Antibes

Just a handful of kilometres from our apartment in Cannes lies Antibes, one of the oldest and most atmospheric towns on the whole Côte d'Azur. The town looks back on a history of more than two thousand years, and you feel that rich past everywhere: in the Greek and Roman roots, the mighty seaside fortifications and the lively town life within the old walls. Antibes brings together history, art, markets and nature in a single destination, which makes it one of the most popular day trips from Cannes. Anyone setting out from the apartment in Le Suquet stands in a completely different world within a quarter of an hour.

A town with Greek roots

Antibes is one of the oldest towns in France. Around the sixth century BC, Greek traders from Massalia (present-day Marseille) founded a trading post here that they called Antipolis — the town opposite, lying across the bay from Nice. Later it became a Roman settlement, and for centuries Antibes formed an important border stronghold of France facing the Duchy of Savoy. That strategic position explains the impressive defensive works that give the town its character to this day.

The walled old town

The heart of Antibes is the Vieille Ville, enclosed by ancient ramparts that border directly onto the Mediterranean. Behind those walls lies a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, small squares and sunny terraces. Stroll past the façades in warm ochre tones, discover artisan shops and settle down for a glass of rosé or a local dish. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, far from the fashionable bustle. Above the rooftops rises the cathedral with its striking bell tower, partly built on Roman foundations.

The Provençal market

One of the highlights of Antibes is the covered Marché Provençal on the Cours Masséna. Every morning (except Monday outside the high season) the stalls are set up here, full of fresh vegetables, herbs, cheese, olives, flowers and regional produce. The scents and colours make a visit to this market a feast for the senses, and it is the place to taste Provençal cuisine. By late morning the market traders make way for terraces and craft markets.

The Picasso museum in the Château Grimaldi

Right above the market rises the Château Grimaldi, which today houses the famous Musée Picasso. Pablo Picasso worked here for several months in 1946, and in gratitude he left a large part of his work from that extraordinarily fruitful period to the town. It was one of the first museums in the world devoted entirely to the artist. The collection, with the sea as an eternal backdrop through the windows, gives an intimate glimpse into a happy and productive phase of Picasso's life.

Port Vauban and the Fort Carré

With Port Vauban, Antibes has one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean, where some of the very largest superyachts in the world lie moored among the ordinary boats. At the edge of the harbour stands guard the star-shaped Fort Carré, a sixteenth-century fort on a green peninsula with a splendid view over the bay and the town. A walk along the harbour and over the old ramparts — the Promenade Amiral de Grasse — takes you past the very best of maritime Antibes, with the snow-capped Alps on the horizon on clear days.

Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins

Those who love peace and nature drive on to Cap d'Antibes, the green peninsula with luxurious villas, tall pine trees and hidden coves. The coastal walk Sentier du Littoral leads over rocks and along the water and is considered one of the most beautiful on the entire Riviera. On the other side of the peninsula lies Juan-les-Pins, a lively seaside resort with broad sandy beaches, convivial terraces and, in summer, a renowned jazz festival that draws music lovers from all over Europe.

Fun with children

Antibes and Juan-les-Pins are also a pleasant destination with children. The broad sandy beaches slope gently and are ideal for young families, while the old town with its market and little harbour offers plenty to discover. On the edge of the town there is also Marineland, a large marine animal park that has been a popular family outing in the region for years.

Practical

Antibes is quickly reached from Cannes by car or by train on the Cannes–Nice coastal line; the station is within walking distance of the old town. Combine a morning at the market with an afternoon on the Cap or at the beach for a perfectly varied day. Take a look at the apartment and the availability and make Antibes a fixed part of your stay on the coast.

Discover more: explore the surroundings of Cannes.