25 Stunning Things to Do in Antibes, South of France

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Antibes today or planning a trip for the future, this guide contains everything you need to know. 

It’s filled with all of the gorgeous things we did during a recent trip to the South of France, with everything you need to plan your itinerary – whether you’re visiting Antibes just for the day or staying for several.

From the iconic sights to tick off to upcoming events, rainy day activities, and unique things to do, I’ve got you covered. 

If you’re in a hurry, use the below box for a quick overview of the best things to do in Antibes. Alternatively read on to discover the top 25 things to do in Antibes, France in more detail, including approximate costs, and links to book where applicable. 

10 Top Things to Do in Antibes 

1. Visit the Market 

The market is more than just a place to pick up fresh produce in Antibes, it’s a way of life. 

Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, the Marché Provençal is open every morning from 7:30am to 2pm and offers a gorgeous array of local goods, from cheese and fresh fruit to handmade soaps, preserves and essential oils. 

There are also weekly markets that take place if you prefer shopping for bargains and vintage goods.

On Thursdays, you’ll find everything from swimwear to rugs and home accessories on the Boulevard Albert Premier, while on Saturdays and Tuesdays, you can find antiques and bric-a-brac at the Place Amiral Barnaud. 

2. Explore the Old Town 

One of the best and most popular things to do in Antibes is simply wander the charming streets of the Old Town. 

A photographer’s haven, you can easily spend hours getting lost in this labyrinth of narrow streets, colourful shutters, and local bistros with tables tumbling out onto the cobbles. 

Even if you’re just visiting Antibes for the day, I recommend dedicating an hour or two to simply wander the streets and pop into any cafe or boutique that takes your fancy. 

If its your first time in the area, I recommend booking a walking tour, complete with fascinating local traditions, the history of the architecture, and insider recommendations on where to eat and drink. 

Book it here.

**Looking for more stunning Old Town architecture? Check out my guide to Menton, the breathtaking French Riviera town just one hour from Antibes.**

3. Admire Iconic Sculptures 

Antibes has a certain artistic and bohemian spirit, with museums dedicated to iconic creatives and gorgeous galleries on every corner. 

Head a little outside the Old Town, and you’ll also stumble on some inspiring sculptures, including the masterpiece Le Nomade, by the renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. 

We also loved the Jardin Des Poetes, which is a short stroll from the old town along the ramparts. 

Here you’ll find a zen-like garden filled with cacti and succulents, watched over by a striking collection of nude bronze sculptures. 

4. Go Yacht Spotting at Port Vauban 

If the French Riviera is the yachting capital of Europe then Port Vauban is the CBD. This sprawling harbour is home to some of the biggest and most impressive superyachts you’ll see on your trip to the south of France, complete with a state-of-the-art yacht club. 

Perfectly positioned in front of the Old Town with a backdrop of the imposing Fort Carré, a stroll around Port Vauban is certainly one of the most humbling things to do in Antibes. 

Aside from ogling at the yachts and attempting to mingle with the rich and famous, you’ll be pleased to learn there are also regular events held at the port (giving you a real reason to be there).

From exciting regattas to stunning firework displays and seasonal pop-up bars on the ramparts, Port Vauban is always a vibrant place to be. 

View upcoming events at Port Vauban here.

5. Stroll Along the Ramparts 

For stunning views as far as the eye can see, head out from the Old Town onto Antibes’ Medieval ramparts. 

Built to protect the city from invaders in the 10th century, these imposing walls now offer a peaceful and serene walkway to take in the postcard scenes of Antibes. 

6. Explore Sandy Beaches 

If you love to spend the afternoon basking in the sun, then one of the best things to do in Antibes can be found in the chic beach resort of Juan les Pins, not far from the Old Town. 

Here you’ll find a wide, crescent-shaped stretch of sand backed by a wide range of family-friendly amenities, from cafes, bars and restaurants to play parks. 

Many people consider Juan les Pins to be the ‘new town’ on Antibes. With plenty going on at all times of the day and night, it’s a great spot to base yourself during your stay in Antibes. 

Unlike a lot of the French Riviera, Antibes is actually blessed with several sandy beaches. Juan les Pins is the most popular but if you’re after a quieter vibe, try Salis Beach or Plage du Ponteil. 

