Hidden Antibes: Secrets That Even the Locals Dont Know

You have seen the ramparts, visited the Picasso Museum, and taken photos from Port Vauban. But Antibes has hidden stories. Real ones.

1. The Roman Cistern Under a Car Park

Beneath Parking des Pecheurs lies a Roman cistern from the 1st century AD that supplied the baths of Roman Antipolis. [Source: Archaeological Museum of Antibes]

2. The Cannonball in the Wall

On Rue du Bateau, a cannonball remains lodged in a wall from the 1746-47 siege of Antibes. It has stayed through every renovation since. [Source: Municipal Archives of Antibes]

3. The Roman Stones (Spolia)

Roman-era stones reused in medieval walls are visible along Rue de la Tourraque and near the Porte de France. [Source: Spolia in Mediterranean Architecture, 2017]

4. Best Kept View

The Jardin du Cours Massena offers a sunset view of the Baie des Anges framed by umbrella pines, away from the tourist crowds.

5. Siege Damage on Porte de France

Look for patches of different-colored stone on the lower left of the Porte de France. These are repairs from cannonball damage during the 1746-47 siege. [Source: Municipal Archives of Antibes]

Discover more hidden stories on our walking tour with Simon.