5 Things to do in Antibes : the best of Provence
Antibes is a town located on the French Riviera, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It is situated between Cannes and Nice, and is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and charming old town.
Antibes has a rich history, having been settled by the Greeks around 400 BC, and later by the Romans. In the 16th century, the town became an important stronghold for the French against the Spanish, and its fortifications were expanded under the leadership of King Louis XIV.
Today, Antibes is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. It is home to several museums, including the Picasso Museum, which is housed in the Château Grimaldi, a castle that was once used as a residence by the Grimaldi family of Monaco.
Here are some things to see and do in Antibes :
5 Things to do in Antibes : our best tips !
Visit the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Antibes is a museum dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. The museum is housed in the Château Grimaldi, a castle that dates back to the 12th century and was once the home of the Grimaldi family of Monaco.
The museum’s collection includes over 200 works by Picasso, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures. Many of the works on display were created by Picasso during his stay in Antibes in 1946, when he was invited to use the Château Grimaldi as a studio.
Some of the highlights of the collection include “La Joie de Vivre,” a large painting that depicts a group of women and children playing on the beach, and “Man with Sheep,” a sculpture that is considered one of Picasso’s most significant works.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which showcase works by other artists or explore different themes related to Picasso’s life and work.
Visitors to the museum can take a guided tour or explore the exhibits on their own. The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays, and admission fees apply.
Discover the Old City
The old city of Antibes, also known as “Vieil Antibes,” is a charming and picturesque area that is steeped in history and culture. The old city is located near the coast, within the ancient ramparts that were built by the Greeks in the 5th century BC to defend against attacks from the sea.
Today, the old city is a popular destination for visitors to Antibes, who come to explore its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and quaint cafes. Some of the highlights of the old city include:
The Marché Provençal: This colorful market is held daily in the old city and features a wide range of fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties, such as olive oil, cheese, and honey.
The Musée d’Archéologie: This museum showcases the history of Antibes and the surrounding region, with exhibits that range from ancient Greek artifacts to medieval pottery.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea: This 12th-century cathedral is located in the heart of the old city and features beautiful stained-glass windows and ornate decorations.
The Fort Carré: This historic fortress is located on a hill overlooking Antibes and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. The fort was built in the 16th century to protect the town from attacks, and today it is open to visitors for tours and exploration.
The Port Vauban: This is one of the largest marinas in Europe and is home to hundreds of yachts and other boats. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and admire the boats, or stop for a drink or a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the harbor.
Relax on the Beaches
Antibes and Juan les Pins are home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera. Here are some of the top beaches to check out:
Plage de la Gravette: This small, sandy beach is located in the heart of Antibes’ old town and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is relatively sheltered, making it ideal for families with children.
Plage de la Salis: This long, sandy beach is located on the western edge of Antibes and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Plage du Ponteil: This quiet, pebbly beach is located on the eastern edge of Antibes and is known for its calm waters and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is popular with families and is a great spot for picnics and relaxation.
Plage de Juan les Pins: This long, sandy beach is located in the neighboring town of Juan les Pins and is one of the most popular beaches on the French Riviera. The beach is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants and is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching.
Plage des Ondes: This secluded beach is located on the Cap d’Antibes and is known for its crystal-clear waters and rocky coastline. The beach is only accessible by foot and is a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, you are sure to be impressed by the stunning scenery and clear waters of the French Riviera.
Visit the Fort Carré
The Fort Carré is a historic fortress located on a hill overlooking the town of Antibes, on the French Riviera. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Duke of Savoy to protect the town from attacks and was later expanded by the French military during the 19th century.
Today, the Fort Carré is open to visitors and offers a fascinating glimpse into the military history of the region. Here are some of the highlights of a visit to the Fort Carré:
Exploring the fortifications: The Fort Carré is surrounded by a series of walls, towers, and ramparts that were designed to withstand attacks from land and sea. Visitors can explore these fortifications and get a sense of what life was like for the soldiers who once manned the fort.
Visiting the Chapel: The Chapel of Sainte-Anne is located inside the Fort Carré and dates back to the 17th century. The chapel is decorated with beautiful frescoes and offers a peaceful respite from the bustling fort.
Enjoying the views: The Fort Carré offers stunning views of Antibes and the Mediterranean. Visitors can climb to the top of the fortifications for even better views of the surrounding area.
Learning about the history: The Fort Carré features a small museum that offers information about the history of the fort and the military history of the region. Visitors can learn about the battles that were fought here and the military strategies that were used to defend the area.
Attending events: The Fort Carré is a popular venue for cultural events and concerts. During the summer months, visitors can attend concerts and other events inside the fort, enjoying the stunning surroundings while listening to music or watching a performance.
A visit to the Fort Carré is a must for anyone interested in history or military architecture, and offers a unique perspective on the fascinating history of the French Riviera.
Wander around the Cap d’Antibes
The Cap d’Antibes is a picturesque peninsula located between Antibes and Juan les Pins, on the French Riviera. This beautiful area is known for its stunning coastline, charming villages, and luxurious villas.
Here are some of the top things to do on the Cap d’Antibes:
Take a scenic walk: The Cap d’Antibes is home to some of the most beautiful walking trails on the French Riviera. The coastal path that runs along the edge of the peninsula offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and takes you past some of the most luxurious villas in the region.
Visit the Villa Eilenroc: This beautiful villa is located on the western edge of the Cap d’Antibes and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. The villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are open to the public and is a great spot for a picnic or a stroll.
Explore the Plage de la Garoupe: This beautiful beach is located on the eastern side of the Cap d’Antibes and is known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Visit the Phare de la Garoupe: This lighthouse is located on the southern tip of the Cap d’Antibes and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for even better views.
Visit the Musée Picasso: This museum is located in the Château Grimaldi in Antibes and features a collection of works by the famous artist Pablo Picasso, many of which were created during his time in Antibes.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, the Cap d’Antibes has something to offer everyone.
