Antibes

Looking for an unforgettable getaway for your next vacation? Are you drawn to the sun and the sea, and passionate about 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 activities, cultural experiences, or exciting adventures, Antibes is sure to meet all your expectations. In this article, discover the complete guide to Antibes’ must-see attractions and get expert tips for planning your trip. Let us guide you!

Antibes must-sees

Antibes, with its fascinating sites and attractions, is a destination you won't want to miss. Discover a selection of must-see spots that capture the charm and splendor of this picturesque town.

The Old Town and the Provencal Market

In the heart of Antibes lies the Old Town, a historic district that has preserved its medieval character. Its narrow streets, colorful houses, and centuries-old ramparts transport you to another era. Admire wonders such as the cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea, the Saint-Bernardin Chapel, and 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 the authentic spirit of Provence.

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 more than 200 works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and photographs, this museum offers a glimpse into Picasso’s world.

It also exhibits works by other contemporary artists, such as Nicolas de Staël and Hans Hartung. The museum, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and the Cap d’Antibes, invites visitors to contemplate the art.

Fort Carré and its panoramic views

Fort Carré, a 16th-century fortress, overlooks Antibes and Vauban Harbor. Its unique square structure, with four bastions at the corners, was reinforced by Vauban in the 17th century to protect the city. The fort, which also served as a prison, is now home to a botanical garden featuring more than 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, which separates Antibes from Juan-les-Pins, is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. This area offers spectacular views of the sea and mountains, dotted with luxurious villas such as the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and the Villa Eilenroc.

The coastal trail, which circles the cape, invites you to explore coves, beaches, rocks, and cliffs, as well as a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Unique experiences in Antibes

Antibes, with its fascinating historical and cultural sites, also offers a range of unique experiences that will 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 more than 40 species of marine animals. Marvel at dolphins, orcas, sea lions, sharks, turtles, penguins, and polar bears in captivating shows, including the dolphin ballet and the orcas’ spectacular jumps.

Be sure to visit some impressive aquariums, such as the shark tunnel or the jellyfish tank. Marineland is the perfect place to marvel at the beauty and diversity of marine 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.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and scuba diving. Explore the magnificent landscapes and seabed of the 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 premier jazz festival draws jazz fans to Juan-les-Pins every July. On the stage at the Pinède Gould, 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 talent and local artists, who deliver vibrant performances filled with rhythm and improvisation. It’s an event not to be missed for music lovers and those who enjoy a friendly atmosphere.

Guided tours: in the footsteps of Picasso and Graham Greene

Antibes has been a source of inspiration and creativity for many renowned artists, such as Picasso, Monet, Renoir, and Graham Greene. By joining the themed guided tours offered by the Antibes Tourist Office, you can follow in their footsteps.

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

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 fine dining, nightlife, shopping, or entertainment, Antibes has something for everyone. Check out our suggestions to make the most of your visit.

The best Mediterranean restaurants

Antibes invites you to explore its Mediterranean cuisine, which celebrates seafood, sun-kissed vegetables, fragrant herbs, and olive oil. Try 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—ranging from jazz to rock, pop to electronic—in friendly, trendy settings. Clubs, nightclubs, and casinos await you, where you can dance until dawn to the beats of DJs and festive atmospheres. The Pam Pam, a legendary cocktail bar in Juan-les-Pins, and the Village, a prestigious club in Antibes, are among the must-visit spots.

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 brimming with culture and art, hosting a variety of high-quality events year-round. Take part in exhibitions, concerts, festivals, performances, guided tours, and activities that will allow you to explore Antibes’ rich heritage and creativity. The Jazz à Juan festival, a must-see event held every July, brings together jazz legends on the stage at the Pinède Gould in Juan-les-Pins.

Visit the Picasso Museum, which houses more than 200 works by the famous Spanish painter who stayed in Antibes in 1946. The Antibes Tourist Office offers themed guided tours to explore the artists who have left their mark on the city, such as Picasso, Monet, Renoir, and Graham Greene. For upcoming events, visit the Tourist Office’s 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 is designed to be the ultimate guide to Antibes’ must-see attractions, complete with tips for planning your visit. It’s time to make your trip to Antibes a reality and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this magnificent destination.

FAQ

Which star lives in Antibes?

The list of celebrities living in Antibes changes over time, as they may move or choose different vacation spots. Nevertheless, here are a few stars with ties to the city: Johnny Depp, who owns a property in Cap d’Antibes—the Château de la Garoupe—which he purchased in 1996 from Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. Celebrities such as Madonna, Rihanna, and Kaïa Gerber have stayed at the Cap-Eden-Roc hotel, renowned for its privacy. Bella Hadid, Margot Robbie, and Christina Milian also stayed at the luxury hotel 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 is the most beautiful neighborhood in Antibes?

Choosing the most beautiful neighborhood in Antibes is subjective and depends on what you’re looking for: charm, a lively atmosphere, or a pleasant living environment. The Old Town is famous for its rich historical and cultural heritage; Juan-les-Pins is known for its lively nightlife and beaches; and Cap d’Antibes is prized for its lush, exclusive setting.

What is Antibes' specialty?

The local culinary specialty is pissalat, a sauce made primarily from anchovies, used to make pissaladière, a savory tart with onions and anchovies. This local specialty was already well-known and exported as far back as Roman times.