This is one of the prettiest beaches on this stretch of coast. Silky-soft white sands sloping into crystal clear waters, lots of little boats at anchor and the rocky headland is a snorkeler’s heaven to explore. The trade off is that most of the sand is private during the summer.
Plage de la Garoupe Beach, Cap d'Antibes
Nestled in a small cove on Cap d’Antibes
This beach has a wonderful history. During the late Belle Epoque and the early Jazz Age, the French Riviera was considered only as a wintertime resort. In the 1920’s, however, a famous American socialite couple, the Murphys, bought a villa on the Cap d’Antibes and spent countless hours cleaning Plage de la Garoupe of seaweed and old fishing nets in order to attract their wealthy and famous friends to summer here. It certainly worked: Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Picasso were just a few who came to attend the glittering parties and enjoy the pretty little beach their friends had prepared.
Not a problem for the Hemingways or Picasso, but for today's visitor selfies are banned on Garoupe Beach, arguing that people at this sophisticated beach should be enjoying the moment rather than being preoccupied taking photos to brag to their friends back home. That’s us told, then.
This beach is almost entirely taken up with private beach clubs with just two very small patches of gloriously soft sand reserved for the public in the summer months. As of mid-October through to April though, this stunning beach can be all yours again. Plage Keller is extremely sophisticated, with yellow deckchairs set up on a wooden jetty stretching out over the water, and white tablecloth tables set up on the soft sands. Petit Plage and Plage Joseph are also rather ritzy.
As mentioned, the private beach clubs close in late September/early October, so the beach opens up again. However, during the winter storms this beach piles up with an incredible amount of seaweed and driftwood. You can see how the Murphys had their work cut out for them clearing the beach each spring.
Not only is this a supremely pretty beach, but when sitting on it you can take pleasure in the knowledge that this tiny patch of sand was largely responsible for the launch of the French Riviera as the glamorous summer resort we know today. Not to mention that Hemingway, Picasso and Fitzgerald once sat on the sand here and played in the waters, looking out across the bay and planning their masterpieces.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Antibes
If you’re wanting to push the boat out, the restaurant at Plage Keller (called Cesar’s) is very good indeed and the setting and ambience are just lovely. La Garoupe Beach Restaurant slightly up the hill away from the main stretch of beach is also a fine (and refined) restaurant. At a lower end of the budget, La Joliette is a reasonably priced place for a fairly decent lunch, with a relaxed feel and plastic seating. It’s a pleasant place to spend a few hours with a bottle of icy cold rose, with a nice stretch of sand in front. There’s also a little cheap café with red umbrellas set on the corner edge of the beach serving up French basics such as omelettes, baguettes and salads.
There aren’t any shops as such on this little section of beach, but for those wanting to buy a picnic to walk around the Cap, there is a small Casino supermarket nearby on the Cap d’Antibes. You can buy ice-creams from freezer boxes in the cheaper cafés.
Setting & Location
The views are beautiful and you look back across the Bay of Angels towards Nice and the immense Alps looming over the coast, or up behind you to the Cap with its sumptuous villas and hotels hiding among the fragrant pines. This beach is also the jumping off point to one of the most wonderful coastal walks of the Cote d’Azur, a rugged stone path which winds and climbs its way around the rocky headland to Millionaire’s Bay.
There is a lot of free parking in the streets around Plage de la Garoupe, however, these surrounding car parks do get very busy in summer.
Water Safety & Clarity
This is a wonderful place to swim, with much nicer water quality than the beaches closer to Antibes town. There are a few rocks here and there, but it’s mostly a nice sandy seabed.
This is a very sheltered place to swim and has a nice gentle slope into the water, making it a great place for kids. There isn’t a public lifeguard posted, but the beach club Plage Keller has one on duty and we’re fairly sure they wouldn’t let you drown (even if you aren’t one of their champagne-drinking clientele).
Beach Quality
Some of the best on the Riviera, the sand here is deep and soft and the water wonderfully fresh and clear.
Watersports Nearby
During the summer months, a pontoon with a slide is anchored just offshore, generally covered with happy kids clambering all over it. Plage Keller also offers swimming lessons.
