Antibes is a resort town between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). It’s known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts with the star-shaped Fort Carré. This overlooks luxury yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina. The forested Cap d’Antibes peninsula, dotted with grand villas, separates Antibes from Juan-les-Pins, a chic resort with buzzing nightlife and the Jazz à Juan music festival.
🌞 Best Time to Visit Antibes
The best time to visit Antibes is during spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are fewer than during the peak summer season.
🌸 Best Seasons to Visit:
- Spring (April–June) – The town is blooming, with warm weather perfect for exploring.
- Autumn (September–October) – The sea is still warm for swimming, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
❌ Avoid:
- Summer (July–August) – High temperatures (30°C/86°F+) and large crowds due to peak tourist season, especially around the beaches and old town.
- Winter (November–March) – While still mild, the town can be quieter with fewer events and closed attractions.
✈️ How to Get to Antibes
🚀 By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) (20 km from Antibes).
- Direct flights from major European and international cities.
- From the airport to Antibes:
- 🚆 Train – 25-30 min, ~€5
- 🚌 Express Bus 250 – 40-50 min, ~€2
- 🚖 Taxi/Uber – 25 min, ~€40-50
🚆 By Train:
- Antibes Train Station is well-connected with direct trains to Nice (30 min), Cannes (20 min), and Paris (5 hrs).
- Fast TGV connections from major cities in France, including Paris.
🚗 By Car:
- 🚗 8-hour drive from Paris via A6 & A8 highways.
- 🚗 2-hour drive from Marseille.
⛴️ By Ferry:
- Ferries from Cannes or Nice to the nearby Îles de Lérins or Monaco.
- Private yachts can also dock at the Port Vauban in Antibes.
🌟 Top Attractions in Antibes
🏛️ Historic & Cultural Sites
- Musée Picasso – Located in the Château Grimaldi, this museum showcases Picasso's works, as well as other modern artists.
- Fort Carré – A 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding areas.
- Antibes Old Town (Vieil Antibes) – Wander through narrow, cobblestone streets, visit local shops, and explore the Marché Provençal (local market).
- Bastion Saint-André – A historic bastion with beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
🏖️ Beaches & Seafront
- Plage de la Salis – A lovely sandy beach ideal for relaxing or swimming.
- Plage de la Garoupe – A quieter, more secluded beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Port Vauban – One of the largest marinas in Europe, famous for luxury yachts and scenic views of the old town and coast.
- Cap d'Antibes – A scenic peninsula with walking trails along the coast and beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
🌲 Nature & Parks
- Parc Exflora – A lovely public park with manicured gardens, fountains, and walking paths.
- Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret – A botanical garden featuring exotic plants and peaceful views of the coast.
🛍️ Shopping & Markets
- Marché Provençal – A vibrant market selling fresh local produce, flowers, and artisanal goods, located in the heart of the Old Town.
- Antibes’ Old Town Shops – Small boutiques and art galleries offering unique items and local crafts.
🎉 Best Activities to Do in Antibes
🌊 Outdoor & Adventure
- Snorkeling & Diving – Explore the Mediterranean Sea with guided diving or snorkeling trips along the coast.
- Sailing & Yacht Chartering – Rent a boat or take a private yacht tour from Port Vauban or the Antibes Marina.
- Hiking at Cap d'Antibes – Enjoy scenic coastal walking paths with stunning views of the sea.
- Cycling – Rent a bike and explore the town or nearby coastal routes.
🎭 Cultural & Entertainment
- Picasso Museum Tour – Spend a few hours exploring Picasso's works at the Musée Picasso and learn about the artist’s connection to Antibes.
- Jazz à Juan Festival (July) – Enjoy live jazz music at this famous festival, one of the best in Europe.
- Antibes Land – A fun family amusement park with roller coasters, rides, and games.
🍷 Food & Wine Experiences
- Wine Tasting in the Countryside – Take a day trip to local wineries around Côtes de Provence and enjoy tastings.
- Cooking Classes – Learn how to cook classic French Riviera dishes like bouillabaisse or ratatouille.
- Dining at Les Vieux Murs – Dine at a restaurant perched on the edge of the old town with fantastic views of the Mediterranean.
