Oozing both glamour and charm, Antibes is a picturesque seaside town situated between Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera.
From Serge Gainsbourg to Kendall Jenner, Antibes has been a hotspot holiday destination amongst the rich and famous for years, with many celebrities frequenting the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
This guide will take you through some top attractions, hidden gems and culinary recommendations, including some great options for those keen to experience the beautiful town on a budget.
1. Top Attractions
1. Marché Provençal
Daily from 6 am to 1 pm (except Mondays between 1 September to 31 May)
Nestled in the heart of the old town, a stroll through this food market is a sensory delight; stalls selling locally grown fruit and veg, fish, meats, cheeses and spices line this grand outdoor hall. The Marché Provençal is the perfect place to experience authentic produce from the region.
2. Fort Carré
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
(€3 standard, €1.50 students, free for under-18s)
This star-shaped fort offers panoramic views over the marina and the coastline towards Nice. Included in the ticket price is a guided tour of the sixteenth-century fort, which starts every thirty minutes.
If you don’t fancy paying to enter the fort, it is still worth a walk around its exterior, starting alongside the Port Vauban, coming around the Fort and heading back towards Antibes down the Avenue du 11 novembre.
3. Cap d’Antibes
Need to stretch your legs after too much time lying on the beach? This hike of about 5km around the peninsula is a great way to see the wilder coastlines of Antibes, some of its clearest waters, and of course, some of the most expensive real estate in the area.
Starting at Plage de la Garoupe, you take the pathway around the headland. Follow the paved pathway until you reach the Baie des Millardaires, where you will leave the coast and head back inland towards the Plage de la Garoupe. Along the way, you will find little bays of dazzlingly blue water, which offer the perfect opportunity to cool off if you are hiking on a hot day.
2. Hidden Gems
1. The Safranier district
Often overlooked by tourists in favour of the coastal views from the ramparts nearby, the Safranier district hosts some beautifully tranquil residential streets, blooming with flowers and plants of every colour. These streets are a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the old town and a perfect photo opportunity.
2. Boulangerie Veziano
Wednesday to Sunday, 6:30 am to 1pm
Located on Rue des Bains, this quaint bakery has been passed down through generations from 1924. Boulangerie Veziano is a great place to pick up your morning pastries after a stroll through the nearby Marché Provençal, and the steps outside, bordered by greenery, are a great place to take a photo.
3. Getting Around
Antibes is compact enough that it is easy to get everywhere by foot. Crossing over to Juan Les Pins takes only twenty-five minutes from the old town straight down Boulevard du Président Wilson.
If you wanted to travel to another area along the coast, the train from the Gare d’Antibes is your best option, both towards Cannes and all the way towards Italy.
However, if renting a car suits you best, there is an independent car rental company in Antibes called Midi Location (midi-location.fr).
4. Food & Drink
1. Key West
On the thriving Boulevard d’Aguillon, Key West is a great budget option providing non-stop service throughout the day. Whether you are after a fresh salad, a burger, a bagel or a lighter snack, this café is a great way to escape some of the higher-priced eateries on this road. They also serve cheap pichets of wine (€6.50 for 50cl) if you are in the mood for a tipple.
2. Gusto Antibes
If the weather is pleasant, having a pizza picnic on the Plage de la Gravette is a wonderful way to refuel whilst saving your pennies. There is a small pizza vendor called Gusto Antibes hidden around the corner from the main strip of restaurants, where you have the option of buying pizza by the slice.
3. Chamkila
If you need a break from Mediterranean cuisine, this little Indian restaurant on Rue Sade offers an extensive menu of meat, fish and vegetarian curries. The musoor dal is particularly delicious and is only €7.50, making Chamkila one of the cheapest eats in the old town, as well as being a brilliant option for vegetarians and vegans. The host is delightfully smiley and friendly and will make you feel welcome right away!
4. Absinthe Bar
Just opposite Chamkila you will find the Absinthe Bar, which you enter by going down the winding staircase and into the atmospheric cellar. The bar itself is small and cosy; the walls covered floor to ceiling with retro posters and regular live music. There is an extensive list of various types of absinthe on offer, the cheapest being around €7. The friendly bartender will happily explain to you how the ritualistic preparation of the drink works! Don’t worry if you aren’t feeling brave enough to sample the potent spirit; there are plenty of other alcoholic and soft drinks on the menu.
Words and photographs by Eloïse Clarke