Antibes is Famous For Its Grimaldi Connection But Its Stunning Coastal Views and Beaches Will Steal Your Heart

I had not been to Antibes until recently, and I wonder now why it took me so long. It’s seriously one of the best spots on the French Riviera and the perfect place to base yourself if you’re doing a road trip on the Riviera like I was. The old town is gorgeous, with sun-drenched streets and that lovely relaxed feel the entire region seems to have. 

If you’re into art, Musée Picasso is a must. Even if you’re not big on museums, the sea views from the terrace alone are worth it. Cap d’Antibes has the most amazing coastal walk with a trail that winds around cliffs and hidden coves. And then there’s Port Vauban, with its mega yachts.

There is something special about this place: its gorgeous light and the Mediterranean sparkling before you. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, sip your coffee a little longer, and suddenly understand why people fall in love with the South of France.

A Potted History of Antibes

I can’t go anywhere without finding out the backstory of the place I’m visiting. What can I say? I’m a history gal, so if history isn’t your thing, skip this bit and go to the “Things to Add to Your Must-See List in Antibes.”

So it all started in the 4th century BC—yep, it’s that old. It was discovered by some Greeks from Marseilles who decided it was a prime spot to set up a new trading post, which is what they did. They named it Antipolis, meaning “Opposite City,” because it’s opposite Nice across the Var River. 

Fast forward a bit, and the Romans roll in. They see the potential here and start building roads, aqueducts, you name it. Antipolis becomes a bustling hub, connecting various parts of the empire. The remnants of their fortifications are still visible today, like the ancient walls near the Porte de l’Orme. 

Jump to the Middle Ages, and things get a bit turbulent. Saracen pirates were causing trouble along the coast, leading to the construction of more defenses. The Grimaldi family, yes, the same lineage that rules Monaco, took control of Antibes in the late 14th century. They set up residence in what we now call the Château Grimaldi. ​

In the 16th century, King Henry II of France decided Antibes needed a serious upgrade to fend off invasions. Enter Fort Carré, a star-shaped fortress that looks like something out of a medieval sci-fi movie. It was later enhanced by the famed military engineer Vauban under Louis XIV. 

By the 20th century, Antibes had transformed into a haven for artists and writers. Pablo Picasso spent six months here in 1946, working in the Château Grimaldi, which later became the Musée Picasso. Imagine creating masterpieces with the Mediterranean as your backdrop. I know it did wonders for my writing when I was there.

Things to Add to Your Must See List in Antibes

So now that you know the backstory, what would I recommend seeing while you’re in Antibes? Well, I have quite a few things on the list, so you’ve got plenty to choose from.

The Old Town (Vieil Antibes)

The first thing you need to do is go for a wander. There’s nothing like walking through a place to get a feel for it, and the old town in Antibes is pretty special. When you step through the old stone archways into Vieil Antibes, the first thing that grabs you is the colors: earthy yellows, soft terracotta, and blues that match the sea. It’s like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard.

Bougainvillea spills over wrought-iron balconies, and wooden shutters, slightly weathered from the salty air, stand half-open, hinting at life behind them. Of course, I couldn’t help but try and catch a glimpse inside each one I passed. My poor hubby hates me doing it, but it fascinates me, and if they don’t want me to look in, they shouldn’t leave the window open. 

The streets are narrow, winding, and full of surprises, and that’s part of the fun. You never really know what’s around the next corner: a tucked-away wine bar, a courtyard draped in wisteria, or a street musician playing on the accordion. Look down, and you’ll notice how smooth the cobblestones are, polished by centuries of footsteps.

What to Look Out For:

• Marché Provençal – If you’re here in the morning, you can’t miss this covered market bursting with life. 
• Rue Sade – A lively street with independent shops and art galleries. This is where handmade ceramics, lavender-infused soaps, and woven baskets are found.
• Place Nationale – One of the town’s main squares, where you’ll likely stumble upon an impromptu game of pétanque. Grab a coffee at a café, sit back, and watch the world go by.
• The Absinthe Bar – Hidden beneath the old market, this dimly lit spot feels like a time capsule. If you’re curious (and feeling brave), try the green fairy’s infamous drink; just go easy on it as it is strong.

