Need some inspiration for your next stay in Provence? For a weekend or a longer vacation, there’s a plethora of things to do in Antibes.
Located between Cannes and Nice, this Côte d’Azur town is famous for its beaches and the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins. But it has much more to offer: rich heritage, museums, water sports and seaside walks, there’s something for everyone!
In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 ideas for what to do in Antibes, our opinions in pictures and suggestions for organizing your trip.
This review is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
1. Stroll through the old town
Why visit the Old Town?
In love with Provencal charm? You’ll find what you’re looking for in the old town of Antibes. Surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, we were seduced by the colorful alleyways dotted with plants, cobblestone pavements and shopkeepers.
What you will see
In Old Antibes, you can admire the ramparts from the inside, as well as the large entrance gates, such as the Porte de l’Orme. Keep your eyes peeled for the many architectural details hidden in its Provencal streets. Can you find the faces hidden in the wall near the Tourraque washhouse? Take the time to discover artists in their studios, as at Villa Fontaine, rue du Haut Castelet. You’ll also find them in the shopping streets (rue Clémenceau, rue Sade…). And don’t miss the Place Nationale and its old herbalist shop!
How much time to allow
We advise you to allow at least 1 hour to stroll around the old town, but it’s better to spend 2 to 3 hours. To soak up even more of the district’s atmosphere, why not have lunch here?
More information on the Old Town
The narrow streets of the old town are not all paved. Visiting certain parts of Vieil Antibes, with its gentle slopes, can be tricky for people with mobility difficulties. We recommend that you park in a paid underground parking lot outside this area. Finally, in high season, the narrow streets of Old Antibes can be very crowded! Don’t hesitate to take streets that run parallel to the main tourist routes.
In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur!
WHERE TO STAY IN Antibes
Option 1: near the ramparts
Close to the ramparts, to enjoy the charm of the old town and all the restaurants.
Hôtel la Villa Port – See prices, photos and availability
On the beach side (Ponteil and Salis) with views of the ramparts and mountains.
Hôtel La Jabotte – See prices, photos and availability
In Juan-les-Pins, in the heart of the peninsula.
Hôtel La Villa Cap d’Antibes – See prices, photos and availability
2. Visit Fort Carré
Why visit Fort Carré?
This monument is Antibes’ best-known landmark, and almost its emblem. From the railroad line that runs along the coast between Monaco, Nice and Cannes, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of it. With its famous star-shaped architecture and 4-hectare park, we were impressed! Located next to Port Vauban, this is one of the first bastioned forts built during the Renaissance. It dates back to the 16th century, when Henri II, King of France, needed a sentry to watch over the border with the Duchy of Savoy, then occupying the County of Nice.
What you will see
First of all, you can enjoy the Fort Carré park. We were particularly interested in the information panels on local flora and fauna set up along the main access path to the monument. Don’t miss Henri Bouchard’s monumental 22-metre statue of the “Poilu”. It pays tribute to the 261 soldiers from Antibes who fell in the First World War. You’ll also see the tomb of General Championnet, hero of the French Revolution who founded the Parthenopean Republic in Naples before dying in Antibes in 1800. Within the fort itself, you’ll see several bastions, an ancient chapel and the Governor’s House.
How much time to allow
Allow 2 hours for your visit. Be aware that there are slopes and stairs in the monument, making it difficult to access for people with motor problems.
More information on Fort Carré
Reservations are recommended by telephone on +33 (0)4 92 90 52 13. Visitor facilities are available for the hearing, mentally and visually impaired.
Schedules:
- June 15 to September 15: open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm.
- September 16 to June 14: open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 5pm.
- Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25 and in bad weather.
Ticket price:
- Full adult price: €3,
- Reduced rate: €1.50,
- Free for under-18s, jobseekers…
Official website here.
Discover our article dedicated to Fort Carré.
3. Discover Port Vauban and Le Nomade
Why visit Port Vauban?
Port Vauban is Europe’s leading marina! It has almost 1,500 berths and can accommodate boats up to 160 meters in length, on a 25-hectare stretch of water. Although its current appearance dates from the 1970s, the old port, which stretches from the Porte Marine to the Bastion Saint-Jaume, was used in Phocaean times. A naval base, it was also a major trading center. Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary port!
