Are you craving scenery so captivating that you’ll be taking a deep sigh at every turn? Do you enjoy filling up your phone’s storage with insanely beautiful photos? Then don’t pass up the incredibly stunning Cap d’Antibes hike in the French Riviera.

Located just 25 minutes from Nice by train, Antibes offers some of the region’s most captivating views on this moderate trail. I hiked the Cap d’Antibes all by myself on a recent trip, passing many other solo females and even encountering children and seniors. All you have to do is transport yourself to the trailhead and then slowly make your way around this rugged coastal route.

Are you ready to tackle one the most beautiful hikes in the French Riviera? This article will make sure you are fully prepared to find no stress, but only gorgeousness during the fabulous Cap d’Antibes hike.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission.

---

Hiking the Cap d’Antibes on the French Riviera

Cap d’Antibes Hike – Quick Facts

• Length: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2 hours
• Terrain: Much of the Cap d’Antibes trail is flat, with some pebbly dirt sections and some uneven rocky sections. You will also encounter stone staircases and other mild inclines. Stone sections of the path can be narrow in spots and potentially slippery due to sea spray or rain.
• Scenery: This path runs entirely along the coast and delivers Mediterranean views for miles.

Good to Know: The Cap d’Antibes hike is dog friendly and I saw several canine friends hiking in tandem with their humans. Just be sure to keep all pets on a leash.

What to Bring

Here are some items you’ll want to pack when hiking the Cap d’Antibes in the French Riviera for a comfortable and safe experience:

• Athletic apparel. Wear loose fitting athletic clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen on the hottest days. Note that if you wear bright yoga pants like I did, you will stick out like a sore thumb. The French tend to wear looser hiking pants or shorts in black or neutral colors.
• Hiking shoes. Although the trail is generally flat, you’ll want at least decent sneakers for the rocky sections. While clunky hiking shoes are not essential, if you do go that route I swear by my Keens.
• Hat to shade your face from the sun. Much of this trail is exposed and you’ll get hit with lots of UV rays. However, keep in mind that the Cap d’Antibes gets windy, so make sure your hat doesn’t fly away!
• Sunscreen. With almost no shade along the Cap d’Antibes hike, sunscreen is essential.
• Water bottle. These vacuum seal water bottles (which come in super fun colors!) accompany us on every hike. Trust that if you hike in the midday sun, you will get thirsty.
• Camera to capture the stunning scenery (there will be lots!). I’ve been using the Sony A6000 for years, and I still love it.
• Cell phone: For photos or in case of an emergency (note that service is not great along some sections of the trail).

Hiking on an October evening, I encountered plenty of wind and not too many bugs. Therefore, I did not feel bug spray was necessary. That said, use your judgement if you notice mosquitos during your French Riviera trip, as I did leave the Riviera with a couple bites.

Related: What to Pack for the South of France

How to Hike the Cap d’Antibes Trail

The Cap d’Antibes loop trail is one of the most exhilarating walks you can take in the French Riviera. Coastal views the entire way will make you wish you were a mermaid living in one of the many jewel-toned coves tucked in the cliffs.

While the trail is considered moderate, I found much of it to be flat and doable for most ages and abilities. Here are all the essential things to know for a successful day of hiking.

1. Navigate to Plage de la Garoupe

The trailhead for the Cap d’Antibes hike is located at the southeastern end of Plage de la Garoupe in Antibes. To reach this beach from Old Town Antibes, you will need to either walk, take the bus, or grab an Uber/taxi. As walking adds about an hour each way, I recommend the latter two options.

I personally walked because I wanted to see all the beaches in Antibes, not realizing my total hike would become eight miles! My lower back was in so much pain by the time I was done, but thankfully I recovered in time to do the Nietzsche hike to Eze a few days later.

Uber is prevalent in the French Riviera and is probably the easiest, most direct option (I priced out an UberX to be around $15). The bus also drops you off very close to the trailhead. After taking bus 02 from Diables Bleus to the Fontaine stop, simply walk another 10 minutes to Plage de la Garoupe.

2. Walk to the Trailhead

Upon reaching Plage de la Garoupe you will need to cross the entire beach to reach the trailhead on the southeastern end. The stone path is easy to find, beginning right along the water.

3. Commence the Loop

It’s time to get lost in your surroundings for the next two hours. Enjoy the serenity, as this peninsula is so peaceful and feels removed from the lively hustle and bustle that characterizes much of the French Riviera.

That said, it’s not so remote as to feel unsettling. As a solo female hiker, I felt very safe on this trail and passed plenty of other people, including couples and solo hikers.

4. Admire the Views

If the sight of water soothes your soul like it does mine, then this entire trail will be a dream for you. Take in the trail with all five senses (although taste will mostly be water and snacks!).

Pause at every turquoise cove, peering into the crystal clear water and imagining mermaids bathing in the tide pools. Inhale the sea breezes scented by the trail’s prevalent jasmine flowers. They are a welcome relief from the rare waft of seaweed rotting along small rocky beaches.

Look for little green olives on the trees lining the trail and feel the sea spray hit your skin as a wave crashes against the lowest of the rocky cliffs. Listen for the thunder of an especially powerful wave against the rocks before letting the warm sun dry your skin.

Don’t rush this trail, unless you are eager to get back into the reality of tourist crowds and traffic noise from which you came.

5. Pause at Baie des Milliardaires

The grand finale of the Cap d’Antibes hike is observing the ultra calm pristine waters of the Baie des Milliardaires (Bay of Billionaires) in Antibes. The gorgeous rock formations beckon playful travelers to jump into the water. The bay’s smooth surface is also perfect for a relaxing stand up paddleboard session before sunset.

While this small beach is lovely, it’s not as large or sandy as I expected. Expect to climb a steep stone staircase to continue onto the trail on the way up from the bay.

6. Complete the Loop

After the Baie des Milliardaires, you will soon encounter residential streets. If you wish to complete the loop, navigate back to Plage de la Garoupe before ordering an Uber or doubling back to the Fontaine bus stop.

That said, you could also shave off a small distance and catch the bus or Uber from the Baie des Milliardaires if you wish. With how bad I was hurting, I probably should have been reasonable and just taken the bus. But what can I say? I’m a bit of a perfectionist and not finishing wouldn’t have sat right with me.

Have More Time? What to do Next

You can easily extend your time in Antibes before or after completing this hike. Here are some perfect suggestions:

• If you set out early, refuel at a cafe in Antibes. Lilian Bonnefoi makes an excellent brunch.
• Visit the Picasso Museum, housed in the site of the former Grimaldi castle in Antibes.
• Simply chill at one of Antibes’s fabulous beaches, like Plage de la Salis.
• Try a cocktail at the Absinthe Bar near the Marché provençal.
• Choose from Antibes’s large selection of restaurants to dine out. Crêperie du Port and Nacional Trattoria were two of my favorites.
• Grab a picnic lunch with compté cheese and prosciutto from the Marche Provençal in Antibes.
• Do the hike in the morning and spend the afternoon relaxing on a boat tour.

• • •

Now you know exactly what to expect for the Cap d’Antibes hike on your next French Riviera trip. I hope I have inspired you to interrupt your beach getaway for some worthwhile physical exertion. Yes, you may break a sweat but the coastal views and floral scents in the air make it totally worth it. Simply reward yourself with some gelato from Gelateria del Porto afterwards!

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.