Antibes

Day 1: Old Town, ramparts and the port

Ease into Antibes with a slow wander of the historic centre where Greek, Roman and medieval layers meet Riviera light. Today is about flânerie, food, art and the town’s striking contrast between ancient walls and superyachts.

• Morning: Arrive early at the Marché Provençal on Cours Masséna (from 7–7:30am; closed Mondays in low season) for fruit, cheese and a slice of hot socca. Greet vendors with a cheerful “Bonjour” and let them select delicate produce; carry cash and a reusable bag. Stroll the flowered lanes of Safranier and peek into small ateliers.
• Midday: Visit the Musée Picasso in the Château Grimaldi; look out at the same sea-and-light that fuelled Picasso’s 1946 burst of creativity. Grab a simple lunch from the market or a nearby bistro; in winter, linger over a long déjeuner and the quieter galleries.
• Afternoon: Walk the ramparts from Plage de la Gravette past the museum to Port Vauban, finishing at the Billionaires’ Quay to admire the giga‑yachts beside colourful pointus. If you love archaeology, drop into the museum in Bastion Saint‑André for Greek and Roman Antipolis.
• Evening: Take apéro on Place Nationale (rosé or pastis) and watch pétanque nearby. For something atmospheric, descend to the Absinthe Bar cellar. In peak summer, reserve dinner; in shoulder seasons you’ll usually find a table one street back from the main squares.

Day 2: Cap d’Antibes, sea and forts

Today celebrates Antibes’ coastline: an easy beach, a headland path skimming turquoise coves and a star‑shaped fort guarding the bay. Pace yourself; start early in summer and bring water, a hat and proper shoes for the coastal trail.

• Morning: Swim at Plage de la Gravette (near the walls) or at family‑friendly Salis. Then set off on the Sentier du Littoral around Cap d’Antibes (allow 1.5–2.5 hours; sturdy footwear essential as the path is rocky and exposed). In winter, the seas can be dramatic—walk a shorter section and warm up with a coffee at Garoupe.

By Air

• Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – nearest major airport, ~17 km.
  • By car/taxi: 25–40 minutes (longer in summer).
  • By train: tram L2 from terminals to Nice-Saint-Augustin or Nice-Ville, then TER to Antibes (total 30–45 minutes; train leg 20–30 minutes).
  • By bus: coastal bus (ZOU! line 620, formerly 200) via Grand Arénas/Parc Phoenix to Antibes (about 60–90 minutes depending on traffic).
• Toulon–Hyères (TLN) – ~125 km; 1h30–1h50 by car; rail via Toulon (2–3 hours total).
• Marseille Provence (MRS) – ~180 km; 2–2h30 by car; direct/interchange trains via Marseille Saint-Charles (2h30–3h30).
• General aviation: Cannes–Mandelieu (CEQ) ~15 km (private flights only).

By Train

• Antibes (Gare d’Antibes) is on the Marseille–Nice–Ventimiglia coastal main line.
  • TER (regional) trains: frequent services to Cannes (10–15 min), Nice (20–30 min), Monaco–Monte-Carlo (50–60 min), Ventimiglia (≈1h20), Marseille (≈2h20–2h40, with/without change).
  • TGV INOUI: direct high-speed services (vary by season) to Paris Gare de Lyon (≈5h10–6h) and Lyon (≈4h30–5h).
• Secondary local stops: Juan-les-Pins and Biot (for some TER services).
• For wider connections, Nice-Ville (≈20–30 min from Antibes) has additional long-distance trains.

Antibes delivers all the Riviera magic—history, art, beaches and food—in a calmer, less-crowded package with year‑round local life.

• Atmosphere: A lived‑in walled town where cobbled lanes and jasmine‑scented courtyards meet the sea; stroll the ramparts at sunset and watch pointus bob beside superyachts at Port Vauban’s Billionaires’ Quay—classic Riviera elegance without the showy frenzy.

• Culture: Big on creativity, light on queues—Musée Picasso inside Château Grimaldi, Plensa’s Nomade on the bastion, street‑art trails, and gallery‑lined Vieil Antibes and the bohemian Safranier; nearby Juan‑les‑Pins adds Jazz‑Age heritage without city‑size crowds.

• Food & daily life: Start at the Marché Provençal for socca, olives and goat’s cheese; join apéro on Place Nationale or pétanque by Fort Carré; great value in market picnics, free rampart walks, and sandy swims at Plage de la Gravette or Salis.

• Neighbourhoods & nature: Swap packed promenades for Cap d’Antibes’ Sentier du Littoral, hidden coves and umbrella pines; authentic, quieter stays in shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) feel local yet connected—walkable centre, easy rail links, and prices gentler than flashier neighbours.

