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

  • Isabelle Hoyne
  • February 29, 2024

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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
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Provence (excluding the French Riviera)

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Visit Antibes

  • Visit Antibes, the Mediterranean city-state
  • Cities on the Côte d’Azur

Bordered by the Mediterranean, the town of Antibes combines a gentle way of life and cultural visits with panache. Through its narrow Côte d’Azur streets and in the heart of its ramparts built by Vauban, discover the hidden treasures of Antibes: museums, markets and seaside walks. Enhance your stay in one of the essential towns on the Côte d’Azur , thanks to our visit ideas.

Vieille ville d'Antibes

1.  Visit the heart of Vieil-Antibes

Head for the old town to bring yourself up to speed with the pace of the Côte d’Azur. Here, the watchwords are warmth and friendliness; everything you need to immerse yourself in the local colour and visit the Provencal market.

Fish, fruit and vegetables, traditional dishes and local crafts folk: give yourself over to the flavours of the Mediterranean, strolling between the stalls in this typical market. It is open every day in summer and from Tuesday to Sunday the rest of the year. With your basket full and the sun at its zenith, it’s time to go back and taste your discoveries!

Take a detour via Rue du Saint-Esprit: you will pass the Saint-Esprit d’Antibes [Holy Spirit of Antibes] chapel and Notre-Dame de l’immaculée Conception [Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception] cathedral. Two ochre-coloured monuments that are worth the climb!

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Where is there to stay in Antibes? From a hotel to a guest house, by way of a campsite, Antibes has a wide choice of accommodation for every budget and every taste… Find your accommodation now!

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Visit Antibes, musée Picasso

2.  Be amazed at the Picasso Museum

The fascia of the Picasso museum sets the tone: art, a view and charm. At the gates of Vieil-Antibes, in the Grimaldi chateau beside the sea, the museum devoted to the artist Picasso blends with the white stones of the ramparts! Whether you choose to visit alone or with a guide, the works of Picasso, Nicolas de Staël, César and Modigliani will no longer hold any secrets for you.

The benefits of a guide? Learn more about the background to the creation of the works as well as the link between the artists and the town of Antibes.

Don’t leave the site too quickly! The museum visit continues outside its walls, on its pretty panoramic terrace that affords you a tableau combining azure blue and sculpture by Mirò. What better than to leave with stars in your eyes!

The Picasso Museum is not the only art centre in the town! To continue your artistic visits, here are a few museums not to be missed:

●     Peynet Museum : humorous and satirist drawings

●     Museum of archaeology : the story of Antibes during Antiquity

●     Postcard museum

●     Tower museum: customs and costumes from the 19th and 20th centuries in Antibes

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With the Côte d’Azur France Pass, discover Antibes in complete freedom. Visit more and spend less: guided tours, museums, Marineland…

3.  Overlook the town at Fort Carré

At 43 m high, the 16th century Fort Carré is an essential site to visit during your stay in Antibes. A monument full of history that will give you all the keys to unlock the town’s secrets!

Good news: because it’s small, the fort is explored in small groups (no more than 10 people). A blessing for enjoying the pleasure of a privileged visit. Your guide will lead you into the chapel, the kitchens and the soldiers’ room.

The highlight of the show? The visit ends at the top of the fort’s ramparts, with the backdrop of a 360° view over the Mediterranean and the town of Antibes!

When the sun sets, Port Vauban below the Fort invites you for a stroll, between typical yachts and upmarket boats.

Visit Antibes

4.  Head up to the famous La Garoupe Chapel

For a beautiful end to your visit to Antibes, what if you were to enjoy one of the prettiest views in the region? To get there, take the Chemin du Calvaire bordered by a forest and head up to the La Garoupe plateau. A panoramic view over the Mediterranean, the coasts of Cannes and Nice: breathe… you’ve arrived!

Can you see the La Garoupe lighthouse? It is one of the most powerful on the Côte d’Azur, with the light intensity of over 2 million candles!

Then head for the La Garoupe sanctuary: it houses the famous Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Garoupe [Our Lady of La Garoupe], a listed historic monument. Dating from the end of the Middle Ages, the building comprises a tower, the Notre-Dame de la Garde [Our Lady of La Garde] chapel and the Sainte-Hélène chapel. While some believe this is the most beautiful chapel in the world, it is without doubt one of the heritage jewels of the town of Antibes!

To fully enjoy this idyllic setting, the menu at the café terrace on the plateau offers: Pissaladière, farcis niçois and pan bagnat! A certified Perfect Moment!

Do you have any questions? We’ve got the answers!

Why visit antibes.

In the heart of its ramparts, the town of Antibes is brimming with markets, sunny alleyways and historic heritage. Of course, the white sandy beaches are not to be outdone so don’t forget your swimming costume!

What are the unmissable districts of Antibes?

●     The Le Safranier district: decorated by pretty flowered houses, the Le Safranier district is close to the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse. A perfect district to immerse yourself in the Provencal atmosphere of Antibes.

●     Vieil-Antibes: In the heart of the town, staying in this district is perfect for a weekend: close to all the sites of interest, you can do everything on foot.

●     The Cap d’Antibes: further out, this district gives access to superb coves and beaches.

What is there to do in Antibes?

The town of Antibes is overflowing with activities! Here is a small medley of visits to make during your stay:

●     See the yachts in Port Vauban

●     Visit the Picasso Museum

●     Walk along the coastal path

●     Laugh at the Peynet museum

●     Go and see the Le Nomade sculpture

●     Picnic in the Pinède garden

What is there to visit near Antibes?

Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is not short of activities to offer you! A few examples of visits in the surrounding area:

●     Visit the Lérins islands, opposite Cannes

●     Smell the perfumes in the town of Grasse

●     Walk in the village of Èze

●     Eat an ice cream in Juan-Les-Pins

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  • Business Travel

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June 29, 2016: Shoppers at the Cours Massena provencal market.

© Eddy Galeotti / Shutterstock

With its boat-bedecked port, 16th-century ramparts and narrow cobblestone streets festooned with flowers, it's little wonder that lovely Antibes has stolen the hearts of so many artists and writers: they include Graham Greene, Max Ernst and Picasso, who featured the town in many paintings and now has a museum dedicated to him here.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Antibes. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

The Picasso Museum at Grimaldi Castle in Antibes, France.

