Discover and book the best of Antibes with the local destination experts
The ancient walled town of Antibes is one of the liveliest and prettiest on the Riviera with its relaxed beachy feel, thriving superyacht port and gorgeous old town of narrow cobbled streets, markets and cafes. Famous for being home to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, Antibes certainly saw its fair share of glitz, glamour and a touch of the avant-garde through the 20th century.
Of all the seaside towns of the Riviera, Antibes is probably the most instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic skyline made up of a wonderful jumble of old buildings sitting on the high ramparts above the sea, dominated by the tower of the Picasso Museum rising above. The curve of Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, is home to huge white superyachts while the old fort stands watch on the far side.
Lying to the east of Cannes, Antibes offers a calmer, more traditional vibe. Its old centre is a warren of pretty cafes and bars, ice cream shops and boutiques, with the busy Provençal market at the top of the town. On the far side of Antibes, golden sandy beaches looked over by modern apartment blocks curve around to the famous Cap d'Antibes, where the gated villas of oligarchs sit along the rocky coast.
Find out all about what is happening in Antibes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this charming Riviera town.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Markets are very popular, selling everything from local produce to arts & crafts and second-hand objects. There are also plenty of cultural and musical events, including world-famous festivals like Jazz a Juan, as well as regattas and other sports competitions.
See allUpcoming EventsHead out onto the beach and venture into the sparkling blue waters to enjoy a whole range of watersports or, to experience more of the coast along Antibes, hire a yacht or book a boat trip. There are also plenty of sporting activities on dry land, such as exploring the Cap d'Antibes on bike or foot. Shopping is also a popular option, either at the local markets or the designer boutique shops.
The Musée Picasso is probably the most famous museum in Antibes. It is situated in the Chateau Grimaldi where Picasso stayed for six months in 1946. He always felt connected to the town of Antibes so, on his departure, he left a number of his art pieces behind. The Fort Carré is a fantastic old stone building that perches on the edge of the Saint-Roche Peninsula offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea.
Antibes is an ancient town first known as 'Antipolis' by the Greeks when its port was used for trading. A key outpost in the Mediterranean throughout history, in the 20th century it began attracting bohemian artists and tourists.
There are a number of museums and galleries where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of Antibes. The Fort Carré, on the outskirts of the famous Port Vauban, offers stunning views out over the sea.
Antibes is the first town along the coast from Nice that has natural sandy beaches, and there are several to choose from. On the Cap d'Antibes itself, you'll find small pebble coves shaded by pine trees.
Antibes has more restaurants and cafes than you can shake a stick at. Crepes, Italian cuisine, French bistro-style food, Michelin-starred eateries and Provencal grub are all well represented.
The nights in Antibes tend to be lively in the warmer months, with a plethora of bars catering to a mostly tourist and yachting crowd till late. Wine bars, pubs with live music and late-night bars with DJs are all on offer.
There is plenty to do in the old town of Antibes. With a bustling and thriving town centre and surroundings you are never short of activities to do, including shopping, watersports, hiking, cycling and sailing.
There are a small handful of hotels to choose from within the town of Antibes itself. However, the majority of boutique hotels and luxury villas are located along the coast of the Cap d'Antibes and in Juan Les Pins.
