Imagine wandering through charming cobblestone streets where vibrant markets burst with local produce or standing atop ancient ramparts overlooking idyllic beaches bathed in golden sunlight.
This coastal town boasts breathtaking vistas and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled.
Join us as we delve into some unforgettable things to do in Antibes—where every corner tells a story, and each moment invites you to savor life by the sea.
15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Antibes, France
I’m sharing all my favorite spots and things to do in Antibes or what to do in Antibes, plus how to get here, how much time you need, where the best beaches are, and other practical information.
1. Wander the Streets of Old Town
Antibes Old Town is full of narrow streets painted in tan, cream, and yellow, constructed in stone, with pink, light green, and sometimes red shutters.
Wandering the streets of Old Town feels like stepping into a living history book, where every cobblestone whispers tales of yesteryears.
The vibrant buildings, adorned with fading frescoes and wrought-iron balconies, showcase exquisite architecture and tell tales of a bygone era where merchants hustled and artists thrived.
Every alley invites exploration beyond typical tourist routes; hidden courtyards reveal charming cafes serving local delicacies and artisan treats.
Old Town is filled with boutiques and restaurants, the quaint tables and wicker chairs spilling out onto the streets under the shade of dozens of umbrellas.
I love wandering the streets of adorable Old Towns in France, and Antibes is no exception. Many of the following sites are also located within the Old City.
2. Marché Provencal
The Marché Provencal is an outdoor covered market with a vibrant display of colorful fresh fruits, vegetables, and other locally made Provencal goods.
Tables are filled with bundles of fresh lavender and baskets of herbs and spices, bottled olive oil made in the region, locally produced cheeses and meats, and homemade jams, among other goods and foods.
This market is a local favorite, and you can tell that the regulars have their favorite stalls, whether for heirloom tomatoes or dried sausages.
Hours: Open every day of the week during summer (but closed on Monday during the other months). The regular market closes around 1 pm and becomes a small craft market in the afternoon.
3. Musée Picasso
Musée Picasso in Paris is a treasure trove that reflects Pablo Picasso’s Complex ability. Unlike standard art museums, which might logically present artworks, this museum offers visitors a private look into the artist’s evolution by showcasing key pieces alongside Unique objects.
For instance, integrating sketchbooks and letters reveals his creative process, thoughts, and relationships, providing context that deepens our understanding of works like Les Demoiselles d’Avignon beyond their surface brilliance.
This castle has been in the hands of the Antibes Town Council for several hundred years and was already used as a museum when the curator invited Picasso to live and work in it.
Picasso lived in the castle from September to December 1946, during which time he created 23 paintings and 44 drawings, which he left to the museum.
Visitors can trace key moments in Picasso’s life through thematic exhibitions that juxtapose iconic works with lesser-known sketches and installations.
This immersive journey reveals how deeply intertwined his art was with his relationships—be it familial ties or romantic connections—with each piece telling stories about love gained and lost.
Picasso is a polarizing artist – most people either love or hate him. I still wouldn’t say that I love everything Picasso does, but over the years, I’ve grown to understand and appreciate his work, and yes, I even enjoy many of his pieces – which is progress!
4. Cathedral Notre Dame of the Immaculate Conception (Antibes Cathedral)
This noteworthy and beautiful cathedral is just next door to the Picasso Museum and features a beautiful pink and yellow façade with intricately carved wooden doors. The inside is equally beautiful, and you are free to stop in.
5. Chapelle Saint-Bernardin
Nestled in the heart of Provence, the Chapelle Saint-Bernardin is a hidden gem with excellent religious and historical stories. Surrounded by vineyards and decorated with beautiful brick walls, this small chapel invites travelers into its serene embrace and experiences a moment of tranquillity away from the bustling world.
Its peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by the gentle murmurings of nature, creating an atmosphere ripe for contemplation or quiet reflection.
The ceiling is painted in deep blue squares, with pictures of the saints strategically placed, and side ceilings are painted blue with small white stairs.
The walls are covered in red and yellow designs, and the altarpiece, with its columns and sculptures, is covered in intricate golden leafing.
It’s a very small chapel, but it took my breath away!
6. Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique
Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique offers a stunning journey into the impulsive world of graphics and humor. Located in the heart of Antibes, this delightful museum celebrates the life and work of Raymond Peynet, a renowned illustrator honored for his charming depictions of love and romance.
Each exhibit is a playful invitation to explore the nuances of human emotion through art, showcasing how humor can transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
- Entrance Fee: 3€
- Hours: Closed Mondays
7. Walk the Ramparts
Walking the ramparts offers a unique perspective on history, combining physical activity with a deep engagement in the past. As you traverse these ancient walls, you’re not just following a path; you’re stepping into the shoes of those who once defended their realm against invaders.
Each cobblestone and weathered stone tells its story, rumoring tales of skirmishes fought and alliances forged.
The panoramic views from above enhance this experience, revealing how geography shaped the strategies of yesteryears.
As you walk, you’ll enjoy views over the deep blue, clear waters of the Mediterranean – and the dozens of boats (ranging from charming sailboats to massive yachts) almost always sitting right outside the port.
Near the southern end is a tiny jut out, the Jardin des Poetes, filled with palm trees and cacti. Don’t miss it as you walk along the ramparts.
8. Port Vauban
Port Vauban is a haven for the rich and uber-wealthy in southern France – you can practically taste the money just by looking at the port!
