There’s simply one thing concerning the south of France, and in case you’re in search of the very best issues to do in Antibes, you’ve come to the correct place.
Even after a number of many years of travelling the world, I nonetheless discover myself drawn again right here time and time once more. Maybe it’s the idyllic coves, excellent for laying out a towel and shedding monitor of time as you watch sunbeams dance throughout the nice and cozy Mediterranean Sea. Possibly it’s the candy aromas of recent produce drifting via Provençal markets, or the style of a relaxing glass of crisp rosé loved beneath the shade of a seashore umbrella. Life simply doesn’t get way more enjoyable or glamorous than on the Côte d’Azur.
Nestled between Good and Cannes, and an entire lot extra relaxed than both, Antibes, France, is the perfect base for a visit to the French Riviera. With its charming Outdated City, stunning seashores, and scenic coastal walks, there are many issues to do in Antibes, whether or not you’re in search of a soothing seashore day, a wander via the historic streets, or someplace to absorb the Mediterranean sunshine.
On this information, I’ll share a few of the finest issues to do in Antibes, in addition to a few of my favorite locations to go to in Antibes and across the French Riviera, that can assist you take advantage of your journey.
The Finest Time to Go to Antibes
There’s nothing fairly like summer season within the Med. Days are scorching, lengthy and nearly at all times blessed with clear blue skies. That stated, latest years have seen temperatures soar to insufferable highs and a few travellers not want to go to throughout excessive summer season. July and August are nonetheless the busiest months, although, with a lot of France decamping to “the south” – the environment is full of life, and the cafés, bars and eating places are buzzing with life.
Shoulder months (Could to June and September to October) supply cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, plus the ocean is at its warmest in September. Winter is hotter than throughout northern Europe, however many native companies are closed.
Occasions to keep away from (or go if you’re a movie fan!)
The Cannes Movie Pageant runs over three weeks in Could, bringing crowds and better charges. There are a variety of different festivals, akin to Cannes Lions and Jazz à Juan, to pay attention to when reserving journey.
Planning a visit to France at a distinct time of yr? We’ve obtained you coated for all seasons:
Attending to Antibes
Antibes is simply 20–half-hour from Good Côte d’Azur Airport, which is nicely served by each funds and full-service airways from throughout Europe. From the airport, you’ll be able to take a taxi (anticipate to pay round €70) or catch the tram to Good Saint-Augustin station, the place frequent trains attain Antibes in round 20 minutes for roughly €5.
The place to Keep in Antibes
Outdated City Antibes is splendidly charming, with slender cobblestone streets that twist and switch earlier than spilling out onto an countless expanse of blue. Lodging within the space will be restricted and expensive, although, so in case you can’t discover a resort or Airbnb to fit your wants, head to Juan-les-Pins – it’s extra inexpensive, there are extra choices, and it’s only a quick stroll away. Listed below are a couple of ideas to get you began:
- Les Ramparts d’Antibes – Lodging on the town ramparts with idyllic Mediterranean views: very best if it’s inside your funds
- Lodge La Place – A 3-star resort conveniently situated simply exterior of Outdated City Antibes
- Lodge le Sud – An especially cute little resort that guarantees French Riviera vibes, located in Juan-Les -Pins, simply 5 minutes from the seashore
- Lodge La Villa Sainte Valerie – One other charming (grownup solely) possibility situated within the coronary heart of Juan-Les-Pins
The place to Eat and Drink in Antibes
Should you’re something like me, you’ll agree that discovering nice meals is likely one of the finest elements of travelling. Listed below are a couple of of my favorite locations to eat and drink in and round Antibes.
- Le P’tit Cageot – A comfy, conventional bistro serving genuine Provençal delicacies with a concentrate on recent, seasonal components
- Restaurant Le Safranier – My private favorite because of its outside seating in a peaceable sq., and scrumptious Mediterranean dishes
- Wholesome Lounge – It may be arduous to search out gentle lunch choices to-go in France, however this place is good whenever you desire a salad or wrap to take to the seashore
- Mamo Michelangelo – A Riviera basic identified for its Italian delicacies and celeb clientele (make sure to ebook forward in the course of the summer season months)
- Absinthe Bar – Half cocktail bar, half museum, this distinctive and atmospheric spot presents reside piano music on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Pam Pam – This open-air, Brazilian-themed bar and restaurant is an surprising establishment in Juan-Les-Pins. Tropical cocktails are served in coconuts, whereas leisure comes within the type of elaborately costumed dancers. It’s full of life, kitsch and loads of enjoyable
- Nomads Espresso – Should you’re craving a correct specialty espresso, that is the spot – it’s one of many few cafés I’ve discovered that serves glorious espresso to-go
Begin your day with Antibes’ most scenic stroll
My absolute favorite factor to do in Antibes is to set out early, earlier than the city has woken up, and stroll alongside the Sixteenth-century metropolis ramparts, with sweeping views of the shimmering Mediterranean.
Begin at Plage du Ponteil and head north, pausing to benefit from the Jardin des Poètes earlier than persevering with previous the Picasso Museum (save that for one more time) and on to Port Vauban, Europe‘s largest marina. From there, wander south into the guts of the Outdated City, and get misplaced within the maze of slender cobblestone streets.
Discover a sunny desk, order a café au lait, and watch the locals start their day – it’s probably the greatest methods to expertise the genuine allure of Antibes.
Store like an area at Marché Provençal
Nestled within the coronary heart of Outdated City Antibes, the Marché Provençal is the very best place on the town to expertise the flavours, aromas, and environment of the French Riviera.