7. Spend the Afternoon at Plage Keller 

Often described as one of the best beach clubs on the Cote d’Azur, Plage Keller is the place to see and be seen in Antibes. It has a private beach with rows of sunbeds to rent and two picturesque pontoons. 

Set on a stunning sandy beach on the southeastern tip of the Cap d’Antibes, it’s a gorgeous spot to while away the afternoon with a glass of rose in hand. 

The upscale restaurant is also popular for lunch or dinner, serving fresh Mediterranean seafood in an elegant, beach-chic setting. 

**You may also be interested in reading What to Wear in the South of France: Outfits and Packing List.**

8. Check Out Billionaires Bay 

Right at the tip of the Cap d’Antibes, the Bay of Billionaires is so-called because of its popularity as a mooring spot for superyachts.

It’s easy to see why once you catch a glimpse of the secluded cove, complete with rich azure waters backed by fragrant Mediterranean pine trees. 

Once only accessible by boat, the bay can now be reached via a small path that starts at the Hôtel Beau Site. It’s reachable within a 10-minute walk from here. 

Just be warned that there are no facilities at the beach so be sure to bring your own food, drink, towels, and shade if required. 

9. Visit the 16th-Century Fort Carré

One of the first fortified strongholds of the Renaissance, Fort Carré is an impressive star-shaped structure on a hill, designed in the style of four arrowheads. How is it that the French can even make a fortress look chic? 

If you’re into history, a visit to Fort Carré is one of the best things to do in Antibes that won’t cost you a lot of time or money. 

It’s just a few euros to get in and you can admire the symmetrical architecture, get a bird’s eye view of the city from the battlements, and explore 4 hectares of native gardens. 

10. Take a Boat Tour of the Cap d’Antibes 

Whenever I’m on the coast anywhere in the world, I always try to plan at least one boat tour. 

There’s just something so special about seeing a place from the unique perspective of the water and going for a swim surrounded by nothing else but crystal-clear water. 

I recommend this reasonably priced 1-hour private tour on an eco-friendly solar-powered catamaran.

You’ll book the boat for just you and your group (up to six), with a skipper to take you wherever you want to go. It departs from a convenient spot in Juan les Pins, and you can pick a time of day to suit you.

Book it here. 

**You may also be interested in reading An Iconic 7-Day South of France Itinerary by Train.**

5 Fun Things to Do in Antibes in the Rain 

Arrived in the French Riviera and the weather is less than perfect? Not to worry! 

There are plenty of things to do in Antibes in the winter or when it rains – it’s not all about the beaches and outdoor activities.

Read on to discover 5 of the best things to do in Antibes on bad weather days. 

11. See the Famous Picasso Museum With a Drawing Workshop 

Visiting the Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso) is usually up there in the top 10 things to do in Antibes, but I have to admit – I’m just not much of a museum girl when the sun is shining. This makes it the perfect place to while away the time when the weather is not at its best. 

Pablo Picasso was inspired by the French Riviera and spent some time living at the Château Grimaldi, where the museum dedicated to his work is now housed. It includes some of his famous works as well as some of his lesser-known drawings. 

To get the best out of the experience, I would incorporate a visit to the museum with a drawing workshop led by a local artist.

This is a great way to gain a deeper perspective on the renowned works and immerse yourself in the artistic spirit of Antibes.

Book it here.

12. Enjoy the Best Coffee in Town at Nomads 

If storm clouds suddenly gather, or you simply want to while away a few hours with a good book, the best coffee shop can undoubtedly be found at Nomads, just outside the famous Marché Provençal. 

It’s also the perfect place to people watch the cobbled Old Town streets and indulge in a homemade cake or croissant. 

NB: Nomads is closed on Mondays. 

13. Check Out the Best Art Galleries 

Looking for a stunning souvenir to remind you of your time on the Cote d’Azur? Why not pick up some unique artwork for your home in one of the many gorgeous independent galleries? 

There are dozens to choose from, whether you prefer serene, dreamy seascapes, statement impressionism, or charming Provencal still life. 

