Antibes Key Attractions

Across the Bay of Angels from Nice lies the old port town of Antibes, which is one of the most unique places along the Côte d’Azur. Much of its charm lies in its little harbour, which is filled with fishing boats and pleasure yachts, and the old town, with its quaint buildings and marketplaces full of flowers. Unlike some of the bigger towns along the coast, Antibes has retained much of its original lifestyle as a fishing village. It is quiet and peaceful, and full of Mediterranean ambiance set against a backdrop of Roman artefacts. Yet just next door, in stark contrast, lies the ultra-rich enclave of Cap d’Antibes and the nightlife of Juan les Pins.

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 artefacts, 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 (tel: +33 04 93 34 00 39).

Bain Douches

A few metres from Port Vauban, this ancient military blockhouse is located on the ramparts that once protected the town from invasion. The large rooms within the ramparts were turned into public bathhouses and meeting rooms hundreds of years ago. After recent restoration, these thick vaulted rooms have been turned into a municipal art gallery. Usually, three local artists each month exhibit their work here. The other rooms are occupied by craftsmen. It’s a good place to see what budding local artists are creating (tel: +33 0 609 559 158).

Church of the Immaculent Conception

The central church in Antibes was first built in the 11th century with stones used from earlier Roman structures. Its current façade was constructed in the 18th century and is a wonderful blend of Latin classical symmetry and religious fantasy. The interior houses some impressive pieces such as its Baroque altarpiece and life-sized wooden carving of Christ’s death from 1447.

Cours Massena

If you want to get a feel of what old Antibes was like, take a stroll along this street in the heart of town. Lined with an exotic little market, tiny cafés and vendors, this is the real face of Antibes. The street starts by passing under the archway at Porte Marine and following the rue Aubernon.

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.

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. The museum presents important moments in the daily life of its people, beginning from the 20th century (tel: +33 03 34 13 58).

Naval Museum of Napoleon

Housed in a 17th century stone fort and tower, this museum presents an interesting 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. The view from the tower alone is worth the admission price (tel: +33 04 93 61 45 32).

Picasso Museum

Chateau Grimaldi was once the home of the princes of Antibes when they ruled from 1385 to 1608. Today, this lovely castle houses one of the world’s greatest Picasso collections. The great artist spent half of 1946 living and painting in the castle. When he departed, he gave the museum all the work he created while in residence: 24 paintings, 44 drawings, 32 lithographs, 11 oils on paper, 80 pieces of ceramics, 2 sculptures and 5 tapestries. It is truly a diverse and fascinating collection showing the many sides of Picasso’s art (tel: +33 04 92 90 54 20).

Port Vauban

This old port was the heart of the ancient Greek city of Antipolis and has a long and colourful history which includes Ligurians, Romans and Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Today, it is the largest marina in Europe and is full of life. Local fishing boats are moored next to luxury yachts and the docks are lined with fresh fish stands. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon watching the fishermen go about their daily lives.

Thuret Garden
This lovely botanical garden sits midway on the Cap d’Antibes and offers a nice selection of subtropical plants and trees. Established in 1856 by Gustave Thuret, the garden is one of the best on the Riviera and a great place to stroll. Thuret was responsible for bringing the palm tree to the Côte d’Azur (tel: +33 04 93 67 88 66).

Villa Eilenroc
At the very tip of the Cap d’Antibes is this impressive estate designed by Charles Garnier, who created the Paris Opera. The expansive grounds have numerous paths which lead to gardens and offer grand views of the sea and the amazing Chateau de la Croe. You can wander the grounds freely, but during the summer months, the chateau itself is closed. On Wednesdays from September to June, visitors are allowed to tour the mansion, which has a great Art Deco ambiance (tel: +33 04 93 67 74 33).