Acquired just 2 years ago by the coastal conservancy, the sea and coastal area of Antibes, located within the walls of the Graillon Battery, continues to evolve to better inform the public and act to preserve the Mediterranean and the species that inhabit it. With the opening of a turtle care center, the sea activities offered to the public, and modernization projects, its managers hope to reach even more of the general public.
« People don’t necessarily realize the beauty and richness that lies right under their eyes. There’s no need to go to the other side of the world, to the other side of the Mediterranean to marvel » explains Didier Laurent, manager of the sea and coastal area. So that’s the role of this place: to show visitors everything the marine environment offers them between Cannes and Villeneuve-Loubet, located within the Natura 2000 site « Baie et Cap d’Antibes – Lérins Islands ».
A museum space to inform and educate
Arrival at the museum partly takes place in the Graillon tower, a lookout over the Gulf of Juan dating from the 17th century. A very beautiful permanent photo exhibition opens the visit, produced by the association Aquanauts, it focuses on the four marine habitats of Cap d’Antibes: open water, posidonia meadows, sand, and coralligenous reefs. Other photos observed in the dark allow discovering the underwater world at night and a floor is dedicated to the environment to understand what happens to waste released into nature and its harmful influence on the oceans. The space communicates extensively with children: fun workshops are offered around the Tower to help them understand this nearby marine environment. With the aim of leaving an impression, Didier Laurent promises « by 2019, modernization projects and access to interactive digital tools implemented in this exhibition area« .
Sea outings for practical learning
After theory, it’s time for practice! To observe with their own eyes the diversity of the seabed of their region, visitors can participate in sea outings at the foot of the Graillon Battery. In a kayak or with snorkeling gear, accompanied by naturalist guides, they observe and comment on everything they can see in the water. Walks along the coastline are also offered for those who prefer to keep their feet dry.
Taking concrete action for the Mediterranean
On July 11th, the sea area inaugurated a turtle care center within the enclosure of the Graillon Battery. Two residents are already being cared for in this new space – a baby turtle soon to be released back into the sea and a large loggerhead turtle in a very poor state after ingesting a hook and several meters of fishing line –. « Many people don’t even know there are turtles in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, it happens that some wash up on the beaches and need care, we need to make ourselves known so that the public knows who to call in such situations » explains Didier Laurent. To ensure that injured Mediterranean turtles receive appropriate care, this care center reinforces the one in Grau du Roi as well as with the future project of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Practical information: Sea and Coastal Areal, Graillon Battery, Boulevard J. F. Kennedy, 06160 Antibes. Open from June 15 to September 15 from Tuesday to Saturday, free entry.
Margot Harty