This lovely long stretch of sand is where most Antibes locals would head when they say ‘I’m going to the beach’. It’s a nice sand beach with a stunning view, although it’s not terribly wide and does get super-packed in summer.
Plage du Ponteil Beach
Long white sandy beach to the south of the town of Antibes
This beach is predominantly public, which makes it hugely popular. In the corner there’s a lovely private beach club called Royal Beach, which is open from late April/May to end of September (weather dependent).
This is a great beach with an exceptional view and good facilities. Even better, the wide promenade with shady trees and park benches is a place where everyone likes to gather and walk in the evenings, giving it real character year-round. However, in mid-summer, be prepared to get to this beach early otherwise you might find yourself queuing for a patch of sand and waiting for others to leave.
In the long summer twilights, big groups of families and friends gather at this beach for volleyball and picnics until late, and there’s a gorgeous walkway or ‘promenade’ behind the beach with lots of park benches shaded by trees where you can sit and look out to sea.
It has disabled access via a long paved walkway behind the beach and ramps rolling down to the sand. In high summer, the council has cordoned off a part of the beach with a mat rolled right down to the water for wheelchair users. There are free public toilets on the far side of the Sailing Club building or some coin-operated toilets mid-way along the beach in the carpark. There are showers on the edge of the water.
Dogs: From mid-April until October dogs are ostensibly forbidden on these beaches between 06:00 and midnight due to the crowds. However, you’ll find that on wet or windy days or early in the morning the locals still walk their dogs there anyway.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Antibes
For a fine meal on the beach, head to Royal Beach (as mentioned above) for excellent modern Italian. There is also a food kiosk at the far end of the beach with café tables set out, selling sandwiches, fries and ice-creams.
Just back from the beach is the Royal Hotel overlooking the sea, as well as a pizza place just behind the promenade. There’s also a mini Casino supermarket across the road selling food, wine, ice-creams etc as well as a newsagent selling all sorts of water toys.
Setting & Location
The real advantage of this beach is its spectacular setting.
To your left you’ll see the Alps rising above the jumble of roofs and grand ramparts of Old Antibes; to your right the green forested Cap d’Antibes curves around the lighthouse sitting proud upon the hill with the huge villas sitting among the pines.
The curved Bay of Angels stretches all the way around to Nice in the distance, and the superyachts gather just offshore. The panorama from this beach was once painted by Monet himself, the view really is that good.
There’s a big car park just behind the beach, which is free from mid-September through to mid-June and has a relatively nominal fee.
Water Safety & Clarity
There are some sections of the water with a sandy bottom, and there are some rocks and great patches of seaweed. The water in the off-season is crystal clear, but in midsummer it can get a bit murky with all the people swimming in it and the yachts anchored. Such is life on the French Riviera, if you want clear water in high summer take the short ferry trip over to the glorious Cannes Islands.
There are lifeguards posted here in the summer, but this beach is a very calm beach, protected by the Cap d’Antibes on one side and the Old Town on the other. The slope of the sand into the water is gentle and it stays shallow for some time meaning it’s a great spot for the kiddies to swim.
Beach Quality
The sand here is white and soft, happily marking the end of the smooth pebbled beaches that run all the way to Nice and beyond. Through the winter months, the council rarely removes the seaweed and debris that rolls in with the winter storms and whilst you’ll still be able to find stretches of lovely soft sand, you’ll find this beach does get quite full of sticks, logs and seaweed. It’s a lovely spot for a dog-walk on a cool winter’s day.
Watersports Nearby
On the pontoon just behind Royal Beach Club you’ll find the only watersports centre in Antibes proper, offering towed watersports, paddleboard and kayak rental. Royal Beach Club also has several pedallos with slippery slides for rental.
Antibes Sailing Club is just down the end of the beach, and offers sailing lessons and hire of paddleboards, kayaks and windsurfers. For those wanting to buy lilos, beach balls etc, there are several stores behind the beach car park selling water toys as well as drinks, food and magazines.
The watersports available at Plage de Ponteil are relatively limited; for a full range of watersports including parasailing and flyboarding, head over to the beaches at Juan les Pins. Read our full Antibes watersports guide here.
There’s also a gated playground just behind the beach.
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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Hsud0020 Villa
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 m².
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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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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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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 Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Five-star boutique hotel blending Provençal elegance, art, and gourmet dining
Tucked inside the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, Hotel Le Saint Paul offers timeless charm, artistic flair, and refined hospitality in a Relais & Châteaux setting.
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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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Les Rosées Hotel
A timeless Provençal retreat where historic charm meets modern indulgence
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
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Royal Antibes Hotel
Contemporary seaside style in the heart of Antibes
The only seafront hotel in Antibes town centre, Royal Antibes offers chic, modern rooms and apartments, a private beach, a restaurant, a luxury spa, and top-tier service from a passionate team.
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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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Antibes
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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 SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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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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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.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
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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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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La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Private beach of the Belles Rives hotel in Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
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La Cap Beach Restaurant, Juan les Pins
Seaside restaurant within a beach club open throughout the summer
Open from April till October for lunch and from June till mid-September for dinner, this fantastic restaurant offers delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
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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 Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Exceptional Provençal dining surrounded by masterpieces
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Seasonal gourmet dining inspired by the Provençal countryside
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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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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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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Le Village 
Le Village
Night club with a spacious dance floor
The club is known for hosting some of Europe’s most popular DJs, as well as its creative theme nights. Imagine a village square at night - cobbled streets, fountains and a lively atmosphere.
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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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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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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.
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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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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 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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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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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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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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Valescure Golf Course, Saint Raphael
A joint golf & tennis club situated to the north of Saint Raphael
The course was designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt.
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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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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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Opio Valbonne Golf Course, Opio
Roman ruins & 17th century bastide at lovely 18-hole course
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
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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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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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 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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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.
