16 Amazing Things to Do in Antibes, France

Is Antibes on your list to visit? If so, don’t miss these favorite spots in one of the French Riviera’s most charming towns.

There’s a particular kind of magic to the towns along the Côte d’Azur. That effortlessly beautiful blend of sun-bleached stone, glittering water, and charming streets where every little corner begs you to reach for your camera. Antibes has all of it, and yet it wears its charm more quietly than its flashier neighbors.

It’s the town I knew the least about heading into our South of France trip, and it ended up being my favorite stop of the whole journey.

My husband has been coming to Antibes for years (it’s genuinely one of his favorite places in the world), and he’d spent ages telling me how much he loved it. I nodded politely and didn’t really get it until I was getting lost in its pastel-colored streets myself, admiring all the local markets and impossibly cute cafes that are just a short stroll from the Mediterranean Sea.

That’s when it clicked. Antibes is truly the most underrated jewel of the Riviera.

Because of my husband’s love affair with Antibes, we decided to base ourselves here for most of our French Riviera itinerary which resulted in many days spent canvassing the town finding all the best gems to share here.

In this post, I’ll be getting into all the best things to do in Antibes, France, from wandering the Old Town and exploring its coastal walks and beaches, to my favorite hidden gem finds. This way, you can build an itinerary around what excites you most, and skip all the stuff that doesn’t.

Short on time? Here’s my quick guide to Antibes:

• Where to Stay: For first-timers, Old Town Antibes is the most convenient option. Check out Irin Hotel or Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa. For a more secluded luxury stay, book on Cap d’Antibes at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. For hip, design-forward accommodations, reserve at Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel.
• Don’t Miss: Marché Provençal, wandering Old Town, Bay of Billionaires, and the Picasso Museum.
• Best Cafes: Cafe Fleur and NOMADS Coffee.
• Where to Eat: Brulot for classic French fare, La Civette du Marché for a front row seat to the daily market, Jeanne for hip wine bar vibes, and Chez Jules for the most charming patio setting.

Explore the most dreamy Airbnbs throughout the French Riviera in my Airbnb wishlist here.

16 Things to Do in Antibes, France Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

Antibes manages something most Riviera towns don’t quite pull off: it packs historic cobblestone streets, sweeping coastal views, gorgeous beaches, and glamorous yacht-harbor culture into one compact, walkable place. Think a more relaxed alternative to the glitz of Cannes and the buzz of Nice, with plenty going on but none of the frantic energy. 

If you want to base yourself in a part of the Riviera that feels more chill without being sleepy, Antibes is your spot.

Everything here feels charming, and it’s all close enough together that you rarely need a car (if staying in Old Town). Below, I’ll get into all the things we loved exploring in Antibes for your trip to the South of France. But first, let’s talk about where exactly Antibes is and what it’s known for.

PS, I also recommend checking out my guide to Saint Paul de Vence, for a little inspiration for a great day trip while you’re in the Riviera.

Where Is Antibes, France?

Antibes sits right in the middle of the French Riviera, tucked along the coast between Nice to the east and Cannes to the west. That central position is a big part of why it makes such a great base, since day trips in either direction are quick and effortless for the most part.

Especially if you plan on making it as southwest as Saint-Tropez during your itinerary, you won’t want to base yourself further northeast than Antibes since the driving time can get quite long.

The climate in Antibes is classic Mediterranean, meaning mild, sunny, and generous with blue-sky days for most of the year. In peak summer months though it can get HOT in this part of France, so be prepared if you’re traveling for a Euro summer. We experienced a heat wave while there with temperatures well into the 90s.

To get to Antibes: You’ll fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is roughly a 25-minute drive away, and from there, the town is well connected by train and road along the Côte d’Azur.

What Is Antibes Known For?

Here’s the town at a glance, before we go deeper on what to do in Antibes below.

