Nestled between Cannes and Nice along the French Riviera is the beloved resort town of Antibes. The medieval walled city is situated on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. Outside of Antibes, the forested peninsula is dotted with upscale villas, serene beaches, and the nearby town of Juan-les-Pins. Antibes has been a popular holiday destination for centuries due to its charming Old Town, beautiful beaches, and lively ambiance.
Rich in history, Antibes was founded in 5th century BC by the Greeks and later taken over by the Romans. The peninsula’s strategic location has made it a popular trading post and military stronghold over its lengthy history. In more recent times, artists like Picasso and Renoir have drawn inspiration from the town’s natural beauty.
Antibes is a one-of-a-kind destination along the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). Cap d’Antibes is home to some of the best beaches along the French Riviera including several white-sand beaches—which are rare for the region. Wander the charismatic Old Town; shop the famous Marché Provençal; see where Picasso worked his magic at Musée Picasso; and soak up the sun. Here are the 14 best things to do in Antibes for every type of traveler!
Interested in other towns along the French Riviera? Make sure to read the Best Towns on the French Riviera.
Vielle Ville (Old Town Antibes)
Antibes’ charm is best appreciated by wandering around Old Town. Lined with cafés, the narrow cobblestone streets are protected by the city’s medieval walls. The squares filled with restaurants; the hidden alleys decorated with flowers; and the glittering blues of the Mediterranean peak through. Shop the Marché Provençal in Old Town. Then head to Chateau Grimaldi (home to Musée Picasso) and the Antibes Cathedral before walking across the rampart walls to the sandy beaches below. And at the end of a hot day, grab gelato from Gelateria del Porto—the best gelato in Antibes.
Le Marché Provençal d’Antibes
Every morning Tuesday through Sunday the Marché Provençal opens, and the normally sleepy Old Town of Antibes bustles with activity. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce, meats and cheeses, to spices and local artisan goods including lavender soaps. Pick up some local food for a picnic or peruse the stands after a morning coffee at a nearby café.
Musée Picasso
In 1946 Pablo Picasso worked out of a studio in Antibes’ Grimaldi Castle for several months. While there he created 23 paintings and 44 drawings including the famous La Joie de Vivre. In 1966, the Grimaldi Castle turned into the Picasso Museum as the first museum in the world dedicated entirely to the enigmatic artist. The museum houses 245 pieces by the artist including several works donated by Picasso himself. After visiting the museum, head to the Picasso Trail and walk the same path Picasso once strolled.
Relax on the Beaches
Antibes has an abundance of beaches ranging from soft and sandy beaches to pebbled coves and rocky coastlines. There are several beaches right in Antibes and many others scattered around the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. Here are some of Antibes best beaches.
- Plage de la Gravette (Antibes) – Located just below the medieval walls of Antibes and near Port Vauban, Plage de la Gravette is a small white sand beach—one of the most beautiful in Antibes.
- Plage du Ponteil (Antibes) – At the edge of Antibes, this sandy beach features clear and shallow water making it a great swimming spot.
- Plage de la Salis (Antibes) – Next to the Antibes Yacht Club and slightly quieter than some of its neighboring beaches. Plage de la Salis is another sandy beach in Antibes.
- Plage de la Garoupe (Cap d’Antibes) – One of the best beaches on the entire Cap d’Antibes Peninsula. The sandy beach is primarily consumed by private beach clubs with just a small patch of public sand.
Walk le Sentier du Littoral
Full of incredible panoramic views, the three-mile coastal loop wraps around the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes. The majority of the path hugs the rocky coast with unforgettable views of the deep blue of the Mediterranean. It is best to start at Plage de Garoupe and head to the trail on the right side of the beach. Stroll along the pathway and take advantage of its scenic picnic and swimming spots!
