Antibes, France

A Historical Artists Haven

Nestled between the star-studded Bay of Cannes and promenades of Nice lies the Old World city of Antibes. A historically important port along the French Riviera, Antibes draws visitors in with its inviting umbrella-dotted beaches and warm, white-washed brick architecture that stretches towards the Maritime Alps.
 
Founded by the Greeks some 2000 years ago, Antibes has been the stage for many chapters of Western Civilization, being incorporated into the Roman Empire for years before becoming part of the kingdom of France. The easternmost port along the Côte d’Azur, Antibes, has long been strategically important for the country, fortified by Fort Carré and the Port Vauban throughout the 100 Years War. Less frequented than nearby neighbors along the Riviera, the city became an artists’ haven in the early 20th-century amongst artists like famed Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso whose six-month stay at the Château Grimaldi left an indelible mark on the city and its place in modern history. Today, the city remains an important port for the French, as a relaxed coastal destination favored by locals for family holidays.
 
Like many of the dazzling ports along the Côte d’Azur, Antibes offers a delicious selection of outdoor restaurants overlooking the water from their walled perch. Throughout the port, old town, and Juan les Pins, discover dozens of scenic café, bars, and eateries serving traditional French cuisine along with regional specialties created from fresh seafood and produce from nearby Provence. From the old town, explore Antibes’ wealth of fresh offerings at the Marché Provençal, a covered market filled with meats, fish, cheeses, and vegetables—perfect for a picnic lunch along the romantic hiking trails that line the Cap d’Antibes.
 
By nightfall, history buffs and mixology enthusiasts alike will be drawn to the light of the green fairy. Visit beloved watering holes like the Absinthe Bar La Balade and the city’s own Absinthe Museum, an underground haunt dedicated to this spirit that has inspired great artists and writers like former resident F. Scott-Fitzgerald.