What To Do In Antibes, France

Antibes is one of the best cities on the French Riviera. Close to both Cannes and Nice, it makes for a fantastic day trip as well as a relaxing getaway.

Antibes offers a beautiful blend of history, elegance, and coastal charm, making it one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera. While the French Riviera is often associated with glitz and glamour, Antibes feels more relaxed and authentic.

Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Antibes for an unforgettable trip.

Best Things to Do in Antibes, France

This seaside town has everything your heart might desire: centuries-old ramparts, incredible beaches and sea coves, superyachts anchored at its harbor, and stunning trails.

Discover the perfect blend of coastal charm, culture, and relaxation with my top picks of what to do in Antibes.

1. Port Vauban
2. Panoramic Views from the Old Walls
3. Château Grimaldi – Musée Picasso
4. Vieil Antibes (Old Town)
5. Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception of Antibes
6. Lovely Beaches and Water Sports
7. Wine Tasting in the Provence Wine Region
8. Scenic Walks in Antibes

1. Port Vauban

A must-do while in Antibes is visiting its harbor, Port Vauban. The largest marina on the Côte d’Azur is overlooked by the 16th-century Fort Carré, which is built on a rock 26 meters above sea level.

The harbor hosts more than 1,500 boats, from sleek sailboats to jaw-dropping mega yachts moored along the famous Billionaires’ Quay. Antibes is a hotspot for celebrity sightings and luxury living!

A great idea while at the harbor is to rent a boat with or without a skipper and enjoy the French Riviera from the sea. Visit Cap d’Antibes with its Garoupe Bay and the Billionaires’ Bay, Cannes with its magnificent Lérins Islands, and the famous red cliffs of the Esterelle.

2. Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Old Walls

Among the best things to do in Antibes is climbing the Old Ramparts of the town for some great views.

Before the (first) annexation of the County of Nice to France, in 1793, Antibes was located close to the border of the Kingdom of France, delimited by the Var River. It was a strategic point that required the construction of a fort and defensive walls.

Elevated above street level, the Old Walls offer a unique city perspective of the sea and the city. During the climb, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the port to the north. Stop for a quick selfie with the sculpture “Le Nomade” by Jaume Plensa. The statue represents a hollow, human-like figure facing the sea. Take your time admiring the statue, and then continue south along the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse. On the way, you will see the Château Grimaldi, the Plage Ponteil, and great viewpoints of the bay with the crystal-blue waters.

Near the southern end of the ramparts is the lovely, tiny Jardin des Poètes, filled with palm trees, cacti, and poems by authors inspired by the beauty of Antibes.

3. Château Grimaldi – Musée Picasso

Housed in the historic Château Grimaldi, the Picasso Museum is one of the best things to do in Antibes.

The castle was Picasso’s temporary home and studio in 1946. During his stay, he created 23 paintings and 44 drawings, which he then donated to the museum. Over the years, the painter gifted more of these artworks to the town of Antibes, and in 1966, Château Grimaldi was officially named the first museum in the world dedicated solely to Picasso.

The permanent collection includes paintings, drawings, ceramics, and rare photos of the artist at work.

While at the museum, make sure to get out on the castle’s terrace to enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Antibes.

Address: Place Mariejol; Opening times: Sunday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4. Vieil Antibes (Old Town)

Antibes’s Old Town (Vieil Antibes) is a charming maze of narrow, cobbled streets, houses with colorful shutters, and lively squares with cafés and restaurants, all nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and ancient stone ramparts.

During your stroll, pass by the Hotel de Ville, the town hall, and stop at the Marché provençal, Antibes’ covered market, where you will find all sorts of local produce.

The beauty of Vieil Antibes is further enriched by the presence of historic buildings, such as lavoirs (washhouses), which make wandering around a true treasure hunt.

To learn more about Old Antibes, book this walking tour with a local guide. Let him guide you through the typical streets, ancient architecture, and hidden gems. If you’re a foodie, consider booking this guided tour instead, which combines history, heritage, and delicious food.

5. Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception of Antibes

The former Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception of Antibes is a beautiful example of Provençal religious architecture with roots dating back to the 12th century.

Next to the Picasso Museum, it was first rebuilt in 1125 after its destruction by the Saracens.

While its current façade is Baroque, the interior was renewed in the 19th century and still features elements from the Romanesque period.

Inside, you can admire notable artworks, including the 16th-century altarpiece “Our Lady of the Rosary” painted by Louis Bréa.

The church served as the town’s cathedral until 1236. Its history and charm make it a peaceful, culturally rich stop while exploring the historic center of Antibes.

6. Lovely Beaches and Water Sports

Unlike most of the best beaches on the French Riviera, the beaches in Antibes boast soft, golden sand.

Among the best beaches in Antibes is Plage de la Gravette. Nestled beside the Old Town, is perfect for a relaxing swim.

Nearby, Plage du Ponteil offers stunning views, while Plage de la Salis has a laid-back vibe.

If you want a VIP-like experience, head to the private Royal Beach Club, which is facing Plage du Ponteil. Instead, if you are traveling with people with reduced mobility, the Handi-Plage section (beach for the disabled) at Plage de la Salis has adapted equipment and a ramp down to the water.

Besides relaxing and enjoying the sun, Cap d’Antibes is also a fantastic spot for water sports. Discover efoiling, explore underwater with a diving try seabob snorkeling, or go stand-up paddling in a sublime setting.

7. Wine Tasting in Provence Wine Region

From Antibes, you are not far from Côtes de Provence, one of the AOCs or appellations of the Provence Wine Region.

Here, you will find mostly (pale) rosé wines. They are made with grape varieties such as Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Carignan, and have aromas of red and exotic fruits, with a hint of citrus.

If you prefer white wines, you’ll find nice bottles made with grape varieties such as Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Vermentino.

Around 50 km west of Antibes, Château de Saint-Martin is one of the 18 (remaining) Cru Classés of Provence and offers different tours and tastings. Domaine Viticole du Bourrian, on the other hand, produces high-quality organic wines of AOC Provence.

8. Scenic Walks in Antibes: Coastal Paths & Forest Trails

If you love walking, you will be happy to know that Antibes also has nice trails that stretch along the coast and through the forest.

The Sentier de Tire-Poil is a scenic coastal path along Cap d’Antibes, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape from the city. This trail begins at Garoupe Beach and continues to Millionaires Bay, past the Eilen Roc Villa (open Wednesdays and Saturdays). The first part of the trail is lovely and leads to breathtaking coves.

The Chemin du Calvaire is a fantastic path that runs through the Bois de la Garoupe, a Mediterranean forest composed of pines, oaks, and strawberry trees. Along the trail, you will see many ex-votos, and by walking it to its end, you will reach the Lighthouse of La Garoupe, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and Antibes.

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