Antibes

Antibes is a resort town in the Alpes-Maritimes department in south eastern France, western Europe. It lies on the Mediterranean in the Côte d'Azur, between Cannes and Nice.

The 16th century star-shaped fortress stands high on a peninsular with wonderful views over Port Vauban and Antibes. Even though the fortress is only open for guided tours there is a nice walk around the fort.

Antibes Cathedral is a 12th century Romanesque cathedral which was extensively remodelled in the 17th century, and contains 'The Madonna with Rosary' altar painting by Louis Bréa (1515) and a figure of Christ dated 1447.

Museums here include the Picasso Museum, Archaeology Museum and Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique, an art museum with more than 300 pictures, cartoons, costumes and sculptures by Peynet, a famous cartoonist from Antibes.

For scenic views, follow the Sentier du Littoral footpath, beginning at the Plage de la Garoupe and
continues for about 5km along the outermost tip of the peninsula.

Garoupe lighthouse dominates the Cap and can be seen for miles around. You can climb up inside and see the view from the top at 3pm every afternoon. It is located around 1km from the centre of Antibes.

Le Petit Train eaves from place des Martyrs de la Résistance and winds through the narrow streets of Old Antibes, passing the Provencal market, Port Vauban and continuing to Juan les Pins, the glitzy, modern seaside part of Antibes.

Marineland, Aqualand and the Butterfly Park are popular choices for families with children and can all be found in Biot village, which is one train stop from Antibes.

Biot is famous for various arts including gold and silver work, ceramics, glass-blowing, carving in olive wood, weaving and silk-screen printing.

The fine, white sands of Plage de la Gravette is discreetly tucked away behind the ramparts at the end of the port, around 0.5km away from the tender dock. The sheltered cove is shallow and protected by a rocky breakwater.

Visit the morning Antibes covered food market in the heart of the Old Town. It is a mix of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, olives, hams and sausages. At the afternoon craft market, see painters and ceramicists, sculptures and wood turners displaying their work.

Cuisine in this region revolves around fresh fish and seafood, olives, olive oil, herbs, tomatoes and garlic. Bouillabaisse is a fish soup, often eaten as a main course rather than a starter.

Most cruise ships anchor and tender passengers ashore as only very small vessels are able to dock.

The tender drop off is around a 10 minute walk from the centre of town.