Cities of the French Riviera |
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MORE ABOUT ANTIBES / JUAN-LES-PINS
 The Phoceans founded Antipolis at the end of the 5th century BC. Antipolis (= the town opposite) remained under Massaliotian influence until 44 BC from this period on it continued under roman influence. The city became part of the roman province and hit money. Benefiting from the roman peace which installed itself, Antipolis expanded, developing its commerce and decorating itself with public monuments of which certain ones were still visible at the end of 17th century: theatres, amphitheatres, arc de triomphe....
With the collapse of the Roman Empire and the developing insecurity, the city withdraws itself upon its rock, abandoning its country. In 442, the town has its first bishop, saint Hermentaire.
The town was revived at the end of the 10th century when William "the liberator" defeated the Saracaens. Rodoard, William's companion obtained the territory of Antibes. Public life reorganised itself and commerce took over. At the beginning of the 12th century, two large towers are constructed by reusing blocks of roman monuments. The town's tower, serving today as the church's steeple, was the first to be raised followed by the Castle's tower.
In 1482, the Provence rejoins France. The River Var marks the border from then on. Antiboul, Antibol and finally Antibes, becomes a border town and a strong place. At the end of the 14th century and the 15th century, the town was overflowing in its ancient ramparts, its still visible cours Masséna.
In 1536 the city under goes more changes. Around 300 houses are destroyed.
In 1552, Henry II decided to construct a tower on the site of the Saint-Laurent Chapel, on the peninsula, in order to reinforce Antibes' defence, and separating the bay of Saint-Roch to that of Anges. This tower, embellished with a bastion wall, is called Fort Carré. Another tower is Saint-Jacques' tower, establishing itself in the place of the shipyard, today's opera.
 In 1608, Alexandre de Grimaldi, retails the county of Antibes to Henri IV.
From 1860, the city grows year after year and starts the destruction of the ramparts.
At the end of the XIX° century, Antibes welcomes the first tourists : the seaside resort of Juan-the-Pines is created en 1882. The city does not cease growing. Now days, Antibes Juan-les-Pins ranks as the second largest town on the Côte d'Azur (after Nice and just ahead of Cannes).
Points of interest : Le Fort Carré - Le port de plaisance - Les remparts - Le musée Picasso
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