Exploring the rocky outcrops and small coves of the area
Cap d’Antibes is a stunning and famous headland of grand villas with sweet-smelling pines, Belle Époque hotels and rocky, tranquil coves.
These hidden coves are only accessible if you're walking the route known as the 'Sentier Littoral' around the coast line of Cap d'Antibes. However we would not recommend any of these areas as actual 'beach' and would not advise you to head there for a day's sunbathing, swimming and beach games.
The Cap is actually very large and you cannot walk the whole way around as private properties block the path in places thereby forcing you back onto the road away from the coast. As such, it's best to approach the beaches from either the Antibes side, the Plage de la Garoupe coastal path, or from the Juan les Pins side of the Cap. There is parking along Boulevard Bacon, Plage de la Garoupe, Villa Ellen and Boulevard Bd Maréchal Juin.
If you’re coming up to the coves and rocks of the Cap d’Antibes for the day, bring a picnic. There’s a small Petit Casino on the Cap, but it’s a bit of a walk from the sea, so if you’re catching the bus it’s probably better visiting one of the bigger supermarkets in Antibes or Juan les Pins to pack your hamper. Even better, hit the famous Antibes Provencal market for olives, cheeses and baguettes.
There are a few little coves with stretches of beach on this section of the Cap, but be aware, they’re not sandy, and the council doesn’t clear them of rocks and seaweed, so they’re much wilder and natural than the town beaches. There are no facilities whatsoever, no kiosks and no lifeguards. Absolutely stunning views across the bay though, with the crystal clear waters of gorgeous Mediterranean blues. Bring rubber-soled swim shoes if you can. Because they’re out on the Cap itself, these coves and beaches don’t have the same shelter from wind and waves as the town beaches, and the water quickly becomes deep and on a calm day they’re glorious, but always exercise caution.
Around Pointe Bacon
There is a small beach down the steep slope across from the very classy Bacon restaurant on the first bend of the Cap. The bus stop is also called ‘Bacon’, and is situated on Boulevard du Bacon. ‘Bacon Beach’ might not sound that lovely so far with all this talk of pork products, but it really is a stunning small cove hidden down a steep hill edged by fragrant pines, looking back across the Bay of Angels to Antibes and the Alps rising up behind Nice.
There’s only a relatively small patch of smooth fine pebbles (often covered with seaweed, so take big blankets or towels) but there are also lots of rocks to find a spot to lay your towel. There’s great shade on the actual beach a lot of the day from the tall pines, while the rocks stay exposed in the sun for the sun-worshippers among you. The rocks in the water aren’t overly sharp here so you can swim without rubber shoes, and there are lots of rockpools to keep the kids entertained too. Bring your snorkels, and whilst the shallows are great for the kids, it does drop off quite quickly so be careful.
This is a wild beach, with no wheelchair accessibility, no lifeguards, no snack kiosks and no toilets. People often bring their dogs here, particularly in the summer months when they’re banned from the open beaches.
Just past ‘Bacon Beach’ you’ll see a park bench looking out across the bay. If you climb down a short few steps from here, you’ll find another rocky cove beach. This one’s very popular with fishermen and snorkelers too and you’ll see lots of people congregated there on the long summer evenings, eating picnics and sometimes playing music.
Rocky bathing platforms
When we think of the Med, many of us imagine some steps carved into a rocky headland, leading down to a concrete platform where we can dive off into those bewitching blue waters and explore the rockpools and crystal clear inlets. If this is what you’re looking for, the Cap d’Antibes is your place. As you walk around the Cap, you’ll see a few stairways leading away over the pale rocks down to the sea, where you can dive from concrete platforms or stretch out in the sun. You’ll see quite a few families scattered about the rocks with picnics and fishing rods and generally having a good time. These rocks aren’t exactly designed for sunbathing, but if you can’t nab the (few) concrete bathing platforms then there are lots of big rocks where you can stretch out a towel or two and set up for the day. Bring your snorkels.
How to find them
Walk around the headland, or park up on Boulevard Bacon (free parking) and explore. The main stretch is as you curve around the headland and Antibes falls out of view.
Some of the wild beaches of the Cap d’Antibes are to be found when you take the coastal path (Chemin de la Garoupe) that begins at Plage de la Garoupe.
