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Antibes Travel Guide: From Picasso to Plages | Jetset Seeker

Written by Lauren | Jul 9, 2025 7:28:36 PM

With its sandy beaches, medieval old town, and a harbor full of mega yachts, Antibes is one of the most charming destinations on the French Riviera. Situated between Nice and Cannes, this coastal gem blends the glamour of the Côte d’Azur with an easygoing, village-like atmosphere. Whether you are strolling the cobbled streets of Old Town, admiring the works of Picasso, or sipping a glass of Provençal rosé by the Mediterranean Sea, Antibes has a way of stealing your heart.

This Antibes Travel Guide covers everything you need to know, including top things to do and must-see sights, the best beaches, restaurants, and local tips to help you make the most of your time in this sun-soaked slice of paradise in southern France.

Table of Contents:

Introduction to Antibes

Tucked between the glitzy cities of Nice and Cannes, Antibes offers a more relaxed yet equally captivating taste of the French Riviera. This picturesque town has long lured artists, writers, and dreamers with its dazzling Mediterranean views, historic charm, and timeless beauty. In this Antibes Travel Guide, we will explore everything that makes this coastal town so special and worthy of a trip, even if it is just for the day.

Antibes traces its roots back to ancient Greece, known then as Antipolis. Antibes grew under Roman rule and eventually became part of the powerful Grimaldi family’s domain, evident in the imposing Château Grimaldi that still stands in the center of the old town. In 1946, the château became the temporary studio of Pablo Picasso, who lived and worked there for several months. Today, the Musée Picasso occupies the château’s historic halls, showcasing an exceptional collection of works created during—and inspired by—Picasso’s time in Antibes.

The town also served as a sun-soaked refuge for some of the biggest artists of the Lost Generation. F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda famously summered here in the 1920s, finding inspiration and scandal in equal measure at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, largely considered one of the best hotels in the world. 

Modern-day Antibes is equally exciting as it was in the 1920s. Port Vauban, is one of the largest marinas in Europe, filled with sleek mega yachts and sailboats that add a dash of Riviera glamour to the otherwise peaceful town. Just steps away, the narrow streets of the Old Town are filled with the Marché Provençal, cafés, and cute shops, all within a short walk to incredible sea views.

Top Things to Do in Antibes

No Antibes Travel Guide would be complete without a curated list of the top things to do in Antibes. From art to sun-drenched beaches and yacht-filled marinas, Antibes offers an irresistible mix of culture, charm, and Riviera glamour. Whether you are wandering its medieval streets, admiring works by Picasso, or soaking in sea views along the ramparts, there is something for every kind of traveler. Here are the top things to do in Antibes to help you make the most of your time in this stunning seaside town.

1. Visit Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum) 

Antibes has long been a source of inspiration for artists, and no visit to Antibes is complete without a visit to the Musée Picasso, housed in the historic Château Grimaldi. Overlooking the sea, the Château Grimaldi is one of Antibes’ most iconic landmarks. The site has been occupied since antiquity, but the current château was constructed in the 14th century by the powerful Grimaldi family of Monaco, giving the château its name. Its thick stone walls and commanding position made it a strategic stronghold, and over the centuries, it served a variety of functions from a noble residence to military barracks. 

In 1946, Pablo Picasso was invited to use part of the château as a temporary studio. He accepted the offer and spent six months working there, inspired by the light and the sea in Antibes. During this relatively short period, Picasso created dozens of paintings, drawings, and ceramics, many of which he later donated to the city.

In 1966, the Château Grimaldi was officially renamed the Musée Picasso, becoming the first museum dedicated to the artist. (Today, there are also Picasso Museums in Barcelona, Málaga, and Paris.) The Musée Picasso holds an impressive collection of his works from the time he spent in Antibes and additional works inspired by his time living in the Côte d'Azur, including Ulysses and Sirens, numerous ceramics, and sketches. Works from other artists, many of whom were influenced by Picasso, are also on display in the museum. 

Another highlight of the museum is its seaside terrace, dotted with sculptures inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso and offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. 

I absolutely loved my visit to the Musée Picasso! The museum is not only a highlight of Antibes, but one of the top cultural experiences in the entire French Riviera.  

