(2006) MiNr. 4129 ** - France - Tourism - Antibes Juan-les-Pins

Antibes Juan-les-Pins - history, geography and significance

Antibes Juan-les-Pins is a town located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, on the Mediterranean coast between Nice and Cannes. Historically, it is one of the oldest inhabited areas on the Côte d'Azur, with origins dating back to the 5th century BC, when Phoenician and then Greek influence gave rise to the settlement of Antipolis.

Geographical location and climate

The town lies on the narrow peninsula of Cap d'Antibes and is divided into two main parts:

• Antibes - a historic centre with preserved walls, the port of Port Vauban and a number of cultural sites.
• Juan-les-Pins - a more modern area with beaches and lively nightlife.

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, there are mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures in the winter months are around 10-12 °C, while in the summer they reach 25-30 °C.

Historical significance

Antibes has been a strategic point on Mediterranean trade routes since antiquity. In the Middle Ages it was fortified and served as a defensive point against invaders. Today it is home to well-preserved walls and Fort Carré, built in the 16th century.

Cultural and social life

Juan-les-Pins is best known for its jazz festival Jazz à Juan, which has been held since 1960 and attracts world-renowned musicians. The city is also associated with names such as Pablo Picasso, who stayed here in 1946 and created part of his collection, now on display in the Musée Picasso.

Current use and significance

Today, Antibes Juan-les-Pins is a major tourist centre with one of the largest yachting ports on the Côte d'Azur. The area combines historical heritage with modern infrastructure and is popular with both tourists and permanent residents seeking a quality living environment close to the sea.