Antibes is one of the oldest towns on the Côte d’Azur. Founded around the 5th century BC by the Greeks under the name of Antipolis, the ancient site corresponds to today’s spaces formed by Notre-Dame Cathedral, Cours Masséna and Rue de la République.
In the Middle Ages, Antibes was a powerful and rich bishopric: it was subject to pirate attacks, hence the fact that in 1244 the pope decided to transfer it to Grasse, which was considered safer.
In the 16th century, Antibes was the scene of clashes between the King of France and Charles V, Emperor and King of Spain. Aware of the fact that Antibes was a rich but vulnerable city, the kings of France fortified the city: they built Fort Carré then, at the end of the 17th century, Vauban solidified its defensive ensemble.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Antibes saw the passage of very illustrious figures such as André Masséna, general of the armies of the Revolution and the Empire, the writer Guy de Maupassant and even Pablo Picasso.
The seaside resort of Juan les Pins is developing with its beaches and its Jazz festival. Pablo Picasso was made “honorary citizen of Antibes” in 1957 and a museum is dedicated to him.
To get to know the secret places of Antibes better, the Guides de France invite you to book one of their guided tours.
Antibes has an important ancient heritage, as well as other remarkable sites in the southern region that the Guides de France invite you to discover.