Antibes on the Mediterranean
While based at Camping de l’hippodrome we visited Antibes a few times. One of these visits was very special for us. At this time the French Government (or at least the people working on their behalf in the vaccination centre in Antibes) approved us for Covid-19 vaccinations. Two days later received our first Pfizer shot, six weeks later our second. So it’s a big thank you to France and the french people for their generosity and open door policy in combating this threat to mankind. Viva la France 🇫🇷 et Merci Beaucoup!
Antibes is a port town in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur, southeastern France, on the eastern side of the Garoupe Peninsula across the Baie des Anges (Bay of the Angels) from Nice. Beautiful name isn’t it? “Bay of Angels”
Established by the Greeks and originally called Antipolis it was later swept up into the Roman empire. The Italian influence remained and as far back as the late 13th century it was a coastal enclave of the coast-ruling Grimaldi family from Genoa. Over the following years they got tossed out by the French but held on to Monaco, got tossed out of there before getting it back and holding on to it in around 1419. Although they didn’t take on the royal title of Prince of Monaco until 1659. During the french revolution, what happened? Yes, they got tossed out again. It wasn’t until the treaty of Paris in 1814 that the Grimaldi family got Monaco back and are still there with the present head Prince Albert 11, head of the Princely House of Grimaldi.
The Grimaldi Chateau is still standing in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a ten minute drive from our base Camping de l’hippodrome. This area also attracted some famous painters such as Renoir and Pablo Picasso. You will find Renoir’s work at the Renoir Museum also in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Picasso paintings can be seen in the Grimaldi Chateau which is now a museum and Hotel .
Today Antibes is a thriving tourist destination and busy busy busy during our visit. We started our tour at the marina were we parked our car. Coming out of the car park we were hit by the expensive yachts in the marina opposite with the Carre Fort in the distance. The fort was probably built mid 15th century and then updated a couple of times since then. What caught my interest in the history of the fort was that Napoleon Bonaparte was briefly imprisoned there in July 1794 after the violent overthrow of Robespierre, an influential figure in the french revolution. Napoleon was a supporter of Robespierre.
They say that the mooring fees in this marina are among the highest along the Cote d’Azur. Dont think it’s an issue for the owners as the boats moored are not your average runabouts.
From the marina we walked through the old town. Some of these houses must have been hundreds of years old and our ancestors must have been small as you would need to bend the head to get through the doorway. Maybe they did? I should mention the sculpture below which i thought was touching and called simply “a couple of lovers” and created by the french cartoonist Raymond Peynet in 1942. The statue sits outside the museum dedicated to him in the main market square.
We walked up from the antique market in the main square and what did we find? Another market, but this one called the Marché provençal market is a fresh food market. Antibes market is open everyday except Mondays from 6am till 1pm. You can buy all your weekly rations here, they have a fishmonger, cheeses galore, fruit and veg, flowers, deli and much more.
And yes, Fabian did find what she loves and that was Magnums of french champagne, happy days. And truffles !!! When she’s finished her book I said she could buy some.
Our tour of Antibes then took us along the waterfront and the best beaches. Forgot to bring the bathers so thought about jumping in with the undies, but got held back by the boss lady. (I think she didn’t feel the same way – where’s the adventure??)
Our time touring this part of France wasn’t disappointing. our list of must see places of beautiful towns and beaches and lunches was rewardinding. As a history buff i was riveted.
I am also a keen cyclist and just need to tell all those cyclist out there that in this part of the world cycling is well catered for. The cycleways run the length of the French Riviera. Just great to get out there early in the morning and don’t have to worry about the traffic. Just one little issue… pedestrians and other cyclists… they can be a little distracted so just be alert and all will be well. But then, same thing can happen on the road driving. Need to be careful wherever you are right?
Did you know that Love Velo Travel by Bike do fabulous cycling holidays throughout the world? They also do one through the french riviera check it out here Velo Travel.
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