Are you planning to visit the lovely coastal city of Antibes during your next French Riviera trip? Although a bit more low-key than nearby Nice or Cannes, the historic streets of Antibes offer plenty of charm and surprises beyond its striking seaside ramparts. Today I am sharing the 20 best things to in Antibes that can easily fill a busy day trip or that you can gradually discover over a longer stay.
I have personally been basing myself in Antibes during visits to the French Riviera since my very first stay. It was love at first sight – I was even trying to figure out ways I could possibly live here someday. While that remains a dream for now, I can at least help you to see all the ways Antibes is one of the most incredible places to visit in the South of France.
Without further ado, let’s get into the 20 best things to do in Antibes, from gorgeous beaches to unique shopping and intriguing museums.
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20 Awesome Things to Do in Antibes
Welcome to Antibes, one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the French Riviera. Let’s get started exploring this city by visiting the most essential sights first.
Essential Things to Do in Antibes
1. Stroll Along the Ramparts
Up until the 1860’s, Antibes and Nice were part of opposing kingdoms, the former being part of France and the latter being part of the Italian Kingdom of Savoy. In fact, you may even notice the difference in architecture of the two cities’ historic centers today – the ochre facades of Old Nice give off an Italian feel.
The French border town of Antibes saw many brutal attacks from the Kingdom of Savoy and other forces. This lead to stronger fortifications being designed in the late 17th century by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban under the rule of Louis XIV.
Today, these stone ramparts are not so much defensive as aesthetic, providing for pleasant seaside strolls. Along the Antibes waterfront you will find gardens, sculptures, and serene views of boats making their way out towards the Cap d’Antibes and beyond.
On the edge of the ramparts closest to Port Vauban (named after the 17th-century architect), you will encounter a large white sculpture called Nomade on the Saint-Jaume bastion. Created by James Plensa, who work can be found in public spaces all over the world, the sculpture’s lacy structure is pieced together using letters of the alphabet.
2. Admire the Yachts of Port Vauban
Long before it was developed into one of Europe’s largest yacht harbors in the 1970’s, the port of Antibes had been an active commercial center since Greek settlement around 2,500 years ago. Today, its ideal position in between Monaco and Saint-Tropez and close proximity to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport draws recreational yachters from across the globe.
Don’t have access to a yacht? No worries – simply a stroll along the port can be quite enjoyable. There are plenty of boats to see lined up before Fort Carré in the distance, with a total of 1,501 slips available. In fact, this harbor can accommodate up to 19 superyachts, which is not something most of us see every day.
Expect a lot of activity near Port Vauban in the summer, when it is quite busy with tourists and yacht crews alike. If you day trip to Antibes by car, you can find paid public parking in this beautiful location, although I personally would opt for the much cheaper Q-Park Pré aux Pêcheurs.
3. Go to the Beach
Undoubtedly, you didn’t book this wonderful French Riviera trip to constantly be on the go, but also to relax as you bask in your gorgeous surroundings. This coastal region is lined with beautiful beaches, and Antibes is no exception. Here are some of the top beaches in Antibes to visit, none of which have much shade so bring sunscreen!
- Plage de la Gravette: This tiny beach is steps away from the historic core and lies just below the ramparts. The waters of Gravette are perpetually calm, being encircled by low break walls. The downside is that still summer seas bring less circulation to the shores, so water quality can be poor.
- Royal Beach: If you seek a more exclusive experience, check out this private beach club just 5 minutes outside the city walls. This is the perfect choice if your idea of vacation involves a freshly prepared lunch being delivered to your lounge chair. Rates start at €30, with an extra €5 supplement required for outside guests not staying at the adjacent hotel.
- Plage de la Salis: This large public beach is one of the most popular spots in Antibes to spend a gorgeous summer day, with its sandy shore and clear waters. It also has the perk of offering a public toilet just steps from the water. It is a little further out from the Antibes city center, being about a 15-minute walk from the ramparts.
