Passing through Antibes? A visit to the old town is a must. On your walk, you may come across the Musée de la Carte Postale. This highly original museum is not just for collectors. An audio-guided tour will teach you all you need to know about postcards. Let yourself be tempted by this unusual tour!
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the Musée de la Carte Postale.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Postcard Museum worthwhile?
This volunteer-run museum permanently exhibits a private collection of several thousand postcards from all eras and all countries. The tour is rounded out by temporary themed exhibitions.
Our visit gave us a new perspective on postcards, which impressed us with their variety of illustrations and shapes!
In fact, we listed this museum in our article on the best museums in Antibes.
WHERE TO STAY IN Antibes
Option 1: near the ramparts
Near the city walls, where you can enjoy the charm of the old town and all the restaurants.
Hotel la Villa Port – prices, pictures and availability
Near the beaches (Ponteil and Salis), with views of the ramparts and the mountains.
Hotel La Jabotte – prices, pictures and availability
In Juan-les-Pins, in the heart of the peninsula.
Hotel La Villa Cap d’Antibes – prices, pictures and availability
What you can see
The evolution of postcards
The tour begins with an introduction to the history and evolution of postcards. They are displayed chronologically in the showcase. We got to see postcards from the World’s Fairs, and even an invitation to Victor Hugo’s funeral!
Through these yellowed images and illustrations, the history of France was unfolding before our very eyes! To find out more about the history of illustrated postcards, which are almost 100 years old, you can visit the museum’s official website here.
Regional postcards
The museum also uses postcards as a “medium” to address social issues. Such is the case with one of our favorite sections of the tour: regional postcards. We found it very moving to see original black-and-white photographs that capture a way of life and an era.
These are “real” people posing on the postcards, showing off their traditional dress. Maps are sorted by department. Of course, it’s the ones from the Seine-Maritime region that stand out the most for us, as we’re from Normandy ourselves!
Advertising postcards
Postcards have been a popular medium for the advertising industry. We saw a large number of colorful ads, particularly for food products, but also for other everyday items (washing powder, Marseille soap, etc.).
Original postcards
We were amazed during our visit to see postcard types we’d never seen before! For example, this chocolate postcard, but also puzzle cards!
Innovative devices
This is undoubtedly our favorite part of the visit: the discovery of innovative equipment that made it possible to create sound postcards or 3D postcards, long before the invention of 3D! This is the case of the stereo map above. The user would place a card of the same brand on the device and look through it to get an impression of volumes. And don’t miss the device that records human voices on postcards, created in 1956 by Juan-les-Pins resident Roger Van Roy.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
The Musée de la Carte Postale in Antibes: how to get there
Where is the museum?
- City of Antibes
- The museum is located in the Old Antibes district.
- It’s just a 5-minute walk from the SNCF train station, tourist office and port.
Access by car and parking
We recommend parking in a nearby pay parking lot, as it can be difficult to get around in the center of Antibes. The Jean Marie Poirier, Port Vauban and Pré-des-pêcheurs secure parking lots are a ten-minute walk away.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes serve the area (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 30, 31) and the Diables Bleus stop. To calculate your route, visit the official Antibes transport network website here.
Visiting difficulties
The tour is not particularly difficult. The audio tour is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian. Explanatory panels in French and English are available throughout the visit. A paper version adapted for the visually impaired can be requested from reception. The museum is equipped with mobile induction loop systems, enabling people with hearing aids to fully enjoy the audioguided tour. To take advantage of this service, please ask at reception. The museum is also accessible to people with motor disabilities.
Practical tips for visiting the Postcard Museum
Schedules and prices
The Musée de la Carte Postale is open Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm to 6pm. Closed on December 25 and January 1.
The price is €8 for adults and free for children under 12.
How long
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for your visit, depending on your interest in postcards.
Best moment
The museum isn’t very busy, but we preferred to go in the morning, so that we could enjoy the quiet of downtown Antibes. To find out what else you can do in this area, you can read our dedicated article on what to do in Antibes.
Direction of visit
The direction of the tour is indicated by the audioguide. If you don’t like audioguides, we advise you to follow the windows in chronological order.
Eating out
Numerous restaurants are located close to the museum. To find out which one to choose, read our article on the best restaurants to eat in Antibes!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to the French Riviera
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
