In Antibes, set between Cannes and Nice (Provence Cote d’Azur area), there are lots of Anglophones and what one guide book describes as ‘yachting types’ – though not all are British. It is a bright, lively town full of bars and restaurants as well as having an excellent market. Picasso had a studio here and in the castle there is a collection of works by Picasso, as well as works and photographs by his friends. From the castle ramparts you can view snow capped mountains to the north east. The town centre has few of its medieval buildings left. The harbour hosts both luxury yachts and smaller fishing boats. Fort Carré overlooks the town and separates the town from the port.
Access
The town is served by the SNCF-TGV and also has a central bus station. It is only a short walk from the railway station to the tourist office in Place General de Gaulle.
Activities
As well as the activities you would expect from a sea side town with 25 km of coast line, such as boat trips and bathing, there are six museums as well as galleries, such as the converted public bath house, in the town. For those who want to participate rather than just viewing art, there are art and drama schools to join. You can also visit Eilenroc, a house set in a huge park which was donated to the town. Here there are various exhibitions and amazing gardens.
Special events include activities as varied as a festival of Sacred Music, bring and buy baby item sale, an astrology fair, a book sale, guided tours and a bridge festival. Several French National Sports Teams train in the area including trampolining swimming and sailing teams, but there are also lots of activities at a lower level of expertise. There are facilities for a wide variety of sport from martial arts to tennis, fencing and gymnastics. In the surrounding countryside there are opportunities for rock climbing and hiking, shooting and archery. There is a motor bike club and activities for those with physical difficulties of various kinds.
Food and Drink
While a town of this type has a variety of restaurants offering many cuisines, the local Provencal/Mediterranean food predominates – olive oil, fresh vegetables grown in th southern sun, fish soups and flavouring from locally grown herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil and savory. Garlic in the form of aioli and anchoiade will be served in every local home.
Restaurants
- Restaurant de Bacon, Boulevard Bacon. Tel. no. 03 34 93 61 50 02 Menus from 49€
- Le César, boulevard du Cap, Antibes 06600, Tel.no. 04.93.61.28.23.Menus from 70€
For those who fall for the charms of the Antibes area, Sextant properties have bi-lingual agents in the area who known the available properties and will be able to accompany you on visits, answer your queries and generally make finding and choosing your ideal property a pleasure – all of which will speed the day you walk into your new home in Antibes.