About this experience
Just a 10-minute drive from Nice lies the charming port town of Antibes. This town has inspired many famous artists, houses Europe's largest marina, boasts the finest villas on the Riviera, authentic markets hide real treasures for gourmets, and offers the most beautiful straw hats for sale! I will be happy to introduce you to this beautiful town and enchant you with its unique charm.
What to expect
Historical milestones of the city - from ancient times to the present day
I will tell you how and why this town emerged in ancient times and which legendary personalities marked its history. You will learn why Napoleon Bonaparte could not land in Antibes when returning from Elba, how Picasso was almost the sole inhabitant of Grimaldi Castle for several months, the name of Maupassant's yacht as he sailed the local waters, and how the Russian Prince Nicholas Nikolaevich ended up at Cape Antibes.
Ancient buildings, marina, and luxurious villas
You will walk through the remnants of the fortifications, see the cathedral, medieval city tower, Grimaldi Castle, the Chapel of Mercy of the White Penitents, the military Fort Carré, and the picturesque Safranier district. You will admire the view of luxurious yachts in the famous harbor for pleasure boats, built on the site of the ancient Roman one - it's called the 'Billionaires' Harbor.' Now it is the largest yacht marina in Europe. Nearby, on Cape Antibes, are the most magnificent villas on the Riviera, which you will also see during the tour.
The unparalleled charm of Antibes
During the stroll, you will feel the unique charm of this picturesque town: narrow medieval streets sloping down to the sea, cafe terraces shaded by spreading oak trees, restaurants serving delicious fish caught by local fishermen. Antibes has always attracted many artists. Over time, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Nicolas de Staël have worked and resided here.
The castle-museum and the remarkable fate of a Russian artist
If desired, you can visit Grimaldi Castle, where the ancestors of the current Princes of Monaco lived. It now houses the Picasso Museum. You will discover what a person needs for complete happiness in his understanding after seeing the canvas 'The Joy of Life.' In the castle-museum, you will uncover the perhaps unknown name of the Russian artist, a native of St. Petersburg, Nicolas de Staël. His remarkable lineage and extraordinary fate will not leave you indifferent, especially when you see the painting he worked on the day he decided to leave this world.
The gastronomic world of Antibes
Antibes is not just history; it is a daily feast for all five senses: steps away from the castle, the famous Antibes market opens early in the morning. Sellers of vegetables, fruits, sausages, cheeses, spices, herbs, pâtés, and olive oil lay out their treasures on trays. The local flatbread 'socca' is always popular, made on the spot in a portable oven, and there is always a queue at the seller's. Hidden in the alleys adjacent to the market are other treasures for gourmets - I will show you, for example, where to buy the best tea or violet candies. If you start to miss Russian food - there is a Russian products store in Antibes. After the tour, you can have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Who is this tour for
This tour is primarily intended for those already in Antibes. Or for those willing to come here independently by train or bus.
Organizational details
- The tour starts in Antibes, where you need to arrive independently (by train from Nice - 20 minutes, from Cannes - 15 minutes)
- Entrance ticket to the Picasso Museum is not included in the price - 6€/person
- We can also start the tour from your hotel in Nice or Cannes by car, costing 290€ (duration 4 hours including visits to Cape Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Cannes)