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Antibes - Juan-les-Pins - Cap d'Antibes
| Strolling through the heart of the city |
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| Le cap d'Antibes |
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 From the small port of La Salis (21), the chemin de Calvaire leading to the Sanctuary of La Garoupe. Since the dawn of time, pilgrims have gathered here before the small shrines, commemorating the “Chemin de croix”(22). The Chapel of la Garoupe (23) houses Notre Dame de la Garde and Notre Dame de Bon-Port, and the nave is covered with marine commemorative plaques which portray the history of Antibes in both small personal ways and grand ways. On the summit of the Cap, an orientation map helps better understanding of the magnificent 360° view. A few steps from there, the small shrine of Notre Dame des Amoureux, created by Raymond Peynet, protects homes. |
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La Garoupe lighthouse is one of the most powerful in the region. There are 103 steps to the summit where there is one of the most beautiful 360° panoramas in the world. At the base of the steep hill lies La Garoupe bay (24), celebrated for the beauty of its beaches, where Colette loved to walk, marvelling at sand “sometimes cool, sometimes warm to her useless feet.” Leaving Tire-Poil walking path (25) one passes a multitude of little bays for fishermen and sun-worshippers. Walkers can gaze at the beautiful properties along the way, and the highly privileged area of Millionaires' Bay. Among these sumptuous villas and luxuriant gardens is Eilenroc (26), constructed according to the plans of Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris and Monte Carlo opera houses. Every Wednesday afternoon the fragrant gardens with their collection of rare species are open to the public. Surrounded by a park of meditteranean species, the Napoleonic Museum is in the Tour du Graillon. Here are the last remains of a battery put in a state of defence by the young General Bonaparte, who was held here for a time. Hotel Eden Roc is one of the most luxurious in the world. Opened in 1870, it was the first to open for the summer season. Anatole France, Camille Flammarion, Ernest Hemingway, Douglas Fairbank, Mary Pickford, Rita Hayworth, Marlene Dietrich, Charles de Gaulle and many others have stayed here. |
| The jardin Thuret (28) was created in 1856 by botanist Gustave Thuret. Many species were planted that were hitherto unknown in this area, such as eucalyptus and pine. Site of a INRA research centre, this immense ecological shrine praised by Flaubert and George Sand receives numerous visitors each year.. |
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