There’s just something about the south of France, and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Antibes, you’ve come to the right place.
Even after several decades of travelling the world, I still find myself drawn back here time and time again. Perhaps it’s the idyllic coves, perfect for laying out a towel and losing track of time as you watch sunbeams dance across the warm Mediterranean Sea. Maybe it’s the sweet aromas of fresh produce drifting through Provençal markets, or the taste of a chilled glass of crisp rosé enjoyed beneath the shade of a beach umbrella. Life just doesn’t get much more relaxing or glamorous than on the Côte d’Azur.
Nestled between Nice and Cannes, and a whole lot more relaxed than either, Antibes, France, is the ideal base for a trip to the French Riviera. With its charming Old Town, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks, there are plenty of things to do in Antibes, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, a wander through the historic streets, or somewhere to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best things to do in Antibes, as well as some of my favourite places to visit in Antibes and around the French Riviera, to help you make the most of your trip.
The Best Time to Visit Antibes
There’s nothing quite like summer in the Med. Days are hot, long and almost always blessed with clear blue skies. That said, recent years have seen temperatures soar to unbearable highs and some travellers no longer wish to visit during high summer. July and August are still the busiest months, though, with much of France decamping to “the south” – the atmosphere is lively, and the cafés, bars and restaurants are buzzing with life.
Shoulder months (May to June and September to October) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, plus the sea is at its warmest in September. Winter is warmer than across northern Europe, but many local businesses are closed.
Times to avoid (or go if you are a film fan!)
The Cannes Film Festival runs over three weeks in May, bringing crowds and higher rates. There are a number of other festivals, such as Cannes Lions and Jazz à Juan, to be aware of when booking travel.
Planning a trip to France at a different time of year? We’ve got you covered for all seasons:
Getting to Antibes
Antibes is just 20–30 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is well served by both budget and full-service airlines from across Europe. From the airport, you can take a taxi (expect to pay around €70) or catch the tram to Nice Saint-Augustin station, where frequent trains reach Antibes in around 20 minutes for approximately €5.
Where to Stay in Antibes
Old Town Antibes is wonderfully charming, with narrow cobblestone streets that twist and turn before spilling out onto an endless expanse of blue. Accommodation in the area can be limited and pricey, though, so if you can’t find a hotel or Airbnb to suit your needs, head to Juan-les-Pins – it’s more affordable, there are more options, and it is just a short walk away. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Les Ramparts d’Antibes – Accommodation on the city ramparts with idyllic Mediterranean views: ideal if it’s within your budget
- Hotel La Place – A 3-star hotel conveniently located just outside of Old Town Antibes
- Hotel le Sud – An extremely cute little hotel that promises French Riviera vibes, situated in Juan-Les -Pins, just 5 minutes from the beach
- Hotel La Villa Sainte Valerie – Another charming (adult only) option located in the heart of Juan-Les-Pins
Where to Eat and Drink in Antibes
If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that discovering great food is one of the best parts of travelling. Here are a few of my favourite places to eat and drink in and around Antibes.
- Le P’tit Cageot – A cosy, traditional bistro serving authentic Provençal cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Restaurant Le Safranier – My personal favourite thanks to its outdoor seating in a peaceful square, and delicious Mediterranean dishes
- Healthy Lounge – It can be hard to find light lunch options to-go in France, but this place is ideal when you want a salad or wrap to take to the beach
- Mamo Michelangelo – A Riviera classic known for its Italian cuisine and celebrity clientele (be sure to book ahead during the summer months)
- Absinthe Bar – Part cocktail bar, part museum, this unique and atmospheric spot offers live piano music on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Pam Pam – This open-air, Brazilian-themed bar and restaurant is an unexpected institution in Juan-Les-Pins. Tropical cocktails are served in coconuts, while entertainment comes in the form of elaborately costumed dancers. It’s lively, kitsch and a lot of fun
- Nomads Coffee – If you’re craving a proper specialty coffee, this is the spot – it’s one of the few cafés I’ve found that serves excellent coffee to-go
Start your day with Antibes’ most scenic walk
My absolute favourite thing to do in Antibes is to set out early, before the town has woken up, and stroll along the 16th-century city ramparts, with sweeping views of the shimmering Mediterranean.
Start at Plage du Ponteil and head north, pausing to enjoy the Jardin des Poètes before continuing past the Picasso Museum (save that for another time) and on to Port Vauban, Europe‘s largest marina. From there, wander south into the heart of the Old Town, and get lost in the maze of narrow cobblestone streets.
Find a sunny table, order a café au lait, and watch the locals begin their day – it’s one of the best ways to experience the authentic charm of Antibes.
Shop like a local at Marché Provençal
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Antibes, the Marché Provençal is the best place in town to experience the flavours, aromas, and atmosphere of the French Riviera.
