This charming little house is nestled between the Musée d'Archéologie and the Musée Picasso on one of the prettiest pedestrian streets in Old Antibes. This was the home in the 1950's of the famous Greek author Nikos Kazantakis best known for Zorba the Greek. He named it Koukouli (the Cocoon) as it made him and his wife Helen feel so cosy and comfortable. It has a tranquil setting with a terrace that has views out over the square and to the side - the turquoise Mediterranean sea beyond. It is lovely all year round.
With your own or local transport the location of Koukouli makes an ideal base for travel along the Mediterranean Coast, or into the Mountains and National Parks, all good for day visits.
Alternatively arrive at the house, and you can walk everywhere, or get the local trains and buses to nearby towns such as Cannes.
The Rue du Bas Castelet is also well known as it is part of the 'Free Commune Safranier' established by local artists who still live and work in the few streets surrounding the square.
" Koukouli" sits towards the upper end of the street, raised up on rock. It has a calm atmosphere which we hope will be enjoyed by artists, writers and other enthusiastic guests. Although it is 'une petite maison' it is very much our family home. We have found it is ideal for two couples with two bedrooms each having their own small bathroom. There is a very good sofa bed in the living room.
Koukouli is unusual in Old Antibes as the terrace is directly off the living room with outdoor sofas. Most of the old houses have only a high roof terrace. We have comfortably seated 6 people for dinner on the terrace and have an outdoor heater. You can watch the boats and see the Cap d'Antibes, which is only partially blocked by the trees below in the main summer months. Overhead seagulls pass in the moonlight with their wings often illuminated by the wave of light from the famous lighthouse on the Cap d'Antibes on the hill visible beyond, which is a very pleasant evening walk or jog to the top for those wanting a challenge. There is a retractable awning often needed in the bright mornings when you have breakfast on the terrace.
The kitchen is well equipped with a dishwasher, and washing machine, plus an induction hob, oven and microwave, and of course the house has the much needed air conditioning in each bedroom and the living room. The main bedroom has plenty of storage and the doors open up to a balcony over the terrace which has a better view of the sea and the rooftops off the square. You can also spot the lighthouse on the Cap d'Antibes. Lying in bed with the windows and shutters open you can almost taste the sea salt!
The area is ideal for walking or cycling and bike rental shops are nearby. We have also a variety of beach kit and beach towels.
The old town is pedestrianised which is lovely as we have the advantage of being able to drop off less than 100m from the house, and because no cars are allowed it is very quiet. Koukouli is a 2 minute walk up from the barrier, or 5 minute walk in high season when it is more pedestrianised.
Parking is available nearby. Spaces can be pre-booked in local car parks, about 10 mins walk away (various Antibes Parking websites). This is recommended in July and August as available parking meters are very hard to come by. However for most of the year we use local meters, the nearest is 3 mins walk. They are free at weekends and between 12-2pm and also give 1 hour free per day. Costs around 1 Euro for 1 hour, but please check before travel, these do vary.
The train station in Antibes is about 15-20 minute walk, or Uber from the airport usually costs around E35 ( but can vary).
There is an outstanding specialist bakery in the square very close to the house, easy for delicious morning croissants or a lunchtime salad.