Best Things to Do in Old Town Antibes
4. Stroll the Historic Center
Old Town Antibes (or Vieil Antibes) has been settled since the time of the Greeks. Nestled behind the ramparts, which used to surround the entire city before 19th century expansion, it is a treat to simply wander the maze of shady cobblestone paths to discover elegant archways and hidden squares.
Although you are surrounded by history, today’s Old Town Antibes has modern amenities like unique shops and upscale restaurants to enjoy. Below I’ll lay out some of the more notable places to check out.
5. Visit Charming Shops
There are many intriguing shopping streets to wander in Old Town Antibes. A good place to start is Rue Sade, which is just a few steps from the Marché Provençal, where you’ll find many clothing and jewelry shops mixed in with little eateries, cafes, and grocery stores.
I also like the adjacent street Rue Georges Clémenceau, because it has one of my favorite shops, Antibes Books, for a lovely selection of English-language reads about the region. You’ll find much of the same along nearby Rue James Close and Rue de la République.
Heading towards the port, Boulevard d’Aguillon is also worth a stroll to discover a stretch of several galleries with paintings as well as hand-made pottery, jewelry, and glass. From there, turn left onto Rue Thuret to discover my favorite wine shop, Devins. I’ve always found the workers inside to be very kind and helpful in guiding me to the proper wine I am searching for (whether speaking English or French).
6. Buy Fresh Local Products at the Marché Provençal
Hands-down one of my favorite things to do in Antibes is to visit the Provençal market to buy meats, cheeses, and fruits to eat for lunch. Since I was traveling solo on my first visit, this was the perfect chance to practice speaking French with the vendors and I got quite comfortable by the end of the week!
You can’t miss this covered open-air structure in the heart of Cours Masséna, which is an easy five-minute walk from the ramparts. Besides what I mentioned above, you’ll also find varieties of olives, spices, and even flowers at the various stalls. On weekend afternoons, the food market transitions into an arts and crafts market where you can find unique gifts to bring home.
Be sure to bring cash – most vendors do not accept credit cards. Oh, and don’t be afraid to try speaking French – the vendors are super friendly!
The market is open from 7:30am to 1:00pm every day (closed Mondays between September 1st and May 31st, open until 1:45 from June to August).
7. Visit the Safranier Neighborhood
A great thing to do before or after checking out the market is strolling the charming streets of the Safranier neighborhood. This tiny pocket is actually an independent community from Antibes with its own Town Hall. You’ll pass artisanal shops, galleries, and many walls covered in leafy vines and colorful flowers, as well as the former home of Greek writer Níkos Kazantzákis and Villa Fontaine, which hosts artists in residence.
Commune libre de Safranier is situated between Rue de la Tourraque and Rue du Haut Castelet. Reach it from the market by simply continuing south on Cours Masséna, turning right onto Rue de la Pompe, and making one more quick left onto Rue du Bas Castelet. I recommend pausing to grab brunch or a beautiful pastry from Lilian Bonnefoi (some of the best patisserie in Antibes) during your wanders.
Best Things to Do in Antibes: Tours to Book
8. Take a Walking Tour to Learn the Town’s History
One of my favorite things to do whenever I visit a new city is to take a walking tour. This helps give you a lay of the land right away and points out places and history that you otherwise may have missed on your own. Here are the best walking tours to consider booking in Antibes, some of which even offer tasting local snacks!
- 2 Hour Walking Tour In the Old Town of Antibes
- Antibes Walking Tour + little tasting
- Antibes Provençal Tasting Tour (Food & Drinks)
Related: 10 Best Tours in Antibes (That You Will Love!)
