Port de l’Olivette
A Chocolate box Port on the Cap
There are many beautiful and photogenic spots on the Cap but the little port de l’Olivette has to be one of the prettiest. In contrast to the other larger ports in Cap d’Antibes this tiny port is home to dozens of Pointus.
The “Pointu” is a traditional fishing boat of the Mediterranean Sea. The name “Pointu”, which means “sharp”, probably comes from their tapered shape at both ends. Pointu is actually the original name given to the boats by people from Marseille. They used these little boats used for lazy fishing and going around the small harbors of the city.
Port de l’Olivette is run by the Association de Défense et de Gestion de l’Abri de l’Olivette
With 116 members and 43 boats many of which are traditional Pointus, the association promotes all that makes the charm of this little corner of paradise so special. It seeks to preserve the authenticity of the coastline and also ensure that the port remains as close as possible to it’s natural state.
I love coming down to the Port de l’Olivette to take pictures or just to watch the sunset. It’s such a calming place to be. At the height of summer it can also have a bit of a party atmosphere especially in the evenings. Members and their friends regularly congregate for sun downers and picnics and there is also the annual Fete du Port.
Because of it’s size, unlike the other Ports in Cap d’Antibes, this one has a real community not to mention genuine and traditional feel to it.
A complete contrast to the general perception of Cap d’Antibes.
I wandered down to the port yesterday taking pictures along the way as the sun finally came out after several weeks of grey skies and rain. I think this has probably been the worst March and April, weather wise, we have had for several years. Even my daughter, who usually refuses to ‘go for a walk’ didn’t need any persuading to leave the house.
Unfortunately when we got there most of the Pointus were still covered up due to the bad weather so I will have to go back again in a week. However the port and it’s surroundings were still photogenic, as always!
You can see photos from a previous photo story of the port taken in the summer here