Musée Picasso is closed on Mondays. The museum is otherwise open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please keep in mind that if you are visiting Antibes between September 16th through June 14th, Musée Picasso closes from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, daily. The ticket office closes 30 minutes prior to the museum closing. The museum is also closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th, annually. Tickets for Musée Picasso can only be purchased on-site. Access to the museum's terrace may be closed in the event of inclement weather. You should plan to spend at least an hour at the museum. For additional information, please visit the Antibes Juan-Les-Pins website

2. Shop at the Provençal Market (Marché Provençal)

Like most towns in the French Riviera, Antibes has a market. The Marché Provençal (or Provençal Market in English) is located in the Cours Masséna, a short walk from Musée Picasso. This daily market (open Tuesday through Sunday mornings, and every day in summer) is where locals and visitors alike come to shop, snack, and enjoy the flavors of the South of France.

The Provençal Market is home to rows of colorful stalls overflowing with fresh seasonal produce, fragrant herbs, and olives of every variety. Local cheesemongers offer up aged wheels, while butchers, bakers, and fishmongers vendors tempt you with their incredible smelling goods.

No visit to the Provençal Market is complete without trying socca, a beloved street food from the region made with chickpea flour, olive oil, and a touch of salt, cooked on a giant round pan until crisp on the edges. It served piping hot and ready to eat! Unlike the famous Chez Thérésa in Nice, the socca vendor at the Provençal Market in Antibes (Socca Regina) does not have long wait times and, honestly, their socca is just as good, if not better than any socca that you will find in Nice. 

Beyond the food, the market is also known for its flower vendors, selling armfuls of fresh lavender, peonies, and sunflowers that are incredibly beautiful. You will also find stalls filled with spices, honey, handmade soaps, jams, tapenades, and small artisanal gifts all of which make perfect souvenirs for you to bring home.

Whether you come to gather ingredients for a picnic, grab a quick snack, or to people-watch and savor the atmosphere, the Provençal Market is a must-see and a highlight of any visit to Antibes. The Provençal Market is open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday (and daily from June 1st through August 31st). Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for vendors to start packing up their stalls early, so if you arrive just before 1:00 PM, you may be out of luck! Most of the vendors at the Provençal Market are cash-only, so be sure to have cash available if you are planning on doing any shopping while visiting the market.

3. Wander the Old Town (Vieil Antibes)

Vieil Antibes, or Old Town Antibes, is the atmospheric heart of the city; a sun-drenched maze of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel shutters, and vine-covered façades. Enclosed by centuries-old city walls and fortifications, this beautifully preserved quarter feels more like a Provençal village than a Riviera resort town.

Walking through Old Town is like stepping back in time. You will find boutiques, wine bars, art galleries, restaurants, and family-run shops tucked into the ground floors of ancient-looking stone buildings. Dotted between the maze of streets are quaint courtyards that still serve as gathering spots for locals. It is here, in Old Town, where you will also find two of Antibes’ cultural highlights: the Picasso Museum and the Marché Provençal.

For postcard-perfect views, follow the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the ramparts along the Mediterranean Sea, where you can gaze out at the turquoise-blue water and see the Alps rising in the distance. Sunset from here is especially magical, but the views are superb no matter the time of day! While you wander, be sure to stop and admire some of the sculptures and art installations along the ramparts, including Nicolas Lavarenne's Défi.

While Antibes served as an inspiration for artists in the first half of the 20th century, the town continues to celebrate creativity today through vibrant street art, contemporary murals, and striking sculptures that dot the Old Town, line the historic ramparts, and even grace the marina. These modern works stand as a testament to Antibes’ enduring artistic spirit.

Whether you come to shop, linger at a café, explore historical sites, or simply wander aimlessly while enjoying the art, Old Town Antibes is a place to slow down and enjoy. It is not just the prettiest part of the town, it is the soul of it.

4. Visit the Largest Marina in the Mediterranean Sea

Port Vauban, the yachting harbor of Antibes, is home to not only the largest marina in the French Riviera spanning 62 acres, but it is technically the largest marina in the Mediterranean Sea in terms of tonnage. Port Vauban can trace its roots back to pre-Roman times, when it was a natural harbor. Port Vauban was fortified beginning in the 16th century, but only became the extravagant marina it is today in the 1980s. 

Today, Port Vauban is a magnet for luxury yachts, many of which are among the largest privately owned boats on the planet. With 1,500 berths and state-of-the-art facilities, Port Vauban is a favorite among the global elite and professional yacht crews. The Yacht Club d’Antibes, one of the most prestigious in France, adds to the port’s reputation, offering events, sailing programs, and an elegant base for seafaring enthusiasts.