What you will see
In addition to all kinds of boats, including yachts, you’ll see Fort Carré in the distance. Take a stroll along the main breakwater, at the end of which is a pretty lighthouse. It’s possible that you’ll meet some sports enthusiasts: the port is also a lively place where free sports courses are regularly organized. Don’t miss Antibes’ iconic sculpture: Le Nomade. It was designed by Jaume Plensa. Does the name ring a bell? You may have read our article on Caen’s Musée des Beaux-Arts, which also boasts a monumental statue of the artist.
How much time to allow
Allow 2 hours to walk around the port and onto the breakwater. Less if you’re just going to admire Le Nomade.
More information on Port Vauban
The Port Vauban is open every day at all hours, except for the quays, which are reserved for pleasure boaters. Entrance to the dike, where Jaume Plensa’s monumental sculpture is located, is free but only open from 10am to 6pm from September to May, and from 10am to 11pm from June to August.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Sentier de Tirepoil at Cap d’Antibes
Why do the Sentier de Tirepoil at Cap d’Antibes?
This coastal trail offers around 5km of walking in Cap d’Antibes, from Plage de la Garoupe to Baie des Milliardaires. Along the way, you’ll see some superb coves and enjoy breathtaking views over the Bay of La Napoule. On the other hand, as the name suggests, it’s a windy walk!
What you will see
We loved following this trail, which is a timeless interlude. The Côte d’Azur is densely urbanized, and it’s sometimes hard to find wild spots on the coast. We’ve done just that, with this trail offering superb panoramic views over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
How much time to allow
Allow at least 2 hours to complete the entire trail. You can also extend your walk if you’re ready to go longer!
More information on the coastal path
The coastal path skirts the coast, then becomes steeper and steeper. If you are afraid of heights or have walking difficulties, we do not recommend this walk, which is winding, with many slopes and steps, often on the edge of a cliff. We remind you that coastal paths are protected. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging the local flora.
5. Visit the Picasso Museum
Why visit the Musée Picasso?
The Musée Picasso, renamed in honor of the Spanish painter in 1966, is the town’s most important museum. It is housed in a 14th-century castle, formerly the residence of bishops in the Middle Ages, a Roman castrum, and the acropolis of the Greek city of Antipolis. The Musée d’Antibes was established in 1925, and in 1946 Pablo Picasso moved his studio there at the suggestion of the curator, before returning to Paris. Productions from this period formed the basis of the museum’s collection, which was subsequently enriched by works by other artists such as Joan Miró, Bernard Pagès and Nicolas de Staël. We were delighted to rediscover these great names in contemporary art!
What you will see
On the first floor of the museum, you’ll find numerous sculptures by contemporary artists. One of them, a bronze by Arman, caught our eye, and with good reason! Entitled À ma jolie and created in 1982, it pays tribute to the work of Picasso. We really enjoyed the rest of the tour, which was dedicated to the Spanish artist. In addition to his paintings(Satyr, Faun and Centaur with Trident, Still Life with Bottle, Sole and Ewer…), we discovered a little-known side of his work, in decorative art and sculpture. Our favorite? The collection of ceramics he created in Vallauris in the late 1940s!
How much time to allow
To make the most of your visit, we recommend you allow 2 hours on site.
More information on the Musée Picasso
For your visit, you can download the museum’s app, which offers content suitable for both adults and young visitors. The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Schedules:
- June 15 to September 15: open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm.
- September 16 to June 14: open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
- Closed January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25.
Ticket price:
- Full adult price: €8,
- Reduced rate: €6,
- Free for under-18s, jobseekers…
A €10 combination ticket gives you access to all the municipal museums for 7 days.
Official website here.
Read our article on the Musée Picasso.
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6. Provencal market
Why visit the Marché Provençal?
Markets are a must in France, especially in Provence. You can’t miss the Marché Provençal d’Antibes! With some 50 stalls, it takes place in a charming covered market in the Cour Masséna, in the old town. Spices, vegetables, honeys, jams and wicker baskets – our senses were on alert!
What you will see
Local products take pride of place at this colorful market. You’ll find seafood, charcuterie, cheeses, Corsican products and bouquets of cut or dried flowers. Go in the afternoon if you prefer to see painters, sculptors or ceramists at the Marché des Artisans!
How much time to allow
You can count on 30min to discover and shop at the market!
More information on the Marché Provençal
This market takes place every morning (6am-1pm), except on Mondays out of season (September 1 to May 31).
Other markets are also held in Antibes:
- the farmers’ market,
- the artisans’ market,
- fair markets,
- flea markets,
- night markets.
