Bonjour! My name is Marianne and welcome to my travel guide on the best things to do in Antibes. I’m a travel writer and photographer from Norway. My main platform is Instagram (@myfrenchmap). I work full-time as a patient coordinator in the children’s department at our local hospital, so my photography and content creation is mostly hobby-based.
My passion for travel has existed ever since I was a little girl. I grew up with parents that loved visiting new places and we did a lot of camping. Even back then, I learned how to be curious about new places and cultures. Ten years ago, I took my first road trip through several countries in Europe (including France) and I fell head over heels with this country.
The food, people and language (still learning) made me want to spend more time there. This desire eventually brought me to Provence and Cote d’Azur. Well, I lost my heart to that region and have returned to the south of France every year since. My dream is to have a place of my own there!
Although I’ve been to Provence and Cote d’Azur many times, there’s still so much to do. I can’t get enough of the unique and stunning medieval villages, and their history. The urge to visit and see more never stops.
Why Visit Antibes on Your France Trip
I’ve only had the opportunity to visit Antibes once but I’m going back in a few weeks and can’t wait! When I was there a few years ago, I stayed for a week and had the most amazing experience. Antibes has everything: history, a nice climate, art collections, beaches, yachting harbors, etc.
What I love most about Antibes, in addition to its beauty, is the locals and how welcoming they are. During high season, it can get crowded – so, if you have the chance to visit outside of high season, it’s recommended.
My favorite part of Antibes is the Old Town. Here, you’ll find charming houses and narrow streets brightened with flowers. Strolling those streets in the morning, before the town wakes, is like being in a fairytale.
10 Best Things To Do in Antibes
1. Explore the Old Town in the Morning
The Old Town of Antibes is beautiful and is bursting with history. I always go out early in the morning to have the streets to myself, both for the silence it brings and for the photo opportunities that present themselves.
2. Admire the Art of the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum, housed in the beautiful Chateau Grimaldi (which was inhabited by the artist back in 1946), is located right next to the cathedral. Here, you can admire Picasso’s works that were created in this very place! This museum was the first of its kind in the world devoted to the artist.
3. Go Shopping at the Provencal Market
The Provencal Market, one of the most popular markets in the region, is definitely one of the best things to do in Antibes. Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables of the local region, cheese, meat, herbs and spices. You’ll also find clothing, fabrics, ceramics and other local crafts. The Provencal Market is right in the heart of the Old Town, on Cours Massena.
4. Take a Tour of the Postcard Museum
The Postcard Museum offers an interesting exhibition of postcards from all countries and eras (with a particular focus on French postcards from the early 20th century). It’s audio guided in several languages.
5. Have a Few Drinks at the Absinthe Bar
The Absinthe Bar in the Old Town is no ordinary bar – it’s located in a cave under a souvenir shop and offers a journey into a different time! The bar is a mix of history and mystery, and is truly a must-visit in the city of Antibes.
6. Marvel at the Impressive Antibes Cathedral
The Antibes Cathedral, also in the Old Town, is an obligatory stop on your exploration of the city. This Roman Catholic church is a listed and protected historic monument, with an exterior that is particularly impressive.
7. Check Out the Luxury Yachts at Port Vauban
The largest marina in Europe is in Antibes. Port Vauban’s history dates back to ancient times, but today is home to beautiful sailing boats and expensive yachts that moor here. It makes for a nice place to go for an evening stroll.
8. Stroll Along Promenade Amiral-de Grasse
Promenade Amiral-de Grasse is a lovely walk leading up to the ramparts of Port Vauban, where you can soak in a beautiful view of the city and sea. It’s the perfect place to go for your morning coffee and enjoy a bit of fresh air.
9. Head to the La Garoupe Lighthouse
To reach La Garoupe Lighthouse, you can choose to hike up Chemin du Calvaire or drive along the picturesque Route du Phare. The view from the top is spectacular and there’s even a little garden on the grounds!
10. Visit Fort Carre in Antibes
Fort Carre, a star-shaped fort built in the 16th century under the orders of the King of France (Henri II), is one of the earliest fortified strongholds from the Renaissance era. This is, without doubt, another not to miss attraction.
Where to Stay in Antibes
In Antibes, my fiance and I stayed in a stunning apartment with a rooftop terrace. We enjoyed our breakfasts there with the most spectacular 360-degree view over the town. But, if I should recommend something else, it has to be the world’s most charming Bed & Breakfast – La Cle de la Porte.
It’s run by a Swedish lady, and even though it may appear anonymous at the front, its backyard is just the most beautiful around and it’s perhaps one of the most photographed facades in all of Antibes. It also has a little restaurant with outside terraces to enjoy lunch/dinner under a pergola.
How to Reach Antibes
We mostly travel by car (yes, we drive from Norway every year)! This makes everything smooth and easy to reach any destination in the south of France. We’ve also traveled there by plane. If you’re planning to visit Antibes, then Nice would be the closest airport. You can also get to Antibes from Nice by train and bus. Any of those options take around 20 minutes.
Final Tips for Visiting Antibes
My best tip for visiting Antibes is to avoid the high season if you can. May, early June and September (in my opinion) are the best months to go. It will still be touristy but not at all like the high season. Also, bring good shoes for the amazing hikes you don’t want to miss out on while you’re there!
