Antibes

Antibes is a resort town in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It lies on the Mediterranean in the Côte d'Azur, located between Cannes and Nice. Integrated to Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the technological park of Sophia-Antipolis is located northeast of the city.

Antibes was founded as a 5th century BCE Greek colony settled by Phocaeans from Massilia. Due to its naturally protected port, the town of Antibes has long been an important trading centre.

Antibes enjoys a Mediterranean climate. There are 48 beaches along the 25 km of coastline that surround Antibes and Juan les Pins.

Museums

  • Archaeology Museum: This museum sits atop the Promenade Amiral de Grasse in the old Bastion St Andre, a 17th century fortress. The museum's collection focuses on the classical history of Antibes. Many artifacts, sculptures and amphorae found in local digs and shipwrecks from the harbour are displayed here. The views of the sea and mountains from the promenade are also spectacular.
  • Naval Museum of Napoleon: Housed in a 17th century stone fort and tower, this museum presents a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, paintings and naval models. Several wall paintings show historic moments in Napoleon's reign and there are also pieces of his clothing such as one of the hats he once wore.
  • Picasso Museum: This museum houses one of the world's greatest Picasso collections: 24 paintings, 44 drawings, 32 lithographs, 11 oils on paper, 80 pieces of ceramics, 2 sculptures and 5 tapestries.
  • La Tour Museum: This small museum in the centre of town brings the contemporary history of Antibes to life through its exhibit of costumes, tools, photographs and other objects used by the local people.
  • Absinthe Museum: From its basement location within the Roman foundations of Old Antibes, the Absinthe Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Antibes. The owners and their staff are happy to talk you through the process and teach you to appreciate the distinctly green liqueur like a fine wine.

Parks and Gardens

  • The Exflora Park: The Exflora Park is a five hectare garden open to the public. Next to the large olive grove, there are different styles of Mediterranean gardens, from ancient Rome to the exuberant Riviera of the 19th century. Fountains and ponds stretch along the terrace, making a waterway 500m long.
  • The Eilenroc Gardens: Villa Eilenroc was built on a rock in the middle of a virtual desert. The area was transformed into a glorious garden through the patience and talent of Jacques Greber, landscape architect and consultant to the Great Exhibition in New York in 1939.
  • Thuret Park: In 1857, Gustave Thuret discovered the wonderful, unspoilt Cap d'Antibes and bought five hectares of land where he built a villa and began the creation of a glorious park. Bequeathed to the state by his heirs, the Jardin botanique de la Villa Thuret is now managed by the INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research).

Sights

  • Garoupe Lighthouse: The old lighthouse of Antibes provides one of the best views in the region from its lofty hilltop. To get here, you must walk about one kilometre up the Chemin de Calvaire from the Plage de la Salis. It makes for a nice half-day stroll.
  • Church of the Immaculate Conception: The central church in Antibes was first built in the 11th century with stones used from earlier Roman structures.
  • Ports: There are many yachting harbours which provide moorings for a range of ships ranging from fishing vessels to full sized yachts.
  • Festivals: Antibes and Juan les Pins host a number of festivals, mainly during the summer months. There's not much in the way of traditional cultural festivals in Antibes; most of the festivals focus on music and contemporary activities.