10 Best Things to Do in Antibes

Informally known as Old Town Antibes, this centuries-old neighbourhood is alive with activities, including a market selling arts and fresh produce. You could easily spend a full day strolling through weathered stone arches and cobblestone paths of the Vieille Ville. Guided walking tours of the neighbourhood are offered on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings.

You’ll find many of the town’s popular tourists sites in Vielle Ville, including the Cathedral Notre-Dame and the Musee Picasso. Literary and culinary fans can also take a short detour to the Place du Safranier, a free commune built after World War II. Located near Vieille Ville, you can view the sights that inspired Nikos Kazantzakis's Zorba the Greek and grab a scrumptious meal at the popular Le Safranier bistro.

Among Antibes’ many public beaches, Plage De Salis is particularly picturesque and favoured for its gentle, yet crisp blue waters. It wouldn’t be the French Riviera without the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea, after all. As such, you simply must take some time to bask in its warmth by digging your toes into the sand at the Plage De Salis.

In Plage De Salis, you’ll be able to splash in the salty sea waves or work on your Mediterranean glow with some sun-bathing. While some parts of this beach require a small fee to enter, know that the money you spend here goes to keeping it clean for every visitor after you.

Carré Fort (Fort Carré) has long provided protection for the town as one of the first bastion forts built during the Renaissance period. During a guided tour, discover its fascinating history and the fabulous architecture inspired by mathematical art, and walk the 43 metres along the ramparts for a breathtaking panorama across the city.

This low-cost visit also gives you access to the magnificent 4-hectare park, full of Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Set aside some time to visit the Marché Provencal if you grow a bit peckish during your travels around Antibes. You can taste the very best in Provencal-style cuisine at the market, including seasonal vegetables, herbs, and olive oils. It’s in the heart of the Cours Masséna, where savvy travellers often stop by on their way to the Plage De Salis to gather picnic items.

The Marché Provencal also offers some unique shopping opportunities beyond edibles. On weekends from mid-June to the end of September, for example, visitors can purchase crafts made by local artisans. The Foire clothes market also offers an unmatched opportunity to buy handcrafted jewellery or a household decoration made from local materials.

The Musée Picasso remains one of the most visited sites in Old Town Antibes. You can’t miss this former estate – the Château Grimaldi – towering above the surrounding quaint buildings. Once you stand in this building’s shadow, you’ll quickly see why the legendary artist Pablo Picasso made it his home in 1946.

Today, the Musée Picasso houses one of the largest collections of pieces by local painters and sculptors – including many pieces Picasso himself created while inspired by his picturesque surroundings. The museum’s collections continue to grow as well, including works by local favourite son Nicholas de Stael.

The Picasso Trail is a must-see after visiting the Musée Picasso, as it offers a continued journey into Antibes’ artistic past.  As his paintings from the time demonstrate, Picasso was deeply inspired by Antibes’ diverse landscapes. On this trail, you’ll see the very same rocky outcroppings and deep blue sea coves that filled his imagination.

You’ll even be able to compare the real-life sights to Picasso’s depictions because laminated copies of his various paintings are mounted throughout the trail. This path follows a gentle grade that most travellers can take at their own pace.

Cathedral Notre-Dame will immediately jump out to travellers due to its vibrantly coloured Provencal Baroque façade. Once you step inside, you’ll be able to take a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of travel while you take in the intricate artwork emblazoned across the cathedral’s walls and ceiling.

Located in Old Town Antibes, the cathedral places a major emphasis on its storied religious emblems, including its crucifix and a statuette known as Virgin of the Rosary of Louis Bréa. These pieces date back to 1447 and 1513 respectively, drawing in religious travellers from across the region.

The Musée d'Archéologie houses some of Antibes’ most poignant historical artefacts. Located in a building that’s historically significant on its own, this museum’s collection includes a variety of pieces dating back to ancient Greece and Rome – including several harvested directly from the bay.

English-speaking travellers will have no problem in the Musée d'Archéologie, either. Their friendly staff offers guided tours in French and English during the peak tourist season in the summer.

Cap d'Antibes is a rocky outcrop that has a well-marked trail with stairs and guard rails to provide travellers with an opportunity to bask in the Mediterranean’s majesty. It's a must-visit point of interest for those looking to snap a few unobstructed photographs. Located at the most southern point in Antibes, access to the trail can be found starting at the Plage de la Garoupe. The trail can easily be completed within 90 minutes, that is, if you’re taking your time to stop and photograph every unbeatable overlook.

Aquasplash Antibes is a fun water park where you and your family can enjoy slides and a wave pool offering something for all ages. The park has 20 attractions in total with 15 of those being giant slides. Some of the slides, like Turbolance, are ridden in a buoy with a partner down a slide that stretches 100 metres.

If you're looking to relax for a bit, you can take it easy on the lazy river attraction. Additionally, you can check out the kid's pool and wide slide, both of which are specifically designed and reserved for small children. It's located a few miles north-east of the city centre.