15 Best Things to Do in Antibes, France (2025 Guide)

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As you will know, I relocated to live semi-permanently on the Côte d’Azur a few years ago and having read my previous posts, you will be aware that Antibes really is my favourite town on the French Riviera.

I have been a regular visitor to Antibes since my first visit to the South of France in 2002, when I instantly fell under its charm. More laid back than its busier neighbours of Nice and Cannes, it truly is an arguably more refined and often overlooked hidden gem of the Côte d’Azur.

There are so many things to do in Antibes, that it can be quite overwhelming to choose what to prioritise. Listed below are the fifteen highlights that I know will give you a well-rounded flavour of all that this delightful town has to offer.

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Getting to Antibes & How Long to Stay

Antibes is easy to reach and even easier to fall in love with. This charming town on the French Riviera sits between Nice and Cannes, making it a perfect base or day trip.

Getting there

🚆 By train: The TER regional train from Nice takes just 20–25 minutes, with regular daily departures.  

🚗 By car: A 25-30-minute drive from Nice Airport via the A8 motorway or coastal road.  

✈️ By air: The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE), well connected across Europe and beyond.

How long to stay:

While you can see Antibes on a day trip, I recommend staying at least 2 full days to explore the Old Town, beaches, Cap d’Antibes, and nearby Juan-les-Pins. With more time, Antibes makes a relaxed and rewarding base to explore the entire Riviera.

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15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Antibes

There are a wide variety of things to do in Antibes, all year round. Obviously Spring and Summer time means that the beaches of Antibes are popular. You can find out everything you need to know about the beaches in Antibes by reading my Best Antibes Beaches post.

Antibes is relatively small and most sites within the old town are walkable. I have grouped the sights below in proximity so that you can easily plan your itinerary.

I strongly recommend that you plan at least a day or two of your Côte d’Azur vacation visiting Antibes. You will not be disappointed.

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Things to do around Antibes Old Town and the Port

1. Explore the Enchanting Old Town

A trip to Antibes is not complete without ambling around and getting lost in the streets of the Old Town. The cobblestone streets and pastel coloured homes are the epitome of the French Riviera.

Wander along narrow lanes and get lost amongst the quaint homes and shops. Don’t forget to stop and look up, as there are some beautiful features and colourful bougainvillea to behold on many of the buildings.

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2. Shop at the Marché Provençal

A sensory explosion awaits as you browse the delights of the vendors of this uniquely Provençal market; it is a delight for tourists and locals alike.

This is one of my favourite markets to visit. The vendors are warm, welcoming, and usually happy to chat with non-French speakers. Don’t hesitate to ask for a taste! I love buying cheese from Jacques the cheesemonger, and the tapenades here are perfect for your evening aperitif. You won’t regret picking some up.

📍 Right in the heart of the Old Town, in front of the Mairie.

⏰ Open mornings from 7:30am to 1pm daily in summer. Closed Mondays in the off-season.

🥖 What to Eat in Antibes: Local Flavours You Shouldn’t Miss

Food in Antibes is a delicious mix of Provençal produce and Mediterranean coastal flair. Whether you’re sipping rosé by the sea or picking up snacks at the market, here are a few local specialities to try:

🥘 Bouillabaisse
A traditional Provençal fish stew, rich with saffron, garlic, and herbs — usually served with crusty bread and rouille (a garlicky mayo). Best enjoyed at a harbour-side restaurant with sea views.

🍕 Pissaladière
The Riviera’s answer to pizza: a caramelised onion tart topped with anchovies and olives. It’s salty, sweet, and perfectly snackable. Look for it at most boulangeries or local markets.

🌿 Socca
A thin, crisp pancake made from chickpea flour — originally from Nice, but just as beloved here. Grab a hot, peppery slice at a street stall for an authentic Riviera bite.

🍅 Ratatouille
This humble vegetable dish is Provençal comfort food: slow-cooked courgettes, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines infused with olive oil and herbs.

