© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
© SeeAntibes.com
Coastal resort with a lovely medieval village
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet is a delightful area split into two parts - a seaside resort with plenty of outdoor activities and a fascinating old town.
The best way to discover the old village is to take a bus or leave your car in the large “Plans” car park and walk along the river.
Starting at the mouth of the Loup (meaning “wolf”) river it's a short stroll to the old town of Villeneuve-Loubet. It's interlaced with pretty lanes which open up into characterful squares with art galleries and cafés.
There is a 13th century castle with a cobbled courtyard, ramparts and walls to explore. The village itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office, call in to ask for details. It provides a welcome respite from the busy coastal resorts.
The beach resort of Villeneuve Loubet Plage is dominated by the purpose built, 1,000 bed apartment block which is supposed to resemble three large white waves rolling in from the sea. At 70m high, they dominate the horizon and certainly draw your attention. Whilst they may not be to everyone's taste, the architect has created that rare apartment block where every flat has a terrace and a view.
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.
The main events in history occurred during the 20th century with the town being one of many important battle sites during World War II. It was liberated by the First Special Service Force on 26th August, 1944. The tower of the castle was damaged by a shell fired by the US Navy, and dozens of soldiers from both sides were killed or wounded.
In 2006, the bodies of fourteen Germans who were killed during the fighting were discovered in a mass grave near the town by a local medical student.
Villeneuve-Loubet is also the birthplace of the famous 19th century Provençal chef and father of “haute-cuisine”, Auguste Escoffier. The Musée de l’Arte Culinaire documents his career, with exhibits including his menus and recipes, as well as old cooking implements and kitchen devices.
The old town's history is fascinating. It was a battle site in WWII and was liberated in 1944.
The old village was rebuilt in the 16th century and has many beautiful examples of Renaissance architecture, as well as a Museum of Art and History. Guided tours are organised by the tourist office.
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.
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
The Picasso museum is housed in the Chateau Grimaldi in the centre of the town of Vallauris. The chateau was built over a Roman fort in the 16th century.
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.
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
“Plages” means beaches and Villeneuve-Loubet is fringed by 4km of beaches, all of which hold the Blue Flag award for cleanliness.
There are three main beaches, where you can try all sorts of watersports, as well as a marina where you can hire boats.
The port area has many good restaurants and all the beaches have restaurants and snack bars. There are facilities for disabled swimmers and even, that rarest of pleasures on the Riviera…a sandy beach. Particularly good for families is the “Plage des Kids” which is equipped with table tennis, mini-golf and other entertainments.
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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.
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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.
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.
Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
There's a nice selection of restaurants in the marina and along the beachfront offering great sea views.
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.
Sip something chilled at The Grill Bar and soak up the glamour of the French Riviera, where iconic moments and timeless beauty come together. Open to hotel guests only, subject to availability.
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.
This private beach club is situated opposite the hotel.
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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.
Wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Juan les Pins, opposite the Pinede Park that serves up live music as well.
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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.
This trendy bar is located in the old Antibes and is very popular with the yacht crew.
As well as the beaches there are also a number of parks, most notably the Parc du Vaugrenier, a large woodland area that is home to many wild animals and Mediterranean plants as well as Roman archaeological excavations, walking paths and a childrens playground. Entry is free of charge and it's open year-round.
Villeneuve-Loubet is a great base for action-lovers, as well as being a starting point for many hikes and bike rides there are also a number of adventure parks in the area where you can test your head for heights by navigating the forest via ropes and bridges. Try Canyon Forest at the Parc Rives des Loup for courses to suit all ages.
The Golfe de Villeneuve-Loubet has undergone recent upgrades, and has a nine-hole course, restaurant, putting green, driving range, and proshop. It's not the most glamorous club on the Riviera (for those see our golfing section) but it's affordable and accessible.
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.
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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.
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.
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.
Perched at nearly 500m above sea level this historical site once housed Romans in tents as they overlooked the land below.
This enjoyable half-day hike follows a river linking two of the region’s most beautiful towns, Valbonne and Biot.
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.
Based in Antibes, their kayak activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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.
This company offers you the chance to test, try, learn and improve your stand up paddle board techniques though rental and board sales.
Since 1994, the team at this diving school have been located in Saint Raphael in the Var department.
The hotel accommodation here tends to be on the budget side. Neighbouring Cagnes sur Mer has a better selection of boutique style places to stay.
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 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.
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.
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.
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.
Villa Bellevue does not bear this name without reason. You live here high on the slopes of Vallauris, the place where Picasso lived and worked for many years.
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 Charming and Cosy 3D Sweet Inn vacation studio offers a stylish, romantic 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 1-bedroom Deluxe Terrace 1B Sweet Inn vacation studio offers a stylish 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.
Located on a quiet street just one block away from the stunning French Riviera, the 1-bedroom Lovely Riviera 3F Sweet Inn vacation apartment offers a stylish and comfortable abode in one of Juan les Pin’s best areas.
Hotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
This five-star Relais & Châteaux resort offers elegant rooms, exceptional facilities and a peaceful setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
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.
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.
Access to Villeneuve-Loubet from Nice is very easy; either hop on the train, take the bus or hire a bike and follow the green cycle path all the way from the Promenade des Anglais, it’s flat and is an easy hour-long ride.
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Charming property with 5 en suite bedrooms and an independent guest apartment.
Nestled at the summit of a prestigious residential estate, this new 575 sq m contemporary villa embodies the very essence of luxury.
Golfe-Juan - Belle Époque Villa with Sea View, Walking Distance to Beaches
A superb top floor apartment within a sought-after residence with caretaker, swimming pool, tennis court and 2.5 hectares of landscaped grounds.
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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