Despite the modern vessels filling the marina, the port retains its historical charm, surrounded by ancient ramparts and fortifications, all while being watched over by the 16th-century Fort Carré. Additionally, this glitzy display of wealth is balanced by a striking piece of contemporary public art: Le Nomade, a massive sculpture by a Catalan artist, Jaume Plensa. Comprised of letters of the alphabet shaped into the outline of a seated human figure, Le Nomade gazes out over the sea from atop Bastion Saint Jaume, inviting reflection and symbolizing openness to the world. Towering yet airy, it has become one of Antibes’ most photographed landmarks. It a perfect fusion of Antibes’ artistic legacy and modern identity.

Billionaires’ Quay

On the seaward edge of Port Vauban lies Billionaires’ Quay, a stretch of dock reserved for the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts. Here, floating palaces fly flags from all over the world, and the scale alone is jaw-dropping. It is not unusual to see mega yachts moored side-by-side, complete with helipads and full-time crews. In fact, Billionaires’ Quay has room to accomodate 19 mega yachts, up to 541 feet (165 meters) in length, at any given time. If you are interested in taking a peak into a world of extraordinary wealth and see the yachts that I consider to be mini-cruise ships, one of the best views of Billionaires' Quay is from the nearby Bastion Saint Jaume.

5. Explore Fort Carré d'Antibes

Rising above the marina, Fort Carré d'Antibes is one of Antibes’ most striking historical landmarks. This star-shaped fortress was built in the 16th century under the reign of King Henri II of France to defend the border between the Kingdom of France and the County of Nice, which at the time belonged to the Duchy of Savoy. Its strategic location provided unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding coastline, perfect for spotting incoming naval threats. (It is worth noting that long before the fort was built, Antibes had already endured pirate raids in the 12th century, as well as attacks by the Spanish in the early 1500s; clear evidence of the town’s need for stronger defenses.)

Fort Carré was designed with angular bastions and thick ramparts to withstand artillery fire. The fort was later enhanced by Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis of Vauban, Louis XIV’s famed military engineer. The structure that we see today reflects both Renaissance military design and classic Vauban fortification elements.

Jetset Seeker Fun Fact: Napoleon Bonaparte was briefly held prisoner at Fort Carré during the French Revolution in 1794!

Fort Carré was decommissioned after the County of Nice became a part of France in 1860. Today, it is a museum and is open to the public via guided tours. While the fort is just that, an empty stone fortress, the real treat of any visit to Fort Carré is the incredible views from its spot above Port Vauban. 

Visiting Fort Carré

Fort Carré is easily accessible from Antibes, especially if you are up for a scenic hike. The most popular way to reach Fort Carré is via a pleasant 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) trail that starts near Port Vauban and winds around the marina toward the fort. The walk takes between 20 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace and offers beautiful views of the harbor and sea, as well as a close-up look at some of the world’s most impressive yachts. The path is mostly flat and paved, though you will pass through a small section of Mediterranean parkland with pine trees and native shrubs as you approach the fortress.

For those who prefer not to walk, there is a free shuttle bus that runs regularly between the Old Town and the parking lot at the base of the fort. From the base of the fort, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the entrance. If you are driving, Fort Carré is located a 10-minute drive from the center of Antibes, with a free parking lot available at the base of the fort. 

I do not recommend visiting Fort Carré if you struggle with mobility issues or if you are traveling with small children. If you are planning to walk from Old Town Antibes to Fort Carré, make sure you are wearing shoes with good traction and that you have plenty of water, as water is not sold at the fort. 

Fort Carré may close, without advance notice, in the event of inclement weather. Fort Carré is closed on Mondays. Otherwise, from July 1st through August 31st, Fort Carré is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. From September 1st through June 30th, Fort Carré is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last admission is 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time. Fort Carré is also closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th, annually. Due to the limited number of visitors permitted inside of Fort Carré at a given time, there may be a wait to enter. For additional information, please visit the Antibes Juan-Les-Pins website.

Best Plages (Beaches) in Antibes

No Antibes Travel Guide would be complete without mentioning the town's beautiful beaches, or plages as they are known in French. One of the biggest draws of Antibes, aside from its beautiful Old Town and Musée Picasso, is the fact that this slice of paradise has some fantastic stretches of sandy beaches. Whether you are staying in the Old Town or exploring the glamorous Cap d'Antibes, here are a few of the best beaches to visit in Antibes:

  • Plage de la Gravette: Tucked just behind Port Vauban and the Old Town ramparts, Plage de la Gravette is one of the most popular and accessible beaches in Antibes. This small, sheltered crescent of sand is ideal for families and casual swimmers, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and breakwaters that protect it from strong waves. It is only a short walk from the Old Town, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.

