Antibes vs Cannes: Which is Better in 2026?
Comparing two neighboring Côte d’Azur destinations: atmosphere, prices, beaches, and activities
Antibes and Cannes are only 10 kilometers apart on the French Riviera, but they offer very different experiences. Here’s an honest comparison to help you choose where to stay or which to prioritize during your trip.
Quick Answer: Antibes is more authentic, affordable, and relaxed with better old town charm. Cannes is glitzier, more expensive, and famous for its film festival and luxury shopping. Both are excellent—visit both if you can!
Atmosphere & Character
Antibes: Authentic and Historic
- Genuine Provençal old town with 2,400 years of history
- Real working town—not just a tourist destination
- Daily covered market with locals shopping for produce
- Charming narrow cobblestone streets and squares
- Relaxed, less pretentious atmosphere
- Mix of tourists and locals year-round
Cannes: Glamorous and International
- Famous for the Cannes Film Festival (May)
- Luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and high-end restaurants
- La Croisette boulevard lined with palm trees and beaches
- More international, cosmopolitan atmosphere
- Glamorous but can feel impersonal
- Very tourist-focused
Beaches Comparison
Antibes Beaches
- Variety: Mix of sandy beaches (La Salis, Juan-les-Pins) and smaller coves
- Best beach: Plage de la Garoupe on Cap d’Antibes—crystal-clear water
- Public beaches: More generous free public beach access
- Vibe: More relaxed and family-friendly
- Juan-les-Pins: Long sandy beach with younger, livelier crowd
Cannes Beaches
- La Croisette: Famous beachfront boulevard with mostly private beaches
- Public beaches: Limited free beach space—mostly expensive private beaches
- Type: Sandy beaches
- Cost: Private beach loungers €30-80 per day (more expensive than Antibes)
- Vibe: More exclusive and glamorous
Winner: Antibes for better value, variety, and free public beach access. Cannes if you want the glamorous La Croisette experience.
Price Comparison
| Item | Antibes | Cannes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget hotel (per night) | €80-120 | €100-150 |
| Mid-range hotel (per night) | €120-200 | €150-300 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | €15-35 | €25-50 |
| Coffee at café | €2-3 | €3.50-5 |
| Beach lounger (private beach) | €20-40 | €30-80 |
Winner: Antibes is significantly more affordable across the board—20-40% cheaper on average.
Things to See & Do
Antibes Attractions
- Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi
- Fort Carré—16th-century star-shaped fortress
- Marché Provençal—authentic daily covered market
- Old town with medieval ramparts and narrow streets
- Cap d’Antibes coastal walk (Sentier du Littoral)
- Port Vauban—Europe’s largest marina with superyachts
- More historical depth (Greek, Roman, medieval history)
Cannes Attractions
- Palais des Festivals—Film Festival venue, red carpet
- La Croisette—famous palm-lined boulevard
- Le Suquet—old quarter on hill with views
- Luxury shopping on Rue d’Antibes
- Îles de Lérins—islands accessible by boat (15 minutes)
- People-watching and celebrity spotting
- Less historical—became famous only in 19th-20th century
Winner: Antibes has more historical attractions and cultural depth. Cannes wins for luxury shopping and film festival glamour.
Old Town Comparison
Antibes Old Town (Vieil Antibes)
- Extensive medieval old town with authentic character
- Ancient ramparts still standing from 16th century
- Maze of narrow streets perfect for exploring
- Mix of boutiques, restaurants, and local shops
- Daily covered market (Marché Provençal)
- Feels lived-in—actual residents, not just tourist area
Cannes Old Town (Le Suquet)
- Smaller, less extensive old quarter on a hill
- Nice views from the top
- Charming but less atmospheric than Antibes
- Covered market (Marché Forville) but smaller
- Feels more tourist-oriented
Winner: Antibes clearly wins for old town charm and authenticity.
Transportation
- Train between Antibes and Cannes: 10 minutes, €2-3, frequent service
- Bus: Line 200 connects them in 20-30 minutes, €1.50
- Car: 15-20 minutes (but parking is expensive and difficult in both)
- Both have train stations on the main coastal line (TGV from Paris, connections to Nice, Monaco, Italy)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Antibes if you want:
- More authentic Provençal experience
- Better value for money
- Rich history and cultural attractions
- Charming old town to explore
- Better beaches for the price
- A real town, not just a tourist destination
- More relaxed atmosphere
Choose Cannes if you want:
- Glamorous Côte d’Azur experience
- Luxury shopping and dining
- To walk the famous La Croisette
- Film festival atmosphere (if visiting in May)
- More international, cosmopolitan vibe
- Upscale hotels and beach clubs
Best Option: Visit Both!
They’re only 10 minutes apart by train. Many visitors stay in Antibes (better value, more authentic) and take day trips to Cannes to see La Croisette and the Palais des Festivals. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Discover the Real Antibes with a Local Guide
Want to explore Antibes’ 2,400 years of history and discover why locals prefer it to Cannes? Join our historical walking tour with Simon, who’ll show you hidden corners, share fascinating stories, and give you insider recommendations for restaurants and beaches.
15% early bird discount when you book 1 month in advance • €30 per person • Available in English & French