Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Particularly poignant is Picasso's
La Joie de Vivre
(The Joy of Life), one in a series of
25 paintings from the Antipolis Suite. The young flower girl, surrounded by flute-playing
fauns and mountain goats, symbolises Françoise Gilot, Picasso's 23-year-old lover, with
whom he lived in neighbouring Golfe-Juan.
Fort Carré
(rte du Bord de Mer; guided tour only adult/ student/child €3/1.50/free; 10am-6pm
Tue-Sun Jul & Aug, 10am-4.30pm Tue-Sun Sep-Jun)
The impregnable 16th-century Fort
Carré, enlarged by Vauban in the 17th century, dominates the approach to Antibes from
Nice. It served as a border defence post until 1860 when Nice, until then in Italian hands,
became French. Regrettably, the tours are rather rushed and the explanations superficial;
tours depart half-hourly. Some guides speak English.
HISTORIC SITE
Chapelle de la Garoupe
(
http://garoupe.free.fr
;
chemin du Phare; 10am-noon & 2.30-5pm)
Pilgrims have
walked up to the plateau of La Garoupe at Cap d'Antibes for centuries, and the Chapelle
de la Garoupe, atop the hill, remains an important site for local worshippers: there are
more than 300 ex-votos inside the chapel - photos, model boats and marble plaques ex-
pressing gratitude for protection from the elements, accidents or diseases.
The adjoining
lighthouse
is the modern-day version of what has been an observation
point for centuries. Records show that a wooden observation tower already existed in the
16th century.
CHURCH
Musée Peynet
(
www.antibes-juanlespins.com
;
place Nationale; adult/student/child €3/1.50/free;
10am-noon & 2-6pm Tue-Sun)
More than 300 humorous pictures, cartoons and costumes
by Antibes-born cartoonist Raymond Peynet, as well as brilliant temporary exhibitions.
ART MUSEUM
BARGAIN BOX
If you intend to visit all of Antibes' museums, buy a combined ticket (€10). It's valid for seven days and can be pur-
chased from the museums or the tourist office.