🍷 Rosé Wine & Local Cheese
Stop by a wine bar or épicerie for a tasting platter of regional cheeses with a chilled glass of Côtes de Provence rosé. Heaven.

Many of these Provençal favourites can be found right here at the Marché Provençal or nearby cafés in the old town.

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3. Visit the Picasso Museum

Set in the Old Grimaldi Castle, the location is certainly unique for an artist renowned for polarising the world of art.

Picasso was invited to use the castle as a studio in 1946 by the city of Antibes who acquired the property in the 1920s. After an intense 2 month residency, Picasso bequeathed the city 23 paintings and 44 drawings, including La Joie de Vivre, Faune et centaure au trident and Le gobeur d’oursins.

Since the 1960s the castle has been a permanent museum paying homage to this most renowned resident of Antibes.

⏰ The Picasso Museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday. It is open non-stop during the summer months and closes for lunch between 1pm and 2pm in low season.

🎟️ At the time of writing tickets cost €6 to enter.

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4. Take Time Out at the Antibes Cathedral

Easily passed by after a visit to the Picasso Museum, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception d’Antibes is a stone’s throw away. I encourage you to step inside.

Whilst this may seem like a small church, it is in fact a Roman Catholic cathedral with an impressive altar piece which was painted in 1515. Its façade is a beautiful example of the Italian architecture that heavily influences this region of France.

Inside you will find peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the market and town. A chance for reflection and thanks for the blessings in life.

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5. View the Sculptures of the Ramparts

Newly pedestrianised and beautifully landscaped the ramparts are to be strolled along to take in the beautiful Mediterranean, lapping up at the walls of this ancient fortified town. Sunrise here is a spectacular moment in the day.

A recent addition to the walls is the sculpture of Le Défi by Nicolas Lavarenne. Impossibly balanced and taking a leap into the unknown, for me the statue signifies the bravery of taking your life into a new direction.

Other impressively balanced bronze sculptures defy gravity along the walls. It is worth taking the time to marvel at their beauty.

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6. Relax with a book in the Jardin des Poetes.

Stop for a moment of reflection and enjoy the scents of the blooms at the newly landscaped Jardin des Poètes. A garden of cacti and aloes, alongside indigenous plants from the region, creates a sensory explosion.

Settled on the city walls, this is a tranquil space to pass some time, watching the world pass by, whilst overlooking the Azur waters of the Mediterranean.

The bust located here is of author Victor Hugo, who once wrote of Antibes ‘Tout ici rayonne, toutes les fleurs, tout chante Le soleil, les femmes et l’amour sont ici à la maison J’ai toujours la répulsion dans les yeux et dans l’âme.’ (Everything here radiates, all the flowers, everything sings The sun, women, and love are at home here I always have repulsion in my eyes and in my soul). No doubt you will have more success than Hugo in basking in the beauty of the place.

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7. Marvel at the Yachts of Port Vauban

Originally a natural harbour in use since the Roman empire, Port Vauban is now the largest marina in the Mediterranean. It is lovely to stroll around the harbour where over 1900 boats are permanently moored. The best views of the port are from the ramparts and Fort Carré.

You will see all kinds of vessels such a small fishing boats, day cruisers and modest yachts. However, at the far end of the Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaire’s Quai), you will find the super yachts of celebrities and royalty. It really is quite a feast for the eyes and offers the opportunity to fantasise about the lifestyle of a billionaire.

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8. Find Le Nomade

It is actually not that hard to find if you visit Port Vauban. It is hard to miss this magnificent sculpture created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Despite its enormous size, it has a delicate air as a result of its structure, which consists of thousands of small letters intertwined.

Owned by the Picasso Museum in Antibes, the massive artwork reminds us that Antibes (and the French Rivera) was the inspiration of the works of so many artists over the centuries.

