Things to do in Antibes
I ordered them as a walking route, from the market toward the sea, with the Cap and Juan-les-Pins last. Prices and hours are from official sources as of October 2026. To see where Antibes sits among the other towns, read my French Riviera guide.
The old town spreads behind the ramparts between the port and the sea, with the cathedral, lanes and the Safranier district a few meters from the market. It is the base of any visit. The tourist office runs guided tours on the ramparts and the sea.
Held in the covered hall on Cours Masséna, it gathers local producers and traders: a cheesemonger, a florist, a fisherman, market gardeners. It is the best way to start the morning.
Set at the top of the ramparts in Château Grimaldi, Place Mariéjol. Picasso set up his studio there in 1946, and the terrace overlooks the sea and the Cap.
The port is described as one of Europe's largest marinas, with yachts that can exceed 100 meters (328 ft). Facing the sea stands Le Nomade, a sculpture by Jaume Plensa 8 meters (26 ft) tall.
A 16th-century military fort, a listed historic monument, 26 meters (85 ft) above sea level. Its walkway gives a view over the bay. Guided tours leave at 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm, included in the ticket. The fort can close without notice (weather, security): call +33 4 92 90 52 13 before you go.
A short, easy walk around the fort and along the sea through Mediterranean vegetation. The outer path is open to everyone, access inside the walls is restricted. A free alternative to visiting the fort.
A sandy beach at the foot of the port, sheltered from wind and swell, with public toilets, showers and a lifeguard post. It is the beach closest to the old town.
Fine-sand beach with clear water, described by Côte d'Azur France as Blue Flag, near the center and the Cap. Kiosks sell pan-bagnats.
A former customs path along the coast between coves and large estates. Allow about 2 hours round trip between Garoupe beach and Villa Eilenroc, per Côte d'Azur France. On the way: a viewpoint, the Garoupe lighthouse 103 meters (338 ft) above the sea and its small chapel Notre-Dame de Bon Port. Villa Eilenroc, a 19th-century neoclassical house with gardens, only opens on certain days of the year.
The seaside resort on the commune of Antibes, known for Pinède Gould, home of the Jazz à Juan festival, presented as Europe's oldest jazz festival. The town has its own train station.
Itinerary
One day is enough for the market, the old town and the museum. Here is the order that avoids backtracking.
By interest
The old town, ramparts, Port Vauban, the Fort Carré path, Gravette beach and the Cap d'Antibes trail are free. The market is free to enter. You can fill a day without buying a ticket.
The Picasso Museum is the centerpiece. The €15 multi-site card covers the municipal museums for 7 consecutive days and is worth comparing with the €12 ticket if you plan on more than one.
The Cap d'Antibes coastal trail is described as easy. Wear good shoes and avoid bad weather: the trail closes.
The Picasso Museum and the covered market hall on Cours Masséna are sheltered. Fort Carré closes in bad weather, and so does the trail.
Where to base yourself
The commune combines an old town, a port, a peninsula and a resort. These are the areas to know.
| Neighborhood | Feel | What to see |
|---|---|---|
| Old Antibes | Lanes, ramparts, market | Picasso Museum, cathedral, Safranier, Cours Masséna |
| Port Vauban and Gravette | Yachts, city beach | Le Nomade, Gravette beach |
| Fort Carré | Military fort and coastal walk | Fort Carré, Fort Carré path |
| Cap d'Antibes | Peninsula, villas, trail | Garoupe, Villa Eilenroc, coastal trail |
| Juan-les-Pins | Seaside resort | Pinède Gould, beaches |
Gravette beach, at the foot of the port, is closest to the old town: sand, free access, showers, public toilets and a lifeguard post, open daily year-round, no dogs. Salis, nearer the Cap, is described as a fine-sand beach with clear water, Blue Flag labeled.
Antibes works as a day trip from Nice, but sleeping here lets you enjoy the port in the evening and the beaches early in the morning. The old town and the port let you do everything on foot. I give no hotel prices until I have a dated check.
The old town, port and Gravette beach are walkable. From Nice, the train takes 18 minutes on the fastest services (TGV INOUI or OUIGO) and 26 minutes on average, with 91 trains a day between 5:33 am and 11:29 pm (timetable seen for Friday, October 16, 2026). Most are regional TER trains that stop along the way, for example at Cagnes-sur-Mer and Biot. Nice is the best base for getting around without a car, and you will find more outings in my day trip ideas from Nice.
Where things are
The ten places in this guide. Hover over a name to find it on the map.
Keep going
Your questions
Yes, if you like old towns and the sea. Antibes has a walled old town, a Provençal market every morning, the Picasso Museum, a large marina and a coastal path you can walk. It is also an easy day trip from Nice, by train, in under half an hour.
Don't miss the Provençal market in the morning, the old town and ramparts, the Picasso Museum and its terrace, and Port Vauban with Le Nomade. With extra time, walk the Cap d'Antibes coastal trail, about 2 hours round trip between Garoupe and Villa Eilenroc.
They are different. Antibes offers a walled old town, a daily market and the Picasso Museum. Cannes offers the Croisette promenade, the Palais des Festivals and the Lérins Islands. Both are on the same coast, so you can see both in two days.
The Provençal market on Cours Masséna is open Tuesday to Sunday, 6 am to 1 pm, from September to May. It opens every day in June, July and August, until 1:45 pm in July and August. These are the official listing's hours, not guaranteed on a given day.
Admission is €12 full price and €8 reduced in 2026, free for under-18s and job seekers. The museum is closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25. A €15 multi-site card covers the municipal museums for 7 days.
The train takes 18 minutes on the fastest services (TGV INOUI or OUIGO) and 26 minutes on average. There are 91 trains a day between 5:33 am and 11:29 pm (seen October 16, 2026). Most are TER regional trains that stop along the way.
Who writes this guide
The French Riviera has been my passion for years. I explore its towns, beaches and hotels to bring you the addresses and advice I would like to receive before every trip, from Menton to Saint-Tropez.
By Enzo