🛍️ Shopping & Leisure
- Antibes Farmers’ Market – Visit the Marché Provençal for fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies.
- Explore the Old Town (Vieil Antibes) – Walk the charming streets, visit artisan shops, and relax in cozy cafés.
🏨 Accommodation in Antibes
🌟 Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Hotel Belles Rives – 5★ – Situated in a stunning Art Deco building, this luxury hotel overlooks the Mediterranean and is famous for its historic connection with F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel – 5★ – A beautiful seaside hotel with direct access to a private beach, offering serene luxury.
- Le Château De La Crémade – 4★ – A charming castle offering a peaceful atmosphere and high-end service near the beach and Old Town.
🏡 Mid-Range Hotels
- Hôtel Juana – 4★ – This stylish hotel located near the beach offers contemporary rooms and a great location close to shops and attractions.
- Hotel des Ambassadeurs – 3★ – A cozy and affordable hotel located near the Old Town, offering easy access to the town's highlights.
- Hôtel La Villa Cap d'Antibes – 4★ – Set in a beautiful garden, this boutique hotel offers a pool and proximity to the beach and local attractions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
- Ibis Styles Antibes – 3★ – A modern, budget-friendly hotel close to the Antibes train station and just a short walk from the beach.
- Hotel La Place – 3★ – A budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Antibes, offering easy access to the Old Town and market areas.
- Camping Antibes – For a more affordable option, this campsite offers a natural setting, with facilities for campers and mobile homes.
🍽️ Food & Restaurants in Antibes
🥘 Must-Try Dishes
- Bouillabaisse – A delicious fish stew traditionally served in coastal towns like Antibes.
- Salade Niçoise – A fresh salad with tuna, anchovies, eggs, olives, and seasonal veggies, often served as a main dish.
- Socca – A savory chickpea flour pancake that’s a local specialty from nearby Nice.
- Tarte Tropézienne – A sweet dessert made from a brioche dough filled with cream, originating from the nearby town of Saint-Tropez.
- Pissaladière – A French-style pizza made with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.
🍷 Best Restaurants in Antibes
🌟 Fine Dining
- Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit – Michelin-starred, this restaurant offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with exceptional service.
- La Vague d'Or – A luxurious dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and panoramic views of the sea (located in the Hôtel de Paris).
- Les Vieux Murs – Offering a fantastic view over the Mediterranean, this restaurant serves fresh seafood and local dishes in an elegant setting.
🏖️ Beachfront & Casual Dining
- Le Grill du Vieux Port – Located by the harbor, serving grilled seafood and fresh Mediterranean dishes with beautiful views.
- Le Cap – Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel – An excellent restaurant for seafood and Mediterranean fare, with a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance.
- L'Auberge du Vieux Château – A charming spot for traditional Provençal dishes, situated in a picturesque setting.
🍕 Budget-Friendly & Local Favorites
- Le Comptoir de la Plage – A laid-back restaurant offering fresh seafood and traditional dishes near the beach.
- Chez Luigi – A local favorite for traditional Italian cuisine with a French twist, located near the Old Town.
- Bistro du Fromager – A small, casual spot specializing in cheeses, charcuterie, and rustic French dishes.
🌿 Local Culture & Traditions in Antibes
🎭 Cultural Highlights
- Picasso’s Legacy – Picasso spent a period in Antibes and many of his works are displayed in the Musée Picasso at Château Grimaldi.
- Antibes Old Town (Vieil Antibes) – The historical heart of the city, filled with charming narrow streets, ancient buildings, and vibrant markets.
- Antibes Jazz Festival – Held every July, it’s one of the most famous jazz festivals in Europe, attracting renowned artists.
- Fête de la Saint-Jean (June) – Celebrates the beginning of summer with fireworks, music, and outdoor events.
🏖️ Lifestyle & Coastal Traditions
- Provençal Markets – Explore the Marché Provençal, where local farmers, artisans, and fishermen bring their fresh goods.
- Perfume Industry – The nearby town of Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, and many visitors tour the local perfume factories.
- Sailing & Yachting – The port city has a long history of seafaring traditions, and sailing remains a popular pastime.
