Located just a 20-minute train ride from Nice is one of my favorite cities, Antibes. With its sand beaches, great shopping, and vibrant atmosphere, this incredible city offers numerous reasons to visit.
Along the Côte d’Azur, you’ll find several picturesque and charming cities perfect for exploring, and Antibes is no exception. Its unique blend of new and old, from luxury yachts in the marina to the fortress walls surrounding the old town, gives it a special charm that makes it a must-visit destination.
About Antibes
Antibes was ruled by the Greeks in the 5th century B.C. and was named “Antipolis.” At that time, it was a fortified town with a very active trading port. Over time, the Romans took over, followed by the French in the 15th century. The port continued to play a vital role as an outpost along the Mediterranean. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the city began to attract tourists and artists, including Pablo Picasso.
An iconic part of the city is Château Grimaldi, built and owned by the influential Grimaldi family from 1385 to 1608. Later, the château served as barracks during the French Revolution and as the residence for several governors over the years. Today, the building is owned by the city and has been converted into a museum.
As you explore, be sure to walk the ramparts and admire the panoramic views of the Mediterranean; on a clear day, you can even see the French Alps in the distance.
Beaches
Antibes is perfectly located between Nice and Cannes along the picturesque French Riviera. Unlike Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, which have rocky beaches, Antibes offers sand beaches. Enjoy beach picnics on the soft sand and refreshing swims after a morning of exploring the city.
Located just beside the city’s ramparts is a smaller beach, ideal for families due to the breakwater that keeps the waters calm even on windy days. For a more extensive beach experience, head to Juan-les-Pins, just outside the city center. Here, you’ll find a vast sand beach, shallow clear waters, and lively beach bars. Easily accessible by train from both Antibes and Nice.
If you’re looking for quieter, more secluded spots for a refreshing swim, explore along Cap d’Antibes. This coastal path offers plenty of places to relax, snorkel, and even fish.
Cap d’Antibes
For those seeking to escape the city and explore the coast, this is the adventure for you! The beautiful coastal walk takes you past mansion ruins, a modern castle, and stunning villas. In some areas, the rocky landscapes resemble the moon, adding a unique contrast to the bright blue sea.
The entire trail takes approximately two hours, so be sure to bring plenty of water and even a picnic. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of places to swim along the way, but be mindful of the strong currents.
The starting point is Plage de la Garoupe, accessible by taking bus 02 or wandering through Antibes’ Old Town. Keep in mind that this can be a challenging walk for some due to the many stairs and uneven pathways. However, it is a well-maintained path with garbage bins along the way.
Old Town
No trip to Antibes is complete without wandering through the winding streets and alleyways of the Old Town. From a variety of shops and galleries to different bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, the Old Town is a great place to explore. Whether you’re interested in home decor, clothing, or local specialties, you’ll find it as you wander around. I always make sure to stop by the Lucky Team store to see their new and unique jewelry. If you enjoy reading, be sure to check out the English Book Store just down the street; it’s one of the few with a great selection to choose from.
A great place to visit is the Marché Provençal, especially in the morning. Open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM every day except Monday, you’ll find local vendors selling local produce, cheeses, olives, flowers, and even some artists selling their work. This is a great place to pick up everything you need for a beach picnic.
Picasso Museum
Another highlight of the Old Town is the Picasso Museum, located in Château Grimaldi. Few may know that Pablo Picasso spent many years living and traveling along the French Riviera. During the summer of 1946, Picasso stayed in Antibes, where he had a studio in Château Grimaldi. He promised to cover the walls with his art, which he donated to the city when he left. Later, the château was converted into a museum featuring many of Picasso’s artworks.
The museum showcases not only Picasso’s work but also various pieces donated or purchased from local artists or those influenced by the French Riviera. Today, the museum offers a three-month artist residency, including a studio to work in and an apartment, similar to Picasso’s experience in the city.
Events
Like other festive cities along the French Riviera, Antibes hosts plenty of events and activities throughout the year.
Antibes Art Fair – Modern, Contemporary Art and Design: April 12-21st
For art and antique enthusiasts, this highly sought-after event showcases exhibitors from all over Europe. From jewelry and sculptures to furniture and tapestries, there’s no shortage of items to admire.
Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally: May 15-18th
This free event is part of the European Championship FIA Historic Rally, worth checking out if you’re a car buff. If you’re an F1 fan, this may be the event to get you excited for the start of the Monaco GP, which kicks off the following week.
These are just a couple of the key events that take place spring 2025. To see what’s going on while you’re in the city be sure to check out the city’s events calendar.
Well, there you have it! If you’re looking to explore more of the Côte d’Azur, be sure to check out Antibes. With its sand beaches, charming Old Town, and laid-back atmosphere, this beautiful city offers plenty of reasons to visit