(Jaume Plensa was also the creator of the sculptures ‘Conversation in Nice’, which are illuminated at night at the Place Masséna in Nice).

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9. Explore Fort Carré

The fort is an imposing structure that has guarded the entry to Antibes for centuries. You cannot miss it when you enter Antibes from Nice by the coastal road or by train. Sitting atop a small hill this 16th century fort is well worth a visit. You can get some truly unique panoramic views of Antibes and the Baie des Anges.

You can reach the Fort Carré via a short walk from Antibes Old Town, skirting past the edge of Port Vauban, then take a small footpath up a ramp to circle the fort. The path can be a bit rough underfoot, but the vistas are superb.

Visits are only possible with a guided tour, which is rather low key. The tour lasts around 35-45 minutes and does allow you to explore, albeit under light supervision.

🎟️ At the time of writing tickets are priced at €5 per person.

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Things to do on the Cap d’Antibes

10. Climb up to Garoupe Lighthouse for Panoramic Views

If visiting the Cap d’Antibes, a walk up to the Garoupe lighthouse (Phare de la Garoupe) is really an essential experience to take in the beauty of Antibes and the Cap d’Antibes. This is really one of Antibes’ hidden (in plain sight) gems.

It is a short, steep but worthwhile climb through tranquil nature up to the summit. I recommend walking through the Bois de la Garoupe to reach the lighthouse. You can enter the Bois de le Garoupe from Boulevard de Bacon in Antibes, or Chemin de l’Hermitage on the Cap d’Antibes.

Entry to the lighthouse is free and the views from the top are just outstanding. You can get a sense of the whole of the Côte d’Azur from up there, which is just sensational.

Close to the lighthouse and church is a small café (Le Bistro du Curé) for a rewarding drink and a quaint little chapel which is worth popping (entry is via the shop). There is a fascinating array of boats on display inside the church paying homage to those lost at sea.

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11. Splash out on an Afternoon at a Beach Club

Sipping chilled Rosé wine, under the warm Mediterranean sun, with the Azur waters at your feet is pure luxury, and something that everyone needs to experience, at least once.

There are many beach clubs to choose from and you can find plenty of information in my Best Antibes Beaches post.

⭐️ My recommendation for complete indulgence is to book seaside beds on one of the piers at Plage de la Garoupe. Spend the day and experience the ‘chic-ness’ of Riviera life.

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12. Challenge Yourself to the Sentier Littoral Walk on the Cap d’Antibes

Probably my favourite activity to do in Antibes. This tour takes in many of the beautiful coves and swimming spots of the Cap d’Antibes. I have written about this comprehensively in my post entitled Ultimate Cap d’Antibes Coastal Hike.

You will encounter spectacular views along the route and maybe even find the opportunity for a swim in some of the most spectacular settings on the French Riviera. Look out for spots that have been used in many movies and shows; recently the movie of Rebecca was filmed on the beaches here, and many scenes from the HBO series Julia, were also filmed along this route.

💡 Schedule a half day to complete this tour at leisure. If completing it in summer, do not forget to pack plenty of water, and swimmers, you will love taking a dip along the way!

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13. Visit the Villa Eilenroc

This spectacular villa from the 1860s exudes the glamour of the ‘Belle-Epoque’. Gifted to the city of Antibes by Mrs Helene Beaumont in 1982 (the road up to the villa is names after her). This villa is open to the public.

If you are lucky and it is open, an afternoon here strolling through the rose gardens and taking in the beautiful architecture will be memories that will last a lifetime.

⏰ It is worth checking in advance for the opening times, which can be changeable. (It is usually open on Saturdays between 10am and 5pm).

📺 If you are a fan of the HBO show Julia (about Julia Child, American TV Chef), you may notice that scenes from Season 2 were filmed here.

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Cultural Things to do in Antibes

14. Catch a play at the Antibea Theatre

This intimate theatre built on the site of an old chapel, in the heart of the old town seats only 120 audience members. It is an essential part of the cultural scene in Antibes, showcasing reputed companies as well as up and coming talent. 

