Porte de l’Orme

We’ve now arrived at the start of Cours Masséna, one of Antibes’ main streets. Right in front of you stands a striking structure that tells the story of the city’s long past. This is Porte de l’Orme—one of the original gateways built into the city’s walls. The first fortified enclosure was built by the Greeks, later reused by the Romans, and eventually rebuilt during the Middle Ages on the same ancient foundations—some of which you can still see today. This gate still leads toward the sea and now houses the Musée de la Tour, a museum of Provençal and Antibes folk traditions. Opened in 1980, it features paintings, photos, objects, and costumes that illustrate daily life in the 19th century. It’s a great way to discover the local culture and history in a building dating back to the Middle Ages, who for many years was also the home of a fishing family called the Gilis. If you’re curious, go take a look! Or simply walk through the gate and explore the little streets hidden behind it.