Nestled between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is one of the most beautiful destinations on the French Riviera; bordered by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, this town captivates as much with its historic heritage as with its Mediterranean ambiance, beaches, marina, and numerous natural spaces. Founded in Greek times under the name Antipolis, Antibes boasts over 2,500 years of history and preserves a remarkable architectural heritage today.
Whether you are passionate about history, fond of relaxing, a food lover, or a water sports enthusiast, Antibes offers a wealth of experiences for every type of visitor. Join us as we discover what it has in store for your next holiday on the French Riviera!
Must-visit places in Antibes
Antibes is full of iconic sites that bear witness to its rich past and modern vibrancy. During your first visit, you will certainly want to walk along the ramparts that still surround part of the old town: from these fortifications, visitors enjoy a magnificent view of the Mediterranean, the hinterland mountains, and, on a clear day, as far as the Estérel massif. Once you have done that, you will surely want to visit the top spots that give Antibes its charm. Here is a non-exhaustive list to help you plan your visit:
- The Old Port (or Port Vauban): the largest marina in Europe, the Old Port of Antibes, located between the old town and the Fort Carré, can accommodate up to 1,500 boats, including magnificent yachts! Observing it could not be simpler: just head to the billionaires’ quay to admire some of the largest yachts in the world.
- Antibes Cathedral: with its baroque-style facade, Antibes Cathedral is a true gem designed by local artist Joseph Dolle. Inside, curious visitors can discover an altarpiece of Our Lady of the Rosary dating from 1515.
- The Picasso Museum: before becoming a museum, this location was the Grimaldi Castle, part of which served as Picasso’s workshop when he stayed there in 1946. Subsequently, the castle officially became a museum in 1966, with several works added to the collection. Today, the building is one of the most unmissable museums in Antibes.
- The “Nomad”: a symbol of modernity, the “Nomad” is a contemporary artwork by artist Jaume Plensa depicting a figure seated facing the sea. Standing about ten metres high, it is made of a frame of white steel letters. Note that no explanation describes the work, leaving your imagination free to roam, just as it invites you to do.
- The Fort Carré: undoubtedly the most important historical building in Antibes, the Vauban fort (or Fort Carré) is one of the first built in France during the Renaissance. Its strategic position served to defend Antibes against attack. Today, Fort Carré is visited for its historical legacy, as well as for the panoramic views it offers from the outer ramparts.
Discover Antibes old town, between heritage and Provençal charm
The historic heart of Antibes is undoubtedly the most authentic part of the town; behind the ramparts lies a labyrinth of cobbled alleys with colourful houses, Provençal shutters, shaded squares, and artisan shops. Enjoying the feel of a small Provençal village, stroll at your own leisure and visit iconic monuments like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Antibes, with its carved baroque facade and history dating back to the Middle Ages. Nearby, numerous art galleries reflect the town’s commitment to artistic creation.
Similarly, the old town regularly hosts craft markets, concerts, open-air exhibitions, and various summer activities that contribute to its friendly atmosphere, perfect for an extended stay in July or August. In the evening, the narrow streets come alive while maintaining a peaceful charm that visitors particularly appreciate.
Explore Port Vauban and Fort Carré, two symbols of Antibes
As mentioned above, Port Vauban is the largest marina in Europe by tonnage and one of the most famous in the Mediterranean. A favourite spot for sailing and boat enthusiasts, it hosts both traditional sailboats and some of the most impressive private yachts in the world. A stroll along the quays allows you to admire these vessels while enjoying a splendid view of the old town of Antibes.
A few hundred metres away stands Fort Carré, a remarkable 16th-century fortification built on a headland overlooking the harbour. Its star-shaped architecture is particularly striking, and its strategic location offers a sweeping view across Antibes, Cap d’Antibes, the Baie des Anges, and the surrounding mountains. A tour of the fort reveals its military history, ramparts, and surrounding natural areas. The paths surrounding the site also offer a pleasant walk, especially at the end of the day when the evening light highlights the coastal scenery. Our tip: make sure to bring your camera!
The finest beaches in Antibes and Cap d'Antibes
The coastline around Antibes features numerous beaches catering to all tastes, whether for swimming, diving, relaxing, or water sports. For instance, La Salis beach is very popular with families thanks to its fine sand, shallow waters, and breathtaking view of the old town ramparts. If you wish to stay closer to the fortifications, head to La Gravette beach, which offers a wind-sheltered setting and remains one of the most popular spots.
Continuing towards Cap d’Antibes, several more secluded coves appeal to visitors seeking a quieter environment. Plage des Ondes, Plage de la Garoupe, or the small rocky coves accessible from the coastal path allow you to enjoy exceptionally clear waters.
Finally, if you want to combine a relaxing afternoon with a coastal walk, the Tirepoil coastal path, which runs along part of Cap d’Antibes, is another essential outing: roughly five kilometres round trip, it offers spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean, cliffs, and iconic cap villas.
Museums, cultural heritage, and unmissable events
Antibes boasts a remarkably rich cultural scene that perfectly complements its historic heritage: alongside the Picasso Museum, archaeology enthusiasts can discover the Archaeology Museum of Antibes, which traces the ancient history of Antipolis through items uncovered during land and underwater excavations.
Throughout the year, Antibes also hosts numerous cultural events; the famous international Jazz à Juan festival, held every summer in Juan-les-Pins, has been attracting international artists for decades. Exhibitions, craft markets, food festivals, outdoor concerts, and street entertainment further enliven local life, particularly during the summer season.
Plan your visit and fall under the spell of Antibes
Combining historical heritage, Mediterranean beaches, a marina, world-renowned museums, and a Provençal lifestyle, Antibes has all the ingredients for a successful stay on the French Riviera, tailoring to every preference. Whether you want to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, explore Picasso’s works, walk the Cap d’Antibes coastal path, enjoy the beaches, or simply relish a lunch on a terrace facing the sea, the town offers a wealth of experiences tailored to your wishes.
Do you now know where to head for your next French Riviera holiday? Look no further and book your accommodation on our website today! Choose the option that suits you best, and let our team take care of the rest!