To find out when these markets are open and where they take place, visit the official website here.
7. Marvel at the Jardin de la Villa Thuret
Why take a stroll through the Jardin de la Villa Thuret?
We were pleasantly surprised to discover places to recharge our batteries in the heart of nature in Antibes. The Botanical Garden at Villa Thuret is one of our favorites! It holds 2 labels: “remarkable garden” and “remarkable trees”. He richly deserves them! This 3.5-hectare exotic plant acclimatization site dates back to 1857.
What you will see
The tour, punctuated by explanatory panels, reveals a wide variety of species, such as this “Echium nervosum” from Portugal. You’ll see no fewer than 2,500 trees and shrubs representing over a thousand species. The trees are of course exceptional. We felt like we’d been transported to an island with its many palm trees, or to Asia when we admired the bamboo grove!
How much time to allow
Allow 1h30 to 2 hours for the visit, depending on your interest in botany.
More information on the Villa Thuret garden
Schedules:
- Winter opening hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (except weekends and public holidays),
- Summer opening hours: 8am – 6pm (except weekends and public holidays).
Rates:
Self-guided tours are free of charge.
Read our article on the Botanical Garden at Villa Thuret.
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8. Stroll along the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Why stroll along the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse?
This easy walk is ideal for the whole family. It runs along Antibes’ seafront ramparts. The view of the towers of Old Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see! The Promenade stretches from Plage de la Gravette to Plage du Ponteil, but you can skip the end to visit the old town next door.
What you will see
On your way, you’ll probably pass by the Musée Picasso and the Musée d’Archéologie. A reproduction of a painting by Picasso, entitled Pêche de Nuit à Antibes (Night Fishing in Antibes), recalls the artist’s visit to Antibes and the fact that these Mediterranean landscapes were a great source of inspiration for artists! Square Albert 1er is the perfect place to take a break and admire the panorama of one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur.
How much time to allow
How much time you need depends on your walking pace and your desires: do you want to go all the way or do you want to do some sightseeing (old town, Picasso museum…)? If you take your time and do the whole route, from Plage de la Gravette to Plage du Ponteil, allow around 30 minutes.
Further information on Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
This walk is not particularly difficult. On the other hand, with its eastern exposure, it can be windy. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for cyclists. The route, which becomes more modern and flatter at Plage du Ponteil, is ideal for cycling.
9. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Why visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception?
Antibes has 2 religious buildings well worth a visit. First of all, we recommend a visit to the Chapelle Saint-Bernardin to admire its superb frescoes. But it’s the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception we’re going to tell you about, because we found it a very interesting visit! Built 2 steps from the sea on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddesses Diana and Minerva, it was destroyed and altered over the centuries, until its complete renovation in 1991.
What you will see
Listed as a historic monument, this church boasts a brightly-colored Baroque façade. Inside, there are some remarkable pieces, including an altarpiece from 1515 depicting the Virgin of the Rosary. Take your time to admire it, as there are very few surviving representations of this type in their entirety. What really caught our eye, however, was the recumbent statue of Christ Mort in polychrome limewood. It dates back to the 17th century and was found in 1938 during work on a wall to the right of the choir!
How much time to allow
Allow around 30 minutes to admire this monument.
More about Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception Cathedral
This building is freely accessible. It is open daily from 8am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm. However, we advise against choosing opening and closing times, as well as Sundays, due to religious services. To find out more about mass times, visit the official website here.
Read our article on the Cathedral
10. Relaxing on the beaches: from Cap d’Antibes to Juan-les-Pins
Why enjoy the beaches?
Do you prefer fine sand or pebble beaches? There’s no need to choose, you’ll find both types of beach in Antibes! Head north to Plage de Fontonne Est for pebble lovers. For the others, there are several possibilities. First of all, there’s the little Plage de la Gravette, just outside the old town. For more space, we recommend Plages Salis and Ponteil. If you prefer wilder surroundings, head for Cap d’Antibes!
What you will see
In addition to its many beaches in the city center, Antibes is also famous for its seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins. These include Plage Gallice, Plage des Îles, Plage des Pêcheurs, Grande Plage and the more remote Plage du Soleil. But it’s the little Plage des Ondes with its tower that stands out the most. Although it looks very old, it only dates back to the 1960s, when the beach was privately owned. It is said to have served as a dressing room for actress Martine Carole, during the filming of Un Soir sur la Plage (1961).
