Although it remains in the shadow of French Riviera cities like Nice and Cannes, Antibes has quietly maintained its place as one of the region's most distinguished cities. With a variety of coastline attractions, artistic heritage, and old-world elegance, it's no surprise that the town is home to some of the region’s most prestigious events.
Each spring during the Cannes Film Festival, Antibes becomes the setting for the glittering amfAR Gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, an evening that draws A-listers, designers, and philanthropists from around the world. Over the decades, figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Pablo Picasso, and Grace Kelly have spent time here, drawn by a coastal atmosphere that strikes a balance between discretion and refinement.
Today, Antibes continues to appeal to people with a taste for art, cuisine, and heritage, offering a setting that is as culturally rich as it is visually captivating.
Sights of Antibes, French Riviera
Things to See & Do
Vieil Antibes (Old Town)
The historic core of the city is defined by narrow, winding lanes, ochre-shuttered homes, and shaded squares. The Marché Provençal is a lively daily market offering a wide range of local produce, cheeses, spices, and flowers. Just steps away, charming cafés spill into the streets, offering a front-row seat to daily life under the Riviera sun. Walking along the restored city ramparts provides views of the harbor and, on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.
Musée Picasso
Set within the medieval Château Grimaldi overlooking the sea, the museum is a cultural cornerstone. Picasso worked in the castle for several months in 1946 and donated a collection of works that remain on display. The space also houses contemporary exhibitions and sculptures on its panoramic terrace.
Port Vauban & Superyacht Culture
Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, reflects the town’s close relationship with the sea. Along its outer edge lies Quai des Milliardaires, home to some of the world’s most spectacular yachts. Visitors can stroll along the harbor, admire the scale and design of the vessels, or charter one for a day along the coast. The 16th-century Fort Carré, rising above the port, adds a touch of historic drama to the setting. One landmark to look out for while at the port is the unique Le Nomade Sculpture.
Baie des Milliardaires
Tucked along the rocky coast of Cap d’Antibes, Baie des Milliardaires (Bay of Billionaires) is one of the Riviera’s most secluded and exclusive inlets. Fringed by pine forest and accessible mainly by sea or footpath, the bay has long been a favorite anchorage for private yachts. Its crystalline waters and dramatic coastal cliffs offer a tranquil spot away from the bustle of nearby ports. Arrive by boat or hike the Sentier du Littoral for unforgettable views and a glimpse into one of the Riviera’s most beautiful spots.
Beaches and Coastal Trails
From broad public beaches like Plage de la Salis to hidden coves along Cap d’Antibes, the town offers a variety of shoreline experiences. Sentier du Littoral, a walking path that traces the rocky edges of the cape, is ideal for a quiet morning walk with sea views, passing stone walls, pine groves, and the occasional glimpse of a passing yacht. Water sports, including paddleboarding, sailing, and snorkeling are easily arranged from local outfitters.
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
The hills above Antibes and nearby areas, such as Bellet and Saint-Jeannet, are home to vineyards that produce elegant rosés and expressive reds. Private vineyard visits often include guided tastings paired with local olive oils and cheese, set against backdrops of lavender fields or terraced vines. In-town wine merchants and sommeliers offer curated tastings that introduce visitors to the best of the region without leaving Antibes.
Art Galleries and Cultural Walks
Antibes remains a hub for artists, from traditional painters to contemporary sculptors. Local galleries, often family-run, feature a mix of established and emerging talents. Options include Le Coin des Arts Antibes and Galerie A Chave. Guided cultural walks delve into Antibes’ layered past, from ancient Greek and Roman foundations to Renaissance chapels and Belle Époque mansions. The Chapel of the Garoupe, set on a hill above the cape, offers both artistic interest and expansive views of the coastline.
Where to Stay
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Set amid pine trees and formal gardens at the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been synonymous with Riviera sophistication since 1870. This former writers’ retreat became a favored hideaway for the international elite, and today it offers a blend of classic style and modern comfort.
Rooms and suites feature high ceilings, fine linens, and French doors that open onto balconies or sea-view terraces. The Dior Spa provides restorative treatments using ingredients inspired by the local flora, while the iconic saltwater pool, hewn into the cliffside, is one of the Riviera’s most recognizable sights.
The hotel is also a cinematic icon, featured prominently in the 1971 James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever starring Sean Connery, and the 2010 film Killers starring Ashton Kutcher and Tom Selleck.
The hotel’s terraced gardens and iconic cliffside pool have made it a natural setting for film productions and photo shoots, adding to its reputation as one of the most photogenic and storied properties on the Riviera.
Dining is a highlight, with the hotel’s culinary team presenting Mediterranean classics with refinement and flair. The Eden-Roc Grill, perched just above the waterline, serves seasonal plates with an emphasis on freshness and balance.
How to Get There
Antibes is easily reached from Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, located just 20 kilometers away. The journey takes less than 30 minutes, and regular TER trains run between Nice and Antibes throughout the day. If you're flying in via your own jet or a charter, Aeroport Cannes Mandelieu is the perfect airport for you. It caters to private aviation and is located approximately 15 kilometers west of the city.
Travelers arriving by road will find clear motorway access via the A8, while those arriving by sea can dock directly at Port Vauban, which accommodates vessels of all sizes, from small sailboats to large superyachts.
