Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
Plage de la Gravette Beach
Horseshoe-shaped beach below Antibes' medieval ramparts
It’s even plenty big enough for a spread-out game of cricket on a quiet day (You’ll struggle hitting a six over those huge rampart walls). A fabulous advantage of Plage de la Gravette is that it’s a purely public beach, meaning that unlike so many other Riviera beaches, the best stretches of sand aren’t claimed by private beach clubs. In high summer, you’ll have to get up early to claim a patch of sand down by the water though.
Because it’s a public beach, there isn’t much at Gravette in the way of the facilities that you’ll find elsewhere at the glamorous private beach clubs. There are fresh water showers by the water’s edge and outside the beach you’ll find public toilets built into the ramparts wall.
Be aware that the council locks the gates to the beach at night, around 20:00 and opens them again in the morning. While they do get opened most days in winter, we’ve found that on the stormy cold days they sometimes don’t get opened.
Out of season: In winter or the shoulder seasons, you’ll be in heaven on a sunny day. Depending on the wind direction, the high ramparts block the wind and the beach becomes a beautiful sun-trap that is very quiet for much of the day. Lunchtime on sunny winter days bring the sun-worshipping locals out to sit on the ledge underneath the wall in the sun, eating baguettes and reading newspapers, feet in the sand. Some brave souls even swim here year-round.
Dogs: There is a sign on the gates saying dogs are prohibited, but like many things in France, the laws are sometimes interpreted loosely and in this case with a good dose of common sense. Because the beaches are so crowded, you really can’t take your dogs on the beach in high summer - it is illegal. As of October through to mid-April, dogs are permitted on French beaches and it’s often a very social affair, and in the height of winter the council don’t clear the beaches of sticks, meaning huge piles of them collect when the winter storms roll through. This is stick heaven for happy dogs.
Plage de la Gravette is a great beach with great sand, great setting, great for kids. The only real drawback is the water quality in summer, but with such a central location this is a hard beach to beat.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Antibes
There’s a snack van selling sandwiches, fries and ice-creams that parks up at the back of the beach in the summer months, but because this beach is right in town it’s perfect for either heading to one of the nearby restaurants or picking up a picnic for the beach.
Gravette is less than a five-minute walk from the fantastic Provençal market, which sells perfect picnic basket fodder: giant wheels of cheese, olives, cured meats and fresh bread. Don’t miss the Niçoise speciality socca from this market, a wood-fired chickpea crepe served all oily and peppery in a piece of tin foil, delicious!
Setting & Location
It’s a very pretty beach, with the backdrop of the tower of the Picasso museum and jumble of old town roofs rising high above, and the tops of the superyachts visible across the wall. On top of the wall there’s a walkway, where you’ll see a huge white sculpture of a man looking out to sea.
Water Safety & Clarity
There are quite a lot of rocks in the shallows once you get into the water. Most of them aren’t particularly sharp but it can be a bit uncomfortable so some people buy rubber soled shoes, which really isn’t a bad idea for the many rocky beaches of the French Riviera.
The water is protected by rock walls arching around the beach with just a small opening, meaning that this is an extremely protected beach for kids to swim. The downside of this though is that the water quality in high summer can get quite grubby as it doesn’t circulate well and gets trapped. Although the water quality here is checked regularly by the Ministry of Health.
If you’re looking for really clear waters in high summer, head to the coves of Cap d’Antibes or over to Juan-les-Pins, where the water seems to be fresher. Even better, get on the ferry over to the Cannes Islands (Isles de Lerin), for gorgeous crystal clear water and a quiet day among the pines.
This beach is unsupervised, so children should be watched at all times.
Beach Quality
The sand at this beach really is lovely - soft, white and deep - with a really wide stretch of it sloping gently down to the water.
Watersports Nearby
Unusually for the Riviera, there are no watersports rentals at all at this small protected beach. Nearby Salis beach has one watersports centre for towed watersports and kayak/paddleboard rental, but those wanting a wide range of watersports should head over to the nearby beach resort of Juan les Pins.
Directions
Whilst very central, this beach isn’t that easy to find and in fact you probably won’t stumble on it unless you look down on it when walking around the ramparts.
Head to the right hand side of the port, and walk along the port in the direction of Millionaire’s Quay where the huge superyachts gather. Before you get to these big yachts you’ll see big iron gates in the wall on your right, leading through to the beach.
There’s lots of parking around here. You might be lucky enough to get free parking at the few spots lining the port opposite the beach, or you have paid parking in Port Vauban, either above ground in the port itself or in the new huge underground carpark under the open square outside the ramparts.
Villas nearby
Villas in Antibes
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Hsud0818 Villa
In the area of Roquefort les Pins in 6 km from Valbonne, in a residential and green area, nice villa on a land of 2600 m².
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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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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.
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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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Hsud0020 Villa
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 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.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Antibes
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
Charming guesthouse accommodation in a traditional Provencal Mas
Set in a secluded, tranquil location surrounded by ancient oaks, olive trees, oleanders, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine, it’s easy to see why this peaceful haven was a favourite of Picasso.
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Royal Mougins Hotel
Luxurious suites with golf course views, a spa, and gourmet dining, just minutes from Cannes
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
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Belles Rives Hotel, Juan les Pins
Timeless five-star retreat with Mediterranean views in Cap d’Antibes
Hôtel Belles Rives, a historic Art Deco gem, offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Cap d’Antibes, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning seaside views.
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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.
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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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Antibes
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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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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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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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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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 Chantella 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.
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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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine cleverly devised by Laurent Paccini
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
Read more about Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
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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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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred Provençal retreat with creative cuisine and panoramic sea views
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Modern Provençal cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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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.
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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Bar a Vin le 61 Restaurant 
Bar a Vin le 61 Restaurant
Restaurant in a nice setting overlooking the harbor
Opposite the Old Port, this wine bar has a great selection of wines that you can enjoy whilst looking out over the water, yachts and marina.
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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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Happy Face Bar
Good atmosphere and live music in the centre of Antibes
This trendy bar is located in the old Antibes and is very popular with the yacht crew.
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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.
Sights nearby
Sights in Antibes
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Antibes Cathedral 
Antibes Cathedral
18th-century cathedral in the centre of Antibes
Beautifully located near the sea, the cathedral in Antibes has a nice sculpted façade, and is full of artistic gems inside.
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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.
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Chapelle Saint Bernardin
16th century Gothic church in the heart of the town of Antibes
This Gothic church was built in Antibes in the 16th century to house the Brotherhood of the White Penitents of St. Bernardin.
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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.
Read more about Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
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Musee de la Carte Postale
The Postcard Museum exhibits a permanent collection of thousands of postcards
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
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Fort Carré
Impressively built fort located on the Saint Roch peninsula
Built on a rock 26m above sea level on the Antibes coast line the 16th century fort offers a 360 degree panoramic view.
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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Biot Golf Course, Biot
Beautiful golf course close to the coast near Antibes
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
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Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
Beautifully situated golf course with stylish restaurant
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
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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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Golf Course de la Grande Bastide
Welcoming 18 hole golf course with excellent views
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
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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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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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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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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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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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Villeneuve Loubet 
Villeneuve Loubet
Coastal resort with a lovely medieval village
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
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Cagnes Sur Mer 
Cagnes Sur Mer
Seaside resort and port with lots of popular attractions, close to Nice Airport.
Haut Cagnes is the perched medieval village that overlooks the resort, and is home to the famous Renoir House and the Grimaldi Castle, two of the area’s most popular attractions.