• The Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and pastel-colored buildings
• Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, lined with luxury yachts
• The Picasso Museum, one of the area’s most popular things to do is housed in the seafront Château Grimaldi where Pablo Picasso actually worked
• The beaches, from tucked-away coves to long stretches of sandy shoreline
• Cap d’Antibes, the leafy, luxurious peninsula with some of the most stunning views of the Mediterranean on the coast (and some of the most expensive real estate)
• Juan-les-Pins, the modern area with a more beach club/ resort feel

If this is your first time visiting Antibes, I’d prioritize the Old Town and Cap d’Antibes, but part of the charm here is leaving enough time to wander without too strict of a plan.

Is Antibes Worth Visiting?

Honestly? Yes, and it’s the town I’ve been most enthusiastically praising to my friends since we returned from our trip to the Riviera.

While Nice seems to get all the attention, Antibes is perfect for travelers who want the natural beauty, the history, and the cultural richness of the Côte d’Azur without the intensity and crowds of the bigger cities. It’s noticeably more relaxed than Nice, but there’s far more going on here than sleepier spots like Villefranche-sur-Mer, which lands it in a lovely sweet spot. 

I saw many blogs recommending basing in Villefranche-sur-Mer during a French Riviera trip, but I’m really glad we landed on Antibes instead. There’s just way more to do here, which takes the pressure off of feeling like you need to get in the car and do day trips constantly to stay entertained.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to slow-wander, sit at a cafe for longer than (strictly) necessary, and still have things to see, this is your town. It also makes a wonderful base for families, which mattered to us traveling with our little one.

Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Antibes

• You Don’t Need a Car in Old Town: This section of town is predominantly pedestrian-only, so if you’re just visiting Antibes on a day trip, you’re best off taking a train in or parking in one of the large lots and walking from there into town. One of the bigger lots for Old Town is located here.
• If Traveling with Kids: Antibes is manageable with a stroller in most sections, but we found changing tables surprisingly hard to come by in Antibes (or really throughout the South of France). Lillian Bonnefoi is probably the only restaurant on our entire trip that had a changing table in the bathroom, fyi!
• Know the Difference Between Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins: Before you settle on accommodation here, make sure you understand the difference between the different sections of Antibes. The main ones are Old Town, the peninsula of Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. All offer very different vibes and car/walking accessibility. I’ll get into more detail in the “where to stay” section below!
• Avoid Mondays on a Day Trip: Several of Antibes’ major sights, including the Picasso Museum and Fort Carré are closed on Mondays. If you have one day to visit Antibes, I’d avoid a Monday to ensure you can see and do everything on your list.
• Easy to Visit by Train: The main Antibes SNCF station serves both regional and longer-distance trains, making Antibes a good base if you want to explore other parts of the Riviera without constantly dealing with parking. Juan-les-Pins has its own station too, although only local trains stop there.

How to Get Around Antibes

Walkability In Old Town

Antibes is one of the easiest destinations to get around in the Riviera, especially if you’re staying near Old Town (also called Vieil Antibes). The Old Town area is quite compact and manageable to see all on foot, with highlights like the Picasso Museum, Port Vauban and Place Nationale all relatively close to one another.

Do You Need a Car in Antibes?

If you’re planning on spending the majority of your time in this part of Antibes then you probably don’t need a car, and sometimes having one is a bigger hassle because parking in this part of town is tricky.

With that said, we still booked a car for a few reasons: we wanted to do a lot of day trips to places like Nice, Menton, St-Tropez, etc. While many places in the French Riviera are accessible by train, we wanted the convenience of a car especially because we were traveling with our 4-month-old daughter.

Having a car also allowed us to more easily explore Cap d’Antibes peninsula which is not as walkable as Old Town. Uber is available though, so if you don’t want to rent a car you can always book a ride to drop you off at further points.

Public Transport

Antibes also has a local bus network called Envibus, which is useful for reaching areas outside the historic center. Line 2, for example, travels from the Antibes transportation hub toward Cap d’Antibes, while other routes connect central Antibes with Juan-les-Pins and surrounding areas.

For trips farther along the French Riviera, the train makes the journey quite simple. Antibes has its own SNCF train station within walking distance of Old Town, which offers convenient access to destinations like Cannes, Nice etc.

