Things To Do
in Antibes

Antibes is a sun-soaked Riviera town between Nice and Cannes, famed for its ancient ramparts and glittering harbor. Its Old Town (Vieille Ville) winds with narrow lanes, markets, and pastel buildings that glow at golden hour. The coastline offers pebble beaches, clear Mediterranean waters, and dramatic capes perfect for coastal walks.

Rich in art, history, and seafood, Antibes pairs refined charm with a relaxed, coastal vibe.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Antibes and check into your charming seaside hotel. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful coastline and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean. Stop by a local café for a pastry and coffee to fuel your day.

afternoon
:

Visit the Picasso Museum, where you can appreciate a collection of works by the famous artist who spent time in Antibes. Wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, stopping at artisan shops and markets that capture the essence of Provencal life. Don’t miss the historic Fort Carré, which offers great views over the harbor.

evening
:

Dine at a seaside restaurant where you can savor fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the horizon. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk along the ramparts, taking in the twinkling lights of the town at night. Conclude your evening with a glass of local rosé at a nearby bar.

day 2
Beach Day and Water Activities
morning
:

Spend your morning at Plage de la Gravette, one of Antibes' most popular beaches, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters. Rent a paddleboard or kayak for some fun on the water, or simply relax with a good book and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Don’t forget to indulge in some delicious beachside snacks.

afternoon
:

Continue your beach day with lunch at a beachfront café, sampling local specialties like salade niçoise and fresh seafood. In the afternoon, take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands, like Île Sainte-Marguerite, famous for its natural beauty and hiking trails. Bring your camera for stunning views of the coastline and turquoise waters.

evening
:

Return to Antibes and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a traditional French bistro. Try local dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. After dinner, enjoy the vibrant nightlife at the Port of Antibes, where you can find bars and live music to extend your evening fun.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🥗Three-course mid-range dinner for two$60-120
Coffee/tea$3-6
🚌Public transport day pass$6-12
🏖️Beach umbrella rental$8-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastline and historic town
  • Excellent seafood and Provencal cuisine
  • Good balance of beaches, culture, and nature
  • Can be crowded in peak season
  • Prices can be high
  • Limited green space in the immediate town center
  • "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "S'il vous plaît" - Please
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Antibes

Visit one of these nice places.

Port Vauban and Fort Carré

A marina panorama with grand yachts and the fortress offering dramatic harbor silhouettes at dawn or sunset.

Vieille Ville (Old Town) and the Provencal Market

Colorful facades, narrow lanes, red-tiled roofs, and flowered balconies ideal for street photography.

Cap d'Antibes coastal path (Sentier du Littoral)

Rugged cliffs, turquoise water, pine forests, and sweeping sea views along a scenic cliffside trail.

Les Remparts and the Rade Harbor

Ancient walls with vantage points over the water; fantastic for golden hour cityscapes.

La Gravette Beach and the jetty

Photogenic pebble beach, colorful boats, and light reflections near the coastline.

Culinary Guide

Food in Antibes

Antibes and the wider Riviera showcase Provençal flavors with sea-inspired ingredients. Expect olive oil, seafood, citrus, herbs de Provence, olives, and vibrant markets. Dishes favor light, flavorful preparations that highlight fresh produce and seafood. Pair meals with local rosé and excellent Provencal wines as you explore the coast.

Antibes Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Socca

A chickpea flour pancake street food staple, crisp on the edges and soft in the center.

Must-Try!

Pissaladière

A caramelized onion tart topped with olives and anchovies, a savory Niçoise classic.

Salade Niçoise

A hearty salad with tuna, olives, green beans, eggs, and tomatoes; fresh and filling.

Bouillabaisse

Traditional Provençal fish stew; seek a harbor-side rendition with rouille and croutons.

Tapenade

Olive paste often served with bread, sometimes as a spread or dip.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché Provençal d'Antibes

Vibrant market near the Old Town offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, flowers, and prepared snacks including socca.

La Gravette Market

Seaside market with seafood picks, bread, and regional specialties set near the harbor.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Riviera experiences a Mediterranean climate: mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers with sea breezes that ease the heat. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activity, while summer brings abundant sunshine and long days by the water.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Language and greetings

Greet with 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and employ 'Madame' or 'Monsieur' when addressing others.

Quiet public manners

Maintain a courteous tone in public spaces; avoid loud conversations in churches or museums.

Dining etiquette

Keep hands visible on the table; bread placed on the bread plate; wait for everyone to be served before starting.

Safety Guide

Safety

Be mindful of petty theft in crowded tourist areas; keep valuables secure and use licensed taxis. Stay aware of your surroundings at night near busy harbors and beaches. In emergencies, dial 112; medical facilities and pharmacies are widely available in Antibes.

Tipping in Antibes

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Services in France are often included; if not, a tip of 5-10% for good service is customary.

Payment Methods

Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and lively markets; ideal for walking and photography without the heat of summer.

Summer

Hot days and peak tourist crowds; plan early morning visits and sunset strolls; beaches are busy but vibrant.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds; sea remains warm enough for casual swims and coastal walks.

Winter

Milder than many regions but cooler water; museums and cafés provide cozy counterpoints to outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Antibes at Night

Antibes offers a relaxed nightlife with seaside bars, wine and cocktail lounges, and summer gigs in nearby Juan-les-Pins. Expect live music, sunset drinks by the harbor, and fashionable beach clubs during peak season, with calmer venues in the Old Town for a more laid-back evening.

Hiking in Antibes

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cap d'Antibes coastal trail

A scenic, sometimes steep coastal path along the Cap d'Antibes offering sea views and rugged scenery.

Baou de Saint-Jeannet

Inland hill hike with panoramic views over the coast; a popular day trip for a more varied terrain.

Airports

How to reach Antibes by plane.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)

Main international gateway for the region; about 20-30 minutes by car or train to Antibes.

Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ)

Smaller regional airport serving some charter and general aviation; typically 30-40 minutes by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Antibes Old Town is highly walkable with narrow lanes and compact town blocks; the port and train station are within easy walking distance, though some streets involve stairs and slopes. Bicycle lanes connect to Juan-les-Pins and Cap d'Antibes, making it easy to explore without a car in many areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families visit for beaches, parks, and kid-friendly museums.

Retirees/Seasonal Residents

A notable number of expatriates and seasonal residents from across Europe.

Young professionals and students

Evenings near Juan-les-Pins attract nightlife crowds and cultural events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

A Riviera staple with many sailing clubs and marina activities along the coast.

Water polo

Active in local pools and clubs; reflects the region’s aquatic culture.

Tennis

Numerous courts across the area; several clubs and hotel facilities offer courts and coaching.

Golf

Nearby courses provide scenic sea views and varied difficulty levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal traffic can be heavy in summer along main routes; trains along the coast are reliable for longer trips. Parking in the Old Town is limited and can be expensive, so consider trains or buses for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Antibes.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available: ratatouille, grilled vegetables, socca, and vegetable tarts. In Niçoise-style dishes, request adjustments to avoid anchovies or meat if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

France has excellent healthcare. In Antibes you’ll find clinics and pharmacies; for emergencies call 112. The Carte Vitale provides coverage for residents and travelers with appropriate documentation; private clinics offer English-speaking staff in some facilities.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide