Bonjour! Welcome to Antibes, a picturesque town that perfectly blends old-world charm, luxury, wealth, and natural beauty. The pleasant old town located within ramparts, lively markets selling tasty local food, interesting museums, luxurious villas and yachts, magnificent beaches, and coastal trails with striking views attract thousands of travelers each year… No wonder many felt, and still fall, for its captivating charm – Pablo Picasso, Scott Fitzgerald, and us sure did! Keep reading and discover in detail things to do in Antibes, France.
Antibes can be divided into 3 parts: Old Town, Juan-les-Pins, and Cap d’Antibes.
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Antibes, France FAQ
Antibes is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It’s just a short drive from popular nearby places like Cannes, Nice, Monaco, or Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Yes, without a doubt. Antibes is a very pleasant town on French Riviera with many activities to offer. From strolling among charming old town streets and admiring art created by famous artists to spending time in stunning coastal surroundings admiring mesmerizing views and gazing at superyachts and billionaire’s villas… Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history geek, or a nature lover – there’s something for you in Antibes.
Antibes is most famous for Port Vauban – the Mediterranean’s largest port, which is home to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts. The city is also known for its old town located within the ramparts, connections to Pablo Picasso, gorgeous beaches, beautiful sea views, and luxurious villas.
French Riviera is an all-year-round destination with a pleasant Mediterranean climate – hot summers and mild winters. If you prefer smaller crowds and lower temperatures (15-20°C), choose to visit Antibes in any month in the lower season. If high temperatures, around 30°C don’t bother you – visit during the high season from June to August. We think that spring and autumn are the best.
Hard to say, it depends on your preferences! Each place is a very popular travel destination on Cote d’Azur, and each of them is slightly different. Antibes is smaller, slightly less popular, and with fewer crowds – it can offer a more local vibe. It’s best to visit all the cities and form your own opinion. If we were to put them in our order of preference – it’s Nice, Antibes, and Cannes.
It’s pronounced [ɑ̃tib]. Still don’t know how to read it? Here’s a YouTube video where you can listen to correct pronunciation.
Things to do in Antibes, France
Antibes old town
Antibes old town is located within the ramparts and there’s no better way of getting to know it than just getting lost exploring its charming streets and squares. Cobblestone streets are filled with stone and pastel-painted houses, historical landmarks, lively markets, boutique and craft shops, and many cafes and restaurants. From the ramparts that surround the old town, you can also admire wonderful sea and coast views. Wherever you turn, you’ll find something interesting in Antibes’ old town.
Among Antibes’ old town streets, you’ll find points of interest like the Picasso Museum, Provencal market, Antibes Cathedral, Amiral-de Grasse Promenade, Place Nationale – Antibes Main Square, and popular shopping streets – Rue Sade, Rue Thuret and Rue Georges Clemenceau.
Antibes Tourist Office is located on Place Guynemer, a little bit further from most attractions.
Discover: Accommodation options in Antibes
Port Vauban
Port Vauban is the largest yachting harbor in Europe, with 1500 moorings serving boats of all sizes, from small local fishing boats to luxury yachts. One of its parts, “Billionaires’ Quay” was created especially for the jaw-dropping superyachts owned by the wealthiest people in the world. Port Vauban is an amazing place for a long walk peppered with amazing views, not only for yachting enthusiasts. But beware – you can easily spend an hour or two there!
Le Nomade sculpture
While in Port Vauban, be sure to hop on the ramparts to take a closer look at the impressive Le Nomade (eng. The Nomad) sculpture made by Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa. It’s made of a web of letters that create a human form that seems to gaze out into the horizon. It’s a perfect symbol for Antibes, a town that has welcomed travelers for centuries. Also, be sure to get inside Le Nomade, and travel within him for a while.
From the ramparts, you can also take a look at yachts and boats from a different perspective and just admire nice panoramic views of the town and the sea. Stairs leading to ramparts are located near Plage de la Gravette.
Picasso Museum
Picasso Museum (fr. Musée Picasso) is located in Chateau Grimaldi, a beautiful 14th-century castle overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea, where the artist lived and worked in 1946. Inside you’ll find an impressive collection of Picasso’s works, from world-famous pieces to lesser-known gems, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and ceramics. In addition to Picasso’s works, the museum exhibits paintings by Nicolas de Staël and a large collection of modern art.
Entrance to Picasso Museum costs €8 for a normal ticket, €6 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 18 years old (March 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit antibes-juanlespins.com website. Exploring the Picasso Museum is a great thing to do in Antibes for art lovers.
