This French Riviera town boasts cobbled streets, a 16th-century palace, and beautiful beaches. Explore markets, galleries, and savor local specialties like pan bagnat.
Antibes, a town on the French Riviera, is known for its 16th-century ramparts, sandy beaches, and connection to Pablo Picasso. You can walk through the old town's narrow streets, view Picasso's artworks at the museum, or see luxury yachts in the harbor. With its Mediterranean atmosphere and location near Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a good starting point for exploring the CĂ´te d'Azur.
Exploring Vieil Antibes
The center of Antibes is within its ancient walls, where narrow cobblestone streets run between pastel-colored buildings. As you walk through Vieil Antibes, you'll find small squares with cafes and boutiques. Visit Place Nationale, an active area surrounded by 16th and 17th-century buildings. The old town's streets lead to the sea, where you can walk along the ramparts and see the Mediterranean and the Alps in the distance.
Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi
The Picasso Museum is in the former Château Grimaldi and displays works the artist created during his time in Antibes in 1946. You can see 23 paintings and 44 drawings Picasso made here, along with ceramics, sculptures, and tapestries. The museum's terraces give you views of the Mediterranean. The building itself, with parts dating from medieval times and the 17th century, adds to the visit.
Beaches of Antibes
Unlike many pebbly beaches on the CĂ´te d'Azur, Antibes has several sandy beaches. Plage de la Gravette, located between the old town walls and the port, is a convenient place for sunbathing and swimming. For a longer beach, go to Plage de la Salis or Juan-les-Pins on the western side of the peninsula. These beaches have clear water and views of the LĂ©rins Islands, with many restaurants and cafes nearby.
Cap d'Antibes Coastal Walk
The Sentier du Littoral, or coastal path, around Cap d'Antibes is a 5-kilometer hike with sea views. Starting near Plage de la Garoupe, the trail goes along rocky cliffs, passing coves and large villas. You'll see the 16th-century Garoupe lighthouse and get views of the CĂ´te d'Azur. Wear good shoes and bring water, as some parts of the path can be difficult.
Port Vauban
Port Vauban is Europe's largest yacht marina. You can walk along the Billionaires' Quay to see large yachts, or look at the fishing boats in the old port area. The port has been used since Roman times and now has space for over 1,600 boats. In the evening, you'll find many restaurants and bars along the waterfront, where you can watch people and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Marché Provençal
To experience local life, visit the covered Provençal market on Cours Masséna. It's open every morning except Mondays, and you'll find vendors selling fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and flowers. You can try regional foods like socca (chickpea pancakes) and pissaladière (onion tart). After looking around the stalls, you can take your purchases to a nearby park or beach for a picnic.
Getting to Antibes
You can reach Antibes easily by train or car. The closest airport is Nice CĂ´te d'Azur, about 20 kilometers away. From Nice, you can take a direct train to Antibes, which takes about 20 minutes. If you're driving, Antibes is just off the A8 motorway. Once in town, you can walk to most places, but local buses and taxis are available for longer trips.
Where to Stay
Antibes has many types of places to stay. For a high-end option, try the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on Cap d'Antibes, known for its famous guests and sea views. In the old town, smaller hotels like La Place give you a more personal experience. For less expensive options, look for guesthouses or vacation rentals in Juan-les-Pins or outside central Antibes.