Musée Picasso

Picasso himself said, ‘If you want to see the Picassos from Antibes, you have to see them in Antibes'. The 14th-century Château Grimaldi was Picasso’s…

Vieil Antibes

Vieil Antibes

Ringed by sturdy medieval walls and criss-crossed with lanes and shady squares, old Antibes is a delightful place for a wander. The wonderful Marché…

Musée National Picasso 'La Guerre et la Paix'

Musée National Picasso 'La Guerre et la Paix'

Picasso's everywhere in Provence, including this modern museum 7km west of Antibes, which centres around the artist's last great political work: the…

Plage de la Garoupe

Plage de la Garoupe

This stretch of Cap d'Antibes was first raked clear of seaweed in 1922 by Cole Porter and American artist Gerald Murphy to create a sandy beach. Its…

Fort Carré

The impregnable 16th-century Fort Carré, enlarged by Vauban in the 17th century, dominates the approach to Antibes from Nice. It served as a border…

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret

In the centre of Cap d'Antibes, this serene, 3.5-hectare botanical garden was created in 1856 and showcases 2500 species – the perfect opportunity to…

Plage de la Gravette

Plage de la Gravette

Right in the centre of Antibes, you’ll find Plage de la Gravette, a small patch of sand by the remparts (ramparts).

Plage de la Salis

Plage de la Salis

This beach, with unbeatable views of old Antibes and the Alps, is 20 minutes from Antibes.

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Antibes is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department which brilliantly combines the past and the present. During a stroll in the old Antibes, you can admire the facades, the doors, but also the emblematic monuments of Antibes such as the cathedral or the Château Grimaldi. On the way back to Port Vauban, you can discover the lace sculpture of letters « Nomade » imagined by Jaume Plensa and go to Fort Carré.

During this holiday in the sun, you will have the opportunity to discover the many craft stores located in the streets of the center of Antibes Juan les Pins. Have a break by sitting on the terrace of a restaurant to taste the specialties of the region . The Provencal market is an integral part of the town’s traditions. Discover the colorful and scented stalls of local producers.

Throughout the year, the town comes alive and organizes various events to honor local art and customs. The Jazz à Juan festival is one of the best known.

Nature lovers will be able to take the hiking trails that wind their way to Cap d’Antibes. The Sentier de Tire-poil runs along the sea and allows you to discover the local fauna and flora. For a moment of relaxation, you can also enjoy the beach . There are many sandy and shingle beaches in Antibes Juan les Pins. They border the coast and offer a heavenly setting for sunbathing or for having fun. The most athletic can enjoy water sports such as diving or wakeboarding.

Musée Picasso

The Musée Picasso is housed in the former Château Grimaldi . The latter was both the residence of the bishops in the Middle Ages, but also the home of the Monegascan family and then the residence of the King’s governor before being a barracks. Today, the building has given way to the paintings donated to the city by the painter Pablo Picasso . Nicolas de Staël also stayed at the Château Grimaldi. You can discover the works donated by his widow to the museum. Over time and through donations, the collections have been enriched with pieces by many artists.

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Fort Carré d’Antibes

Fort Carré d’Antibes is located on the Saint-Roch peninsula at 26 meters above sea level. The construction of the Fort was initiated by the King of France Henri II to serve as a sentinel and defense post , but also as a prison. It is composed of four bastions named Antibes, Nice, France and Corsica opposite the directions to which they point. Listed as a historical monument , Fort Carré is open to the public and allows you to discover its architecture and its preserved environment. The place offers a breathtaking view of the old town and the sea.

Saint-Bernardin Chapel

The Saint-Bernardin chapel , in the heart of the old town of Antibes, was built in the 16th century. Listed as a historical monument , it has been renovated to highlight the neo-gothic style of the period, both inside and outside. The interior decoration of the building is a feast for the eyes. Admire the statues of Saint Roch, Saint Sebastian and Saint Bernardin de Sienne, the starry blue ceiling, the16th-century frescoes, twisted columns in gilded wood, etc. The town of Antibes won the “Les Rubans du Patrimoine » French Building Federation Prize for the restoration of this chapel.

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Villa Eilenroc

The Villa Eilenroc , located at the end of Cap d’Antibes, was the residence of a wealthy Dutchman named Hugh-Hope Loudon and then that of a wealthy American businessman. The Beaumont couple had the house decorated with 18th-century furniture and paintings and organized prestigious receptions. The owner left the villa to the town of Antibes on condition that a Beaumont Foundation was created to exploit this heritage, use the property for exhibitions , receptions and the reception of famed guests. The couple also wanted the gardens to be open to the public. All these conditions are now respected.

Hartung-Bergman Foundation

The Hartung-Bergman foundation is the former residence and studio of the artists Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman, figures of 20th century modern art. Today, the villa houses works and archives : paintings, works on paper, prints, photographs, press articles, notes, etc. The foundation and its buildings extend over nearly 2,600 m² in a park of hundred-year-old olive trees. Throughout the year, the Hartung-Bergman foundation awards mobility grants to finance the trip and stay of young researchers , art historians, but also human and social science researchers.

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Practical information

  • Tourist Office of Antibes : https://www.antibesjuanlespins.com/
  • Road service : A8 Highway (from Aix-en-Provence or the Italian border)
  • Air access : Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (30 minutes)
  • Railroad access : train station
  • Also discover : Antibes markets

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  • Cagnes-sur-Mer

Tourism in Vallauris You can spend your stay in Vallauris? This town on the French Riviera and in the hinterland of Nice is a delightful place with its historic town centre, its monuments, its... Read more Tourism in Biot In the Alpes-Maritimes department, the picturesque charm of the pretty village of Biot seduces visitors. You can find stores and businesses on site, while enjoying the serenity... Read more Tourism in Valbonne In the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, the city of Valbonne attracts many tourists. Ideal starting point to discover southeastern France, Valbonne also has an attractive... Read more Tourism in Cannet On the heights of Cannes, a glamorous seaside resort on the French Riviera, Le Cannet is appreciated for its privileged location two kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. In... Read more Tourism in Mougins Read more Tourism in Cannes Read more Tourism in Villeneuve-Loubet The town of Villeneuve-Loubet is an important tourist destination in southeastern France. Visitors appreciate its monuments, its animation and its city center. Do you want to... Read more Tourism in Roquefort-les-Pins Tourist destination of the Alpes-Maritimes, the village of Roquefort-les-Pins seduces by its authentic charm, in the heart of the spectacular landscapes of southeastern France.... Read more Tourism in Opio in the Alpes-Maritimes, the village of Opio seduces by its authenticity, nestled in the heart of the spectacular landscapes of southeastern France. Benefiting from a... Read more Tourism in Cagnes-sur-Mer Read more

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~ Antibes Visitor's Guide ~

The popular seaside town in the heart of the Côte d'Azur has everything - culture, scenery, beaches and bays and is a great place for a long weekend, a good holiday or a base for exploring the French Riviera.