Musée Picasso

In 1946, after the turmoil of World War II, Picasso sought solace and inspiration along the French Riviera. The curator of the then Musée Grimaldi, Romuald Dor de la Souchère, extended an invitation to Picasso to use the castle as his studio. Embracing the opportunity, Picasso set up his workspace in the historic Château Grimaldi. 

Picasso’s creativity flourished from September to November 1946, not surprisingly, given his surroundings. He produced a series of works that captured the essence of the region’s light and spirit. In a gesture of gratitude, Picasso left 23 paintings and 44 drawings to the museum, marking the beginning of its transformation into a dedicated space for his art. By 1966, the Château Grimaldi was officially renamed the Musée Picasso, becoming the first museum dedicated to the artist’s oeuvre. 

The museum is a must-see, in my opinion. Overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, the terrace provides panoramic views that once inspired Picasso. As you wander through the historic halls, it’s easy to imagine the artist at work, influenced by the same vistas that now captivate visitors.​ Notable works include “La Joie de Vivre,” a vibrant depiction of seaside revelry, and “The Goat,” a whimsical sculpture that showcases his playful side. 

Beyond Picasso’s contributions, the museum also houses works by other modern artists, offering a broader perspective on 20th-century art movements.​

The Beaches

Antibes has some of the best beaches on the Riviera, and whether you want soft sand, calm waters, or a bit of a scene, there’s a perfect spot for you.

• Plage de la Gravette – Right by the old town, this small, sheltered beach is ideal if you want to dip in the Med without trekking too far. 
• Plage de la Salis – One of the best sandy beaches with a gorgeous view of the old town and the Alps in the distance.
• Plage de la Garoupe—This is the place to go if you’re after something more exclusive. It’s home to private beach clubs where you can rent a lounger and sip a chilled rosé with your toes in the sand. I found a small free section where you can lay out your towel. 
• Juan-les-Pins Beaches – Juan-les-Pins (technically next door to Antibes) has long stretches of sandy beach with beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. It’s where you’ll find the party crowd.

The Ramparts

Anywhere with ramparts is a drawcard for me. My favorite are the ones in the walled city of Carcassonne, also in the south of France. Walking along Antibes’ ramparts feels like stepping into history with a sea breeze in your hair. These walls have stood strong since the 16th century, originally built to protect the town from pirate raids and invading forces. 

At one point, they were part of an extensive defense system designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military mastermind, who turned Antibes into a fortified stronghold. Today, these ancient stone walls still hug the coastline, with some of the best sea views in town. As you walk, you’ll see the turrets, bastions, and old cannons, remnants of a time when Antibes was on the front line of coastal defense. The Bastion Saint-André and Bastion Saint-Jaume are still intact, giving you a real sense of the town’s military past.

The best part? The views. On one side, the Mediterranean stretches out endlessly; on the other, the terracotta rooftops of Vieil Antibes. If you walk towards the Nomade sculpture, a striking white lattice figure gazing out to sea, you’ll reach one of the most photogenic spots in Antibes.

Nomade Sculpture

The Nomade sculpture is a giant white figure made entirely of letters​​ gazing out to sea. This is Nomade, a modern sculpture by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, which has become one of Antibes’ most striking landmarks.

Standing over eight meters tall, Nomade isn’t a solid statue but a hollow human form of intertwined letters from different alphabets. It looks almost weightless like woven from the sea breeze. During the day, the sunlight plays through the gaps, creating shifting shadows on the ground. At night, it’s illuminated, glowing against the dark sky.

There’s something profoundly thought-provoking about Nomade, or there was for me. The letters represent languages, cultures, and ideas, and the open structure suggests a mind still forming, open to the world. Some say it symbolizes travelers, dreamers, or even the artists and writers who have long been drawn to Antibes.

