Fougasses, ceramics and meditation: Antibes in a Mediterranean cocoon

Nice, its Promenade des Anglais, its international airport, its flower market. Cannes, its Croisette, its festival, its luxury window displays on the seafront. Between the two, Antibes, less famous, but no less spectacular.

To be convinced of this, just walk along the coast to Juan-les-Pins, going around the cape which is home to a palace known throughout the world: Cap-Eden-Roc. For the rest, hotels in Antibes and Juana can be summed up above all in overpriced five-star hotels and uninspiring addresses. Opting for a rental is a wise decision.

Since 2012, Cathy Colombani and her companion, Morgan Gotanegre, have acquired and renovated several properties in the area, he taking care of the structural work, she of the decoration. The apartment n^oh 7 (as it is presented on their site, The Home) is in a narrow lane of old Antibes, on the ground floor of a small house. You shouldn’t come here for the view, non-existent, or the floods of light, but you immediately feel at home in this pocket two-room apartment (35 square meters) with whitewashed walls, fully equipped.

The main room serves as an entrance, living room, dining room, kitchen and even a bedroom on occasion, thanks to its bench made up of twin beds. The adjoining bedroom has a 160 bed, storage space and a television. A pleasant shower room and separate toilets complete the air-conditioned unit. Decorated in the pure Mediterranean spirit, natural materials and polished concrete on the floor, the place is a haven of serenity in a very popular area, rather noisy at night.

20 meters away: learn about ceramics

In recent years, pottery has naturally taken its place in the artisanal landscape (abundant, always) of old Antibes. At Klā, founded by ceramists Clotilde Debain and Alice Fougeret, you can treat yourself to unique pieces in white sandstone (crockery, candlesticks, vases, etc.) or learn how to turn and shape clay during initiation sessions for adults and children. Biodegradable packaging, like the cards in the shop, comes from recycled materials.

200 meters away: lunch at the market

The Provençal market in Antibes is cut out for postcards: very colorful and well stocked with local marvels (zucchini flowers, bouquets of lavender, fresh goat’s cheese, etc.). It is impossible to leave without tasting the socca, a pancake made with chickpea flour, tasted very hot and sprinkled with pepper. Among the other unmissable specialties in the courtyard of the market, ravioli stuffed with stew from the illustrious Perrin house.

You have 37.19% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.