What to See in Antibes: Complete Guide to All Major Attractions

Antibes combines 2,500 years of history with Mediterranean beaches and French Riviera charm. This comprehensive guide covers all the major attractions you should see when visiting Antibes, from ancient ramparts to modern superyacht marinas.

Historic Old Town (Vieil Antibes)

The medieval old town is the heart of Antibes and where you’ll spend most of your sightseeing time. The narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and authentic atmosphere make it one of the French Riviera’s most charming historic quarters.

Porte de France

This monumental gate is the main entrance to the old town and dates from the 16th century. Built when Antibes was a frontier fortress town, the gate features thick stone walls and defensive towers.

What to see:

• Massive stone gateway with defensive towers
• 16th-century military architecture
• Views from Place de Gaulle
• Original stonework and construction details

Location: Place de Gaulle (northwest entrance to old town)
Cost: Free (exterior viewing)

Learn more in our detailed Porte de France guide.

Ancient Ramparts

Antibes’ old town is surrounded by ancient ramparts that you can walk along in sections. The walls date from various periods, with some Roman foundations overlaid by medieval and Renaissance fortifications.

Best sections:

• Rampart walk along Boulevard d’Aguillon (sea-facing side)
• Bastion Saint-André area
• Walls near the cathedral

Access: Free, open all day
Best time: Sunset for beautiful light

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

This cathedral dates from the 12th century (with later modifications) and features Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. The ochre-colored façade is typical of Provençal religious architecture.

What to see:

• 12th-century Romanesque structure
• Baroque interior decorations
• Religious artworks
• Historic bell tower

Hours: Daily, respecting mass times
Cost: Free
Location: Rue Saint-Esprit, old town center

Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso)

Housed in the Château Grimaldi, this was the world’s first museum dedicated to Picasso. The collection focuses on works Picasso created during his productive 1946 period when he lived and worked in this building.

Collection highlights:

• Paintings from Picasso’s 1946 Antibes period
• Ceramics created in nearby Vallauris
• Drawings and lithographs
• Works by other modern artists (Léger, Miró, Ernst)
• Sculpture terrace overlooking the Mediterranean

The Building: The Château Grimaldi dates from the Renaissance and was built on the foundations of a Roman acropolis. The Grimaldi family ruled Antibes for centuries before the château became municipal property.

Visiting information:

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
• Cost: €8 adults, €6 reduced rate, free under 18
• Duration: Allow 1-2 hours
• Location: Place Mariejol, in the old town

Read more about Picasso’s 1946 period in Antibes.

Marché Provençal (Provençal Market)

Operating daily except Monday since medieval times, this covered market is where locals shop for fresh produce, fish, flowers, cheese, and regional specialties.

What you’ll find:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms
• Mediterranean fish (daily catches)
• Regional cheeses and charcuterie
• Provençal specialties (olives, tapenade, olive oil)
• Fresh flowers and plants
• Artisan products (soaps, herbs, lavender)
• Some tourist items (but generally quality local products)

The Building: The covered market structure dates from the 19th century and features beautiful iron and glass Belle Époque architecture. Before the covered structure, the market operated in open air for centuries.

Visiting tips:

• Hours: Daily except Monday, approximately 6 AM – 1 PM
• Best time: 8-10 AM for freshest selection and authentic atmosphere
• What to try: Socca (chickpea pancake), pissaladière (onion tart)
• Etiquette: Don’t touch produce unless invited; greet vendors with “Bonjour”

Learn about the market’s fascinating history.

Fort Carré

This impressive 16th-century fortress is one of the best examples of military architecture on the French Riviera. The star-shaped design by military engineer Vauban has never been conquered.

What makes it special:

• Perfect star-shaped fortress design
• Panoramic 360-degree views from the top
• Original Vauban military architecture
• Historic significance (never conquered despite multiple sieges)
• Views of Antibes, the Mediterranean, and the Alps on clear days

Visiting information:

• Access: Guided tours only (tours in French, some English available)
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, check current schedule
• Cost: €3 adults
• Duration: Tours last approximately 45 minutes
• Note: Uphill walk and stairs; wear comfortable shoes

Our complete Fort Carré guide explains why it’s never been conquered.