Port Vauban

Port Vauban is one of the biggest and most luxurious marinas in Europe. This is where the superyachts of billionaires, celebrities, and royalty dock under the Riviera sun. But before it became a playground for the ultra-rich, it was a crucial military port, defending Antibes for centuries.

Named after Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, Louis XIV’s military genius, Fort Carré fortified the port in the 17th century as part of Antibes’ coastal defenses. It was a naval stronghold filled with warships instead of floating mansions. Fort Carré, standing guard over the entrance, is a reminder of those days, its star-shaped design making it nearly impenetrable.

You’ll see everything from small fishing boats to 100-meter megayachts. Some even have onboard pools, helipads, and staff that probably outnumber the guests. The area known as “Quai des Milliardaires” (Billionaires’ Quay) is where the biggest ones are moored. I spent a happy hour daydreaming as I walked around, but it was almost impossible to decide which one I’d want. They were all amazing and well out of my price range. But one can dream.

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret

Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret is a breath of fresh air if you need a break from the sea and stone streets. This peaceful botanical garden on the Cap d’Antibes feels like a secret escape, tucked away from the busier parts of town.

Founded in 1857 by Gustave Thuret, a passionate botanist, the garden was his personal playground for experimenting with exotic plants. Thanks to Antibes’ Mediterranean climate, he grew species from all over the world. Walking through, you’ll find soaring eucalyptus trees from Australia, towering palm species, and rare conifers, all blending in a wonderfully wild mix.

The garden isn’t overly manicured. It has a natural, almost untamed beauty. Birds dart between branches, the scent of pine and jasmine lingers, and the sunlight filters through leaves, creating dappled patterns on the paths. If you slow down and listen, you might even hear the rustling of the wind through bamboo groves.

Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk

If you want to see the French Riviera at its absolute best, the Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk, also known as Sentier du Littoral or the Tire-Poil trail, is the way to do it. It’s one of the most breathtaking walks in the region, winding along the rocky coastline with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. It really does take your breath away.

The trail starts near Plage de la Garoupe, a spot that once attracted literary legends like F. Scott Fitzgerald. From there, it twists through a landscape of wildflowers, pine trees, and dramatic limestone formations. The contrast is stunning: the deep blues of the sea, the bright white rocks, and the lush greenery of the Cap.

What You’ll See Along the Way:

• Turquoise coves and hidden swimming spots—bring your swimsuit and take a dip if the water is calm. The sea here is unbelievably clear.
• Villa Eilenroc – A grand 19th-century mansion with sprawling gardens perched right on the edge of the cap.
• Billionaire Estates – Some of the most expensive villas in France are tucked away here, hidden behind high walls and thick foliage.
• Panoramic Views – On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps in one direction and the Lérins Islands in the other.

A Few Things to Know:

• The walk is about 5 km (3 miles) round trip, so wear decent shoes—it’s rocky in places.
• The path isn’t always shaded, so if you’re walking in summer, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
• It can be closed during rough weather, as waves sometimes crash onto the trail.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea

Right in the heart of Vieil Antibes, tucked between the old stone streets and bustling squares, stands the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea. It’s not as grand as Notre Dame in Paris, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character.

The site has been a place of worship since Roman times. It was originally a temple dedicated to Mercury before evolving into a Christian church. The cathedral as you see it today dates back to the 12th century, though it has been rebuilt and restored multiple times thanks to pirate raids, wars, and the general wear and tear of time.

What to Look For Inside & Out:

• The Façade —Painted in a warm shade of terracotta-pink, the front of the cathedral glows in Riviera sunlight. The carved doorway, added in the 18th century, is incredibly detailed and features ornate stonework that tells its own story.
• The Bell Tower—Rising above the town, this medieval tower once served as a watchtower, keeping an eye on approaching invaders.
• The Wooden Altar – Inside, the cathedral is peaceful and unpretentious, but look for the beautifully crafted 17th-century wooden altarpiece, an intricate masterpiece that draws the eye.
• The Jean-Baptiste Painting – One of the cathedral’s hidden gems is a stunning Saint John the Baptist painting by Louis Bréa, a famous Provençal artist from the Renaissance period.

