About Antibes

Antibes has an interesting history, having originally been founded as a Greek colony as far back as the 5th century BC. Because of its naturally safe harbour, Antibes had always been a popular trading port, but instability in the region throughout the earlier part of the second millennium led to Antibes becoming more cut off as it survived behind massive walled fortifications. Though coming under the protectorate of Louis XI, Antibes did not thrive and it was only in the earlier part of the twentieth century that the wealthy began to discover the hidden beauty of the town and its surrounding beaches.

Many famous names are associated with Antibes, including Picasso, who stayed there for six months at the Chateau Grimaldi and which has subsequently become a Picasso museum and art gallery which contains several of his works. In addition to the Picasso museum there is also the Napoleon museum, together with an absinthe museum dedicated to the mysterious green liquor. 2km of beaches surround the ‘Cap d’Antibes’ peninsula, so an abundance of water sports exist in the area, though if you are more inclined to exploration on foot, the Exflora Park, Eilenroc Gardens and Thuret Park are havens for nature lovers and botanists alike.

As with so many towns in the French Riviera and on the Cote d’Azur, the weather is always conducive to open air entertainment in the evenings and Antibes is no exception, especially during the festival season. Jazz a Juan in July was started over fifty years ago, while for two weeks in April Antibes is overrun with antiques during the Antique Show of Antibes. June sees the ‘Voiles d’Antibes’, one of the most dramatic sailing regattas comprising only older teak and brass sailing vessels, while there is the festival of Saint Peter and festival of Sacred Music in June and January respectively.

France, the Cote d’Azur and Cap d’Antibes all lean towards gourmet food and Antibes will not disappoint on that score, though unusually the town does not have any Michelin starred restaurants. While standard Provençale fare is on offer throughout the town, it is not ideal for vegans or vegetarians according to local reports, but with it being a seaside port, it is not surprising that seafood and Provençale style cooking rule the menus. The Marché Provençale will provide all you need for creating a simple lunch with cheese, olives, baguette and a drop of local AOC wine and local restaurants charge between €18.00 and €25.00 for a set menu lunch.