The historic old town (Vieil Antibes) within the ramparts has retained much of its original character with quaint cobbled streets, a Provencal market, lots of restaurants, street cafes and bars. Outside of the Old Town walls is the modern city of Antibes with all the amenities of a modern town.

Antibes has a vibrant yachting community and hosts a regatta (see events in Antibes ). Port Vauban is Europe's largest yacht marina and is where the world's super yachts gather. Towards the western end of the port, near the old town, are the fishing boats.

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Antibes-Juan-les-Pins

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

This French Riviera resort town offers all the attractions of a summertime vacation destination: sunny days, sandy beaches, and a lively ambience. Antibes has 25 kilometers of coastline with dozens of beaches overlooking the serene blue Mediterranean Sea.

Besides the allure of sunshine and beaches , Antibes boasts an interesting cultural heritage. The medieval fortified castle in the Old Town was for many years the seat of a bishop and a holiday residence of the Grimaldi family.

The beautiful natural setting of pine groves and sea views once inspired Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and other artists. Today, you can admire the lush scenery and experience the vibrant open-air markets of Antibes year-round, thanks to the mild climate of southern France .

Antibes-Juan-les-Pins is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera for sightseeing, but it's also a great place to just slow down and relax. Discover the most interesting monuments, museums, and beaches in the area with our list of the top tourist attractions in Antibes-Juan-les-Pins.

See also: Where to Stay in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

1. Vieil Antibes (Old Town)

2. cap d'antibes and juan-les-pin beaches, 3. musée picasso, 4. chemin des douaniers, 5. jazz à juan festival, 6. musée peynet et du dessin humoristique (cartoon museum), 7. fort carré, 8. cathédrale notre-dame-de-la-platea, 9. jardin botanique de la villa thuret, 10. chapelle de la garoupe, 11. villa eilenroc, 12. musée d'archéologie, 13. nomade at the bastion saint-jaume, 14. chapelle saint-bernardin, 15. day trip to the hilltop village of biot, 16. day trip to grasse, the perfume capital of france, where to stay in antibes & juan-les-pins for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in antibes-juan-les-pins.

Vieil Antibes (Old Town)

The walled Old Town of Antibes is an inviting place to wander at a leisurely pace. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets are filled with little boutiques, gourmet food shops, cafés, and restaurants. Exploring by foot leads to enchanting discoveries: seaside views, bougainvillea-draped alleyways, and shaded squares with outdoor dining terraces.

This medieval quarter is especially bustling during market hours when vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as artisanal products like cheese and olives. A traditional open-air Marché Provençal is held every morning year-round (except Mondays from September through May) on the Cours Masséna.

After admiring the Old Town's atmospheric pedestrian lanes, go for a stroll along the ramparts ( les remparts ). Overlooking the Baie des Anges, the path along the city's historic fortifications offers an exceptional panoramic outlook over the Mediterranean Sea.

Two top tourist attractions are found within Vieil Antibes: the Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the renowned Musée Picasso (in the medieval Château Grimaldi).

The Old Town of Antibes is called "Vieil Antibes" or "La Vieille Ville d'Antibes" in French.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Nice

Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pin Beaches

Be sure to check out the Antibes beach scene if you visit during summertime. The area around Antibes boasts a wide selection of beautiful and well-maintained sandy beaches.

Outside the Antibes city limits, there are two areas with excellent beaches: the Cap d'Antibes peninsula and the Juan-les-Pins coastline that extends along the Golfe-Juan between Antibes and Cannes. Both areas have public and private beaches. Many of the public beaches offer showers and toilet facilities; private beaches generally have waterfront restaurants.

Named after the pine groves sheltering the coastline, Juan-les-Pins is prized for its pristine environment, as well as its stylish beach clubs. Les Pirates - La Pinède is a popular private beach club, found on a shoreline of fine golden sand; amenities include a restaurant and lounge chairs & sun umbrellas.

A favorite public beach in Juan-les-Pins is the Plage de la Gallice , which has a protected sandy shoreline and a laid-back ambience.

The Cap d'Antibes peninsula is known for its hidden beaches tucked away in coves and the fancy villas that dot its hillsides. One of the most picturesque spots on the Cap d'Antibes is the Plage de la Garoupe . This private beach boasts fine white sand and gentle crystalline waters. During the off-season, the Place de la Garoupe allows public access.

The beachfront property of the Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins is dotted with restaurants and seaside hotels. The five-star Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel provides access to a private beach. Other Cap d'Antibes hotels with private beaches include the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the glamorous Hôtel Belles Rives .

Read More: Top-Rated Beach Destinations in France

Musée Picasso

The Musée Picasso occupies the Château Grimaldi , an impressive medieval fortress with sea views. Pablo Picasso used this château as an art studio for several months in 1946, and during this period, he completed 23 paintings and 44 drawings.

A highlight of Vieil Antibes , the Picasso Museum exhibits present over 200 works by Picasso, including many famous pieces. The museum gives these paintings the proper context, as they represent Picasso's infinite creativity and a period of joie de vivre in his life.

The museum also has a permanent collection of modern and contemporary artworks created by renowned artists including Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung, Anna-Eva Bergman, and Joan Miró. The castle's terrace displays sculptures by Joan Miró, Germaine Richier, Bernard Pagès, among others.

Address: Château Grimaldi, Place Mariejol, Antibes

Chemin des Douaniers

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Cap d'Antibes on this 3.7-kilometer coastal hike. Because of the gusty breezes off the bay, the Chemin des Douaniers has earned the nickname " Sentier de Tirepoil ," which loosely translates to "wind-blown hair trail." The salty sea air and panoramic views are certainly invigorating.

Beginning at the Plage de la Garoupe, the narrow, winding seaside trail includes pedestrian staircases, and portions are near cliff edges overlooking the Mediterranean waters. The trail also continues alongside terraces and gardens of private villas.

The pathway winds around the Cap d'Antibes headland, through pine groves and across freshwater creeks. The trail continues until the tip of Cap d'Antibes at the Villa Eilenroc , which has splendid grounds (open to the public) with a rose garden and olive grove.

The Chemin des Douaniers falls within an area of the Cap d'Antibes that is a protected nature site . This unspoiled environment features lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Seagulls are a common sight, and dolphins may be spotted frolicking in the bay.

Jazz à Juan Festival

The prestigious Jazz à Juan festival is held in Antibes every summer (late June through mid-July). The first festival held in 1960 was a tribute to the famous jazz musician, Sidney Bechet, who loved Antibes, and since the 1960s the festival has welcomed jazz legends including Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn.