Explore the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique

Tucked away in Vieil Antibes, this little museum is one of the most unexpected finds in town. If you love art with a sense of humor, the Musée Peynet et du Dessin Humoristique is worth a stop.

Raymond Peynet was a French illustrator famous for his “Lovers” (Les Amoureux) drawings, a series of sweet, slightly quirky sketches featuring a poet and his beloved in romantic, dreamlike scenes.

Think whimsical Parisian love stories on paper, full of soft lines and gentle humor. His work became iconic in France, appearing on everything from posters to postage stamps and even inspiring a series of jewelry and dolls.

This isn’t your typical stuffy museum—it’s lighthearted, creative, and a little different from everything else in Antibes. Plus, it’s small enough to wander through in under an hour, making it an easy stop between exploring the old town and grabbing a coffee in Place Nationale.

Absinthe Museum

Hidden beneath the Marché Provençal, down a stone staircase that feels like you’re sneaking into a speakeasy, is one of Antibes’ quirkiest attractions, Le Musée de l’Absinthe. It’s part museum and bar and fully dedicated to France’s most infamous drink: the Green Fairy.

Absinthe has a long and dramatic history. First distilled in the late 18th century, it quickly became the drink of choice for artists, writers, and bohemians in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Hemingway were all fans, believing it sparked creativity (or at least made things more interesting).

But absinthe got a lousy reputation, blamed for hallucinations, madness, and moral decline; it was banned in France in 1915. The ban lasted nearly a century before being lifted in the early 2000s, allowing absinthe to reclaim its place in French drinking culture.

What You’ll Find Inside:

• Antique Absinthe Fountains and Glasses – The museum is packed with 19th-century absinthe paraphernalia, from beautifully crafted fountains to traditional slotted spoons used for the ritualistic pouring of the drink.
• Posters and Memorabilia – Vintage advertisements and artwork show how absinthe was once marketed as a sophisticated aperitif and (somewhat hilariously) a health tonic.
• A Working Absinthe Bar—You can taste absinthe in the underground bar. The traditional method involves dripping cold water over a sugar cube balanced on a slotted spoon, slowly transforming the bright green liquid into a milky, clouded drink.

Villa Eilenroc

Sitting on the edge of the Cap d’Antibes, surrounded by manicured gardens and breathtaking sea views, Villa Eilenroc is like stepping into a time when the French Riviera was the ultimate playground for the rich and glamorous.

Built in the 1860s, this Belle Époque mansion was commissioned by a wealthy Dutchman, Hugh Hope Loudon. The name Eilenroc is an anagram of his wife’s name, Cornelie, because, apparently, grand romantic gestures were a thing even in the 19th century.

Over the years, the villa changed hands between aristocrats and socialites. In the 1980s, it was eventually gifted to Antibes to be preserved as a cultural landmark. Today, it’s open to the public on select days, offering a rare chance to step inside the kind of place that once hosted Riviera’s elite.

What to See:

• The Villa Itself – A classic Belle Époque masterpiece with elegant rooms, antique furnishings, and the kind of terrace that just begs for a glass of rosé at sunset.
• The Gardens – The villa is surrounded by a large park filled with olive trees, winding pathways, and sweeping sea views.
• The Rose Garden – A highlight of the estate, featuring hundreds of varieties of roses, many of which were cultivated on the Riviera.

Musée d’Archéologie

High up in the Bastion Saint-André, overlooking the sea, sits Antibes’ Archaeology Museum, a small but fascinating collection of artifacts that tell the story of the town long before yachts and jazz festivals. If you’re curious about what life was like here in ancient times, this is where you’ll find the answers.