If you want a Riviera base that blends historic soul, artistic cred and sea‑spritzed glamour, Antibes is for you. It’s more grounded than Cannes and less urban than Nice, with sandy beaches, a working port and Europe’s most jaw‑dropping superyachts. Best in spring and autumn, it rewards flâneurs, food lovers and anyone who likes their luxury with local life.

• History lovers: Walk Vauban’s ramparts, explore Fort Carré and get lost in the medieval lanes of Vieil Antibes.
• Art & culture fans: See the world’s first Musée Picasso, the Hartung‑Bergman foundation, and a growing street‑art trail crowned by Plensa’s Nomade.
• Scenery seekers: Take in Alps‑to‑sea panoramas from the ramparts, then circumnavigate Cap d’Antibes on the Sentier du Littoral.
• Foodies & market grazers: Breakfast on hot socca at the Marché Provençal, pick up cheeses, tapenades and rosé, then browse the afternoon craft market.
• Active travellers: Swim at Plage de la Gravette or Salis, paddleboard the bay, and hike cliff‑hugging paths—everything’s walkable and low‑stress.
• Glamour & nightlife: Yacht‑spot at the Billionaires’ Quay, lounge at chic Garoupe beach clubs, party in Juan‑les‑Pins, and retreat to Antibes for charm.

These are the unmissable highlights of Antibes, distilled from deep research and local insight. Tick them off for the town’s quintessential blend of Provençal soul, maritime glamour and artistic pedigree.

• Walk the 17th‑century ramparts from Plage de la Gravette past the Picasso Museum for sweeping Alps‑to‑sea views.
• Explore Vieil Antibes’ flower‑lined lanes and the bustling Marché Provençal on Cours Masséna.
• Visit the Musée Picasso in the Château Grimaldi to see works created here in 1946 and sculptures on the sea terrace.
• Take a turn around Port Vauban and the Billionaires’ Quay to admire the superyachts and Jaume Plensa’s Nomade.
• Hike the Sentier du Littoral around Cap d’Antibes for pristine coves, pine‑framed cliffs and Garoupe’s legendary shoreline.

These are the unmissable highlights of Antibes, distilled from deep research and local insight. Tick them off for the town’s quintessential blend of Provençal soul, maritime glamour and artistic pedigree.

• Walk the 17th‑century ramparts from Plage de la Gravette past the Picasso Museum for sweeping Alps‑to‑sea views.
• Explore Vieil Antibes’ flower‑lined lanes and the bustling Marché Provençal on Cours Masséna.
• Visit the Musée Picasso in the Château Grimaldi to see works created here in 1946 and sculptures on the sea terrace.
• Take a turn around Port Vauban and the Billionaires’ Quay to admire the superyachts and Jaume Plensa’s Nomade.
• Hike the Sentier du Littoral around Cap d’Antibes for pristine coves, pine‑framed cliffs and Garoupe’s legendary shoreline.

Antibes lives by the sea and the market: simple, sun‑led flavours, daily rituals, and a relaxed apéro culture. Wander from the morning market to café terraces and let the old town’s ramparts frame every bite.

• Socca – Wood‑fired chickpea pancake, crisp at the edges and peppery; grab a hot slice at the bustling Marché Provençal.
• Pissaladière – Sweet onion tart with anchovies and black olives; best nibbled on café terraces or picked up from cosy boulangeries in Vieil Antibes.
• Rosé de Provence & pastis – The classic apéritif duo; sip at golden hour on lively squares like Place Nationale as conversations spill into the street.
• Mediterranean seafood (oursins, grilled fish) – Ultra‑fresh and unfussy, from sea urchins in season to simply grilled catch; enjoy at port‑side bistros or laid‑back beach spots.

Antibes lives by the sea and the market: simple, sun‑led flavours, daily rituals, and a relaxed apéro culture. Wander from the morning market to café terraces and let the old town’s ramparts frame every bite.

• Socca – Wood‑fired chickpea pancake, crisp at the edges and peppery; grab a hot slice at the bustling Marché Provençal.
• Pissaladière – Sweet onion tart with anchovies and black olives; best nibbled on café terraces or picked up from cosy boulangeries in Vieil Antibes.
• Rosé de Provence & pastis – The classic apéritif duo; sip at golden hour on lively squares like Place Nationale as conversations spill into the street.
• Mediterranean seafood (oursins, grilled fish) – Ultra‑fresh and unfussy, from sea urchins in season to simply grilled catch; enjoy at port‑side bistros or laid‑back beach spots.

