The old town of Antibes is surrounded by ancient walls and steeped in history, but it’s one of the liveliest and most beautiful spots on the French Riviera, with pleasant beaches, a harbor full of superyachts, and a stunning old town with narrow cobblestone streets, markets, and cafés.
Antibes’ iconic skyline is a wonderful jumble of old buildings, crowned by the towering Musée Picasso. Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, is home to some truly massive and impressive yachts, and the old fortress stands guard at the edge of the marina.
Antibes sits east of Cannes, and offers a calmer, more traditional atmosphere compared to the glitzy, high-energy vibe of Cannes. Its old town is a cluster of fun cafés and bars, ice cream shops and boutiques, along with its bustling Provençal market. You’ll also find sandy beaches and more than a few villas belonging to oligarchs.
Flights to Antibes and how to get there
To get to Antibes, you’ll need to fly into Nice, to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. From the airport, you can take a train, which takes about 25 minutes. Tickets start at 14 euros. You can also take a bus (a 40-minute ride).
So if you’re planning a trip to Antibes, what you need is a flight to Nice. You can fly there with airlines like Air France and easyJet, among others. Flight times and prices vary quite a bit depending on the airline and your departure point, but you can find real bargains, starting around 50 euros on easyJet, with other routes costing closer to 400 dollars.
For more information on flights to Nice
Weather in Antibes
In spring (March to May), temperatures in Antibes range between 12°C and 20°C. Antibes is especially beautiful in bloom during spring. This is a great time for anyone who loves peaceful garden walks. Tourist traffic is far from its peak, making spring a less crowded time to discover the town. The charm of the Mediterranean setting is even more pronounced, as cafés and restaurants open up their outdoor terraces to diners, so you can eat right in the open air.
In summer (June to August), temperatures warm up considerably, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, and occasionally climbing to highs you’d expect from a true Mediterranean heat wave. This is the peak of beach season in Antibes. On the French Riviera, summer draws locals and tourists alike to the beaches to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports. The cultural scene is thriving too, with numerous festivals and events. Long daylight hours give you plenty of time to make the most of your day. Nightlife is lively, with the energy of beach parties, nightclubs, and evening markets.
During fall (September to November) in Antibes, temperatures range between 14°C and 24°C. The sea, warmed up over the summer, still draws visitors for beach outings in early fall, but the area is now less crowded. The town takes on a more rustic feel, and the parks turn to autumn colors. It’s also a great season for food lovers: this is harvest time, bringing wine tastings and regional food festivals. The atmosphere is calmer compared to the summer bustle, which suits travelers looking for a more relaxed trip.
Winter (December to February) in Antibes isn’t very cold compared to the rest of Europe. Temperatures range between 8°C and 15°C. The relatively warm Mediterranean winter makes Antibes an appealing destination, an escape from the cold of northern Europe. In winter, you’ll have time to explore Antibes’ historical sites, museums, and art galleries in depth, all without the usual crowds of tourists. The holiday season brings a unique charm, with Christmas markets, sparkling lights, and plenty of seasonal events. Accommodation and travel rates are generally lower than in summer.
Hotels in Antibes
Antibes is packed with stylish luxury hotels offering excellent service and spacious rooms. The nicer hotels are usually found along the promenade, and some even have their own private beach. Antibes also has hotels for more modest budgets, as well as options suited for families with kids. Even the 3-star hotels are very good, if you know where to look. I’ve put together a list of hotels worth staying at.
Attractions and a walking route in Antibes
I visited Antibes as a guest of the tourism board, and I fell in love with it at first sight. The combination of an old town with a fascinating history, deep blue sea, and wonderful cuisine is exactly what I look for. The walking route you’ll find here includes things that interest me (like cathedrals and museums) as well as other elements that will enrich your trip (for example, a visit to a cellar where you can taste absinthe). Most of it is centered in the old town, but I added an extra section at the end covering Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
Link to the article:
Walking route in Antibes and Cap d’Antibes
Interesting events in Antibes
Summer in Antibes is packed with interesting events: outdoor orchestras, art exhibitions of every kind, fireworks shows, and more. In the rest of the year too, Antibes hosts plenty of events for every taste: a music festival, secondhand markets, a freestyle competition, jazz shows, and more.
Recommended restaurants in Antibes
It’s very hard to leave Antibes hungry, and as you’ll see, you’ll find no shortage of restaurants and cafés there. Here are a few solid options I’ve gathered for you.
Baba and LES PÊCHEURS restaurants
I’ve loved chef Assaf Granit’s cooking since my days living in Jerusalem. Over the years, the chef has opened a string of restaurants in France and even earned a Michelin star. He recently opened a restaurant called Baba at the luxury CAP D’ANTIBES BEACH HOTEL, and I got to eat there in July 2023.
Everything I ate there was delicious, the atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was excellent. My only note is that the food is quite similar to what you’ll find at his restaurants in Israel, although there were a few fish dishes (excellent ones) I don’t recall eating there.
If you’d like to try local French food, you’re welcome to eat at LES PÊCHEURS, located at the same hotel. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant with about 80 years of history, run by chef Nicolas Rondelli, specializing in seafood.
La Taverne du Safranier
Address: 1 Pl. du Safranier
A nice, reasonably priced bistro serving traditional Provençal dishes such as aïoli (not just garlic mayonnaise, but a full dish centered on poached fish and vegetables), pickled sardines, ravioli with the catch of the day, and more.
Open days and hours
Monday: Closed
Thursday: 19:30–21:30
Other days: 12:00–14:00 and 19:30–21:30
Les Vieux Murs
Address: 25 Prom. Amiral de Grasse
The previous restaurant I recommended is considered fairly casual. If you’re looking for something a bit more chic, Les Vieux Murs (the old walls) is just right for you.
The restaurant is located inside one of the old fortresses that once guarded the harbor (hence its name), and there you’ll find dishes typical of the south of France, such as the famous bouillabaisse, alongside pasta dishes, a reminder that the neighbors once belonged to the House of Savoy, which ruled Italy. Alongside all this, there’s also a tasting menu for 60 euros, where chef Stéphane Arnal cooks whatever that day’s muse dictates.
Link to the restaurant’s website
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