10 Best Things to Do in Antibes in 2026

Antibes, located between Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera, offers a perfect blend of history, beaches, culture, and Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, here are the 10 best things to do in Antibes.

1. Explore the Old Town (Vieil Antibes)

The historic center of Antibes is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares. Walk through the old town to discover local shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Highlights:

• Place Nationale with its daily market atmosphere
• Narrow streets with traditional architecture
• Local boutiques and artisan shops
• Authentic Provençal atmosphere

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Duration: 1-2 hours for a leisurely walk
Cost: Free

2. Visit the Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso)

Located in the Château Grimaldi, this museum houses works that Picasso created during his time in Antibes in 1946. The building itself is a historic Renaissance château with stunning sea views.

What you’ll see:

• Picasso paintings and ceramics from his 1946 period
• Sculptures and drawings
• Works by other modern artists
• Beautiful terrace with Mediterranean views

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
Cost: €8 adults, reduced rates available
Location: Place Mariejol, old town

Read more about Picasso’s time in Antibes.

3. Shop at Marché Provençal (Provençal Market)

This covered market operates daily except Mondays and is the heart of Antibes. Browse stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, local products, cheeses, olives, and souvenirs.

What to buy:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Local cheeses and charcuterie
• Olive oil and tapenade
• Provençal herbs and spices
• Flowers and plants
• Handmade soaps and lavender products

Hours: Daily except Monday, 6 AM – 1 PM
Best time: 8-10 AM for freshest selection
Location: Cours Masséna, old town

Learn about the history of Marché Provençal.

4. Relax on the Beaches

Antibes has several beaches, from sandy shores in Juan-les-Pins to quieter rocky coves. Each beach offers a different atmosphere and experience.

Popular beaches:

• Plage de la Gravette: Sandy beach in old town, sheltered and family-friendly
• Plage de la Salis: Long sandy beach with views of old town
• Plage de la Garoupe: On Cap d’Antibes, clear water, popular
• Juan-les-Pins beaches: Sandy beaches with beach clubs and water sports

Season: Best June-September
Facilities: Most beaches have restaurants, showers, and rentals
Cost: Public beaches free; beach clubs charge for loungers/umbrellas

See our complete guide to the 7 best beaches in Antibes.

5. Walk the Sentier du Littoral (Coastal Path)

This scenic coastal path circles the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, offering stunning Mediterranean views, hidden coves, and glimpses of luxury villas.

Route details:

• Distance: 5 km complete loop (can do sections)
• Duration: 2-3 hours for full loop
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, some rocky sections
• Best time: Morning or late afternoon (avoid midday heat)

Starting points:

• Plage de la Garoupe (north)
• Villa Eilenroc area (west)
• Plage de la Garoupe (can do partial loop)

Read our detailed Sentier du Littoral guide with maps.

6. Visit Fort Carré

This 16th-century star-shaped fortress overlooks the harbor and offers panoramic views of Antibes, the Mediterranean, and the Alps on clear days.

What to see:

• Star-shaped Vauban fortifications
• Military architecture from the 1500s-1700s
• Panoramic viewpoints
• Historical exhibits about the fort’s history

Visiting info:

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, guided tours only
• Duration: Tours last about 45 minutes
• Cost: €3 adults
• Note: Wear comfortable shoes (uphill walk and stairs)

Learn more in our complete Fort Carré guide.

7. Admire Superyachts at Port Vauban

Port Vauban is one of Europe’s largest marinas and regularly hosts some of the world’s most expensive superyachts. Even if you’re not a billionaire, it’s fascinating to walk along the quays.

What to see:

• Superyachts over 50 meters long
• Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Quay) with the largest berths
• Modern marina facilities
• Waterfront restaurants and cafés

Best time: May-September when most yachts are present
Cost: Free to walk around
Tip: Evening is beautiful with boats lit up

Read our complete Port Vauban guide.

8. Take a Guided Historical Tour

To truly understand Antibes’ 2,500 years of history, consider joining a guided walking tour. You’ll learn about the Greek founding, Roman period, medieval fortifications, and modern history.

What you’ll learn:

• Greek and Roman history of Antipolis
• Medieval fortifications and architecture
• Renaissance and Baroque periods
• Modern history including Picasso’s connection

Our tour details:

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Group size: Maximum 6 people
• Languages: English and French
• Cost: €30 per person (children under 16 free)
• Booking: Reserve online, 15% discount when booking 1 month ahead

Learn more about what to expect on the tour.

9. Dine on Provençal Cuisine

Antibes has excellent restaurants serving traditional Provençal dishes, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine. From casual bistros to fine dining, there’s something for every budget.

Local specialties to try:

• Socca: Chickpea flour pancake, a local favorite
• Pissaladière: Onion and anchovy tart
• Bouillabaisse: Traditional Provençal fish stew
• Pan bagnat: Tuna sandwich with vegetables and olive oil
• Salade Niçoise: Traditional salad with tuna, eggs, vegetables
• Fresh seafood: Daily catches from local fishermen

Where to eat: Old town has the most authentic restaurants. The market area (Cours Masséna) has many good options.

See our guide to the 10 best restaurants in Antibes.

10. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Towns

Antibes is perfectly located for exploring the French Riviera. Many beautiful towns and attractions are within easy reach by train or car.

Top day trips:

• Nice: 20 minutes by train, explore the old town and Promenade des Anglais
• Cannes: 10 minutes by train, famous for the film festival and La Croisette
• Monaco/Monte-Carlo: 40 minutes by train, visit the casino and palace
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Medieval hilltop village with art galleries
• Èze: Perched village with stunning views
• Grasse: Perfume capital of France, 40 minutes by bus

Explore our complete guide to the 10 best day trips from Antibes.

Practical Information

Getting to Antibes

Antibes is easily accessible:

• By train: Frequent trains from Nice (20 min), Cannes (10 min), Monaco
• By plane: Nice Airport is 20 km away, connected by train and bus
• By car: A8 motorway, parking available but limited in old town

See our detailed guide to getting to Antibes.

When to Visit

• Best weather: May-June and September-October
• Beach season: June-September
• Fewer crowds: May, June, September, October
• Peak season: July-August (crowded and expensive)

Read our month-by-month guide for detailed information.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options include:

• Old Town: Authentic atmosphere, close to attractions
• Cap d’Antibes: Luxury hotels, beaches, quieter
• Juan-les-Pins: Beach access, livelier, younger crowd
• Marina area: Modern hotels, waterfront location

See our guide to where to stay in Antibes for detailed recommendations.

Planning Your Visit

Recommended duration:

• 1 day: See main highlights
• 2-3 days: Explore thoroughly including beaches
• 4-5 days: Include day trips to nearby towns

Budget guidelines:

• Budget: €80-120/day (hostel, casual meals)
• Mid-range: €150-250/day (hotel, restaurant meals)
• Luxury: €350+/day (high-end hotel, fine dining)

Antibes offers a perfect French Riviera experience combining history, culture, beaches, and authentic Provençal atmosphere. Whether you spend a day or a week, you’ll discover why this 2,500-year-old town remains one of the coast’s most charming destinations.