Antibes and Schwäbisch Gmünd became twin towns in 1976.
Antibes is located on the Mediterranean, between Nice and Cannes, and has 70688 inhabitants (1994). Greek sailors founded a trading branch here in around 400 B.C., in a sheltered bay – an ideal stage on the long crossings between Corsica and Massalia (Marseilles). They called it Antipolis, "the town on the opposite side" – looking across from Corsica.

In Roman times, Antipolis was an important station on the way to Gaul. It minted its own money, built temples, baths, water-pipes, a triumphal arch and extensive defence systems. In the 2nd century AD, the town became the seat of the bishopric and was called Antiboul, a name that became known as Antibes in the course of time.

In the Middle Ages, the town came into the possession of the Grimaldi family from Genoa. Henry IV then acquired it from the Grimaldis. French kings were aware of the military significance of Antibes from the 14th century onwards. Each government contributed to improving the fortifications, which were completed by Vauban. In 1794, Bonaparte was entrusted with protection of the coast, and lived in Antibes.

As the only walled city on the coast, Antibes has proven its cultural wealth and its authenticity: the Grimaldi castle became the Picasso Museum. In 1946, Picasso worked for 6 months "like one possessed" in Antibes castle. When he left the city, he bequeathed to it all that he had created: huge paintings, drawings, sketches and 150 ceramics. Today, the museum also houses further works: collections by Nicolas de Stael. Miró. Hartung, Modigliani, Léger, Richier etc.

Amongst Antibes' attractions are the Fort Carré from the 16th century, the old town with its Provencal market and the picturesque, narrow streets, the Archaeological Museum (Bastion St. André, built by Vauban), the Cathedral, the Tower Museum in Tour Gilli, the Musée Peynet - the famous artist of lovers, etc.. As well as Picasso's town, Antibes-Juan-les-Pins is also the city of jazz, the city of "joie de vivre" (after Picasso's picture of the same name), the world's capital of roses and numerous festivals. The Cap d´Antibes (Antibes peninsula) is a further attraction: luxury villas and luxury hotels (the Hótel du Cap is considered one of the most beautiful hotels in the world) are surrounded by wonderful parks, such as the Thuret Park, a 4 hectare botanical garden. Antibes-Juan-les-Pins has one of the longest coast lines in France, with small bays, rocky embankments, magnificent sandy beaches and 5 ports. The port of Antibes (Port Vauban) is one of Europe's largest yacht harbours.

The city of Antibes and its beautiful surroundings, together with the pleasant climate and the special light, have exercised a special attraction on many painters and writers: such as, for example, Nikos Kazantzaki, who became immortal with " Alexis Sorbas", or Victor Hugo, who wrote about Antibes: "Tout ici rayonne, tout fleurit, tout chante"-"Everything here shines, everything blooms and sings."

www.antibesjuanlespins.com

NICE-MATIN
Agence d'Antibes Juan-les-Pins
Place Guynemer
F-06600 Antibes
FRANCE
Tel:0033492904050
www.nicematin.fr


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