  • Plage du Ponteil: Located just east of the Old Town along the Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc, Plage du Ponteil is a larger public beach with soft sand, clear water, and stunning views of the Alps on a clear day. There is plenty of space to spread out, although the beach still gets packed on summer days. Plage du Ponteil is also close to shops and cafés, making it one of the most convenient beaches in Antibes. 
  • Plage de la Salis: Just past Plage du Ponteil and near the base of Cap d’Antibes, Plage de la Salis is another popular stretch of sandy shoreline. It has a laid-back feel and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking under the Mediterranean sun.
  • Plage de la Garoupe: On the eastern side of Cap d’Antibes, Plage de la Garoupe is a more upscale option, home to the Plage Keller beach club during the summer months. While parts of the beach are public, much of it is taken up by the beach club where you can rent chairs, enjoy table service, and enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand. If you are interested in visiting a beach club in Antibes, whether it is Plage Keller or elsewhere, I recommend making reservations in advance of your visit. 

Whether you are sunbathing near the Old Town or enjoying a chic afternoon on Cap d’Antibes, the beaches here are a major highlight of any French Riviera itinerary. All four of the beaches listed in my Antibes Travel Guide have public toilets and showers available. If you are looking for other beaches to visit in Antibes, check out the Antibes Juan-Les-Pins website for additional options. 

Popular Restaurants in Antibes 

One of the highlights (for me anyways) of any trip to the French Riviera is the food. In this Antibes Travel Guide, I have rounded up some of the most popular restaurants in town. From casual beachfront cafés to upscale bistros tucked away in the Old Town, Antibes offers a variety of dining experiences that celebrate the flavors of Provence and the Mediterranean. Whether you are craving fresh seafood or a quintessential French pastry, there is a restaurant in Antibes to fill every craving.

As always, I recommend making reservations for dinner and at any fine-dining establishments. Most restaurants in France utilize TheFork, an online booking platform (like Rezy or OpenTable that we use in the United States), for reservations. Now, without further ado, here are some of the highest-rated restaurants in Antibes, known for their excellent food, inviting atmosphere, and consistently great reviews.

Fine-Dining in Antibes 

Casual Bites in Antibes 

Pâtisseries & Boulangeries in Antibes 

Transportation in Antibes 

Getting around Antibes, and exploring the surrounding French Riviera, could not be easier. This section of my Antibes Travel Guide breaks down the public transportation options, including trains and buses, to help you navigate the region like a pro.

Train

One of the best ways to reach and explore Antibes is by train. The Gare d’Antibes (Antibes Station) sits just a few hundred feet inland from Port Vauban. The Old Town and the Musée Picasso are about a 15 minute walk from from the train station. Antibes is located on the Marseille–Ventimiglia train line and is served by both TGV and TER regional trains, offering frequent connections to nearby destinations in the French Riviera, including Cannes (10 minutes), Nice (19 minutes), and Monaco (57 minutes). To purchase your train tickets for Antibes (and elsewhere in the French Riviera), I recommend using the SNCF Connect app which is available for both iPhone and Android. The app is the quickest and easiest way to purchase train tickets. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased using the kiosks at the train station.  

Local Bus

For getting around within Antibes or reaching nearby beach areas, the local Envibus bus network is efficient and budget-friendly. The main bus station is located just a short walk from the Gare d’Antibes. Bus Line 2 goes around the Cap d'Antibes, while Bus Line 14 runs along the beaches and even to Fort Carré. 

Bus tickets can be purchased from kiosks at the bus station, using the Envibus app, and directly from the bus driver. There is a €0.50 surcharge if you purchase your ticket from the driver. Day passes are also available. For additional information, please visit the Antibes Juan-Les-Pins website.

Airport

There is no airport in Antibes. The closest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), which as the name suggests, is located in Nice. A taxi from the airport to Antibes can be quite expensive, so I recommend taking a Zou! Intercity Bus or the train from the airport to Antibes. The Nice Saint-Augustin train station (Gare Nice-Saint-Augustin) can be reached by tram from the airport, and from there, you can easily board a train to Antibes. Trains to Antibes are frequent, running about every 15 minutes. You can purchase train tickets once you arrive at the train station using the SNCF Connect app.

Hotels & Accommodations in Antibes 

While Antibes can easily be explored as a day trip from nearby towns in the French Riviera, it also makes a great place to stay for a longer period of time. Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town or a luxury stay on Cap d’Antibes, Antibes has accommodations available for every budget. In this Antibes Travel Guide, I have rounded up some of the best places to stay in Antibes, listed below. 

Disclaimer: If you book a hotel or vacation rental using one Jetset Seeker's Expedia Group affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. 