Park in the free car park at Garoupe or take bus no.2 from Antibes, and walk along the path that runs along the little headland. To do the complete walk is a long and sometimes strenuous walk of around an hour each way, but the first beach is reachable within an easy 5-10 minutes’ walk along a flat path. You could also park at the other end of this path near Villa Eilenroc on Park on Avenue Mlle Beaumont in order to access the far beaches more easily.
Again, there are no facilities, lifeguards or kiosks. Rubber shoes will come in very handy while swimming at all these rocky beaches.
Cap Gros
You’ll quickly come to the first pebbled beach which a great spot for some picnicking, swimming and snorkelling. It’s quite a wide beach, and you can choose to have your picnic down on the rocks or in the shade of the tree up on the grassy headland. The water also stays shallow for quite a long way, making it a fairly safe spot. As always, exercise caution as Cap beaches aren’t sheltered from wind and waves.
Millionaire’s Bay
Who wouldn’t want to swim at a place called Millionaire’s Bay? This rocky stretch of beach has only been accessible for a few years via the new path so you can see the huge cliffs and villas that were once the preserve of the billionaire set. There’s also the hugely impressive stone grotto here, you can swim from the rocks but only if you’re a very good swimmer and the sea is very calm. It’s deep!
Carry on along the path past the small beach at Millionaire’s Bay and you’ll find some steps leading down to a tiny, stunning ‘Fake Silver Beach’. Clamber down a step ladder into the beautiful water and float about in a natural pool. Bliss.
Please exercise extreme caution swimming at any spot on the Cap, there have been accidents in the past so only swim in calm conditions, even if you're an experienced swimmer.
After a walk out to the rocky headland of Cap d'Antibes and Pointe de l'Ilette, you will need to get back in your car (or on the bus) to make your way up the west coast of the Cap.
The next two beaches you reach around the coast of the Cap d'Antibes are the beach at Port du l'Olivette and Plage des Ondes.
Port de l'Olivette is a particularly pretty little harbour which is used as a shelter for small fishing and pleasure boats. Very picturesque and worth stopping to grab a few photos.
The Plage des Ondes is a narrow strip of sand that runs alongside the main road. During the busy summer months, you're unlikely to get a parking spot here and we would recommend carrying on around the coast to Plage du Crouton where you'll find parking and the amenities of the lovely Cap d'Antibes Beach Club.
The rugged coastline is wonderful snorkelling territory, where scuba divers will find themselves in the very spot that the world underwater photography competitions were staged for several years, and there are some excellent dives off the Cap.
Paddleboarders and kayakers will have a treat of some simply stunning coastline on a calm day, there are sea kayaking and paddleboarding tours that will lead you around the Cap, pointing out the celebrity villas and taking you to the best swimming spots.
See our Antibes watersports guide for details.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
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.
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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.
Savour signature cocktails and exclusive wines while enjoying panoramic Mediterranean views at Eden-Roc Lounge. Open to resident and restaurant guests, subject to availability.
The Cafe Royal is located on the ground floor of the Hotel Royal Antibes.
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.
Open from April till October for lunch and from June till mid-September for dinner, this fantastic restaurant offers delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Sip something chilled at The Grill Bar and soak up the glamour of the French Riviera, where iconic moments and timeless beauty come together. Open to hotel guests only, subject to availability.
Enjoy sea views and delicious cocktails at this jazz lounge in central Antibes.
Moleskine armchairs, panoramic view, masterpieces, cracked oak floors, all complemented by a breathtaking view from the terrace where the sunset is magical.
A relative new-comer to Antibes bar and restaurant scene this funky joint has become one of the coolest hang out spots in the town.
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.
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.
This nice bar with good atmosphere and eclectic music has a large English-speaking, yachting clientèle.
This museum is located in the Graillon Tower on the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. It boasts panoramic views from its large terrace.
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.
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.
A charming little place, lost amid maritime pines, sheltering an old chapel and the lighthouse.
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
A magnificent example of Mediterranean gardens with a large olive grove, fountains and of course the wonderful Antibes roses!
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.
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.
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.
Set between Cannes, Nice and Grasse, the Golf Club of Opio Valbonne is one of the jewels in the crown of the Riviera.
The course was designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.
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 Events
