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  • The Ultimate Port Guide: Savannah Yacht Center, Georgia, USA
  • The Ultimate Port Guide: Port Denarau Fiji
  • The Ultimate Yachtie Guide To Antibes And Cote D’Azur
  • The ultimate Yachtie guide to Barcelona, Spain!
  • Dockwalking for yacht chefs [updated 2022]
  • The Ships Cook Certificate: What you need to know
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antibes yachting

The Ultimate Yachtie Guide To Antibes And Cote D’Azur

The Cote d’Azur has different cities in which you might be sailing, all of them worth knowing! This area is a little bit more expensive than other places in the Mediterranean due to the luxury lifestyle in this area. So stepping off the yacht after a long season will be a hit to your pocket, but hopefully, those charter tips make up for it.

If Antibes is your first port of call as a green yacht crew member, you are in the right place to dockwalk the entire Cote D’Azur. If you are looking to get your first job on a superyacht check out our mega post on starting out in the industry. It will give you extra tips and pointers to help you land your CV on the captain pile.

If you are wintering in Antibes and looking for some long weekend ideas, head up to the French Alps

Contents of the Antibes Port guide for yacht crew

yachthafen antibes

Getting Around

Uber works as a perfect option if you are in a rush, but keep in mind the high costs. A short trip will easily cost 15 euros, and going between ports will jump closer to 100 euros. Your best bet is getting the local train which runs the entire distance and frequently stops at the main stations.

More crew are starting to buy electric scooters, which are handy. Otherwise, keep your bike or skateboard handy. It gets hot in summer, and it’s a bit faster to get around. Antibes port is near to the old town but be prepared for a long walk if you want to hit up the beach bars on the other side. Wear comfortable shoes!

Expect to pay about 1.50 EUR for each minute distance in Uber (approx for consideration) whereas the single train ticket cost starts from 3,10 EUR. Bargain! (side note, you can buy snacks and wine on the train!)

yachthafen antibes

What Ports to dockwalk at in Cote D’Azur

Marseille Old Port – not within walkable distance, you will need a vehicle or Uber to get into the city (10 min ride)

Capitanerie address Address : 44 Quai Marcel Pagnol, 13007 Marseille

La Ciotat – well known for refitting at MB92, you will need a vehicle to move around or Uber Address : Quai François Mitterrand, 13600 La Ciotat

St. Tropez Port Grimaud – located right in the middle of the city Address : Allée du Quai de l’Epi, 83990 Saint-Tropez

Mandelieu La Napoule Port de Cannes Marina – walkable distance to city Address : 150 Allée Calypso, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Old port Cannes – walkable distance to city Address : Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes

Port Pierre Canto Cannes – walkable distance to city Address : 1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes

Vieux Port Golf Juan – walkable distance to city Address : Quai Saint-Pierre, 06220 Vallauris

Port Gallice Juan Les Pins – walkable distance to city Address : 47 Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Juan-les-Pins, Cap d’Antibes

Antibes Port Vauban – walkable distance to city Address : Avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes

Antibes Marina – walkable distance to city Address : Port Vauban, 06600 Antibes Juan les Pins

Nice Port – walkable distance to city Address : 1430 Quai Amiral Infernet, 06300 Nice

Port de Villefranche-sur-Mer – walkable distance to city Address : 1 Chemin du Lazaret, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer

Port de Fontvieille – walkable distance to city Address : Quai des Sanbarbani, 98000 Mónaco/Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monaco port – walkable distance to city Address : Quai l’Hirondelle, 98000 Monaco

yachthafen antibes

Local Restaurants

There are plenty of great restaurants along the coast, but these are a few of the standout ones suggested to us by yacht chefs.

Brasseries Foch – Steakhouse Address : 20 Boulevard Gustave Chancel, 06600 Antibes

Romagna Mia – italian restaurants Address : 3 Boulevard Dugommier, 06600 Antibes

La Taille de Guêpe – French restaurant Address : 24 Rue de Fersen, 06600 Antibes

Other popular yacht crew restaurants include Michelangelo, Petit Cageot, Bistro Margaux, Le Figuier de St Esprit and Le Phenicia.

Fine Dining

Restaurant Jan – Michelin Star Restaurant Address : 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 Nice

Bruno Oger – La Villa Archange Address : Rue de l’Ouest, 06110 Le Cannet

Mirazur – Menton 30, avenue Aristide Briand 06500 Menton

Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris Address : Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco

Bars in Antibes

This wouldn’t be much of a yachtie guide to the French Riviera if we didn’t include a list of the bars yacht crew tend to spend most of their shore time at!

  • Rue Aubernon (Drinkers Club, Café Brun, Melting Pot, Pablo, Happy Face)
  • Boulevard d’Aguillon (Latinos, Happy Face)
  • The Absinthe Bar

yachthafen antibes

Provisioning

Yacht chefs looking for great provisions for guests or crew are in a great spot being located on the Cote D’Azur. Antibes, Nice and Monaco are all well located to receive provisions and delivery is a breeze.

Download the provisioning contact list here.

GOURMET DELIVERIES delivers all the coast within 2 hours and no delivery fee. If someone contacts me directly, I can offer a discount if they come through your website or recommendation!  https://www.gourmet-deliveries.net/

yachthafen antibes

Local Markets

Marseille Farmers Market (Only Wednesdays) Address : Cours Julien, 13006 Marseille

St. Tropez Local Market Address : Place aux Herbes, 83990 Saint-Tropez

La Ciotat Marchè du Port Address : Quai François Mitterrand, 13600 La Ciotat

Cannes Marchè Fortville Address : 6 Rue du Marché Forville, 06400 Cannes

Antibes market Marchè Provençals  Address : Cours Masséna, 06600 Antibes

Nice La Gare du Sud Address : 35 Avenue Malaussena, 06000 Nice

Monaco La Condamine Address : 11 Rue Terrazzani, 98000 Monaco

Supermarkets

Carrefour is the main supermarket along the coast. There are several locations near by each of the ports, just google to find them.

Metro, you will need a card to enter, if you are a commercially registered boat you can register at the entrance with the boat’s papers. There are several Metro in the Cote d’Azur, below address for the one in Nice Address : CCPlaine 1, 60 Avenue Pierre Isnard B.P. 215, 06200 Nice

Antibes port guide

Crew days off

All of the cities are coastal cities, therefore, all of them have beautiful beaches.

Stroll the laneways of old Town Antibes , find the beautiful markets and have lunch at a local cafe.

Visit Grasse , the city famous for the creation of perfums (30 minutes ride by car) 

Hike Cap D’Antibes for sports lovers (2 hours Trekking) and find the Plage of Garoupe, a hidden public beach.

You can hire kayaks off the beach in Juan Les Pins.

Things to do in the surrounding city if you had a full day to explore

Visit Eze , a beautiful city to walk and explore (City between Nice and Monaco) The hike out there is popular, and you can have a chilled glass of rose at the end of it in the village!

Visit Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco all of them are just 30-40 minute distance between them – if you are in any of these cities you will love to visit these neighbouring cities and explore. You can easily take the train and walk to your destination.

For something totally different- try Tandem paragliding in Greolieres .

Hire a car (or take the crew car if you can!) and drive out to the Gorges du Verdon . It’s a stunning spot just a few hour’s drive away where you can kayak, white water raft or do Via Ferrata.

If you take the train to San Remo , there is a cycle track that loops from the railway station to San Lorenzo and back. It’s 30 km in total and San Lorenzo is the perfect place for a nice lunch before you cycle back. You can easily rent a bike from one of the many places around the station carpark.

Take the crew car again, and go Paddleboarding at Lac St Cassien or the Esterels . The tourist offices have guidebooks for mountain biking, horse riding and local hiking trails.

Hiking, there are so many, some are close by, for example, a walk up a valley from Biot to Vallbone. Download the app called AllTrails for more ideas.

There is a forest canyon ropes courses and zip lines in Ville Neurve Loubet which make for a great day out. Also, plenty of bike trails winding through castles, and villages and offering something different from Antibes usual vibe.

If you are wintering in Antibes and want to get away, Isola or Auron , are ski stations less than 2.5 hours drive from Antibes.

Antibes port guide

Antibes Beaches

Being based in Antibes has its perks for you- there are so many beaches to explore. A word of caution though, during summer these are absolute hot spots, so get there early to claim your patch of “sand”

  • Plage de la Gravette (aka the toilet bowl) is a sandy beach right in the heart of town, located right beside Port Vauban – it gets busy in summer because of its location.
  • Plage de la Salis and Ponteil are two sandy beaches a short distance from old town Antibes – there are ‘snacks’ (food kiosks) located there, public toilets and a sailing club where you can hire kayaks, windsurfers etc.  
  • If you want a private beach, Royal Beach has a nice outlook on the sea and offers loungers and umbrellas for a fee.
  • A bit further from Antibes, Plage de la Garoupe has a small public beach (super busy in summer) and private beach clubs at Plage Keller and Plage Joseph .

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The IYCA district has been completely modernised as part of Port Vauban’s architectural project, lead by the Atelier d’Architecture Philippe Prost. As well as new infrastructure, we upgrades all the superyachting services available in the area.

The facilities

The new International Yacht Club d’Antibes provides clients in search of discretion with a premium, personalised welcome in the helipad lounge. The yacht club will also offer premium facilities, CCTV surveillance, conference rooms, and crew team-building programmes.

High-end facilities for the Camille Rayon Quay

The new Camille Rayon Quay will feature crew relaxation areas to make the most of the scenic setting. The shaded areas will be perfect for barbecues and outdoor sports.

Private storage and technical premises mean that day-to-day repairs such as welding and light maintenance can be carried out in winter.

Clients can also enjoy private access (ISPS), a concierge service, VIP pontoons, electric golf cart loan and event and catering spaces.

An exceptional Crew Center

The architectural programme developped by Philippe Prost included the creation of a Crew Centre solely for IYCA crew, with a lounge, fitness studio, gym and adjoining changing rooms.

Upstairs, there is a new bar, lounge, clubhouse, caterer and a two panoramic terraces of a total of 700 m², with stunning views of the Fort Carré, the harbour and the Bay of Antibes.

Organise your own event

IYCA members can benefit from our exclusive facilities to organise indoor and outdoor  private events.

The Yacht Club is now a prime custom space for crews completed with an intimate lounge, relaxation areas, games room, gym and lounge bar celebrating the stylistic codes of the maritime world in a pure yachting spirit and 700 m2 of terraces on the 1st and 2nd floors offer panoramic views.

If you’re looking for an exceptional and authentic event venue, the Yacht Club offers members its offices, meeting rooms, relaxation areas, high-end services and prime location at the foot of Fort Carré, encouraging a party atmosphere or purely contemplative experiences.

Contact Blandine Roquelet: [email protected]

A New Partnership

“Burgess and Edmiston have joined forces with the Port Vauban to offer long-term guarantee of use contracts for berths on the Camille Rayon quay.

For Vauban 21, this partnership should enable the port’s commercial attractiveness to be enhanced internationally by drawing on the expertise and professional networks of Burgess and Edmiston, both of which are well-known companies in the yachting sector.

Olivia Gordon Bourcart, Sales and Marketing Director.

Port Vauban

Antibes

Der größte französische Yachthafen "Port Vauban" liegt romantisch zwischen der Stadt Antibes und der alten Festung an der Küste der Côte d´Azur . Der Hafen ist ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für einen Segeltörn entlang der französischen Riviera in den Westen oder den Osten.

Port Vauban ist mit seinen ca. 1.700 Liegeplätzen darunter 39 Liegeplätze für Mega-Yachten mit einer Länge bis zu 90 m ein Yachthafen der Superlative. Alle Liegeplätze verfügen natürlich über Strom- und Wasseranschluss, die Wassertiefe im Hafenbereich ist max. 6 m.

Den Besuch der von Antibes mit seinen vielen Restaurants, Bars, dem Seewasseraquarium "Marineland d'Antibes", der Kathedrale aus dem 16. Jahrhundert, der Festung Fort Carré und den charmanten Geschäften sollten Sie sich nicht entgehen lassen. Die wunderschöne Altstadt mit den engen Gassen versprüht französischen Charme. Sie können sich auch auf zahlreiche Museen freuen. In Antibes verbindet sich alte Tradition mit modernem Luxus. Überhaupt ist hier für Unterhaltung und Erholung bestens gesorgt.

Von der Marina Port Vauban aus liegt die Stadt Nizza in westlicher Richtung ca. 25 Kilometer entfernt. Cannes befindet sich östlich von Port Vauban - Antibes. Diese Entfernung beträgt ca. 20 Kilometer. Der internationale Flughafen Nizza ist mit seinen zwei Terminals der drittgrößte in Frankreich. Hier starten und landen täglich über 300 Flugzeuge.

Die Marina Port Vauban bietet viele Dienstleistungen und den kompletten Service den es auf einer großen, modernen und luxuriösen Hafenanlage geben kann. Es gibt viele Restaurants und Bars, diverse Einkaufs-Shops, mehrere Sanitäranlagen, diverse Werftbetriebe, eine große Yachttankstelle, mehrere bewachte kostenpflichtige Pkw-Parkplätze, einen Hubschrauber-Landeplatz auf dem Hafengelände und vieles, vieles mehr.

Yachten in Port Vauban

On the Luce travel blog

Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes, France

Posted on Last updated: July 31, 2023

Discover the best things to do in Antibes, the historic walled town on the Côte d’Azur in the South of France, from sandy beaches and superyacht spotting to colourful markets and artists’ haunts.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes, France

One of the things I love about France is that it keeps surprising me. I thought I knew the Côte d’Azur – the luxurious coastline of millionaires’ villas, boutique shops, casinos and luxury yachts in the South of France – but Antibes wasn’t what I expected.

Less well-known than glamourous neighbours Nice and Cannes, Antibes is a 16th-century historic walled town, with red-roofed buildings and waves crashing on the ramparts.

