Antibes
Antibes is located in the Alpes Maritimes department between Cannes and Nice and is the third largest city on the Riviera. Antibes is the real name, but the town is also known as Antibes-Juan-les-Pins. The Juan-les-Pins part is a very popular holiday resort with beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants, bars, discos, casino and a lively nightlife. Antibes was founded by the Greeks under the name Antipolis ‘the city opposite’, meaning opposite another Greek city, Nikaia, which today is known as Nice. Unfortunately, there is nothing left to remind us of this early period except for a few artefacts that are now in the city museum. When the Romans arrived, they set about building a very important city at Antibes. Unfortunately, not much remains from this period either. In addition, Antibes is the only town on the Riviera that has been fortified. Vieil Antibes, the old town, is without a doubt the main attraction of the city. It is extremely interesting. The maze of narrow alleyways between Rue James Close and the bus station is particularly worth exploring. The old town is right on the water south of the harbour. This is also where you'll find Château Grimaldi, home to the Musée Picasso. The old waterfront castle was made available to Picasso after World War II, giving him ample opportunity to express himself. When he left, he left almost everything he had painted and drawn during his stay to the municipality, which planned to create a museum in his honour. It is therefore a unique collection to see - comprising 27 paintings, 44 drawings, two sculptures, 50 engravings and 75 original pottery pieces - well worth a visit. Antibes boasts a beautiful old harbour featuring the largest marina in Europe. The inner harbour accommodates hundreds of vessels, while the outer harbour is filled with large and luxurious yachts. Additionally, Antibes is home to the coast's most famous amusement park, Marineland, which showcases leaping dolphins and killer whales. It is the largest marine show in Europe, offering daily performances. The Cap d'Antibes peninsula is reserved for the richest of the rich. The many splendid villas are unfortunately half or completely hidden behind high walls. Still, it's worth taking a trip out there to see the beauty that unfolds. There is also a nice little public sandy beach out here. 
Inspiration for your holiday:Attractions:The old town - and the old ramparts Musée Picasso Fort Carré: A 16th-century fort where Napoleon was once a prisoner for a short period. Museum of History and Archaeology Musée Naval et Napoléon: Out on Cap d'Antibes Musée Peynet: Houses 300 drawings and lithographs by the popular romantic artist Peynet. Musée de la Tour: A museum that concentrates on costumes, furniture and other items from the 18th and 19th centuries. Marineland: http://www.marineland.fr/ Festival des Arts sacrés Festival modial de photographie sous-marine Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret: Botanical Garden Exflora Park in Golfe Juan: 5-hectare public park showcasing different types of Mediterranean gardens as they looked in Roman times and the opulent 19th century: http://www.antibes-juanlespins.com/eng/ environnement/exflora.html 
Activities in AntibesWater sports of all kinds Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the Alpes Maritimes department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the region Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur: http://www.ffgolf.org/ The market Ski resorts within a reasonable distance: http://www.skifrance.fr/default-a.htm |