Planning a French Riviera trip and torn between Antibes and Cannes? Both towns offer Mediterranean beauty, but they have distinctly different characters. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which is right for you.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Aspect | Antibes | Cannes |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Authentic, historic, laid-back | Glamorous, upscale, bustling |
| Best For | History buffs, culture lovers | Luxury seekers, beach lovers |
| Prices | Moderate | Expensive |
| Beaches | Smaller, quieter | Larger, more amenities |
| History | 2,500 years (Greek origins) | Younger (medieval village) |
| Crowds | Manageable year-round | Very crowded in summer |
History & Culture
Antibes Wins for History
With 2,500 years of history, Antibes far surpasses Cannes historically. Founded by ancient Greeks in 340 BC, Antibes has:
- Roman ruins throughout the old town
- Medieval ramparts you can walk
- 16th-century Fort Carré (never conquered)
- Picasso Museum in medieval castle
- Archaeological museum
Take a historical walking tour to fully appreciate Antibes’ incredible past.
Cannes: More Modern Glamour
Cannes is younger, developing mainly after the railway arrived in 1860s. Its fame comes from:
- International Film Festival (May)
- Luxury shopping on La Croisette
- Belle Époque architecture
- Celebrity spotting
Beaches
Cannes: Better for Beach Days
Cannes wins for beaches:
- La Croisette – 2km of sandy beach
- More beach clubs and facilities
- Wider beaches
- Better for sunbathing
Antibes: Charming but Smaller
Antibes beaches are lovely but smaller:
- Plage de la Gravette – Sandy, near old town
- Plage de la Garoupe (Cap d’Antibes) – Beautiful, exclusive
- More rocky coastline
- Quieter atmosphere
Old Town Character
Antibes: Authentic Provençal Charm
Antibes old town (Vieil Antibes) feels genuinely French:
- Maze of medieval streets
- Daily Provençal market
- Local shops and cafés
- Residents actually live here
- Colorful shutters, flower boxes
Cannes: Le Suquet is Smaller
Cannes’ old quarter (Le Suquet) is charming but tiny compared to Antibes. Most of Cannes is modern development.
Food & Dining
Both Excellent, Different Styles
Antibes:
- More traditional Provençal restaurants
- Better value for money
- Authentic local cuisine
- Daily market for picnic supplies
Cannes:
- More Michelin-starred restaurants
- International cuisine variety
- Celebrity chef establishments
- Higher prices overall
Prices & Budget
Antibes: Better Value
Antibes is notably more affordable:
- Hotels: 30-40% cheaper than Cannes
- Restaurants: €15-25 for good meal vs €30-50 in Cannes
- Beaches: More public beaches (free)
- Activities: Walking tour €30 vs €50+ in Cannes
Cannes: Luxury Price Tag
Cannes cultivates an upscale image with prices to match. Expect to pay premium everywhere, especially during Film Festival.
Atmosphere & Vibe
Antibes: Laid-Back Authentic
- Relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle
- Year-round local community
- Less pretentious
- Family-friendly
- Feels like “real France”
Cannes: Glamorous & Polished
- See-and-be-seen atmosphere
- Luxury boutiques and designer shops
- Yacht culture prominent
- More international crowd
- Higher energy, busier
Things to Do
Antibes Activities
- Historical walking tour
- Visit Fort Carré
- Picasso Museum
- Walk the ramparts
- Explore old town
- Morning market
- Port Vauban marina
- Cap d’Antibes coastal walk
Cannes Activities
- Walk La Croisette
- Palais des Festivals (Film Festival venue)
- Designer shopping
- Beach clubs
- Le Suquet old quarter
- Boat to Lérins Islands
- Casino gambling
Crowds & Tourism
Antibes: More Manageable
Even in high season (July-August), Antibes doesn’t feel overwhelmed. The old town can get busy but remains pleasant.
Cannes: Very Crowded
Cannes gets extremely crowded, especially:
- Film Festival (May) – impossible to visit
- July-August – packed beaches and restaurants
- Weekends year-round
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Antibes If You:
- ✅ Love history and culture
- ✅ Want authentic French experience
- ✅ Prefer laid-back atmosphere
- ✅ Are on a moderate budget
- ✅ Enjoy walking and exploring
- ✅ Avoid massive crowds
- ✅ Interested in art (Picasso Museum)
Book an Antibes walking tour to start your visit right!
Choose Cannes If You:
- ✅ Love luxury and glamour
- ✅ Want extensive beaches
- ✅ Enjoy designer shopping
- ✅ Have a bigger budget
- ✅ Like people-watching
- ✅ Want nightlife and casinos
Can You Visit Both?
YES! They’re only 10 minutes apart by train. Many visitors stay in Antibes (cheaper, more authentic) and day-trip to Cannes for beaches and shopping.
This gives you best of both worlds:
- Sleep in charming, affordable Antibes
- Explore Antibes history in morning
- Take train to Cannes for beach afternoon
- Return to Antibes for authentic dinner
Final Verdict
For most travelers, Antibes is the better choice. It offers:
- More interesting history (2,500 years!)
- Better value for money
- Authentic French Riviera experience
- Less crowded
- Easy access to Cannes when desired
Cannes is worth visiting, but Antibes gives you the real soul of the French Riviera.
Start your Antibes adventure with a historical walking tour – the perfect introduction to this Mediterranean gem!