With a 2000 year old colonial history, Antibes is proud of Port Vauban, the largest port for privately-owned boats in Europe! The renowned ‘Millionaires’ Quay’ at the marina, is famous for its flashy private yachts and has become a cynosure for all eyes. The marina, dominated by Fort Carre, a 16th century citadel where Napoleon Bonaparte was once held prisoner, holds almost 3,000 berths for all sizes of boats and yachts.
In contrast, Juan les Pins, is the homing ground for the top billed musicians because of the highly acclaimed Jazz à Juan Jazz festival that’s been attracting hordes of music lovers for the last 40 years or more. But if you thought that the tale of these two cities ends here, you are so wrong! Back in 1940s and 1950s, the Cap d’ Antibes, the exclusive and extremely expensive peninsular tip was the favorite retreat for the top Hollywood celebrities and actors.
Dating back to the ancient Greek times, Antibes was known as ‘Antipolis’ meaning ‘the town opposite’ the city of Nice. Vieil Antibes, the charming old town with narrow streets and well-planned, colorful market squares has retained its old-world charm and not succumbed to the influx of tourists yet. Some of the ramparts from the 17th century fortification by Vauban still remain and can be found on the Promenade Amiral de Grasse – a costal stretch that overlooks Nice in the east, and Cap d’Antibes in the west. The Chateau Grimaldia, a 12th century country house which was rebuilt in 16th century, is located here. The chateau is famous as being Picasso’s studio for a few months. The Musee Picasso stands on the grounds of this chateau.
History is not all that you will find in Antibes. Blessed with gorgeous tan beaches (arguably the best coastal stretch being along the Cote d’Azur), Antibes is teeming with beachgoers each summer season. The Old Antibes Beach though small is very safe, while the Plage du Ponteil and Le Salis Beach (the main public beaches) are bigger, but chaotic and overcrowded at all times! In contrast, beaches at Juan les Pins are wide, and less crowded, while the La Baie de la Garoupe area in Cap d'Antibes , boasts if small and attractive private beaches. For those of you who love water sports, Juan les Pins on the other side is your best bet as it’s the alleged birth ground for water-skiing.
The twin towns of Antibes and Juan les Pins attract artists from all walks of life and are popular holiday destinations for the local French population as well, who flock here en masse during summer months. Italian and British tourists also come here in large numbers. Antibes is well connected by air, road, and rail and Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is the closest airport.