Antibes is the second largest city in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the South of France, located a short train ride from both Cannes and Nice, and beautifully positioned between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps.
Antibes boasts one of the most prestigious yachting ports in the world with 26 km of gorgeous coastline, where renowned artists like Picasso and Monet sought refuge within its walls and fell in love with its enchanting spirit. Juan-les-Pins is the sister city adjacent that hosts the Jazz Festival every summer and has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Water sports lovers will feel right at home in Antibes, which offers water skiing, fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, paragliding, and jet-skiing. Whether you come to bask in the luxury of the French Riviera, relax on the beaches, get adventurous in the water, or stroll humbly through the Old Town (Vieille Ville), Antibes is bound to capture you with its charm.
Keep reading for the best things to do in Antibes.
Le Marché Provençal
For the freshest fruits and vegetables, spices from Provence, delicatessen meat and gourmet cheese selections stop by le Marché Provençal in the heart of Antibes. It’s the best way to begin your day. Pick up some fresh lavender from Provence and enjoy your breakfast in one of the many lively restaurants surrounding the market.
Port Vauban
From the gargantuan yachts that fill the port to the humble fishing boats, Port Vauban offers a lovely glimpse into the city’s culture. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a 360-degree view of the port, Old Town, and the surrounding mountains and sea.
View of Port Vauban
Le Nomade
Continue walking along the wall on the seaside of the port and you’ll discover a monumental sculpture by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa called the Nomad. This eight-meter-tall aluminium wonder looks out onto the Mediterranean horizon and illuminates at dusk.
Boulevard d’Aguillon
If you’re a fan of art and speciality pieces, the Boulevard d’Aguillon near Port Vauban hosts dozens of local artists with their doors open to the public. Dip in and out of these diverse studios to witness live glass blowing, potters at the wheel, and much more.
The Jean Gismondi Promenade/Pre des Pecheurs
Just behind the Ferris wheel, you’ll find stairs that lead to the Jean Gismondi Promenade, which is a lovely stroll overlooking the port and the Pre des Pecheurs—the large square with the Ferris wheel—which at various times throughout the year hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and antique markets.
Stroll Through the Old Town
Antibes’ Vieille Ville hosts sprawling terraces and cafes and quaint brick streets. My personal favorite street to take photos on is Rue du Haut Castelet—it looks like it was taken straight from a fairytale.
Le Fort Carré
A short walk from Port Vauban, Le Fort Carré was built in the 16th century to defend Antibes and the nearby villages. Observe beautiful Mediterranean flora and fauna in the gardens surrounding the fort, and enter for excellent views of the town and port.
The Picasso Museum
Picasso was captivated by Antibes and was invited by the municipality to live in the Grimaldi Castle, where he created numerous sketches and paintings from September to November 1946. Today, Château Grimaldi honors the artist and his works with the magnificent museum.
The castle overlooks the sea and provides a stunning view of the surrounding area, providing insight into Picasso’s life in this beautiful part of the world.
The Peynet Museum
Picasso wasn’t the only artist taken with this gorgeous city. Raymond Peynet, a 20th century cartoonist, also lived in Antibes. His sculptures and drawings can be found in the Musee Peynet, as well as two large murals featured in the city hall marriage room of Les Amoreaux, or his famous Lovers.
Tire-Poil Coastal Path
Walk along the Cap d’Antibes (the peninsula separating Antibes and Juan-les-Pins) by following the Tire-Poil hiking trail. It takes about two hours and provides spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the villas that overlook it. You can stop to swim or have a picnic along the way during the warmer months.
The Best Beaches in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins
Ponteil beach is the largest beach in Antibes and faces the Old Town for stunning views of the Grimaldi Castle and the mountains behind Nice.
Pack some drinks and a picnic for a tranquil day spent at the beach, and if you’re visiting in July and August make sure to arrive early as it gets very crowded during the day. The sailing port and scuba diving centers are located here as well for water sports lovers.
Plage de la Gravette
Located next to Port Vauban and The Nomad, Plage de la Gravette is a quaint sandy beach nestled in a cove and is the closest beach to the Old Town.
Plage de Juan-les-Pins
Plage de Juan-les-Pins is located on the other side of the Cap d’Antibes and is much more spacious compared to Ponteil or Gravette. Sand volleyball courts and beach cafes and restaurants line the sandy shores and is the perfect place to spend the day.
Side note: Renting a boat is an amazing experience and seeing the coast from the water is incredible. You can rent small boats for half a day or a full day from Port Vauban or Juan-les-Pins (it’s a great photo op too).
The Best Time To Visit Antibes
Antibes has a microclimate, meaning the weather is generally pleasant year-round. If you want to avoid the high season (with exponentially higher transportation and accommodation costs as well as more people from July to August) the best time to visit Antibes is from April to June or September to October, with the weather remaining warm until about November. From November to April you might have a hard time finding any restaurants or terraces open past 8 pm, and the weather isn’t ideal for a beach day.
It’s evident as you discover all of its nooks and crannies that Antibes is a quaint city rich with history. Its inhabitants are proud of its beauty and it is a true gem of the Côte d’Azur.
Have you ever been to Antibes? What did you think?