Going on a gallery hopping crawl is one of my favourite things to do in Antibes when the weather is not so great, with plenty clustered near the Picasso Museum and many more scattered near the Old Town entrance behind Port Vauban. 

14. Admire the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception

Admittedly a small cathedral by European standards, this pretty pink church is worth popping into when the weather prevents more outdoor pursuits.

With a distinctly Italian influence, Antibes Cathedral also features a striking altar crafted in 1515.

The hushed atmosphere of the church is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the Old Town and is the perfect place to enjoy a few moments of peace and reflection. 

15. Visit the Quirky Musée Peynet

Art lovers are in luck, with many of the best things to do in Antibes revolving around paintings, drawings, sculptures and in this instance, cartoon illustrations. 

This small museum in the main square is dedicated to Raymond Peynet, a renowned satirical illustrator from the region. 

His quirky illustrations and double entendres might go a little over your head if you’re not fluent in French, but it’s a fun exhibition nonetheless! 

5 Best Things to Do in Antibes at Night 

While many people visit Antibes for the day from Cannes or Nice, there is still plenty going on in this lively port town at night. 

16. Sample Absinthe at the Famous Underground Bar 

A sort of living museum dedicated to the infamous green spirit, the Absinthe Bar is housed in the heart of the Old Town in a moody 9th-century vaulted cellar. 

Here you’ll find creative cocktail concoctions, or simply shots of the strong stuff served over a cube of sugar, as is the local custom. 

The atmosphere really ramps up from 9pm onwards, and there’s often live music to enjoy – go as early as you can if you want to secure a seat! 

17. Take a Provencal Food Tour 

I’m never disappointed by a food tour and the one in Antibes is no different. In my experience, there is no better way to seek out the very best secret eats of a place than with the help of an insider guide. 

Taking place on Thursday and Saturday evenings, this highly rated tour includes a quick stop at the Absinthe Bar mentioned above for an aperitif, followed by 3 other local restaurants and kitchens, where you’ll have the chance to sample local specialities and the finest Provence wines. 

Book it here. 

18. Enjoy a Stunning Sunset Cruise on a Sailboat

Sailing around the cape at sunset has got to be one of the most romantic things to do in Antibes – or even the entire French Riviera!

Bring along up to 5 of your nearest and dearest for an incredible 3-hour private sunset tour around Cap d’Antibes, which includes a sundowner served by your personal skipper and a personalised itinerary depending on your preferences. 

Take a sunset dip in the azure waters or simply sit back and enjoy the ride, the choice is completely yours!

Book it here. 

19. Join the Carnival at Pam Pam Bar 

Pam Pam is one of the most lively and renowned bars in Antibes.

This Brazilian-themed spot is an explosion of Mardi-Gras colour and live performances, with a never-ending list of rum-based cocktails to work your way through. 

For a party atmosphere in Antibes, you can’t go wrong at Pam Pam Bar. 

20. Mingle With Yachties at Le Blue Lady Pub or Drinkers Club 

For a more civilised evening drink, venture out to Le Blue Lady Pub or Drinkers Club in the old town.

Both are popular haunts of the local yachties, but with distinctly different vibes. Le Blue Lady is a British style-pub complete with TVs for the big sporting events – popular with superyacht captains and crew. 

Meanwhile, the Drinkers Club is more of a sophisticated martini bar with a cave-style interior and mixed clientele. Its proximity to Port Vauban makes it the perfect spot for people watching!

5 Fun Things to Do in Antibes with Kids 

21. Go to the Archaeological Museum 

If you’re struggling to keep the kids entertained and need a quick fix, the archaeological museum is located between the Old Town and Juan les Pins. 

Housed in a military stronghold, it’s ideal for kids fascinated with Ancient Rome, featuring a comprehensive collection of Medieval weapons and armour with interactive exhibits to engage the little ones. 

22. Visit Antibesland, The Biggest Amusement Park on the Riviera 

Just one train stop away from central Antibes, this sprawling amusement park features rides for children of all ages, from wild rollercoasters and log flumes to more traditional funfair rides and slides for the smaller ones.

It’s free to enter the park, with individual rides costing from €2.50.

Antibesland is only open during the high season from May to early September.