The size of the yachts in the harbour show there’s plenty of money about, but you don’t need a second mortgage to explore this beautiful town. You also get two-for-one when you visit Antibes, as it’s just a walk across the headland to the neighbouring Art Deco resort of Juan-les-Pins. So here’s my pick of the best things to do in Antibes.

The best things to do in Antibes, France

Yachts in the harbour in Antibes, South of France

Wander around Antibes’ old town

Within the stone ramparts, the old town of Vieil Antibes looks like it hasn’t changed much in centuries. It’s a maze of narrow cobbled streets, overlooked by pastel buildings with brightly painted shutters. Antibes’ old town has pavement cafés and restaurants mixed with shops selling local gifts like white cotton clothing, glassware and dried herbs.

Among the old town streets you’ll find the Baroque-style Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea with its rose-pink façade. The Musée Peynet dedicated to a local cartoonist, with his and other cartoonists’ works on display. And don’t miss the path along the ramparts where you can walk from the harbour to the southern beaches on the water’s edge.

Vieil Antibes – Antibes old town in the South of France

Shop the markets

The Marché Provençal is a traditional French covered market, where traders from all over Provence come to sell their fresh produce. You can find everything from fruit and vegetables to cheeses, olives and charcuterie. It’s a riot of colours and delicious smells, though get there early if you want to bag the very best products.

The market takes place from 6am–1pm every day from June to August, and is closed on Mondays for the rest of the year. There’s also an afternoon craft market in the same venue featuring local painters, sculptors and ceramicists (open from 3pm on Tuesday–Sunday from mid-June to September and on Friday–Sunday the rest of the year).

Garlic stall at the market in France

Go fantasy yacht shopping in the harbour

Antibes’ Port Vauban is the Mediterranean’s largest marina. This natural harbour has been used since the Roman era and is now home to over 1500 boats, with everything from tiny fishing craft to giant superyachts. It’s a great place for a stroll along the waterfront.

Between the harbour and nearby Fort Carré is an area known as Billionaires’ Quay, with space for 18 superyachts. You’ll often see uniformed crew here polishing the railings of the world’s most expensive yachts, belonging to an ultra-rich list of oligarchs, sheikhs and royalty. Berths here are in high demand and sell for eye-watering sums of money.

If you want a more affordable taste of the millionaire lifestyle, you can charter a boat for the day from SamBoat * and sail along the Côte d’Azur, around the Cap d’Antibes or out to the Lérins Islands. Boats are available to rent direct from the owners, with everything from small motorboats to yachts available for the day, with or without a skipper.

Port Vauban marina in Antibes, South of France

Hit the beach

A day on the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Antibes. And unlike a lot of the pebbly Côte d’Azur, Antibes has golden sand to go with its clear turquoise waters.

The closest beach to the town centre is the Plage de la Gravette, which is accessed though an archway from the port and is overlooked by the ramparts. This sheltered cove is perfect for swimming, or join the locals for a sunset aperitif on the beach.

Just south of town are a couple more sandy stretches – Plage de Ponteil next to Antibes Yacht Club where you can hire boats or kayaks, and Plage de la Salis. Both have shallow water and lifeguards on duty in the summer. Further south again is Plage de la Garoupe with luxury beach clubs in summer where you can hire a lounger with drinks service.

Relaxing on the Plage de la Gravette beach, one of the best things to do in Antibes

Follow in the footsteps of artists

Antibes has been an inspiration to artists right back to Monet’s 1888 painting of the Cap d’Antibes . But one of the town’s most famous artistic residents was Pablo Picasso. He was a frequent visitor to Antibes and lived in the seafront Château Grimaldi for six months in 1946. The building was later turned into the Musée Picasso * and is open to visitors.

On display are 245 of Picasso’s paintings, drawings and ceramics, some of which were donated by Picasso and others by his second wife Jaqueline. There are also sculptures from contemporary artists on display on the museum’s terrace. One of which has now found a permanent home on Saint-Jaume bastion – Nomade by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

Nomade is a giant figure made up of different letters which sits on the ramparts looking out to sea. On a sunny day the white letters contrast against the deep blue sky, and at night it’s lit up from inside. Or if you’re interested in what Antibes’ artists are creating today, there are studios in the city walls where you can check out their latest works.

Jaume Plensa's Nomade statue, Antibes, South of France

Explore historic Fort Carré

On the Saint Roch peninsula just beyond the marina is hilltop Fort Carré, surrounded by acres of parkland. The fort was built in the 16th century to protect the border between France and the neighbouring county of Nice and saw its share of battles.

Fort Carré means square fort, but it’s actually star-shaped after military architect Vauban added extra defensive walls. It’s not until you get up close that you can see its four pointed bastions. The fort’s claim to fame is that Napoleon was briefly imprisoned there during the French Revolution, but it was also the villain’s lair in Bond film Never Say Never Again .

After Nice became part of France, Fort Carré was declassified and used as a sports college for soldiers, who used to abseil down its walls, before opening to visitors. The inside is mostly empty but the 43-metre-high ramparts are a perfect viewpoint, looking over Antibes on one side and towards Nice across the Baie des Anges on the other.

Fort Carré fortress in Antibes, South of France

Climb up to the Garoupe Lighthouse

For a panoramic view of Antibes and the Côte d’Azur, take a walk to the Garoupe Lighthouse. Follow the Chemin de Calvaire which starts just after the Plage de la Salis.

The path is a just over a kilometre long and leads up a steep stony path through pine forests before emerging at the top. From the lighthouse you can see Juan-les-Pins and Cannes in one direction, and Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Italy in the other.

The lighthouse is one of the most powerful in France, but isn’t open to the public since becoming automated. You can visit the 16th-century chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe though, an old pilgrimage site with picnic benches and a café selling drinks in summer.

South of France views from Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe, Antibes

Walk around the Cap d’Antibes

Another great walk from Antibes takes you along the coast of the Cap d’Antibes. The cape is known for its exclusive private villas and gardens. But you can get a taste of its wild beauty for free on the 5km walk along the Sentier de Tirepoi coastal path – the name literally means ‘hair-pulling’ and comes from the east wind that buffers the coastline.

The route starts near the Plage de la Garoupe and follows a narrow track, with steps and handrails as it runs along the rocks. It takes around two hours to complete. And on the way you can get a glimpse of the grand properties on the water’s edge.

You also pass the Baie des Milliardaires d’Antibes (Bay of Antibes Billionaires) and Villa Eilenroc. This villa was gifted to Antibes on the condition that its gardens were open to the public, and you can visit them on Wednesday and Saturday from 10am–4pm.

Aerial view of the Cap d’Antibes in the South of France

Visit neighbouring Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins is just a 25-minute walk across the peninsula from Antibes, but has a completely different atmosphere. In its Jazz Age heyday it was visited by F Scott Fitzgerald and Charlie Chaplin. Today Juan-les-Pins has a beach resort feel, with Art Deco hotels, lines of sunbeds on the Grand Plage and a buzzing nightlife of bars, casinos and clubs.

It still welcomes jazz musicians and music fans for the annual Jazz à Juan festival each July, which has been running since 1960. And you can see handprints from some of the stars who’ve played at the festival along the Boulevard Edouard Baudoin.

Sunbeds on the beach in Juan-les-Pins, South of France

The details

When to visit antibes, france.

Antibes has a a Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine. Summers in Antibes are dry and sunny but the coastal breezes help stop it getting too hot, with average high temperatures of 27ºC/81ºF in July and August. The Côte d’Azur is very busy in summer though so book well in advance and be prepared for high prices and packed beaches.

Spring and autumn are good times to visit Antibes, with average highs of 20–24°C (67–75ºF) in May/June and September/October. You might see the occasional shower though, with November being the wettest month. Winter doesn’t gets too cold, with average highs of 11ºC (52ºF) and lows of 6ºC (43ºF), but some restaurants and hotels are closed.

Plage de Ponteil beach in Antibes

How to get to Antibes

The nearest airport to Antibes is Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, which is 16km away. You can get to Antibes from the airport by bus, train or taxi. The direct Express Bus 250 runs from the airport to Antibes in around 40 minutes and costs €11 one way.

You can also travel to Antibes by train but first you need to take a short tram ride from the airport to Nice-Saint Augustin station. Then you can pick up a TER regional train to Antibes, which takes 10–20 minutes and costs €4 one way.

Direct trains run from Paris Gare de Lyon to the South of France , taking 5 hours 20 minutes to reach Antibes. The train station is in the centre of town and Antibes is compact and easy to walk around, but there are also local buses to Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes.

Book your travel to Antibes*

Fort Carré viewed from across the harbour in Antibes

Where to stay in Antibes

The Mas Djoliba * hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, set in a quiet residential area. The 13 rooms are spread over three floors, with a mix of singles, doubles and triples, as well as two suites with a sea-view terrace or garden. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds, with an outdoor pool, terrace, petanque court and resident cats.

Or go back in time to the golden days of the Côte d’Azur at the Hôtel Belles Rives * in nearby Juan-les-Pins. This beachfront Art Deco villa hosted F Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s. It’s now a grand hotel with 43 luxurious bedrooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, jazz bar and private beach and pontoon where you can try out different watersports.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Antibes?

The stone ramparts of Antibes in the South of Frace

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Discover the best things to do in Antibes, the historic walled town on the Côte d’Azur in the South of France, from sandy beaches and superyacht spotting to colourful markets and artists’ haunts | Antibes South of France | Antibes travel guide | What to do in Antibes | Antibes Cote d'Azur

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Sunday 12th of July 2020

Living in Juan-Les-Pins for more than a year now and my home is near the Beach. I really love this place so much.

Lucy Dodsworth

Thursday 23rd of July 2020

What a great place to live!

Friday 21st of June 2019

Thanks so much for this! We're heading there from Menton tomorrow. I'm glad to get an overview of highlights. Cheers!

Hope you have a great time!

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The International Yacht Club d’Antibes Officially Opens in Port Vauban

By Emily Dawkins

Last week welcomed the official inauguration of the International Yacht Club d’Antibes (IYCA) in Port Vauban, Antibes. Alongside the launch of the brand-new yacht club, which offers an array of exceptional facilities for both owners and crew, the evening also officially opened the brand-new Camille Rayon Quay which offers berthing for yachts up to 110 metres in length.

The International Yacht Club d’Antibes officially opened its doors last week, welcoming those from the local and international yachting industry to discover the array of brand-new developments that now lie at the heart of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious cruising grounds.

French architect Philippe Prost, President of Vauban 21and CCI NCA Jean-Pierre Savarino, and Mayor of Antibes Juan-les-Pins Jean Leonetti, opened the all-new IYCA, with support from sponsors Palumbo Superyachts Refit, wealth management firm, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL), Blade helicopters and yacht insurance company, Pantaenius.  

‘Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry,’ commented Olivia Gordon Bourcart, Sales and Marketing Director of the IYCA, ‘I think the inauguration tonight is very important because it will really place the IYCA and the quay in the centre of demand. Our goal is to regain this appreciation of Port Vauban as the capital of the yachting industry, as well as to be a convivial place.’  

Arguably the most attractive and conveniently located marina in the world for superyachts over 80m, the IYCA’s recent developments have certainly caused a buzz amongst the Côte d’Azur.

As part of a €135 million development project to renovate the popular yacht club and dedicated superyacht berthing quay, the iconic Port Vauban has been transformed into a modern and versatile haven for superyacht owners and crew alike.

Behind this spectacular transformation? Vauban 21. Comprised of partners from the Antibes Chamber of Commerce and professionals from the industry, Vauban 21 began the initiative in 2017 with the goal of bringing Port Vauban to a new level of prestige and renewing its title as a superyacht hub. 

Undoubtedly, the recent launch and inauguration of the new yacht club and quay is a monumental step in defining Antibes as an unparalleled yachting hotspot. 

Penned by esteemed French architect Philippe Prost, who took inspiration for the club’s design from the exterior of explorer yachts, the new IYCA brings together unrivalled luxury, impeccable services and facilities, and an opulent social scene. Members and customers will find lounge bars, panoramic open terraces and private meeting rooms alongside a dedicated crew centre with a lounge, gym and training studio. A notable highlight of the new yacht club is the private helipad which allows easy access to the Port from the nearby international airport of Nice. 

Also premiered on the inauguration evening was the new Camille Rayon Quay. Now incomparable for berthing in the Mediterranean, the quay offers only 20 exclusive berths for superyachts over 80m, with its largest berth capable of handling a yacht of 150 metres. Alongside easily accessible services, the berths offer owners and guests premium security and privacy. 

Leading yacht brokerage houses Burgess and Edmiston have partnered as joint central agents of these berths, offering exclusive lease opportunities for owners of yachts from 85 to 110 metres. Available in 10,15 and 20-year leases with payment every five years, owners now have the unique chance to secure a position in one of the most prestigious locations in yachting. 

Alongside the new yacht club and Camille Rayon Quay, a significant amount of work to modernise the port have been completed underground including new water, electrical and pump supplies.

Despite the inauguration of the new yacht club and Camille Rayon Quay, there is surprisingly more to come for the historic Antibes marina, with further developments continuing over the coming year. 

To find out more about berthing opportunities in Port Vauban, contact the teams at Burgess and Edmiston today. 

"Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry." Olivia Gordon Bourcart, Sales and Marketing Director, IYCA

"Our goal is to be, and to become again, the capital of the yachting industry."

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The redeveloped IYCA in Port Vauban, Antibes has officially been inaugurated

International Yacht Club d'Antibes opens its doors in Port Vauban

The International Yacht Club d'Antibes (IYCA) was officially opened in Port Vauban last week following a €135 million development project that included the renovation of the yacht club and its superyacht dock, Quai Camille Rayon, which can accommodate yachts up to 150 metres in length.