Best Things to Do in Antibes

Wander the Cobblestone Streets of the Old Town

The best starting point for exploring Antibes is undoubtedly its Old Town, or Vieil Antibes. 

This is the postcard-pretty tangle of narrow cobblestone streets, shuttered facades, spilling bougainvillea, and cafe terraces that make Antibes one of the most charming spots in this part of France. Getting lost here is the whole point, so I’d resist over-planning it. 

We booked this Airbnb apartment just on the outskirts of the Old Town right along the Ramparts walk, and my morning stroll into town for coffee quickly became one of my favorite activities of our whole trip. Don’t worry, I’ll get more into said cafes below.

If you want a little structure and some history woven in to your Old Town explorations, this Antibes walking tour is a relaxed two-hour way to orient yourself on your first morning.

Shop the Marché Provençal

Under the covered market on Cours Masséna, the Marché Provençal is packed with colorful produce, cured olives, fresh flowers, socca, and more cheese than you’ll know what to do with. I was particularly entranced by the spice stall that reminded me of traveling in India, with spices of every color and scent neatly stacked high in endless square compartments.

The market is open daily in high season, and it’s one of the best places to get a feel for local life in Antibes. Personally, I’d make a morning out of it. While it’s easy to stroll through in 10 minutes, slowing down here will give you a better appreciation for day-to-day living in the Riviera.

Go early while the market is still in full swing, and grab some breakfast at La Civette du Marché. From here, you have a perfectly placed perch to observe the comings and goings of the market and really take it in.

Plus, if you’re in town later in the week, don’t forget to revisit in the evening, when the historic market hall becomes more lively with restaurant goers and vendors selling local arts and crafts.

During high season (June to August), the main market is open daily from 7:30 AM – 1 PM. It closes on Mondays during low season (September to May). The artist market is open Thursday–Sunday from mid-June through September, 3:30 PM – 12:30 AM; October through mid-June it’s Friday–Sunday, 3:30 PM – 7 PM.

Visit the Picasso Museum at Château Grimaldi

Perched right above the sea, the Château Grimaldi houses the Musée Picasso, and the setting alone is worth the ticket. 

Pablo Picasso worked here in 1946, and the museum holds pieces he created during that stretch, hung in rooms that look straight out onto the Mediterranean. What’s cool is that the pieces here will probably surprise you—I was expecting his iconic Cubism style and instead was intrigued to find everything from sculpture and painted ceramics to line sketches, among more iconic works.

The museum is compact enough to explore without taking up your entire afternoon (my kind of museum), and the terrace views are genuinely some of the best in town.

Take a Coastal Walk Along Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse

This pretty coastal walk is a non-negotiable in Antibes. It’s a casual stroll (no hiker’s attire required) that follows the Old Town’s ramparts. On one side of the path, you’re met with beautifully painted coastal homes in delightful pastel shades, and on the other, the Mediterranean Sea which laps along the rocks the whole way.

We stayed in an Airbnb right off the coastal promenade, and walking it became our daily ritual, our route into town every single day. Starting from the south end, you stroll past the archaeology museum and Jardin des Poètes and continue on towards Port Vauban with plenty of opportunities for ogling other luxury yachts in the harbor.

Additional highlights of the walk include: stunning views of Cap d’Antibes from a distance, and the opportunity to explore sites along the way including the Picasso Museum and cathedral, which are situated right along the route.

Also, keep an eye out for the striking sculpture of a woman who looks as if she’s stepping right off the ledge, “Le Défi.” This bronze sculpture, created by artist Nicolas Lavarenne, is one of those small, cinematic details that surprises and delights as you explore the area.

See the Nomade Sculpture on the Ramparts

Speaking of art out in the open, the Le Nomade sculpture is the towering seated figure made of white letters that sits on the old bastion, adjacent to the water. Even if you don’t walk all the way out, you can view it from a distance along the Amiral de Grasse.

