Last summer was the first time I visited Antibes. Afterward, I realized how much I loved the place and started scheming how to return. Thanks to author-friend Patricia Sands, I had the perfect excuse. She invited me to come back to play!
Here’s a trip back to last year’s post for first impressions…
Antibes in Two Days: Moonlight and Absinthe
As long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt about Antibes. When thoughts of the tiny dot-of-a-place on the French Rivera came to mind, I’d imagine myself lounging on the deck of a massive yacht. Sipping champagne. Dining in the moonlight.
Sigh…
Little did I imagine I’d live within a morning’s drive of Antibes. Yes. Dreams do come true…
Although no yacht was waiting for me (sigh…), the sights and sounds of Antibes were truly memorable. I don’t know when I’ve taken so many photos in such a short time — just two days. Everywhere I turned, there was a fantastic door or window to photograph. A partially hidden alley. A striking piece of artwork in a courtyard. It was a feast of colors, shapes, images, and sounds.
Views of the coastline were breathtaking.
Portholes through stone walls had their own glimpse of the sea
Sidewalk cafes were just as inviting as I imagined they’d be.
The marketplace and stores around town were filled with fresh products, souvenirs, and tourists.
The works of Nicolas Lavarenne were artfully placed through the streets and ramparts of Old Town Antibes.
Only on exhibit for the summer, the striking and athletic figures seemed suspended in the air as they leaped from walls and ancient structures.
As if that wasn’t enough, there was outdoor art in the courtyard of the Picasso Museum. Even from the street level, you could see the statues towering above the town — as if they were guarding the priceless art pieces within the building. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside.
A walk on the wild side
While seeking out artists and shopping are my passions while traveling, you know some “absurd” will be thrown in somewhere. In Antibes, visiting the Absinthe Museum was a “must.”
The storefront of the Absinthe Museum was a gift shop, and the side street entrance led down into a cave of “inequity” — filled with absinthe and drinking paraphernalia from throughout the ages.
Hats for the occasion were provided, as well as the telling of the history and absinthe-drinking technique. Who knew? Sugar cubes and water? A spoon made just for preparing the perfect drink?
My friends and I visited the museum during the broad daylight and had only one drink each. In case you’re wondering, the alcohol content and taste of the variety we were drinking were similar to pastis. However, I was told about more potent types. Overall, it was great fun and a memorable way to spend an hour or so on a warm summer day. Especially if you want to recall thoughts of Van Gogh and all who fell under the magical spell of the “green fairy.”
A Night in Juan-Les-Pins
Antibes has a lot going on after dark in the Old Town, but the nearby town of Juan-Les-Pins is “party central.” On the afternoon of the second day of our visit to Antibes, my friends Paul and Rich and I boarded the “petite train” that ran from in front of our hotel in Antibes to Juan-Les-Pins. The train passed through Cap d’Antibes between the two towns, where we saw some famous mansions and coastlines. We arrived in Juan-Les-Pins in just over an hour — in time for shopping and a walk on the busy boardwalk.
It was there, in Juan-Les-Pins, that my dream came true. Remember “dining in the moonlight?”
I hope you enjoyed the visit to Antibes!
A BIG thanks to Patricia Sands, who helped plan the trip and visited with us in Antibes — her favorite place and hangout.
Patricia’s novels on Provence are a “must read” if you love traveling and dreaming about France.
