What associations do you have when you mention France? Crispy and warm French loaf, a cup of morning aromatic coffee with a croissant, or maybe it's frog legs and cheese? Wherever you go to rest in this country, you will necessarily be overtaken by a holiday and a storm of positive emotions. Mediterranean cape Garup, located between all the famous Cannes and Nice, sheltered a small fortified city of Antibes. The ancient stone quarters, overgrown with manicured park oases, are a visiting card of the city, as well as the rich views of cape d'Antibes. France, whose attractions are uncountable, invites you to plunge into the world of history and mysticism of the Middle Ages!
Antibes, France: general information
About 60 thousand people live in the city. Here the unique atmosphere of the French cosiness and sincerity has remained, than it differs from all other cities of the French Riviera. Antibes founded in the IV century BC as the first Greek colony of Antipolis, which literally translates from Greek as "the city opposite". Why "opposite"? Because the settlement is on the other side of the coast of the conquered Corsica by that time. For a long time the city remained the only major settlement on the road between Italy and Marseille.
sights
Antibes, France ... What is the city famous for, what to see here? First of all, this is the fortress, which is the last fortification before entering Italy. It is located on a peninsula that separates St. Roch from the Bay of Angels. Under Henry II, in 1550, began to build the fort Kare, starting with the central tower. Later, another 4 swept bastions were attached to it: Corsica, Nice, France and Antibes. France at one time had a special power due to this particular strengthening. In 1860, the counties of Nice and Savoy were annexed to the French state and the fort lost strategic importance. In Antibes it is necessary to visit the ancient city blocks, hiding behind Grimaldi Castle. Do not forget to look into the castle itself, because it was there that Pablo Picasso left all his works created before 1946. It is worth visiting the Maritime Museum and Napoleon Museum, located in the tower of Sella. Here you can personally see the personal effects of the commander and his family. For example, everyone knows the famous bust of the emperor, made by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, as well as stunning ship models, beautiful marine paintings, etc. No trip to Antibes is complete without a visit to the flower park of Exflor, which covers an area of five hectares, and a nursery with two thousand species of trees. Watching Antibes bay with its countless luxury yachts is a complete pleasure. The local streets are very pleasant for walks - everywhere there are carnations and roses. Children can have fun among ducks, chickens and geese on the "Little Provencal Farm". France, the city of Antibes in particular, is home to a great multitude of historical values. An example of one of these is the ancient cathedral, built on the site of the Roman temple. Its old part is sustained in the style of the XII century, and the rest of the area is the baroque buildings of the 18th century. Zaaltarnuyu part performed local artist Brea, and the impressive portal of the cathedral - Jacques dol in 1710. The bastion of St. Andrew, from where a stunning view opens, was erected in the XVII century on the orders of Vauban. Now here is a museum of archeology with impressive collections of ancient Greek amphorae, ornaments and coins found during searches in the coastal sea abyss and archaeological excavations. It is visiting the museum, you can trace the whole history of ancient Greek Antipolis. Now you know much more about the city of Antibes. France is waiting for you! A fascinating journey!