The market is open each day, besides Mondays, from round 7 am to 1 pm (timings could differ barely with the seasons), and it’s brimming with recent, native produce. In addition to fruit and greens, you will discover artisanal cheeses, cured meats, freshly caught seafood, aromatic herbs and olive oils, plus handmade merchandise like soaps and pottery. Make sure you deliver your basket to fill with scrumptious goodies for a seashore picnic.
Get your tradition kicks on the Musée Picasso
It’s not each day you’ll be able to admire world-famous trendy artwork inside a château overlooking superyachts bobbing on the countless blue waters of the Mediterranean. However that’s precisely what you get on the Musée Picasso, housed inside the historic Château Grimaldi. The artist used the château as his studio in 1946, and at present it showcases a set of his ceramics, work, and drawings, with a concentrate on works from his later years. Entry prices €12, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Expertise the glamour of Cap d’Antibes
Should you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the glamorous aspect of the French Riviera, find time for a stroll round Cap d’Antibes. Residence to a few of the most costly villas on the planet, this unique peninsula is the place billionaires, celebrities, and superyachts come to flee the highlight.
One of the best ways to discover “the cap” (because it’s identified regionally) is by mountaineering the Sentier du Littoral (also called the Tirepoil coastal path), a path that hugs the rocky shoreline for round 5km. Convey your swimming costume, and cease for a dip within the crystal-clear waters in one of many many coves you’ll go alongside the way in which.
High tip:
Should you’re feeling indulgent, ebook lunch on the legendary Grill at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and take in the environment at one of many French Riviera’s most iconic resorts – a longtime favorite of Hollywood stars and royalty. Simply be warned, even a sandwich will set you again a cool €52.
Discover your excellent seashore on the Côte d’Azur
You may’t go to the Côte d’Azur with out taking a dip in its impossibly-clear, turquoise waters. Antibes has a seashore for each choice, from lengthy stretches of golden sand in Juan-les-Pins to secluded rocky coves tucked round Cap d’Antibes.
My private favorite for an early morning swim is Plage de la Gravette, just under the Outdated City, the place the calm, sheltered water is ideal earlier than the crowds arrive. Should you’re heading to the Cap, you’ll be able to’t miss Plage des Ondes, a picturesque little seashore with crystal-clear water that’s very best for swimming and snorkelling.
Should you’re within the temper for just a little Riviera indulgence, spend the day at one of many many beachfront bars and eating places (I like CHACHA La Plage), the place you’ll be able to rent a solar lounger for round €30 a day and luxuriate in an extended seafood lunch along with your toes within the sand.
Take a day journey to Cannes
Town of Cannes is finest identified for the glamorous Cannes Movie Pageant, which has been attracting film stars and jet-setters for many years. Positioned only a quick 10-minute practice journey from Antibes. Cannes is a superb vacation spot for a day of eating, procuring, and people-watching. Listed below are a couple of of the very best issues to do:
- Stroll alongside the enduring Boulevard de la Croisette, browse the designer boutiques and luxuriate in lunch in one of many many beachfront eating places with views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains.
- Head to the north finish of the bay, and also you’ll discover Le Suquet, Cannes’ lovely Outdated City.
- Observe the slender winding streets that lead as much as the hilltop Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance and luxuriate in panoramic views over the bay and metropolis under.
Planning a visit round France? Make sure you take a look at our information to The Finest Issues To Do In France for much more inspiration.
Escape to Île Sainte-Marguerite
When you have sufficient time, I extremely advocate escaping to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a protected island coated in Aleppo pines and eucalyptus bushes simply off the coast of Cannes. Finest generally known as the island the place the Man within the Iron Masks was mysteriously imprisoned within the seventeenth century, it presents a mix of historical past, nature and picturesque turquoise coves.
Ferries go away from Quai Laubeuf on the Outdated Port of Cannes and take simply quarter-hour. You may stroll across the island in a couple of hours; make sure to cease at any of its attractive seashores to get pleasure from a swim and skim a ebook. Historical past lovers must also find time for the Royal Fort Museum to study extra concerning the Man within the Iron Masks, and even see the room by which he was held.
Journey tip:
Should you fancy a contact of Riviera glamour, then ebook lunch on the well-known La Guérite. Tucked beneath the Royal Fort, this stunning beachfront restaurant is known for its full of life daytime events, making it an surprising distinction to a morning spent wandering via peaceable pine forests. On my go to, I emerged from the bushes to search out Elton John and his household having fun with lunch.
Faucet into the Jazz Period glamour at Fitzgerald’s Riviera residence
As soon as the summer season residence of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Hôtel Belles Rives is the right place to benefit from the allure of the French Riviera. It was right here that the celebrated American writer discovered inspiration for considered one of his basic novels; Tender Is the Night time.
Right now you’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of this Jazz Period glamour by spending the day on a solar lounger on the resort’s personal seashore, having fun with a seafood lunch at La Plage Seashore Restaurant or sipping a night cocktail on the Fitzgerald Bar because the solar units over the Mediterranean.
You may’t actually go mistaken on the Cote d’Azur, so don’t spend an excessive amount of time planning – pack a swimsuit, your cutest outfits and a very good ebook, then get out and discover!
Planning a street journey round France? We’ve obtained you coated. From a couple of days exploring Normandy to winding via the French Alps (and even crossing the border into Switzerland), listed below are a couple of of our favorite road-trip guides to get you planning:
Have you ever been to Antibes, France?
What are the very best issues to do in Antibes? Something you’d add to this Antibes bucket record?
Nikki Scrivener
You may observe Nikki’s work and adventures on @wandering_scrivener and at The Wandering Scrivener on Substack.