Sitting in one of the Mediterranean's highest-profile superyacht marinas, the new yacht club boasts the design talents of award-winning architect Philippe Prost and a wealth of upgrades intended to elevate the IYCA as an international yachting destination. The official opening ceremony was attended by key figures from the yachting industry, IYCA president Jean Pierre Savarino and regional mayor of Antibes Jean Leonetti. 

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The Fight for Antibes as the Capital of Yachting in the Med

PortVauban Reflection shot

Since 1981, Port Vauban has been the undisputed heart of yachting in the Mediterranean. While it’s perhaps not the most popular destination for yacht owners or charterers, a stop at The Blue Lady Pub is all that’s needed to realize the volume of yacht crew that have come to populate the town.

The port was visionary for its day – the brainchild of a former French resistance fighter who understood the growth potential for yachting in the Riviera. Camille Rayon’s vision has lasted almost 30 years, as the Port of Antibes easily retained the title of ‘Largest in Southern Europe for Yachts.’

But for those who work in and around the port, there is concern that all that will change – that Antibes will lose out to one of the many port projects dotting the rugged coastline of the Western Mediterranean.

The mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti, has tasked his deputy mayor, Jean-Pierre Gonzalez, with overseeing a vast redevelopment project for the port. The local council sees the project as a means of revitalizing Port Vauban and ensuring that it remains the No. 1 hub for yachting in the Med. However, some who work in the industry feel it is already too late for that – though it is not too late to turn things around.

PortVauban Forest of Masts

A pocket guide to Antibes: the French Riviera town

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Recently updated on July 13th, 2023 at 12:03 pm

Famous artists, multi-million-dollar mega yachts, jazz festivals and a charming 16th-century Old Town… you’ll find it all this Antibes guide. While this little seaside town is often overlooked in favour of its neighbours Nice and Cannes, Antibes certainly holds its own as the second-largest town on the Côte d’Azur. It even has the largest marina in the Mediterranean! It’s also a honeypot for renowned artists, drawing the likes of Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich over the years. From stunning coastal walks to ancient forts, read our Antibes travel guide for all the best things to do in the gorgeous town of Antibes.

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Things to do in Antibes

Follow in the footsteps of famous artists.

There’s something about Antibes… This seaside town has been an inspiration to artists right back to Monet’s 1888 painting of the Cap d’Antibes. So many renowned artists fell in love with this Mediterranean town and today you can go to the same spots where the likes of Monet and Picasso set up their easels and captured their beautiful scenes. 

Pick up a map and Antibes guide at the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office, then head to the trail, stopping at all the stands showing their works of art. You’ll see the marketplace before it was covered with a cast-iron structure, painted by Emile-Charles Dameron, and see the view of “The Rocks of l’Ilette and the Fortifications” painted by Eugène Boudin. 

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There’s a lovely picture of Salis beach done by Ernest Meissonier, and a Claude Monet picture of Antibes with the snow-capped Alps rising in the background. You’ll even spot a familiar Picasso piece. With soaring mountains, deep blue sea, and rocky outcrops along the trail, this is the most stunning way to learn about Antibes’ artistic past.

GET INSPIRED BY: Riviera Explorer

Visit the Musée Picasso in Château Grimaldi

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Pablo Picasso adored Antibes, and in 1946, he transformed the 14th-century Château Grimaldi into his personal art studio. Today, the château serves as the first art museum dedicated to Picasso.

It’s home to 245 paintings and sculptures, many reflecting the light and life of this little seaside town. Picasso himself donated a large number of artworks to the museum, and his wife Jacqueline Picasso donated the rest after Picasso’s death. 

You’ll also enjoy a collection of work by contemporary artists like Joan Miro, Fernand Léger and Nicolas de Staël. Head out to Bastion Saint-Jaume and you’ll see one of the museum’s previous treasures – Le Nomade by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

This giant figure is made up of different letters and sits looking out to see. On a sunny day, you’ll see the striking contrast of the white letters against the blue sky, and at night it’s illuminated from inside. 

Wander through the Old Town of Antibes

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Narrow cobbled streets, honey-hued façades, brightly painted shutters, old stone ramparts… the historic Old Town of Antibes looks like it’s barely changed in centuries.

It was the site of the first trading post established by the Greeks in the 5th century, and you’ll still find historic treasures around every turn. See the wooden sculptured façade of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea d’Antibes or stop by Chapelle St Bernardin, a gorgeous Gothic church from the 16th century. 

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Stroll through the pavement cafés and shops selling all kinds of local wares like artworks, glassware, white cotton clothes and herbs. You could even visit the Musée d’Archéologie, displaying 4,000 years of history discovered in and around Antibes. 

Wander along the ramparts on the Promenade-Amiral-de Grasse for gorgeous sea views, and see the historic bed and breakfast La Bastide du Bosquet, where the famous French author Guy de Maupassant was said to have stayed while writing short stories and the novel ‘Mont Orio’. 

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Explore the markets

When in the Old Town, you can’t miss the Marché Provençal, where stalls overflow with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to specialty cheeses, olives, charcuterie, spices, fish and flowers.

It’s open every day in the morning except for Mondays in winter, while in the afternoon it becomes a crafts market, local artists showcase their paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Check with your Antibes guide for up-to-date opening days and hours, as they change during summer and winter.

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If you’re visiting Antibes in the summer months of July and August, there are night markets held on the L’esplanade du Pré-des-Pêcheurs. There are plenty of other great markets in Antibes, including the Foire clothes market, which has a mix of clothing, bags, jewellery and household items, while the brocante (secondhand) market sells all kinds of vintage clothes, shoes, bags and assorted treasures.

RELATED CONTENT: Seven reasons to visit the French Riviera

Walk along the coast on Cap d’Antibes

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The beautiful Cap d’Antibes is a peninsula running between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, and is peppered with gorgeous sights. You can drive it, take the local bus, or follow the coastal footpath on a scenic walk or bike ride.

It’s a wonderful lush area, lined with glamorous villas, pretty gardens and stunning sea views. One of the top highlights is the Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, a magical botanical garden created by botanist Gustave Thuret in 1857. 

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There’s also the 16th-century chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe, an old pilmigrate site. It’s now dedicated to those lost at sea and is dotted with model ships and sea artefacts. 

Nearby, is the Phare de la Garoupe, one of the most powerful on the coast with a beacon that can be seen by boats for 40km out to sea. The lighthouse isn’t open to the public, but you can follow the one-kilometre Chemin de Calvaire pathway up to the lighthouse for a panoramic view over the glittering Côte d’Azur. You can see Juan-les-Pins and Cannes in one direction, and Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice and Italy in the other.

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For more seafaring history, stop by the Naval and Napoleonic Museum, or if you’re after more greenery, head to Villa Eilenroc. This 11-acre park and villa estate was originally bought by a wealthy Dutch gentleman, who named the estate by reversing his wife’s name, Cornélie. Wander through the dreamy gardens, filled with palm trees, lush lawns and colourful flowers.

Hit the beautiful beaches

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You can’t come to Antibes and not spend at least a few hours enjoying the beaches here. There are stretches of soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters, rocky coves that are excellent for snorkelling, and private beaches where you’ll find umbrellas and bottle service. Your Antibes guide will have plenty of recommendations for where to sunbathe and swim. 

Plage du Ponteil is ideal for families, with plenty of amenities and small boats and kayaks for hire. For something more secluded, head to Plage Mala, supposedly used by Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his lover when they holidayed here. GET INSPIRED BY: Best of France

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 If you’re looking for luxury, Plage de la Garoupe is home to luxury private beach clubs in the summer, and you can hire a lounger with drinks service – but don’t boast about it on social media as this beach has a strict selfie ban! We also love Plage de la Gravette, overlooked by the Old Town ramparts, with a sheltered cove that’s perfect for swimming or enjoying aperitifs at sunset.

Explore historical Fort Carré

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Built upon Roman ruins in the 16th century, Fort Carré is packed with history. Napoleon was imprisoned here during the French Revolution, and it was also used to protect the border between France and the neighbouring county of Nice in the 19th century. After Nice became part of France, the fort was used as a sports college for soldiers who used to abseil down its walls. 

Today it’s open to visitors, and you might recognise it as the villain’s retreat in the James Bond film ‘Never Say Never Again’ . It also offers stunning views over the harbour, with Antibes on one side and Nice on the other. It’s about a 30-minute walk along the harbour from Antibes Old Town, or you can take a local bus or taxi.

Check out the super yachts in the marina

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Want to see how the other half live? Head to Antibes Port Vauban. It’s a natural harbour that’s been used since before Roman times as the ancient Greek trading port of Antipolis. Today it’s the largest marina in the Mediterranean, packed with around 1,800 boats including some of the world’s most expensive superyachts. 

If you’d like to do a bit of fantasy yacht shopping, head to Billionaires’ Quay, where you’ll see uniformed crew polishing the superyachts of the ultra-rich sheikhs, oligarchs and royalty that holiday in the Mediterranean.

Stroll around the Safranier Free Commune

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If you head south of Antibes along the ramparts, you’ll come across Safranier, a small free commune. It’s filled with cobbled streets and fantastic bars and restaurants, including the beloved bistro, Le Safranier. 

The commune was founded in 1966 and is described as a place “to do good and have fun”. It’s also famed as the place where Nikos Kazantzakis wrote “Zorba the Greek”. Wander around and you might even stumble upon a lively festival, from colourful markets to spaghetti eating contests!

Discover thousands of old postcards

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If you love the nostalgia of postcards, head to the Musée de la Carte Postale (Museum of the Postcard). You’ll see thousands of original, international postcards from many different eras, and learn all about how our means of communication has changed over the decades, from postcards, to phones, to the internet. 

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Getting around Antibes

Walking is the easiest way to get around the narrow cobblestone streets of Antibes. Most of them are pedestrianised and there are so many fantastic attractions in the historic Old Town.

You can also use local buses to get to other towns and villages, or you could hire a bicycle and zoom along the stunning peninsula of Cap d’Antibes. You might even cross paths with some of the region’s top Tour de France-level cyclists!

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Where to eat and drink in Antibes

There are dozens of charming bistros in the Old Town dishing up classic Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll find region specialities like bouillabaisse, fresh seafood and Italian-influenced pizza and pasta. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants right on the water, so you can enjoy your food with a view. Just ask your Antibes guide for the best local recommendations!

If you want to treat yourself to a Michelin-starred affair, make a reservation at Bacon on the Cap d’Antibes. This family-run restaurant is one of the most renowned seafood restaurants in the region, and has been a hit ever since it opened as a seafood shack back in the 1940s. Today, it’s an elegant restaurant with stunning views over the Cote d’Azur.

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If you’re after a drink, you might like to head to Absinthe Bar in the Old Town. The walls of this cave-like bar are lined with a crazy collection of hats, and on Friday and Saturday nights, it turns into a piano bar where you can sing along to jazz classics while sipping absinthe. This once-forbidden liqueur is served in a traditional fashion, complete with a silver spoon and sugar cube.

Special events in Antibes

Jazz à juan festival.

Since 1960, hordes of music lovers have arrived in Juan-les-Pins for a few days in July for the Jazz à Juan Festival . The event attracts dozens of famous international musicians, including past patrons like Stevie Wonder, Dave Brubeck and Ravi Coltrane.

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Head to the sidewalk on Boulevard Edouard Baudoin behind the waterfront stage to find tiles with handprints of over 50 musicians who have performed at the festival. You can also enjoy concerts throughout the city as part of the Jazz Off, including 15 concerts on the streets of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins one evening. 

Pyromelodic Festival

The greatest pyrotechnicians descend on Antibes each August for the Pyromelodic Festival. This enchanting show of lights, colours and sound runs over four dates each year, including 24 August for the celebrations of the Liberation of Antibes.

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Antibes Art Fair

The famous Salon d’Antibes (Antibes Art Fair) is one of the largest antique and art fairs in France and has been held for more than 45 years. It attracts over 20,000 attendees every year, along with serious traders and collectors from all over the world.

You’ll find everything from antiques and designer furniture to jewellery, photographs, rugs and more. It’s held during the last two weeks in April in the Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs.

Fancy discovering Antibes for yourself? Take a look at our Riviera Explorer tour. Have you ever visited this artistic Mediterranean town? What are your favourite things to do in Antibes? Let us know in the comments below!

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Visit Antibes: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in antibes: the 20 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Antibes during your stay on the French Riviera ?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 20 best things to do in Antibes . Here you will find all the best places to visit in this charming town located between Nice and Cannes .

In addition to the must-see attractions and points of interest, you will also find itineraries to visit Antibes in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my selection of the best hotels depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Antibes? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The old town of Antibes

2. port vauban, 3. fort carré, 4. the cathedral of antibes dedicated to our lady of the immaculate conception, also known as notre-dame-de-la-platea, 5. the picasso museum, 6. the provencal market, 7. saint bernardin chapel, 8. other museums to visit in antibes, 9. promenade amiral-de grasse, 10. the marineland of antibes and aquasplash, 11. the beaches of antibes, 12. water activities to do in antibes, 13.  visit the cap d’antibes on foot, 14. visit the cap d’antibes by boat or kayak, 15. take a boat trip from antibes, 16. juan-les-pins, 18. the lérins islands, how many days to visit antibes, visit antibes in 1 day, visit antibes in 2 days, visit antibes in 3 days, where to stay in antibes, where to stay in nice, where to eat in antibes, how to get to antibes, organised trip from nice with a visit to antibes, rent a boat in antibes, tourist map of antibes, what to do in antibes with your family, what to do in antibes when it rains, where is the antibes tourism office, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit antibes: 20 must-see attractions.

This is the highlight of the places to see in Antibes: the old town.

This part of the city, nestled in the ramparts of the ancient fortified city, has a very nice feel with its small alleys lined with shops, cafes and restaurants . Most of the places of interest in Antibes that I’ve mentioned in more detail in this guide are actually located in this part of the city.

