Antibes

Beaches, Picasso Museum and more on the Côte d'Azur

Antibes in France is not one of the most famous cities. Not even in the famous Côte d'Azur region, though the city has some interesting sights that you can read in this article. Most people visit Antibes when it rains, and the beaches are not an option. But Antibes is deserving of more. In fact, it is always worth a visit.

Attractions include a famous museum, a popular walk along the rugged coast and the historic town center with a fortress. The harbour is also nice, as is the famous artwork of The Nomade  and more. Antibes doesn't get too much attention, but that's unfair. Antibes is one of the highlights of the French Riviera.

It is nice to discover its rich history. Archaeologists believe that the Greeks built the first fortifications here in Antibes 2,000 years ago. They called the city Antipolis. Later the Romans came, who brought great prosperity to the city. Although little of this can be found now.

Nowadays you can easily spend a day in Antibes, where you can mix culture with being active. And can even combine with a few hours at the beach. And, for example, also with a nice swim. Antibes is part of the town of Antibes Juan-les-Pins.

La Route des Peintres

Hiking on the La Route des Peintres. ©Corno van den Berg

The La Route des Peintres is a signposted walk that runs right through the city. If you follow it you will discover the narrow streets of the Le Safranier district. Take your time for this walk. You can also see some images of paintings Monet and Picasso made in this city.

Le Sentier du Littoral on Cap d'Antibes

Hiking on Cap d'Antibes. ©Corno van den Berg

The famous Le Sentier du Littoral hiking trail runs along the coast of Cap d'Antibes. The hiking trail at Juan les Pins is over 4 kilometres long. It starts at Plage La Garoupe in the south of the peninsula. You can park your car here and go for a walk. The path leads past small beaches. The famous Château de la Croë, Croupatassière Beach and rock formations where you can swim by climbing down a ladder.

The route leads past many special plants. Including sea fennel, silver ragwort, white bush clover and various other plants. Also keep an eye out for the Aleppo pine, a tree that often takes on unusual shapes due to the wind. For bird lovers, there is an abundance of birdlife, especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

The trail is said to have been used by both smugglers and customs officers in the past. The wealthy now live here, but you can walk unhindered along the most beautiful part: the coast. It is a winding path and is partly flat. But you also have to walk over rocks, so slippers are not useful. You have to climb steps regularly and watch out for waves so as not to get wet. What makes this trip extra fun.

Hikers along the path. ©Corno van den Berg

Fort Carré

The Fort towers over the harbour. It was built in the 16th century to keep the city safe. Napoleon Bonaparte was briefly imprisoned here during the French Revolution.  Incidentally, Fort Carré was the fortress used by James Bond’s enemy in the 1983 movie Never Say Never Again. You can visit Fort Carré. Don't forget to take in the view of the port, the city, and the mountains in the distance.

Picasso Museum

The lovely Picasso Museum in Antibes. ©Corno van den Berg

The Picasso Museum is located in the middle of the city. It is located in the stately Chateau Grimaldi, a Roman fortress. The artist lived and worked here for six months in 1946. In addition to the works of art he made here, the museum also contains many photos from his time here. This gives a nice insight into his life with his girlfriend Françoise Gilot back then. You are welcome to visit the museum.

More information: Musee Picasso

Port Vauban Harbour

Fishermen at the port of Antibes. ©Corno van den Berg

The port of Antibes is teeming with fishing boats. There is a lot of hustle and bustle as you walk past the boats. Often fishermen sell their catch in a few stalls near the harbour. You can also see how they repair the nets and they're happy to chat.

Quai des Milliardaires

The wealthy's luxurious yachts are appropriately docked on the Quai des Milliardaires. The boats are docked side by side, and you can often see them being cleaned. Or how the owners enjoy lunch on board. If you like taking pictures, the picture of the boats with the Fort and the mountains in the background is a must.

Le Nomade at Bastion St Jaume

A unique work of art can be found in the harbour near the extremity of the bastion St Jaume. Le Nomade depicts a guy made entirely of letters. Jaume Plensa created this sculpture in 2010. Plensa also designed the Joan Miró Museum in Barcelona. The artwork can be viewed for free. Take a look inside the head and look through the letters.

Visiting Antibes

You can visit the city all year round. Spring, like fall, is extremely lovely. In the summer it can get crowded. In the summer it can get busy, but then the city is really alive.

There is also much to do in winter. It is often a lot cooler and it can even snow. You can also combine Antibes well with nearby Cannes. It is 12 kilometres away and will take you half an hour to get there in your rental car.

More information on the official website

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