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Once home of Napoleon and Picasso and the birthplace of the French Riviera as a summer destination, the charming walled town of Antibes and adjoining lively resort town of Juan Les Pins are worth far more than the obligatory stop at the iconic Hotel-du-Cap Eden Roc. Antibes has been a major port since Roman times, and the jumble of medieval buildings and giant superyacht port framed against the backdrop of the Alps make the town a truly unmissable sight from the sea. Be sure to drop anchor and stop a while, visiting the Picasso Museum, snacking on socca from the Provencal covered market, and enjoying one of the Riviera’s most lovely walks around the Cap, stopping for Michelin-starred dining and beach clubs along the way.
Often skipped over too quickly on a French Riviera itinerary, Antibes deserves thorough exploration. Until 1860, when Nice was still part of Italy, Antibes marked the southeastern border of France, fortified by thick walls encircling the town to defend against pirates and enemy powers. These historic defenses underscored its strategic importance, though large sections were demolished in 1895 to accommodate expansion into the Cap d’Antibes. This led to the creation of Juan les Pins, a seaside resort that further enhanced the town’s allure.why description
Once home of Napoleon and Picasso and the birthplace of the French Riviera as a summer destination, the charming walled town of Antibes and adjoining lively resort town of Juan Les Pins are worth far more than the obligatory stop at the iconic Hotel-du-Cap Eden Roc. Antibes has been a major port since Roman times, and the jumble of medieval buildings and giant superyacht port framed against the backdrop of the Alps make the town a truly unmissable sight from the sea. Be sure to drop anchor and stop a while, visiting the Picasso Museum, snacking on socca from the Provencal covered market, and enjoying one of the Riviera’s most lovely walks around the Cap, stopping for Michelin-starred dining and beach clubs along the way.
Often skipped over too quickly on a French Riviera itinerary, Antibes deserves thorough exploration. Until 1860, when Nice was still part of Italy, Antibes marked the southeastern border of France, fortified by thick walls encircling the town to defend against pirates and enemy powers. These historic defenses underscored its strategic importance, though large sections were demolished in 1895 to accommodate expansion into the Cap d’Antibes. This led to the creation of Juan les Pins, a seaside resort that further enhanced the town’s allure.why description
By the 1920s, Antibes had become a magnet for literary and social elites, including Scott Fitzgerald, solidifying the French Riviera’s reputation as a glamorous summer destination. Juan les Pins remains vibrant today, with its art deco hotels and lively beach clubs offering timeless appeal. It’s especially renowned for Jazz à Juan, one of the world’s oldest jazz festivals, which adds a rhythmic vibrancy to this historic coastal haven.
In Antibes, the yachting season mirrors the rest of the Riviera, starting in late May and stretching to late September or early October, with July and August marking the bustling peak. August, in particular, dazzles with the Antibes Fireworks Festival, drawing superyachts to the bay in a spectacular show of light and luxury. For those desiring quieter charter experiences, June and September offer serene anchorages, open beach clubs, and warm seas, making them ideal months for a more tranquil yet equally enchanting visit.
For history and exploration enthusiasts, October unveils a different side of Antibes. The sea takes on its first winter sparkle, the town exudes a gloriously ‘local’ vibe, and the distant Alps don a mantle of snow, creating a picturesque backdrop. Before Scott Fitzgerald’s summer visits popularized the Riviera, European royals and celebrities favored these cooler months for their charm and tranquility. Follow their footsteps and discover Antibes in its quieter, more reflective glory. Why not make it your season too?