English speaking productions are sometimes on show. Even as a non-French speaker, it is a unique venue to enjoy local talent. A full list of their programme can be found here.

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15. Get Your Groove on at the Jazz à Juan Jazz Festival in July

Held every July since 1960 on a specially built stage beneath the pine trees with the Mediterranean as a backdrop, the Juan les Pins Jazz Festival is a staple of the Côte d’Azur calendar.

Drawing the very finest acts from the world of Jazz, past famous faces to perform include Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and John Coltrane. More recently Gregory Porter and Pink Martini have graced the stage.

Jazz á Juan has a huge line up each year thoughtout the month of July and into August. More details can be found by visiting their website here.

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Hidden Gems in Antibes You’ll Be Glad You Found

Step off the main tourist path and you’ll discover a quieter, more soulful side of Antibes. Here are a few hidden gems I always recommend to curious travellers:

⛪ Chapelle Saint-Bernardin

Tucked away in a narrow alley near the old town, this small 16th-century chapel is easy to miss, but absolutely worth a peek inside. Its restored Gothic façade and richly painted interior are a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets outside. Most tourists walk right past it.

🍷 Le Brulot

This warm, rustic bistro near the marché feels like a local secret. They serve Provençal dishes, and inside features a wood-beamed ceiling, perfect for the cooler evenings of the off-season. Come here for a long lunch or early dinner and you’ll often find yourself surrounded by locals rather than visitors.

🌅 A Quiet Moment at the Garoupe Chapel

Most people visit the Phare de la Garoupe for the sweeping views, but few step into the tiny chapel nearby, tucked next to a humble café. Inside, you’ll find model boats and votive offerings left by seafarers and families — a beautiful tribute to lives lost at sea. It’s one of those rare places where time seems to stand still.

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Map of Things to do in Antibes

⭐ Tip: Click the star icon on the map title bar (“Things to do in Antibes”) to save this map to your Google account for easy access later.

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Where To Stay In Antibes

📍 – Luxury and Beach Front Location – Royal Antibes – Located across the road from Place du Ponteil and with its own beach club, this hotel will not disappoint. Opt for a sea-facing view if your budget can stretch to it.

📍 – Funky Style Close to the Beach – Hôtel La Ville Port d’Antibes – Well located for the old town and close to Port Vauban, this eclectically designed hotel offers spacious rooms at reasonable rates.

📍 – Medium Budget, Beach Front – Hotel Josse – Close to the beginning of the Cap d’Antibes this is a perfect stay for families wanting beach access. (A little further out of town), but the accessibility to the coast makes up for that.

📍 – Heart of the Old Town – Fisherman House – this unique one bedroom property is located close to the city walls and the Picasso museum. Offering self catering accommodation, the perfect place to be self-sufficient, or perhaps the perfect pad for a longer stay.

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Where To Stay In Juan-Les-Pins

📍 – Great Style – Unique Boutique Hotel – I just love the decor and interior design of this hotel. If you love to stay in stylish boutique hotels, this is definitely one to consider.

📍- Luxury In Juan Les Pins – Belles Rives – For me the Belles Rives is the epitomy of Rivera luxury. This beautiful beach front hotel is situated in Juan Les Pins and is perfect for access to the beaches and the Jazz Festival.

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Where to eat and drink in Antibes

Antibes has restaurants/outlets catering to all tastes and budgets. I have eaten at and enjoyed the following venues;

☕️ – Copenhagen Coffee Lab – it can be quite hard to find laid back coffee shop vibes in France. However the coffee lab manage it. Plus their coffee is excellent. Try their Raspberry Rolls or Chocolate Brioche. Most of the staff at the Antibes branch speak English.

🍦 – Geletaria Del Porto -For the best ice-cream in Antibes, it is worth queuing here. This family run business has been making ice-cream onsite since 1996. They serve gloriously presented ice creams and sorbets. For me a favourite is the stracciatella.