The sculpture has become a bit of an icon of Antibes, and it’s a peaceful, slightly surreal spot to pause, especially in the softer light of early evening.

Book a Boat Cruise

Even if you don’t have the cash to fulfill your dream of hopping onto one of the area’s luxury mega yachts, you can cruise amongst them and still get time on the Med.

Book one of these highly-rated boat-tours for a lovely day out on the water:

• From Juan Les Pins: Private French Riviera Solar Boat Cruise
• Private Sunset Catamaran Trip in the Bay of Juan les Pins
• Small Group Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Golf Juan
• 90-Minute Speedboat Excursion to Lérins Island and Cap d’Antibes

Relax at Antibes’ Best Beaches

Antibes has a genuinely good spread of beaches for a town of its size. What makes it even more appealing is that many of the beaches are sandy, unlike nearby Nice which is full of pebbled beaches that can be uncomfortable on unsuspecting feet.

Plage de la Garoupe is one of the most famous, a gorgeous curve of sand on Cap d’Antibes with clear, calm water. 

For variety, I loved Plage de la Gravette right by the Old Town, the pretty Plage des Ondes, and, of course Billionaires Bay, a tucked-away cove with impossibly clear water reached via the coastal path. 

My top picks? Billionaires Bay (also referenced as Baie des Milliardaires) is the showstopper, but Gravette is the most convenient if you want a quick swim between wanders. Plage du Ponteil or Plage de la Salis should be your first look if you’re traveling with young kids.

Quick Guide to Antibes Beaches:

• Plage du Ponteil – A wide, sandy beach directly south of Old Town. Great for families and young kids, with areas to park and facilities.
• Plage de la Salis – Just next to Plage du Ponteil, this is another popular beach in town, especially for families as the beach offers clear, shallow water with plenty of facilities nearby.
• Plage de la Garoupe – One of the most popular and picturesque beaches situated in Cap d’Antibes. It has a more upscale feel with beach club access and is the starting point for the Sentier du Littoral coastal walk.
• Plage de la Gravette – This beach sits right between the Old Town’s ramparts and Port Vauban, giving it a unique setting that’s easily accessible from Old Town.
• Baie des Milliardaires – Translating to “Billionaire’s Bay,” this cove is a show-stopper, pretentious naming aside. While not the best for laying out as it’s all rocky pebbles, this spot is perfect if you want more of an off-the-beaten-track feel and the most peaceful dip in the Mediterranean. Check out the reel I created about it here.
• Plage des Ondes – A narrow but charming little stretch of sand with stunning turquoise water. This one is more popular with locals as parking is extremely limited to the adjacent neighborhoods.
• Plage des Pêcheurs – The best sunset beach spot on Antibes, this beach is an underrated gem. It’s directly in front of the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, so half of the beach is public and half is private with pink sun beds available for rent. Plus there’s a lot just next to it. I’d post up here in late afternoon and watch the sun go down as you eat dinner at their waterfront restaurant, Baba.

For more amazing beaches throughout South of France, check out my guide to the best French Riviera beaches.

Walk the Sentier du Littoral Around Cap d’Antibes

The Sentier du Littoral is the coastal path that traces the edge of Cap d’Antibes, and it’s one of the most beautiful walks on the whole Côte d’Azur. 

It’s all rocky coves, pine trees, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. The full loop takes a minimum of two hours and starts near Parking Plage de la Garoupe, though I’d only tackle the whole thing if you’re prepared with plenty of sunscreen, water and good walking shoes. It can be a lot in the heat of day in summer!

Since we had our daughter with us, we opted for the shorter version which allows you to arrive at Billionaires Bay more quickly (the highlight of the walk in my opinion).

Since direct car access to Billionaire’s Bay is restricted, we got dropped along Boulevard J.F. Kennedy (titled “START sentier du littoral” on Google Maps), and walked towards Villa Eilenroc for about 10 minutes. From there, it’s a quick walk to Billionaires’ Bay down a dirt path.

After exploring the stunning cove, we continued on from there to do part of the Sentier du Littoral, but turned around about 20 minutes in instead of trekking the entire thing.