The best way to discover old Antibes is to take a peaceful stroll through the shopping streets such as Rue Sade, Rue Clemenceau or Rue Thuret.

For your visit to Antibes, you can book the Côte d’Azur France Pass which entitles you to 3 or 5 free activities. It is valid in more than 100 sites all over the French Riviera.

In Antibes, the following activities are included in the pass:

  • A guided tour of Old Antibes offered by the Tourism Office
  • A ride on the small train in Antibes – 40 min guided tour
  • A convertible minibus tour in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
  • Entrance to the Marineland of Antibes
  • A ticket to the Aquasplash , the water park
  • A game of mini golf at Adventure Golf or a day at Kid’s Island
  • A museum pass to visit all the museums in the city.

Book your Cote d’Azur France Pass by clicking on the green button below:

Antibes

If you’re looking for somewhere to go in Antibes where you can admire beautiful boats , head to the Vauban port.

A walk along the piers of the largest marina in Europe is the perfect opportunity to see the plethora of ships and beautiful sailing boats moored there.

Vauban Port is also world famous for its “Billionaires Quay” where 19 spots have been created to accommodate the biggest yachts in the world like the Dilbar owned by Alisher Usmanov, the Lady Moura owned by Nasser Al-Rashid or the Octopus owned by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft.

Construction of the quay cost 35 million Euros , which the owners of the boats paid to get their assigned spots. 

Just before the billionaires quay, you must see the impressive sculpture “Le Nomade” made by artist Jaume Piensa .

This monumental work depicts a human figure, about ten metres tall, very light because it is made out of letters made of white steel. 

From here, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the ramparts of Antibes , the sea and Fort Carré.

Port Vauban Antibes

Continuing your walk along the port of Vauban , on the opposite side of the billionaires quay, you will reach Fort Carré.

Built in the second half of the 16th century on the orders of King Henry II, this military fort towers over you, at a height of 26 metres above sea level. When it was built, the aim was to monitor and deter attacks by the Duchy of Savoy.

Today, Fort Carré, is listed as a “historical monument” and is a tourist spot. The rampart walk is accessible and offers panoramic views of all of Antibes.

For security reasons, only guided tours are allowed . They last about 30 minutes for €3 per person (free for children) and take you to discover the chapel, the kitchens, and the barracks.

An unmissable experience when staying in Antibes , if only to enjoy the view.

To reach Fort Carré , you have several options:

  • On foot, through Vauban port and the seafront
  • By car: free parking
  • Using the free shuttle service between the old town and the Fort.

When visiting Antibes and its surroundings , if you don’ t have a car or you don’t want to bother with the car parks, the most practical option is to choose an open-bus tour.

This minibus works like a Hop-On Hop-Off bus and allows you to get on or off the bus at 4 different stops : Place Guynemer in the old town, Fort Carré, Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes. 

Book this bus tour in Antibes by clicking on the button below:

Fort carré Antibes

Let’s continue this guide to Antibes with the cathedral , which is located in the old town.

With its ochre-coloured facade and stuccoes , it is a change from the churches that you are used to seeing in France.

The main attraction is its exterior, because its interior is quite austere and not particularly interesting, except for a 16th century Louis Brea altarpiece.

You’re going to Antibes?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Antibes on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Antibes.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Antibes, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Antibes!

cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platéa Antibes

Just next to the cathedral , you must visit the Picasso museum.

The latter is located in the Château Grimaldi, which owes its name to the the Monegasque family that lived there in the 14th century. The building is classified as a Historical Monument.

After it served as the residence of the King’s governor , then as a town hall, and finally as a barracks , it was in 1946 that Pablo Picasso set up his workshops there for 2 months.

He went on to create many works there and even left twenty paintings and drawings to the city. Among the most famous are: “Sea Urchin eater”, “Joy of Living” or “The Woman with the sea urchins”.

In 1966, the Picasso Museum was created in his honour: this was the first museum dedicated to him!

In addition to Picasso’s works, the museum exhibits paintings by Nicolas de Staël and a large collection of modern art.

The Picasso Museum in Antibes is open every day except Mondays and the entrance ticket costs €8.

Access is included in the Côte d’Azur France Pass.

musée Picasso Antibes

Among the tourist attractions in Antibes there’s also the Provencal market, one of the most popular in the region.

You must go there if you want to buy some fruits and vegetables from the local market and also some good cheeses or cold meats.  There is even a stand for Corsican products and another for various spices.

The market is located on Cours Massena , in the heart of the old Antibes. It is open every morning in summer and from Tuesday to Sunday for the other months of the year.

marché provençal Antibes

You continue this tour in the old Antibes with a little visit to the Saint-Bernardin chapel.

Built in the 16th century , this recently restored Gothic church houses beautiful frescoes , some of which (in the apse and the South wall) are originals. In addition to the services held there, the chapel regularly organises exhibitions and concerts.

The chapel is located on Rostan street. Entry is free.

chapelle Saint-Bernardin Antibes

During your trip to Antibes , in addition to the Picasso Museum, you can visit:

  • The Peynet and Cartoon Museum: which exhibits the works of Raymond Peynet , a French illustrator who created the famous “Amoureux” couple and who lived in Antibes.
  • The Tower museum, on Provencal history, with objects and costumes from the 19th century to the present day. Guided tour on request only (minimum 8 people).
  • The archaeology museum is located in the Bastion Saint-André. It displays objects uncovered during land and submarine excavations such as currency or amphorae.
  • The postcard museum with thousands of postcards from all countries and all eras.

As in many cities, the museums in Antibes are closed on Mondays.

The Côte d’Azur France Pass   allows you to visit the city’s museums for free.

When in Antibes , you must take the time to walk along the Promenade Amiral-de Grasse.

Walking up the ramparts of Vauban, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the sea.

promenade de l'amiral de Grasse Antibes

Visiting Marineland is one of the most popular activities during a family stay in Antibes.

It is located in the North of the city , about a fifteen minute drive from old Antibes.

At Marineland, one of the largest water parks in Europe , you can see orcas, dolphins and even polar bears. Shows are also organised at regular intervals. It also has aquariums with sharks, manta-rays, seahorses, and much more

Such parks are currently embroiled in many controversies, including the conditions of the orcas in captivity. Nevertheless, it is the most visited tourist site in the region, hence its presence among the top things to do in Antibes.

Other facilities at the Marineland include:

  • A mini golf course
  • Kid’s Island, where young children can mingle with farm animals
  • The Marineland Resort hotel: a brand new hotel in the heart of the park. Book here!

To visit Marineland in Antibes, you must book your tickets in advance: there’s a special offer for online reservations right now!

You can buy official tickets online at the best price by clicking on the button below:

The Marineland also has a water park with slides and a wave pool, called Aquasplash. However, tickets for Aquasplash are charged in addition to those for Marineland.

You must book them separately by clicking on the button below:

You can choose to visit Marineland and Aquasplash with your Côte d’Azur France Pass.

If you would like to visit Marineland and Aquasplash , you should really book the combined ticket to save money.

You don’t have to visit both parks on the same day, the ticket can be used over 2 days.

Click here to book:

Marineland Antibes

If you want to go swimming in Antibes , here is the list of beaches:

  • Gravette beach, accessible from the port, below the ramparts. A small sandy beach, well protected from the wind and with supervision. Ideal for visiting with children.
  • Ponteil beach: a long, sandy beach with shallow waters. Supervised beach with toilets and showers.
  • Salis beach: another long, sandy beach, also with a lifeguard station, toilets and showers.
  • Several pebble beaches East of Antibes , beyond Fort Carré. Be careful, because the water becomes very deep very quickly at these beaches. Supervised beaches.
  • The coves at the Cap d’Antibes, which I’ll mention below.

If you wish to indulge in water activities in Antibes, you will find them near Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var (10 km North of Antibes).

Click on the links to get more info and book these activities:

  • An introduction to jet skiing (just next to the Marineland), from 15 minutes to 1 hour
  • A 2 hours and 30 minute jet ski ride with 2 courses to choose from: 1 circuit passing the Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins islands or the other towards Nice/Villefranche/Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
  • Parasailing , at 40 metres feet above the water
  • Flyboarding
  • A kite-surfing training course – Duration: 1/2 day or 1 full day
  • A diving baptism to discover the Mediterranean seabed
  • An exploratory dive – Requires a level 1 diving certification
  • An introduction to freediving.

plage Antibes

For those who wish to get a little away from the city and enjoy their trip to Antibes, you must visit the Cap d’Antibes.

You can walk all around the Cape by taking the Tirepoil path or the “coastal path” that starts at the car park of Avenue André Sella, after the beach of Garoupe.

Entirely developed along the seafront, the path, which is 5 km long (a 2 hour walk) is not difficult, but there are several steps carved into the rock, so avoid wearing flip flops!

There are also several small translucent water creeks where you can take a dip to cool off. This is a really great place to go for a walk in Antibes!

The Cap d’Antibes also has beautiful mansions built by those with large fortunes from the mid-19th century. These include the Chateau de la Croe (the former residence of the Duke of Windsor) and the Villa Eilenroc , at the end of Cap d’Antibes. The gardens of the latter are open to the public.

Also on the peninsula of Cap d’Antibes , you can also take the “chemin du Calvaire” which will leads to the Garoupe plateau.

There is a lighthouse, a chapel and a small oratory, and the place offers, especially in clear weather, a panoramic view of the Alps, Italy and sometimes even Corsica .

Another idea for a very nice activity that you must do around Cap d’Antibes: a sea kayak trip.

For 2 to 6 hours , you will be accompanied by an instructor who will help you discover the most beautiful places of the cape.

You can book it by clicking the button below:

To explore the Cap d’Antibes, you can also opt for a boat trip with a snorkelling experience.

For an entire day , you will enjoy boat trips and admire the underwater vistas while doing some snorkelling.

Book this boat trip in Antibes by clicking on the button below:

This trip is also available for half a day. Information and reservations by clicking here!

cap d'Antibes

In addition to the snorkelling outing at Cap d’Antibes that I mentioned above, you have 2 other options that will allow you to discover the surroundings of Antibes by boat away from other tourists.

To enjoy a VIP experience, you can:

1) Book a private boat trip from Antibes

I think this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Antibes!

You rent a boat with a captain , and he will take you to the most beautiful corners of the French Riviera .

Motor boat, sail boat, catamaran or even a yacht : you can choose the right boat for a dream day!

You must rent your boat with captain as early as possible , as you can imagine that this type of VIP day at sea is very much in demand, and it would be a shame if none are available!

You will find all the boats with captain in Antibes by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat and discover the surroundings of Antibes

If you have a boat licence, the 2nd solution for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

Simply click on the button below and book your boat immediately:

louer un bateau

What are the things to do around Antibes?

Now that you know what to do in Antibes , you must explore its surroundings.

From Antibes you can easily reach all the most popular cities of the French Riviera such as Cannes, Nice or Monaco .

A visit to Antibes is very often combined with a visit to the neighbouring town: Juan-les-Pins.

This seaside resort is most frequented in summer. There are plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants and things to do in the evening with the Casino and the numerous nightclubs.

In addition to its beautiful sandy beach, during the day you can discover the Art Deco buildings, the Gallice port, the Gould pine grove or the Explora park.

In July , Juan-les-Pins also hosts the International Jazz Festival where famous artists from all over the world perform.

Juan-les-Pins

Cannes is one of the most famous cities to visit around Antibes.

You can reach it in 30 minutes by car or 15 minutes by train ( information and reservations by clicking here ) .

What are the things to do in Cannes?

  • A walk along the Croisette while admiring the emblematic palaces
  • A photo on the steps and the red carpet of the Cannes festival
  • Discover the Suquet district, the oldest in the city
  • Search for the “painted walls” depicting Charlie Chaplin or Marylin Monroe
  • Shopping in luxury boutiques

I’ll give you all the details to visit Cannes in my other article here: The 17 things to do in Cannes.

Cannes

Around Antibes , you can also take a trip to the Lérins Islands.

Boats leave from Juan-les-Pins, Golfe Juan or Cannes . Opening hours vary depending on the season.

The Lérins Islands archipelago comprises 2 islands :

  • The largest island is Sainte-Marguerite . People come here to take a walk along the 8 km long path, have picnics and swim. It’s a great idea for a family outing in the surroundings of Antibes!
  • Saint-Honorat island, which is smaller and has a still functional abbey where you can visit some parts.

With your Cote d’Azur France Pass , you can take the boat to the Lérins Islands from Cannes for free.

Remember to book your pass in advance by clicking on the button below:

Iles de Lérins

Let’s continue through the unmissable cities close to Antibes with the most famous city of the French Riviera: Nice.

You can reach Nice by car in 40 minutes or by train in 15 minutes.

What are the things to see in Nice?

  • The Promenade des Anglais for a seaside walk on one of the most famous boulevards in the South of France
  • Old Nice and its small alleys lined with shops and colourful houses
  • The castle hill to enjoy a view from above the city.

To know everything about Nice and prepare for your stay, you must read my dedicated article: Visit Nice: The definitive guide.

If you would like to organise a short stay to visit several towns on the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes, etc.), you must also read my article: One-week itinerary on the French Riviera.

View on Nice harbor from the Mont Boron

A little further away, but still easily accessible from Antibes, you must explore Monaco.

By car or train, it takes about 1 hour to travel between the two places.

Places of interest to see in Monaco:

  • The Rock, the emblematic district where the Prince’s Palace and the cathedral are located
  • The oceanographic museum, where you can see many fish and also sharks or sea turtles – Tickets available for purchase online here!
  • Monte-Carlo and its Casino
  • The exotic garden and its hundreds of cacti + its cave

You can find more things to do in Monaco in my article: What are the things to do in Monaco?

Rocher Monaco

One day is enough to visit Antibes as the city is not very large.

In 2 days or more you can visit the surroundings .

