Antibes History

The tiny Mediterranean town of Antibes has a long and interesting history which stretches back thousands of years. Due to its naturally protected port, the town has long been used as an important trading centre. Many different groups of people ruled over Antibes, until France finally took control. Antibes owes its modern-day popularity to its wonderful climate and scenery, which attracts thousands of tourists each year. The town has retained much of its ancient charm, which makes it one of the more special towns along the famous French Riviera.

The Romans

As the Greek Empire fell into decline, the Romans stepped in to take control of the Mediterranean region. By the 2nd century BC, Rome had developed the southern region of France into one of its provinces and began incorporating the small towns into its empire.

In 43 BC, Antibes (or Antipolis, as it was then called) was officially annexed by Rome and remained so for the next 500 years. The Romans turned Antipolis into the biggest town in the region and a main entry point into Gaul. Roman artefacts such as aqueducts, fortified walls and amphora can still be seen today.

Medieval times

When the Roman Empire fell apart in 476, various barbarian tribes took their turn at Antibes. The main result was destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal.

The recession

Antibes’ prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. By the end of the 15th century, the entire region had fallen under the protection and control of Louis XI, the king of France. Things returned to a state of relative stability, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.

The revival

The area around Antibes finally emerged from its long slumber around the middle of the 19th century, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered the beauty of the place and built luxurious homes here. In 1880, the neighbouring town of Juan les Pins was restored by the Duke of Albany, son of Queen Victoria, and brought into fashion as a destination for the wealthy and elite.

Picassos arrival

In 1926, the old castle of Antibes was bought by the local municipality and restored to its original condition for use as a museum. Pablo Picasso came to town in 1946 and was invited to stay in the castle. He stayed for six months, painting and drawing many pieces of art as well as crafting ceramics and tapestries. When he departed, he left all his works here, and the castle officially became the Picasso Museum.

Jazz finds a home

Juan les Pins reached its pinnacle of fame in the 1920s as wealthy Americans flocked to the town in search of fun and sun. Jazz followed with them, and this tiny village soon became renowned as a hangout for celebrities and musicians. In 1960, the Jazz Festival of Juan was launched. Every big name in jazz showed up, from Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald and dozens more. The festival continues to this day and Antibes is still known as a hotspot for the artistic and the elite.