Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Valbonne, Alpes-Maritimes
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.
Events in [locality]
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.
Events in Antibes
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Antibes, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
History & Culture in [locality]
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.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Antibes
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Absinthe Museum
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 de la Photographie (Photography Museum)
Right in the centre of the old town of Mougins is an interesting photography museum. On display are various antique cameras plus old photography equipment, and a large collection of portraits of Pablo Picasso.
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Provence Art & History Museum, Grasse
With items from prehistoric times, and fine arts and decorative arts from as early as the 17th century, all the way up to the first half of the 20th century.
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The Valmasque Park
Covering 561 hectares this park is a beautifully protected area that is flourishing with wildlife, plants and birdlife! Go for a hike around the lake, enjoy a picnic by the river or take a ride on your mountain bike through the forest, there are lots of things to do at this park.
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Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
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Mougins Museum of Classical Art
In the heart of the old village of Mougins, discover how the beauty of the ancient world has influenced neoclassical, modern and contemporary art.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Antibes
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
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.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
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.
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Plage du Pont du Lys Beach, Juan les Pins
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.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Grande Plage Beach, Juan les Pins
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.
Dining in [locality]
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.
Restaurants in Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
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.
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Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
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.
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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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Royal Beach Beach Club
This private beach club is situated opposite the hotel.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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Eden-Roc Restaurant
Savour signature cocktails and exclusive wines while enjoying panoramic Mediterranean views at Eden-Roc Lounge. Open to resident and restaurant guests, subject to availability.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Antibes
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Royal Lounge Bar
Enjoy sea views and delicious cocktails at this jazz lounge in central Antibes.
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Fitzgerald Piano Bar, Juan les Pins
Moleskine armchairs, panoramic view, masterpieces, cracked oak floors, all complemented by a breathtaking view from the terrace where the sunset is magical.
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Eden Casino, Juan les Pins
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.
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The Hop Store
Located in the very centre of Antibes, this bar has live music and DJ's Wednesdays to Saturdays during the summer.
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Cafe Brun
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.
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Le New Orleans Bar, Juan les Pins
Wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Juan les Pins, opposite the Pinede Park that serves up live music as well.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Antibes
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Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
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Tayarrah 23.15m Motor Yacht
Prepare to discover luxury and sophistication aboard this Tayarrah Yacht Charter, formerly known as Syber. This exquisite yacht offers the perfect blend of style and performance, ensuring an unforgettable yacht charter experience. With its sleek interior design and cosy ambience, Tayarrah sets the stage for an unforgettable yacht charter experience on the Mediterranean.
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Mabruk III Motor Boat
This motor yacht, Mabruk III is incredibly classic and full of character thanks to the expert engineering of Leight-Notika. This charming 35 meter yacht was built in 2003, but has undergone multiple refits since then, meaning you’ll cruise in style and elegance. Spending her summer season in the sunny south of France in the beautiful port of Cannes, she is the ideal yacht for exploring all that the Western Mediterranean waters have to offer.
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Mach One Superyacht
Mach one is a stunning 32m superyacht charter Cannes. Built in 1999 and refitted in 2013, this Mangusta 105 superyacht is simply awesome. With the rare licence to cruise with 16 guests at sea, Mach One is perfect for event superyacht charter Cannes.
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Fleche d'Argent Superyacht
Yacht charter Nice with the lightning quick and uber-chic Flèche D’Argent. This Otam masterclass is one of a kind, with cruising speeds of 40 knots. Based in Nice, she is ideal located for yacht charter in Monaco, or elsewhere along the Baie des Anges.
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Silver Wave Superyacht
French superyacht Silver Wave is a spectacular 45.7m motor yacht crafted in 2009 in the world-renowned Palmer Johnson American shipyard. Her futuristic and elegant exterior lines are a tribute to the Palmer Johnson design team. She effortlessly cause heads to turn and admire her beauty. Her Iconic ‘Silver wave’ colour exterior paint provides a stunning contrast to the deep blue waters she navigates.
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Thor Motor Boat
Thor, is a stunning and slick 22m Azimut motor yacht. She was built in 2013 but has undergone an extensive refit in 2019, ensuring she’s moving with the times and trends. Having being built by the expert Italian Azimut Shipyard, she is in great condition. Making her one of the most sought after yachts in her category. Spending her summer season in the beautiful old port of Cannes, she is the ideal 22 meter Azimut motor yacht for exploring the sunny South of France and West Mediterranean.
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Antibes
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Airxkite Kitesurf, Cannes la Bocca
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
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Bureau des Guides de Canyon, Castellane
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
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Stade Nautique Municipal Watersports
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.
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Go Kayak
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.
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Kayak Hire
Based in Antibes, their kayak & SUP activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
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Club Sous l'Eau Diving School, Saint Raphael
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Antibes
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Bright and Cosy 6A Apartment, Juan les Pins
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the studio Bright and Cosy 6A Sweet Inn vacation studio offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Hsud0818 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
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.
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Charming Riviera 4E Apartment, Juan les Pins
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Charming Riviera 4E Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Hsud0054 Villa, Vallauris
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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Lovely Terrace 2B Apartment, Juan les Pins
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Lovely Terrace 2B Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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Hsud0096 Villa
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
Hotels in [locality]
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.
Hotels in Antibes
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Le Mas de Pierre Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Le Saint Paul Hotel, Saint-Paul de Vence
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.
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Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, Juan les Pins
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.
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
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.
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La Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
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Hotel de Mougins
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
How to get to [locality]
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).
Transfers for Antibes
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Car Riviera Airport Transfers
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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Antibes
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Villa for Sale
A magnificent new contemporary-style villa project ideally located near the beaches of La Garoupe, complete with a generous rooftop terrace boasting stunning sea views.
Villa for Sale
€9,500,000 -
House for Sale
Charming property with 5 en suite bedrooms and an independent guest apartment.
House for Sale
€7,950,000 -
Apartment for Sale
Completely redesigned, Le Provençal is an exceptional residence combining timeless elegance and contemporary luxury. This former iconic hotel now features 41 top-of-the-range accommodations spread over ten floors, enhancing its Art Deco heritage through refined architecture and interiors.
Apartment for Sale
€7,500,000 -
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