Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Lovely pebble beaches along the coast towards Biot
These grey shingle beaches edge the coast road all the way down from Nice to Antibes, where the iconic Fort Carré marks the end of the stony beaches and the beginning of Antibes’ sand beaches. As such, those looking to escape Antibes’ summertime crowds on the sand beaches have the option of visiting the pebbled beaches that begin at the rocky and narrow Plage du Fort Carré and stretch westwards to the wider and busier section called Plage de la Fontonne at Biot.
However, there is no shade along this coast, just pebbles and sea. There are few facilities and it backs the major coastal road, meaning this stretch of coast tends to be an acquired taste. The great advantage of this entire stretch of beach is that it's completely public.
There are fresh water showers at this beach and a few food kiosks and vans parked up in the summer months, but it’s a good idea to bring a picnic if you’re looking for variety. The closest toilets are at Biot.
Because it’s an unprotected beach as we mentioned, this beach doesn’t have any shelter from the cool winds. Not a great choice for winter sun except on calm, windless days. You could walk your dog on here, but the road backing very closely onto the beach could prove a hazard.
These tend to be good beaches if you don’t want to overlap your towel with a stranger’s, as happens on many Riviera beaches. However, the rocky beach and lack of facilities mean that these beaches are generally for hardier souls.
Beach bars and beachclubs
If you’re feeling like a sit-down lunch, head into Biot. Be aware that Biot is a town of two halves: seaside town and hill village. Don’t get fooled into thinking you’ll be having lunch in the famous medieval village as that’s several kilometres inland on a hill. Well worth taking the bus from the Biot train station to see it though, and it has some lovely shady cafes and restaurants to escape the heat. If you want to stick to the coast, the marina at nearby Villeneuve Loubet (the huge curved building) has some quite good restaurants on the waterfront.
Setting and location
With a lovely view to your left of the city of Nice with the Alps rising up behind, these beaches are not without charm, particularly in the evenings when the stones cool down and the beach fills with families picnicking and swimming in the long twilight hours.
Water safety and clarity
Because the beach is very open and unprotected, these beaches do get affected by chop and waves when the wind gets up. In fact, during the winter storms, the coast road that runs along behind the beach often has waves crashing across it.
During the summer there is one lifeguard on duty at Plage du Fort Carré and a lifeguard station at La Fontonne. The seabed drops away quite quickly so keep a good eye on any children swimming.
Note that the mouth of the River Brague comes out at La Siesta at La Fontonne, so after heavy rainfall it can get a little polluted.
Beach Quality
This is a pebble beach, made up of flat grey stones that have been smoothed into gleaming discs by the waves over the centuries (they’re perfect for skimming across the water.) Because they are so smooth, walking across them isn’t painful, rather it’s a bit awkward and the stones also get quite hot in summer. Here’s where those rather silly looking but effective rubber-soled swimming shoes come in so handy.
Watersports Nearby
Those wanting to indulge in some high-octane watersports should head to nearby Villeneuve-Loubet or to the sandy beaches at Juan les Pins. A trip to Marineland Waterpark is a must for families, especially those who enjoy slides, flumes and tube rides. The Marineland animal park has plenty of marine mammals to discover as well as miniature golf and a special kids island.
The medieval village of Biot is a ten-minute bus trip inland and worth the time to explore either before or after a dip in the cool waters of the Mediterranean.
Directions
For those fancying a decent walk, you can walk to Fort Carré from Antibes old town in about 20 minutes to half an hour, either the quick route along the road or through the port past the superyachts. (There’s a path that carries on past the shipyard and around the small headland where the fort sits if you’re sticking to the water). Carry on along the coast road (Route du Bord du Mer) until you find a suitable spot.
For those using public transport, the train is quick and simple as Biot is just one stop from Antibes and the train station lies just by the sea. There is free parking along the coast road, although it fills up quite quickly in summer as half the country descends on the coast.
Villas nearby
Villas in Antibes
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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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Arte Villa
In your own artistic villa with contemporary interiors, a stunning pool and unobstructed views of the forest of Valmasque in a region of the French Riviera that so inspired Picasso, Matisse and Miró, you will stay just 18 km from the lively city of Cannes
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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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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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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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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.
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Antibes
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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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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
A sea breeze and a breath of fresh mountain air
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
Luxurious Provençal retreat with a spa, lagoon and gourmet dining
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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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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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.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Biot
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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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Biot
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Les Terraillers Restaurant, Biot
A Michelin star restaurant in Biot
Located a few meters from the steep streets of the village of Biot, the restaurant is housed in an authentic pottery from the sixteenth century.
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Les Arcades Restaurant, Biot
Traditional family run restaurant in Biot
Les Arcades is situated in the medieval village of Biot. There is inside dining plus tables outside under lots of greenery.
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Le Jardin du Mas Restaurant, Biot 
Le Jardin du Mas Restaurant, Biot
A fantastic location at the foot of a medieval village
This restaurant in the village of Biot has a wonderful garden setting with a private pool, fountains and old trees with a magnificent view over the coastline. Provencal-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, the menu is renewed every month.
Sights nearby
Sights in Antibes
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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.
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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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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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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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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)
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 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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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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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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
