Cap d'Antibes Walking Tour

Tolik
Tolik
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Le Cap d'Antibes Walking Tour

  • April 10, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Le Cap d'Antibes Walking Tour

We start our second tour from Port Gallice. Follow Blvd. Edouard Baoudin, and it brings you to the Port du Crouton, home to the beautiful yachts. The writer Clive James described looking up at people on the deck of a yacht looking down at him, on their faces the expression "I'm on a yacht, and you're not". From here, turn left; a narrow lane winds up, bringing you to the Jardin Thuret. This green refuge, created in 1856 by botanist Gustave Thuret and praised by Gustave Flaubert and George Sand, receives numerous visitors each year. The garden is small, 3.5 hectares or so, but here visitors can find more than 3,500 types of trees and shrubs. Open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm , admission is free.

The Chemin de Calvaire leads you to the Sanctuary of La Garoupe. A visit to the Chapelle de la Garoupe is an unforgettable experience. This place has been a spiritual place since the 5th century. The church has several nice icons, including a 14th-century Russian icon. La Garoupe also has a collection of votive offerings. The view from the terrace next to the church entry is breathtaking. The Orientation Table on the terrace contains the markings pointing to the important places. You can enjoy a panoramic view on the cape and the Mediterranean Sea, going from the Lérins islands, the bay of Cannes, Juan les Pins, the old Antibes, the ramparts, and the Garoupe Bay. A few steps from there, you will find the small shrine of Notre Dame des Amoureux. La Garoupe lighthouse is one of the most powerful in the region. It is open to the public, and it is possible to climb on its top to enjoy a great view of the Cape at 3pm every afternoon. If you take 103 steps to the summit, then you will be rewarded by enjoying one of the most beautiful 360° panoramas in the world. Locals say that the old lighthouse was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt by the Americans.

At the base of the steep hill lies La Garoupe Bay, celebrated for the beauty of its beaches. Along the way, you will have a glimpse of the beautiful villas. Among these sumptuous villas and luxuriant gardens is villa Ellen Roc, constructed according to the plans of Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris and Monte Carlo opera houses. Every Wednesday afternoon, the fragrant gardens are open to public.

Hotel Eden Roc is one of the most luxurious in the world. Anatole France, Ernest Hemingway, Julie Andrews, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Harrison Ford, and many others have stayed here. It was the original inspiration for The Hotel des Etrangers in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender is the Night".

Nearby you will find Naval and Napoleons Museum housed in a 17th-century fort and tower; the view of the coast from the top of the tower is fantastic. The museum is open every day from 9:30am to noon and 2:15 to 6pm, except Saturday afternoon and Sunday; admission €3.

From journal Sounds of Music on the French Riviera Shores

Editor Pick

Antibes Walking Tour Part II

  • March 27, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Antibes Walking Tour Part II

The Château Grimaldi watchtower probably did not change a lot from the medieval times (the castle was built in the 12th century). Inside the Château you will find the world famous Picasso Museum (open 10am – 12pm, 2pm – 6pm; €4.60, prepare to stay in queue for 30 min – 1 hour depending on the weather). The castle itself belonged to the Grimaldi family until the 18th century. Even if you don’t like the Picasso’s style, the view of the coast from the tower is worth the admission.

The Amiral de Grasse boulevard offers you splendid views along the coastline stretching to the East, with in the view Nice airport and the town itself. You will have a very nice view on the Old Antibes and the ramparts, where the deep blue of Mediterranean Sea offers a striking contrast with the snow of Southern Alps in the background. Admiring that view, Guy de Maupassant, a famous French writer found that is was the most beautiful landscape he ever saw.

Nearby are the cathedral of Antibes with beautiful baroque facade and the rough stone bell tower (open 8am–6pm). If you like pottery then the Musée d’Archéologie at the Bastion St-André is for you. The archeological museum shows all the findings from the various periods that Antibes went through: Ligurian, Greek, Roman and Medieval (museum open Monday–Friday 10am–12pm, 2pm–6pm, €2). Most of the objects were salvaged from shipwrecks. The Old Antibes Beach is small, sandy, and pleasant but can be crowded (and water was very cold in May).

Now turn right back in the narrow streets again. You will roam around De Cours Masena, Rue d'Horloge, Rue de l'Orme and Rue de la Touraque. The cobbled streets are really colorful because of the many flowers in flower boxes and trunks. All streets lead to the main market square, filled with artisans and busy cafes well into the evening. Here, at the Marche Provencal, you can try delicious French pancakes (crepes) with all kind of fillings (chocolate, jam, ham, cheese, and so on). The Marche Provencal is a covered market; you can buy also flowers, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Nearby is the Marie (town hall).

From journal Antibes, a Historic Town on the French Riviera

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