Antibes Travel Guide: Final Tips & Summary

To help you make the most of your time in Antibes, I am closing out my Antibes Travel Guide with a few practical tips. From what to pack and the best times to visit, these final insights will help you experience the best that Antibes has to offer.

  • When to Visit: Like much of the French Riviera, Antibes is the busiest in July and August. Not only can the Old Town and beaches get extremely crowded during the summer months, but hotel prices are also at their peak. If you are looking to experience Antibes with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of late April through early June and September and October are ideal. I visited Antibes at the very end of April and the town was busy, but not crowded. While it may have been too cold for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea for me personally, the beaches were busy and the weather was already quite warm. If you are able to visit during the shoulder seasons, you will get the best mix of sunshine and value.  

  • Weather in Antibes: An Antibes Travel Guide would not be complete without a quick weather overview. Summers in Antibes are warm and sunny, with beach weather typically running from late May through September. July and August are the warmest months, while the winters are extremely mild with highs of 56°F (13°C) and lows of 42°F (5°C) in January, which is the coldest month in Antibes. Antibes experiences the most rain during autumn, especially in the months of October, November, and December, while the summer months are the driest.
  • What to Pack: Summers on the French Riviera are hot, sunny, and humid. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay protected from the sun. A bathing suit, beach towel, and flip-flops are a must if you plan to spend time on the beach. While the atmosphere in Antibes is generally relaxed, some upscale restaurants, particularly on Cap d’Antibes, have dress codes in the evening, so it is a good idea to bring one nicer outfit.
  • Bring Cash: If you are planning to shop at the Marché Provençal, a must-do featured earlier in this Antibes Travel Guide, make sure to carry some Euros in cash. While some vendors may accept cards, many are cash-only, especially for smaller purchases like fruit, cheese, or socca. There are a number of banks in Antibes where you can withdraw cash from an ATM, if needed. I recommend using BNP Paribas, Banque Populaire, or Crédit Agricole as these are all reputable banks with ATMs. 
  • National Holidays & Closures: France observes several national holidays, including January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th. While you can still enjoy a day in Antibes on a national holiday, you should plan accordingly, as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and the majority of shops will be closed. Most tourist attractions in Antibes will also be closed on these four days. Some additional holidays, which may impact opening hours of museums, restaurants, and shops, include: Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi, and Bastille Day (July 14).
  • Mid-Day Shop Closures: Many smaller, independently owned shops in Antibes (particularly in the Old Town), as well as banks and most offices, close for a few hours in the early afternoon, usually between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. This long lunch break is common in the French Riviera, so if you need to shop or run errands, try to do so in the morning or late afternoon.

  • Rental Cars: While I always like to recommend using public transportation, just as I did earlier in this Antibes Travel Guide, sometimes renting a car is a necessity. If you are planning on staying in a hotel on Cap d’Antibes, you may want to consider booking a rental car. While stunningly beautiful and home to some of the most luxurious accommodations on the Riviera, the Cap d'Antibes is more secluded and less connected by public transportation. Having your own car will give you more flexibility to explore the area and nearby towns.
  • Explore the Rest of the French Riviera: One of the best things about Antibes is its location. From here, it is easy to explore other incredible towns along the Côte d’Azur, including Nice, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco, which are all accessible by regional train. You can use this Antibes Travel Guide to help you plan your time in Antibes, but do not miss the chance to discover more of the French Riviera’s charm while you are here. 
  • Make It a Day Trip (If You're Short on Time): Antibes has a charm all its own, and while it is smaller than some of its Riviera neighbors, it is absolutely worth a visit. If you are planning on staying elsewhere along the coast, Antibes is easy to reach by train and makes for a perfect day trip destination. Arrive in the morning for sightseeing, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon on the beach before heading back to your hotel in the early evening. 

From its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant Provençal markets to world-class art and historic charm, Antibes is a place that effortlessly captures the magic of the French Riviera. Whether you are strolling through the cobbled streets of Old Town Antibes, admiring yachts in the marina, or soaking up culture at the Musée Picasso, there is something here for every kind of traveler.

This Antibes Travel Guide has covered the town’s top attractions, the best beaches, local dining options, transportation tips, and practical advice to help you make the most of your visit. Use this Antibes Travel Guide as a resource as you plan your trip, whether you are coming for a long weekend, a day trip, or making Antibes your base for a week of exploring the Côte d’Azur.

No matter when you visit or what brings you here, I hope this Antibes Travel Guide helps you experience the town like a traveler, not just a tourist; immersing yourself in its beauty, culture, and laid-back Mediterranean life. For additional resources to help you plan your trip to Antibes and the Côte d’Azur, check out our French Riviera Travel Guide