Today, we’re taking you to Antibes on the Côte d’Azur! Oh, the French Côte d’Azur… Years ago, it was love at first sight. One step into this beloved, famous, and delightful French coastal area, and we were hooked. Since then, we have visited the area countless times. This does not lessen our love; not at all: each year, we travel with as much enthusiasm and joy to this ultimate vacation destination. Twice a year? No problem. We love the Côte d’Azur, and the Côte d’Azur loves us. We are sure of it.
Why should this French coastal area be on your travel list? You can reach it by car or airplane (Nice), and it’s a lovely place to stay in both the low and shoulder seasons, plus the quality of accommodations and restaurants is high. No soggy sandwiches, but excellent French wines accompanied by fresh fish while looking out over the azure sea. Can you picture it? That’s what we mean. So, let’s go: hop in the car (or on the plane), hit the Route Du Soleil, and then leisurely head to the South of France (it is, after all, a vacation).
The Côte d’Azur beckons for many months of the year. Once you arrive, you must (well, you understand) add Antibes to your must-visit list. Antibes is one of the most beautiful seaside towns on the Côte d’Azur. This charming port town is known for its cozy, picturesque atmosphere, and every corner in the old town is worthy of a photo. Therefore, we lovingly present in this article: the best of Antibes. From attractions and activities to hotels and restaurants. Off to the French Côte d’Azur, off to Antibes.
Off to Southern France: Antibes
→ Useful: Flight deals to Nice
→ Recommend: Travel to the Côte d’Azur with TUI
The 5 Best Accommodations in Antibes
First things first, we share a few gems of accommodations for you where you would love to stay in Antibes! Ready? Go:
1. Le Ponteil
Le Ponteil: the French charm you are looking for, located 150 meters from the beach and a 10-minute walk downtown Antibes? Search, and you will find: voilà, there is Le Ponteil. The good part? Out of the hustle and bustle, yet close to everything. A win-win combination. Double rooms start from 235 euros per night, excluding breakfast.
→ Book now: Le Ponteil
2. Zentidue
Zentidue Hotel-Résidences Le Maestria: although rated at 7.4 and not top-rated – we typically select from 8+ on our favorite booking platform Booking.com – it’s still a good budget choice. The Côte d’Azur is expensive, extremely expensive. Accommodations are also pricey. Do you still want to explore the charm of Antibes without coming back broke? For about 78 euros per night, you can rent a studio at Zentidue. You can also cook for yourself, there’s a pool and gym, and Antibes is just a few kilometers from the apartment complex.
→ Book now: Zentidue Hotel
3. Villa Elimia
Villa Elimia with a heated pool: small-scale hotels/accommodations are oh so delightful, and with a rating of 9.6, more people find Villa Elimia to be amazing. Great location, a swimming pool, friendly owners, and at 129 euros per night for a double room, nicely priced. In short: a must-add to your wishlist.
→ Book now: Villa Elimia
4. La Garoupe
La Garoupe-Gardiole: located just a few meters from one of the most popular, beautiful beaches in the area of Antibes – La Garoupe Beach – this stately villa has been transformed into a hotel. A good restaurant, an amazing pool, and attractive rooms. In short: vacation-worthy. Family rooms are also available (very handy!) and start from 300 euros per night for four people.
→ Book now: La Garoupe-Gardiole
5. Boutique Hotel Juan-les-Pins
Unique boutique hotel Antibes Juan-les-Pins: do you want to pamper yourself and your loved ones on the proverbial Côte d’Azur? And want to stay somewhere truly special? Then this is the place. This boutique hotel has a breakfast spread ready for you. It’s colorful, richly decorated, and a glass of rosé awaits you on your own private terrace upon arrival. The little details we love, you could say. Quanto costa, you might ask? Well… several hundreds of euros per night, so keep that in mind, but that includes – and for that money – an extensive, delicious breakfast.
→ Book now: Boutique Hotel Juan-les-Pins
8 Things to Do in Antibes
Curious about what to do in Antibes? We have listed the best sights, activities, and restaurants in Antibes for you!
