Antibes, France – a youthful, dynamic, and very cozy city, where despite its modernity, there is a sharp connection with its historical past. The streets here are more like open-air museums, and the pine-covered capes and warm Mediterranean Sea contribute to a relaxed beach holiday.
General Information
Antibes is a city in France, located on the famous French Riviera between Cannes and Nice. Being the second largest settlement in the Alpes-Maritimes, it is known for its extensive coastline (up to 25 km), a wide range of entertainment, and many historical attractions.
The history of this place began in the 5th century BC. Back then, it was a small settlement founded by ancient Greeks and called Antipolis. Modern Antibes, together with the Juan-les-Pins district and the eponymous cape that stretches directly into the sea, is considered one of the most popular resorts on the French Riviera. Its area is almost 27 km², with a population of about 76,000 people.
The city is full of charm – its sunsets were painted by Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso dedicated his painting “The Joy of Life,” the brightest of all, to Antibes. The commune has also been celebrated by famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Sand, and Graham Greene.
Another feature of this place is Cape Antibes, where many luxurious villas and mansions have been built. There is also the famous hotel “Cap Eden Roc,” where many legendary personalities like Charlie Chaplin, Bernard Shaw, Marlene Dietrich, and others stayed. Today, clean beaches, the unique atmosphere of Provence, and the exotic nature of the cape attract many tourists every year.
Indeed, it’s impossible not to fall in love with these winding streets crowded with cafes, sandstone houses covered in vines, and flea markets. If you decide to go beyond the Old Town and head towards Cape Cap d’Antibes or the port, you will see a completely different picture. In this part of the resort, you will find docks filled with luxurious yachts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxurious hotels. Additionally, Antibes offers a decent entertainment program. As a result, some vacationers see it as an authentic corner of France, others as a place for spontaneous shopping and wild partying, and still others as an expensive resort with a wide range of pleasures.
Attractions and Entertainment
If you want to not only look at photos of Antibes, France, but also personally walk its streets, use this selection of the most popular city attractions. By the way, the city is beautiful at any time of the day, so if it’s hot outside, feel free to postpone the walk until the evening.
Old Town
Start your journey through Antibes with the Old Town, founded by Greek sailors in ancient times. The inscription “Antipolis” discovered on the facade of an old tower in the city center reminds residents and guests of those times. This part of the city was once surrounded by a powerful defensive wall. Now it is partially dismantled, and a picturesque promenade has been arranged in place of the former bastion. Here you will find famous landmarks such as Fort Carré and the Grimaldi Castle. From the outskirts of the historic center, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, including views of Nice and the snow-capped Alps. The streets have many fountains and statues.
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum, founded in 1946, is located in the Grimaldi Castle. The location is not accidental – it was here that the founder of cubism created his works. Picasso came to Antibes for inspiration and got plenty of it. The aged master painted canvases within the castle walls for about six months and then simply disappeared. However, he left behind a significant creative legacy in the form of 25 paintings dedicated to the cape and the city itself. In addition to these, the museum also houses other artworks, including interesting photographs, ceramics, graphics, paintings, lithographs, and works by famous world artists.
Address: Musée Picasso, Promenade Amiral de Grasse, Antibes, France.
Opening Hours:
- September 16 – June 14: 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
- June 15 – September 15: 10:00 to 18:00
- Ticket offices close at 12:30 and 17:00
- Closed on Mondays, January 1, November 1, May 1, and December 25
Prices:
- Regular ticket: €8
- Under 18: Free
- Group ticket: €6 per visitor for groups of 10 or more
Official Website: antibes-juanlespins.com/culture/musee-picasso
Fort Carré
The impregnable square fort, built in the second half of the 16th century, once served as the entrance to the city. It remained a defensive border post until 1860 when Nice was annexed to France. The fortress is famous for once holding a young Napoleon, whom the authorities of Antibes planned to execute. However, the execution did not take place, and in the 19th century, the fortress was no longer used for its original purpose. Today, Carré is a historical site that does not boast interesting exhibits but attracts with its might.
Address: Av. du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes, France.
Opening Hours:
- June 15 – September 15: 10:00 to 18:00
- September 16 – June 14: 10:00 to 17:00
- Closed on Mondays, Sundays, January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25
Prices:
- Regular ticket: €3
- Under 18: Free
- Combo ticket: €10
Official Website: antibes-juanlespins.com/culture/fort-carre
Sculpture “Nomad”
You have probably seen this sculpture on tourist postcards dedicated to Cape Antibes. It is installed at Port Vauban, the very place from which Cousteau’s ship “Calypso” set off on a round-the-world voyage. The author of “The Wanderer” is the Spanish master Jaume Plensa. The statue, depicting a man looking out to sea, embodies mysteries and adventures. The construction is very large but at the same time light and airy. The steel letters from which it is made symbolize emptiness, freedom, and silence.
