Unmissable Things To Do In Antibes France On a Day Trip
Antibes, located on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice, exudes old glamour and boasts beautiful beaches, including the famous Cap dโAntibes, and a maze-like old town that will make you fall in love with the city. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, and I sure did! This charming seaside town has the allure of the Cote d'Azur, sans large crowd, which makes it the preferred destination in the French Riviera among locals - or that's what my French sources tell me.
I visited Antibes on my South of France road trip - and what a trip that was! For a complete itinerary, put together by a local, check out my South of France road trip post.
Where To Stay in Antibes, France
Antibes is a beautiful coastal town in the French Riviera with many charming accommodations to consider, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guest houses and self-catered apartments. It's worth noting that the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel needs.
Here are a few options:
- Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel: This is a beautiful 5-star hotel situated right on the beach with beautiful sea views, a private beach, a Michelin-star restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Hotel Belles Rives: A historic - and very iconic - Art Deco hotel, once the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, is located right on the water with stunning views of the Mediterranean. It offers luxury accommodation with a great restaurant and private beach.
- Hotel Josse: This is a charming 3-star hotel close to the beach, providing a good balance between cost and comfort.
- La Jabotte Boutique Hotel: A cozy, budget-friendly boutique hotel with an artistic atmosphere, it's very close to the beach.
- La Place Hotel Antibes: This is a centrally located hotel, ideal for travelers who would like to be in the heart of Antibes and within walking distance of the local attractions, restaurants, and shops.
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How to get from Nice to Antibes
The best way to get from Nice to Antibes is by train. The ride is only 15-20 minutes long, and trains depart every 20 minutes. The earliest departure leaves at 6 am, and the latest train back to Nice departs at 11 pm. Prices range from $6 to $11 depending on the class and train, but it may vary.
To check the latest price and book your ticket, click here:
Tip:
I highly recommend buying the tickets online as you may encounter long lines at the ticket vending machine.
There are two train stations in Nice, make sure to check which station your train departs from.
How to get from Cannes to Antibes
The best way to get from Cannes to Antibes is by train. It takes as little as 12 minutes, and a one-way ticket cost $5 for 2nd class or $6 for 1st class โ prices may vary. The earliest train departs from Cannes at around 8 am, and the latest train from Antibes to Cannes departs around 10 pm.
To check the latest price and book your ticket, click here
Fun things to do in Antibes France on a day trip
1. Explore the Historic Old Town
There's nothing like getting lost exploring an old town! Le Vieil Antibes's narrow, winding cobblestone streets are lined with pastel color buildings and bougainvillea. Every turn in this maze-like town is a wanderer's delight with lots of small shops, bakeries, and restaurants tucked away - waiting to be discovered. It's a place to roam at a leisurely pace. Make sure not to miss the Marchรฉ Provenรงal, where you can shop for fresh fruits, flowers, spices, and provenรงal products. Once you finish exploring the old town, take a stroll along the ramparts for a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Marchรฉ Provenรงal
Cours Massรฉna, 06600 Antibes, France
Tue - Sun: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
2. Discover Antibesโ Stunning Beaches
Besides the old town, Antibes is also known for its many beautiful sandy beaches, so if you are in town to soak up the sun by silky white sand and crystal clear water, or charming coves you won't be disappointed.
Best public beaches in Antibes
Plage de la Gravette, located by the old town, is a beautiful sandy beach - perfect if you want to stay in the area.
Plage de la Garoupe is one of the prettiest beaches in Antibes. Located in Cap d'Antibes, the small beach has silky sand and crystal clear water. The only downside is that a significant section of the beach is private.
Further down the coast, you will find Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis, which are beautiful beaches with fine sand. Plage de la Salis overlooks the old town, so it offers a better view.
On the other side, Grande Plage in Juan les Pins is one of the most popular beaches in Antibes - and for good reasons! It's a wide sandy beach with beautiful blue water lined with palm trees.
Further down south, you will find the small beach Plage de la Gallice. It's a cozy little sandy beach where you can lay down overlooking the yachts.
If you are looking for something with more character, check out Port de l'Olivette. It's a cute little beach filled with colorful fishing boats - make sure to arrive early.
You can take advantage and discover the Cรดte d'Azur on this guided tour of the French Riviera here.
Book Your Tickets In Advance
3. Go on a Walking tour And Dive into Art at the Picasso Museum
Go on this walking tour and learn about the history of Antibes, including the captivating Cap dโAntibes. The guided tour is about 2 hours long and takes you through many of the main attractions, including Safranier neighborhood, Grimaldi Castle, Picasso Museum, Fort Carrรฉ, and more. I highly recommend doing the walking tour first before you start exploring the town on your own.
Book Your Tickets In Advance
4. Walk the Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes
Take a stroll at the Le Sentier du Littoral, a picturesque waterfront path that you cannot miss when visiting Antibes. You will find little spots where you can wet your feet, swim, or snorkel along the trail. Le Sentier du Littoral trail is less than 2 miles and goes from Le Sentier du Littoral and ends in Plage de la Garoupe. I have marked it on Google Maps for you.
Tip:
In the summer it can get crowded and hot, so go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
If you are driving - like I did, there's a parking lot near Plage de la Garoupe, Parking Plage de la Garoupe.