The festival enjoys a spectacular setting in Juan-les-Pins. The Petite Pinède amphitheater (Rue Leonetti and Boulevard Baudoin) stands next to the Mediterranean Sea in a shady pine grove (Pinède Gould) .

The repertoire of music reflects a great diversity of cultures, such as American, African, Latin, and Cuban. Musical performances cover a wide range of styles from Cool Jazz and New Orleans Jazz to Gospel, Blues, Swing, Be-Bop, and Electro-Jazz.

Address: Jardins de la Pinède, Boulevard Baudoin, Antibes (Juan-les-Pins)

Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique

Founded in 1995, this museum is dedicated to the work of cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who lived in Antibes for many years. The collection displays whimsical drawings, etchings, lithographs, and comic strips created by Peynet during his 60-year career.

The collection at the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique also presents other cartoonists' works. Over 30 noteworthy illustrators of the 19th and 20th centuries (as well as contemporary cartoonists) are represented.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th.

Address: Place Nationale, Antibes

Fort Carré

For astounding coastal views, head to Fort Carré . This Monument Historique affords a 360-degree vantage point from its perch above the Port Vauban (harbor/marina). The Renaissance fortress was built in the 16th century on the orders of Henri II.

Within the Fort Carré is a pathway along the ramparts , where you can take a stroll. You will have a chance to admire the amazing military architecture and splendid sea views.

Four hectares of protected parkland surround Fort Carré. The grounds feature typical Mediterranean vegetation.

The Fort Carré is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th.

Address: Avenue du 11 Novembre, Antibes

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cannes

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea

In the heart of Vieil Antibes , the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea exemplifies Provençal Baroque architecture with its cheerful rose-colored façade. The intricately detailed doors on the façade were sculpted by Joseph Dolle during the 18th century.

Visitors will also be delighted by the artwork inside the cathedral, including the Vierge du Rosaire painting by Louis Bréa circa 1515. This famous piece depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child with little cherubs in the background. The panels surrounding the Virgin Mary represent the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary: five each of Joy, Sorrow, and Glory.

Address: Rue du Saint-Esprit, Antibes

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret

This stunning 3.5-hectare botanical garden boasts a great diversity of plants, including many exotic plants that thrive in the climate of the Cap d'Antibes. There is also an arboretum with an extensive collection of trees and shrubs.

The Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret was created by botanist Gustave Thuret who laid it out around 1856. The novelist George Sand wrote in Letters of a Traveller that it was "the loveliest garden [she] had ever seen."

Besides being a tourist attraction, the Villa Thuret Botanical Garden serves as a space for scientific research and studies of conservation.

The garden is open (free of charge) Monday through Friday year-round; opening hours are 8am until 6pm from June through September and 8:30am until 5:30pm from October through May; it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

You could easily visit this garden along with a nearby beach in the same afternoon. The Villa Thuret Botanical Garden is located near (a five-minute drive from) the Plage de la Garoupe on the Cap d'Antibes peninsula.

Address: 90 Chemin Gustave Raymond, Antibes

Chapelle de la Garoupe

This little chapel is an emblematic monument in Antibes, thanks to its exceptional location on the Plateau de la Garoupe . The chapel stands on an ideal vantage point for viewing the town of Antibes and the Côte d'Azur coastline.

Besides breathtaking vistas from the outdoor terrace, the chapel has an atmospheric sanctuary. The intimate and inspiring spiritual space features frescoes and commemorative plaques. Other artworks include a 14th-century icon from Sébastopol and an interesting Madonna and Child statue crafted from wood and entirely gilded.

Classified as a Monument Historique , the Chapelle de la Garoupe is open (free of charge) every day from 10am until 6pm.

Address: 635 Route du Phare, Antibes

Villa Eilenroc

The Villa Eilenroc epitomizes the luxury of the French Riviera during the Belle Epoque. Built in 1867, the villa was designed by Charles Garnier , the architect of the Paris and Monte-Carlo opera houses. You can visit the first-floor rooms of the Villa Eilenroc, which is open (with an admission fee) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am until 4pm.

Be sure to take a stroll through the villa's beautiful public park (open at the same hours as the villa). The park features Mediterranean landscaping and a rose garden with thousands of blooms. Most of these fragrant roses originated in Antibes, France's capital of rose growing.

The Chemin des Douaniers , a 3.7-kilometer coastal path begins at the beach near the Villa Eilenroc and ends at the Garoupe Bay where the Plage de la Garoupe (beach) is located. This seafront trail, along the tip of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula, offers sweeping views from various vantage points.

Address: 460 Avenue Mrs Beaumont, Antibes

Bastion Saint-André (Musée d'Archéologie)

The Musée d'Archéologie is housed within the 17th-century Bastion Saint-André . This museum displays archaeological exhibits that reveal Antibes' ancient history, first as a Greek settlement and then as a Roman city.

In two galleries, the museum presents collections of ancient ceramics, mosaics, coins, vases, and other everyday objects. The artifacts on display were retrieved from various excavation sites in the city and the surrounding waters. Many precious items were found from Etruscan, Greek, Phoenician, and Roman shipwrecks.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from February through October, and Tuesday through Saturday in the low season (November through January). The museum is also closed on national holidays (January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th).

Address: 1 Avenue Général Maizière, Bastion Saint André, Antibes

Nomade at the Bastion Saint-Jaume

Viewed from far away, this cloud-like sculpture appears to be a figment of your imagination. It's fitting that this dreamy art installation stands on the site of the Bastion Saint-Jaume shipyard, where Captain Cousteau's famous ship, the Calypso, set out.

Though the shipyard closed in 1985, this site now features the remarkable Nomade sculpture. Depicting a man staring out to sea, this innovative and immense installation by the Catalan artist Jaume Plensa evokes a sense of mystery and adventure.

The site is open every day except Mondays. Opening hours are 10am until 11pm from June through August and 10am until 6pm from September through May. Admission is free of charge.

Address: Quai Henri Rambaud, Antibes

Classified as a Monument Historique , this 16th-century Gothic church was built for the Brotherhood of the White Penitents of Saint Bernardin.

The ornate interior will surprise you with its richness and beauty. Frescoes from the 16th and 19th centuries adorn the walls, and the 18th-century wooden altarpiece was crafted in Baroque style.

The chapel is open to the public (free admission) year-round Tuesday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm.

