Visit Antibes Old Town in southeastern France to find a place where historic interests blend with contemporary expectations. Located between Cannes and Nice, it has the core features of the Côte d’Azur but often with better value than its swanky neighbors. Walk the perimeter of this 10th-century walled section of town and through its narrow thoroughfares that favor walking over driving.
A good place to start is the Tourist Office of Antibes, next to the Jardin René Cassin. Pick up maps and information to start a walking tour of city squares. You’ll soon come to Place Nationale, with its 16.4-foot (5-meter) stone column presented to the town by Louis XVIII.
Look for the Grand Hotel building next to Place de Gaulle, the main city square. The impressive structure is now a food and department store, where you can find goods you need for your stay. Follow the long boulevard from here to Square Albert 1er, which connects to scenic sandy Mediterranean beaches. Travel north to see a forest of sailboat masts marking one of Europe’s largest yachting harbors.
The star-shaped 16th-century fort overlooking the yachts is Fort Carré. Another large fortress-type building is the 12th-century Château Grimaldi, originally a residence for Monaco’s royal family. After serving as Picasso’s studio, it is now the Picasso Museum. Enter the neoclassical church next door, Antibes Cathedral, to view a 15th-century wooden Christ.
Antibes is the source of many literary and artistic works such as Nikos Kazantzakis’ Zorba the Greek and paintings by Monet, Picasso and Meissonier. Walk along the shore and in several inland spots to see plaques indicating where painters once stood to create famous seascapes and city views.
Explore the large Provencal Market set up daily just inland from the cathedral. Hunt for your favorite café and restaurant there are many to choose from.
Adjoining Antibes Old Town is park-like Juan-les-Pins with magnificent sea views, lovely beaches and upscale residences.
