Antibes

Looking for an unforgettable getaway for your next vacation? Attracted by the sun, the sea and a passion for culture and history? Antibes, located between Nice and Cannes on the splendid Côte d'Azuris the ideal destination. This city, with its unrivalled charm, will enchant you with its diversity and cultural richness.

Whether you're looking for relaxation, leisure, cultural discoveries or exciting adventures, Antibes will meet all your expectations. In this article, discover the complete guide to Antibes' must-sees, and benefit from expert advice on planning your trip. Let us guide you!

Antibes must-sees

Antibes, with its fascinating sites and attractions, is a destination not to be missed. Discover a selection of must-sees that capture the charm and splendor of this picturesque town.

The Old Town and the Provencal Market

At the heart of Antibes lies the Vieille Ville, a historic district that has preserved its medieval character. Its narrow streets, colorful houses and centuries-old ramparts transport you to another era. Admire such marvels as the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea, the chapel of Saint-Bernardin and the Port Vauban, Europe's largest marina.

The Provencal market, held every morning in the Place du Général de Gaulle, is a must. It offers an explosion of flavors and colors thanks to its local products: cheeses, honeys, fruits, vegetables and flowers.

It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in Provencal authenticity.

The Picasso Museum

Visit Museum Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso lived in 1946, is a vibrant tribute to the Spanish artist. With over 200 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and photos, this museum is a window into Picasso's world.

It also exhibits works by other contemporary artists, such as Nicolas de Staël and Hans Hartung. The museum, with its magnificent view of the sea and Cap d'Antibes, invites contemplation.

Fort Carré and its panoramic views

Fort Carré, a 16th-century fortress, overlooks Antibes and the Vauban port. Its unique square structure, with four bastions at the corners, was reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century to protect the town. The fort, which was also used as a prison, now houses a botanical garden with over 100 species of Mediterranean plants.

The tour offers breathtaking panoramic views of Antibes, the Baie des Anges, Nice and the Alps.

Cap d'Antibes and its trails

Cap d'Antibes, between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. It offers spectacular views between sea and mountains, dotted with luxury villas such as Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Villa Eilenroc.

The coastal path, which encircles the cape, is an invitation to discover coves, beaches, rocks and cliffs, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Unique experiences in Antibes

Antibes, with its fascinating historical and cultural sites, also offers a range of unique experiences to make your stay unforgettable.

Discover below some original and entertaining activities to explore in Antibes.

Marineland: discovering marine life

As Europe's largest marine park, Marineland in Antibes invites you to discover over 40 species of marine animals. Admire dolphins, orcas, sea lions, sharks, turtles, penguins and polar bears in captivating shows, including the dolphin ballet and the spectacular orca jump.

You can also visit impressive aquariums such as the shark tunnel and the jellyfish tank. Marineland is the perfect place to marvel at the beauty and diversity of underwater life.

Sandy beaches and water sports

Antibes is an ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy sandy beaches such as Plage de la Salis, Plage de la Garoupe and Plage de la Gravette.

Between swimming and sunbathing, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, water-skiing and scuba diving. Explore the magnificent landscapes and seabed of Cap d'Antibes, a rich and well-preserved marine ecosystem.

Jazz à Juan Festival

Since its creation in 1960, the Jazz à Juan festival, the longest-running festival Europe's leading jazz festival, attracts jazz fans to Juan-les-Pins every July. On the Pinède Gould stage, legends such as Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall have captivated audiences.

The festival is also an opportunity to discover new talents and local artists, offering vibrant performances of rhythm and improvisation. It's a not-to-be-missed rendezvous for music and conviviality enthusiasts.

Guided tours: in the footsteps of Picasso and Graham Greene

Antibes has been a source of inspiration and creation for many renowned artists, including Picasso, Monet, Renoir and Graham Greene. By taking part in the Antibes Tourist Office's themed guided tours, you can follow in their footsteps.

Discover the iconic places where these artists lived, worked and found inspiration, such as Château Grimaldi, Port Vauban, Cap d'Antibes and the old town. These tours also offer an enriching insight into their lives, their work and their impact on Antibes' history and culture.

Going out in Antibes

Antibes, a city rich in history and culture, is also a lively and festive place to live, offering a wide range of activities. Whether you're passionate about gastronomy, nightlife, shopping or entertainment, Antibes is sure to please. Discover our suggestions to enrich your experience.

