I must admit, had I written about Antibes as soon as I’d arrived, it would be a very different opinion being given. But as time has gone on, and as I’ve become more and more in love with Nice, I’ve started to like Antibes less, which is a shame.
I was a bit worried when I first saw Antibes, as I got off the bus at the SNCF which does not give the most representative image of Antibes. But after walking through the town and ending up in the Old Town, I was much more impressed. The houses in the old town are lovely, all terracotta tiled roofs, and narrow alleyways with steps leading to hidden courtyards. Its lovely and clean, and the pale stonework a cobbles keep it feeling bright and airy without the bland feel of Monaco. Most residents in the old part of Antibes seem to take pride in the appearance of their houses, often decorating them with hanging baskets or window boxes. I must admit my heart flipped when I saw my first flower covered balcony with flower pots hung on the window shutters! So idyllically French! Because it was high season when I arrived, Antibes was bustling with people, even on a Sunday, though most shops were still closed.
The town has a very holiday feel to it, with lots of tourists milling around, menu’s written in English and lots of beach shops, selling surfing gear or summer clothes. Lots of English pubs however this was to be expected, as Antibes is famous for it yachts, and a lot of the people here in the summer are those looking for work.
Antibes has 2 beaches – one very long beach just outside the town centre, and one little cove very centrally located. I do like the beach in Antibes, as its sand (albeit fake sand!) which is a refreshing change from the pebble beaches eastwards along the coast. It is over looked by Fort Carre up on the hill, and located next to the marina, which happens to be the largest one on the French Riviera.
Antibes is now the home to most of the stagiares currently working at Amadeus, including some of my closest friends. Although the proximity to fellow colleagues and friends has its advantages, I don’t I feel like I’m missing out on much by living away. Antibes is becoming sleepier by the week as more and more tourists leave, which is very lovely in the sense that is quiet and calm and a nice place to relax with a hangover. But it does feel very much like the town is shutting down for the summer, with shorter shop opening hours, fewer cafes and bars open etc. Of course, La Gaffe will stay open year round, and is the place to be on a Wednesday night, so Antibes residents will cope, I’m sure! The shopping leaves quiet a bit to be desired too, with few high street stores, however you can certainly find what u need on a day to day basis. It also feel slightly more French in that sense, as I always remember France to lack big name stores in little towns. Place de Gaulle provides a central point to the town, with fountains that dance up from the floor during the day and are lit up at night, and the town is surrounded by a sea wall that is perfect for promenading along, with views out over the sea. In the centre of the old town is the Picasso museum, currently under renovation, and a large market square which alternates between being a food/fish market and a local crafts market.
