It was 38 years ago that that the merchants of Old Antibes decided to group together in an association in order to coordinate their activities. They founded the Association of Merchants, Craftsmen, Artists and Stallholders of Old Antibes. The President of the Association was Claude Ammirati, who was also a city counsellor, and in 1971 they organised a flea market at place Audiberti. In 1975, the Antiques Show came into being, and it was all the merchants, craftsmen and artists of the association, all volunteers, who, with enthusiasm and camaraderie, organised, sold entry tickets, controlled, handled accounting, etc. Each and every one had something to provide: work, advice, art. Thus, Raymond Peynet designed posters until his death, and Robert Maire, with more inclination for historical research and writing, handled publicity and a variety of installations!

Jean Gismondi set up his Gallery at 20, rue Royale in Paris, and he encouraged his colleagues in Paris to discover Antibes, this place blessed by the gods. He also offered a large clientele living in the French Riviera a unique choice at a single place. He was President of the Antiques Show for 20 years. In 1995, Gérard Fantino, Treasurer of the Antiques Show, agreed to succeed him, seconded by Vice President Alain Barale.

Over the years, the reputation of the Antiques Fair continued to grow. More and more prestigious exhibitors arrived in order to meet the high-level public residing on the French Riviera during Easter. Celebrities, aristocrats, businessmen, decorators, collectors or the merely curious come to enjoy themselves, for all epochs, all tastes and all prices are to be found there, from second-hand to museum quality.

The Antiques Fair and Flea Market of Old Antibes has launched the summer season on the French Riviera. The gamble has paid off! Today, the 6,000 m² tent cannot be enlarged, since it occupies the entire space at the foot of the ramparts between the sea, the port and the old town, a few steps from the "Quai des Milliardaires".

The gamble has paid off! Today, the 6,000 m² tent cannot be enlarged, since it occupies the entire space at the foot of the ramparts between the sea, the port and the old town, a few steps from the "Quai des Milliardaires".

To visit our Antique Dealers Show is to take an imaginary trip in space and time… ?If art is a witness of its time and customs, our Antique Dealers Show is proof of it. There you will find furniture, paintings, rugs, work by goldsmiths and jewellery created for people in high places, but also a mere object that brings back the charm of childhood memories. ?Antique Dealers seek out our common heritage and preserve it for safekeeping. In France we have fine schools for the restoration of art works, and it is with love, culture and attention to detail that craftsmen give objects once again their eternal lustre. They are the driving force of this craft industry in art that means so much to the honour and reputation of our country. We are proud to welcome you to this Antiques Show whose venue and presentation we hope you will enjoy. May this moment of reverie be a moment of relaxation, that you might make an acquisition which, modest or sumptuous, will enrich your life.

Gérard FANTINO / President of the Antiques Show

Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the second-largest city in the department, rich with its prestigious past as well as its present, with its youth and its dynamism, is pleased once again this year to welcome, between the sea and the old town, between the port and the ramparts, the most prestigious galleries in Europe during this true promenade of the arts, extending from the Picasso Museum to Fort Carré. This Antiques Show is now one of the most important events of its type in Europe. The reputation of its founder, Jean Gismondi, the quality of the furniture, art works and paintings on exhibit, but also of its flea market, are just a few of the major advantages that have led collectors, amateurs, decorators and visitors to be more faithful than ever to the meeting in Antibes. ?I wish a hearty welcome to all exhibitors, and I thank the members of the A.C.A.A.V.A, chaired by Gérard FANTINO, for organising this Antiques Show which contributes to the reputation of this exceptional international event.

The Mayor of Antibes Juan-les-Pins