Antibes, France: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Visiting Antibes feels like slipping into a slower, sun-soaked rhythm. The old town is a joy to explore-narrow, winding streets lined with pastel houses, independent boutiques, and cafés that spill out onto the pavement. Strolling along the sea walls, with the turquoise Mediterranean on one side and the Alps in the distance, is pure bliss. It's the kind of place where you can lose track of time over a seafood lunch or while browsing local art markets.
One of the best parts of Antibes is how it mixes seaside charm with a laid-back elegance. You can hop between beaches-some sandy, some pebbled-or wander up to Cap d'Antibes for incredible coastal views. The vibe shifts depending on where you are: quiet and romantic in the morning, lively and buzzing by the port in the evening. It's effortlessly stylish but never too showy-just a lovely spot to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the Côte d'Azur at its best.
Table of Contents
- History of Antibes
- 24 Best places to See in Antibes
- Chapelle Saint Bernardin
- Marché provençal
- Antibes Place nationale
- Musée Picasso
- Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs
- Antibes Cathedral
- Plage de la Gravette
- Antibes Rue de la République
- Antibes Place Général de Gaulle
- Port Vauban
- Le Nomade
- Musée d'archéologie d'Antibes
- Musée de la Carte Postale
- Le Fort Carré
- Notre-Dame de Bon Port
- La Garoupe lighthouse
- Jardin botanique de la Villa Thuret
- Plage de Juan les Pins
- Parc Exflora
- Antibes Land Park
- Espace Napoléon
- Marineland Antibes
- Villa Eilenroc
- Coastal Path
- 10 Best Day Trips from Antibes
- Where to Stay in Antibes
- Best Time to Visit Antibes
- How to get to Antibes
History of Antibes
The Ancient Roots of Antibes
Antibes has a long and layered history that stretches back over two millennia. Originally founded by Greek settlers under the name “Antipolis,” it became a bustling trading post due to its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast. The Romans later took control, and traces of their presence—like ancient ruins and roadways—can still be spotted today, woven into the fabric of the modern town.
Antibes Through the Middle Ages to Modern Times
During the medieval period, Antibes was fortified to defend against invasions, and many of the old ramparts and towers remain standing as reminders of its military past. In the centuries that followed, Antibes evolved from a defensive stronghold into a charming coastal town, eventually attracting artists and writers in the 20th century. One of the most famous visitors was Pablo Picasso, who lived and worked here for a time—his legacy lives on at the Picasso Museum housed in the old Grimaldi Castle.

Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
Visiting Antibes for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Antibes on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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24 Best places to See in Antibes
This complete guide to Antibes not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Antibes and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Chapelle Saint Bernardin

Location: 14 Rue du Dr Rostan, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 09:30–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. Friday: 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. Saturday: 09:30–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. Closed on Monday, Sunday. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Marché provençal

Location: Cr Masséna, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 07:30–13:00. Monday: Closed. (June – August) Daily: 07:30–13:45. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Antibes Place nationale

Location: Pl. nationale, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 135.4km
Musée Picasso

Location: place mariejol, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: (September 16 – June 14) Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–18:00. (June 15 – September 15) Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Closed on Monday. Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25. | Price: Adults: €12. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs

Location: 22 Av. de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, France | Price: Free | Distance: 135.4km
Antibes Cathedral

Location: 1 Rue du Saint-Esprit, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 08:00–12:00 & 15:00–19:00. Sunday: 08:00–12:00 & 15:00–19:30. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Plage de la Gravette

Location: Plage de la Gravette, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Antibes Rue de la République

Location: Rue de la République, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 135.4km
Antibes Place Général de Gaulle

Location: Pl. Général de Gaulle, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 135.4km
Port Vauban

Location: Av. de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Le Nomade

Location: 32 Quai Henri Rambaud, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00–18:00. Saturday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Closed on Monday. (Summer) June 1 – August 31; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–23:00. (Winter) September 1 – May 30; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Musée d'archéologie d'Antibes

Location: Bastion Saint-André, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. | Price: Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Under 18: free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Musée de la Carte Postale

Location: 4 Av. Tournelli, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 14:00–18:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €8; Under 12: free; Groups (10+): €6 per person. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Le Fort Carré

Location: Av. du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: (Summer) July 1 – August 31; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. Closed on Monday. (Winter) September 1 – June 30; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Multi-site pass: €15. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Notre-Dame de Bon Port

Location: Plateau de La Garoupe 635, 841 Rte du Phare, 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: Monday – Friday: 14:00–17:30. Saturday – Sunday: 10:00–17:30. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
La Garoupe lighthouse

Location: Phare de la Garoupe, Rte du Phare, 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Jardin botanique de la Villa Thuret

Location: 90 Chem. Gustave Raymond, 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: (Summer) April – October; Monday – Friday: 08:00–18:00. Closed on Saturday, Sunday. Closed on public holidays. (Winter) November – March; Monday – Friday: 08:30–17:30. Closed on Saturday, Sunday. Closed on public holidays. | Price: Free (individual visits). Groups may be charged. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Plage de Juan les Pins