The best Mediterranean restaurants

Antibes invites you to explore its Mediterranean cuisine, celebrating seafood, sun-drenched vegetables, fragrant herbs and olive oil. Taste local specialties such as fish soup, pissaladière, ratatouille, socca or pan bagnat.

Enjoy Italian, Spanish, Greek and Lebanese dishes, reflecting the region's cultural diversity. In Antibes, a multitude of Mediterranean restaurants await you, to suit all tastes and budgets.

Don't miss La Maison de Bacon, famous for its seafood and fresh fish facing the sea, or Casa di Luciano, where you can enjoy homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. For a complete list of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Antibes, visit Tripadvisor.

Nightlife: bars and clubs

At night, Antibes offers a wide choice of entertainment. Whether you prefer a wine bar, pub, lounge or cocktail bar, you'll find what you're looking for.

Enjoy live music, from jazz to rock, pop to electro, in friendly, trendy settings. Clubs, discos and casinos await you to dance until dawn, with DJs and a festive atmosphere. Pam Pam, a legendary cocktail bar in Juan-les-Pins, and Le Village, a prestigious club in Antibes, are among the must-sees.

Check out SeeAntibes' list of the best places to go out at night in Antibes.

Shopping: local boutiques and markets

Antibes is also a prime shopping destination. Stroll through the shopping streets of the town center or the old town, discovering boutiques selling fashion, home decoration, jewelry, crafts and souvenirs.

Explore the markets for an immersion in local produce: cheese, honey, fruit and vegetables, flowers or antiques. The Provencal market, on Place du Général de Gaulle, is particularly typical and colorful. Don't miss the regular clothing and antiques markets. For the best shopping addresses in Antibes, visit Hotels.com.

Cultural and artistic events not to be missed

Antibes is bursting with culture and art, hosting a variety of high-quality events all year round. Take part in exhibitions, concerts, festivals, shows, guided tours and events, and explore Antibes' rich heritage and creativity. The Jazz à Juan festival, a not-to-be-missed event held every July, brings together jazz legends on the stage of the Pinède Gould in Juan-les-Pins.

Visit the Musée Picasso, home to more than 200 works by the famous Spanish painter who stayed in Antibes in 1946. The Antibes Tourist Office offers themed guided tours to discover the artists who left their mark on the town, including Picasso, Monet, Renoir and Graham Greene. For upcoming events, visit the Tourist Office website.

Conclusion

Antibes is a destination with its rich historical and cultural heritage, unspoilt natural landscapes, exquisite cuisine and lively nightlife. Whether you're looking to relax, have fun, explore or enjoy unforgettable experiences, Antibes has something for everyone.

This article has been designed as the ultimate guide to Antibes' must-sees, complete with tips for planning your visit. It's time to make your Antibes travel plans a reality and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this magnificent destination.

FAQ

Which star lives in Antibes?

The list of celebrities residing in Antibes varies over time, as they may move or choose different vacation spots. Nevertheless, here are a few stars with a connection to the town: Johnny Depp, who owns a property at Cap d'Antibes, the Château de la Garoupe, acquired in 1996 from Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Celebrities such as Madonna, Rihanna and Kaïa Gerber have frequented the Cap-Eden-Roc hotel, renowned for its intimacy. Bella Hadid, Margot Robbie and Christina Milian have also stayed at the palace on boulevard J.F. Kennedy in Antibes in 2021.

Where to go in Antibes?

Antibes offers a wide range of walking itineraries to suit all tastes. You can take the coastal path to admire the sea and coastal villas, explore the Brague valley for a forest hike to discover the local flora and fauna, or stroll through the old town and visit historic monuments such as Château Grimaldi or Fort Carré.

What's the most beautiful part of Antibes?

Choosing the most beautiful district in Antibes is subjective and depends on what you're looking for: charm, liveliness, lifestyle. The old town is famous for its rich historical and cultural heritage, Juan-les-Pins is renowned for its lively nightlife and beaches, while Cap d'Antibes is prized for its green and exclusive setting.

What's Antibes' speciality?

The culinary specialty is pissalat, a sauce made mainly from anchovies, used in the preparation of pissaladière, a savory tart with onions and anchovies. This local specialty was already known and exported in Roman times.