Address: 14 Rue du Docteur Rostan, Antibes

Ancient hilltop village of Biot

Just seven kilometers away (about a 20-minute drive) from Antibes, Biot is a quaint medieval hilltop village with cobblestone streets and idyllic pastoral views. Not to be missed is the Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine , which has a Vierge du Rosaire painting by Louis Bréa.

Other things to do in Biot include browsing the town's art galleries and boutiques. The village is known for its arts and crafts, including gold and silver work, ceramics, handcrafted glass, wood carvings, weaving, and silk-screen printing.

A short drive away from the center of the village is the Musée National Fernand Léger on the Chemin du Val de Pôme. Created by Léger's widow, Nadja, in the 1950s, the museum displays the artist's works in a comprehensive fashion. The enormous outdoor mosaic was originally intended for a sports stadium in Hanover, Germany.

Grasse, the perfume capital of France

Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by fields of flowers, Grasse is a characteristic Provençal town. This lovely city, just 20 kilometers away from Antibes, makes a delightful place to visit for a day trip in the Côte d'Azur countryside (an area overlapping with the Provence region ).

Grasse is the world capital of perfume, which has been made here since the 16th century. In the countryside around the town are aromatic species of roses, jasmine, violet, mimosa, and lavender used to create exquisite fragrances.

Today, Grasse has several exceptional perfumeries. The prestigious Parfumerie Fragonard (20 Boulevard Fragonard) and Maison Galimard (73 Route de Cannes) factories are open to the public for guided tours.

Want to create your own perfume? Sign up for a workshop at Parfumerie Fragonard or Maison Galimard, or try the perfume workshop at Parfumerie Molinard on the Boulevard Victor Hugo in Grasse.

At the Musée International de la Parfumerie (2 Boulevard du Jeu de Ballon), you learn about the history, art, and science of creating perfume. A highlight of the International Perfume Museum is the fragrant garden, which is filled with sustainable aromatic flowers and plants used to make perfumes.

Another must-see cultural attraction, the Musée Fragonard in the Hôtel de Villeneuve (14 Rue Jean Ossola) displays 20 important paintings by Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The famous 18th-century artist is appreciated for his delicate and joyful Rococo style. In addition, the collection presents the work of two other artists from Grasse: Marguerite Gérard and Jean-Baptiste Mallet.

Be sure to save time for wandering the narrow streets of Grasse. The quaint pedestrian lanes are lined with enticing boutiques and lead to shady fountain-adorned public squares. The city's main drag (Rue Jean Ossola and Rue Marcel Journet) has many cafés, restaurants, and shops including perfume boutiques.

The medieval center ( Old Town ) of Grasse is a typical Provençal hilltop town with pedestrian staircases, refreshing fountains, and views of the surrounding landscape. From some vantage points, there are amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea, as the Bay of Cannes is visible in the distance.

Not to be missed is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy , a 12th-century Romanesque church that presides over a square of pastel-painted buildings. The exterior of the church looks weathered, but the interior houses precious artworks, including an altarpiece by Louis Bréa and paintings by Peter Paul Rubens.

Grasse Center Map - Tourist Attractions

For tourists, the best place to stay in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins depends on the main reason for visiting. Juan-les-Pins is known for its lovely beaches and Art Deco architecture, while Antibes offers cultural attractions, such as museums and a charming Old Town with many shops, cafés, and restaurants. Here are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

  • Occupying the waterfront villa where Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in 1925, the five-star Hôtel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins features a Michelin-starred restaurant, seafront terraces, a private beach, and chic rooms with sparkling sea views.
  • Nestled in a cove with a private sandy beach, the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel offers spacious, contemporary-style guest rooms. This five-star Relais & Châteaux property includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, an infinity pool, and lush Mediterranean gardens.
  • Another high-end hotel on the Cap d'Antibes is the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc , a 19th-century seaside property with a luxuriant parkland and private beach. This five-star resort has several gourmet restaurants, an upscale spa (with sauna and steam room) that offers beauty treatments and yoga sessions; and a heated infinity pool.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • The four-star La Villa Cap d'Antibes in a quiet residential area of Juan-les-Pins has an outdoor swimming pool and terrace where breakfast is served. Its stylish rooms come with balconies or terraces with pool or sea views.
  • Within walking distance of both Juan-les-Pins and Vieil Antibes, the family-run Hôtel Le Petit Castel is a three-star boutique hotel with bright, modern rooms. Amenities include a shady garden terrace and a fitness center.
  • It's a short walk to the beach or the Musée Picasso from the Mas Djoliba Hotel in Antibes. This three-star hotel occupies a renovated Provençal farmhouse; the property has a garden and an outdoor swimming pool.
  • Hôtel & Residence Les Strélitzias is just a five-minute walk from the beach and less than a 10-minute walk from the Juan-les-Pins town center. This three-star hotel offers cheerful contemporary-style guest rooms with private balconies or apartment accommodations with kitchenettes and living rooms.

Budget Hotels:

  • In a quiet residential area, a 10-minute walk to the Juan-les-Pins town center and beaches, the Hôtel & Studios Astor has studio apartments ideal for those who like to do their own cooking. This two-star hotel also offers a continental breakfast.
  • The Hôtel Le Pré Catelan is just a short walk away from the beaches and town center of Juan-les-Pins. This three-star hotel features guest rooms adorned with colorful Provençal décor. The hotel has a pleasant garden and a small swimming pool. A full breakfast is available.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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French Riviera Beach Holiday : Antibes-Juan-les-Pins is a good starting point to explore the famous Côte d'Azur . A short drive or train ride from Antibes (11 kilometers away) is the legendary seaside resort of Cannes , with its Belle Epoque hotels, stylish restaurants, and glitzy Cannes Film Festival held in May. A stroll down Cannes' main street, the Boulevard de la Croisette, gives you a taste of the good life.

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Things to Do in and around Nice : Within a 30-minute train ride or drive (22 kilometers away) is Nice , a picturesque city appreciated for its elegant waterfront promenade, quaint Old Town, and wealth of cultural attractions. The quintessential French Riviera village of Cagnes-Sur-Mer (11 kilometers away from Antibes) and other pleasant day trips from Nice await vacationers who have more time to enjoy the area.

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Glamorous Monaco and Charming Provence : Slightly farther away are two more top attractions: the medieval "perched village" of Eze (48 kilometers from Antibes) and gorgeous, glittering Monaco (50 kilometers away). If you are traveling by car, you can also visit the charming hilltop towns of Provence , such as Tourette-sur-Loup (25 kilometers away) and Saint-Paul-de-Vence (17 kilometers away).

