Wondering what to visit in Antibes during your stay on the Côte d’Azur? You’ve come to the right place!
With its turquoise sea, charming old town and Mediterranean ambience, this town has a lot to offer.
Here we share our must-sees and our complete guide to making the most of Antibes, whether for a weekend or a few days in the sun.
Accommodation in Antibes
Antibes attracts many travelers, especially on sunny days and during the region’s major events. To make the most of the old town and the beaches on foot, the choice of accommodation is essential. You can opt for a downtown hotel for more comfort and services, or choose a vacation rental apartment if you prefer to have a whole apartment with kitchen, more space and more autonomy during your stay.
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Stroll through Old Antibes (our walking itinerary)
Le Vieil Antibes is clearly our favorite part of town. We like to get lost there, camera in hand.
Here’s our recommended itinerary:
- Start at Place Nationale, the lively heart of the historic center.
- Stroll through the Provencal market to admire the local produce and typical Mediterranean atmosphere.
- Walk along the ramparts for an unobstructed view of the sea.
- Pass by the Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea cathedral, discreet but full of charm.
- Finish with the Safranier commune, a more confidential neighborhood full of character.
The Safranier district, Antibes’ most unusual spot
The commune libre du Safranier is an unusual sort of neighborhood. Since the 1960s, this little hilltop district has asserted its independent spirit. Here, you’ll find flower-filled alleyways, colorful facades and an almost village-like atmosphere. We particularly liked the peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the seafront.
Numerous festivals and events are organized throughout the year by passionate volunteers who bring the neighborhood to life. We suggest you take a look at the official calendar to find out what’s on, and perhaps an event will be organized during your stay.
Our gourmet reco
For a sweet break, we recommend Gelateria Del Porto. The artisanal ice creams are perfect after a stroll through the narrow streets.
For lunch or dinner in the old town, try La Petite Escale, a restaurant serving simple Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh produce.
Discover Port Vauban
Port Vauban is one of Europe’s largest marinas. Impressive yachts rub shoulders with more traditional boats, and strolling along the quays is a delight, especially at the end of the day when the light is softer.
Just above the port, Fort Carré is also worth a visit. The climb up offers a beautiful panoramic view of Antibes, the port and the Cap.
🎟️ Practical tip: there is a charge for visiting the fort (approx. €5 full price), and it’s free for under-18s.
Enjoy the beaches of Antibes
The beaches are a must, even if they’re in an urban area, which makes a welcome change from our wild beaches on the Ile d’Oléron.
🏖️ La Salis beach is ideal if you’re staying close to the center of town. It’s easily accessible and offers clear water with a view of the old town.
On the Cap d’Antibes side, certain coves such as Creeque de la Garoupe and Plage des Ondes are wilder and less crowded. The transparency of the water is always impressive, especially when you’re used to the Atlantic.
Explore Cap d’Antibes
The sentier du littoral, also known as the Tire-Poil trail, is a beautiful walk. You walk over rocks with a constant view of the sea. It’s an accessible route that allows you to discover unspoilt nature.
The route is about 5 km round trip (about 2.5 km one way). Allow 1h30 to 2h for the walk, depending on your pace and the time you take for photo breaks, of which there will be many.
Visit the Picasso Museum
Housed in the Château Grimaldi, the Musée Picasso recalls the artist’s stay here in 1946. Invited to work in the château, he produced numerous works inspired by the Mediterranean light and the nearby sea.
Here you can discover emblematic paintings such as La Joie de vivrebut also drawings, ceramics and several sculptures. The themes are influenced by Antiquity, mythology and Mediterranean life, with fauns, centaurs and female figures bathed in light.
The museum also features works by modern and contemporary artists, enriching the visit. Even if you’re not an art lover, you’ll really appreciate the atmosphere of the place and the spectacular view from the terraces, overlooking the sea and the ramparts.
🎟️ Practical tip : the full price is around €12, and admission is free for under-18s.
An ideal base for exploring the Côte d’Azur
Antibes is strategically located for easy access to the region.
- Nice: perfect for a day out between the Promenade des Anglais and the colorful old town.
- Cannes: ideal for discovering the Croisette
- Monaco: impressive for its port, its princely palace and its spectacular setting.
- Vallauris: a must for ceramics and crafts enthusiasts.
Everything is easy to do by train. This means you can alternate between beaches, heritage and cultural escapades without any constraints.
Feel free to leave us a quick note or 5 stars below, to tell us if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, here or on Instagram, we’ll get back to you with great pleasure.