The port is huge and has multiple sections – over 1900 boats are moored here year-round. You’ll see everything from small speedboats and fishing boats to charming sailboats, and then your small yachts, mid-size yachts, and the enormous mega yachts anchored on the Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaire’s Quai)
The best views of Port Vauban are from the northern section of the ramparts and Fort Carré (more on Fort Carré below).
9. Le Nomade
Le Nomade is a large, white sculpture made of letters that depicts a sitting person, created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.
The informational placard near the sculpture tells us that “…beyond its simple mission of communicating a meaning, spoken or written language can also be seen as a kind of envelope covering the matter and energy that constitute us. Like bricks, letters have a potential for construction, enabling us to construct thought.”
It’s a pretty cool concept!
Visitors can enter the sculpture, but you cannot climb it.
10. Fort Carré
Fort Carr is a testament to the city’s rich colonial history and military heritage tapestry. Located in the heart of historic St. Augustine, Florida, it was constructed in the late 17th century. This formidable structure served as a defensive bastion against potential invaders and a hub for commerce and culture.
To enter the actual fort, you must go on a guided tour. Tours start every 30-45 minutes throughout the day and last about 30-45 minutes. Tours are in French, but if you’re not a French speaker, they’ll give you an informational paper in English to read.
It’s a little far away from the attractions in Antibes (about a 30-minute walk from the middle of Old Town), and you may have to wait a few minutes for the next tour to start.
However, I think it’s worth the time and effort to come here – it’s a very interesting historical site with a fascinating design and fantastic views.
- Hours: Tours are usually every half hour between 10 am-5 pm, closed Monday
- Cost: 3€
11. Commune Libre de Safranier
Commune Libre de Safranier is an enchanting enclave Nestled within the vibrant heart of Antibes, where art, culture, and community spirit intertwine seamlessly.
This unofficial area has evolved into a canvas for local creativity, boasting its unique identity and charm that sets it apart from the rest of the city.
This area was pretty meh for me. There’s not much to see here, and I wouldn’t say the vibes are so amazing that it’s worth going out of your way to find the few rather hard-to-find streets.
If you happen to walk by, awesome, but it’s not an area I would prioritize.
12. Enjoy the Sandy Beaches
Not all beaches on the French Riviera are created equal. While I love the beaches in Nice, Menton, and Cap Ferrat for many reasons, those beaches (and many others) are anywhere from pebbly to fairly rocky.
Having a sandy beach on the Cote d’Azur is rare, but you can find some in Antibes! These are two nice sandy beaches in Antibes:
Plage de la Gravette
Plage de la Gravette is a beautiful French Riviera beach. It’s also one of the most easily accessible beaches in Antibes, as it is located right by Old Town, near the port, and right off the rampart walkway. You can overlook the beach as you walk the ramparts.
This beach is excellent thanks to its sandy shores, mostly free from sticks and debris, its convenient location, and, most especially, its protected waters.
Plage du Ponteil
Plage du Ponteil is another larger, lovely beach at the end of the ramparts walk. This one has a dedicated parking lot and one private beach club, but most of the beach is public access.
13. Sentier du Littoral of Cap d’Antibes
The Sentier du Littoral at Cap d’Antibes is a stunning coastal trail that invites adventurers to explore some of the most breathtaking vistas along the French Riviera.
The path stretches for around 6 km, but it’s not just the distance that captivates; it’s the way each turn reveals hidden coves, private beaches, and historic villas gossiping tales of glamour from an outdated era.
It’s an easy, 1-2 hour walk, but it has some uneven stone steps (which, to be honest, add to the trail’s charm, but they do limit accessibility) and ends at the Bay of Billionaires.
You can walk, drive, or take a bus to the trailhead near the Plage de la Garoupe. I love this hike—it’s a fantastic way to get out and enjoy gorgeous views of isolated nature.
14. Bay of Billionaires
The Bay of Billionaires is the beautiful, charming beach in a little “hidden” cove on the far end of Cap d’Antibes. This is where the Sentier du littoral ends, but you can access the beach from a small trail from the main road if you don’t want to do the whole hike.
This beach is rocky but stunning and very secluded.
15. Juan-les-Pins
Juan-les-Pins is a small resort town just across the peninsula from Antibes, but it has a distinctly different vibe. Tall palms line the streets, and the wide promenade runs along the beautiful sandy beach. The area has a strong resort feel.
For example, much of the beach is dedicated to private beach clubs, although you can find some public, free beach space here and there. There are many restaurants and shops near the beach, and shopping is popular in Juan-les-Pins.
If you want a quiet beach experience, this is not your place. This is Ifh, which has a beach club and many amenities.
Juan-l, this is your place-Pins, which is just a short walk (15-20 minutes) from Antibes, but it also has its train station, making it easy to get here from anywhere along the coastline.
Map of Attractions in Antibes
Practical Information
How Much Time Do You Need in Antibes
To fully experience the main attractions of Antibes, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
How to Get to Antibes
While you can base yourself out of Antibes, the city also makes a great day trip from Nice, Cannes, or Monaco. Antibes is a stop on the main SNCF train line that goes along the coast multiple times an hour. It is extremely cheap and easy to get here from other coastal cities along the French Riviera.
Is Antibes a walkable city?
Visiting Antibes on a walk is always a good idea. On sunny days, stroll through the shady alleys of the old town to discover the Provencal charm of this seaside resort bordered by ramparts.
Is Antibes expensive to eat out?
Nice dining can be very expensive in Antibes. An average meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost up to 30€, but the cost of 5- and 7-star restaurants may range from 100€ to 150€. Antibes is expensive, just like the rest of the Cote d’Azur.