The market is open daily, except Mondays, from around 7 am to 1 pm (timings may vary slightly with the seasons), and it is brimming with fresh, local produce. As well as fruit and vegetables, you will find artisanal cheeses, cured meats, freshly caught seafood, fragrant herbs and olive oils, plus handmade products like soaps and pottery. Be sure to bring your basket to fill with delicious goodies for a beach picnic.
Get your culture kicks at the Musée Picasso
It’s not every day you can admire world-famous modern art inside a château overlooking superyachts bobbing on the endless blue waters of the Mediterranean. But that’s exactly what you get at the Musée Picasso, housed within the historic Château Grimaldi. The artist used the château as his studio in 1946, and today it showcases a collection of his ceramics, paintings, and drawings, with a focus on works from his later years. Entry costs €12, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Experience the glamour of Cap d’Antibes
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the glamorous side of the French Riviera, make time for a walk around Cap d’Antibes. Home to some of the most expensive villas in the world, this exclusive peninsula is where billionaires, celebrities, and superyachts come to escape the spotlight.
The best way to explore “the cap” (as it’s known locally) is by hiking the Sentier du Littoral (also known as the Tirepoil coastal path), a trail that hugs the rocky coastline for around 5km. Bring your swimming costume, and stop for a dip in the crystal-clear waters in one of the many coves you will pass along the way.
Top tip:
If you’re feeling indulgent, book lunch at the legendary Grill at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and soak up the atmosphere at one of the French Riviera’s most iconic hotels – a longtime favourite of Hollywood stars and royalty. Just be warned, even a sandwich will set you back a cool €52.
Find your perfect beach on the Côte d’Azur
You can’t visit the Côte d’Azur without taking a dip in its impossibly-clear, turquoise waters. Antibes has a beach for every preference, from long stretches of golden sand in Juan-les-Pins to secluded rocky coves tucked around Cap d’Antibes.
My personal favourite for an early morning swim is Plage de la Gravette, just below the Old Town, where the calm, sheltered water is perfect before the crowds arrive. If you’re heading to the Cap, you can’t miss Plage des Ondes, a picturesque little beach with crystal-clear water that’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
If you’re in the mood for a little Riviera indulgence, spend the day at one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants (I like CHACHA La Plage), where you can hire a sun lounger for around €30 a day and enjoy a long seafood lunch with your toes in the sand.
Take a day trip to Cannes
The city of Cannes is best known for the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, which has been attracting movie stars and jet-setters for decades. Located just a short 10-minute train ride from Antibes. Cannes is a great destination for a day of dining, shopping, and people-watching. Here are a few of the best things to do:
- Stroll along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, browse the designer boutiques and enjoy lunch in one of the many beachfront restaurants with views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.
- Head to the north end of the bay, and you’ll find Le Suquet, Cannes’ adorable Old Town.
- Follow the narrow winding streets that lead up to the hilltop Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance and enjoy panoramic views over the bay and city below.
Planning a trip around France? Be sure to check out our guide to The Best Things To Do In France for even more inspiration.
Escape to Île Sainte-Marguerite
If you have enough time, I highly recommend escaping to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a protected island covered in Aleppo pines and eucalyptus trees just off the coast of Cannes. Best known as the island where the Man in the Iron Mask was mysteriously imprisoned in the 17th century, it offers a blend of history, nature and picturesque turquoise coves.
Ferries leave from Quai Laubeuf at the Old Port of Cannes and take just 15 minutes. You can walk around the island in a few hours; be sure to stop at any of its gorgeous beaches to enjoy a swim and read a book. History lovers should also make time for the Royal Fort Museum to learn more about the Man in the Iron Mask, and even see the room in which he was held.
Travel tip:
If you fancy a touch of Riviera glamour, then book lunch at the famous La Guérite. Tucked beneath the Royal Fort, this beautiful beachfront restaurant is famous for its lively daytime parties, making it an unexpected contrast to a morning spent wandering through peaceful pine forests. On my visit, I emerged from the trees to find Elton John and his family enjoying lunch.
Tap into the Jazz Era glamour at Fitzgerald’s Riviera residence
Once the summer residence of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Hôtel Belles Rives is the perfect place to enjoy the charm of the French Riviera. It was here that the celebrated American author found inspiration for one of his classic novels; Tender Is the Night.
Today you can indulge in some of this Jazz Era glamour by spending the day on a sun lounger at the hotel’s private beach, enjoying a seafood lunch at La Plage Beach Restaurant or sipping an evening cocktail at the Fitzgerald Bar as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
You can’t really go wrong on the Cote d’Azur, so don’t spend too much time planning – pack a swimsuit, your cutest outfits and a good book, then get out and explore!
Planning a road trip around France? We’ve got you covered. From a few days exploring Normandy to winding through the French Alps (and even crossing the border into Switzerland), here are a few of our favourite road-trip guides to get you planning:
Have you been to Antibes, France?
What are the best things to do in Antibes? Anything you’d add to this Antibes bucket list?
Nikki Scrivener
You can follow Nikki’s work and adventures on @wandering_scrivener and at The Wandering Scrivener on Substack.