Here is my itinerary for 1 day in Antibes:

  • Visit to Fort Carré
  • Walk along Port Vauban
  • Explore Old Antibes with a visit to the chapel, the cathedral and the Picasso museum (up to you to decide)
  • Small tour in the Provencal market
  • Walk along the Promenade Amiral-de Grasse 
  • Relax at the beach or take a tour of Cap d’Antibes

For a weekend in Antibes , continue with the itinerary for day 1 and add (your choice):

  • A family Day at Marineland
  • A day on the Lérins Islands
  • Visit to Cannes, Nice or Monaco

If you are staying for 3 days in Antibes (or more!), spend a day for each of these ideas, and make the most of your stay on the French Riviera.

You will find many ideas to organise your trip in my article: One-week itinerary on the French Riviera.

I have prepared a list of the best hotels to stay in Antibes . Note that you can also choose to stay in Nice (the largest city on the French Riviera) and visit Antibes in 1 day .

This is why I have also included the selection of the best hotels to stay in Nice.

  • Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Le Maestria: located 5 km away from the Old Antibes. Studio and apartment from €58. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool and the friendly staff
  • Hotels Le Petit Castel: located at a 10-minute walk from Cap d’Antibes and 600 metres from the beach. Modern and comfortable double room from €80, breakfast at €10. Strong points: calm atmosphere, generous breakfast, exemplary cleanliness. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Antibes!
  • Best Western Plus Antibes Riviera: located 1.6 km from the Picasso Museum. Bright and spacious double room with balcony from €120. Strong points: free private parking, excellent bedding and a wide choice of breakfast.
  • Royal Antibes – Luxury Hotel, Residence, Beach & Spa: located at a 5-minute walk from the old town, on the seafront. Double room with contemporary style and very elegant, some with a sea view from €130, breakfast at €15. Strong points: free access to the Spa, private beach, location. One of the best choices for staying in Antibes!
  • Hotel & Spa Baie des Anges by Thalazur: located close to Marineland. Designer and cosy double room from €140, breakfast at €18. Strong points: outdoor swimming pools, spa with heated swimming pool, private parking, view. The ideal place to stay in Antibes for a romantic weekend!

Antibes France

  • Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture : Located about 15 minutes from the beach on foot. Nice place, very friendly staff, great location and comfortable beds. Only 20€ per night in dormitory. Double room at 55€. This is the best hostel for a budget stay in Nice!
  • Hôtel Brice Garden : Located in the hear of Nice, 5 minutes walk from the beach and Promenade des Anglais. Very well furnished and clean room from 80€ per night. Excellent value for money. Friendly and welcoming staff. The best value hotel if you want to stay in the city center! Needs to be booked as soon as possible, lots of demand.
  • Hôtel le Saint Paul : Located 50 meters from the Nice harbor, in a quiet area, with an amazing sea view. Large bright room from 95€ per night, buffet breakfast for 12€. Strong points: free private parking. My favorite in Nice!
  • Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais : Located right on the Promenade des Anglais in a historic building. Prestigious room decorated in a classic style, very bright, from 135€ per night, breakfast at 15€.
  • Hôtel Negresco: Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this exceptional hotel is simply the best in Nice. The rooms are magnificent, the view is stunning, the staff is amazing and the restaurant is one of the best in town. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Nice!
  • Le figuier de Saint-Esprit: lcoated at 14 rue Saint-Esprit, this restaurant is rated 1 star in the Michelin Guide. Its chef, Christian Morisset has made a speciality of revisiting the great classics of Provencal cuisine. Local products, a very pleasant setting and gourmet cuisine, you are sure to have an excellent time.
  • Romagna Mia: located at 3 Boulevard Dugommier. This typical Italian restaurant offers delicious homemade pasta with truffle pasta as a speciality. Everything is homemade, using quality products.
  • Côté Terroir: located at Place de la Gare des Autobus. This restaurant with limited seating (reservation recommended) offers sophisticated, fine-dining and copious dishes cooked using good quality local products. The service is impeccable, the food is excellent and the welcome is very warm.

vieil Antibes

Antibes is a small town and does not have an airport. If you arrive in Antibes by plane, you will have to land in Nice.

Since flight prices for Nice vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. You can rest assured that you will get the best rates.

1) Private transport from Nice airport. Reservations must be made in advance by clicking here:

2) By bus: take the no. 250 Express directly in front of the airport.

3) By train: take bus no. 23 to Nice train station then take the train. A Nice/Antibes train ride only takes 30 minutes and costs €5.

You must check train schedules and fares and book tickets here:

If you are planning on going on a tour along the French Riviera , renting a car can be very convenient. You must go through Rentalcars.com which makes it easy to compare all prices.

Compare car rental prices in Nice and Antibes now:

Antibes being quite small, if you want a more lively time, you can also decide to stay in Nice and plan a day-trip to Antibes.

As I said, you can then take the bus, train or rent a car to go to Antibes.

And even better, if you don’t want to get bothered with organisational matters or you don’t have much time, you must choose an organised trip.

Pick up from your hotel, driver, guide , everything is included to help you spend an excellent day without worrying about anything. From Nice, you will have a choice of 2 trips:

  • A visit to Antibes and Cannes
  • A day where you can visit Antibes and also the other emblematic cities of the French Riviera like Cannes and Monaco. 

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Antibes, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Antibes? 😊

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Antibes , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Antibes and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

FAQ – I’ll answer your questions about Antibes

If you are planning to visit Antibes with your children, you must:

  • Explore the old town of Antibes on foot
  • Take the convertible minibus that tours the city
  • Go and see the beautiful boats at the Vauban port
  • Spend a day at Marineland in Antibes
  • Enjoy Aquasplash water park
  • Go to the beach: Gravette, Ponteil or Salis beaches are ideal for families
  • Take a walk at the Cap d’Antibes

If unfortunately, you are unable to go sightseein in Antibes owing to the rain, while waiting for it to stop, you must:

  • Visit the museums in Antibes such as the Picasso Museum or the Peynet Museum
  • Visit Marineland (it’s definitely better when the weather is nice) but the shows are usually not cancelled if it rains
  • Take a tour around Antibes : in one train ride, you can go to Nice – maybe the sun will be there to greet you and if not, you can enjoy the city’s museums, go to the cinema, bowling, an escape room, and much more

There are 3 tourism offices in Antibes:

  • At 42 Avenue Robert Soleau, the closest to the Gare d’Antibes
  • Place Guynemer, towards the old town
  • Chemin des sables, closest to Juan-les-Pins.

If you need help planning your stay in Antibes, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

France travel Guides

  • Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
  • Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here.

French Riviera

  • French Riviera: Top 25 best places to visit and activities
  • Itinerary: 1 Week in French Riviera – the definitive guide for your 7-8 days trip
  • Antibes: Top 20 best places to visit
  • Cannes: The 20 best things to do and activities
  • Monaco: 25 Best places to visit
  • Nice: 15 things you must do and see

Other French Cities

  • Annecy: 12 things to do and see
  • Honfleur: Top 15 things to discover
  • La Rochelle: Top 15 things to do and must-see attractions
  • Lyon: 21 Best things to do
  • Marseille: Top 33 best things to do and see
  • Nantes: The 15 best things to do
  • Reims: Top 15 things to do and see
  • Rennes: The 15 things you must do!
  • Strasbourg: The 25 must-see attractions

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best places to visit in Antibes

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Antibes Charter Itineraries

Below are samples of luxury yacht charter itineraries for private crewed yachts which cover Antibes. These itineraries are here to offer inspiration and give you a feel for the area and some of the best things to do whilst sailing there.

A good yacht charter broker will be able to create a bespoke yacht vacation charter ideas for you and your party, based on your own requirements as well as the type of yacht and time of year you wish to travel.

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Visiting Antibes: 2024 Insider’s Guide to a Riviera Gem

  • Isabelle Hoyne
  • February 29, 2024

** Disclosure: some of the links on this site are affiliate links and should you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!**

Experience the authentic charm of the French Riviera through this comprehensive Antibes travel guide, drawn from my experiences having spent two enchanting weeks visiting Antibes. From sun-soaked beaches to quaint cafes, it’s an insider’s journey into Antibes’ irresistible allure.

Antibes is a destination that transcends the ordinary beach resort experience.

As a cultured voyager, I always yearn for more than mere idling under the sun’s rays, and Antibes delivers in spades with its intoxicating blend of breathtaking vistas, boundless relaxation, culinary delights and its cultural trappings, starting with the fascinating Picasso Museum.

I was lucky enough to spend two incredible weeks in this charming town, and by the end, I couldn’t help but dream of making it my long-term home. Every morning walk along the pristine promenade felt like stepping into a dreamscape, where the vivid hues of the sea painted a mesmerising portrait of serene turquoises and gently bobbing yachts, against a backdrop of pastel blue skies and wisps of candy-floss clouds.

In this all-encompassing Antibes travel guide, we’ll delve into Antibes’ vibrant history, unearthing its significance as a sanctuary for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration amidst its picturesque streets. You’ll discover the spots to indulge in tantalising gastronomic delights that grace this sun-kissed haven, and learn how to embrace the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera with flair when visiting this special spot.

Antibes was the roaring hotspot of the 1920s, where Rudolph Valentino and the enigmatic Charlie Chaplin revelled in unforgettable escapades. But it was Picasso, the maestro of art, who discovered his own paradise within Antibes’ warm embrace, passionately painting as he immersed himself in the liberated spirit of the Mediterranean from his studio in Château Grimaldi. His masterpieces encapsulate the sheer joy of life and vibrant colours found in this idyllic haven.

Read on to discover what you need to know about visiting Antibes (based on my own thorough research and experience there), including its hidden gems, its must-see attractions, its culinary delights, where to stay and how best to bask in the sun on its pristine beaches, as well as which nearby attractions to visit that will complete your Riviera experience.

Essential links for your trip to Antibes

Airport transfer : book your airport transfer here Car rental : search car rental companies and compare prices here Trains : search train schedules & book tickets here Top rated tours & experiences nearby: ☆ Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins ☆ Monaco and Eze Small Group Day Trip from Cannes ☆ Ferry from Cannes to Saint Tropez ☆ Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting ☆ Mediterranean Coastal Sightseeing Cruise from Nice (good value) Cultured Voyages accommodation picks: ➨ Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa // * top pick, where I stayed * ➨ Mas Djoliba // gorgeous boutique gem with pool ➨ Hôtel Le Petit Castel // family run, good for exploring Cap d’Antibes ➨ Appartement La Tourraque côté mer // apartment option

Table of Contents

What to know before you go to antibes, beaches and beach clubs, what to see and do in antibes, where to eat in antibes, where to stay in antibes, day trips and excursions from antibes, practical information for planning your visit, faq for visiting antibes, is it worth visiting antibes.

Antibes is an enchanting riviera escape that transcends the ordinary beach holiday. From its captivating streets to its unique attractions, this charming town offers a perfect blend of immersive experiences and picturesque beauty.

Stroll along the sun-kissed promenade, where the azure blues of the Mediterranean Sea stretch out before you. Explore the labyrinthine alleys and cobbled streets adorned with colourful bunting, getting lost in the town’s irresistible character.

Also, Antibes is a haven for fine dining enthusiasts, boasting a culinary scene that caters to the most discerning palates. Indulge in exquisite seafood and savour the flavours of Provençal cuisine, each dish a delightful exploration of the region’s gastronomic treasures. Even if fine dining is not your thing, there are oodles of restaurants that just ‘do cooking’ very, very well. 

Furthermore, you can immerse yourself in the town’s rich cultural heritage at the renowned Picasso Museum , where you can marvel at the masterpieces of the iconic artist. Lose yourself in the vibrant history and hidden corners of Antibes as you wander through its streets, discovering its captivating past.

Beyond its cultural offerings, Antibes invites you to embrace outdoor adventures. Sail along the sparkling coastline, discover secluded coves, or relax on pristine beaches, basking in the Mediterranean sun. I loved tracing the craggy shoreline on foot around the Cap d’Antibes when walking the stupendously beautiful Sentier du Littoral .

Personally, Antibes stole my heart with its azure beauty and undeniable charm. Even after exploring renowned French Riviera destinations like Cannes and Nice, I was drawn back to Antibes. Its unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty makes it a must-visit for any traveller seeking a better-than-usual beach escape.

If you need any more convincing, however, you can also read our dedicated post: Is visiting Antibes worth it?

RELATED READING | Is Antibes Worth Visiting? Discover Why This Riviera Gem Is a Must-Visit

Historical background

Antibes boasts a rich and storied history that spans centuries. Originally established by the ancient Greeks in the 5th century BC, the city was known by them as Antipolis. It later became a Roman settlement, flourishing as an important trading port in the region.

Over the centuries, Antibes changed hands multiple times, experiencing influences from various civilisations, including the Visigoths, the Byzantines and the Saracens.

One of the most prominent historical landmarks in Antibes is Fort Carré. Built in the 16th century by King Henry II of France , the fortress was strategically positioned to protect the coastline from invasions. Its imposing walls and bastions stand as a testament to Antibes’ turbulent past and offer panoramic views of the city and the azure Mediterranean Sea.

During the Middle Ages, Antibes became a fortified town with a thriving economy. The narrow, winding streets of the old town, lined with charming houses and medieval buildings, still retain their enchanting atmosphere. The city’s historical significance continued to evolve, witnessing the rise of maritime trade, the influence of the Provencal nobility, and the artistic inspirations of renowned figures.

Cultural significance

During the 20th century, Antibes gained prominence as a gathering place for the international elite, becoming a hub of artistic and literary inspiration. Influential figures from the Jazz Age, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, were captivated by the charm of Antibes, while artists found solace and inspiration within its enchanting streets.

Picasso, the renowned Spanish artist, discovered his own paradise within Antibes’ warm embrace. In 1946, after the turmoil of World War II, he sought refuge in this idyllic coastal town. Immersed in the liberated spirit of the Mediterranean, Picasso painted with fervour from his studio in Château Grimaldi, creating masterpieces that celebrated the joie de vivre of the French Riviera.