Antibes Map - Tourist Attractions

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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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Antibes travel guide

Photo of Antibes

Visit Antibes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)

Antibes is a resort town on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice . It is adjacent to Juan-les-Pins (which is the other side of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula) and faces across the Baie des Anges (as does nearby Nice).

Explore Antibes

France This way review: Antibes is one of the most attractive and interesting places to visit on this section of the coast, with all the ingredients you could hope for: an attractive sea-facing area, historical buildings, an interesting old town with a traditional market, and a selection of museums. Most important for visitors, there is also a lively, bustling feel to the town.

The old town in Antibes is very pleasant to explore, with a mass of narrow winding streets lined with pretty houses, designer shops and boutiques, and cafes and bars. The historic centre of Antibes is still surrounded by the defensive ramparts built by Vauban.

Vauban defences in Antibes

There are a few sites of historical interest here in the centre of Antibes, including the medieval church towers and the 16th century fortress, close together and near the sea.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Platea in Antibes has origins in the 12th century but has been largely rebuilt in recent centuries. The stone belltower is separated from the cathedral by a small chapel.

The cathedral highlights include the 18th century doors and the altarpiece and other religious artefacts inside, several of which date from the 15th century.

You will also come across lots of small highlights around the centre of Antibes, such as traditional fountains and small squares surrounded by ancient houses which provide much of the appeal of the town.

There is a very good covered market in the centre of the town where you can buy all manner of fresh produce as well as hand crafted artisan items - I was pleased to see that the focus was on quality food products (cheeses, spices, fruit, sausages etc) rather than the 'tack' that sometimes takes over traditional French markets...

There are also a couple of carefully laid out gardens that should be visited while you are here: the botanical gardens of Villa Thuret and the substantial Exflora Park are among the most visited.

The gardens at Eilenroc Villa are also exceptional and have lovely sea views as a backdrop.

Palm trees and pond in port area

Picasso Museum of Antibes

In the Grimaldi castle you can visit the Picasso museum , one of Antibes most renowned attractions. Picasso lived in the Antibes-Juan-les-Pins region for a large part of his life, and had a studio in the Grimaldi castle for a few months after the second world war.

In addition to some 50 works by Picasso (mostly 'minor' by comparison with his more famous works, but fascinating nonetheless), the museum also has a good collection of works by other modern artists popular around the middle of the 20th century such as Joan Miro and Max Ernst.

Other Antibes attractions

Other museums in Antibes include one dedicated to Napoleon, and a local archaeology museum in the defensive walls of the town to the west.

The harbour area of Antibes is the place to go to admire lots suitably impressive oversized yachts. You can then conclude your Antibes visit with a stroll along the seafront, and some lovely views across the Baie des Anges and along Cap d'Antibes.

If you would like a longer walk you can follow the Smugglers Path along the coast from the Plage de la Garoupe (on the eastern side of Cap d'Antibes).

Antibes beaches

The coast around Antibes features many kilometres of beaches to suit all tastes - including public and private (paid) sections. The public beaches, especially the more easily accessible, get rather crowded in the summer - as you might have guessed!

The main beach in the centre of Antibes is the Plage de la Gravette, a sandy beach next to the ramparts. The other popular local beaches are along the eastern side of Cap d'Antibes and include the Plage du Ponteil and the Plage de la Salis just a short distance south of the town. Both are very attractive sandy beaches.

Plage de la Gravette in center of Antibes

Attractions nearby

The route that follows the coast around the Cap d'Antibes to reach Juan les Pins has lots of beautiful coastal scenery and glimpses of luxury villas where the rich and famous of Antibes live.

Explore elsewhere in the Cote d'Azur . You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-Maritimes guide and the Provence guide .

Photos of Antibes

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Hotels in Antibes

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Map of antibes and places nearby, visit near antibes with france this way reviews.

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins

A short distance west of Antibes, Juan-les-Pins is one of the liveliest resorts in the riviera

Cap d'Antibes

Cap d'Antibes

The Cap d'Antibes peninsula is a tranquil region between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, with a nice coast path and public gardens

Biot

The arcacded houses around Place des Arcades are the start of your visit to Biot, a picturesque 'perched village' in Provence

Valmasque Parc

Valmasque Parc

Valmasque Parc is a tranquil park of trees and picnic areas

Iles de Lérins

Iles de Lérins

The Iles de Lérins is a peaceful group of islands to the south of Cannes

Cagnes-sur-Mer

Cagnes-sur-Mer

If you visit the resort and beaches of Cagnes-sur-Mer be sure to also explore the attractive old village of Haut-de-Cagnes on the hill behind

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Alpes-Maritimes

Tourist classifications for Antibes

Antibes is classified as a

Address: Antibes, Grasse, Provence, 6600, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.5808, longitude 7.12389

Plan your visit to Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

  • Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret: remarkable garden
  • Marineland d'Antibes: aquarium (4 km)
  • Cannes : ville fleurie 4* (10 km)
  • Abbaye de Lerins (Cannes): religious monument (10 km)
  • Parc Phœnix: zoo or wildlife park (12 km)
  • Parc du château de la Napoule: remarkable garden (16 km)
  • Nice : secteur sauvegarde (18 km)
  • Jardin botanique: remarkable garden (18 km)
  • Grasse : secteur sauvegarde (18 km)
  • Baou de Saint-Jeannet: site of natural beauty (19 km)
  • Jardin de la Villa Fort de France: remarkable garden (19 km)
  • Gourdon : most beautiful village (19 km)

Market days in Antibes, France

Regular market(s) are held in Antibes each Wednesday & every day except Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Antibes (Francais)

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Antibes   Travel Guide

antibes tourist information

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antibes tourist information

Why Go To Antibes

Antibes, a much beloved vacation spot of everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to the Kennedys, is where the glamorous glitterati go to unwind. On the Mediterranean Sea, about halfway between eastern neighbor  Nice  and western neighbor  Cannes , this resort town is one of the Cote d'Azur's more laid-back cities. The flashy yachting crowd enjoys darting around the waves by day and docking their sleek boats at the port by night. Partiers hit the clubs and casinos in nearby Juan-les-Pins; serious sunbathers, gallery hoppers and boutique shoppers swarm this area too. The sandy (or stony, depending on where you are)  beaches , which skirt the cerulean Mediterranean, are another draw. And of course, there are those who just want to get away – so they rent a room in a pine tree-shrouded villa like the stunning Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc and spend their days sunning and snorkeling on the cape, eating fine French fare come evening.