Take an Electric Fiat Tour of Cap d’Antibes

If you don’t book a rental car for your trip, this is a genius way to see the peninsula in a fun guided adventure, all done via 100% electric sea foam green Fiats. This tour offers four different trip experiences depending on what you want to see, all of which include sightseeing in Cap d’Antibes.

• Cap d’Antibes Discovery Tour (1 hour): Perfect if you want a quick intro to Cap d’Antibes and the Garoupe lighthouse.
• Panorama Tour (2 1/2 hours): Tours both Old Town highlights, Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins for a more complete guided adventure of the area. This tour also stops in the village of Biot nearby, which is famous for glass blowing.
• Sunset Tour (1 1/2 hours): Takes in the most beautiful sights of Antibes and Cap d’Antibes as a golden glow settles over the area’s prettiest landscapes.
• Premium Discover Tour (3 hours): The most comprehensive Fiat tour offered.

Explore the Flea Market at Place Nationale

If your trip lands on a Thursday or Saturday, don’t miss the flea market that fills Place Nationale. It’s a treasure hunt of vintage finds like old paintings, antique silverware, and furniture that make for much more memorable souvenirs.

Even if you don’t buy anything? It’s a lovely, lively way to spend part of a morning in the square, coffee in hand.

Hours for the flea market: Open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 am – 6 pm.

Get Curious at the Postcard Museum

Here’s my one that got away. If we’d had a single extra day, the Postcard Museum (Musée de la Carte Postale) was next on my list. I was immediately intrigued when I learned it existed in Antibes; it’s the kind of quirky little spot that you don’t find in every destination.

The museum is apparently privately owned by postcard collector, Christian Deflandre, and reviewers rave about the interesting historical information provided alongside the beautiful postcards. Consider it my recommendation on faith, and come back and tell me if it’s as charming as I suspect.

Dine al Fresco

One of the most charming parts of a visit to Antibes in the summer are the buzzing patios that spill out into the street with happy diners sharing good food and drinks with friends. I don’t think we had a single meal indoors during our time in Antibes, and that’s exactly the way it should be.

From restaurants with sea views to my favorite classic French restaurant tucked in a charming pedestrian-only alley, here are some of our most memorable meals you should bookmark.

Where to Eat in Antibes:

• Lilian Bonnefoi – Modern café that’s hidden in a charming little corner of Antibes—great for coffee and healthy brunch.
• La Civette du Marché – Situated right off the Marché Provençal and a great classic French spot for people watching. Order the French onion soup.
• Boulangerie Veziano – An Antibes institution that’s been around since 1924. The family-run bakery shares bread with some of the region’s best restaurants and is a favorite among locals. Get in line early before items sell out.
• Chez Mo – A popular Mediterranean seafood spot steps away from the waterfront.
• Brulot – The best steak we had in France.
• Jeanne – The reservation I wish I could have gotten but didn’t plan far enough in advance for. This wine bar looks adorable and delicious.
• Bistro Chez Jules – This place is constantly packed—and while it wasn’t my favorite meal we had in Antibes, the ambiance alone is incredible, especially if you sit out on their patio that spills into the street.
• Le Phenicia – Delicious Lebanese food just across from the waterfront. This spot was just below our apartment and we ended up here multiple times.
• Kaaké – Lebanese sandwich spot that makes for great to-go beach food if you’re headed to Plage de Ponteil or Plage de la Salis.
• Les Filles du Micocoulier – Right along the main square, this casual restaurant is great for people watching while eating off their extensive galette menu.
• Eden-Roc Restaurant – One of the most luxurious lunches in the Riviera, I can confirm that lunch here is absolutely worth the splurge. For an even fancier affair, book a table ahead for dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Louroc.
• Baba – This beachfront restaurant at Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel has one of the prettiest settings for a sunset dinner in the area. Come here for beach club vibes and coastal views.

Grab a Coffee in Town

For daily morning coffee runs in Old Town, I quickly discovered some beloved spots that I returned to throughout our trip.