1. Château Grimaldi
Overlooking the azure blue Mediterranean Sea, there is an amazing former château dating back to the 15th century. What is housed there now? The Picasso Museum. Picasso was inspired by the grandeur of the Côte d’Azur – which we completely understand – and today you can admire his Joie de Vivre collection of artworks here. Tired of looking at Picasso’s painted works? A large ceramic collection is also waiting for your attention at Château Grimaldi. Afterward, you can relax on their delightful terrace with a glass of rosé. Admission costs 8 euros, and the museum is open daily from 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00.
2. Rue James Close
Had your culture fix? Stroll over to this delightful street, filled with small boutique shops. Recommendations include Le Vélo de Leon (a lovely gift shop where you will definitely leave with something) and Antibes Books (a quaint English bookstore).
3. The Beach in Antibes
No visit to the Côte d’Azur – and therefore also Antibes – is complete without a trip to the amazing sandy beach, of course. Antibes is brimming with good beaches, so a bikini party is definitely on the cards. Our three favorite beaches in Antibes? Ponteil Beach (in Cap d’Antibes, fantastic views of the mountains), Garoupe Beach (located on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, lined with palm trees and crystal-clear waters) and Salis Beach (a sprawling sandy beach close to the old town of Antibes). The good news: there’s always a cold drink available, showers are provided, and you can spread your towel for free on these beaches. No entrance fees are charged anywhere.
4. Provincial Market in the Old Quarter Le Safranier
By far our favorite neighborhood in Antibes. Known for its many flowers, centuries-old porches, and delightful views. You turn the corner and you’re in a photo-worthy spot. The two most beautiful streets in the area are Rue du Haut Castelet and Rue du Bas Casteles, so keep your camera ready as you walk through here. Wandering around is the best tip. In the middle of this neighborhood, there is an indoor market: fresh herbs, charming coffee shops, and flowers are what you’ll find here. Perfect for a peaceful morning.
5. Port Vauban
The largest marina on the Côte d’Azur can be found here in Antibes, namely Port Vauban. Here the boats – or rather yachts – are large, larger, largest. The most beautiful ones can be found at Quai des Millionnaires, where the billionaire yachts are lined up in a row. Indulge in the lavish luxury, where people happily pay 200,000 euros per week to dock with their yacht. Feeling adventurous? Here you can also go jet skiing, which costs a pretty penny, but then again: what doesn’t on the Côte d’Azur?
Have you worked up a sweet appetite from all that wandering through authentic Antibes? Then take a break at Christian Cottard or La Cour des Thes: the tastiest pastries await you here. Prefer a coffee shop? Good mate & Nomads Coffee both serve – according to these very discerning coffee drinkers – great coffee.
6. Vintage Shopping
For those who love it, you can do great vintage shopping in Antibes. The lovely French style – and frankly, a bit more fashionable – is at the center of the Côte D’Azur. Maison Fersen, BIS Boutique Vintage, Carmen Erna, and La Bonne Adresse in Antibes are recommended.
7. Restaurants in Antibes
The tastiest takeout sandwiches and salads are found at L’epicerie Italienne (great to take to the beach), La Taille de Guepe (for both lunch and dinner, extremely friendly owner, and good price/quality ratio), and Paseo (hot & happening, bohemian style, with cheerful umbrellas that scream ‘vacation’).
8. Last but not least: Rent a Bike!
Antibes is bike-friendly and it’s lovely to hop from the beach to the old town and then take a pit stop at the marina. In short, a bike is a very handy mode of transport in Antibes.
Feeling like going to Antibes?
Ah, the French Côte d’Azur; we could go on for hours about one of our favorite (possibly even THE favorite) vacation destinations in Europe. The Côte d’Azur has it all: sun, sea, beach, charm, quaint villages, and excellent restaurants. Antibes is no exception and is eager to be visited. You won’t regret it! Ready to plan your trip? It’s easy:
→ Useful: Flight deals to Nice
→ Hotel tips: Zentidue Hotel or Le Ponteil
→ Recommend: Travel to the Côte d’Azur with TUI
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Ready to plan a trip?
Useful links:
Flight deals to Nice
Travel to the Côte d’Azur with TUI
The coolest hotels in Antibes
→ See all articles about France here
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