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  • # 14 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations

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Popular Tours

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Antibes Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Antibes is in the fall for its lovely weather and waning crowds and hotel rates. Winter is the low season: This is your best chance to score a decent room rate (though closures around town may put a damper on your trip). Spring is another delightful season, but it's also increasingly popular among tourists. Summer is jam-packed with vacationing Parisians, who drive the already high hotel rates even higher. 

Weather in Antibes

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

  • Bring hiking shoes  Not only will a sturdy pair of shoes come in handy while exploring Old Town 's ancient streets, they'll also be a requirement if you're hoping to tackle the picturesque  Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes .
  • Follow the Painters' Trail Antibes once drew a bevy of artists, including Monet and Picasso. You can follow in the footsteps of these luminaries by picking up a map at the tourist office that leads visitors on a path to some of these painters' most famous scenes.
  • Avoid the car rental  Parking can be a hassle, and with the pedestrian-friendly nature of Antibes, a car won't be necessary.

How to Save Money in Antibes

  • Make it a daytrip If you're having trouble finding affordable lodging in Antibes, consider shortening your visit to just a daytrip. The train ride between Nice and Antibes is quick and affordable.
  • Pack a picnic The  Marche Provencal is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to pick up provisions for a picnic. Avoid the cost of a mid-day meal and head to the market instead.
  • Avoid the casino The French Riviera is full of alluring and glitzy casinos. Avoid the siren call of Lady Luck and check out the (free) beaches instead.

Culture & Customs

It is polite to greet everyone you encounter with a friendly "good day" ( bonjour ) upon arrival, and a "goodbye" ( au revoir ) when leaving. Shaking hands is a common way to greet an acquaintance, while it is common amongst friends to double-kiss ( faire un bisous ) when saying hello and goodbye. Aside from bisous , the French do not interact physically in the same way Americans do. If you are directly addressing someone you do not know well, do so formally by referring to them as Monsieur or Madame until told otherwise.

Gratuity is generally included in the bill, but it is customary to round the total up or add an extra 5 percent for extraordinary service. A 10 percent tip is acceptable for maid service at a hotel, as well as for taxi drivers. The official currency in France is the euro, and one euro is equal to approximately $1.14 but the euro to U.S. dollar rate often fluctuates, so check the latest exchange rate before you go. If you find yourself short on euros, almost all restaurants and hotels also accept major credit cards. Though if you're headed to the market , you'll want to have euros on hand.

Antibes is a safe city, but tourists should be wary of petty crime and pickpockets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. At night, try not to walk alone and if it's late, take a taxi back to your accommodations.

What to Eat

Classic Mediterranean fare, heavy on seafood, is standard in the area, but everything from pizza to pasta can be found at Antibes' many cafes and restaurants. In the Old Town , as you stroll the picturesque streets, it's easy to find a charming spot to dine.

One of the most renowned restaurants in Antibes is the award-winning Bacon , which has been popular for more than 60 years. Another hot spot, with amazing views of the Mediterranean, is Les Vieux Murs , which serves local seasonal food. You can easily make a delightful picnic with selections from the Marché Provençal and head to the beach to enjoy it.

Getting Around Antibes

The best way to get around Antibes is on foot, especially if you plan on sticking close to the city's center. The closest airport to Antibes is the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE). It takes about 30 minutes to drive from the airport to Antibes. There are plenty of car rental options and many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service, so make sure to ask. A taxi ride from the airport to Antibes will cost between 60 and 70 euros (about $70 to $80). For a cheaper ride, consider hopping on the Vallauris Express 250 bus from the airport.

If you're arriving via train, it'll be a 15-minute ride from Nice or a 5½-hour ride from Paris .

Entry & Exit Requirements

A United States passport with at least three months remaining validity is required for you to leave the mainland and to re-enter the country. You must also have at least one blank page for stamps. Travelers can enter France for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain the proper visa from one of the French consulates in the U.S. prior to departure. For more information concerning entry and exit requirements for France, visit the U.S. State Department's  website .

Antibes is a quick and easy daytrip from Nice .

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Musee Picasso

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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. 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourisme (@antibestourisme) on Sep 5, 2019 at 7:52am PDT

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. 

RELATED CONTENT: A Montenegro vacation is the new (and more affordable) French Riviera

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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Tourist information in Antibes

Get tourist information for Antibes

Visiting a new destination always raises typical questions, here is a list of practical information covering everything from money exchange, to national holidays, driving, health and more.

Time in Antibes Like the rest of France, Antibes is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1), but from late March until late October, summer time (GMT+2) applies.

Opening times in Antibes In addition to the times shown below, large department stores, as well as supermarkets and shops in tourist resorts may open outside these times, especially in the summer (or in the winter for ski resorts!). In general, pharmacies, banks and shops close on Sundays.

  • Shops: 9.00-12.00; 14.00-19.00
  • Offices: 9.00-12.00; 13.00-17.00
  • Banks: 8.30AM-12.00; 13.00-17.00

Post offices in Antibes Post offices (La Poste) are usually open from 09:00 in the morning until 12 noon, then reopen after lunch until around 17:00/18:00. Some will also open on Saturday morning.

National holidays in France Many shops and offices close for longer periods around Christmas and Easter, as well as for the festivals of Corpus Christi in May/June and Bastille Day on 14 July.

  • 1 January - New Years Day
  • Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
  • 1 May - Labour Day
  • 8 May - VE Day
  • May - Ascension Day (39 days after Easter)
  • May/June - Whit Monday (49 days after Easter)
  • 14 July - Bastille Day
  • 15 August - Assumption of the Virgin
  • 1 November - All Saints' Day
  • 11 November - Remembrance Day
  • 25 December - Christmas Day

Driving regulations For more information about driving in France please see our Driving Guide .

  • Speed limits on: motorways ( autoroute ) 130kph; dual carriageways 90kph; minor roads 90kph; urban roads 50kph
  • Seat belts: Must be worn in front seats at all times and in rear seats where fitted
  • Drink driving: Random breath-testing exist any time of the day and especially at night. Limits are as follows - 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, for your own safety as well as others. Two breath tests must be carried in the car.
  • Fuel (petrol - essence ) is available in different grades - unleaded ( Sans plomb ), and diesel ( gazole ).
  • Petrol stations are normally open 06:00-22:00, closed Sundays, though larger ones that are often self-service are open 24 hours. Most take credit cards. Note there are fewer petrol stations in the mountain areas.

Safe water Tap water is generally safe though it can be heavily chlorinated. Mineral water is recommended as is cheap to buy and is sold as eau gazeuse (carbonated) and non gazeuse (still). Remember to drink plenty of water during hot weather.