Antibes’ Picasso Museum, housed within the very same Château Grimaldi, showcases the artist’s profound connection to the region. The museum’s collection includes many of Picasso’s works created during his time in Antibes, capturing the vibrant colours and lively spirit of the Mediterranean. Visitors can walk in Picasso’s footsteps, exploring the rooms where he worked and admiring his masterful creations.

Today, Antibes continues to evoke the spirit of its artistic heyday. The echoes of Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and other cultural icons of the time can still be felt within the city’s winding alleys, elegant promenades and vibrant artistic community. Exploring Antibes offers not only a glimpse into its storied past but also a chance to be inspired by the artistic legacy that continues to thrive within its sun-kissed embrace.

Geographical location and climate overview

Antibes enjoys a prime location on the French Riviera, nestled between the bustling city of Nice and the glamorous town of Cannes. It is conveniently situated just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Nice and 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Cannes, allowing for easy access to these larger cities and their attractions.

The climate in Antibes is typically Mediterranean, characterised by mild winters and warm summers. Summers are sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while winters are mild with temperatures averaging around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).

The region benefits from a refreshing Mediterranean breeze that keeps the temperatures pleasant throughout the year. I found this to be true when visiting in the summer – while warm I never felt like I was baking, always feeling enticed to be outdoors enjoying the good weather and trappings of the area.

Antibes’ proximity to other renowned destinations on the French Riviera makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. Whether you’re seeking the glamour of Cannes, the vibrant energy of Nice, or simply the stunning views from Fort Carré, Antibes provides a tranquil escape while still being within reach of larger cities and other points of interest.

Antibes vs Juan-les-Pins

Nestled on the glittering Cap d’Antibes, you’ll find two distinct areas often considered as one: Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. They share the sun-soaked coastline and the azure embrace of the Mediterranean — but that’s where the similarities end. Despite their proximity, these two towns offer remarkably different experiences, each appealing to a different kind of traveller.

In my time on the sun-dappled Côte d’Azur, the contrast between the historic Antibes and the vibrant Juan-les-Pins was unmistakable.

Antibes, with its cobbled lanes and charming old town, exudes a relaxed, almost timeless appeal. The stone ramparts, art-filled streets, and bustling marketplaces are a cultural traveller’s dream.

If you’re a history buff, the centuries-old Fort Carré or the Picasso Museum, located in the Grimaldi Castle, provide ample indulgence. For those who prefer to simply soak in the atmosphere, the allure of Antibes lies in its ability to slow time down – to transform a casual stroll into an immersive journey through time.

Juan-les-Pins, on the other hand, feels decidedly more contemporary and vibrant. Known for its lively nightlife, beach clubs, and music festivals, it pulsates with an infectious energy that can delight a different kind of traveller. If your ideal holiday involves sun-soaked beaches by day and buzzing bars by night, Juan-les-Pins is your haven.

To be honest, I didn’t find the town of Juan-les-Pins to be particularly attractive – it’s rather built up in comparison to Antibes old town and environs.

The beauty of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, however, lies in their complementary nature. They cater to different moods, different preferences, and, indeed, different travellers, but together, they form a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking quiet introspection or spirited revelry, you’ll find your corner in this enchanting part of the world.

There are a range of both beaches and beach clubs on offer in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. Public beaches tend to have decent facilities, including showers and (often rudimentary) toilets. There are typically cafés and restaurants either lining or close to these beaches too, making it easy to grab supplies during your day on the sand. 

Beach clubs in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins tend to fall more into the upmarket category. Some, like Plage Belles Rives, come appended to gourmet facilities – which in Belle Rives’ case, includes a Michelin starred restaurant. 

Antibes old town & close proximity

Antibes boasts a variety of beaches, each offering a different vibe.

Plage de la Gravette , nestled between the old town’s fortified walls and the marina, offers a cosy, sandy spot for relaxation, perfect for those seeking a more intimate experience. We found this spot perfect for popping out to for a few inexpensive hours of sun during the day. 

Plage de la Salis , closer to Cap d’Antibes, is larger and attracts a broader crowd. Whether it’s beach volleyball, windsurfing, or simply basking in the Mediterranean sun, this beach is a hub of activity. From here, there are also beautiful views of the old city ramparts and the distant Alps on the horizon far away. 

Plage de Ponteil is a busy beach that offers a kilometre long arc of fine sand, azure waters and an unmatched view of the Esterel mountains. Its proximity to the city centre makes it a favourite among families. Here, you’ll find private sun loungers at Royal Beach , a chic beachfront location that’s perfect for soaking up the sun in style.

Plage de la Garoupe is located on the eastern side of the Cap d’Antibes. It’s a small and charming beach that features silken sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation or water sports. Much of the beach is taken over by private beach clubs (such as the upmarket Plage Keller , with its private pier and gourmet restaurant) during the summer months, with two small areas available without charge. 

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins, meanwhile, is famous for its extensive sandy beaches. Plage de la Gallice and Plage des Ondes , with their calm, clear waters and golden sands, are ideal for families. In general, public beaches in Juan-les-Pins run from the town centre to the exit towards Golf-Juan. You’ll find facilities like toilets, showers and food outlets lining them too. 

Beach clubs in Juan-les-Pins are just as lavish as those in Antibes, if not more so.

You can’t mention beach clubs in Juan-les-Pins without mentioning the glamorous La Plage Belles Rives . Perched right in front of the legendary Hotel Belles Rives, where F. Scott Fitzgerald once resided, this beach club oozes 1920s charm. As you recline on a plush sunbed, you can almost imagine the whispered conversations of the jazz age in the rustling palms overhead.

Then there’s Les Pecheurs Beach Club , an idyllic spot offering an enticing mix of tranquility and luxury. Nestled on the Garoupe Bay, its Mediterranean menu and breathtaking sea views will whisk you away from the mundane.

Plage de la Jetée is perfect for the bon vivants. Located at the edge of a jetty, this beach club stands out with its spacious sun-soaked setting and a lively vibe. Perfect for those looking to mix sunbathing with socialising.

For more upscale relaxation, head to Helios Plage . Here, plush loungers, exquisite food, and cocktails combined with impeccable service make for an unforgettable beach day.

Another option to look at (and there are more) is Yolo Plage . Relatively new to the scene, Yolo Plage impresses with its modern aesthetics, tantalising menu and a sun-kissed terrace. It’s the go-to place for the trendy crowd.

In terms of what to see and do in Antibes, it’s probably easier to look at this in two areas: first, in the context of Antibes Old Town, and secondly; what to do further out around the Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins areas.

To this end, I’ve written a comprehensive blog post: “ Best things to do in Antibes, Juan-les-Pins & the Cap d’Antibes “.

RELATED READING | Things to do in Antibes

Wander the old town | Discover the charm of Antibes’ history as you meander through its winding alleyways and bustling squares. The well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant local scene make the Old Town a must-visit. I loved strolling through its streets and seeing what I could discover.

Promenade Admiral de Grasse | Take a stroll down this stunning promenade for spectacular coastal views and picturesque vistas of Antibes. This became my favourite daily activity during my two week stay in Antibes. 

Visit the Musée Picasso | This museum, set in the Château Grimaldi, showcases a fascinating collection of Picasso’s works created during his stay in Antibes, as well as an extended number of works that have been collected over the years. A fascinating look at this intriguing artist. 

Provençal Market | The Provencal Market in Antibes is a bustling and vibrant hub of local culture, offering an authentic taste of the region’s flavours and aromas. From fresh produce to artisanal goods, the market is a sensory delight that invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Antibes’ culinary heritage.

Fort Carré | Explore this historical 16th-century star-shaped fort for an enriching peek into Antibes’ past. The fort also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Port Vauban | You can’t visit Antibes without having a gander at its famous port! Be captivated by the impressive luxury yachts moored at this Mediterranean marina.

Nomade Sculpture | Don’t miss this monumental artwork by Jaume Plensa, commanding a stunning presence at the port and symbolising the city’s vibrant artistic scene. Make sure to go inside it and look out. It’s also particularly lovely at night, illuminated against a dark night’s sky.

Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins

Coastal hike | Traverse the picturesque Sentier du Littoral in Cap d’Antibes, known for its breathtaking coastal views and a peek into opulent villas.

Villa Eilenroc | Tour this magnificent 19th-century villa that embodies the opulence of the Belle Époque, nestled amidst beautiful gardens. Its opening times are very patchy, however, so do check in advance of your visit – when I checked it was only open briefly on Saturdays. 

Bay of Billionaires | Experience the grandeur of the French Riviera by exploring this exclusive bay with its opulent homes. Even better, bring a towel and luxuriate by its crystal-clear waters. It’s an excellent (free) swimming spot. 

Thuret Botanical Gardens | Wander around this botanical gem, home to a variety of Mediterranean and exotic plants.

Beach and water sports | Juan-les-Pins’ sandy beaches offer the perfect day of relaxation or water sport activities. 

Musical Nights | Jazz à Juan is a key highlight, drawing jazz lovers from across the globe each year in the month of July.

RELATED READING | Sentier du Littoral of Antibes

Foodies will not got hungry in Antibes! There is a wonderfully diverse range of restaurants and cuisines available within the town and wider area. You’ll find Michelin-starred eateries at the higher end of the scale, ranging the whole way down to more affordable brasseries and cafés which offer wallet friendly options. 

The following are from my own address book, having been tried and tested during my time in Antibes.

NOMADS Coffee | A personal favourite of mine for its great vibes and superb coffee. Ideal for those seeking the finest speciality coffee in Antibes; it’s a true magnet for expats and locals alike. Come for the coffee, stay for the engaging people-watching – it’s a hub of life and conversation.

La Casita | With a menu spanning tapas to larger plates, La Casita is perfect for a leisurely lunch.  Relax in director’s chairs under umbrella shade, with a menu offering tapas, salads and larger plates.

Restaurant L’Arazur | Nestled down a side street, this charming corner eatery offers a few sought-after outdoor tables, as well as seating indoors. The experience is enchanting, with amuse-bouche punctuating your meal and an array of delightful snacks. Its name, a nod to the daughter  of the seasoned culinary couple behind it, embodies love and gourmet tradition and the owners’ global experience clearly shines through. 

Le Café Brun | A place we returned to time and again, it’s ideally situated on a breezy corner spot (which is very welcome on hot days), perfectly located near the old town promenade. British-owned, it fills the early evening gap before other restaurants open, with superb cocktails and excellent dishes. It’s the ideal spot for a wind-down drink amidst a vibrant atmosphere.

La Taille de Guêpe | Offering an excellent menu filled with colourful, beautifully flavoured dishes topped with edible flowers, a meal here is a delight. The flavours are superlative; my partner’s fish and my beef were superb. Remember to reserve in advance if you want to experience this delightful spot. 

La Trattoria | This place radiates happiness and hospitality! From the mozzarella straight from Napoli, to the Italians singing in the kitchen, it truly felt like a slice of Italy on the French Riviera. The novelty aprons they provide for eating messy pasta dishes added a fun touch to an already wonderful dining experience.

Choopy’s Cupcakes & Coffee Shop | A quiet sanctuary off the main streets, it was a find for me, especially as a gluten-free eater. Generous portions and a quaint location make it a hidden gem worth discovering.

Michelin-starred dining | For Michelin-starred dining, you can look to the likes of Le Figuier de Saint Esprit , Masion da Bâcon and Les Pecheurs   within Antibes old town. Further afield, in Juan-les-Pins, you could consider La Passagère at Belles Rives, or Louroc at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

Dining in Juan-les-Pins

During the entirety of our fortnight in Antibes Old Town, we never actually ventured for something to eat in Juan-les-Pins, preferring to eat within walking distance of our apartment. We found that there were so many restaurants to discover within the confines of the old town that we never felt compelled to make the effort to book a taxi to and from a restaurant!

If, however, you’d like to dine in Juan-les-Pins, or are staying there, restaurants I would take a look at include Le J. Restaurant , a small eatery that serves inventive cuisine built around fresh, local ingredients; Ti Toques , an unassuming restaurant that serves creative, quality dishes; and Cap Riviera Restaurant , which serves fresh situated and is located on the seafront, with views of the Lerins Islands.  

Where we stayed in Antibes

Hôtel la villa port d’antibes & spa.

For our first (shorter) visit to Antibes, we stayed at Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa . We loved this hotel, finding it well located on the edge of both the port and the old town of Antibes. This meant that we could easily access the town centre, as well as go for lovely walks along the port later in the day. 

They have a small pool, which is perfect for catching a few hours by. It’s likely that you’ll be at the beach anyway, but we found the pool to be a great option when we had other plans for the day, meaning we didn’t have to lug all our stuff to the beach, but merely pop down to the pool for an hour or two.

Our room was modern and comfortable and we had a small balcony that looked onto the pool below. Breakfast had both a solid continental and hot option, in a light filled room beside the pool. The entire property smelled great too!

Some other places to stay in Antibes

Cultured voyages recommended hotels in antibes.

Hotel le Ponteil

Discover Antibes’ charm at Le Ponteil, a unique hotel set on a quiet street just steps from the beach and old town. Enjoy bespoke decorations, a tranquil garden, and a scrumptious breakfast in a quaint French courtyard, all delivered with warm hospitality. This peaceful oasis offers an unbeatable location.

Hôtel Le Petit Castel

For an authentic French experience, consider Hôtel Le Petit Castel. A light-filled, family-run gem, nestled between the beaches of Juan-les-Pins and Cap d’Antibes. Its favourable location offers easy access to the historical centre and seashore within minutes. Note, rooms are accessed by stairs only.