How much time to allow
It’s all up to you! You can expect to spend at least 2 hours relaxing on the beaches of the city center and 3 hours on the beaches of Juan-les-Pins, which require a longer journey from the center. It will take you 10 minutes by car to park near Plage des Ondes, for example, but you should be aware that it will probably take several minutes to find a parking space.
More information on beaches
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches of Antibes Juan-les-Pins. In general, bathing is unsupervised, except on certain sections of beach or in season. Plage du Ponteil is suitable for people with reduced mobility. Before settling in, take a good look at the signs describing the beaches.
Look out for our article on Antibes beaches.
11. Visit Cap d’Antibes
Why visit Cap d’Antibes?
We couldn’t fail to mention Cap d’Antibes. This wooded peninsula, dotted with villas and luxury hotels, separates Antibes from its seaside resort, Juan-les-Pins. First of all, there’s the Bois de la Garoupe, the only wooded area on the Cap, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. You then reach the Plateau de la Garoupe, some ten metres higher up. Thanks to an orientation table, we were able to make the most of the panorama of old Antibes and Cannes!
What you will see
The Bois de la Garoupe offers a refreshing stroll through evergreen oaks, leading to the Chapelle du Calvaire, then to the Plateau de la Garoupe. Here you can admire the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe, but above all the beautiful Lighthouse of La Garoupe. With its 116 steps, this 1948 limestone lighthouse rises 103 meters above sea level. It’s a must-see in Antibes, and one of our favorites!
How much time to allow
If you just want to stop off at Plateau de la Garoupe to see the lighthouse, allow between 20 and 30 minutes from the center of Antibes. If you’re also interested in strolling through the Bois de la Garoupe, it’s only a 10-minute walk along the Chemin du Calvaire to the lighthouse.
More information on Cap d’Antibes
The Plateau de la Garoupe is easily reached by car via the Route du Phare. The more courageous can walk there from the Plage de la Salis parking lot. Walk along the promenade and James Wyllie Boulevard, past the little port, and take the Chemin du Calvaire on the right. While the Chapelle du Calvaire is closed to visitors, you can enter the Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe, open daily from 10am to 6pm, and the lighthouse. It is the only lighthouse in the region open to the public. For the latest opening times, visit the official website here.
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12. Wake up your taste buds at the Michelin-starred Le Figuier restaurant in Saint-Esprit
Why eat at Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit?
We treated ourselves to dinner at the 1-star Le Figuier restaurant in Saint-Esprit. The unassuming façade of this establishment, located in Old Antibes, conceals an enchanting setting: an intimate cobbled courtyard with stone walls. With its garlanded trees, roses and candles on the tables, the atmosphere is intimate and poetic. It’s an ideal setting for discovering the creative and authentic cuisine of chef Christian Morisset. This pastry chef-turned-chef cut his teeth at the Terrasse de l’Hôtel Juana in Antibes, succeeding Alain Ducasse in this 2-Michelin-starred establishment.
What you can expect
Christian Morrisset decided to open his own restaurant in 2005: Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit. He was then joined in the kitchen by his 2 sons, one specializing in gastronomy, the other in pastry-making. In a way, then, this is a family restaurant. It is, however, highly technical, rigorous and refined. We opted for the 8-course discovery menu, and although we were full, we weren’t disappointed! For example, we tasted a succulent foie gras with a pear chutney and acacia honey emulsion.
More information about Le Figuier restaurant in Saint-Esprit
We recommend that you reserve a table to visit this restaurant, directly on the official website, here. You can find out about other services offered by the establishment (delivery, catering, home chef…). Count €70 (per person) for lunch and €170 (per person) for the 8-course evening menu.
Schedules:
- July to September: open daily except Tuesdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at lunchtime.
- October to June: open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the last week in June.
- Closed from December to early January, and during the 2nd week of zone B school vacations in February.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Best things to do in Antibes: other ideas
Discover Street Art
Since 2020, the Coul’Heures d’Automne Festival has been held in Antibes. Its aim is to promote urban art, and to involve local residents in questions relating to the place of art in public space. A number of works have been created for each edition of this festival, in the center of town, on the heights of Antibes, and on the Route des Plages. In addition to these monumental works, 16 miniature statuettes by Spanish artist Isaac Cordal have been hidden in the narrow streets of Old Antibes. Can you find them? We were particularly taken by this fresco by street artist Williann, created for the 2022 edition of the festival.
