A Guide to the Best Things to do in Antibes

Last Updated on 14th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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A picture perfect town on the French Riviera, Antibes is a dreamy escape from the hustle and bustle of busy modern day life. A pastel hued maze of cobbled medieval streets, there are also beaches to relax on and even an impressive fort to explore. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Antibes, as well as what to know before you go.

Where is Antibes?

Antibes is located on the Côte d’Azur, an impossibly beautiful region in southeast France that spans the coastline between Cannes to the west and Menton to the east (which also happens to be the last major town before the border with Italy).

Antibes is located just a ten minute train ride away from Cannes (famed for its annual film festival) and a twenty-five minute train ride away from Nice.

What is Antibes known for?

Antibes is known for its proximity to one of the most glamorous towns on the French Riviera, Cannes. The town itself is also famed for its beautiful sea views, gorgeous beaches, and historic old town which is peppered with museums, ancient churches, and boutiques where you can buy local souvenirs.

How long do you need in Antibes?

To be honest, Antibes is pretty small and all of the main attractions are located close to one another, making it easy to explore all that the town has to offer over the course of an afternoon.

If you want to wander around, visit a museum or two, and stop for a coffee, then you’ll want to set aside around three or four hours. If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers to travel at a slower pace, then you’ll want to set aside five or six hours, to allow yourself time to stop for lunch, etc.

Best things to do in Antibes

Wander around the old town

As with many historic towns in France, one of the greatest joys of a visit to Antibes is simply strolling around the town and allowing the place to reveal itself to you. From spying artists’ haunts to wandering along the seafront to strolling through cobbled streets, there’s plenty of beautiful angles to enjoy.

Admire the old fortifications

One of the more interesting aspects of wandering around the town is that you’ll get the chance to see some of the vestiges of the former fortifications which would have once surrounded the whole town.

Rather interestingly, these have often been used as supporting walls in the construction of newer dwellings and so it can be fun to spot the juxtaposition of old and new when strolling around Antibes.

Discover the markets

One of the best ways to discover local life in southern France is to head to the market. In Antibes, there is a whole variety of market to suit every budget and taste. From picking up some local produce for lunch to finding the perfect gift for a loved one, there’s truly something for everyone.

Of course, the most classic market is the daily Provençal produce market which sells all sorts of fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheeses etc from 7:30 AM–1 PM on Tuesday through to Sunday and is held on the Cour Masséna.

There is also farmers’ market on the third Sunday of every month from 10 AM to 4 PM on l’esplanade de la Garoupe. Yet another market held in Antibes is an artisanal market where you can buy local handcrafted goods such as candles and clothing. This is held next to la halle du cours Masséna in the late afternoon of Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Visit Antibes during the summer months, and you’ll find a nightly artisanal market along the Promenade du Soleil à Juan-les-Pins in July and August after 7 PM. There you can buy locally made jewellery and other artisanal gifts.

Look at the boats in the harbour

Thanks to its strategic position along the French riviera, there are countless boats of all shapes and sizes docked in the harbour. One of my personal favourite views in town is the Quai des Pêcheurs, where you can admire fishing boats docked in the harbour and set against the backdrop of a Vauban fort.

Walk along the seafront

There is perhaps no activity more romantic than a gentle stroll along the seafront. Best enjoyed during the golden hour when everything is bathed in a golden glow, a walk along the defensive walls will give you the true scale of Antibes’ former defences.

Musée Picasso

There are a handful of museums in town and the most popular one is located just a few steps away from Antibes’ main church. The Picasso museum is open from Tuesday through to Sunday and showcases a collection of Picasso works set within a villa overlooking the sea.

Relax on the beach

There are a few beaches in Antibes. One of the most popular is the Plage de la Gravette beach which is located right on the fringes of the old town and offers plenty of bathing opportunities, as well as the chance to relax on the beach (which is a mix of small stones and sand).

Due to its proximity to Antibes’ historic centre, the beach can get pretty busy so be sure to arrive by 11 AM during the summer to ensure that you actually get a spot on the sand.

Archaeological museum

Along the coastline, on the way to La Salis (the next commune along which is around a fifteen minute walk from Antibes old town), you’ll come across the archaeological museum. This is a must-see for the history buffs out there and provides a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Antibes and its surroundings.

Fort Carré

Presiding high above the rest of the surrounding town, Fort Carré is a 16th-century Vauban designed fort which is famed for its unique star shape. Visit the well-preserved fortifications today and you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and sea. To go inside it’s worth noting that you have to visit as part of a guided tour.

Chapelle Saint Bernardin

Nestled within a sleepy residential area, the 16th-century neo-gothic chapel is dedicated to Saint-Bernardin and its interior features some beautiful (and rather ornate) painted Baroque ceilings. Unfortunately, the chapel suffered a fire in the 1970s but was restored in 2007.

Antibes Cathedral

One of the most beautiful places to visit in town is undoubtedly the Antibes Cathedral. Free to visit and open on a daily basis, there has been a place of worship on site since at least the 5th-century, though the building you see today was constructed in an Italianate style during the 18th-century.

Where to stay in Antibes

If you’re looking for a quieter destination along the Côte d’Azur where you can still easily access a whole host of bars and restaurants, then Antibes can be a great option, particularly if you’re staying near the old town. Here are some of the best places to stay in Antibes (based on web-reviews and location):

Budget- Backpackers House: Conveniently located in old town Antibes, this laid-back hostel has a shared lounge and free WiFi. There are mixed, male, and female dormitories. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range- Hôtel La Place: This well-reviewed hotel is a ten minute walk from the station and many other attractions in town. Amenities include bag storage, breakfast for an extra fee, and air conditioning. Check prices and availability here.

Luxury- Hôtel & Spa La Villa Port d’Antibes: For an unforgettable stay during your time in Antibes, you’ll want to book yourself into this four-star hotel. Amenities include a pool, as well as a bar on site. Check prices and availability here.

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