Attractions and Places to Visit in Antibes
Antibes is a resort town on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice. It is adjacent to Juan-les-Pins (which is the other side of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula) and faces across the Baie des Anges (as does nearby Nice).
The old town is very pleasant to explore, with a mass of narrow winding streets lined with pretty houses, designer shops and boutiques, and cafes and bars. The historic centre of Antibes is still surrounded by Vauban's defensive ramparts.
There are a few sites of historical interest here in the centre including the medieval church towers and the 16th century fortress, close together and near the sea. You will also come across lots of small highlights such as traditional fountains and small squares surrounded by ancient houses which provide much of the appeal of Antibes.
There are also a couple of carefully laid out gardens that should be visited while you are here: the botanical gardens of Villa Thuret and the substantial Exflora Park are among the most visited. The gardens at Eilenroc Villa are also exceptional and have lovely sea views as a backdrop.
The harbour area of Antibes is the place to go to admire lots suitably impressive oversized yachts. You can then conclude your Antibes visit with a stroll along the seafront, and some lovely views across the Baie des Anges and along Cap d'Antibes. If you would like a longer walk you can follow the Smugglers Path along the coast from the Plage de la Garoupe (on the eastern side of Cap d'Antibes).
The coast around Antibes features many kilometres of beaches to suit all tastes - including public and private (paid) sections. The public beaches, especially the more easily accessible, get rather crowded in the summer - as you might have guessed.
Jazz Festival
Once a year, Antibes and Juan-les-Pins team up to present the Jazz à Juan festival, which counts Dave Brubeck, Stevie Wonder and Ravi Coltrane among its past patrons. The jazz influence comes...
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Musée Picasso
Reopened after two years of renovation, the Musée Picasso displays works created during the 1940s when the artist lived and worked in the building, a medieval-era château. Picasso donated paintings...
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The Naval and Napoleonic Museum
Located in view of a battery that Napoleon himself actually had restored, this museum has a fine display of all things Napoleonic – including a rather vast, if obscure, display of his hats.
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- Shopping
- Cycling
- Restaurants
- Spa & Massages
- Skydiving
- Bungee jumps
- Golf
- Karting