Nestled in the middle of the Cote d’Azur between Cannes and Nice, this beach town romanced me with its quaint shops filled with local goods, open air farmer’s market and that French vibe of effortless living.
Port Vauban in Antibes, France
“Love” is possibly my most used word…I can’t help it…I truly “love” so much! I suppose it’s my nature that leads me to live life seeking that which brings me love and joy. My love affair with Antibes began 3 years ago; let me tell you I fell hard! Nestled in the middle of the Cote d’Azur between Cannes and Nice, this beach town romanced me with its quaint shops filled with local goods, open air farmer’s market and that French vibe of effortless living. Naturally on this trip to France, I was eager to return.
A short downhill walk from the Antibes train station takes you straight to the sea. Picturesque is one word to describe it but it’s more than that…its’ warm embrace swoops you up the moment you begin to explore. Walk along the yacht harbor to the landmark ferris wheel where you’ll find a beautiful view of all the boats. At the end of the boardwalk you’ll find a sandy beach, super rare to the region but is thankfully open to everyone.
Antibes Ferris Wheel Overlooking the Yacht Harbor
I had my heart set on shopping at Le Marche Provençal, the most divine local market. Open from 7:00am-1:00pm, I was super bummed I missed it by 30 minutes. I arrived just at the point it switches over to an arts and craft market. Nevertheless, right along the perimeter of the market I found a terrific handmade basket shop where I scored the perfect basket to hold all my shopping while in Antibes.
Le Marche Provencal Antibes
Basket Shop at Le Marche Provencal
One thing you can’t escape while in France are the boulangeries. Grabbing a couple baguettes for later I was already feeling accomplished. Putting me in mind for a bite to eat, I stopped for a delicious Crepe des Pommes (crepe with caramelized apples). No calorie counting when on workcation…Bon Appetite!!
Boulangerie
With a lil’ fuel in my tank I walked a familiar route to the beautiful Antibes Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea Antibes) and then ventured behind it to take in the dazzling view of Plage de la Gravette (Gravette Beach)….a feast for the eyes for sure!! As I soaked in the romance of the beautiful Antibes coastline at sunset, I noticed I was right up on the Picasso Museum located in Chateau Grimaldi with the most spectacular view. While the museum had already closed for the day, I’m already looking forward to the opportunity to explore something new on my return next year.
Exploring Antibes France
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea Antibes
I enjoyed your photos and the adventure!
Very Nice Love it well Done! Very informative????????
A beautiful site. I am writing one called life in antibes.
[…] (LAME, I know), but I promise I’m going to get back into the swing of things. I just got from Nice, France a few weeks ago and I swear it has been impossible to return back to reality. But my latest love […]
Hello,
I was recently speaking with a friend of mine about Antibes and she loves it as well. Im an american man, single traveler and Ive always wanted to go to France, particularly a place I could possibly find any job and nestled down for a year. I heard there are alot of english speaking people in the area and full of transients. My french isnt the best but Id be curious what your thoughts are for someone just picking up and finding a new home in that area for a year or so?
Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. Merci!
[…] than go-go running around. I have done that in previous years, visiting neighboring cities like Antibes and Monaco. Nope, not this year. Low key all the […]
[…] I call home. I literally know most of the neighborhoods including the neighboring cities like Antibes and Monaco. The Cote d’Azur is by far the place to be in summertime. It always seems like […]