9. Take a Boat Tour
How long will you be able to stare off into the Mediterranean from the ramparts before taking the opportunity to get even closer to it? Thankfully, joining a boat tour in the French Riviera is a wish that can easily come true. Here are the best options in Antibes:
- Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins (great for solo travelers who want to get on the water)
- Private cruise to Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands by sailboat
- Golf Juan: Sunset Sailing Cruise with aperitif at the Island
10. Channel the Masters and Create Your Own Art
Artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse found inspiration for their masterpieces in the French Riviera. Perhaps you also feel a little inspired by the region’s beauty and would like to follow in their footsteps? Thankfully, there are a couple art tours that make this easy to do and you’ll be able to take home a very unique souvenir:
- Private Painting Workshop by the sea & old town of Antibes
- Picasso Museum Drawing Tour Led by Local Artist
- Antibes: make your own art souvenir with a Local Artist
Best Things to Do in Antibes: Museums
11. Wander the Picasso Museum
On top of an ancient site that has served as a Greek Acropolis, a Roman castrum, and a Medieval bishopric sits the Grimaldi Castle, which rises high along the Antibes ramparts. The Grimaldi family, who still rule over Monaco, lived in this castle from the 14th century through the early 17th century. Although the town of Antibes bought the structure in 1925 and royalty hasn’t lived here for centuries, it’s still called Grimaldi Castle, or Chateau Grimaldi, in present-day.
That brings us to the 20th century, when Pablo Picasso was gracing several French Riviera villages with his presence, from Saint-Paul-de-Vence to Mougins. In 1946, Picasso was invited to keep his workshop at the Grimaldi castle, which he did from September through November of that year.
The museum is fortunate to have kept 23 paintings and 44 sketches by Picasso from that era. The collection has expanded over the years to almost 250 works thanks to further donations and purchases. The galleries are just large enough to see in about an hour and do not feel overwhelming for those who can only handle so much art in one afternoon.
Admission costs €12 per adult (when I visited they were only taking cash because machine was broken). Closed on Mondays.
12. See Ancient Greek and Roman Artifacts at the Archeology Museum
Before Antibes was the bustling French Riviera city we know today, it was a Greek trading port. Founding as Antipolis around the 5th century BC, its existence predates even Nice (called Nikaia by the Greeks). Antibes would eventually become part of the Roman Empire and was a thriving port city that imported goods like wine, oil, and ceramics.
Guess what? Some fascinating artifacts dating back to this era have been discovered through the centuries. You can find a wonderful selection of items like jugs, mosaics, and pottery at the Archaeology Museum housed in the Saint-André bastion right on the ramparts. The only downside – if you do not speak French you will be heavily reliant on Google translate and the internet is not great in the cave-like structure.
Afterwards, be sure to climb the ramp outside of the museum entrance for wonderful views of Old Town Antibes and out to the Mediterranean.
Admission costs €5 per adult. Closed Mondays.
13. Check Out the Postcard Museum
For a quirky museum experience that is a bit more niche compared to the typical offerings of history and art, check of the Postcard Museum (Musée de la Carte Postale). What you will discover are thousands of postcards from different decades and destinations around the world. It’s a cool way to learn the origins of this traditional travel staple and see its evolution through the years.
Open from 2pm-6pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is €8 for individuals 12 and up.
Best Things to Do in Antibes: Hikes
14. Visit Fort Carré
One of the most pleasant coastal walks you can take in Antibes is to one of its most iconic sights: the 16th-century Fort Carré. Beginning at Port Vauban and leading along the water, this path is about 2.3 kilometers long and takes about 30 minutes in one direction. Even if you don’t wish to actually visit the fort, this walk is worth it just to pass all the gorgeous boats docked in the marina and see wonderful coastal views out to Nice and even the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
That said, star-shaped Fort Carré is definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Lofted 43 meters above the sea on the Saint-Roch peninsula, you’ll walk through history to the late 1500’s when Antibes was a defensive French outpost. Even though the fort hasn’t been used since Nice was annexed to France in 1860, it still sits majestically over Port Vauban and offers lovely views over the Antibes rooftops and the shimmering sea.
Open from 10am-5pm (until 6pm from July 1st thru August 31st). Closed Mondays. Admission is €5 for adults.
15. Hike the Stunning Cap d’Antibes
No hiker visiting the French Riviera should pass up this trail around the stunning Cap d’Antibes. Also called Sentier de Tirepoil, this is easily one of the most scenic hikes in the region, especially if you adore seeing gorgeous hues of aqua waves crashing against low piles of volcanic rocks.
