Vallon des Auffes

Vallon des Auffes is a slot in the Corniche coastline barely eighty metres across: a stone slipway, a huddle of fishermen's cabanons, coloured wooden pointus tied up in rows, and the great arches of the Corniche viaduct crossing overhead. It has almost no space, which is exactly what makes it photograph — everything is compressed, colourful and close, and the bridge gives a strong graphic frame above the boats.

Sunset is the hour. The cove faces west-southwest, so the last light comes straight in off the water, lights the cabanons and turns the harbour amber; afterwards the restaurant lights come on and blue hour works too. In the morning the whole cove is in shadow under the cliff.

Be considerate: this is a small working harbour with people's homes and boats around it, the quays are narrow, and the two restaurants at the head of the cove are busy every evening. That means no blocking the slipway, no climbing on boats, and a small session rather than a production. Park up on the Corniche and walk down the steps — there is nowhere to leave a car below.