Mas Djoliba

Immerse in tranquility at Mas Djoliba, nestled in Antibes’ residential area. With a sparkling pool, immaculate rooms, and a short walk from the beach and Old Town, it offers a haven of peace. The exceptionally friendly staff is a gem, ensuring a stay that feels like home. Perfect base for exploring Antibes-Juan-Les-Pins

Appartement La Tourraque côté mer

Relish sea and castle views from the La Tourraque côté mer apartment, located a stone’s throw from Picasso Museum. Boasting a coveted location, this modern, comfy 1-bedroom flat comes with a fully-equipped kitchenette, private parking, and free WiFi. A helpful host adds to its charm.

Antibes and Juan-les-Pins provide the perfect starting point for a plethora of unforgettable excursions, each one a short journey away and steeped in unique experiences.

Cannes, Nice and Biot

Just a stone’s throw away are the glitzy streets of Cannes and Nice, cultural powerhouses of the Côte d’Azur. Cannes, renowned for its world-famous film festival, is a mere 20-minute train ride away and offers a slice of cinematic glamour. Nice, on the other hand, a 30-minute train journey away, brims with artistic heritage and vibrant old-world charm. Nestled inland and reachable by a 15-minute drive or bus ride, the charming village of Biot awaits with its winding lanes and vibrant glass-blowing tradition, ready to immerse you in its rich, artsy atmosphere.

Lérins Islands

A stone’s throw away from Juan-les-Pins, the Lérins Islands beckon. The verdant Île Sainte-Marguerite and the monastery-dotted Île Saint-Honorat can be accessed via a short ferry ride from the Golfe-Juan port. Each island, a quick 15-minute journey to Sainte-Marguerite or a slightly longer 30-minute trip to Saint-Honorat, promises tranquillity, historical intrigue, and stunning natural beauty.

Countryside of Provence

For a complete change of scenery, venture into the Provençal countryside, which sprawls just beyond Antibes’ doorstep. Hiring a car or taking a guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the picture-postcard landscapes, which encompass rolling hills, blooming lavender fields, and quaint hilltop villages. Though each destination’s driving time varies, expect a journey of approximately 40 minutes (up to several hours) into the heart of Provençal allure.

RELATED READING | 5 Day Perfect Provence Itinerary

Best time to visit Antibes

Deciding when to visit Antibes hinges on your preferences. For glorious weather and the full flush of festive spirit, summer, particularly July, is hard to beat. The Jazz à Juan festival fills the air with sultry notes, and the beaches are a delightful retreat. However, expect larger crowds.

Spring and autumn offer milder weather, thinner crowds, and lower prices. Winter is cool and quiet, but it carries a charm of its own, with the draw of being able to ski and enjoy the beach, all in the same day, likely to appeal to some.

How long should you stay?

The duration of your stay in Antibes will largely depend on your interests. For a leisurely exploration of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, a 3-day itinerary is a good starting point, offering ample time for museum visits, beach lounging, and meandering through the old town.

If you’re keen on venturing further, or want to relax a little bit more, I’d recommend that you consider extending your stay to a week. This will allow you to fit in several beach days, along with a day trip or two to the likes of nearby Cannes, Nice, and charming inland villages.

Getting to and around Antibes

Getting to and navigating around Antibes is a breeze, thanks to the region’s well-established transport links.

Getting to Antibes from Nice Airport

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is just 20 minutes away by car, and from there, you’ll find an array of convenient transport options.

Regular bus services run from the airport to Antibes (every 30 minutes or so) but be aware that they can be a slower choice. Try to get on the express airport bus (and not the general line that runs from Antibes to Nice). I took this when the trains were down one day and it took over an hour to reach the outskirts of Nice where the airport is located, as it stopped in so many places along the way. The dedicated airport bus makes the journey in a much quicker time. 

You can also get a tram (which goes from the outside of the airport) into the centre of Nice, and from there get the train from Nice Ville to Antibes. 

For the quickest and most comfortable journey, consider booking a private transfer or hopping in a taxi. We got an Uber from Antibes to Nice Airport and it took around 20 minutes and cost around €20 – which really wasn’t too bad in my opinion, especially when you consider how long the same trip had taken me on the local bus. 

Getting around while in Antibes

Once in Antibes, the town’s compact size makes exploring on foot a joy. For day trips, the train is the quickest and most efficient option. Antibes is ideally situated on the French Riviera’s train network, making it easy to reach destinations like Nice, Cannes, and beyond in a flash.

If your wanderlust leads you to less-accessible corners, such as some of the smaller villages, local buses are available. While these can be slower, they offer a chance to soak in the scenery at a more leisurely pace. However, from my personal experience, I’d recommend the train for day trips where possible. For an extra dose of adventure or for destinations off the beaten path, consider hiring a car or taking a guided tour.

With the right planning, Antibes can be your gateway to the wider Riviera and beyond.

Is it better to stay in Antibes or Juan-les-Pins

Both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins have their unique appeal, and the choice depends on your preferences. If you enjoy cultural pursuits and a more traditional atmosphere, Antibes, with its historic old town and bustling market, might be more to your liking. If you’re after a lively nightlife scene and sandy beaches, then Juan-les-Pins would be a better fit. Consider your preferences when deciding where to stay on the French Riviera.

How do you spend a day in Antibes?

A day in Antibes could start with a leisurely stroll in the old town, exploring the Picasso Museum and the Provencal Market. Follow that with a walk around Port Vauban to marvel at the yachts. Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and spend the afternoon sunbathing on a sandy beach or exploring the Cap d’Antibes. As evening falls, choose a cosy eatery for dinner, and finish the day with a stroll along the ramparts for sunset views.

Is Cannes or Antibes better to visit?

Both towns are worth visiting, but they offer different experiences. Antibes has a more laid-back and authentic feel, ideal for those who love history, art, and local culture. Cannes, on the other hand, is famous for its film festival, luxury shopping, and celebrity sightings. If you like going large, then Cannes may be a better fit for you. If you want to stay away from day trippers, and those on on-shore excursions from visiting cruise ships, then Antibes is a better pick. 

How long should I spend in Antibes?

I’d recommend at least three to four days to fully enjoy Antibes. This allows time to explore the old town, visit the museums, relax on the beach, and take in the marina. It also provides an opportunity for day trips to nearby towns or villages.

What is Antibes famous for?

Antibes is famous for its historic old town, the Picasso Museum, and Port Vauban, the largest marina in the Mediterranean. It’s also known for its annual Jazz à Juan Festival.

Is Antibes or Menton better?

Both towns are delightful, but offer different experiences. Antibes has a vibrant arts scene, a world-class marina, and proximity to other popular Riviera towns. Menton is quieter, known for its beautiful gardens, lemon festival, and Italianate feel.

Are beaches in Antibes free?

Yes, Antibes has several public beaches that are free to access, although there are also private beach clubs where you can rent a sunbed for a fee.

Does Antibes have sand beaches?

Yes, Antibes has some beautiful sandy beaches, particularly in the Juan-les-Pins area.

Is Antibes expensive?

As a destination on the French Riviera, Antibes can be more expensive compared to some other parts of France. However, it offers a range of options to suit different budgets, from luxury yachts and upscale dining to more affordable eateries, public beaches and reasonably priced attractions.

Related reading for the French Riviera and Provence

French riviera .

  • Antibes  | Things to Do in Antibes: 23 Must-Visit Attractions & Memorable Experiences
  • Is Antibes worth visiting? | Is Antibes Worth Visiting? Discover Why This Riviera Gem Is a Must-Visit
  • Antibes travel guide | Visiting Antibes: Insider’s Guide to a Riviera Gem
  • Sentier du Littoral Wall | Walking the Sentier du Littoral of Antibes – Essential Guide
  • A day in Cannes | coming soon
  • 1 day in Nice | coming soon
  • Nice wine tours | 10 Fantastic Nice Wine Tours Worth Taking
  • 4 days in French Riviera | coming soon
  • South of France Road Trip | coming soon
  • Where to stay on the french riviera | Where to Stay on the French Riviera: 11 Best Locations (& Hotels)

Provence (excluding the French Riviera)

  • Arles | Best Things to Do in Arles: From Van Gogh’s Legacy to Ancient Roman Ruins
  • Avignon | 23 Fabulous Things To Do in Avignon, France
  • Is Avignon worth visiting?  |  Why It’s Worth Visiting Avignon: 11 Unmissable Reasons
  • Avignon Day Trips | Best Day Trips from Avignon for Curious Travellers
  • Avignon Wine Tours | 10 Wonderful Avignon Wine Tours Worth Taking
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape accommodation | Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches – A Luxury Provençal Retreat
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Visiting Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A Journey Through a Historic Wine Region
  • Saint Rémy | A Guide to Saint Remy de Provence: a Provençal Paradise
  • Provence Itinerary | Provence itinerary: 5 Days of Enchanting Scenery, Historic Landmarks & Culinary Delights
  • Where to stay in Provence | Where To Stay in Provence: 10 Best Places + Accommodation Picks

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The fabulous French yacht charter destination – Antibes to host Captains’ Coating Forum

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This image is featured as part of the article Captains’ Coating Forum to discuss paint issues through ‘a meeting of minds’ .

The fabulous French yacht charter destination - Antibes to host Captains' Coating Forum

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The fabulous French yacht charter destination - Antibes to host Captains' Coating Forum".

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55m Benetti motor yacht OCEAN PARADISE – the biggest yacht to be displayed at Cannes Yachting Festival 2014

55m Benetti motor yacht OCEAN PARADISE – the biggest yacht to be displayed at Cannes Yachting Festival 2014

Azimut Benetti Group to attend Cannes Boat Show 2013 with 20 luxury yachts on display

Azimut Benetti Group to attend Cannes Boat Show 2013 with 20 luxury yachts on display

Cannes Yachting Festival 2014, September 9 - 14

Cannes Yachting Festival 2014, September 9 – 14

Benetti motor yacht OCEAN PARADISE to be the largest yacht at Cannes Yachting Festival 2014

Benetti motor yacht OCEAN PARADISE to be the largest yacht at Cannes Yachting Festival 2014

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53m support yacht FIVE OCEANS launched by Damen Yachting

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35m luxury yacht MINOR FAMILY AFFAIR offering a special discount

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Jachthafen Vauban

Freizeitstätte in antibes.

Port Vauban von Antibes , östlich der Stadt, die Leitungen in Nizza Küstenstraße haben aus, ist Fort Carré genannt, die mit einer Überwachungshochburg des sechzehnten Jahrhunderts dominiert überarbeitet Vauban.

Wenn die aktuelle Konfiguration der Port stammt aus den 1970er Jahren wurde der Ort bereits in der Antike als Zwischenstation für Schiffe Phönizier bekannt.

Er gilt als einer der wichtigsten des Mittelmeers, Port Vauban ist vor allem dem Vergnügen gewidmet und es ist verteilt auf 25 Hektar Wasser. Es listet insgesamt 4200 anlege 1.650 Sitzplätze.

Neben letzten paar Fischerbooten ist die Spezifität der Lage, sowohl kleine lange Sportboote von wenigen Metern aufzunehmen, die Yachten von 70 bis 165 m lang auf der Camille Rayon Dock zur Einführung (auch genannt „der Milliardäre andocken“).

Beachten Sie, dass bei gutem Wetter, Verankerung unter den Wällen der alten Stadt und für die Besucher erlaubt ist, Plätze im selben Hafen sind gelegentlich zur Verfügung.

Beliebt bei Bootsfahrer und Touristen Ausländer, Port Vauban, die vom Stadtzentrum mit seinen Geschäften zugegriffen wird, hat die notwendige Ausrüstung und Dienstleistungen (Trinkwasser, Strom-Terminals, Tankstelle, Toiletten, WiFi, Fahrräder elektrisch). Ein technischer Bereich implantiert wird.

Der Standort erweist sich förderlich auch für Nicht-Segler zu gehen wegen der Schönheit einiger Schiffe und die malerische Landschaft des Hafens und die alten Viertel der Stadt, die angrenzen.

Basiert auf dem Port der Liga der Regatten Antibes (Kontakt +33 4 93 65 80 00).

Alle anderen Informationen +33 4 92 91 60 00.

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Yachthafen von Antibes , 1975

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Explore the Riviera

15 reasons why antibes is worth visiting.

antibes france (3)

Antibes is an incredibly picturesque destination, full of history, cute cafés, art, and culture.

It truly has a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other cities on the Mediterranean coast because, despite its popularity as a tourist resort over the years, it has somehow maintained its unique character.

Honestly, Antibes might just be my favorite town on the French Riviera.

With its stunning harbor and pristine beaches, Antibes is a sublime destination that’s perfect for unwinding amid the gorgeous coastal scenery.

Here, visitors can enjoy the city by exploring its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance fortifications, relaxing on the beach, or strolling through its colorful marketplaces full of traditional art, fragrant flowers, and delicious food. A Mediterranean paradise, if you ask me.

In this guide, you will read about all the reasons why the beautiful city of Antibes is so worth visiting.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera. You can also get a custom itinerary made by me here or check out this travel guide with all of my favorite addresses in Nice.

Antibes Essentials

⛵ Tours & Activities :  GetYourGuide  or Viator

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1- It feels more authentic than other popular spots on the French Riviera

beach in antibes

Although still a touristic destination, Antibes somehow feels quieter and more real than other towns nearby.

Here, you will find more French tourists and locals than you would anywhere else, making it a great destination to experience the true culture of this area.

→ Visiting Antibes soon? ✈️ Then make sure to check out this guide on the best tours to take in Antibes.

2- Antibes has a wonderful cafe culture

Antibes has a vibrant cafe culture that locals and visitors alike are sure to enjoy.

Taking a seat at one of the outdoor cafes is an integral part of experiencing the town. And there are so many great cafes to choose from!

Here, you will find the perfect spot to sip your espresso while surrounded by locals who occupy the sidewalk tables to catch up with friends and read their favorite books.

