Historic neighborhood · Antibes, Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul
Vieil Antibes et Port Vauban
Walled old town of Antibes, with narrow streets, the provençal market and the Plage de la Gravette by the ramparts, next to Port Vauban and its yachts.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vieil Antibes et Port Vauban
Vieil Antibes is the old town, surrounded by the seafront ramparts that Vauban, Louis XIV's military engineer, strengthened in the 17th century. Inside, the narrow streets have stone houses, small squares and the cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception, whose bell tower was once a watchtower.
Under the roof of the Cours Masséna operates the marché provençal, the covered market: marché means market or fair, and there are fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses, flowers and spices there in the morning. In the afternoon and evening, part of the space hosts artisans or restaurant tables.
Next to the ramparts is the Plage de la Gravette, a small sheltered sandy beach in the harbor, entered via the Porte Marine. The path along the ramparts, the Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse, goes on to the Musée Picasso and the Bastion Saint-André, with views of the coast.
On the other side, Port Vauban is one of the largest leisure marinas in the Mediterranean, with the Quai des Milliardaires where the biggest yachts dock. At the end of the quay is the sculpture Nomade by Jaume Plensa, a seated figure made of metal letters.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the port, the market, the ramparts and the narrow streets.
Best time
In the morning, when the provençal market is set up. In the late afternoon the light hits the ramparts and the port. The Plage de la Gravette tends to get crowded in the summer months.
How to get there
Gare d'Antibes is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Port Vauban; from there, the Porte Marine leads into the ramparts.
Tip
For swimming, the Gravette is the closest beach to the center and has calm harbor waters. Keep an eye on your belongings at the market during busy times.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vieil Antibes et Port Vauban
What is the marché provençal of Antibes?
It is the covered market on Cours Masséna in the old town. Marché means market or fair; in the morning there are fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives and flowers.
Is there a beach in the center of Antibes?
Yes, the Plage de la Gravette, a small sandy beach next to the ramparts, inside the harbor.
What is the Quai des Milliardaires?
It's the quay of Port Vauban where the largest yachts dock. It can be seen from the outside, on foot.
Can you walk on the ramparts?
Yes. The Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse runs along the seafront ramparts to the Musée Picasso.