There aren’t any watersports operators on this small beach, but if staying on the Cap your hotel will often have kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear and the like for rent. The rocky headlands of the Cap are wonderful spots for snorkelling, and paddleboard and kayak tour operators both explore this stretch of coastline in tour groups running out of Antibes.
Directions
If you’re driving, simply head around the Cap d’Antibes from Antibes until you come to the signs on your left for ‘Plage de la Garoupe’.
If walking, it will take around 40 minutes to from Antibes Old Town, but what a walk it is, with stunning views all around.
The local Envibus (Bus Line 2) services Plage de la Garoupe, it will drop you off near the road turning to the beach and it's an easy few minutes walk to the beach.
Villas nearby
Villas in Antibes
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Hsud0017 Villa
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
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Hsud0043 Villa
6km from Valbonne in the town of Roquefort-les-Pins, beautiful Provencal farmhouse renovated in 2021, located on a plot of approximately 3,000 m².
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Bellevue Villa
Villa Bellevue does not bear this name without reason. You live here high on the slopes of Vallauris, the place where Picasso lived and worked for many years.
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Hsud0096 Villa
In Cap d'Antibes, 300m from the sea and the beach in a residential area, nice single storey villa located on a 1200m² enclosed garden with BBQ and private salt pool (9m x 4m - Depth 100/220cm
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Lunetta Villa
Villa Lunetta features four bedrooms (2 master suites and 2 guest rooms) and four en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms spread over two spacious floors.
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Hsud0054 Villa
In the town of Vallauris, we present the villa "Luma" located in height, without direct vis-à-vis, with a very beautiful sea view, on a plot of 800 m².
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Antibes
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Hotel de Mougins
Peaceful Provençal hideaway surrounded by sun, gardens and timeless charm
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
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Sainte Valerie Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
A hidden gem in Juan-les-Pins where charm and elegance meet
A charming and historic four-star villa in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, offering an intimate retreat where Mediterranean elegance and relaxed luxury come together.
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Toile Blanche Hotel, St Paul de Vence
Boutique luxury and artistic charm on the edge of Saint-Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
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Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
Art Deco charm and luxury in the heart of Juan-les-Pins
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Charming Provençal retreat with luxury suites, panoramic terrace, and Michelin-starred dining
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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Villa Miraé
Luxury escape in Cap d’Antibes with culinary excellence and stunning Mediterranean views
Villa Miraé offers a serene retreat in Cap d’Antibes, featuring luxurious rooms and Mediterranean-inspired dining by Chef Mauro Colagreco. Experience elegant interiors, breathtaking gardens, and unforgettable cuisine in a prime location on the French Riviera.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Antibes
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Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motor Yacht REHAB - French Riviera Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the Riviera, to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to twelve people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to eleven people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Cannes Islands Boat Trip
Motor boat trip to Cannes for up to twelve people
A trip on a luxury motor boat with the professional crew to guide you on a fabulous day out on the ocean from Antibes to Cannes.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
First-class cuts of beef and excellent wine list
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes. A restaurant that will excite the taste buds of gourmet meat aficionados. The choicest pieces of beef provided by the highest quality butchers.
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Cafe Royal Restaurant
Excellent restaurant with friendly service & a terrace overlooking the sea
The Cafe Royal is located on the ground floor of the Hotel Royal Antibes.
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Eden-Roc Restaurant
Rooftop haven of sunset views, signature cocktails, and Riviera elegance
Savour signature cocktails and exclusive wines while enjoying panoramic Mediterranean views at Eden-Roc Lounge. Open to resident and restaurant guests, subject to availability.
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La Passagère Restaurant
Michelin-starred dining with sea views and Art Deco charm
La Passagère at Hôtel Belles Rives offers a refined culinary journey shaped by the creative talents of Chef Aurélien Véquaud and Pastry Chef Steve Moracchini. Set against a stunning Riviera backdrop, this restaurant pairs inspired cuisine with a spectacular setting.
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Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
One Michelin star gourmet restaurant within the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
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Royal Beach Beach Club
Beach club that is part of the prestigious Royal Antibes Hotel
This private beach club is situated opposite the hotel.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Antibes
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Royal Lounge Bar
Wine and cocktail bar offering live music in the evenings
Enjoy sea views and delicious cocktails at this jazz lounge in central Antibes.
