Antibes & Musée Picasso

30 minutes from Nice by TER (from €4.70), Antibes is one of the Côte d'Azur's historically richest cities, founded by Greeks as a Phocaean colony in the 4th century BC, fortified by Vauban in the 17th, and chosen by Picasso to work in 1946.

The Picasso Museum, installed in the Château Grimaldi on the sea-facing ramparts, is one of the Côte d'Azur's most moving modern art museums. Picasso worked there in autumn 1946 and left his entire production of that period, 23 paintings, 44 drawings, 32 lithographs, in gratitude for the city's hospitality. The museum also holds works by Nicolas de Staël, Léger, Miró and Calder.

Old Town and Ramparts

The Vieil Antibes, with its narrow alleys, coloured facades, fountains and arcades, is one of the Côte d'Azur's most authentic historic centres. Medieval ramparts overlook the sea and offer magnificent views of the snowy Alps and Lérins Islands. The covered Provençal market is one of the region's finest.

Port Vauban

Port Vauban is Europe's largest yacht harbour, its quays host the world's largest superyachts (up to 180m), freely admired from the quayside.

How to Get There

TER from Nice-Ville, 30 min, from €4.70.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: Picasso Museum cited as one of the Côte d'Azur's most moving modern art museums. Vieil Antibes described as authentic and less touristy than Cannes. Port Vauban a surprise for nautical enthusiasts. Provençal market excellent.

Areas for improvement: Picasso Museum closed Mondays. Beach at the ramparts' foot is pebble. Less visually spectacular than Èze for photos.

Overall impression: Antibes is the art and history excursion par excellence from Nice, Picasso, medieval old town and Port Vauban make a culturally unforgettable day.