antibes

  • Port Vauban

The old port was the heart of Antipolis when the Greeks had a tenuous grip on the coast, the Ligurians were crowded around the outskirts, and galleons and galleys moored in the sheltered waters. Centuries later, and centuries ago, Crusaders left from here on their way to the Holy Lands. Today, the Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe. The Large Yachts jetty (across the bottom of the photo, above), added just a few years ago, often has a row of some of the worlds largest yachts.

The Port Vauban, created in the early 1970’s in its modern iteration, includes a guaranteed 99 places for professional fishermen. The fishing boats are located at the western edge of the port, closest to the arched gateway into the old town, and handy for the fresh-fish stands on the quai.

  • Napoléon Bonaparte

Napoléon Bonaparte moved to Antibes with his family in 1794, and was responsible for the defense of the coast. When Robespierre fell, Napoléon was imprisoned in the Fort Carré.

  • Fort Carré

The 16th-century Fort Carré is a massive, star-shaped fortress on a promontory overlooking the Port Vauban. The fort is built on the site of the Chapelle St. Laurent, which sat on the ruins of the Temple of Mercury. You can’t visit the fort, but there’s a nice walk around it.

  • Markets

+Marché Provençal (covered market): Sept-May:

– Tue-Sun mornings; June-Aug: all mornings, at the Cours Massena, in front of the Mairie. Fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers, along with other regional products

– Sun afternoons : Artisanal – Marché Provençal (covered market)

+Foire (clothing market): Thursday, Rue Fontvieille, behind the post office

+Brocante: Thursday, Saturday; 8h-19h, Place Jacques Audiberti, between the Porte Marine and the Place Massena

 

  • Marineland : Sea animals shows and attractions
  • Museum of History and Archeology
  • Musée Naval et Napoléon
  • Musée Peynet
  • Musée Picasso
  • Gardens : Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret : The botanical garden of the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique is a 3.5 hectare park open to the public.

 

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