It's a little rocky, so wear appropriate shoes. And don't forget to bring water, a hat, and wear sunscreen.
5. Get Ice Cream at Gelateria Del Porto
Gelateria del Porto - Glacier Jean-Marc
4 Rue Aubernon, Antibes, France
Mon -Sun 12pm - 10pm
If you read my South of France Road Trip post, you would know about my ice cream quest throughout the South of France. Homemade ice cream in Provence is the best, especially the sorbet made with local fruits! So when in Antibes, make sure to visit Gelateria del Porto - also known as Glacier Jean-Marc - for a sweet treat. Their ice creams are always freshly made, natural, and delicious.
6. Grab Lunch At Plage Belle Rives at Belles Rives Hotel
Belles Rives
33 Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Antibes
Have a glamorous lunch at the beautiful hotel Belles Rives overlooking the sea and sunbathers. The grand hotel still retains its old glamour charm, which back in the '30s inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write Tender is The Night. It's an iconic hotel where visitors and locals alike stop by for lunch or dinner. And if you are looking for a culinary experience, try their Michelin starred restaurant, La Passagรจre.
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7. Discover Antibe's artistic side
Antibes served as an inspiration to many artists, including Picasso - who lived in the Chรขteau Grimaldi for six months and was later turned into a museum, Musรฉe Picasso. A sculptural piece that you cannot miss, located in Port Vauban, is the Le Nomade at the Bastion St Jaume, by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa - an impressive installation in the shape of a man sitting facing the sea.
Can't get enough of Antibe's art scene? Around town, you will find panels with art pieces in the location where it was inspired. If you want to see them all, the tourism office has a map of all the artwork and sometimes offers guided tours.
If you are passionate about art this tour is very complete for you to live a different experience and also enjoy the Picasso Museum Tour
Book Your Tickets In Advance
8. Discover Antibes' Iconic Provenรงal Dishes
Take a culinary journey through the heart of Antibes, where traditional Provenรงal flavors come alive in every dish. Here's your guide to the must-try local specialties in this charming French Riviera town.
Bouillabaisse: The Crown Jewel
This rich seafood stew emerged from Antibes' fishing heritage. Local restaurants serve this aromatic dish with fresh catches like red rascasse, sea robin, and John Dory, combined with garlic, saffron, and tomatoes. The traditional rouille sauce adds the perfect finishing touch.
Socca: Street Food Perfection
Find this crispy chickpea flatbread at local markets and street vendors. Fresh from wood-fired ovens, this golden-brown treat offers a smoky flavor that captures the essence of Provenรงal street food.
Pissaladiรจre: The Local Pizza
This savory tart combines caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies on a crispy crust. Local bakers prepare this dish fresh each morning, making it perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
Ratatouille
Made with local vegetables from nearby farms, Antibes' version of ratatouille brings together eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers in a fragrant stew. Each restaurant adds its unique touch to this classic dish.
Tapenade: The Perfect Starter
This olive spread appears on nearly every table in Antibes. It's best enjoyed spread on fresh baguette slices and made with local black olives, capers, and anchovies.
Local Wine Pairings
Complete your meal with regional rosรฉ wines from nearby vineyards. These crisp, refreshing wines perfectly complement the local cuisine.
Where to Find These Dishes
Old Town restaurants around Marchรฉ Provenรงal
Port Vauban waterfront establishments
Local family-run bistros in the historic center
Remember to make reservations during peak season (June-September) as the best local restaurants fill up quickly.
FAQ
Is Antibes Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. This French Riviera gem combines azure waters with rich history. The cobblestone streets of Antibes blend ancient charm with modern elegance. Here you'll find the renowned Picasso Museum housed in the 16th-century Chateau Grimaldi, stunning beaches, and a marina dotted with luxury yachts. Culture and natural beauty merge perfectly in this Mediterranean paradise.
The Most Beautiful Spot: Cap d'Antibes
Cap d'Antibes stands as the crown jewel of the town's natural beauty. This stunning coastline features:
Pristine beaches with golden sand
Crystal-clear azure waters
Scenic coastal walking paths
Hidden coves and bays
Lush Mediterranean vegetation
How Long to Stay in Antibes
Here's what you can experience based on your available time:
1 Day:
Quick tour of the old town
Visit one main attraction
Beach time
2-3 Days (Recommended):
Explore Picasso Museum
Walk Cap d'Antibes coastal path
Discover hidden beaches
Enjoy local restaurants
Visit the markets
1 Week or More:
Discover secret coves
Explore hidden gardens
Experience local cuisine
Take day trips to nearby towns
Immerse in local life
Antibes vs. Cannes: What to Choose
Antibes Highlights:
Charming old town atmosphere
Rich history and culture
Picasso Museum
Relaxed beaches
Authentic local experience
Cannes Features:
Luxury shopping
High-end hotels
Vibrant nightlife
Famous film festival
Glamorous beaches
For authentic Provenรงal charm and cultural richness, choose Antibes. For glamour and modern luxury, opt for Cannes. Better yet, visit both - they're just a short trip apart.
Pro Tips:
Book accommodations in advance during summer
Visit the Marchรฉ Provenรงal in the morning
Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
Bring beach essentials year-round
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