Other museums
So far, we’ve concentrated on Antibes’ main museum, the Musée Picasso. However, there are many other museums in the city:
- Musée de la Carte Postale: a permanent audio tour, complemented by temporary exhibitions, tracing the evolution of postcards. We were able to observe some superb old maps!
- Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique: discover the world of cartoonist Raymond Peynet and some thirty other cartoonists (Daumier, Plantu, Sempé…).
- Musée d’Archéologie: housed in the Bastion Saint-André, built by Vauban at the end of the 17th century, this museum displays objects from underwater and land excavations that we found fascinating!
- Musée de l’École (School Museum): open only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, this community museum presents a classroom from yesteryear, with original objects (maps, books and numerous class photos).
- Villa Eilenroc: a luxurious 19th-century villa on Cap d’Antibes, whose 1st floor is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
- Hartung Bergman Foundation: studio of 20th-century artists Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman, guided tour Thursdays from 3:30 pm, bookable on the official website here.
What to do near Antibes
Excursions on the Côte d’Azur
Not sure which Côte d’Azur city to visit? That’s not a problem, because you can stay in Antibes while discovering the great cities of the French Riviera. Antibes has one major advantage: it’s located between Nice and Cannes. By TER (regional express train), it will take you 20 minutes to get to Nice and 1 hour to reach Monaco. A ten-minute TGV train ride will take you to the center of Cannes. However, we recommend that you opt for a car, which will allow you to explore the region to the full.
Here are the main journey times to give you an idea of the distances involved:
- Driving time to Nice: 35min.
- Driving time to Cannes: 30min.
- Driving time to Monaco: 1h.
You can also opt for excursions:
- from Nice, visit Èze, Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes: see program and availability.
- from Nice, visit Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with wine tasting: see program and availability.
- from Cannes, visit Monaco, Antibes and Èze: see program and availability.
Antibes, Cannes or Nice?
Not sure which city to choose for your stay on the Côte d’Azur – Antibes, Cannes or Nice? It’s normal! In our opinion, these are the main characteristics of these cities:
- Antibes: on a human scale, with numerous beaches, we think it’s ideal for family vacations. You can stay in Antibes and visit the rest of the region while being away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
- Cannes: a city of luxury. We recommend it for a city getaway for two. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a high-end experience, whether at the table, in the casino or in your hotel. To find out what to do in Cannes, read our dedicated article!
- Nice: do you love art and culture? Choose Nice! This metropolis boasts a large number of high-quality museums and a remarkable heritage. To find out what to do in Nice, read our dedicated article!
Or read our Antibes or Nice, Antibes or Cannes and Cannes or Nice comparisons.
The Fernand Léger Museum
The Musée Fernand Léger is not located in Antibes itself, but in the neighboring town of Biot. If you appreciate Cubism, we highly recommend a visit to this national museum, which boasts the most important collection of the artist’s works. We were pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the works on display, in particular the decorative art and paintings from the artist’s early career, marked by neo-impressionism. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Read our article.
The Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands form an archipelago off Cannes, accessible by ferry:
- Île Sainte-Marguerite: the main island. It features a forest, pretty coves, cannonball ovens, an eco-museum and the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royale, which recounts the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask.
- Île Saint-Honorat: the second largest island in the archipelago, we enjoyed its rich historical heritage. A monastery, 2 churches and 7 chapels are set in enchanting natural surroundings.
To find out more about these islands, read our article on what to do in Cannes.
See our ferry offers for the Lérins Islands.
What to do in Antibes: water sports
Antibes, with its many beaches and coves, is an ideal place for water sports. Here are some suggestions:
- Boat trip and snorkeling: a day by boat to discover the Pelagos sanctuary, with snorkeling in a Cap d’Antibes cove, see program and availability.
- Baptism diving: a choice of 25 or 40-minute baptisms with an experienced guide off the coast of Antibes, see program and availability.
- Apnea initiation day: apnea discovery for all levels, in the pool in the morning and at sea in the afternoon, in Villeneuve-Loubet, near Antibes, see program and availability.
- Sea kayak tour: half-day or full-day kayak tour along the Chemin des Douaniers at Cap d’Antibes, see program and availability.
See all water sports activities in Antibes.
Family activities in Antibes
Marineland
We chose not to visit Marineland, or the other parks it owns (Adventure Golf and Kids Island). We’ll let you make up your own mind.
