Antibes boasts one of the most fascinating histories on the French Riviera. Over 2,500 years, this coastal town has been a Greek trading post, Roman stronghold, medieval fortress, military base, and glamorous resort destination.
Ancient Antibes: Greek Origins (4th Century BC)
Founded around 340 BC by Greek traders from Phocaea (modern Turkey), Antibes was originally called Antipolis – meaning “the city opposite” – positioned opposite Nice (Nikaia) across the Bay of Angels.
The Greeks chose this strategic location for its natural harbor and defensive position. They established a thriving trading post, exchanging Mediterranean goods with Celtic tribes of the interior.
Roman Antipolis (1st Century BC – 5th Century AD)
When Rome conquered the region, Antipolis became an important Roman municipality. The town prospered under Roman rule, developing urban infrastructure including:
- Forum and temples
- Thermal baths
- Aqueduct system
- Defensive walls
Roman Antipolis controlled significant territory and maintained its role as a key trading port. Archaeological remains can still be seen throughout the old town.
Medieval Fortifications (5th – 15th Centuries)
After Rome’s fall, Antibes entered a turbulent period. The town became a fortified border settlement, changing hands between various powers:
- Bishops of Antibes (religious control)
- Counts of Provence
- House of Grimaldi (Monaco rulers)
- Kingdom of France
- House of Savoy
The impressive medieval ramparts still visible today date from this era. Antibes was repeatedly attacked, besieged, and rebuilt.
The Age of Fortresses: Vauban and Fort Carré (16th Century)
In 1550s, King Henri II commissioned the legendary military engineer Vauban to strengthen Antibes’ defenses. The result was Fort Carré, a masterpiece of military architecture.
This star-shaped fortress used cutting-edge defensive design:
- Angled bastions to deflect cannonballs
- Multiple layers of defense
- Strategic positioning on a rocky promontory
Fort Carré has never been conquered – a testament to Vauban’s genius. Even Napoleon couldn’t escape when briefly imprisoned there in 1794!
Napoleon and Revolutionary Period (1794)
During the French Revolution, a young Napoleon Bonaparte was stationed in Antibes. After Robespierre’s fall, Napoleon was arrested and imprisoned in Fort Carré for 11 days before being released.
This brief imprisonment could have ended his career, but instead, he went on to become Emperor of France.
Belle Époque: Birth of the Riviera (1860s-1914)
The arrival of the railway in 1868 transformed Antibes. What was once a modest fishing town and military base became a fashionable winter resort destination.
European aristocrats, British nobility, and Russian grand dukes discovered the mild winter climate. Grand hotels were built, and Antibes joined Cannes and Nice as a Riviera hotspot.
Picasso’s Antibes (1946)
After World War II, Pablo Picasso spent a productive period in Antibes. The town offered him a studio in the Château Grimaldi (now the Picasso Museum).
In just 6 months (autumn 1946), Picasso created over 60 paintings and numerous drawings and ceramics. This “Antibes period” represents some of his most joyful, Mediterranean-inspired work.
Modern Antibes (1950s-Present)
Post-war, Antibes evolved into a major yachting center. Port Vauban, now one of Europe’s largest marinas, attracts superyachts from around the world.
The town successfully balances tourism with local life:
- Historic old town preserved
- Modern marina development
- Technology sector (Sophia Antipolis nearby)
- Year-round resident community
Antibes Today
Modern Antibes (population 75,000) remains one of the French Riviera’s most authentic towns. Unlike some neighbors, it hasn’t lost its soul to mass tourism.
The old town retains its Provençal character with daily markets, local shops, and residents who’ve lived here for generations. Yet it also offers world-class museums, restaurants, and beaches.
Key Historical Sites to Visit
- Fort Carré – 16th-century fortress
- Medieval Ramparts – Walk the ancient walls
- Picasso Museum – Château Grimaldi
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame – 12th-century church on Roman temple site
- Archaeology Museum – Roman and Greek artifacts
- Old Town – Medieval street layout
- Port Vauban – Historic harbor
Experience Antibes History
The best way to understand this rich history is through a guided walking tour. Expert historians bring 2,500 years of stories to life as you explore the ancient streets, ramparts, and historic sites.
Book your historical tour today and walk in the footsteps of Greeks, Romans, medieval knights, Vauban, Napoleon, and Picasso!