For more info, check the wesbite. 

23. Take the Little Train Tour of Antibes

While it’s not my preferred mode of transport, I can see why kids love the Petit Train. With an audio guide to describe the local sights, the train runs between Antibes Old Town and Juan les Pins. 

You can buy hop-on, and hop-off tickets to make life easier, and either simply enjoy the ride or use it as a fun way to get around Cap d’Antibes with the kids. 

Buy your train tickets here. 

24. Ride the Slides at Aquasplash 

Located opposite Antibesland, Aquasplash is the place to go if your kids love waterparks.

It features all the usual suspects, from rapids to flumes, wave pools, and a lazy river, with multiple splash parks and zones for the smallest swimmers. You’ll also find a peaceful area with Balinese beds for adults to enjoy, and adventure golf located on-site.

Aquasplash is only open during the summer months and tickets cost from €29.90 when you buy them online in advance. 

See the website. 

25. Explore the Cap d’Antibes Coastal Path

If your kids are little adventurers who don’t mind a little hike, the Cap d’Antibes Coastal Path has got to be one of the most beautiful, family-friendly things to do in Antibes. 

Not suitable for strollers, this walk is best suited to kids who can easily walk under their own steam for an hour or two.

It starts at the car park behind the Plage de la Garoupe and traverses the most wild and rugged corner of the cape, hugging the water’s edge.

The scenery is interspersed only by the occasional villa of the rich and famous, until you reach the gilmmering Billionaires Bay at the end. 

The entire walk is about 5km from start to finish but you can choose to turn back earlier if you prefer. 

Here is a great resource for the route which includes a trail map. 

Bonus: Best Things to do in Antibes Today 

Wondering what to do in Antibes right this second? Visit the Antibes tourism website events page to see what’s going on in and around the area at the moment. 

Things to Do in Antibes: FAQs

How to Get to Antibes?

The South of France is well connected by train and Antibes is no different. It takes less than 10 minutes to catch the train from Cannes Central Station to Antibes, or less than 30 if you’re coming from Nice.

Antibes makes for a wonderful South of France day trip from some of the other larger towns on the French Riviera. 

Nice is where you’ll find the biggest international airport on the Cote d’Azur, along with excellent transport links to the rest of France and Europe. 

**Read my guide to spending the perfect 3 days in Nice here.**

How to Get Around Antibes?

If you don’t have a car, getting around Antibes is best done by taxi since there is not much of a bus system on the Cap d’Antibes.

Some of the area is walkable – for example, you can easily walk from the train station to Port Vauban, Old Town and so on, but if you want to visit the further beaches then a taxi is your best bet. 

The train from Cannes stops at Juan Les Pins before Antibes main, so getting between the two is easily done by train. 

Where to Stay in Antibes?

When we visited Antibes, we stayed in Cannes at the Canopy by Hilton (pictured above) and simply hopped on the train to visit the peninsula.

This hotel was a great base for a few days in the area and had lots of stylish amenities – we loved the pool and rooftop bar!

Just be warned that unless you go before 10am, they do charge you €20 to use the pool, even as a hotel guest. We weren’t too fussed about this policy as we liked to swim first thing in the morning anyway!

If you prefer to stay in Antibes (I would definitely do this next time), I would recommend:

Hôtel Belles Rives: Once the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald, this beautiful Belle Epoque property epitomises the romantic charm and joie de vivre glamour of the French Riviera.
Hôtel La Villa: Nestled in a prime location within walking distance of Juan les Pins, this elegant Mediterranean oasis has a chic pool and bar area, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.
La Jabotte: In the perfect location within walking distance from the Old Town, this gorgeous boutique hotel is perfect for those on a budget. 

What are the most Unique Things to do in Antibes? 

Some of the most unique things to do in Antibes include hiking the Cap d’Antibes coastal path, or heading on an e-bike tour of the peninsula to visit the Garoupe Lighthouse. 

Or why not take a sunrise jet ski tour to explore the entire scenic Cap d’Antibes, stopping off in a hidden bay for a French beachside breakfast? This is certainly one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do in Antibes!

Planning a trip to the French Riviera? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help you plan your travels.