When the Island of Guernsey and the UK essentially shut down for travel this summer I had to find a place in France which would accommodate us quickly for the dates previously booked. We were already at a rental in Bandol so I luckily spotted a VRBO villa rental in Antibes two hours away. I was surprised the rental was still available as everyone in France seemed to be heading for the beaches in the south! I took a risk because the photos on the VRBO site were blurry. It turned out beautifully!

Antibes has drawn the fabulously wealthy, artists and writers, and the glitterati beginning in the 19th century. We passed this villa on our walk to lunch on Boulevard du Cap.

Jardin du Cap was a short walk from our rental and offered wonderful meals and service.

Paxton and I wanted to explore the old town of Antibes. This is what Claude Monet saw and painted in 1888.

The Plage de Ponteil was busy as we headed toward the town.

Paxton and I loving the moment.

The ancient walls of the Musée d’Archéologie d’Antibes are on the left.

The ancient old town of Antibes is built upon the foundations of the ancient Greek town of Antipolis. The name comes from its position on the opposite side of the Var estuary from the city of Nice to the north.

A similar view from a 19th century photograph.

The views were wonderful on the Promenade Amiral de Grasse.

The old town casts a spell.

We all loved our dinners at the villa.

Marla enjoyed getting up early while it was still fairly cool to make coffee and catch up on a faraway world.

Our intrepid explorers on the Place Nationale.

Logan is saying ,”Let’s try this alleyway to see where it goes.”

Looking back on this day I feel Marla was pushing it too much trying to keep up with everyone.

The ancient passageway to the Rue de la Tourraque.

We tried to cool off at the fountain .

I love the assorted colors of the buildings near the Marche Provencale.

Time for lunch.

Love the blue shutters.

The next day we found a parking spot near the main harbor to walk to the Picasso Museum. We found parking nearly impossible throughout the South of France. It is all luck and timing of course.

The fresh fish looked great!

The Musee Picasso is housed in the Grimaldi Castle, built in 1608.

This is the Antibes Cathedral, “Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception”, next to the entrance of the museum.

Masks are required for entry.

Ceramics on the back wall were fascinating. The large Painting Ulysse et les sirènes (1947) is very dramatic. In the foreground is the sculpture “Tete de femme” (1937).

The back terrace has a number of sculptures from various artists.

Let the fun begin!

I will always remember our dinners in Antibes and all our elevated converstions.

Next week I will take you the glamourous and exciting Antibes of the present day,…and take you back to the people who really brought the star power to this part of France, Gerald and Sara Murphy. It was said the Murphy’s were in the right place at the right time in 1920’s Antibes,…while others said,…”they created the right time and place.”

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.