Meet Simon
Your Local French Guide
A native Antibois with 8+ years of archival research revealing the hidden history of his hometown
“Most tour guides recite facts from Wikipedia. I share discoveries from 8 years spent in dusty archives, reading centuries-old documents, and piecing together stories that even longtime Antibois don’t know. This is my hometown—these stones, these streets, this history—it’s personal.”
— Simon, historian and native Antibois
A True Local
Simon was born and raised in Antibes. This isn’t just another tour stop on a guide’s circuit—this is his hometown, the place where his family has lived for generations. He grew up playing in the narrow streets of the old town, swimming at the beaches, and hearing stories from older Antibois about how the town used to be.
That childhood familiarity with Antibes sparked a deeper curiosity: Why is this street curved? What was this building originally? Who lived here centuries ago? Questions that guidebooks couldn’t answer led Simon to the municipal archives, and what began as casual curiosity became serious historical research.
8+ Years of Archival Research
While most tour guides rely on published guidebooks and online sources, Simon has spent over 8 years conducting original research in:
- Municipal archives of Antibes: Original documents, city records, building permits, and correspondence dating back centuries
- Archaeological reports: Professional excavation findings and surveys that reveal layers of occupation from Greek and Roman periods
- Historical manuscripts: Primary sources including medieval records, Renaissance property deeds, and 19th-century town planning documents
- Academic publications: Scholarly research on Provençal history, Roman Antipolis, and French Riviera development
- Family histories: Conversations with longtime Antibois families who remember the town’s transformation over decades
This research reveals details that simply don’t exist in tourist materials: the exact provenance of reused Roman stones, the strategic reasoning behind medieval fortification choices, the evolution of street names and their historical significance, stories of specific buildings and the people who inhabited them.
Un “Rat de Bibliothèque”
In French, a rat de bibliothèque (library rat) is someone who spends endless hours in libraries and archives, absorbed in research. Simon embraces this description. He’s the person who gets excited discovering a faded inscription on a building, who spends Saturday afternoons in the archives rather than at the beach, who can discuss the architectural evolution of the Porte de France for an hour.
This isn’t dry academic work—it’s detective work. Each archival document, each archaeological report, each comparison of historical maps reveals another piece of the puzzle. Simon’s research has uncovered hidden wells, identified reused Roman architectural elements, traced the evolution of medieval fortifications, and documented changes in the old town that even the tourism office doesn’t know about.
Fluent in English & French (of course !=
As a French native who is fluent in English, Simon offers tours in both languages. His English is not just functional—it’s fluent and nuanced, allowing him to convey historical context, architectural terminology, and local stories with the same depth and precision in either language. For mixed-language groups, he can seamlessly switch between English and French during the same tour.
Why Simon’s Tours Are Different
Genuine Discoveries
Not recycled guidebook facts, but original findings from years of archival research. See details documented in historical records that tourists—and most locals—never learn about.
Local Perspective
Born and raised in Antibes with family roots here. This hometown connection provides insights and context that outside guides simply cannot match.
Passionate Expertise
This isn’t a job—it’s a passion. Simon genuinely loves Antibes history and sharing discoveries with curious travelers. His enthusiasm is contagious.
Interactive Approach
Small groups (max 6) mean you can ask questions freely, request deeper explanations, and engage in genuine conversation about what you’re seeing.
What Guests Say About Simon
“Simon’s knowledge is extraordinary. He showed us Roman stones embedded in medieval walls that I’d walked past dozens of times without noticing. And the surprise apéritif at the end was the perfect way to conclude—sitting with a pastis while discussing everything we’d learned. Très authentique!”
— Marie-Claire D., Paris, France
“A true historian, not just a tour guide. The small group meant we could ask endless questions. The level of detail about Ligure settlements and Roman construction was remarkable. Loved the relaxed drink afterward—felt like ending the evening with an old friend.”
— Robert & Helen M., Edinburgh, Scotland
“Simon is a ‘rat de bibliothèque’ in the best possible way—8 years of research really shows. The Château Grimaldi history, the spy hole in Porte de France, the hidden Roman column… all incredible. And staying for a pastis felt very civilized. Highly recommend. But he eats , he shares with us adress restaurant so interesting “
— Emma & Oliver S., London, United Kingdom
The Tour Experience
Simon’s tours are designed for thoughtful travelers who want to understand what they’re seeing, not just check boxes on a sightseeing list. The 90-minute experience covers 2,500 years of history at a comfortable pace with maximum 6 guests, allowing for genuine conversation and exploration.
You’ll discover hidden Roman columns, medieval fortification strategies, Renaissance architectural details, and stories of the people who shaped Antibes over millennia. Simon reveals 15+ details that even longtime residents don’t know—secrets hiding in plain sight throughout the old town.
The tour concludes with a complimentary Provençal apéritif—an opportunity to relax, discuss what you’ve learned, and ask final questions in a convivial atmosphere. This authentic touch reflects Simon’s belief that understanding history is best done in conversation, not lecture.
Tour Details
★ Save 20% when booking 1 month in advance
Free for children under 16 • Free cancellation 48h
Launching May 2026 • Limited availability