Explore local attractions
Antibes Cathedral
Antibes Cathedral (fr. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception) is located right next to Picasso Museum. Its origins date back to the 5th century, but the external form of the building we can see today is mostly from the 18th century. The cathedral is best known for the wooden doors carved by a local artist in the 18th century and the 16th-century Our Lady of the Rosary altarpiece. Antibes Cathedral is listed as a Historic monument.
Provencal Market
For a taste of local life, head to bustling Provencal Market (fr. Marché Provençal). It’s a traditional covered street market where you’ll find a wide range of fresh products like fruits, vegetables, meat, baguettes, cheeses, spices, flowers, and other provencal products. We decided to buy a socca (crispy chickpea pancake made in an open-fire mobile oven), crispy baguette, and local cheese – yummy! A visit to Provencal Market is a must-visit for foodies. The market is open every day except Monday.
Promenade Amiral de Grasse
If you’re looking for a place in Antibes for a lazy stroll with nice views, be sure to head to Promenade Amiral de Grasse, located along the ramparts. Besides fantastic sea and town views, along it, you’ll find several sculptures, the Picasso Museum, and the Antibes Cathedral. Its biggest con is that it’s located along a road so it can get loud sometimes.
Antibes beaches
We don’t think anyone needs to be convinced that Cote d’Azur is a real beach paradise. Along Antibes’ coastline, you’ll find many magnificent beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in clear azure waters. You’ll be spoiled with choices! So no matter if you’re looking for a lively beach with many amenities around, or a more quiet and secluded spot – you’ll find it in Antibes.
Here are some of the best beaches in Antibes:
- Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis – lively, long, sandy beaches located just beside each other with calm waters and various amenities located close to the old town.
- Plage de la Garoupe – small beach in Cap d’Antibes with private areas, many amenities, and amazing views.
- Plage de la Gravette – small sandy beach located right next to the port, below the ramparts with a nice view over the town.
- Plage de Juan les Pins – lively wide sandy beach with many bars, restaurants, and amenities around.
Other nice beaches in Antibes include Plage des Ondes, Plage de I’Olivette, Plage Pointe Ouest, and Plage de Fontonne Ouest. Map at the bottom of this post has them all marked.
Fort Carre
Fort Carre (fr. Le Fort Carré) is a 16th-century fort with a unique star shape, located not too far from the Vauban Port and Antibes old town (about 1.5km). Its construction was ordered by King Henry II, to protect the town and its surroundings. Inside, you can explore various rooms like a chapel, kitchen, gunpowder room, or barracks, and take a walk on 43-meter-high ramparts. If you want to learn more about the Antibes’ history or just admire magnificent panoramic views from a higher point – Fort Carré is a must-visit.
To visit Fort Carre you have to join a 30-minute guided tour, also held in English. Entrance costs €3 for a normal ticket, and €1.5 for a reduced one (March 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit antibes-juanlespins.com website.
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Museums in Antibes
If visiting museums is your thing, Antibes has something to offer you in this area too:
- Peynet Museum (fr. Musée Peynet Et Du Dessin Humoristique) – small museum focused on the work of local cartoonist and satirical illustrator, Raymond Peynet, best known for his illustrations featuring a couple named “Les Amoureux”. For more information, prices and opening hours visit antibesjuanlespins.com website.
- Archaeology Museum (fr. Musée d’archéologie d’Antibes) – a seaside museum located in an old military fort, featuring ancient Roman artifacts, coins, and other historic finds from the area. For more information, prices and opening hours visit antibesjuanlespins.com website.
- Postcard Museum (fr. Musée de la Carte Postale) – small museum showcasing a wonderful collection of thousands of postcards from all over the world, with the oldest dating back to the late 19th century. For more information, prices, and opening hours visit museedelacartepostale.fr website.
Cap d’Antibes – Sentier du Littoral trail
A trip to Antibes wouldn’t be complete without visiting the stunning Cap d’Antibes. It’s a natural area located about 4km from the old town which can be explored via a 5km-long waterfront trail called Sentier du Littoral. It starts and ends at Garoupe Beach, to which you can get by car, bus, taxi, or a walk from Antibes center. The trail curls around the rugged Cap d’Antibes coastline, providing striking views at every step.
Along the trail, you can spot some villas hidden in lush greenery, and find some small beaches perfect for a short break or even a whole day out. The highlight of the trail is the Bay of Billionaires, with amazing views and nice beaches. You can also visit 19th-century Villa Eilenroc via guided tour, but it’s only open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM-4 PM (for more information visit antibesjuanlespins.com website).
Overall, Sentier du Littoral is a bit rocky, but relatively easy trail. Don’t forget to wear good shoes (no flip flops please) and take some snacks and plenty of water. Also, during summer days it can get really hot so try to go early in the morning or late afternoon.
