Best Holidays in Antibes on the French Rivera - Travel Guide

Antibes is a charming coastal town located on the French Riviera.

Antibes is known for…

Its picturesque old town, also known as the “Vieil Antibes,” is a charming maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and shops. The old town is a great place to wander around and discover the town’s history and culture.
Its beautiful beaches. Keep reading to find out which beaches ar the best ones…
Its luxurious yachts at the large marina. Here you can see some of the largest and most expensive yachts in the world. The marina is also home to the famous Billionaires’ Quay, where some of the world’s wealthiest people dock their yachts.
It’s art and culture, like the Picasso Museum. The Picasso Museum houses an impressive collection of works by the famous artist, who lived and worked in Antibes for a period of time. In addition to the Picasso Museum, the town is also known for its art galleries and cultural events, such as the annual jazz festival.
Its proximity to other famous towns of the French Riviera as a result of Antibes being in the heart of the French Riviera. Antibes’ central location makes it a great base for exploring nearby towns such as Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

ANTIBES WEATHER

Getting there

There are several ways to get to Antibes, depending on your location and personal preferences:

By plane: The nearest airport to Antibes is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is located about 20km west of Antibes. From the airport, you can take a bus, a train, or a taxi to Antibes.
By train: Antibes has a train station with regular services to Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and other destinations on the French Riviera. If you are traveling from Paris or other major French cities, you can take the TGV to Nice and then transfer to a local train to Antibes.

By bus: There are regular bus services from Nice and other nearby towns to Antibes.
By car: Antibes is easily accessible by car, it is located on the A8 motorway, which connects the town to Nice and other destinations on the French Riviera. If you are planning to rent a car, it’s a good idea to book in advance, as high demand during the summer months can mean limited availability and higher prices.
By boat: Antibes also has a port, where you can take a boat trip to nearby destinations such as Cannes, Monaco, and St Tropez.

Once you arrive in Antibes, the town is small enough to explore by foot, however, there are also buses and taxis available if needed.

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Best time to go to antibe

The best time to holiday in Antibes depends on your preferences. If you want to enjoy warm weather and swim in the Mediterranean sea, the summer months of June to September are the best time to visit. During this time, the weather is usually hot and sunny, and the beaches are the busiest.

However, if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, the spring and fall are also great times to visit. During the months of April to May and September to October, the weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy the town and its surroundings without the crowds. The landscapes and gardens around Antibes are also particularly colorful during these months.

Lastly, if you are looking to enjoy the Christmas markets, festive lights, and the mild winter weather, December to February are the best time to visit. During this time, the town is decorated with festive lights, and the Christmas markets are open, which makes it an ideal time for a winter holiday.

So, Antibes offers a great holiday experience all year round, depending on your preferences you can choose the best time to visit.

Free Things to do

Take a stroll along the famous Promenade de la Croisette, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade is a great place for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or to relax and watch the sunset.
Visit the Fort Carré, a 16th-century fort located on a hilltop overlooking the town. The fort offers great views of the town and the sea and is a nice place to explore.
Relax on one of the many public beaches, such as Plage de la Salis, Plage de la Gravette, and Plage du Ponteil. The beaches are free to access and are great places to soak up the sun and swim in the Mediterranean sea.
Visit the Provencal Market, held every Tuesday and Saturday, where you can find local products such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, olives, and more. It’s an amazing market, changing its “colors” like a chameleon! At different times of the day, the market changes from flowers to fresh produce to meat and so on. It’s an absolute treat!
Take a walk in the Parc Exflora, a botanical garden that offers a variety of Mediterranean plants and flowers. The park is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Attend one of the free outdoor concerts, theater shows, and other cultural events held in the town throughout the year.

Visit the Antibes Marina, where you can see the luxurious yachts, and the famous Billionaires’ Quay, where some of the largest and most expensive yachts in the world are moored.

Visit the historic old town of Antibes, where you can explore the winding streets lined with colorful houses, shops, and art galleries. The old town is a great place to wander around and discover the town’s history and culture.

Nearby towns to visit

Cannes: Known for its glamorous film festival and luxury boutiques.
Nice: Known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Known for its charming old town and art galleries.
Monte Carlo: Monaco’s royal principality and home to the famous Monaco Grand Prix.

Eat & Drink in Antibes

Try some of the delicious local seafood, such as bouillabaisse (a fish stew) or socca (a type of chickpea pancake).
Enjoy a glass of local rosé wine, which is produced in the nearby region of Côtes de Provence.
Indulge in some traditional French desserts, such as crème brûlée or tarte tatin.
Wine and dine in one of the many restaurants that are in the very same place as the market that I’ve mentioned earlier on. The vibe is excellent.

These travel essentials are some of Travel and Home’s most popular travel necessities and they also make great gifts!

FAQ: Is Antibes an expensive holiday destination?

Antibes is considered to be a relatively expensive holiday destination compared to some other places in France, as it is a popular tourist destination located in the French Riviera, known for its luxury resorts, high-end restaurants, and designer boutiques.

Accommodation in Antibes can be expensive, especially during the peak summer months, when prices for hotels and vacation rentals tend to be higher. However, there are also options for budget-friendly accommodation, such as hostels and camping sites.

Food and drinks can also be expensive, especially in the more upscale restaurants and cafes. However, there are also plenty of options for budget-friendly dining, such as street food vendors, local markets, and bistros.

Additionally, some of the main attractions such as visiting the Picasso Museum, and boat tours around the luxurious yachts can be quite costly.

That being said, there are also many free activities to do in Antibes such as the ones I’ve shared earlier on. It’s also possible to plan and budget accordingly, to make the most of your holiday in Antibes without breaking the bank.

Places to stay with a Sea View in Antibes

This luxurious hotel, located on the beach, offers beautiful views and a sophisticated atmosphere.

The Royal Antibes sits next to the beach and is only five minutes on foot from the old town of Antibes. That makes it a perfect location and with the hotel’s outstanding service, it is a perfect choice to stay at while you’re in Antibes.

Ancre du Cap is a 5-minute walk to the beach and 2.8 km from Picasso Museum.

“Good size property so not too many people. Nice quiet location but close enough to the beach and amenities.” – Alistair, UK.

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