What to Visit in Antibes
What to Visit in Antibes according to Montecarloliving
Old Town
Hidden within the walls of an ancient fortress on the French coast of the Côte d’Azur lies the old town of Antibes.
This charming maze of narrow, winding streets, enriched by cozy squares and picturesque cafes, transports visitors back in time, immersing them in a timeless atmosphere.
Strolling through the streets of Old Antibes means delving into the millennia-old history of the region.
The centuries-old walls, built by the Romans and expanded by the Saracens, tell stories of battles and conquests, while the ancient churches and picturesque squares bear witness to centuries of community and cultural life.
Artists, inspired by the unique colors and light of this part of the world, have found refuge in the cobbled streets of Old Antibes. Picasso himself stayed here for a while, leaving an indelible mark on the city. Today, art galleries and craft shops dot the path, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in local art and creativity.
Free Commune of Safranier
Even today, in France, there are around a hundred free communes, neighborhood associations whose purpose is to promote the identity of a district within a municipality, of clear medieval origin.
Hidden among the winding alleys and cobblestone streets of the old town of Antibes lies the Free Commune of Safranier, a neighborhood that embodies the authenticity and charm of a bygone era. Exploring this neighborhood is like taking a journey into the heart of Provencal tradition and culture, where history blends harmoniously with contemporary life.
The Free Commune of Safranier, with its ancient stone houses of rustic architecture and small squares shaded by centuries-old trees, exudes an atmosphere of tranquility and authenticity that captivates visitors. Its narrow cobbled streets are a labyrinth of discoveries, rich in evocative corners and details that tell stories of past generations.
One of the main reasons to visit the Free Commune of Safranier is its deep connection to local traditions. Here, the community keeps alive the ancient Provencal customs, celebrating traditional festivals and keeping alive the art of local craftsmanship. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions by participating in cultural events, visiting craft shops, and tasting typical Provencal culinary delights.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is an unmissable cultural attraction that celebrates the artistic genius of one of the most influential painters of the 20th century. Located within the majestic Château Grimaldi, a historic fortress dating back to the 16th century, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore an extraordinary collection of works of art created by Pablo Picasso during his stay in the city in 1946.
Visiting the Picasso Museum in Antibes allows you to admire up close the works of the famous artist in a unique and evocative setting. The museum’s rooms, scattered among the ancient walls of the castle, host a wide selection of paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures created by Picasso during his time in Antibes. From his vibrant portraits to bold still lifes, each work reveals the unmatched mastery and creativity of this extraordinary artistic talent.
Ancient Walls
From the Picasso Museum starts a wonderful walk along the ancient walls, the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse: following the road you can admire new views of the city overlooking the sea and observe the boats and fishing boats arriving.
The walk offers indeed one of the most beautiful panoramas of Antibes.
From the Saleurs ramp, where fish was salted in the past, walk along the sea, following the path of the ramparts built by Vauban in the 17th century to the port. Above your heads, the ancient cathedral and the Grimaldi castle dominate the historic center.
Fort Carré
Among the majestic walls of the old town of Antibes stands Fort Carré, a powerful fortress that embodies centuries of military history and defensive architecture. This imposing building, built in the 16th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is a tangible testimony to the city’s glorious past and its struggles to defend the coast against enemy threats.
Visiting Fort Carré is an opportunity to explore one of the best-preserved fortifications in the region. Its imposing walls, bastions, and towers offer a fascinating glimpse into military life in the past, transporting visitors back in time to an era of sieges and conquests. History and architecture lovers will find here a real treasure, being able to admire up close the ingenuity and skill of 16th-century military engineers.
Furthermore, Fort Carré offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Antibes, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The panoramic terraces along the fortress walls offer spectacular views that capture the essence of the Côte d’Azur and offer a unique opportunity to take unforgettable photographs.
Port Vauban
Facing the bastions of Old Antibes, the old Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe and is home to the most luxurious yachts in the world, some of which are over 100 meters long: the port covers an area of 25 hectares and boasts a length of dock of 4200 linear meters, with 1650 boat berths, accommodating all types of vessels.
Its international attendance gives the historic center of Antibes a cosmopolitan character: in many pubs in the area, English is spoken and it is common to meet sailors and travelers from all over Europe.
Installed facing the sea, overlooking Port Vauban and its Milliardaire Quay, is Le Nomade, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, a monumental work 8 meters high.
Jazz Festival in Pinède Gould
The Jazz Festival in Pinède Gould in Antibes is an extraordinary event that celebrates the magic of jazz music in a breathtaking natural setting on the Côte d’Azur.
This annual festival is a unique experience that combines a passion for music with the beauty of nature, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and captivating atmosphere of jazz under the stars.
The highlight of the Festival is the exceptional quality of its musical programming. Every year it attracts some of the greatest talents in the world of jazz, who perform unforgettable outdoor concerts surrounded by the splendor of the pine forest and the sea breeze.
From virtuosos to collective improvisations, each concert is an extraordinary experience that captures the soul and essence of jazz.
Cap d’Antibes
Cap d’Antibes, a hidden gem on the beautiful Côte d’Azur that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, historical charm, and relaxed atmosphere.
Located on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, it is a paradise for those seeking tranquility, beauty, and timeless adventures.
One of the main reasons to visit Cap d’Antibes is its stunning coastline and idyllic beaches. Here, the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean lap against golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, creating a postcard-perfect landscape that invites relaxation and contemplation.
The secluded beaches and hidden coves offer visitors the chance to enjoy the sun and sea in a peaceful and intimate setting, away from the crowds of more crowded tourist resorts.
Furthermore, Cap d’Antibes is renowned for its magnificent coastal trails that offer spectacular views of the coast and surrounding islands. Nature lovers and hikers will find a network of paths that wind through fragrant pine forests and steep cliffs, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.
The rich and fascinating history of Cap d’Antibes is another reason to visit this unique destination. Here, ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and historic villas tell stories of noble families, adventurers, and artists who have found inspiration in this magical place over the centuries.
Marineland
Marineland Park is one of the favorite and recommended activities to do with the family. Protected species, breathtaking shows, and also the possibility of staying on site, with hotels and restaurants at your disposal.
With your children, you can discover 40 species represented by 3,000 animals, learn how they live, what their environments are, their codes of communication, their rules of life, and their habits, through multiple educational activities dedicated to the world of the sea: a journey to discover the richness of the seabed and the useful gestures to preserve the blue planet.
Inside the walls of Marineland, you will also find Aquasplash, one of the largest water parks on the French Riviera, Adventure Golf, a very rich mini-golf, and Kid’s Island, an amusement park for children with many animals to see.
Faro de la Garoupe
We conclude with one of the best viewpoints to admire the spectacle of the coves of Antibes, 103 meters above sea level.
If the Garoupe lighthouse has been a powerful landmark and guide for fishermen since the beginning of the 19th century, a graceful church is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Bon Port, in memory of the sailors who have challenged the storms.
