Best Cultural Activities in Antibes

Antibes boasts a very long history. Set as a trading post by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, the town became part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. You can learn about its early history and see antique artifacts at the History & Archaeology Museum.

On the Saint Roch peninsula you can visit Fort Carre, an impressive fort built in the late 16th century for strategic defence purposes.

Antibes is surrounded by beautiful countryside and spectacular natural features such as the Gorges du Loup or the caves of Saint Cezaire and Baume Obscure, full of magnificent rock formations.

If you want to catch the latest releases, Antibes offers a few cinemas showing films in English version (look for the VOS sign).

Antibes, like the whole of France, is a paradise for any foodie. Local delicacies include nougat, absinthe and pastis, while there are delicious regional recipes like boullabaise soup, pissaladiere, ratatouille, or socca. Many culinary schools and restaurants around Antibes offer cookery classes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes or discover the newest trends in French cuisine.

There are many village festivals around Antibes where you can mingle with the locals, dance to traditional music and taste local specialities while learning more about the region's history and customs.

From botanical gardens, to stunning villas or historical townhouses, Antibes has a wide range of houses and gardens to visit.

With its world famous jazz festival, the super-clubs of Juan les Pins and a buzzing summer line-up of street performers, the commune of Antibes-Juan les Pins has a lot to offer the music lovers who plan their holiday right. 

Antibes and the surrounding area have a whole host of markets where you can hunt a bargain, check out the local crafts and antiques, or buy regional produce. There are also a couple of night markets perfect for those balmy summer evenings.

Antibes has a wide range of museums and galleries to keep visitors entertained. From very important art collections, including those dedicated to artists that lived locally like Fernand Léger or Picasso, to history museums and exhibitions dedicated to typical products like perfume... or absinthe!

Antibes has a very long history, featuring a whole host of religious buildings. There are ancient temples like the charming 5th-century monastery of Lerins, medieval churches like the one in Valbonne, or more recent constructions such as the Collegiale Church in Saint-Paul de Vence.

There is no shortage of theatres in Antibes. Many of the shows are in French, but you can also head to a dance or circus performance.

The region of Provence produces some of the best wines in the world. Take a tour around one of the beautiful vineyards in Antibes. Taste the carefully made wines, learn more about them, the grapes and the wine making process whilst enjoying the wonderful vineyard scenery.