Photoessay: Antibes – a Beautiful Seaside City Along the French Riviera Just off Cannes

Come May and all roads lead to Cannes, which is renowned for its annual international film festival.  With celebrities landing here from all over the world, the red carpet of the festival attracts media, fans and tourists from across continents.   Perched on the shimmering waters of the French riviera, Cannes is a synonymous with its sandy beaches, luxurious hotels and exclusive boutiques. While visiting Cannes forms for a unique experience, there are plenty of other charming port cities in close proximity to Cannes in the region. Antibes is one such city which is located a little over 10 km from Cannes and 20 km from Nice which is the capital of the Côte d’Azur as the French Riviera is also known.

Intriguing water front of Antibes

Here are some captures from this beautiful city which is situated around the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. Dating back to several centuries in the past, Antibes was originally known as Antipolis and was a prominent Greek trading post. It has a bustling fishing port replete with a vibrant market on one side and the “billionaires quay” on the other where one can see hundreds of yachts on the azure waters.

A view of the port city of Antibes

" data-orig-size="1554,853" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />A view of the port city of Antibes

A view of the yachts in Antibes

" data-orig-size="1326,841" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />A view of the yachts and bustling market in Antibes

The city is home to a stunning water front which offers visitors a chance to take a walk, swim, surf and indulge in a host of other water borne activities. We decided to take a walk along the sun kissed placid waters and the views were simply breathtaking.

Waterfront in Antibes

Sandy cliffs and rocky outcrops makes the view rather interesting.

The town is well known for the Musée Picasso or the Picasso Museum which makes it a haven for art lovers. Nestled in a former medieval castle, the museum has about 245 works of the great Pablo Picasso who lived in the region for a few years. While here you can also witness the works of other well known artists like Germaine Richier, Joan Miró Fernand Léger, Nicolas de Staël etc.

Inside Picasso Museum Exterior facade of the Picasso Museum in Antibes Inside Picasso Museum in Antibes Inside Picasso Museum in Antibes

Just like other pretty small towns, Antibes has an old town that exudes old world charm with its narrow, winding cobble stone streets which host interesting cafes and boutiques.

Boutiques in Antibes old town

Needless to mention, do not miss the rustic chic streetscapes.

Streets of Antibes Streetscapes of Antibes

Click here and here to view photoessays of other towns.