Location: 32 Quai Henri Rambaud, 06600 Antibes, France.
Garoupe Chapel
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Garoupe Chapel is located near the lighthouse on top of a hill overlooking the cape. Its appearance is unlikely to impress a traveler well-versed in Old World attractions. However, for the residents of Antibes, this place is very important. Local sailors offered gifts on the altar of this building dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was their gratitude for lives saved during storms or shipwrecks.
Over many years, the chapel has accumulated a good collection of valuable items. There is church utensils brought from Tsarist Russia – an embroidered shroud belonging to the Vorontsovs, an old icon “Madonna and Child,” a wooden cross, and more. Other exhibits include drawings, sculptures, models of sailing ships, and old photographs.
Address: 760 Rte du Phare, 06160 Antibes, France.
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 14:30 to 17:00
- Sunday: 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: Free
Official Website: paroisse-antibes.fr
Garoupe Lighthouse
Located next to the chapel, it is a landmark of the city. Founded in 1837, electricity was only installed there in 1997. At that time, the signal system was automated, making the lighthouse keeper’s position obsolete. Currently, Garoupe is one of the most powerful lighthouses in southern France. On a clear night, its beam easily reaches 60-80 km. You can reach the lighthouse on foot or by car. The observation deck offers a beautiful view of the French Riviera.
The lighthouse has the same location as the chapel.
Marché Provençal
The central city market offers a wide selection of local products – spices, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, meat, and more. You can also buy fresh flowers and souvenirs here, and in the afternoon, sculptors, artists, and ceramists start selling their works. Marché Provençal is famous far beyond the cape. You can come here specifically or drop by during a walk through the Old Town.
Address: Cr Masséna, 06600 Antibes, France.
Working Hours:
- 06:00 to 13:00
- Closed on Mondays from September 1 to May 31
Aquasplash Water Park
Aquasplash is one of the most visited places on Cape Antibes in France. The total length of its slides is 2,000 meters. Among them, there are options for both children and adults. Children can shoot water guns, swim on inflatable “rafts,” and participate in games on Pirate Island. Adult visitors can enjoy thrilling rides like the turbo tube, vertical attraction Side Winder, giant whirlpool, and more. Several times a day, experienced trainers conduct aerobics courses.
Address: 306 Av. Mozart, 06600 Antibes, France.
Working Hours:
- 10:00 to 19:00
Price: From €23.90
Official Website: aquasplash.fr/en
Cap d’Antibes Coastal Trail
The Cap Antibes trail, located on the peninsula and Juan-les-Pins, is one of the main natural attractions of the city. Its name comes from the nearby pine grove. The Cap d’Antibes area is divided between 13 beaches of varying comfort levels. The route stretches along the cape to the town of Juan-les-Pins – its total length is 2.7 km. During the walk, you will enjoy picturesque views of the Lerins Islands, the lighthouse, the Mediterranean Sea, the Thuret Garden, the Garoupe and La Croe castles.
Location: 11 Chem. des Douaniers, 06160 Antibes, France.
Beaches of Antibes
The beaches of Antibes are not only the main natural attraction of this city but also an exclusive recreation area since the villas of the wealthiest people of modern times are located here.
The beach season begins in late spring when the water in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to +16…+18°C. However, most tourists prefer to sunbathe, and only the most seasoned swim at this time.
The temperature rises closer to mid-June – during this period it ranges from +21 to +24°C and remains pleasantly warm until mid-September. The climate is Mediterranean, so summers in the city are dry and very hot (from +25 to +35°C). Only the sea breeze provides relief.
Together with Cape Antibes and the town of Juan-les-Pins, the resort offers dozens of kilometers of private and public recreation areas. The coastline is covered with sand and pebbles. Sandy beaches are called French, and pebbly ones are called Italian.
Juan-les-Pins
The central city beach, located next to the pine grove, is covered with soft fine sand. It’s a good place for a family vacation with children. Firstly, it is located in the depths of the quiet Golfe Juan bay. Secondly, there are many attractions here. You can visit the butterfly park, oceanarium, water park, and more. The town also has a children’s sailing school, where instructors teach young tourists to sail a catamaran and windsurf board. In the local tennis center, teenagers can play tennis, rollerblade, and dive.
Public Juan Les Pins is in high demand, and it is very crowded and never boring during the season. Night bars, cafes, fashionable boutiques, and coffee shops built along the Promenade du Soleil are open 24/7. The waves are calm, the water entry is gentle, and the sea has a turquoise hue. It’s very shallow near the shore, making it convenient for kids. During the summer season, a lifeguard service ensures the safety of vacationers. There are toilets, changing cabins, and showers. You can rent equipment for water sports, umbrellas, and sun loungers.
Du Ponteil
A beautiful sandy beach offering a picturesque panorama of the Alps. Small and shallow, safe for children. The water is clear, and if you look closely, you can see fish. The only downside is the jellyfish, and many seaweeds gather at the edge. Tourists also note the presence of litter.
