© Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
Coolest bathing spots in Antibes
The clearest waters to make a splash this summer
Antibes has been a popular summer destination since the 19th century. Artists, Hollywood stars and musicians flock here every year to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean sun, gorgeous beaches and crystal clear waters.
The old walled town of Antibes has a couple of small sand inlets where you can enjoy the cooling waters of the Mediterranean. The closest sandy beaches, Le Ponteil and La Salis, can be found a short walk south of the centre.
A 20-minute walk or 10-minute car ride from Antibes will bring you to the lively beach resort of Juan les Pins and a long stretch of golden sand that is lined with beach clubs. As you watch paddleboarders floating past, super yachts bobbing on the horizon and tenders bringing VIP guests ashore, you can rest assured that those waters are in fact crystal clear and perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot summer day. Many even have the Blue Flag label, which designates the best beaches in the world.
How clear are the waters of Antibes?
Should you want to look into it in more detail, then the Ministry of Health in France provide up-to-date information regarding the cleanliness of France's beaches and rivers. The interactive map, which is available in English, allows you to zoom in on the beaches of interest and to review recent test results. Ranked from excellent (blue) to poor (red), the monthly testing and monitoring make it possible to assess the effects of wastewater sanitation and dirty rainwater runoff into swimming sites. Thankfully the beaches around Antibes are mainly blue, excellent, with only a few areas where the water quality drops, meaning that we can swim in peace, enjoying the calm and clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Waterfront accommodation
Luxury hotels can be found along the back of the beaches of Antibes, Cap d'Antibes and Juan les Pins meaning that the water will, in some cases, literally be on your doorstep.
Some of the area's better-known establishments have terraces that overlook the beach and offer sea views directly from the balcony of your room. The most exclusive of these is the five-star Hotel du Cap Eden Roc. Dramatically positioned on the southernmost tip of the Cap d’Antibes, it has been the ultimate place to stay on the Riviera for the luxury traveller and is the choice for royalty, celebrities and VIPs when staying in the region. With private cabanas, numerous watersports and direct access to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, this is the perfect choice for a holiday by the sea.
Beach clubs in Antibes
Another good option if you wish to spend your days with your toes in the sand and the waves gently lapping around your ankles, is to enjoy one of the many beach clubs in the area.
The closest one to the town of Antibes is part of the luxury Royal Antibes Hotel, the Royal Beach, which sits on the edge of Plage du Ponteil with views back over to Antibes and Pointe Bacon.
Further round the Cap d'Antibes you will reach Plage Keller Beach Club and La Joliette Beach Club located on the popular Plage de la Garoupe beach.
Beach clubs in Juan les Pins
If you choose to enjoy the long stretch of white sand in neighbouring Juan les Pins, then you will certainly not be short of choice for waterfront dining, watersports and sun loungers.
The beach clubs of Juan les Pins range from the exclusive Les Pecheurs Beach Club situated in the contemporary Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, between Port Gallice and Port Crouton, to the family-friendly Le Provencal Beach Club which offers you a stunning secluded atmosphere whilst hosting a kids club to keep the little ones entertained as you enjoy your time by the sea.
However, our favourite is Plage Les Pirates Beach Club, nestled in the famous pine grove of Juan les Pins. It not only boasts its own private beach but serves delicious, fresh seafood and refined Mediterranean cuisine that you can enjoy with your toes in the sand... just glorious!
More inspiration...
For more activities both in and out of the water then have a read of our Watersports Guide, Activities Guide and, if you are coming to Antibes with your family, then check out our list of the best family activities in the area.
