Place Nationale

Now we’re arriving at Place Nationale, one of the city’s main squares. It’s another great spot to take a break, have a drink, or grab a bite. Just walk a little further into the square and you’ll see this lovely bandstand. The original one stood here from 1889 until 1963, but it had to be torn down after falling into disrepair. This new one was unveiled on June 21st, 2017 — right on Fête de la Musique— France’s nationwide celebration of music —, which feels pretty fitting. These days, it comes alive with concerts and theatre performances, especially in the summer. Inspired by the Peynet bandstand in Valence it share it’s architectural style. Speaking of Peynet, one of the museums around this square bears his name. Raymond Peynet was a 20th-century illustrator and cartoonist best known for creating “The Lovers”—two iconic characters that appear throughout his romantic drawings. These figures became a worldwide symbol of love, featured on porcelain, fabrics, dolls, postcards, and jewelry. The Peynet Museum, located just behind you, honors this beloved artist with over 300 of his works, including pieces by Plantu, Granville, Dubout, and others. You can even spot “The Lovers” right here on the square, immortalized in a statue. Just behind them stands a marble column, a tribute to the people of Antibes who refused to surrender to Napoleon during his return in 1815. Unlike other cities, they stayed loyal to King Louis XVIII, enduring bombings during the period known as the Hundred Days—which actually lasted 111 days. They resisted Napoleon from March 20 to July 8, 1815, until his downfall after the Battle of Waterloo. The king later gifted the column to the city in honor of their bravery. You can walk up and read the inscriptions for yourself. As you can see, Place Nationale has a lot to offer—history, local architecture, and a true local atmosphere.