Antibes

Many artists found inspiration on the French Riviera, including one famous Spanish painter by the name of Pablo. Inspired by the famous paintings of the Impressionists and those that came after, Picasso’s Trail highlights famous paintings and the artists that created them with interesting details along a scenic walking path. Travelers who are interested in following the footsteps of artistic geniuses who fell in love with Antibes may pick up a guided map from Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office. Among the highlights of Picasso’s Trail are a cast-iron structure painted by Emile Charles-Dameron and a picture by Ernest Meissonier from 1868.

Antibes, France

Established in 1964, the Naval and Napoleonic Museum lies within Graillon Tower in an exquisite 10-acre park at the tip of the Cap d’Antibes. The historic site has ties to the legendary French statesman and military leader who restored it as a defense post in 1794. Today, visitors get to see an interesting collection of memorabilia from paintings to proclamations, artifacts, and sculptures including a marble bust of Napoleon by Neoclassical artist Antonio Casanova. At some point, it is recommended to take in the panoramic views from the large terrace and take a stroll through the beautiful grounds.

The Naval and Napoleonic Museum , Batterie du Graillon, Boulevard J.F. Kennedy 06160 Antibes-Juan les Pins, France, Phone: +33-4-93-61-45-32

Housed in a Medieval castle once owned by the Grimaldi family, The Picasso Museum in Chateau Grimaldi pays homage to the great 20th-century art master, Pablo Picasso. It is here where the painter, sculptor, and visionary spent six months of his creating magnificent new works, some of which are part of the current collection of 245 pieces including paintings such as The Goat and La Joie de Vivre, as well as his drawings, etchings, ceramics, and rugs. On the ground floor there are two galleries dedicated to modern art, and on the terrace are sculptures by Germain Richier, Joan Miro, Patrick Poirier, among others. The museum has the distinction to be the first of its kind dedicated to the Spanish artist.

Prom. Amiral de Grasse, 06600 Antibes, France, Phone: +33-4-92-90-54-28

Stretching four miles, the Cap d’Antibes is an idyllic peninsula known for beautiful beaches, views of the Mediterranean, and gorgeous greenery. The destination has always attracted a chic and cultured crowd from world-renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso to legendary writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, along with a who’s who from the worlds of business and entertainment. One of the recommended things to do along this picturesque stretch is to walk the Sentier du Littoral, located between Plage de la Garoupe and Villa Eilenroc, for a tranquil path to observe nature. Adventurous types often cool off by leaping from the rocks into the Baie des Milliardaires for a relaxing and refreshing swim.

Antibes, France

Animal lovers will be remiss to not include Marineland on their Antibes itinerary. Set on the French Riviera, the incredible theme park first opened to the public in 1970 and is still a popular destination. Visitors will find a variety of attractions and activities, from the Aquasplash water park to the Dolphinarium, a marine zoological park, Kids Island, and a wonderful see-through tunnel with sharks and manta rays swimming above. When it comes to entertainment, there are several shows not to miss with killer whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

306 Avenue Mozart, 06600 Antibes, France, Phone: +33-4-93-33-49-49

Perched on the edge of the Saint-Roch peninsula, Fort Carré stands 85 feet above sea level on the coast of Antibes. Designed by Henri de Mandon in the late 16th-century under the direction of King Henry II of France, the star-shaped fortification features four arrow-shaped bastions and stunning 360 panoramic views. Nestled within a four-acre park, the site has had many uses including as a defensive stronghold, barracks, and military training center, and Napoleon Bonaparte was even imprisoned there briefly during the French Revolution. It was later redeveloped in the 17th century by the Marquis de Vauban.

Avenue du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes, France, Phone: +33-4-92-90-52-13

Since 1960, music lovers descend on Juan-les-Pins and Antibes in July around Bastille Day to experience Jazz a Juan , the oldest jazz festival in Europe. Over the years, the event has attracted legendary headliners from Miles Davis to Nina Simone and Charles Mingus. In recent times, artists from other genres have also entertained the crowds including Ben Harper, George Benson, and Snarky Puppy, and attendance has grown to over 50,000 people from around the world. Along with the concerts at Pinède Gould gardens, spectators enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, fireworks and jam sessions on the beach.

Phone: +33-4-22-10-60-09

Given that Antibes is set at the end of the Bay of Angels, it’s no wonder that that destination is home to several pristine beaches. Lovers of sun, sand, and surf have plenty of options throughout the area with activities ranging from water sports to waterfront dining, exclusive beach clubs, and more. There are also opportunities in Cap d’Antibes and the nearby resort destination of Juan-les-Pins. In the middle of Old Town, Plage de la Gravette offers an intimate retreat below the Medieval ramparts. Meanwhile, Plage du Ponteil is west of Central Antibes close to the Antibes Yacht Club where paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent, and further east Plage de Salis provides a laid-back vibe and continues to be a popular choice among locals.

Plage de la Gravette: Quai Henri Rambaud, Port Vauban, 06600 Antibes, France

Plage de Ponteil: Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc 06600 Antibes, France

Plage de Salis: Boulevard James Wyllie, 06160 Antibes, France

Where to Eat

Driven by strong tradition, immense experience, and creativity, Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit is a refined restaurant in the heart of Old Antibes, not too far from the Picasso Museum and Port Vauban. At the helm of its kitchen is Chef Christiaan Morisset, who takes pride in using high-quality seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets for his fine dishes. Among the specialties on the menu are Cannelloni with Squid Ink and Lamb cooked in spices Vallauris clay, haute cuisine that has contributed to the establishment earning a Michelin star over the years. Other gastronomic delights include starters such as Wild Sea Bream in Ceviche and main courses such as Roasted Veal Filet with Crispy Polenta and delightful desserts including Roasted Apricots and Yellow Peach Tartare. As for spaces, there is indoor and outdoor seating, including a terrace featuring a beautiful fig tree.

14 Rue du Saint-Esprit, 06600 Antibes, France, Phone: +33-4-93-34-50-12