Antibes

Visit Antibes: what to see and do?

ntibes Old Town lies east of Vallauris, within easy reach of Port d’Attache.
Visitors quickly discover a Mediterranean town shaped by its ramparts, Fort Carré, the sea and its long artistic history. The Musée Picasso overlooks the Mediterranean from the former Château Grimaldi.

Stroll through the cobbled streets, explore the Provençal market and choose from the many restaurants in the historic centre.
Port Vauban is one of the most striking marinas on the Riviera and is known for the large yachts moored near the “Quai des Milliardaires”.
Around the famous Cap d’Antibes, the coastline changes completely, with rocky coves, pine trees, beaches and exceptional Mediterranean views. The small ports of La Salis and l’Olivette, the Garoupe chapel, Villa Thuret botanical garden and Villa Eilenroc are among the places that give the peninsula its distinctive character.

The coastal path, often called the Sentier de Tire-Poil, is one of the best ways to experience the Cap d’Antibes on foot.

On the other side of the cape lies Juan-les-Pins, a seaside resort known for its beaches, shops, restaurants, nightlife and jazz festival.

On the other side of Cap d’Antibes lies Juan-les-Pins, a seaside resort known for its beaches, shops, restaurants, nightlife and jazz festival.

A little history…

Antibes was known in Antiquity as Antipolis. Its position on the Mediterranean coast made it strategically important long before the modern Riviera became a holiday destination. The fortifications, Fort Carré and the old town still help visitors read that history in the landscape today.

From the Greeks to the fortified town

Greek and Roman influences are part of the history of Antibes, while later fortifications transformed the town into an important defensive position on the French Mediterranean coast. Today those same ramparts have become one of the most pleasant places for a walk overlooking the sea.

More information: Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office.

Nicolas de Staël and the Musée Picasso

The Musée Picasso is not only about Picasso. It also presents works by Nicolas de Staël, whose paintings are closely associated with the light, coast and landscapes of Antibes. The museum itself is worth visiting for its setting overlooking the Mediterranean as much as for its collections.

A must: the markets

The Provençal market is one of the easiest ways to experience Antibes in the morning. Fruit, vegetables, herbs, cheeses and Mediterranean products fill the covered market on Cours Masséna, right in the Old Town.

Opening days and times vary by season, so check the current schedule before visiting.

What can you see in Antibes in one day?

If this is your first visit, one day is enough to discover several sides of Antibes without rushing. Start in Antibes Old Town with the Provençal market, Cours Masséna, the narrow streets and the ramparts.

The Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi overlooking the Mediterranean, fits naturally into this walk. Picasso worked there in 1946, and the museum now also presents works by Nicolas de Staël, Hans Hartung and Anna-Eva Bergman.

After lunch, either continue towards Port Vauban and Fort Carré or head to Cap d’Antibes for coves, coastal scenery and part of the coastal path. If beaches and a livelier seaside atmosphere are your priority, continue towards Juan-les-Pins.

Old Antibes, Cap d’Antibes or Juan-les-Pins: which should you choose?

Old Antibes is particularly suitable if you want to walk to restaurants, the market, shops, the harbour and cultural attractions.

Cap d’Antibes is better suited to travellers looking for Mediterranean landscapes, beaches, coves and coastal walks.

Juan-les-Pins has a more seaside-oriented atmosphere with beaches, restaurants and summer entertainment. Port d’Attache also offers an apartment in Juan-les-Pins.

Can you visit Antibes without a car?

Yes. A car is not essential for a stay centred on Old Antibes. The historic centre, Provençal market, Port Vauban, Picasso Museum and several beaches can all be reached on foot.

The railway station also makes it possible to explore other Riviera towns without having to park in busy centres. You can easily combine your stay with Cannes, Cagnes-sur-Mer or Nice.

Visiting Antibes with children

Old Antibes works well for families because sightseeing can be mixed with short walks, the harbour, the market and time at the beach. La Gravette, Ponteil and Salis are among the beaches close to the main visitor areas.

Please note: Marineland Antibes permanently closed in January 2025 and should no longer be planned as an activity during your stay.

When should you visit the Provençal market?

The Provençal market is held under the covered market on Cours Masséna. Opening days and hours vary according to the season. The City currently announces a morning food market every day in summer and every day except Monday from September to May.

Going in the morning makes it easy to combine the market, Old Antibes and the Picasso Museum before the hottest and busiest part of the day.

What can you visit around Antibes?

Antibes is well positioned for exploring both the coast and the nearby hinterland. Biot offers a hilltop village associated with arts and glassmaking, while Vallauris is strongly linked to Picasso and ceramics.

To the west, Cannes and the Lérins Islands can fill another day. To the east, continue towards Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Paul-de-Vence or Nice.

Where to stay when visiting Antibes?

To enjoy Antibes on foot, Port d’Attache offers an apartment in the heart of Antibes Old Town, close to the ramparts, Provençal market, Port Vauban, Picasso Museum, restaurants and shops.

For a stay focused more on beaches, you can also choose our apartment in Juan-les-Pins. If you prefer a quieter villa with a swimming pool and breakfast while exploring Antibes, Vallauris and Cannes, see our guest rooms.

Discover our apartment in Antibes