• Café Fleur: The decor here is an antique lover’s dream and it feels romantic and Parisian—a true standout from any other cafes in town. Their signature lattes are just as gorgeous as the interiors.
• NOMADS Coffee: Craft-roasted organic coffee, matcha and chai lattes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Also, I’m typically not an orange juice girlie but the fresh squeezed OJ here is worthwhile to order alongside your coffee. Super fresh.
• Good Mate: Inspired by Aussie cafes, Good Mate is home to organic coffee, vegan snacks, acai bowls, and a convenient location near the Old Town.

Detour to Juan-les-Pins

Just a short hop from the center, Juan-les-Pins is Antibes’ livelier, beachier alter ego, known for its sandy shoreline, buzzy summer nightlife, and jazz heritage. It’s technically part of the same commune, so it’s an effortless addition, whether you want a livelier evening out or simply a different beach to try.

I’m still partial to the Old Town section and would prioritize that area if you only have a day or two in Antibes, but with a longer stay you should absolutely check out Juan-les-Pins.

Take in Port Vauban and the Harbor’s Luxury Yachts

Port Vauban is famous for being the largest marina in the Mediterranean, and it puts on quite a show. This is where the truly enormous luxury yachts dock.

I have no shame when it comes to wandering the quays and gawking at them up close, however, we were in town during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and there were so many mega yachts parked in the harbor that we could simply admire them right from our Airbnb balcony.

Just beyond the marina, you’ll spot the historic Fort Carré, which brings me to my next suggestion…

Climb Up to Fort Carré

The star-shaped Fort Carré sits on a small green headland guarding the harbor, and it’s been watching over Antibes for centuries. The interior visit is a fun stop for history buffs, but even the walk up is worthwhile for those that are just about the views.

I’d go on a clear day for the prettiest sweeping panoramas over the marina, Old Town, and the coastline.

Pro Tip: Google “aerial view of Fort Carre Antibes” if you’re curious—it looks pretty wild from above!

Where to Stay in Antibes

Not sure where to stay in Antibes? The most important thing to understand before booking accommodation in Antibes is that there are three main areas that make up the municipality: Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. All three are part of Antibes but feel like separate destinations.

You’ll want to make sure to book accommodation in the area that fits your preferences best so you don’t end up disappointed.

Here’s a breakdown of each vibe and the best places to stay in each so you can make a more informed decision about the right spot for your trip.

Old Town Antibes

This is the historic heart of Antibes and what you’re likely picturing when you think of the destination. Vieil Antibes is a maze of narrow streets enclosed by old ramparts, with the Marché Provençal, Musée Picasso, cafés, boutiques, Port Vauban and the waterfront all clustered within a relatively compact area.

In my opinion, it’s one of the most charming parts of the entire Riviera. Plus, much of the Old Town is pedestrianized, so this is by far the easiest area to explore on foot. It also has easy access to beaches like La Gravette, plus Ponteil and Salis just beyond the historic center.

• Best for: first-time visitors, charm, restaurants, sightseeing, walkability
• Vibe: historic, colorful, lively but still charming
• My Verdict: Stay here for your first visit to Antibes if you want the ultimate convenience.

Where to stay in Old Town Antibes

There aren’t a ton of hotels situated right in the Old Town, and you’re typically better off booking an apartment in this area.

We loved the apartment where we stayed that sits right on the edge of Old Town with ocean views and air conditioning. Some other favorite picks would be this stunning art-filled townhouse in Old Antibes, or this 2-bedroom flat with views overlooking Gravette Beach.

For a small boutique hotel right in the walkable area of Old Town, check out Irin Hotel which features an antique and romantic aesthetic and air conditioning in every room. Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa is another solid option for a good price.

Explore my curated list of favorite Airbnbs in Antibes here.

Cap d’Antibes

Cap d’Antibes is the large peninsula that stretches south between Antibes Old Town and Juan-les-Pins. Expect a much more nature and residentially focused ambiance than central Antibes. Here you’ll find grand villas behind exclusive private entrances, larger luxury resorts, and secluded coves.