Antibes Cathedral
The neoclassical church rests in the same place as a Roman temple dedicated to Diana and Minerva once sat. It is even rumored that Saint Paul was arrested here while traveling to Spain in 63 AD. The Antibes Cathedral, known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea d’Antibes, has been a work in progress since the 5th century as the structure has undergone many changes over its lengthy existence. The current façade was rebuilt in 1746 after Antibes was bombed during the Austrian succession wars. Inside you’ll find stunning artwork from the Renaissance including an altarpiece painted in 1515, a crucifix from the 15th century, and more.
Forte Carré d’Antibes
Built in the 16th century under the orders of King Henri II, Forte Carré is a star-shaped fort on the edge of Antibes. Elevated above the ocean and with panoramic views, Forte Carré was a strategically located fortress that protected the town and guarded the border between the County of Nice. Napoleon Bonaparte was even imprisoned here during the French Revolution! Take a guided tour of the unique fort and learn about the area’s intriguing history.
Plage Keller Beach Club
Plage Keller is a popular beach club on Plage de Garoupe featuring a sandy beach, panoramic views of the coast, and delicious food at its Restaurant Le César. Situated on the peninsula of Cap d’Antibes, the glamourous beach club is about three miles from Old Town Antibes. In the summer months, make sure to reserve your sun lounger in advance as these typically sell out ahead of time.
Explore Juan-les-Pins
On the other side of Cap d’Antibes—a short 5-minute bus ride or 25-minute walk—is the chic town of Juan-les-Pins. Juan-les-Pins is a popular holiday destination with a casino, night clubs, and beautiful beaches. The town is most famous for its lively festival Jazz à Juan, which is a summer jazz festival that has hosted the likes of Ray Charles and Sonny Rollins. Head over to Juan-les-Pins and spend an afternoon at Plage Belles Rives or an evening at Pam Pam, an energetic bar with Brazilian themed live shows.
Musée d’Archéologie
The small Archeology Museum is located along the city walls and houses many ancient artifacts found in the harbor and around Antibes. The city has an extensive history dating back to the Greeks in 5th century BC. Originally named Antipolis, Antibes later became one of the largest Roman towns in the region. Roman aqueducts and a theatre were built here and Antipolis remained under Roman rule until the city transitioned to Frankish rule at the end of the 5th century. The Archeology Museum is a great stop for those interested in the local history.
Musèe Peynet
French cartoonist Raymond Peynet is known for creating the characters known as ‘Les Amoureux’, or ‘The Lovers’ in 1942. ‘The Lovers’ are two simple figures who became famous all over the world. Peyent drew over six thousand pictures of ‘The Lovers’ that appeared on postcards, stamps, ceramics, and more. Dedicated to Peynet, the Musèe Peynet in Antibes features cartoons by the artists as well as collections from more than thirty other cartoon artists.
Garoupe Plateau
The Garoupe Plateau is located on the highest point of Cap d’Antibes and features a lighthouse, chapel, and a small café. Climb up to an elevation of 250 feet by either following the road, Rte du Phare, or walking up Chem du Calvaire path. On a clear day, you can see the snowy peaks of the Alps and as far as Corsica. La Garoupe Lighthouse, one of the most luminous along the Mediterranean, is still active today. After you’re done at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe Chapel, head to le Bistrot du Curé for a pan bagnat—a type of sandwich that originated in Nice.
Take the Ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite
The largest of the Lérins Islands, Sainte-Marguerite is a natural heritage site filled with eucalyptus, pine forests and clear waters. Spend an afternoon on the island exploring its quiet trails and swimming in its secluded coves. To get to the island from Antibes, simply take a short train ride to Cannes and then catch the 15-minute ferry.
Day trip to Grasse, the Perfume Capital of the World
Not far from Antibes is the unofficial perfume capital of the world—Grasse. The charming Medieval town is home to alluring scents like jasmine, lavender, and orange blossom. Several of the town’s major perfumeries, Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard, offer tours. You can even make your own perfume at either Galimard or Molinard Perfumeries. The Musée International de la Parfumerie is located here and covers the evolution of perfume over the past five thousand years. Take a 45-minute train ride from Antibes to explore the beautiful town and indulge your senses!
