, which turned out to be about 3km away in the blazing heat up a main road! We have a history of route marches and this continued the fine tradition. At least we did manage to order the parts, to be picked up next week.
Our second day there we went into the tiny Port de Salis, as the southern end. This is too small and too shallow for Roaring Girl but they let us tie up the dinghy. There is a free bus into town: it runs from the little turning circle on the far side of the road at the very sharp corner at the edge of the port, right into the bus station in the centre of Antibes. In general the buses round here are excellent, but not to be charged is even better.
A great spot for swimming to, in warm, soft water. They light up the fort and the cathedral at night and it's really pretty. Altogether a very enjoyable stop.