Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.

© 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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
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.
The château (more like a townhouse, so don't go looking for turrets) was originally built in the 17th century and was gifted to the town of Vence by Emile Hugues who had been the mayor.
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
This museum is located in the Graillon Tower on the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. It boasts panoramic views from its large terrace.
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.
Just outside Saint-Paul de Vence lies one of France's most famous modern and contemporary art museums. Surrounded by pleasant gardens, this is a nice place to spend your afternoon.
This museum was set up by outstanding chef Auguste Escoffier who worked as head chef at the Savoy in London. He founded this museum which is dedicated to culinary art.
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.
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.
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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.
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.
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 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.
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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.
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.
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.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
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.
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.
Based in Antibes, their activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
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 area of Roquefort les Pins in 6 km from Valbonne, in a residential and green area, nice villa on a land of 2600 m².
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.
7 km from Antibes, in the village of Villeuneuve-Loubet, in the residential area, beautiful modern villa situated on the plot of 800m².
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.
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 studio Cosy Terrace 2A Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
At 6km from Valbonne, in the commune of roquefort-les-pins, in a quiet area, charming villa situated on a plot of land of about 2100 m².
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Sky View Terrace 7A Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
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
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the Charming and Cosy 3D Sweet Inn vacation studio offers a stylish, romantic abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
7 km from Antibes, in the village of Villeuneuve-Loubet, in the residential area, beautiful modern villa situated on the plot of 800m².
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.
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.
Hôtel Belles Rives, a historic Art Deco gem, offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Cap d’Antibes, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning seaside views.
Toile Blanche is a stylish retreat where contemporary design, Provençal elegance and immersive art come together across serene gardens and valley views.
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.
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.
Since 1870, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been the ultimate Riviera destination for those seeking tranquillity and luxury. Nestled between a private bay and lush parkland, the hotel offers a unique blend of country club facilities, sustainability, and family-friendly accommodations, making it a perfect haven for generations of guests.
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.
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.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
A superb top floor apartment within a sought-after residence with caretaker, swimming pool, tennis court and 2.5 hectares of landscaped grounds.
A stunning stone property, boasting amazing sea views, with guest house, pool and double garage.
Ideally located on the west side of Cap d'Antibes, within a small gated estate, this Provençal style property enjoys a privileged location near the sandy beaches.
Villas/apartments with sea view walking distance from the village
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