Antibes has been around for over 2,500 years, starting as the Greek trading post Antipolis before becoming an important Roman settlement. The museum showcases what’s been left behind over the centuries—things pulled from the sea dug up from ruins, or discovered beneath the very streets you’ve been walking on.

What You’ll See Inside:

• Ancient Pottery & Amphorae – Found in shipwrecks and ruins, these huge ceramic storage jars once carried wine, oil, and grain across the Mediterranean.
• Roman Mosaics & Inscriptions – Beautifully preserved pieces hinting at Antipolis’s grandeur during the Roman Empire.
• Tools, Coins, & Jewelry – Coins used in local markets, delicate gold jewelry worn by Roman women, and tools that once built this town.
• Shipwreck Finds – Fragments of sunken Roman and Greek vessels that once sailed these waters.

Fort Carré

Standing on a rocky outcrop just outside the old town, Fort Carré looks like something straight out of a history book. It has thick stone walls, a star-shaped design, and a commanding view over the Mediterranean.

Built in the 16th century under King Henry II, Fort Carré was designed to protect Antibes from attacks by the County of Nice, which at the time belonged to the Duchy of Savoy. 

Later, the famous military engineer Vauban (the same mastermind behind many of France’s best fortifications) reinforced the structure, giving it the star-shaped layout that made it nearly impossible for cannon fire to cause major damage. Over the years, the fort was used as a garrison, a lookout post, and even a military prison. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte was briefly held here during his early military career.

What to Expect When You Visit:

• The Architecture – The perfectly symmetrical four-pointed star design is an engineering marvel; from above, it looks like something from a strategy game.
• The Views – From the top of the ramparts, you get a complete panorama of Antibes, the marina, and even the Alps in the distance. It’s one of the best vantage points in town.
• The Interior – Inside, you’ll find old barracks, guard towers, and stone passageways, giving you a feel for what life was like for the soldiers stationed here.
• A Peaceful Walk – The fort is surrounded by a protected 4-hectare park, with coastal plants and wildflowers growing along the rocky cliffs.

Practical Info for Visiting Antibes

How Much Time Do You Need?

Two days in Antibes is just right to see the highlights without rushing. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Half a day for Vieil Antibes (old town, market, ramparts, and Port Vauban)
• A few hours for Musée Picasso, the Nomade sculpture, and a relaxed lunch
• An afternoon for a beach session or the Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk
• A morning to visit Fort Carré and the Musée d’Archéologie
• A bit of extra time? Wander the Commune Libre du Safranier, stop by the Absinthe Museum, or visit Villa Eilenroc.

If you just want a taste of Antibes, you can cover Vieil Antibes, the ramparts, Port Vauban, and a beach in one full day and still get the essence of the town.

How to Get There

• By Train: The most straightforward way! Antibes is on the main Nice-Cannes-Marseille train line. The TER regional trains stop frequently, and the station is just a 10-minute walk from the old town.
• By Car: Parking can be tricky in summer if you’re driving. Your best bets are Parking Pré-aux-Pêcheurs (near the port) or Parking la Poste (closer to the center).
• By Plane: The closest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur (20 km away). From there, take the train (30 minutes) or drive (around 25 minutes).

Where to Stay in Antibes

Luxury: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

If you want full-on Riviera glamour, this is it. A legendary five-star hotel on the Cap d’Antibes, with private terraces, infinity pools, and a history of hosting celebrities and royals. It’s pricey, but if you’re splurging, there’s nowhere better.

Check rates and availability >>>

Mid-Range: La Place Boutique Hôtel

It’s a pretty little hotel in the heart of Vieil Antibes. Stylish, comfortable, and walking distance to everything. Great if you want something central without breaking the bank.

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Hôtel de l’Étoile

A budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Antibes with comfortable rooms and modern amenities at affordable rates. Great proximity to local attractions, restaurants, and public transportation.

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Final Tip: If you’re visiting in peak summer (July & August), book early because Antibes fills up fast!

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