Cap d’Antibes

This exclusive peninsula south of Antibes town center features beautiful coastal scenery, luxury villas, and the famous Sentier du Littoral coastal walking path.

Sentier du Littoral (Coastal Path)

This public footpath circles the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, offering 5 kilometers of spectacular Mediterranean views, rocky coves, and glimpses of Belle Époque villas.

Route details:

• Distance: 5 km complete loop (can do sections)
• Duration: 2-3 hours for full loop at leisurely pace
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some rocky sections
• Surface: Natural path, some stone steps
• Scenery: Mediterranean views, rocky coastline, pine forests

Highlights along the way:

• Plage de la Garoupe (popular beach with clear water)
• Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Port (sailors’ chapel)
• Villa Eilenroc (19th-century villa with gardens, sometimes open to public)
• Spectacular viewpoints
• Hidden rocky coves

See our detailed Sentier du Littoral guide with maps and timing.

Plage de la Garoupe

One of the most popular beaches in Antibes, located on the eastern side of Cap d’Antibes. The beach has clear water and a mix of sand and pebbles.

Facilities:

• Beach clubs with lounger/umbrella rentals
• Public beach sections (free)
• Restaurants and cafés
• Parking nearby (paid)

Port Vauban

Europe’s largest superyacht marina regularly hosts some of the world’s most expensive and impressive boats. Even if you’re not a billionaire, it’s fascinating to walk the quays and admire these floating palaces.

What to see:

• Superyachts over 50 meters long
• Quai des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Quay) with the largest berths (can accommodate yachts over 100m)
• Modern marina facilities
• Maritime atmosphere
• Waterfront cafés and restaurants

Best time to visit: May-September when the most impressive yachts are present. Evening is particularly beautiful when boats are illuminated.

Read our complete Port Vauban guide.

Beaches

Antibes has several beaches, each with different character:

Plage de la Gravette

Small sandy beach in the old town, sheltered by the ramparts. Family-friendly with shallow water, restaurants nearby, and old town atmosphere.

Best for: Families with children, quick swim near old town
Facilities: Restaurants, showers, free public beach

Plage de la Salis

Long sandy beach with views back toward the old town and Fort Carré. Popular with locals and visitors.

Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, long beach walks
Facilities: Restaurants, beach clubs, public sections, parking

Juan-les-Pins Beaches

The Juan-les-Pins area (part of Antibes municipality) has several sandy beaches with beach clubs, water sports, and a livelier atmosphere.

Best for: Beach clubs, water sports, younger crowd
Season: Most beach clubs operate June-September

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

Place Nationale

This charming square in the heart of the old town is surrounded by colorful buildings, cafés, and restaurants. It’s a lovely spot to sit at a café and watch daily life in Antibes.

What’s here:

• Traditional Provençal square
• Cafés with outdoor seating
• Historic buildings
• Central location for exploring old town

Best time: Morning coffee or evening apéritif

Archaeological Museum (Musée d’Archéologie)

Located in the Bastion Saint-André, this small museum displays artifacts from Antibes’ Greek and Roman periods, including amphorae, pottery, coins, and everyday objects from ancient Antipolis.

Collection:

• Greek pottery and amphorae
• Roman artifacts
• Underwater archaeological finds
• History of ancient Antipolis

Visiting:

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (check current schedule)
• Cost: €3 adults
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Location: Bastion Saint-André on the ramparts

Jardin Thuret (Thuret Garden)

This botanical garden on Cap d’Antibes features Mediterranean and exotic plants. Created in 1857 by botanist Gustave Thuret, it’s now a scientific research station but open to visitors.

What to see:

• Mediterranean and exotic plant species
• Botanical research station
• Peaceful garden atmosphere
• Scientific plant collections

Visiting:

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (free)
• Location: Cap d’Antibes, 90 Chemin Raymond
• Best for: Plant enthusiasts, peaceful walk

Juan-les-Pins

Technically part of Antibes municipality, Juan-les-Pins has a different atmosphere—livelier, younger, and more beach-focused. It’s famous for its Jazz à Juan festival every July.

