© Valbonne Tourisme
Provençal town designed in the traditional Roman grid system
Situated along the Brague river, the town consists of two separate areas - the old town/village and the technology park of Sophia Antipolis.
The town was built in 1519, based on a grid Roman street plan - a refreshing change from the dark winding streets of many other Provençal villages. As with many towns along the Côte d'Azur excavations carried out in the surrounding hills bear witness to the presence of man going back an extremely long way, even to prehistoric times. While it has quite a lot of boutiques and chic cafes to keep the tourists and resident Brits occupied, it has the feel of a living village rather than being a tourist attraction.
The village is a charming 16th century village of cobbled streets, pastel buildings, colourful shutters and antique markets, all set up around a simply gorgeous central square filled with café tables in the sun. In extreme contrast the neighbouring technology park of Sophia Antipolis, built in the 1970's, has evolved into a highly recognised international community, with more than 1,000 companies hiring more than 25,000 people and specialising in research and development.
With such a rich and vibrant history the town cannot fail to host a wide range of events that reflect its heritage, from weekly markets with local produce, to craft specific markets selling pottery and glass products.
The main summer festival is the 'Rue(z) & Vous', Festival of Street Art. Celebrating arts and culture in the town and bringing the whole place to life with shows, music and exhibitions. This is normally hosted at the start of July.
In September they host the 'Fest'in Val' event which brings together and celebrates the variety of local communities in the area, plus the technological park is open to all!
October sees the International Festival of Salsa, showing once again this is a multi-national community.
In conjunction with the International Jazz Festival Association, Jazz a Juan will bring you three nights of entertainment with some of the most promising French and international acts on the jazz scene today.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
Valbonne was built in 1519, based on a Roman street plan of a central square with streets running perpendicular to the square and each other. Before this it was a small area called Vallis Bona (good valley) which was formed around the monastery of the Abbey of St Mary (it went on to become the parish Church of Valbonne) which was built by Benedictine monks in the 13th century.
The abbey and surrounding villages were deserted in the middle ages, due to war, drought and the plague. The village known as Valbonne was then founded in 1519 by Augustin de Grimaldi, the bishop of Grasse and abbot of Leyrins. Construction of the Roman influenced grid system (10 streets crossing 10 streets) took over a century and was progressively added to but remained relatively unchanged until the middle of the 20th century.
Although the town and population size have increased dramatically since then, the centre has managed to remain much of its charm and is well preserved.
The 16th century Place des Arcades forms the centre of the village and is lined with lovely cafés and boutiques that you can easy spend a few hours wandering around. There's an ancient mill down by the river, and outside Valbonne there is the extraordinary Roman aqueduct traversing the landscape at Clausonne.
Other sights include the Chalaisan Abbey, built in the Cistercian style, and the church of Valbonne which dates from the 13th century.
The village market is on Fridays, with a second hand market on the first Sunday of every month. Local crafts are well represented, with artisan studios and art galleries displaying traditional pottery and glass works.
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
This simple church was first built in the 14th century, and finished in the 18th century. It showcases a combination of structures and styles.
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
To the south west of Valbonne you'll find a centre for contemporary art known as Espace de l'Art Concret.
The glass tradition in Provence dates back thousands of years, but it has has been a major industry in Biot since the 1950s.
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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.
This relatively narrow sand beach is a beach of two halves. The town end is mostly taken up with beach clubs offering a pricey, decadent day lolling about on a deckchair or a pontoon.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
This is the main beach of Juan-les-Pins, and it’s also one of the widest. This is a great beach with lots of sand, a great view and a buzzing energy in the summer months.
There are plenty of restaurants and pavement cafés in this lovely town - including a Moroccan, Indian and Italian if you ever need a break from French cuisine (sounds crazy, but I assure you that it happens eventually.) Meanwhile, a slice of pizza, a pain bagnat or a fresh salad in the sun in one of the cafés in Place des Arcades is always a pleasure.
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.
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
The Cafe Royal is located on the ground floor of the Hotel Royal Antibes.
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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.
Opposite the Old Port, this wine bar has a great selection of wines that you can enjoy whilst looking out over the water, yachts and marina.
The owners are on hand to assist you with your wine choice and to give you a warm welcome to this small bar.
If you fancy a gamble head to the Eden casino in Juan les Pins. There are 180 different slot machines plus tables with roulette, black jack and poker.
In this large complex in the centre of Antibes is a big nightclub and a casino. The casino has 180 machines, roulette, blackjack and poker plus a restaurant.
The low hills around Valbonne are golf country, and the Opio-Valbonne Golf Club lies just near the village. This par 73, 18-hole course is not particularly challenging but is set in an area of incredible natural beauty, with lovely views and a few tricky shots. There are several excellent courses within an easy drive of Valbonne; see our golfing pages for more details.
There are also numerous walking trails that are marked around the village countryside, where you'll also find many smart villas - home to the employees of the extensive Science Park in neighbouring Sophia Antipolis.
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.
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
This enjoyable half-day hike follows a river linking two of the region’s most beautiful towns, Valbonne and Biot.
Perched at nearly 500m above sea level this historical site once housed Romans in tents as they overlooked the land below.
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
When you think of the Cap d'Antibes you tend to think prestigious villas and residences for billionaires, nestled in the green oasis of the peninsula.
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
You can hire a jet ski, or enjoy a guided day out with an instructor who will show you the sites of the wonderful coastline and the islands of the Cote d'Azur.
They adapt to the overall level of the group so that everyone can spend an unforgettable day together whether you are a family of beginners or a group of experienced kayakers.
If you feel like a change from the beach, take a trip to the local public swimming baths. There is a 25-metre swimming pool inside, plus an outdoor 50-metre pool with a diving board.
An activity that is accessible to everyone; all you need is to have a swim suit and be able to swim! The perfect trip for a group of friends or a family.
Kayak hire and trips on offer to discover the beautiful coastline of the Cote d'Azur by sea kayak.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 m².
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Sunny Terrace 3C Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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.
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Lovely Riviera 4F Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish and comfortable abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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.
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Lovely Riviera 5F Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish and comfortable abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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.
There are several chain hotels that serve business travellers who are visiting the technology park at Sophia Antipolis. There are also a couple of charming hotels in the area for holiday makers searching for something a bit more Provençal.
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.
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.
This beach hotel is located in the Juan-Les-Pins area of Antibes and boasts fantastic sea views. Unlike many hotels in the area this architecture is sleek and modern and as expected, the interior mimics the opulence of the exterior.
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
If taking the bus make sure yours is going to Valbonne village rather than Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, as some terminate early. Buses run from Antibes (10) from Nice (230), or from Cannes (630).
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Car Riviera offers a range of cars available for hire with a driver to chauffeur you either to and from the airport, for sight seeing trips or just to and from dinner so you can sit back and relax. Large vehicles such as Espace and Multi vans are at your disposal.
Stunning property with pool and tennis court, ideally located on the West side of Cap d'Antibes.
A beautiful property overlooking the sea, set in a quiet residential area of Cap d'Antibes, near the beaches and all amenities.
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.
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