Sommaire / Summary
The Antibes Fort Carré reflects the town's position, facing both the sea and Nice. A place with a double border, we explain why.
The Antibes Fort Carré on a border?
The Antibes Fort Carré is a Renaissance fort. Henri II (1519-1559), King of France, had it built to protect the town. Indeed, Antibes was under attack from looters from the sea. Above all, the fortress protected the population from the County of Nice. Antibes was located on the border between the Kingdom of France and the County of Nice. The latter was then under the domination of the Duchy of Savoy, against which Henry II was fighting several battles further north. It was therefore necessary to protect the town.
The Fort Carré in Antibes
The Fort Carré dominates a promontory. High ramparts with sentry walkways and watchtowers surround the central edifice. It is shaped like a four-pointed star. The interior contains a round structure, the Saint-Laurent Tower.
Star-shaped, round structure, but why is it called Fort Carré? It's hard to find a square structure in this fort. But it is. Inside the central building (which can also be square), the courtyard is square, with a pointed extension at each corner. It is from this inner courtyard that the name Fort Carré is said to have originated.
It is a handsome, solid edifice, with the watchtower rising 43 meters above sea level. Numerous rooms, designed to accommodate troops or spaces for defense and combat.
It's worth visiting, both for its authentic fortress appearance and for the sublime panorama seen from the top of its walls.
A preserved natural site
The Fort Carré is surrounded by a vast park of protected nature. It is home to typical Mediterranean flora and fauna. It is criss-crossed by paths that allow you to discover and appreciate a typical natural environment.
Practical information
Fort Carré in Antibes
Avenue du 11 Novembre
06600 Antibes
The entrance is around the fort. Enter from the east of the fort.
July 1 to August 31: 10 am - 6 pm
September 1 to June 30: 10 am - 5 pm
Please note: It remains closed during bad weather, as the stones become too slippery.
Open every day except Monday, January 1, May 1, November 1 and December l25.
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Jean-Marc Foulquier