Other leisure parks
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment in Antibes. We recommend a ride on the Ferris Wheel at Port Vauban. We didn’t hesitate to fall back into childhood, and we were right to do so! From up here, the view of the old town and Fort Carré is breathtaking. As a family, we recommend you take advantage of the attractions at Antibes Land, the largest amusement park on the Côte d’Azur.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Antibes for free
Although life here is rather expensive, you can enjoy many free activities in Antibes. For example, you can enjoy the beaches, but also stroll along the coastal path, Port Vauban, Bois de la Garoupe or Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse. In addition, a large number of tours are open to the public. These include the Garoupe lighthouse, the Villa Thuret garden, the Musée de l’École, chapels and churches. You’ll have plenty to do!
Are there any festivals or special events in Antibes during the year?
We’ve already mentioned the Coul’Heures d’Automne street art festival, but Antibes is best known for its international jazz festival, Jazz à Juan, in Juan-les-Pins. A benchmark in its field, every year the festival welcomes renowned musicians from all over the world. They leave their handprints on the jazz “Walk of Fame”, lining the Gould pine forest in Juan-les-Pins. Come and follow in the footsteps of Stéphane Grappelli, Claude Nougaro, Gregory Porter and Avishai Cohen. To take advantage of the city’s dynamism, check out its agenda here.
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Practical tips and map: Antibes, France
Where is Antibes?
Antibes is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Here’s our map of Antibes’ top tourist attractions to help you find your way around:
How to get there?
To get to Antibes, you can choose the train option. TGV high-speed trains take you from Paris (5h), Lyon (with TER connections, 5h), Marseille (2h) and many other European cities. Departing from Toulon and Cannes, the short journey is made by TER.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from elsewhere in France, you can reach Antibes via the A6, the A8, the Autoroute du Soleil, or the national and departmental roads.
If you’re coming to Antibes from Italy, you can take the A10 freeway or the A8 freeway from Ventimiglia.
Finally, if you’re traveling by car from other European countries, you’ll need to plan your itinerary around your point of departure, using European freeways like the A8 or the Italian A10 (or Autoroute des Fleurs).
You can also fly to Nice, which is served by major European cities. You can also rent a car on arrival in Nice at the train station or airport, and drive to Antibes.
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned, if necessary, and that you respect the Highway Code of the countries you will be crossing.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Tips for visiting Antibes
- Book your accommodation as soon as possible:
Visiting the French Riviera comes at a price, especially if you go during the high season. We recommend that you book your accommodation as early as possible to take advantage of the best rates. Check availability for the best hotels to stay at in Antibes.
- Anticipate crowds and traffic:
Antibes can be very busy, especially during the summer season. If you have the chance, we advise you to go off-season! Because of this influx, and also because this coastline is densely populated, there can be a lot of traffic jams. A 35-minute journey to Nice can be made in 1 hour during rush hour! If you only want to visit the city centers, opt for the train. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to take your car to visit the less-frequented hinterland! Because of this population density, some areas of Antibes can lack cleanliness.
- Check the weather:
Antibes enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. However, in the summer, temperatures can sometimes rise significantly, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, especially if you can’t stand the heat. Do as we do, and visit Antibes and the surrounding area in spring, autumn or winter. Look out for our article on Antibes in winter.
Antibes in 1 day
You’re in luck, Antibes is a town on a human scale. It’s possible to visit all the must-sees in just 1 day. Here’s our suggested itinerary:
- Start by exploring the old town and its Provencal market.
- Take a look at the nearby Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
- If you’re an art lover, visit the nearby Musée Picasso, or stroll along the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse to Plage de la Salis.
- For lunch, why not treat yourself to the Figuier restaurant in Saint- Esprit?
- Then walk along Plage de la Gravette to the Port Vauban breakwater and admire Le Nomade.
- Visit Fort Carré.
- If you’re travelling by car, we recommend you admire the twilight lights at Plateau de la Garoupe, then dine in Juan-les-Pins.
See our other suggestions for 1-day itineraries in Antibes.
Weekend in Antibes
For your 1st day, we invite you to refer to the “Visit Antibes in 1 day” section above. And here are some suggestions for your second day:
- After spending the night at one of the best hotels in Antibes, why not take an excursion to discover Nice or Cannes? You can also choose a water sports activity.
- If you prefer a relaxing day in Antibes, we recommend a visit to the Jardin de la Villa Thuret before enjoying the beaches of Juans-les-Pins, such as Plage des Ondes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
