Discover Old Antibes
Ramparts, narrow streets, Provençal market and Port Vauban.
After exploring Cap d'Antibes, you absolutely must take the time to discover the historic heart of the city.
Old Antibes cannot be visited by car.
You have to park this one, then walk, look around, stroll and get a little lost in the alleyways.
And that's precisely what makes it so charming.
Where to park?
One solution I particularly recommend is to park near Fort Carré, in one of the free car parks, then use the free shuttle which takes you to the old town and then back to the car park.
This is also one of the possibilities that I indicate in my own walking guides.
Another option is to park at the Ponteil beach car park, then walk leisurely to the old town.
In that case, I advise you to start your visit in the late afternoon, when the sun is less intense. This is also the time I recommend in my personal itineraries.
Start with the ramparts
The ramparts are probably the best place to start.
You are on the shores of the Mediterranean, with a magnificent view of the sea, the mountains and Cap d'Antibes.
Take your time.
Don't try to travel the path quickly.
Sit for a few moments, look at the boats and observe the light on the sea.
Then continue towards the museum Picasso.
The museum Picasso an exceptional place
The museum Picasso occupies the former Grimaldi castle, located in the heart of the old town.
The place is already remarkable in itself.
But its artistic history is even more so.
In 1946, Picasso agrees to set up his workshop in a room in the castle.
He worked there for six months and left a large part of the works created on site to the city. This is how the first museum dedicated to Picasso during his lifetime.
My advice
Even if you are not passionate about modern art, don't neglect the museum.
The building, its terrace and especially the view of the Mediterranean are worth the visit alone.
Continue along the small streets
After the museum, leave the main roads behind.
Take the side streets.
That's where you'll discover the Antibes that I love.
The official document specifically recommends the Place du Revely, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, the Cathedral, the old towers and the historic alleyways.
You will also encounter:
• the Safranier, with its narrow and flowery streets;
• the old wash house;
• the Saint-Bernardin chapel;
• the National Square;
• the Peynet Museum and of humorous drawing.
The Safranier is a particularly pleasant interlude: it only takes a few minutes to leave the tourist bustle and find yourself in much quieter streets.
The Provençal market
It is impossible to visit Old Antibes without passing through the Cours Masséna.
This is where the Provençal market is held.
Here you'll find the products that make Provence so charming: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, spices, olives, flowers, and local specialties. Even if you don't buy anything, go for the atmosphere.
The official guide lists the Provençal market as one of the must-sees in Antibes.
Port Vauban and the Nomad
Leaving the old town via the ramparts, head towards Port Vauban.
You will discover a very different spectacle: after the old stones and the small streets, here are the large yachts and pleasure boats.
Then go to the Nomad, the large sculpture by Jaume Plensa installed on the water's edge on a bastion of the Quai Rambaud.
The official guide lists it among the must-sees in the historic center.
Then have an ice cream!
I recommend you stop by La Gelateria del Porto.
The owner claims to offer "the best ice cream in the world".
I'm not going to go that far…
But I can tell you that I particularly like the coconut one.
This is also one of my personal recommendations in my information sheets for my guests.
⭐ Le conseil de Maurice
Don't try to visit Old Antibes like a museum.
Take a walk.
The best memory you bring back may not be of a specific monument, but of a small street, an old door, the smell of Provençal cuisine, a view of the sea or a terrace discovered by chance.
And if you are there in the summer, Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon..
The heat and the crowds make the walk much less pleasant during peak hours.
To continue
Do you want to discover everything in just one day?
Check my route An ideal day in Antibes since Jasmins Studio.
Retour à la page Discover Cap d'Antibes.