An Afternoon in Antibes: Jeany’s Top Tips

Picturesque, historical, modern and conveniently located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera), Antibes is a must-visit destination between Cannes and Nice. It’s an hour’s drive from Italy and an hour’s flight from Paris. With its soft Mediterranean climate, its a fab getaway in the cooler months too. Jeany shares her fun day-trip.

Marché Provençal

Start the day with an immersive sensory experience. The market stalls within the covered ‘Marché Provençal’ offer enticing smells and vivid colours of fruit and vegetables grown under the Mediterranean sun. The choice of freshly caught fish, mountain cheeses, herbs, spices and other delicacies from the Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d’Azur (PACA) region is available daily until 1pm. Traditional socca is a must-experience Niçoise snack!

TIP: From 3pm visitors can enjoy the Craft Market where painters, ceramicists, sculptors, and other artists exhibit their creations in the undercover market stalls.

Marché Provençal, cours Masséna, 06600 Antibes, France

Musée Picasso, Chateau Grimaldi

Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.

Pablo Picasso

While living in nearby Golfe-Juan, the famous Spanish-born artist took up studio in the Grimaldi Castle and produced 23 paintings and 44 drawings during his brief sojourn (1946). In his promise of thanks to the curator, Picasso decorated one wall with a graphite drawing, Les Clés d’Antibes, and donated the work he’d done there with the proviso they were to remain at the museum permanently declaring, “Anyone who wants to see them will have to come to Antibes.”

For historical architecture fans, the chateau was built in the 14th century on what had been the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, and then a Roman castrum and a Medieval bishopric. It was owned until 1608 by the Grimaldi family, giving the Castle its name [see Culture & Heritage Picasso Museum]

Fun facts for fashionistas about the candid photo of Picasso in his home wearing a Breton (1950). The striped shirt was made the official uniform for French seamen in Brittany in 1858, where each of the 21 horizontal stripes represent Napoleon’s victories. In 1917 the shirt was popularised by Coco Chanel when she unveiled her ‘Nautical Collection’ [see How the Breton Shirt earned its stripes].

You can also learn more about this fascinating artist at https://www.pablopicasso.org/

Musée Picasso, Place Mariejol, 06600 Antibes, France

There is so much to see in Antibes!

From the impressive yachts of “Billionaires’ Wharf” opposite Fort-Carré to the sentry sculpture ‘Le Nomade’ by Jaume Plensa. In summer, you can enjoy the evening market along the Pré-des-Pêcheurs Promenade. Amble through narrow streets where you’ll find Place du Révély, the Chapelle du Saint-Esprit, the Cathedral, Saracen Towers and many other attractions. The tourism board offers a fabulous interactive map to help you discover this historic yet modern city.

Antibes Interactive Map (Tourism Board)

Café Brun Antibes

Jeany was delighted to meet up with the new proprietors of Café Brun, Bea & Ben James. Former hospitality managers of Domaine Mirabeau, they too followed their long-held dream! Ideally situated between the Marché Provençal and Port Vaubann, Café Brun is a great spot to enjoy dinner and drinks.

Café Brun celebrates the generous cuisine of the Mediterranean, whether it’s grilled octopus drizzled with the best olive oil, local charcuterie and cheeses with homemade fig confiture or truffled ham croquettes. The menu is designed for sharing moments with loved ones. Opt for our sumptuous sharing platters laden with sun-drenched flavours whilst enjoying an aperitif with friends. Or choose our French tapas to sample with your guest, washed down with a bottle of cold Provençal rosé or a glass of Champagne.

Ben & Bea James

Café Brun, 8 Rue Aubernon, 06600 Antibes, France