Living at Cap d'Antibes

The Cap d'Antibes: History, Nature, and Prestige

Located to the south of Antibes and east of Juan-les-Pins, the Cap d'Antibes peninsula began to develop in the 19th century, attracting wealthy visitors from across Europe. Enchanted by the area's wild beauty and unique atmosphere, they built magnificent villas and luxurious residences. Today, Cap d'Antibes is synonymous with elegance and sophistication. Its famous nickname, the "Bay of Billionaires," instantly conjures images of prestigious properties, nestled within lush vegetation, where parasol pines, centuries-old olive trees, and various Mediterranean flora blend harmoniously. This peaceful haven, favored by the international elite, offers an exceptional natural setting between crystal-clear waters and verdant hills, making the Cap an exclusive and unmissable destination on the Côte d'Azur.

The Architectural Gems of Cap d'Antibes

Hotel Cap Eden Roc

Renowned as the most beautiful hotel in the world, it was originally known as Villa Soleil, built at the request of Auguste de Villemessant, founder of the newspaper Le Figaro, and inaugurated in 1870 as a retreat for writers. In 1887, young hotelier Antoine Sella fell in love with the site, and by early 1889, Hotel Cap Eden Roc opened its doors, attracting a luxurious clientele. Over the years, it has hosted famous guests such as Nobel Prize-winning author George Bernard Shaw (1920s), the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (1935), and Marc Chagall (1970s). Acquired by Maja and Rudolph Oetker in 1969, the hotel has since enjoyed many more glorious moments, including hosting the prestigious amfAR gala since 2009, raising millions of dollars for AIDS research with the participation of international celebrities.

Villa Eilenroc

This exceptional neoclassical residence was built in 1860 by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris and Monte-Carlo opera houses. Nestled in an 11-hectare park filled with Mediterranean plants typical of the Côte d'Azur, including a rose garden boasting 1,000 varieties, the villa remains a symbol of the opulence and sensuality of the Belle Époque.

Château de la Croë

This Victorian-style estate was constructed in 1927 by Armand Albert Rateau for Sir William Pomeroy Burton, president of Associated Newspapers Ltd. In 1938, it was acquired by the Duke of Windsor and former King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. Later owners included Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, and in 2004, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased the château, set within an 8-hectare park designed by landscape architect Peter Wirtz.

What to Do in Cap d'Antibes?

Cap d'Antibes, a jewel of the French Riviera, is closely linked to the rich history of Antibes, a city that has preserved its past through centuries-old monuments. When visiting Antibes, you can explore its exceptional historical heritage, including the Grimaldi Castle, now the Picasso Museum, as well as the Saint-André Bastion and the fortified tower, which house museums of modern art, history, archaeology, and popular traditions.

Stroll through Old Antibes, with its charming, narrow streets and shaded squares, and discover artisans’ workshops and authentic boutiques lining sun-bleached facades. This idyllic setting transports visitors into a timeless Mediterranean atmosphere.

With 25 kilometers of coastline, Cap d'Antibes offers a stunning natural landscape, with pebbled and sandy beaches. Some beaches are tucked away in secluded coves, providing intimate settings for those seeking tranquility and escape. The crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views make the beaches of Cap d'Antibes perfect for swimming and watersports. For sailing enthusiasts, Cap d'Antibes boasts five marinas, including the renowned Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe, offering stunning views of the Baie des Anges.

Whether you're looking for a lively beach or a hidden cove, Cap d'Antibes is the perfect destination to enjoy the most beautiful beaches of the French Riviera.

Immersing in History and Culture

Antibes is also a city rich in culture, with numerous museums and galleries. In addition to the Picasso Museum, don’t miss Fort Carré, the Peynet Museum, and the Archaeology Museum. Antibes has also captivated the world of cinema, as seen in the filming of iconic movies like Let's Not Get Angry (1966) by Georges Lautner, starring Lino Ventura and Mireille Darc, or Never Say Never Again (1983), a James Bond film with Sean Connery.

Antibes has long inspired writers, painters, and artists. Illustrious figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda, Níkos Kazantzákis, William Somerset Maugham, and Guy de Maupassant have all spent time in this captivating town. The city’s allure also attracted Jacques Prévert, Claude Monet, Raymond Peynet, and Pablo Picasso, who left their mark, solidifying Antibes as an eternal city of the arts.

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