Antibes, France: Europe's Ultimate Summer Getaway

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The previous summer, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable journey through southern France and Italy during our holiday. Over a span of twelve days, we traversed both countries’ coastlines via rail before spending five enchanting days exploring Rome. Our adventure concluded with three relaxing days in the romantic city of Venice, Italy.
During this escapade, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in the stunning landscapes and timeless allure of the Southern French seaside communities firsthand. Although Matt found his peak enjoyment in Rome, Antibes, France stood out as my personal highlight throughout the whole excursion—I consider it the quintessential spot for a memorable European summer getaway!

I really enjoyed the French Riviera, so we’re returning this summer! Stay tuned for updates.
@ourlittlelifestyleblog
For our 2025 summer vacation, we’ll begin in Barcelona and explore various parts of Spain before making our way eastward to the southern region of France.

Visiting Antibes France

Antibes
is located in Southen France between Cannes and Nice but is not as well known as its larger neighbors. I wanted to write a post to highlight my experience in Antibes and give you some ideas on how to visit this gorgeous city yourself.

I really think it is the perfect place to visit along the Côte d’Azur for the following reasons:

less than 30 minutes away from Nice Airport
very easy train access
charming old town area
affordable accommodations
great restaurants & shops
large marina for outings
Cap d’ Antibes

Getting To Antibes France

We had a non-stop flight with Delta Airlines from Atlanta to Nice, France. Direct flights are fantastic because they saved us from having stopovers in cities like Paris or Amsterdam, thus maximizing our travel experience. Additionally, this direct journey made the initial day of our holiday more relaxed since we landed around midday and could stay awake till nightfall, aiding in minimizing jet lag. The Delta Atlantic route connecting Atlanta to Antibes only started operating in 2024 but will be returning during summer 2025!

We landed at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, situated on the south end of Nice, putting us much nearer to Antibes compared to several areas within Nice. The airport is compact and straightforward to move around. After hailing an Uber, we reached historic downtown Antibes in approximately half an hour.

When we entered Antibes, France, the marina caught our attention right away. It’s hard to think of another place where the initial sight would be extravagant megayachts docked in the harbor! This town hosts many of the priciest boats globally and forms part of the famed French Riviera, a favorite spot for celebrities and affluent individuals.

Traveling By Train To and From Antibes

You have the option to travel to Antibes via train from multiple locations across France. For those coming from Paris, there’s a non-stop service which lasts approximately five and a half hours. Following our stay of three nights in Antibes, we hopped aboard another train heading further east until we reached Rome. During this journey, we made stops at Monaco as well as several places in Italy including Camogli and Cinque Terre.

The train station is right next to Old Town Antibes, making it convenient for numerous excursions to locations such as Cannes, Menton, Saint-Tropez, and others. The straightforward train accessibility was one of the main reasons I enjoyed this spot immensely!

TIP: We use the
Trainline app
To purchase and handle our rail journeys across Europe!

Exploring Antibes France

Antibes offers an upscale mix of history, art, and vibrant Mediterranean spirit. This delightful French locale exudes classic allure yet remains fashionable, filled with shops, cafés, eateries, and pubs around every corner. During our visit in late May, the town teemed with tourists from across the globe. Its winding cobblestone lanes, ancient ramparts, and quaint structures evoke the ambiance of a medieval hamlet!

Antibes is a coastal town along the rocky French Riviera, offering stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The area boasts charming squares, numerous sidewalk cafés, and vibrant blooming flora adorning the roadsides.

Although I adored it during the early summer, the French Riviera boasts a delightful Mediterranean climate, which makes it an excellent destination throughout the entire year. Actually, there’s a charming little Christmas market in Antibes, and numerous activities are available here as well.
significant happenings along the French Riviera
As we departed, they were preparing for the yearly event.
Les Voiles d’Antibes
The event, and I would have really enjoyed staying for it!

Where to Stay in Antibes, France

We leased a charming small one
apartment
In Old Town Antibes. Although it was compact, it offered good value for money. During the initial part of our grand European summer journey, I placed importance on being centrally located and chose this spot within the heart of Antibes.

LINK:
Click here to see the apartment we rented in Antibes.

I was taken aback by how low the rates are in Antibes compared to many other towns dotting the French Riviera.
Click here for alternative lodging options in Antibes
I strongly suggest lodging in the Old Town section of Antibes for convenient railway connections, charming eateries, and an antique allure.

