The port of Nice on the French Riviera enchants with its Mediterranean flair and the characteristic "pointu" boats, which appear like lively splashes of colour on the azure blue water. These traditional wooden boats, affectionately known as "pointu", characterise the maritime backdrop and lend the harbour a picturesque, folksy flair.
The pointus, with their slender hulls and high, elegant prows, are colourfully designed and reflect the vibrant culture of Nice's fishermen. Each boat tells a story and their vibrant colours, from bright turquoise to warm red, lend the harbour a cheerful atmosphere. Tradition and modernity merge here, with the pointus moored side by side with luxurious yachts and fishing boats.
The traditional wooden boat was first given its name by naval officers from Toulon at the beginning of the 19th century.
Le pointu was built by Ligurian and Napolitan shipbuilders who had settled in the fishing harbours of the Var and brought the boat type with them from their homeland. The lateen sail betrays Arab influence. The rigging is simple. The wooden boats were not fitted with an engine until 1913 - the Baldwin Y1 single-cylinder with five hp became particularly famous.
Hello and welcome! Here are the best photos I've ever taken: Hilke - a true Hamburg girl with a lot of France in her heart. I trained as an editor and, after two decades with various publishing houses, I've been working as a freelance journalist for print, .. Read more…