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Garoupe Lighthouse
Want even more great panoramic views of Cote d’Azur? Be sure to head to Garoupe Lighthouse (fr. Phare de la Garoupe), located at the highest point of Cap d’Antibes. You can either get there by car or via the Chemin du Calvaire trail. Whatever you choose – views of the coastline and French Riviera towns from the top are worth it! We found Garoupe Lighthouse as an amazing spot for watching the sunset – highly recommended!
If you wish, you can also visit the lighthouse with a free guided tour – 25 minutes, max 10 people. 116 steps will take you to 103m a.s.l and will allow you to enjoy the magnificent views from the top. For more information and opening hours visit antibesjuanlespins.com website. On-site, you’ll also find a small chapel, Notre-Dame de Bon Port.
Juan-les-Pins
While in Antibes, you can also visit the Juan-les-Pins area. It’s a popular holiday destination featuring amazing golden beaches, casino, and many waterside restaurants and nightclubs. It’s a perfect place to soak up the sun and dance the night away. Juan-les-Pins is also well-known for hosting Jazz à Juan – an annual jazz festival highly anticipated by jazz lovers from France and around the world.
Book now: Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins
How to get to Antibes, France?
Antibes is located about 10km from Cannes, 25km from Nice, 50km from Monaco and 60km from Menton. The most convenient way to get to the town is by car, train or bus.
Where to park in Antibes?
In Antibes town you can either choose one of the garage parking lots dotted around the town, or try your luck and find a space in this free parking lot located just a few steps from Port Vauban. In Cap d’Antibes leave your car in this free parking lot near Plage de la Garoupe.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Antibes by train
You can easily get by train to Antibes from many nearby places like Nice, Cannes, Menton, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. To learn more about train connections that interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
To Antibes by bus
You can also quite easily reach Antibes by bus. For example, a trip from Nice will take about 35min (€2-7), 20min from Cannes (€1-6) and 1h from Menton (€3-4). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping Antibes
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Les Embruns, Camping Parc Des Maurettes, or Camping Eden Biot might interest you. They are located in close proximity to Antibes.
To Antibes with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Things to do in Antibes, France – Summing up
Now you know what Antibes and its surroundings are all about and why you should add it to your Cote d’Azur bucket list. Number of attractions and places to discover there is quite long so we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for himself. No matter if you’re looking for natural beauty, sandy beaches, a charming old town, art, culture, history, or partying all night long… Antibes has it all. Enjoy your time!
Our video from Antibes
Our opinion about Antibes
For us, a visit to Antibes was a day trip from nearby Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in mid-October and back then it was still full of tourists and… beachmakers as the weather was really nice on that day. During one day we explored Antibes’ old town, walked the Sentier du Littoral trail, and watched the sunset on Garoupe Lighthouse.
What we liked most about Antibes was definitely exploring Cap d’Antibes, it’s such a beautiful natural wonder! Strolling in the old town and gazing at superyachts was also fun, but it didn’t impress us as much as Cap d’Antibes’ surroundings.
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Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Antibes?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Antibes:
Where to sleep in Antibes?
Hôtel Beau Site – Cap d’Antibes
Nestled on the renowned Cap d'Antibes peninsula, Hôtel Beau Site is a delightful seaside retreat offering a perfect blend of tranquility and sophistication. The hotel boasts an ideal location, providing easy access to both the pristine beaches and the charming old town of Antibes. With its stylish rooms, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a serene garden, hotel promises a relaxing and picturesque stay on the French Riviera.
Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa
Overlooking the scenic Port Vauban in Antibes, Hôtel La Villa Port d'Antibes & Spa is a luxurious haven for those seeking an elegant escape on the French Riviera. The hotel offers a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and historic charm, with stylish rooms adorned with contemporary amenities. Guests can unwind in the spa, savor gourmet cuisine, and relish the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the charming Old Town from the rooftop terrace.
StayInAntibes – 54 Soleau
StayInAntibes provides a chic and comfortable retreat in the heart of Antibes. This modern apartment, located on Soleau Street, offers a stylish and well-equipped living space with contemporary furnishings and amenities. Guests can enjoy the convenience of being centrally located, steps away from the vibrant markets, beaches, and cultural attractions of Antibes.
Hôtel & Studios Astor
Hôtel & Studios Astor in Antibes offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience for guests. Nestled in a quiet residential area, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat while still being within easy reach of Antibes' attractions. The well-appointed studios and rooms, along with attentive service, make Hôtel & Studios Astor a charming choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
