lightly
further afield, but still very easy to reach by car
or the excellent public transport is the Cap d'Antibes,
a protected nature area that offers a contrast to
lively Antibes.
One
of the most powerful on the Riviera, the beam of
the lighthouse is clearly visible in the sky from
the terrace of Les Trois Palmes.
Climb the hill to the lighthouse for a panoramic view
from the Lérins islands and the bay of Cannes to Juan
les Pins, Old Antibes and Garoupe bay. The Lighthouse
is open to the public and you can climb to its to to
enjoy an even better view.
On one of the best walks on the Cap d'Antibes,
you start at the end of Garoupe bay and go along
a charming and wild little path round the promentory.
You can drive down Rue
Guillaumont (unlike many of the narrow streets
in Old Antibes), but there are not many parking
places. If you cannot find one, there are,
however, a number of car parks just a short
walk away (Place National and the port, for
example), which are free of charge for much
of the year and comparatively inexpensive
the rest of the time. |
Between the sky and the sea, you will see on your right
magnificent gardens and luxurious residences, on your
left the great blue Mediterranean sea with the waves
breaking on the rocks.
Even if you are not going
anywhere in particular, the Cap d'Antibes is a lovely
place to walk. Large mansions and villas and and a peaceful, protected wildlife
area.
The famous botanist Thuret founded these magnificent gardens nearly 150 years
ago, and it is planted with trees and plants typical of the region, such as
all kinds of varieties of the maritime pine.
One of the most beautiful residences and
gardens on the Cap d'Antibes, now owned by Antibes
town and open
to visits on Wednesdays.
In a wonderful park, the Naval and Napoleonic Museum
hosts various collections of model ships, paintings,
and maritime exhibits as well as personal items
of Napoleon and his family. |