A place of sun, sand, snorkels and cobblestone streets, Antibes is all set to seduce lovers of history, the great outdoors and fine food.
Nearly midway between its easterly neighbour Nice and Cannes to the west, is the alluring coastal town of Antibes Juan-les-Pins at the Cote d'Azur. A place of sun, sand and snorkels, its tranquil waters are frequently dotted with some of the world’s finest superyachts. Antibes also treats visitors to spectacular scenic walks on its historic 16th century city walls.
History never repeats in Antibes Juan-les-Pins
A must for any itinerary is a stroll through ‘Old Antibes’ to explore its narrow medieval alleys and cobblestone streets.
From Porte Marine, take Rampe des Saleurs and enter old Antibes through one of the many small alleys until you reach the historic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception d’Antibes.
Soon you will come to Château Grimaldi, where Picasso stayed in 1946.
Now home to the Musée Picasso, the castle features breathtaking sea views from the Montée Dor de la Souchère. Close by, in the old town’s heart, is another must-see attraction – the vibrant frescoes of the 16th century Saint Bernardin Chapel.
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Further along is the charming Commune Libre du Safranier between rue de la Tourraque and the famous rue du Haut Castelet – renowned for its sublime beauty, picturesque houses and gorgeous flowers as well as artists’ studios such as Villa Fontaine. Wander back to the cours Masséna through rue de la Pompe and do try the popular local pissaladière. On the city’s outskirts is the star-shaped 16th century Fort Carré. One of the first bastion forts built during the Renaissance, it played a starring role in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again and offers a breathtaking panorama from its 43-metre rampart walk.
The great outdoors in Antibes Juan-les-Pins
Much of the beauty of Antibes can be explored at leisure by bike, with lanes beginning on the Route de Nice and Bord de la Mer on the outskirts of Port Vauban.
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Juan-les-Pins, a seaside resort west of Cap d'Antibes
A cosmopolitan seaside resort town to the west of Cap d’Antibes is Juan-les-Pins. A place of pine groves and chalk-white beaches lined with tempting eateries and stylish boutiques, it was once a much-loved getaway for feted artists and novelists (think Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald) drawn to its beauty, lively nightclubs and buzzing casinos. Each July it’s a major drawcard for the world’s best jazz musicians who perform at the Jazz à Juan festival in the Pinède Gould park. Those into watersports can find myriad activities available on and under Juan-les-Pins’ idyllic waters while, further afield, family fun awaits on waterslides and rides at water park Aquasplash.
Life’s a beach at Antibes Juan-les-Pins
One of Cap d’Antibes’ prettiest beaches is Plage de la Garoupe - a picturesque sunbaking site with soft sand, sloping to glittering blue waters. Other alluring beachside destinations are Plage Keller and Plage Joseph.
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Food and shopping at Antibes Juan-les-Pins, French Riviera
Passionate foodies are spoiled for choice with Antibes’ alleys, rich with Michelin-starred restaurants, cafés with unspoilt views of the Mediterranean; the variety of innovative and traditional cuisines complete this mouth-watering culinary scene. Perusing the freshest local produce at Marché provençal is also a must or indulge in an absinthe frappe at the Absinthe Museum within a 9th century Roman vault. Whether your passion is history, geography, the natural environment, architecture or gastronomy, Antibes reliably delights.
Further Information Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office www.antibesjuanlespins.com/en
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