Choosing the right part of Antibes shapes your whole trip: each area has its own pace, scenery and nightlife. Pick based on the vibe you want—historic lanes, quiet coves or buzzy beach clubs—then find a stay within that pocket. Here’s how the main areas compare at a glance.

• Vieil Antibes (Old Town) — Cobbled lanes, marché and ramparts; perfect for history lovers, art seekers and car‑free flâneurs who want cafés and galleries on the doorstep.
• Cap d’Antibes — Pine‑shaded villas, the Sentier du Littoral and secluded coves; ideal for couples and privacy‑seekers wanting upscale tranquillity over convenience.
• Juan‑les‑Pins — Wide sandy beaches, beach clubs and late‑night bars; best for nightlife, Jazz à Juan, and travellers after a lively summer scene.
• La Salis & Ponteil — Calm, shallow sandy bays a short stroll from the Old Town; great for families, daily swimmers and sunset walkers with easy beach access.

Choosing the right part of Antibes shapes your whole trip: each area has its own pace, scenery and nightlife. Pick based on the vibe you want—historic lanes, quiet coves or buzzy beach clubs—then find a stay within that pocket. Here’s how the main areas compare at a glance.

• Vieil Antibes (Old Town) — Cobbled lanes, marché and ramparts; perfect for history lovers, art seekers and car‑free flâneurs who want cafés and galleries on the doorstep.
• Cap d’Antibes — Pine‑shaded villas, the Sentier du Littoral and secluded coves; ideal for couples and privacy‑seekers wanting upscale tranquillity over convenience.
• Juan‑les‑Pins — Wide sandy beaches, beach clubs and late‑night bars; best for nightlife, Jazz à Juan, and travellers after a lively summer scene.
• La Salis & Ponteil — Calm, shallow sandy bays a short stroll from the Old Town; great for families, daily swimmers and sunset walkers with easy beach access.

Antibes is easy to navigate and plan for, with a compact historic centre and excellent links along the Riviera. A few practical tips on costs, getting around, and timing will help you make the most of it.

• Affordability: Eating out ranges from €8–€12 for market snacks to €18–€30 for a main at mid‑range bistros (wine €10–€25 a bottle), while accommodation is the main expense—expect mid‑range hotels to be notably pricier in summer and better value in the shoulder season.
• Transport: The Old Town, port and beaches are walkable; TER trains make easy day trips to Nice, Cannes and Monaco, local buses reach Cap d’Antibes, and while a car helps for inland villages, parking in the centre is tight so avoid driving in.
• Language: French is the language of daily life, but English is widely understood in tourist‑facing spots; a simple “Bonjour/Bonsoir” when entering shops or cafés makes interactions smoother.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers—just watch for pickpockets in the market and at the station, keep beachwear for the beach (not the Old Town), and book popular restaurants in high season.
• Crowds: June–August is the busiest (and priciest), April–May and September–October are ideal with thinner crowds and warm weather, while November–March is quiet and local with some seasonal closures.

Antibes is easy to navigate and plan for, with a compact historic centre and excellent links along the Riviera. A few practical tips on costs, getting around, and timing will help you make the most of it.

• Affordability: Eating out ranges from €8–€12 for market snacks to €18–€30 for a main at mid‑range bistros (wine €10–€25 a bottle), while accommodation is the main expense—expect mid‑range hotels to be notably pricier in summer and better value in the shoulder season.
• Transport: The Old Town, port and beaches are walkable; TER trains make easy day trips to Nice, Cannes and Monaco, local buses reach Cap d’Antibes, and while a car helps for inland villages, parking in the centre is tight so avoid driving in.
• Language: French is the language of daily life, but English is widely understood in tourist‑facing spots; a simple “Bonjour/Bonsoir” when entering shops or cafés makes interactions smoother.
• Safety & comfort: Generally very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers—just watch for pickpockets in the market and at the station, keep beachwear for the beach (not the Old Town), and book popular restaurants in high season.
• Crowds: June–August is the busiest (and priciest), April–May and September–October are ideal with thinner crowds and warm weather, while November–March is quiet and local with some seasonal closures.

In Antibes, a classic Mediterranean climate shapes the mood: summers are hot, busy and glamorous; spring and autumn are warm, relaxed and ideal for exploring; winters are mild, quiet and distinctly local. Expect sunshine most of the year, with the sea warmest in late summer and early autumn.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Pleasant warm weather, manageable crowds, and a relaxed, authentic vibe.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, dry and beachy; peak crowds and prices; lively, international, and glitzy atmosphere.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Mild but cooler and quieter; many venues reduce hours; calm, local, and contemplative feel.

