The only town on the Côte d'Azur to be surrounded by ramparts,
Antibes has managed to retain its authenticity and heritage, despite
the modern development out with its walls.
It all began in 1850 when wealthy tourists were first welcomed at
the headland of Antibes, then during the 20s it was Juan les Pins
turn to welcome the Americans, jazz and the stars.
However it was only in the 60s that this town made a great leap forwards
with the creation of the first technopole in Europe, Sophia-Antipolis.
These two towns form one community, which brings together the gentle
and wilder sides of life.
Its auspicious climate, the charm of its countryside, the picturesque,
authentic Provincial old-town, have managed to attract and seduce
more than one artist;
Picasso, Graham Greene, de Stael, Kazantzakis, Hartnung, Prévert…
All have succumbed to its charms.
Sydney Bechet the 1st fell in love with Juan, whose air of exuberance
reminded him of New Orleans. In 1951 he married in this town, to which
he returned each summer for that moment on to bring to life the "Square
of Happiness". This is how Juan les Pins got its name as the
European capital of Jazz, a title which it hold to this day. All the
big name of this revolutionary genre of music rushed to be there:
Armstrong, Basie, Ellington, Fitzgerald, Coltrane… and in 1961
an unknown musician, who was to become the great Ray Charles, made
his debut there.
Time passes and becomes wonderfully lost in pleasure, in a place where
excitement and relaxation go hand in hand, providing enjoyment for
everyone. In the summer life in Juan les Pins moves with the rhythm
of the night, on the streets there are spectacles and attractions
until dawn, even the shops never sleep. As regards its brother, Antibes,
one can find there cabaret, discos, restaurants, theatre cafes, exhibitions
and various markets.
Antibes Juan les Pins is a 24,5 kilometre long coastal paradise of
fine sandy beaches and sunny coves. Its five ports gladly welcome
the biggest and most beautiful boats in the world, the port and quay
of Vauban, amongst others, those of millionaires.
Public or private, the beaches are long stretches of fine sand similar
to those found in the most paradise-like locations, opening on to
varied countryside: sea as far as the eye can see, the old town and
the cape, the mountainous relieves forming the perfect backdrop to
the village, or the islands of Lerins and Esterel.
Antibes is an excellent town for sport. It is worth nothing that the
label, flagship resort for nautisicm and tourism, obtained in 1996,
was awarded after rigorous testing of the equipment, facilities and
framework of the resort
The huge zoological marine park is the trump card of the town. It
receives millions of visitors each year, both young and old. The come
to experience close-hand the good nature of the biggest and most magnificent
marine mammals. It is also the world's capital of roses thanks to
the eccentricities of a Parisian who undertook the creation of an
incredible park in the 19th century. He also planted all sorts of
species of flower not common to the region: Antibes is surrounded
on all sides by bright and luxuriant flora, which carry the perfume
of the Mediterranean
Also and perhaps more importantly, Antibes is a cultural patrimony
of the highest order. There is in fact more than three thousand years
worth of history, which you will discover whilst strolling through
the many lanes which criss-cross the old town.
Amongst many others attractions, it is the old and humble residences
who guard memories of yesteryear on the outskirts of the town. For
example: "Mas de Pagane" the "Chateau d'Espée"
and the "Chateau Salé" harbour the memory of the
young general Bonaparte and its family.
At a lower level of the free township of "Safranier", you
will discover where Nikos Katzantzakis immortalised his work on paper:
"The last temptation of Christ" and "Alexis Zorba".
There you can, also meditate on a commemorative plaque, bearing one
of his phrases:
"I fear nothing. I hope for nothing. I am free."
The Chapel of Bernadins (1513), the vineyard belonging to the monks
of the Cordeliers convent, the neighbouring convent built on the site
of an ancient Greek temple, which holds the famous retable of Brea
(1515), one of the most beautiful religious images in France, all
testify to the religious past of the town. The old port of "Orme"
affirms the eternity of the town, just like the ancient national Roman
agora, whose column was opened to the town by Louis XVIII, which will
amaze you.
Discover the many museums which were and still are the cultural
highlight of Antibes:
"Le Musée de la Tour" gives you an introduction
to popular arts and traditions (objects, furniture, costumes…)
from times past.
"Le Musée d'Histoire et d'Archéologie" :
Trough exhibitions of excavations, this museum reveals the history
of Antipolis, Greek city.
Le Musée Peynet" offers over 300 works of the famous
cartoonist.
"Le Musée Picasso" is the pride of the town. It
is a true cradle of the works of the master, transcended by an exposition
of those of Nicolas de Stael.
Antibes Juan les Pins is a sun-kissed town where life is good,
the air an intoxicating mixture of iodine and oxygen; one of the
last bastions of the Côte d'Azur of times past, whose "Square
Fortress", erected star-shaped around the tower of St Laurent
and behind the fortifications of Vauban, will always bear witness
to a glorious past.
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