Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Closed on Monday)
Address: Avevnue du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes
Phone Number: +33 (0) 4 92 90 52 13
Price: 5€
Official Website: antibes.juanlespins.com
Type: Bastioned military fort
Period: 16th century (remodeled by Vauban in 17th)
Status: Listed Historical Monument since 1906
Standing proudly on a rocky peninsula between Antibes and the open sea, Fort Carré is one of the most iconic silhouettes of the Côte d’Azur. Its star‑shaped design, perched 26 meters above the water, has guarded the coastline for centuries. As you approach, the fortress seems to rise naturally from the landscape, blending stone, sky, and Mediterranean light in a way that instantly transports you back in time.
Fort Carré was built in the second half of the 1500s under the orders of King Henry II of France, at a time when the region was a frontier zone between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Savoy. Its unusual four‑pointed star layout — revolutionary for its time — allowed soldiers to defend the coastline from every angle. Over the centuries, the fortress was expanded and reinforced, especially under the direction of the great military engineer Vauban, who refined its defenses and gave it the elegant geometry we admire today.
Inside the walls, you can still feel the rhythm of daily life in a garrison: the echo of boots on stone, the quiet courtyards where soldiers trained, and the narrow passageways that once connected barracks, powder rooms, and lookout posts. The fortress was never taken by force, but it played a crucial role in monitoring the coastline, controlling access to Antibes, and protecting the border. Even during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, Fort Carré remained a key defensive site.
One of the highlights of visiting Fort Carré is stepping onto the ramparts. From here, the view is spectacular: the old town of Antibes on one side, the Alps rising in the distance, and the endless blue of the Mediterranean stretching out on the other. The surrounding park, protected from urban development, adds a peaceful, natural frame to the fortress — a perfect place for a quiet walk after exploring the interior.
Today, Fort Carré is not just a military monument; it’s a cultural landmark. Its dramatic architecture and panoramic views have made it a filming location for movies, documentaries, and historical programs. Yet despite its fame, the site has kept a serene, almost contemplative atmosphere. Walking through its vaulted rooms and along its sun‑drenched walls, you feel the weight of history without losing the sense of calm that makes this place so special.
“To me, the sea is a continual miracle; the fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves.” — Walt Whitman