Electricity in France The power supply in Antibes is 230 volts. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances operating on 100-120 volts.

Telephones in France Most public telephones do not take coins. A phonecard (Telecarte) can be purchased from post offices, tabacs and some supermarkets. NB. Emergency calls can be placed without the use of coins or phonecard. The international telephone code for all of France is +33. If you want to dial a number within France from a land line, you do not need to use the international code before the rest of the number. However if you are using a foreign mobile phone to dial a French number then you will need to enter the +33 before the number. For telephone operator dial 3006 from a landline - this is an automated service to place a call.

Personal safety in France The national police force are split into 3 - Police Nationale , Gendarmerie Nationale and Compagnie Republicaine de la Securite . In addition to this most cities and towns have their own Police Municipale who deal with petty crime, traffic offences and road accidents. If you need a police station ask for the ' gendarmerie ' and for police assistance just call '17' free from any call box or telephone.

To help prevent crime:

  • Do not carry more cash than you need
  • Do not leave valuables on beach or poolside
  • Beware of pickpockets in markets, tourist sights or crowded places
  • Avoid walking alone at night

Health in France For further information please see our Health and Emergencies section. Drugs - Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies, distinguished by a large a green cross. They are able to dispense many drugs that would only be available on prescription in other countries. Medical Insurance - Nationals of EU and certain other countries can get medical treatment in France with the relevant documentation, although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors. Dental Services - Dental treatment is not usually available free of charge as all dentists practice privately. Dental treatment should be covered by private medical insurance.

Toilet facilities Nowadays, the majority of public toilets are of the standard variety, though you might still come across an old-fashioned 'squat style' toilet. In some French towns and villages you can now find an automated, self-cleaning toilet which is both hygienic and practical. You put in your coins (often a euro) and push open the door. You have 15 minutes to do your business. After you close the door behind you, the robotic cleaning starts, with disinfectant spraying from all corners, brushing of the toilet seat and bowl and then a final blow dry.

Other recommended places for a similar visit are: department stores, shopping malls, gas stations along the Autoroute, fast-food restaurants, and railway stations. Often, you will encounter an attendant (who regularly cleans the toilets) with a saucer for receiving your coins. In fast-food places, as in cafés or bars, you are expected to have a drink or something to eat. While most toilets in these places have separate men and women facilities, they tend to be right next to each other with open entries and (for the lucky woman) a full view of urinals and the men using them (only seen on the back!). No embarrassment is evident, as there is none from the French male driver who seems to delight in stopping his car alongside the road and taking a pee just a step away from his vehicle. You don't see French women squatting alongside the road. Then again, perhaps the dearth of Turkish toilets may have resulted in a lack of female proficiency.

Sun advice The sunniest (and hottest) months are July and August with an average of 11 hours sun a day and daytime temperatures of 29ºC. Particularly during these months you should avoid the midday sun and use a strong sunblock.

Rules for swimming pools in France A swimming pool at your disposal during your stay in Antibes is on many visitors' wish list. With the hot summers, it's a delight to take a dive into the sparkling waters. The dark side of such pleasure is the annual statistic of accidental drowning (average of 47 deaths per year in France and 152 non-fatal accidents), particularly of children under 6 (22 deaths per year and 33 non-fatal). In 2003, the French parliament passed a law, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, for properties that are rented, and 2006 for properties that are not rented out. So if your holiday rental gives you access to a pool, you should expect a gated pool. This applies to private homes, as well as hotels, camping grounds, gites, or any other place that receives paying guests.

Note that if there's an accident and there is no gate, the insurance companies here in France do not cover.

Tax - VAT in France VAT is currently at 20%. There are reduced rates of 10% (restaurant food, books, public transport, cleaning services) and 5.5% (essential foodstuffs).

Further information and advice in France You should not reveal any personal information about yourself, such as your address, credit card details, telephone number, on the Internet or via email unless you are certain that it is safe to do so and that any confidential or private information you share over the internet is sent by secure encryption means.

It is always your responsibility to ensure full compliance with any passport, visa, and inoculation requirements as governed either by your country of residence or by those you will be travelling to.

Be advised that various consumer protection schemes and laws relating to travel and tourism companies exist for your financial protection and that it is in your interests to be aware of such schemes.

Any activity in the mountains can be considered a dangerous activity. We advise you to make yourselves fully aware of such potential dangers and the likeliness of their occurrence in your case. Such dangers include: venturing beyond your own capabilities or those of the group you are in the company of; ignoring safety warnings and advice made available locally or through television, newspapers or via the Internet, with regards avalanches, piste closures, rock falls, landslides and high water levels; venturing off-piste or to areas of uncertainty without a qualified guide or advice from local experts; improper preparation, fitness, and provision of equipment and protection from the elements.

You should always ensure that you have obtained sufficient insurance cover, either via your own policy or through that of any event organiser or operator, appropriate to the activities you will be participating in and you should carry details of this on you at all times.

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Welcome to Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office

The Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office can advise you

Place Guynemer - 06600 Antibes +33 (0) 4 22 10 60 10 [email protected]

Palais des Congrès - 60 chemin des Sables - 06160 Juan-les-Pins  Tel : +33 (0)4 22 10 60 01 (choose 1) [email protected]

Register of Travel and Residence Operators

Office de tourisme et des Congrès d'Antibes Juan-les-Pins Financial guarantee APST 15 avenue Carnot 75017 Paris Liability Insurance AXA France IARD 313 Terrasses de l'Arche, 92727 Nanterre cedex Registration: IM006130004

COVID 19- INFORMATION

In order to welcome customers while meeting the current sanitary requirements, the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourism & Convention Bureau has taken the following sanitary measures :

  • Mandatory mask-wearing for both tourist advisors and visitors
  • Floor markings for physical distancing
  • Hand sanitiser made available to the public
  • Directions indicated to ensure a one-way flow
  • Plexiglass protection set up on the counters
  • Contactless payment methods are encouraged

Antibes office of tourism ©G. Lefrancq

The Tourist Office shop

Tiralo, plages d'Antibes

Tourism & the disabled

Office of tourism of Juan-les-Pins ©G. Lefrancq

Our commitments

Citizen cleaning organised by Antibes tourist office

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Office of Tourism and congress centre of Antibes Juan-les-Pins ©P. Ducap

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    Theme tours that you can join by reservation only, are organized every month. And if you come in group, ''à la carte'' tours can be organized. Booking compulsory until the day before 5:00pm at +33 (0)4 22 10 60 01 or. [email protected]. Subject to availability (limited to 20 people maximum).

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