Make certain you reserve your accommodation well before your travel date since Antibes is highly sought after, with booking slots filling rapidly, particularly over the European summer season. Keep in mind that many hotels and Airbnb rentals tend to be more compact compared to those found in the U.S., along with much of the lodging across Europe; thus, ensure your party has considered space needs and sleeping setups accordingly.

Dining In Antibes

Antibes offers an excellent opportunity to savor the gastronomic treasures of France. From fresh seafood to exquisite French pastries, delectable cheeses, and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, these delights can be found almost anywhere you choose to eat.

Matt enjoyed trying generous-sized charcuterie boards and different meats. The kids loved eating a steady stream of flavored gelato and pastries of every type. And cute coffee shops are everywhere! There’s a wide variety of restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual.

We enjoyed an excellent meal at Plage Kellar right next to the beach prior to our hike in Cap d’Antibes, and it was incredibly enjoyable. There was a decidedly upscale feel about it. The cuisine was outstanding, and the atmosphere couldn’t have been better. You’ll definitely want to plan a visit.
reservation
If you’re planning to dine here, it’s important to know that this is a beach club which closes during the winter months.

Similar to many cities across Europe, these quaint sandwich stores offer delicious options such as an exquisite Croque-monsieur made with ham and either Emmental or Gruyère cheese. You’ll also find budget-friendly choices like various hot and cold sandwiches along with fresh loaves of bread and additional items for purchase.

Explore the top eateries in Antibes!

Things to Do in Antibes, France

Antibes provides plenty of activities yet remains manageable. Our family found it to be an excellent spot to spend multiple days. We aimed simply to unwind and go with the flow, which turned out to suit us perfectly. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Antibes has got you covered!

Old Town Antibes

Located on the northern part of contemporary Antibes, Old Town Antibes (Vieil Antibes) serves as a bustling tourist hub characterized by its winding cobblestone lanes and an atmosphere that blends medieval charm with present-day vibrancy. This area boasts numerous small boutique stores, exceptional gelato vendors, sidewalk cafés, and craft workshops.

Walking through the winding lanes of Old Town Antibes and discovering its squares and high-end shops was incredibly enjoyable. Strolling around here makes for an entertaining experience, which might well become the highlight of your trip to Antibes.

Antibes Market

There’s a fantastic market in Old Town known as the Marché provençal. This classic covered outdoor market offers fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, and spices. It’s an excellent spot to gather snacks for your excursions.

Fort Carré Antibes

To the northern part of
Antibes
Just across the harbor lies Fort Carré. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant coastal hike, tour the fortress, and admire lovely gardens. However, when we visited, it happened to be closed, hence I don’t have any photographs from inside.

Shopping In Antibes

Antibes, France, is renowned for excellent shopping experiences. Throughout each street in the Old Town, numerous chic stores abound, offering clothing items, bags, scarves, caps, textiles, and more. It was such an enjoyable experience strolling through these charming boutiques with Abby!

There are also several quaint bookshops and peculiar curiosity stores. This is an ideal spot for enjoying a cup of coffee, meandering through the area, and doing some casual window browsing!

The Picasso Museum

One of the main draws in Antibes is the
Picasso Museum
Located within the historically significant Château Grimaldi, this museum exhibits creations by the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who resided in Antibes during the 1940s. It houses an array of his artworks including paintings, pottery, and statues, displayed in a meticulously renovated fortress with views of the ocean.

The Antebas Harbor and Luxury Boats

Antibes boasts one of the biggest yacht havens in Europe, and exploring this harbor is quite captivating. While meandering beside the water, you’ll encounter some of the globe’s most opulent boats anchored here, which makes it an excellent location for observing others. For those who appreciate maritime crafts, appreciating these magnificent ships is a delight. Additionally, it serves as a charming place for a family stroll!

The Antibes Beaches

Right beside Old Town lies an excellent beach known as Plage de la Gravette. This tranquil sandy shore offers a safe environment where kids can comfortably swim and have fun. After purchasing some local wine, we relaxed at the beach for several hours beneath the pleasant French sunlight.