What’s here:

• Sandy beaches with beach clubs
• Waterfront promenade
• Restaurants and nightlife
• Jazz festival venues
• Pine forests (which gave Juan-les-Pins its name)

Best for: Beach days, evening entertainment, younger atmosphere

Read our complete Juan-les-Pins guide.

Guided Historical Walking Tour

To truly understand what you’re seeing in Antibes, consider joining a guided historical tour. You’ll learn about the layers of history from Greek founding through Roman period to medieval fortifications and modern times.

What you’ll learn:

• Greek and Roman history of Antipolis
• Medieval and Renaissance architecture
• Historical significance of fortifications
• Picasso’s connection to Antibes
• Stories and context that bring the old town to life

Our tour details:

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Group size: Maximum 6 people for intimate experience
• Languages: Available in English and French
• Guide: Local historian Simon with 8+ years of archival research
• Cost: €30 per person (children under 16 free)
• Booking: Reserve online, 15% discount booking 1 month ahead

Learn more about what to expect on the tour.

How to Plan Your Sightseeing

One Day in Antibes

If you only have one day, focus on:

• Morning: Historical walking tour or self-guided old town exploration
• Mid-morning: Marché Provençal and Picasso Museum
• Lunch: Restaurant in old town
• Afternoon: Cap d’Antibes walk or beach time
• Evening: Sunset from ramparts, dinner in Vieil Antibes

See our detailed one-day itinerary.

Two-Three Days

With more time, add:

• Fort Carré visit
• Full Sentier du Littoral coastal walk
• Beach day at Plage de la Salis or Garoupe
• Archaeological Museum
• Juan-les-Pins exploration
• More time relaxing in cafés and restaurants

Longer Stays

If staying longer, consider day trips to:

• Nice (20 minutes by train)
• Cannes (10 minutes by train)
• Monaco (40 minutes by train)
• Medieval villages (Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze)
• Grasse (perfume capital, 40 minutes)

See our guide to 10 best day trips from Antibes.

Practical Sightseeing Tips

Best time of day: Start early (8-10 AM) to see markets and avoid crowds. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) is also pleasant with better light for photos.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes essential (cobblestones!). Sun protection in summer. Modest clothing if visiting the cathedral.

Tickets and costs: Most attractions are inexpensive (€3-8). Many outdoor sights (ramparts, Porte de France, market exterior) are free.

Language: In tourist areas, English is understood. French phrases appreciated. Our guided tours available in English and French.

Crowds: July-August busiest. May-June and September-October offer better weather-to-crowd ratios.

Monday closures: Market closed Mondays. Many museums closed Mondays. Plan accordingly.

Getting Around Antibes

Walking: Old town and most attractions walkable. From train station to old town is 10-15 minute walk.

Bus: Local buses connect different areas (beaches, Cap d’Antibes, Juan-les-Pins). €1.50 per trip.

Parking: Difficult in old town. Use peripheral parking lots (paid). Cap d’Antibes and beaches have parking areas (paid in summer).

Train: Antibes station has frequent connections to Nice, Cannes, Monaco. See our complete transportation guide.

Where to Stay

Choose your location based on priorities:

• Old Town: Walking distance to sights, authentic atmosphere
• Cap d’Antibes: Luxury hotels, peaceful, nature and beaches
• Juan-les-Pins: Sandy beaches, livelier, younger crowd
• Marina area: Modern, waterfront, good facilities

Read our guide to where to stay in Antibes with specific hotel recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Antibes offers remarkable depth for a relatively small town. From 2,500-year-old Greek and Roman foundations to medieval ramparts, Renaissance châteaux, Picasso’s artistic legacy, and modern superyacht culture, there’s genuine historical and cultural substance here.

Unlike some French Riviera towns that feel like stage sets for tourists, Antibes remains a real place where locals live and work. The old town isn’t a museum—it’s a living neighborhood with authentic markets, traditional cafés, and centuries of continuous habitation.

Take time to see beyond the obvious attractions. Explore the narrow streets, walk the ramparts at sunset, sit in a café at Place Nationale, and perhaps join a guided tour to understand the layers of history beneath your feet.

The best of Antibes reveals itself slowly to those who look carefully.