Also nearby: Plage de la Garoupe, the Garoupe lighthouse and chapel, Villa Eilenroc and the Sentier du Littoral coastal trail.

While this area is incredibly beautiful, the trade-off is convenience. Attractions and beaches are spread out, and it’s not the kind of place where you’ll necessarily step outside your hotel and have walking access to activities. A car, bike or bus can be much more useful if you’re staying in this area.

• Best for: natural beauty, secluded beaches, luxury hotels, villas and an overall quieter vibe
• Vibe: peaceful, lush, glamorous, residential, removed from the action
• My Verdict: Stay here if you’re seeking the most relaxed, luxurious holiday and don’t mind driving.

Where to Stay in Cap d’Antibes

For a splurge, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is an iconic destination in the Riviera. Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel is more suited for a hip, design-centric crowd. Villa Miraé is another dreamy 5-star property that’s like its own little oasis. For a more affordable but well-rated stay on the peninsula, check out Hotel La Villa Cap d’Antibes.

Explore my curated list of favorite Airbnbs in Antibes here.

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins sits on the western side of the peninsula, facing the Bay of Juan. It grew into a fashionable seaside resort during the 1920s and still has much more of a classic Mediterranean beach-town atmosphere than Old Antibes.

There’s a long waterfront lined with sandy beaches, snazzy beach clubs, and modern shopping and nightlife. It’s also home to Pinède Gould, where the Jazz à Juan festival takes place.

Juan-les-Pins tends to feel more like a modern French Riviera town, with less of the medieval charm and Provençal village vibes. I personally spent the least time here out of all three areas and that was the right decision for us. If you’re mostly after long beach days and party vibes, then this might be the right place for you.

• Best for: sandy beaches, beach clubs, nightlife and a resort atmosphere
• Vibe: beachy, energetic, modern
• My Verdict: Stay here if you plan on beaching it every day and partying every night.

Where to Stay in Juan-les-Pins

Hôtel Belles Rives is probably the most historic hotel in the area and occupies the former Villa Saint-Louis, where F. Scott Fitzgerald began writing Tender is the Night. The Unique Boutique Hotel in Juan-les-Pins is another vibey option with moody decor and easy beach access.

Explore my curated list of favorite Airbnbs in Antibes here which includes spots in Juan-les-Pins.

My Pick for Where to Stay in Antibes

I recommend Antibes itself near the Old Town, where you can easily walk to the market, marina, beaches, and plenty of restaurants and cafés. This is the most charming part of the area with the most accessibility, and you can still easily make day trips to Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins when desired.

The Best Day Trips from Antibes

As much as I love Antibes, you shouldn’t spend all your time here during a French Riviera itinerary—there are way too many other cute towns along the coast to explore! Make sure to check out my guide on other French Riviera towns for all the best places to visit, but here are a few quick favorites.

Saint Paul de Vence

This hilltop village is about 40 minutes drive from Antibes and is one of the most charming places in South of France. It’s well-known for being one of the area’s most creative communities with a lively artistic history and galleries all throughout town.

Read my full guide to Saint Paul de Vence.

Nice

A quick 40 minute drive northeast will land you in Nice, the Riviera’s biggest city. If you only have a day, I’d recommend spending most of your time in Old Nice where you can find many historic shops and restaurants, the scenic Colline du Château and the long stretch of promenade with glittering Mediterranean views.

Valbonne

The most underrated village we visited during our trip, Valbonne is incredibly charming. It’s just 25 minutes from Antibes, making it one of the easiest day trips to do from the area. The historic village was built in the 1500s and is intentionally laid out on a Roman-style grid-system, which makes it incredibly easy to explore street by street.

Cannes

While admittedly not my favorite town to visit, if you’re curious about seeing Cannes it’s just 25 minutes southwest from Antibes and is one of the best places to take in the Riviera’s luxury yacht scene.

Now you can explore Antibes, France, knowing exactly what to put on your itinerary.

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