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The first town founded by the Greeks on the Riviera coast, for a long time Antibes was the only town between Marseille and Italy. The temples, monuments and an immense 3500 seat theatre bear testimony to its artistic and cultural origins, the ruins of which were built on in the Middle Ages, then in the Renaissance period in which the Chateau Grimaldi was built that later became the Picasso Museum, and Fort Carré, one of the most beautiful examples of military architecture in Europe. Since that time, far from being merely a museum piece with a glorious heritage, the town has continued to move with the times and is a living treasure. Many great artists have come here, and continue to do so, where the first festival of jazz in Europe was created. Its ancient walls have resounded with the beautiful voices of today and yesterday, offering a vast and diverse choice that delights all its visitors.
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Antibes Old Town and Markets
The Cap d’Antibes is a small peninsula of paradise, you can visit it by taking the sign-posted path following the coastline which leads you into this immense park which is scrupulously maintained. It’s also home to a number of millionaire’s dream villas and residences. The famous “Eden Roc” hotel is reputed to be one of the most beautiful hotels in the world and can be found at the point of the “Cap”. The Beach Plage which has been going for over 40 years is a delightful spot under the shadow of the Eden Roc Hotel. Our other favourite beach bar is Keller Plage incorporating Le Cesar restaurant at La Garoupe.
Plage de La Garoupe (La Garoupe Beach), on the Cap d’Antibes, used to be the favourite beach of Fitzgerald and Murphy. The Cap d’Antibes is marked by the lighthouse at the highest point.
Fort Carré and Port Vauban
Marché Provençal (covered market):
Sept-May: Tue-Sun mornings; June-Aug: All mornings
At the Cours Massena, in front of the Mairie
Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers, along with other regional products
Artisanal – Marché Provençal (covered market): Sun afternoons
Foire (clothing market): Thursday
Rue Fontvieille, behind the post office
Brocante:
Thursday, Saturday; 8h-19h
Place Jacques Audiberti, between the Porte Marine and the Place Massena
Port Vauban
The old port was the heart of “Antipolis” when the Greeks had a tenuous grip on the coast. The Ligurians were crowded around the outskirts, and galleons and galleys moored in the sheltered waters. Centuries later, and centuries ago, crusaders left from here on their way to the Holy Lands. Today, Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe.
The Large Yachts jetty, added just a few years ago, often has a row of some of the world’s largest yachts berthed in the port.
The Port Vauban, created in the early 1970’s in its modern iteration, includes a guaranteed 99 places for professional fishermen. The fishing boats are located at the western edge of the port, closest to the arched gateway into the old town, and handy for the fresh fish stands on the quai.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso museum is in the Chateau Grimaldi, between the covered market on the Place Massena and the ramparts.
Picasso worked here in the chateau in 1946, and his studio is part of the museum. The collection includes an enormous amount of his work, including Mediterranean marine and mythological life painted here, and ceramics produced in nearby Vallauris in 1948-49.
Open: 15 June-15 Sept: 10hrs-18hrs; 16 Sept-14 June: 10hrs-12hrs, 14hrs-18hrs.
Closed: Monday – Holidays 1st Nov-10th Dec
Entry: approx 4 euros
Tel: 04 92 90 54 20; Fax: 04 92 90 54 21
Tourist Office
ANTIBES – JUAN LES PINS
Maison du Tourisme , 11, place de Gaulle, 06600 ANTIBES,
Tel: (+33) 492 90 53 00, Fax: (+33) 492 90 53 00
