From Fromage to Foie Gras: Provisioning in Antibes

There are worse places to provision than France, aren’t there? (There’s an understatement for you!) Antibes, in particular, offers the wonderful mix of the unparalleled French gastronomy with plentiful big berths, making this yachting capital the perfect place to stock up before a charter.

Everything chefs could possibly need to pacify even the pickiest guest or owner is here. Open-air markets offer the best local ingredients while large supermarkets, such as the giant Carrefour hypermarket just outside Antibes, give chefs access to whatever the locals cannot provide. Here is a taste of some favorite specialty shops and provisioners frequented by yacht chefs.

Local French bakery, La Pissaladiere on Rue de la Pompe, comes highly recommended. Its central location makes it accessible, but the delicious breads, especially the onion tart it was named for, make it not-to-be-missed and will keep your guests craving more.

If cheese is what you’re after, stop in to l'Etable‎ located at 1 Rue Sade. An authentic French fromagerie, l'Etable sells cheeses and fresh ingredients from local farmers. +33 (0)4 93 345142

Ferme du Foie Gras sells a host of gourmand items, including, of course, foie gras. An online store provides easy access and it will even ship its products to you. Ferme du Foie Gras is located in old town of Antibes between the port and the Provencal market and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday. www.vente-foie-gras.net; +33 (0)4 93 342650

Geoffrey’s of London offers a taste of home for Brits who miss their tea and biscuits. Its website boasts the motto, “If we don’t stock it, we can get it.” Located at La Galerie du Port rue Lacan, it also provides free delivery along the coast. To contact Geoffrey’s, email info@geoffreysoflondon.com or call +33 (0)4 92 906640.

Forgot to pack your favorite knifes for this charter? Never fear, NautiChef has what you need, along with a multitude of other supplies for the galley and interior. If you can’t find what you need, NautiChef will pull out the stops to get it for you, contacting its suppliers to source products. Its online store is convenient for chefs who don’t have much time to get off the boat. You can contact NautiChef, located at 4 Rue Vauban, at +33 (0)4 93 638244 or visit www.nautichef.com.

In need of some specialty items from the Far East? Head to Froggy Gourmet for hard-to-find provisions as well as France’s best offerings. Opened almost a decade ago by former yacht chef “Froggy,” i.e. Bruno Lepicier, this premium purveyor is a yacht chef’s dream, boasting everything from fish to oils to an expansive wine collection. You can even order over the phone at +33 (0)4 93 340538 or via email info@froggygourmet.fr
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Originally a fruit and vegetable wholesaler and market called Tina Prim, Gourmet Deliveries now offers a large selection of top goods available for delivery directly to your yacht. Its fruits and vegetables come from local farmers, but it also offers imported produce. Gourmet Deliveries sells fish fresh from the morning’s catch, meats from local, traditional French butchers, as well as imported meats such as Kobe beef and kosher meats, cheeses, frozen foods, beverages such as soft drinks, wines and spirits, interior items, fresh flowers, floral arrangements and plants. Free deliveries are available from Marseille to Genoa. Gourmet Deliveries does deliver farther afield throughout Europe, but a delivery charge will be reflected in the goods’ prices. Costs vary according to market price; however quotes are available upon request. Contact Gourmet Deliveries at Gabi at orders@Gourmet-Deliveries.com; + 33 (0)6 18 738020 / + 33 (0)6 11 055576; Gourmet-Deliveries.com.