For a comfortable stay, you can rent a sun lounger with an umbrella. The entire shore is lined with benches in the shade. There are no problems with food – the “Royal Beach” restaurant and the “Poseidon” kiosk-cafe operate. There is also a hotel with its own beachfront area. If desired, you can take a walk to the Old Town – it’s very close. There is a paid parking lot nearby (price €1 per hour).
Du Ponteil is quite narrow, and it gets very crowded during the season, so it’s better to come early. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer. Toilets are free; there are showers, but many do not work due to a lack of fresh water.
Salis
Salis Beach – a picturesque spot gracing many tourist photos of Antibes, France. It is located between the sailing club and the beginning of Cape Cap d’Antibes. The covering is white sand. There are no umbrellas/loungers, so bring towels and sunscreen. Loud music never stops on the beach during the high tourist season. There are also many people.
Among the infrastructure facilities are free toilets and showers near the sailing club, two restaurants (one expensive and one cheaper), bars, kiosks, and many trash bins. There is a large supermarket nearby, but the prices are exorbitant (it’s recommended to bring water and snacks with you). A large parking lot is open nearby. Depending on the rate, a spot costs €3 to €5.
Salis is very shallow, with depth starting gradually and far from the shore, but there are sections with seaweed and stones at the bottom. The downside is the high noise level. On one side – the highway, on the other – the port, from which boats and yachts constantly depart.
La Garoupe
La Garoupe Beach – a popular spot located east of Cape Cap d’Antibes. The shoreline is covered with fine sand and divided into private and public areas. The sea entry is gentle, but there are large stones at the bottom, and jellyfish are washed ashore. The water is clear only in the morning, then the feet of numerous tourists swirl the sand.
La Garoupe is small but beautiful. Parking lots are arranged near the paid sections. There are many hotels with a wide range of services. Lifeguards are on duty during the season. Toilets are free.
Des Ondes
Plage des Ondes – a narrow sandy beach located on the western part of the cape. It is known for its clear sea, perfect cleanliness, and absence of jellyfish. Well protected from the wind, there is natural shade in the first half of the day. The sea entry is convenient, and the covering is soft sand. The downside – a car road runs nearby, so you need to watch the children closely. There is a shower, toilet, and free parking nearby on the street. The nearest city attraction is the old tower.
Where to Stay?
Conditionally, the city of Antibes can be divided into four parts, each with certain features.
Historic Center
There are few hotels in the Old Town of Antibes. Almost the only exception is the small Irin Hotel, hidden in a quarter adjacent to Place Nationale. However, there is a wide selection of apartments – both budget and more expensive.
The main advantage of staying in the historic city center is the ability to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing trips. Moreover, there are many cafes, shops, antique stores, restaurants, a marina, and a large Provençal market nearby. However, this also means that it can be noisy late into the night during the peak summer season.
Resort Area
The main advantage of this area is its proximity to sandy beaches and popular city attractions. At the same time, it is very beautiful and less noisy. As for hotels, there are plenty – mostly budget 3 and 2 options.
Cap d’Antibes
Cape Antibes is often called a haven for billionaires, as it is home to many luxurious villas. There are also great 5* hotels, but they are not cheap. The beaches on the cape are small and rocky.
Juan-les-Pins
The advantages of this town are clean sandy beaches, a promenade, and an abundance of lush Mediterranean pines. The center has clubs, casinos, restaurants, cafes, and bars, so it is very noisy. The other areas of the city have a more peaceful atmosphere – a good choice for families with children. The downside is that there are almost no attractions in Juan-les-Pins itself, and the Old Town of Antibes is about 2 km away.
The cost of accommodation depends on the area, the level of housing, and the distance to the beach. For example, a double room in a 3 hotel starts at €105 per night, while a 5 hotel starts at €280 per night. It is better to book several months before the start of the season.
Interesting Facts
There are many more curious facts in the history of this amazing French town. Here are just a few of them:
- Real estate here costs enormous sums – even by the standards of the French Riviera. Luxurious villas and apartments are snapped up instantly, which is why it is often called the city of millionaires.
- Every July, Antibes hosts the famous jazz festival, attracting guests from all over the world. Musicians perform in concert halls, on the streets, the promenade, beaches, and famous compositions are often complemented by brilliant improvisations.
- At different times, many famous personalities visited the city – including Napoleon. He lived here during his service in the army, but no one has ever been able to find out in which district or house. The French approached this with humor and put humorous inscriptions mentioning the great commander’s name on the walls of many houses.
- Antibes, France – is not only known for its historical attractions and beautiful nature but also for yachting. The yachting season opens with an unforgettable show. At this time, you can see various ships, watch water competitions, and if you have the right amount – buy a sailboat, boat, or yacht.