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Fitzgerald Piano Bar, Juan les Pins
Luxurious piano bar in the Hotel Belles Rives
Moleskine armchairs, panoramic view, masterpieces, cracked oak floors, all complemented by a breathtaking view from the terrace where the sunset is magical.
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Pam Pam, Juan les Pins 
Pam Pam, Juan les Pins
Popular & lively spot since the 1920's - cocktails, music & dancing
Pam Pam and her team invite you to discover or rediscover a wide selection of cocktails, alcoholic or not.
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Les Pirates Bar Events, Juan les Pins
Cocktail bar with private beach and restaurant close to the centre of Antibes
Les Pirates Bar is in an exceptional location where you can savour delicious cocktails on the beach while enjoying wonderful views of the Mediterranean sea.
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Blue Lady Pub
Live music every Friday night in this relaxed pub
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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Drinkers Club
Nice bar with live music in Old Antibes
This nice bar with good atmosphere and eclectic music has a large English-speaking, yachting clientèle.
Sights nearby
Sights in Antibes
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Villa Eilen Roc and Gardens
19th century Belle Époque villa situated on the tip of Cap d'Antibes
This exceptional residence symbolises the luxury and voluptuousness of the Belle Époque. It was built in 1867 following plans by Charles Garnier, the architect of both the Paris and Monte Carlo opera houses.
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Le Phare de la Garoupe
The lighthouse situated at the top of the Cap d'Antibes
A charming little place, lost amid maritime pines, sheltering an old chapel and the lighthouse.
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Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, Cap d'Antibes
Stunning botanical gardens and a 19th century villa
When Gustave Thuret arrived in Cap d'Antibes, he fell in love with the wild nature of the place and bought five hectares on which to build his stunning villa and cultivate a beautiful park and gardens.
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Espace Mer et Littoral (Graillon Tower), Cap d'Antibes
Maritime museum located in an old fort
This museum is located in the Graillon Tower on the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. It boasts panoramic views from its large terrace.
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Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Museum showcasing the history of Antibes through the ages
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
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Absinthe Museum 
Absinthe Museum
The infamous green drink known as the 'Green Fairy'
Absinthe has been made in Antibes for a long time. It is possible to visit the Absinthe Museum to see how this incredibly potent green spirit is made.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Antibes
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Royal Mougins Golf Course
Luxurious golf course that forms part of the Royal Mougins Resort & Estate
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
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Old Course Golf Course, Cannes-Mandelieu
Oldest golf course on the French Riviera, dating back to 1891
The Cannes-Mandelieu Old Race golf course was drawn and traced by Harry Colt in 1891 at the request of Grand Duke Michel of Russia.
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Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
All the features one can expect from a modern golf club
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
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Golf Course de Villeneuve-Loubet, Villeneuve Loubet
A 9 hole course close to the town of Grasse in the heart of the Riviera
A great course for beginners to experienced players, slightly hilly, the greens are linked in a calm and exotic atmosphere in the heart of the Riviera.
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Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
9 hole golf course close to Biot in the Sophia Antipolis area
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
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Claux Amic Golf Course, Grasse
17th century hunting estate offering a technical 18-hole golf course
This golf course is located on a charming old private hunting estate dating back to the 17th century.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Antibes
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Cap d'Antibes 
Cap d'Antibes
Exclusive and beautiful peninsula
A short walk from both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins is the Cap d'Antibes. This gorgeous headland is gently undulating and is filled with smart and very private villas. The Cap is best known for the uber-luxurious (and expensive) Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.
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Juan Les Pins 
Juan Les Pins
Bustling seaside resort
Located just west of the old town of Antibes, Juan Les Pins is a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, independent boutiques and a good selection of lively restaurants, bars and hotels.
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Vallauris Golfe-Juan 
Vallauris Golfe-Juan
A great area between the towns of Cannes and Antibes
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.
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Ile Sainte Marguerite 
Ile Sainte Marguerite
Beautiful island just off the south coast of Cannes with stunning views of the Riviera
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
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Biot 
Biot
Discover this town full of arts and culture in the hills of Antibes
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.
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Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands 
Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands
An island steeped in history and wine just off the Côte d'Azur coastline
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