There are many beaches nearby. We frolicked in the sand and savored a splendid vista of the Antibes coastline as we awaited at Plage de la Salis.
Plage Keller
To secure our lunch booking for tomorrow, I suggest exploring the beautiful yet rockier shores such as Billionaire’s Bay located in Cap d’Antibes.

Antibes Nearby Attractions

There is still more work to be done here.
Antibes
Rather than simply wandering through Old Town or going to the beach, one of our most cherished activities was venturing to Cap d’Antibes!

Cape Antibes and Sentier de Tirepoil Trek

If you’re a fan of natural beauty, make time for a walk around the scenic Cap d’Antibes, which is essentially a peninsula. This spot is just an approximate 10-minute Uber drive from downtown and provides some of the most stunning vistas along the French Riviera.

On Cap d’Antibes, there is a scenic coastal hiking route known as the Sentier de Tirepoil. This trail leads you through dense foliage, rugged bays, and secluded shores. As you walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the coastline and possibly catch glimpses of some large estates. We explored this pathway, and subsequently, I penned an extensive article about our experience.
here
If you wish to explore even more, on the northwestern part of Cap d’Antibes lies another charming small town called Juan-les-Pins.

READ:
Our Amazing Cap d’Antibes Trek

Modern Antibes

Contemporary Antibes lies just below the Old Town and can be accessed either through a leisurely ten-minute stroll or via a single-stop train ride. As you make your way along the historic ramparts—a remnant from earlier defensive structures—you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the rocky shoreline. In this section of town, you will find numerous eateries, boutiques, lodging options, and upscale retreats.

This excursion makes for an ideal half-day adventure. We strolled through the area, sampled some fantastic crêpes, and browsed several quaint French bookshops and stores. Nearby lies an archaeological museum along with a stunning public park offering views of the bay. To the southern part, you’ll find additional public beaches accompanied by numerous eateries perched overlooking these sandy shores.

Tips for Families Visiting Antibes, France

After visiting Antibes, I wanted to share some tips for making your family experience as great as possible. We traveled May 25th – May 29th, 2025, with two teenagers (ages 13 and 15).

#1 Peak season is July & August, and Antibes can get very hot and crowded. If you are looking for great weather and lesser crowds try to visit in the Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-October) when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are thinner. Most European schools go until late June or early July, making the end of May a great sweet spot for our European trips!

#2 If walkability is important to you, consider staying in or near Old Town. Also, ensure you know the dimensions and facilities of your accommodation, since some rooms may be compact.

#3 Dedicate some time to trek along the Sentier de Tirepoil in Cap d’Antibes. This is a fantastic opportunity to view the coastline and serves as an ideal 3-4 hour excursion.

#4 Carry some euros since finding ATMs can be challenging at times. Many establishments accept credit cards. Ensure you go through all my tips carefully.
European travel tips
!

#5 During summertime, which tends to be quite warm, make certain to wear clothing suitable for balmy conditions and remember your sunblock. Certain shorelines near the coastline may have a rugged terrain with rocks, hence packing aquatic footwear might be beneficial if you intend to walk in the water or swim.

#6 Communication was generally smooth as nearly everybody knew English. Nonetheless, we strongly suggest picking up some fundamental French phrases to simplify tasks like placing orders and navigating around. It’s also a sign of appreciation for their cultural norms!

SUGGESTION: Our favorite habit is to utilize
Duolingo
To gain some familiarity with the language prior to traveling to a new country.

An Ideal Summer Getaway in Europe: Antibes, France

Antibes, France, serves as an ideal summertime getaway for families seeking a blend of culture, excitement, and leisure. Our stay there was delightful, and frankly, I would say Antibes became my most cherished spot among all the places we visited between the French and Italian Rivieras. Its allure and sophisticated ambiance truly set it apart.

It’s simple to arrive in Nice by air and make your way to Antibes, and the
Antibes rental prices
are actually more budget-friendly compared to taking a vacation in the US. I strongly suggest considering it as an ideal starting point for your European adventure since you can hop on a train here and explore both eastern and western coastal areas.

And, if you find Antibes charming, be sure to also visit
Camogli, Italy
, add to your European bucket list!

Additional Travel Inspiration for Italy and France

If you’re preparing for a journey through Europe, I’ve got plenty more.
European travel blog posts
From our journeys overseas, here are some of the top-rated blog entries for travels to France and Italy.