The hike begins at the Plage de la Garoupe car park and traces along the southern end of the Cap d’Antibes. Along the way, you’ll not only be able to take in the mermaid-worthy coves along the coastline, but also pass olive and pine trees and smell the faint scent of jasmine and eucalyptus on the sea breezes. Towards the end, follow the path past the Baie des Milliardaires (Bay of Billionaires) to see a spectacularly calm beach nestled in a rocky cove with some lovely swimming and cliff jumping areas.
The hike is about 3.1 miles long and takes about 2 hours depending on your pace and how often you pause to admire your surroundings.
16. Climb Up to a Lighthouse
To combine a visit to a powerful lighthouse with intriguing modern and ancient history, climb 100 meters up Chemin du Calvaire. This shady forest path can be reached from Salis beach – simply start walking towards the Cap d’Antibes and find the trailhead on the right as you round the first curve.
This short upward climb is well worth it. First, there is the Phare de la Garoupe (or Garoupe lighthouse), which dates back to 1948 (the original 19th century structure was destroyed by the Germans during WWII). Free self-guided tours of the lighthouse are offered every 20 minutes, where you’ll have the opportunity to climb its 116 steps to sweeping views 103 meters above the sea. You can also check out its powerful lanterns that emit light waves reaching boats up to 60 kilometers away.
Second are the medieval archeological ruins, which are thought to be predated by a 4th-century chapel ordered by Saint Helena – the mother of Emperor Constantine. Today, you’ll find three stone structures: a tower, the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the Chapelle Sainte-Hélène. They all have varying dates, but are thought to have been initially built in the late Middle Ages before being expanded and updated in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Open daily at 10am from Wednesday to Sunday (Saturday and Sunday only during school year) Admission is free.
Eating & Drinking in Antibes
17. Try a Cocktail Made With Absinthe
Right off the Provençal Market, you will find one of the most unique bars in the French Riviera: Antibes’s famous Absinthe bar and museum. This tiny establishment offers a hidden, speakeasy feel in a space tucked within the city’s ancient Roman foundations. This is the perfect chance to have an encounter with the “Green Fairy” while enjoying live music in a setting loaded with character.
25 Cr Masséna, 06600 Antibes, France
18. Grab a Cappuccino from a Local Coffee Shop
Antibes has some of the best café offerings on the French Riviera, so a stop at one of these establishments before or during a day of adventures is essential. Here are some of the must-visit places:
- Lilian Bonnefoi in the Safranier neighborhood offers a lovely patio for sipping a cappuccino during brunch or with a delectable pastry.
- La Torref de Fersen is located in the heart of Old Town Antibes near Place des Martyrs de la Résistance. You can expect high quality brews that you can take away or enjoy at a small table right outside the shop.
- NOMADS coffee: Whether you visit their cozy shop in Old Town Antibes while doing some shopping or discover their little coffee truck near Port Vauban, this is a lovely first stop before embarking on adventures.
19. Dine in a Romantic Square
Looking for dinner in an atmospheric setting? Grab a table at a restaurant in one of Old Town Antibes’s romantic squares for some apéro or dinner while watching the world go by. Two of the main ones are Place Nationale and Place des Martyrs de la Résistance.
Some excellent choices include:
- Restaurant Nananère: A lovely place to sit outside with a glass of wine or beer and consume the likes of refreshing salads and homemade pasta, with many dishes utilizing locally-sourced ingredients.
- Nacional Trattoria: A fun spot where you can choose from a wide selection of pastas and pizzas while receiving friendly service.
- L’Oursin: If you have a seafood craving, dine elegantly at this boat-themed restaurant where you will find classic offerings like mussels, oysters, and squid ink pasta.
Explore Nearby Towns
20. Day Trip by Train to Neighboring Towns
The South of France is such a day trippable destination, with many charming villages in close proximity to each other. No one should ever stay put in just one French Riviera village during any trip! Here are the closest towns to Antibes that you can easily check out by train (a car will give you even more options).
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Now you are all set for the perfect visit to this lively coastal town. While you might not have time to do every single one of the 20 best things to do in Antibes, even a sampling of this list promises a memorable experience. Whether you wish to people watch in a busy square, lay by the sea, or see art by Picasso, there are activities for every taste and mood!
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