Bucket list experience:
In 1946, Picasso was invited to use the 14th-century Grimaldi Castle in Antibes – perched high on the one-time acropolis of the ancient Greek city of Antipolis – as a studio.
It was a happy period for the artist and in spite of a shortage of art supplies, he made do with what he could find, painting joyful Cubist scenes of fauns, nymphs and centaurs inspired by Greek mythology.
Now a museum, the castle’s collection shows the fruits of this era, its artworks infused with optimism and a Mediterranean colour spectrum.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
France
Where to go and what to see in Nice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
The nearest car park is Port Vauban. True art fans should download the factsheets (in English, French and Italian) from the website, which provide background to some of the key exhibits. The museum’s café terrace is a cool shady place for a drink, with views over Antibes.
The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[2.3 miles]
An elegant hotel and lavish restaurant, trimmed by Antibes’ only private beach. It’s a perfect refuge for couples who want to be near the action but have a romantic retreat right on the sea.
Official star rating:
Antibes, Cote d'Azur, France[3.7 miles]
Iconic hotel and pool, steeped in decades of celebrity myth and glamorous legend, on the Cote d’Azur. Stupendous grounds, a boat and tennis courts, world-class service and the price tag to match.
Official star rating:
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[8.6 miles]
The stars’ favourite during the Cannes Film Festival, this legendary Art Deco hotel and beach club delivers on glitz and glamour.
Official star rating:
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[8.9 miles]
Affordable boutique hotel with lashings of Cannes glitz, convenient for the sights, shops and beach.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cote d'Azur, France
Sister city of Hollywood and host of the famous film festival, Cannes, with its palm-lined La Croisette, golden beach and five star hotels oozes cinematic and pure Riviera glamour.
Cote d'Azur, France
Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.
Cote d'Azur, France
The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.4 miles]
The world’s top film festival, held in the South of France. Though designed for professionals, it can be just as fun for fans with free and ticketed screenings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 11 days
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[13.3 miles]
An architectural jewel, this museum between Nice and Antibes is filled with world-class modern and contemporary art, inside and out.
Best for ages: 18+ | £14
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[16.5 miles]
One of France’s most splendid Belle Epoque villas, donated to the city of Nice by the aristocratic Massena family, is now home to a compelling collection of art, furniture and artifacts that track Nice’s rich history.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[17.3 miles]
Nice’s food and flower market, held along the pedestrianised Cours Saleya esplanade, is packed with all the vibrant, sensuous colours, flavours and scents of the south: lavender, marzipan, sugared almonds, spices, herbal teas, takeaway socca and pissaladiere snacks. Held Tuesday to Sunday, around 6.30am to 1.30pm.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Cap d'Antibes , Cote d'Azur, France[3 miles]
Sheltered from the wind, child-friendly Garoupe is a good choice for beach lounging. There’s a free, public section (Plage Municipale) with sunbeds and parasols, as well as multiple private beach clubs. Plage Keller is the trendiest. Petit Plage and Plage Joseph are also good, and family-friendly.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.5 miles]
Join the locals by shopping the luxury boutiques, then stopping for a drink and people-watching at one of the many canopied cafés along this iconic seafront promenade in Cannes.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.5 miles]
Discover Cannes the easy way on the Movie Train, starting from the Palais des Festivals: it takes in the Forville Market, Le Susquet, La Croisette, the casinos, and Rue d’Antibes.
Best for ages: Any | £5 | 1 hour
Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France[9.9 miles]
The big covered market in the heart of Cannes dates from the 1930s, and overflows with the fresh produce and flowers of Provence. It’s open until 1pm and closed Monday – although sometimes there’s a flea market in there instead.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 hour