In Antibes, a classic Mediterranean climate shapes the mood: summers are hot, busy and glamorous; spring and autumn are warm, relaxed and ideal for exploring; winters are mild, quiet and distinctly local. Expect sunshine most of the year, with the sea warmest in late summer and early autumn.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Pleasant warm weather, manageable crowds, and a relaxed, authentic vibe.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, dry and beachy; peak crowds and prices; lively, international, and glitzy atmosphere.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Mild but cooler and quieter; many venues reduce hours; calm, local, and contemplative feel.

Day 3: Art, hidden chapels and Riviera shopping

Round off with high art, a secret Gothic chapel, and the kind of independent shopping Antibes does best. Time your markets, museum hours and lunch break—many small shops pause 12:30–14:30 outside peak season.

• Morning: Book a taxi to the Fondation Hartung‑Bergman for a guided look at two major post‑war artists’ studios (check opening days). Back in town, step into Chapelle Saint‑Bernardin on Rue du Docteur Rostan—its starry ceiling and trompe‑l’œil are a gem often missed.
• Midday: Browse Old Town boutiques on Rue de la République and the neighbouring lanes for Provençal textiles, ceramics and small designer fashion; say “Je regarde juste, merci” if you’re only looking. On Thu/Sat, detour to the brocante on Place Nationale for antiques and curios.
• Afternoon: If you’re an illustration fan, visit the Musée Peynet on Place Nationale. From mid‑June to September, return to Cours Masséna after 15:00 when the hall transforms into a craft market of artists and makers; outside summer, expect it mainly on weekends.
• Evening: Dine near the port or on a tucked‑away Old Town street; book popular spots in summer or aim for later French dining times. For one last sunset, walk the ramparts towards the Alps‑over‑sea view; in early June, the Voiles d’Antibes classic yacht regatta adds magic to the harbour.

Notes for all days:

• Getting around: the train station is a 10–15‑minute walk to the Old Town; avoid driving inside the walls. Use Q‑Park car parks on the edge if needed.
• Seasonality: July–August is busy and hot—start early, book ahead, and plan shady breaks. April–June and September–October balance warmth with calmer streets; November–March is tranquil, with more limited hours but deeper local life.
• Etiquette: always greet with “Bonjour, madame/monsieur” on entering shops and “Merci, au revoir” when leaving; modest cover‑ups for churches and no beachwear in town.

By Coach/Bus

• ZOU! line 620 (ex-200) runs along the coast Nice–Antibes–Cannes. Typical journey: 60–90 minutes Nice–Antibes (traffic dependent). Connect at Nice Airport area (Grand Arénas/Parc Phoenix) via tram L2 from the terminals.
• Long-distance coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) serve Nice and Cannes; some schedules include Antibes stops (check current timetables).

By Car

• A8 “La Provençale” motorway: use exits 44 (Antibes) or 47 (Villeneuve-Loubet).
  • Approximate driving times: Cannes 20–30 min (12 km), Nice 30–45 min (20 km), Monaco 45–60 min (≈45 km), Marseille 2–2h30 (≈180 km).
• Expect heavy traffic in summer and at rush hours; coastal D6007 is slow but scenic.
• Parking: central car parks such as Pré-aux-Pêcheurs (Port Vauban) and La Poste; the old town is largely pedestrianised with very limited on-street parking.

Who should go to Antibes?

If you want a Riviera base that blends historic soul, artistic cred and sea‑spritzed glamour, Antibes is for you. It’s more grounded than Cannes and less urban than Nice, with sandy beaches, a working port and Europe’s most jaw‑dropping superyachts. Best in spring and autumn, it rewards flâneurs, food lovers and anyone who likes their luxury with local life.

• History lovers: Walk Vauban’s ramparts, explore Fort Carré and get lost in the medieval lanes of Vieil Antibes.
• Art & culture fans: See the world’s first Musée Picasso, the Hartung‑Bergman foundation, and a growing street‑art trail crowned by Plensa’s Nomade.
• Scenery seekers: Take in Alps‑to‑sea panoramas from the ramparts, then circumnavigate Cap d’Antibes on the Sentier du Littoral.
• Foodies & market grazers: Breakfast on hot socca at the Marché Provençal, pick up cheeses, tapenades and rosé, then browse the afternoon craft market.
• Active travellers: Swim at Plage de la Gravette or Salis, paddleboard the bay, and hike cliff‑hugging paths—everything’s walkable and low‑stress.
• Glamour & nightlife: Yacht‑spot at the Billionaires’ Quay, lounge at chic Garoupe beach clubs, party in Juan‑les‑Pins, and retreat to Antibes for charm.