🍕- Gusto Gelato Pizza – Cut through the ice-cream parlour to the pizza restaurant at the back. Using the finest ingredients from Italy, the pizza and focaccias made here are authentically Italian. Some of the best I have tasted outside of Italy. Informal dining or take away, it is a perfect stop for when you are on the go.

🍽️ – La Guinguette – Serving lunch and dinner in an intimate, shaded courtyard. The perfect ambiance offers a refuge from the summer sun. Prices are reasonable.

🥑 – Healthy Lounge – For exceptionally prepared vegetarian and vegan food, a lunch or dinner here will be memorable. It can be notoriously difficult to find vegetarian options in France, and as a ‘flexitarian’ myself, I love it when I find vegetarian places that are great quality. This is one of them!

⭐️ – Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit – A Michelin starred dining experience awaits at Le Figuier. Located on the ramparts of Antibes, it is a beautiful setting. Chef Christian Morisset, sets himself one single mission- to delight you with scents of the earth and marine flavours blended well to intoxicate all your senses.

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Getting Around

Antibes is a small town and it is easy to walk from one side to the other incorporating most of the sites listed above.

Some sites on the Cap d’Antibes are a little further away.

🚌 – There are regular bus services to the Cap d’Antibes Envibus Line 2 runs from Antibes Train Station along the coast and through the Cap d’Antibes.. Tickets are €1.50, valid for one hour and can be bought via the Envibus Ticket App.

🚲 – My preferred way to get around is by bicycle. Kaktus Cycle in Antibes offer reasonable daily rates.

💡 – Top Tip – If using a bicycle, be vigilant with locking it when not attended. I had a very expensive road bike stolen off the back of my car at the large Carrefour in Antibes a few years ago.

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FAQs

Below are answers to the questions that I receive most in my inbox about things to do in Antibes.

Is Antibes, France worth visiting?

Definitely! I consider this to be a smaller more refined neighbour to the busier cities of Cannes and Nice. Best of all, it is exactly in the middle between them.

What is the best time to visit Antibes?

May-September to enjoy the beaches.
September-October or March-April to enjoy good weather but avoid the crowds.

What are the best beaches in Antibes?

I have written extensively about Antibes Beaches. However my favourites are as follows;

• ⛱️ Plage du l’Olivette – Cap d’Antibes
• ⛱️ Baie des Milliardaires – Cap d’Antibes
• ⛱️ Plage de la Gallice – Juan Les Pins
• ⛱️ Plage du Ponteil – Antibes
• ⛱️ Plage de la Garoupe – Cap d’Antibes

How many days in Antibes?

2-3 days should be enough to work through my top fifteen list. However, I recommend staying longer and using Antibes as a base to explore the rest of the Côte d’Azur.

How is Juan les Pins different from Antibes?

Juan les Pins and Antibes are very close neighbours and it is possible to walk from one to the other. Whilst Antibes is famous for its walled old town, Picasso Museum and the Cap d’Antibes, Juan Les Pins is more modern with a multitude of beach front apartments.

Is Antibes walkable?

Yes. However, there are narrow streets and steps in various locations, so not always accessible for those with limited mobility and strollers.

⚠️ If you plan to visit nearby Grasse, Nice, Monaco or St Tropez, be sure to check out my guides.

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Wrapping Up Your Antibes Adventure: Final Thoughts and Tips

If you’re wondering what to do in Antibes, ticking off the experiences above will give you a rich, well-rounded taste of this Riviera gem. With its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and vibrant cultural scene, Antibes is truly one of the highlights of the Côte d’Azur.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun in summer, strolling through Christmas markets in winter, or enjoying that signature Mediterranean light in spring, Antibes has something special to offer year-round.

✨ From art lovers and foodies to beachgoers and slow travelers, Antibes delivers the kind of authentic charm that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

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