Location: 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 135.4km
Parc Exflora

Location: Av. de Cannes, 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: (Summer) Monday – Friday: 08:00–21:00; Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 09:00–21:00. (Winter) Monday – Friday: 08:00–18:30; Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 09:00–18:30. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Antibes Land Park

Location: 301 Rte de Biot, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: (Season 2025) Friday: 19:00–00:30; Saturday: 18:00–00:30; Sunday: 16:00–21:00 (May 18 – June 15). Monday – Thursday: 19:00–00:30; Friday: 19:00–01:30; Saturday: 18:00–01:30; Sunday: 17:00–00:30 (June 20 – July 4). Monday – Saturday: 18:00–01:30; Sunday: 17:00–01:30 (July 5 – August 31). Friday: 18:00–00:30; Saturday: 18:00–00:30; Sunday: 17:00–23:30 (September 5 – September 14). | Price: Entry: free; rides from €2.50 (pay per attraction); parking: paid. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Espace Napoléon
Location: 06130 Grasse, France | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Check official website. | Distance: 135.4km
Marineland Antibes

Location: 306 Av. Mozart, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Closed. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Villa Eilenroc

Location: 460 avenue L.D. Beaumont, 06600 Antibes, France | Hours: Saturday: 10:00–17:00. | Price: Adults: €2. | Website | Distance: 135.4km
Coastal Path

Location: Le Sentier du Littoral, 11 Chem. des Douaniers, 06160 Antibes, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 135.4km
Best Day Trips from Antibes
A day trip from Antibes offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Antibes provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Cannes

Visiting Cannes
St. Paul de Vence

Visiting St. Paul de Vence
Nice

Visiting Nice
Villefranche-sur-Mer

Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer
Eze

Visiting Eze
Bagnols-en-Foret

Visiting Bagnols-en-Foret
Menton

Visiting Menton
Bordighera

Visiting Bordighera
Toulon

Visiting Toulon
Aix en Provence

Visiting Aix en Provence
Where to Stay in Antibes
For a luxurious stay, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc stands out. This iconic hotel, set on the tip of Cap d’Antibes, offers opulent rooms, a renowned spa, and stunning sea views. Another top-tier option is Hôtel Belles Rives, which boasts Art Deco elegance and a rich literary history.
Travelers seeking boutique accommodations might consider La Jabotte, a charming hotel with a cozy atmosphere and personalized service. Alternatively, Hôtel La Villa Port d'Antibes & Spa offers modern amenities and a relaxing spa experience.
For those on a budget, Hôtel Le Petit Castel provides comfortable rooms and a friendly environment. Another affordable option is Ibis Styles Antibes, which offers contemporary design and convenient access to local attractions.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Antibes. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Antibes Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Antibes
Spring in Antibes
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Antibes, with blooming gardens, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. March through May offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for strolling the Old Town or enjoying coastal walks. Outdoor cafés begin to fill with locals, and the town feels fresh and full of life.
Summer in Antibes
Summer in Antibes is vibrant and bustling, especially from June to August. The beaches are at their best, and the town hosts various festivals, music events, and art exhibitions. It’s the high season, so expect more tourists and higher prices, but the energy and beauty are hard to beat.
Autumn in Antibes
September and October bring cooler weather and a calmer vibe to Antibes, making it a great time for a more peaceful getaway. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, and the golden light gives the town a dreamy glow. It’s also a good season for wine lovers, as harvest festivals take place nearby.
Winter in Antibes
Winter in Antibes is quiet, with fewer tourists and a more local feel. While it’s not beach weather, the mild climate allows for pleasant walks and cozy indoor experiences like museums and markets. It’s a great time to enjoy the town without the hustle and bustle of peak seasons.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 12°C 57°F
- February 13°C 58°F
- March 15°C 62°F
- April 17°C 65°F
- May 21°C 73°F
- June 26°C 83°F
- July 29°C 87°F
- August 28°C 86°F
- September 24°C 78°F
- October 20°C 72°F
- November 15°C 63°F
- December 13°C 58°F
How to get to Antibes
How to Visit Antibes
Visiting Antibes is a breeze whether you’re coming from within France or arriving from abroad. The town is well connected by train, road, and nearby air links, making it accessible for short breaks or longer Riviera stays. Once there, the compact size of the town means you can explore much of it on foot or by local transport.
Getting to Antibes by Air
The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, located about 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct bus, a taxi, or a train from Nice-Saint-Augustin station to reach Antibes in under an hour. Many international and low-cost carriers operate here, making it a convenient gateway.
Getting to Antibes by Train
Antibes is on the main Marseille–Ventimiglia railway line, making it easy to reach from cities like Nice, Cannes, or Marseille. The Antibes train station is centrally located and within walking distance to the old town and beaches. Fast TGV and regional TER services both stop here, so you have plenty of options. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.
Getting to Antibes by Car
If you’re driving, Antibes is accessible via the A8 motorway. Take exit 44 (Antibes / Juan-les-Pins) and follow the signs into town. Parking can be limited in the old town, but there are public garages and lots just outside the center, making it manageable if you plan ahead. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.