📖 You might also enjoy: 12 Best tours to take on the French Riviera

The atmosphere of these small cafes is calm and very interesting, as conversations cross through languages like French, Spanish, and Italian.

With a steaming cappuccino in hand, there is no better way to explore this charming town whose culture emphasizes relaxation and community bonding.

11 Best French Riviera Boat Tours for 2023

3- The food scene is extraordinary

cute street in antibes

The restaurant scene in Antibes is almost incomparable, filled with some of the best cuisines in all of France.

From traditional French bistros to seafood restaurants and alfresco dining venues, there are plenty of excellent eateries to explore here.

You might also enjoy: Cannes or Antibes: Which one to choose

4- It’s home to a beautiful harbor filled with luxury yachts

port of antibes

Antibes’s Vieux Port—or Old Port—is a stunning harbor filled with luxury yachts.

It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the shimmering waters and gaze at all of the big boats moored in the port.

🧳 Still wondering what to pack for your trip? Then check out this guide on what to wear on the French Riviera .

5- Plenty of charming squares to explore

Antibes is full of charming squares, each with its own character and atmosphere.

These squares are surrounded by lovely restaurants and coffee and are a great place to spend an afternoon.

6- It is so easy to visit from Cannes or Nice

Antibes is conveniently located between Cannes and Nice, making it easy to access from either of these two popular cities.

There are plenty of public transportation options available like the train, bus, or even a taxi service if you’re looking for a more comfortable way to get around.

French Riviera Style: The Ultimate Guide

7- Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum in Antibes is an absolute must-visit for art lovers.

This museum houses a large collection of the Spanish master’s works, including some original paintings from his time in the south of France.

The museum also offers some interesting permanent exhibitions that will give you insight into Picasso’s life and work as well as temporary exhibits that feature other acclaimed artists.

8- Antibes is a great base for exploring the French Riviera

Antibes makes an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the beautiful French Riviera.

From here, you can easily access some of the region’s most popular attractions like Monaco or Menton.

You can also venture further out and visit quaint towns like Grasse or Vence. And don’t forget about all of the incredible beaches that are so close by.

9- It has fantastic weather year-round

antibes old town

The Mediterranean climate in Antibes means it enjoys mild winters and warm summers with plenty of sunshine throughout the year—making it the perfect place for any type of traveler and any time of year.

Whether you’re looking to escape the cold winter months or want to soak up some sun during summer, Antibes’ mild weather means you’ll always have a great time.

10- Friendly locals

The people in Antibes are known for being warm and welcoming.

From friendly conversations with shopkeepers and restaurant staff to helpful advice from locals passing by, you’ll be sure to meet some great people, especially if you visit during the off-season.

11- Cute shops and thrift shops

What could be better than exploring Antibes’ beautiful cobblestone streets and taking in the sights?

Doing all of this while stopping at cute shops, delicious restaurants, and inviting cafes along the way where you will find everything from fresh pastries and artisanal cheeses to souvenirs and jewelry.

12- Breathtaking views from atop Fort Carré

beautiful antibes

If you’re looking for a stunning view of Antibes’ Old Town, then head to Fort Carré.

This 16th-century fort is perched on top of a hill overlooking the city, offering unbeatable views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea below.

From here, you’ll also be able to admire the old harbor and get a glimpse of some of Antibes’ most impressive landmarks.

13- It is minutes away from Juan Le Pins

Antibes is also just a few minutes away from the fun and lively town of Juan Les Pins.

Here, you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs that stay open until the wee hours of the morning—perfect for those looking to let loose!

And during summertime, countless festivals and concerts are happening in this vibrant seaside destination.

14- It’s a fantastic sailing destination

boat in cannes (1)

Antibes is a fantastic sailing destination. Its sheltered harbor makes it an ideal spot for boats of all sizes and the surrounding coastline features some stunning scenery.

You can rent a boat or join a group sail to explore the area, soak up some sun on the deck, and take in beautiful views along the way.

Where to stay in Antibes

There are many wonderful hotels to choose from in Antibes, but my favorites are definitely Mas Djoliba , La Garoupe-Gardiole , and Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa .

Best Antibes tours

statues in the picasso museum in antibes

  • Private Boat Tour in Antibes with Snorkeling
  • Provence Wine Tour – Private Day tour from Antibes
  • Private sea excursion in a solar catamaran in Antibes Juan les Pins

Antibes Travel Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

How long should i spend in antibes.

The amount of time you should spend in Antibes depends on what activities you plan on doing.

We recommend a minimum of two days to explore the city, with an extra day for activities like sailing and visiting nearby towns.

However, if you have more time, it can easily be stretched out to a week or longer!

Is it better to stay in Antibes or Juan les Pins?

That depends on what type of experience you are looking for.

If you want to be close to the action and lively nightlife, then Juan les Pins is the place for you.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, then we recommend staying in Antibes.

How do you spend a day in Antibes?

A day in Antibes can be as busy or relaxed as you make it.

Start your morning with a stroll through the Old Town and explore the local boutiques and art galleries.

Then, take a lunch break at one of the cafes along the waterfront to soak up some stunning views. In the afternoon, head to Fort Carré for some incredible views and take a boat tour of the harbor.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the local restaurants or a night out at Juan les Pins!

the nomad statue in antibes

Conclusion: Is Antibes worth visiting?

As you know can probably tell, Antibes is definitely worth visiting.

This town is truly one of the most special places in France—offering a delightful combination of beauty, culture, and friendliness that’s hard to find anywhere else.

From stunning yachts to quaint squares and great weather year-round, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit.

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

Plan the perfect trip to the French Riviera

👗 Find all my favorite addresses in Nice on this travel guide.

📕 Get a personalized French Riviera itinerary here or check out my other travel planning services

🗺️ Book guided tours through Get Your Guide and Viator .

🛏️ Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com .

Continue reading:

  • 9 Best Tours in Antibes (That You Will Love!) for 2024
  • Cannes or Antibes: Which One To Choose?

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Camila Neves

Nice to meet you! My name is Cami and I am a full-time traveler and foodie. I live in Nice in the South of France and this blog is where I share my impressions and travel secrets.

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IMAGES

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  2. Bild Yachthafen, Antibes, Frankreich

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  3. Antibes: Tipps zu den schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten & Stränden PETERSTRAVEL

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  4. Pour les yachts

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  5. Yachten Im Hafen Von Antibes, Cote D'Azur Stockfoto

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  6. Antibes Port Marina

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VIDEO

  1. boot Düsseldorf 2019

  2. Yachthafen Wismar 2023 Weihnachtsfeier 4K (UHD) 60fps

  3. Die Yacht treibt auf das Land zu. Was dann passiert, damit rechnet niemand

  4. BOOT Düsseldorf 2010

  5. Port de Marseille

  6. Yachthafen Hatenboer, Roermond NL

COMMENTS

  1. Port Vauban : Capitale du Yachting en Méditerranée

    1500 postes d'amarrage Aire de carénage... 16000 m2 1 er port de plaisance en Méditerranée Avec ses 1500 postes d'amarrage, son infrastructure modernisée, sa capacité d'accueil de bateaux jusqu'à 160 mètres, le port Vauban est un haut lieu de la plaisance et du yachting en Méditerranée.

  2. The Ultimate Yachtie Guide To Antibes And Cote D'Azur

    Local Restaurants. There are plenty of great restaurants along the coast, but these are a few of the standout ones suggested to us by yacht chefs. Brasseries Foch - Steakhouse Address : 20 Boulevard Gustave Chancel, 06600 Antibes. Romagna Mia - italian restaurants Address : 3 Boulevard Dugommier, 06600 Antibes.

  3. The IYCA

    IYCA members can benefit from our exclusive facilities to organise indoor and outdoor private events. The Yacht Club is now a prime custom space for crews completed with an intimate lounge, relaxation areas, games room, gym and lounge bar celebrating the stylistic codes of the maritime world in a pure yachting spirit and 700 m2 of terraces on the 1st and 2nd floors offer panoramic views.

  4. Port Vauban

    Der größte französische Yachthafen "Port Vauban" liegt romantisch zwischen der Stadt Antibes und der alten Festung an der Küste der Côte d´Azur. Der Hafen ist ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für einen Segeltörn entlang der französischen Riviera in den Westen oder den Osten.

  5. Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes, France

    Hit the beach. A day on the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Antibes. And unlike a lot of the pebbly Côte d'Azur, Antibes has golden sand to go with its clear turquoise waters. The closest beach to the town centre is the Plage de la Gravette, which is accessed though an archway from the port and is overlooked by the ramparts.

  6. Antibes Luxury Yachting Guide

    Spot the historic site of The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea d'Antibes with its wooden sculptured front and well worth stepping inside for its crucifix of 1447 and a Virgin sculpted 1515. Art Lovers Rejoice The former Château Grimaldi at Antibes, with a rich heritage and colourful history stretching hundreds of years is a must see.

  7. Antibes Yacht Charter Guide

    An enticing cocktail of ancient and modern delights View Yachts Fragrant, flower-filled cobblestone streets sprawl out from the bustling central market place whilst enviable walled mansions are hidden amid dense pines, no wonder Picasso once called Antibes his home.

  8. The International Yacht Club d'Antibes Officially Opens in Port Vauban

    The International Yacht Club d'Antibes officially opened its doors last week, welcoming those from the local and international yachting industry to discover the array of brand-new developments that now lie at the heart of the Mediterranean's most prestigious cruising grounds.

  9. Antibes Yacht Charter

    Yachts for Charter in Antibes ALL Yachts Australia St Martin Find the perfect Yachts for Charter in Antibes and enjoy a fantastic Antibes yacht charter . Enjoy the most exclusive lifestyle aboard your private superyacht.

  10. International Yacht Club d'Antibes opens its doors in Port Vauban

    The International Yacht Club d'Antibes (IYCA) was officially opened in Port Vauban last week following a €135 million development project that included the renovation of the yacht club and its superyacht dock, Quai Camille Rayon, which can accommodate yachts up to 150 metres in length.

  11. Looking back at Antibes

    The Antibes Yacht Show has grown since its inception in 2007 and this trend continued during the 2013 Antibes Yacht Show. It stretches from the Old Harbour to the International Yacht Club of Antibes. This year it played host to some of the largest yachts the show has seen. This was due, in part, to efforts by the show organizers.

  12. Antibes Yacht Charters

    Luxury yacht charters in Antibes. As the starting point for most yacht charters that take place around the Cote d'Azur, Antibes is the place that guests will form their first impression of this remarkable part of the Mediterranean. Infused with the fine fragrance of the flowers which line the cobblestone streets, there can be no doubt that this romantic resort fringed with unspoiled beaches ...

  13. The Fight for Antibes: The Port Vauban expansion project

    The mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti, has tasked his deputy mayor, Jean-Pierre Gonzalez, with overseeing a vast redevelopment project for the port. The local council sees the project as a means of revitalizing Port Vauban and ensuring that it remains the No. 1 hub for yachting in the Med. However, some who work in the industry feel it is already ...

  14. A pocket guide to Antibes: the French Riviera town

    Europe & Britain | Destination Guides A pocket guide to Antibes: the French Riviera town by Katie Birtles 21 Aug 2020 Recently updated on July 13th, 2023 at 12:03 pm Share on Famous artists, multi-million-dollar mega yachts, jazz festivals and a charming 16th-century Old Town… you'll find it all this Antibes guide.

  15. 20 Best Things to Do in Antibes

    Notre-Dame-de-la-Platéa Cathedral, in Antibes. 5. The Picasso Museum. Just next to the cathedral, you must visit the Picasso museum. The latter is located in the Château Grimaldi, which owes its name to the the Monegasque family that lived there in the 14th century. The building is classified as a Historical Monument.

  16. Antibes Opens Yacht Club To Rival Monaco And Cannes

    International Yacht Club Antibes Blueiprod/Burgess Monaco and Cannes have been considered the jewels of the French Riviera yachting scene for many years, but a few kilometers down the coast,...

  17. Antibes Yacht Charter Itineraries

    A good yacht charter broker will be able to create a bespoke yacht vacation charter ideas for you and your party, based on your own requirements as well as the type of yacht and time of year you wish to travel. All Durations. 8-14 Days. The Glamour of the Mediterranean 10 Days, 9 Nights. Beyond the Riviera: Discover Corsica & Sardinia 12 Days ...

  18. Visiting Antibes: 2024 Insider's Guide to a Riviera Gem

    Antibes enjoys a prime location on the French Riviera, nestled between the bustling city of Nice and the glamorous town of Cannes. It is conveniently situated just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Nice and 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Cannes, allowing for easy access to these larger cities and their attractions.

  19. The fabulous French yacht charter destination

    The fabulous French yacht charter destination - Antibes to host Captains' Coating Forum. Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "The fabulous French yacht charter destination - Antibes to host Captains' Coating Forum". Charity & Fund Raising;

  20. Jachthafen Vauban

    Campingplatz in Antibes. 41 Stellplätze auf 0.5ha. 2 Sterne Familiencamping 35 mobile Häuser, ganzjährig geöffnet, Wir befinden uns im Herzen von Antibes Côte d'Azur zwischen Nizza und Cannes, nur 200 Meter vom Meer und dem Bahnhof gelegen Biot. In 2.8 km gelegen vom Jachthafen Vauban.

  21. Carinthia VII in Antibes

    Visit the SuperYacht Times online shop to view and order the latest market reports and newspaper issues.

  22. Weil Ernst

    View Yachthafen von Antibes (1975) By Ernst Weil; Oil/canvas; 63,8 x 76 cm; Signed; Edition. Access more artwork lots and estimated & realized auction prices on MutualArt.

  23. 15 Reasons Why Antibes is Worth Visiting

    8- Antibes is a great base for exploring the French Riviera. Antibes makes an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the beautiful French Riviera. From here, you can easily access some of the region's most popular attractions like Monaco or Menton. You can also venture further out and visit quaint towns like Grasse or Vence.