What to do in Antibes in one day? Must-sees

Antibes is a city steeped in culture with a town centre full of historical attractions. Le Vieil Antibes, in particular, bears witness to typical Provencal and Maralpine architecture, with its ramparts, old houses and colourful shutters. Come and stroll through the streets,

contemplate the dwellings, and walk atop the legendary walls that have carved out the very special profile of this place...

Founded by the Greeks of Phocaea, Antipolis was later conquered and fortified by the Romans - traces of these buildings can still be seen near the Porte de l'Orme. Various rulers have added or rebuilt high stone walls and bastions, reinforcing the feeling of walking through a citadel.

In the Vieil Antibes area, with several monuments side by side, transport visitors through the ages just by crossing to the other side of the street. Between the rue du Saint-Esprit and the rue de l’Horloge, discover the renowned Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception Cathedral, with its intricately carved wooden doors, pink façade and ochre walls, and the Sarrazine Tower, a 30-metre-high defensive structure built three centuries before the place of worship that stands opposite. A visit to the Saint-Bernardin Chapel is also highly recommended: beyond its neo-Gothic façade, a sumptuous interior awaits, noted for its colourful ceilings and Baroque paintings.

Explore the culture and heritage of Antibes

For the past twelve years, Antibes’ theatre – the Anthéa – has given pride of place to the dramatic arts, dance and opera - live performances provide a delightful programme all year round. During the summer, the famous Antibes Juan-les-Pins jazz festival, known as Jazz à Juan, offers visitors a top-quality line-up of contemporary music that goes well beyond its original genre. The main concert venue, the Pinède Gould, offers a unique setting in which to experience the energy of perfect harmony beneath the stars…

Every year in June, the Nuits Carrées festival, held on the Fort Carré, attracts huge crowds with a programme of pop music to rock the city walls! In autumn, Antibes hosts the Coul'Heures festival, devoted to the urban arts, with murals,street art, events and participatory workshops. To mark this event, numerous frescoes and other painted works can be found all year round throughout and above the town (route de Grasse, avenue de Cannes).

Explore the culture and heritage of Antibes

Enrich your cultural experience over a weekend in Antibes by exploring the Picasso Museum and many sites beyond.

• Fort Carré is the perfect place to admire the coastline. This historic military bastion, built in the 16th century, dominates the Saint-Roch peninsula from a height of 26 metres and is as splendid as ever. Set in a unique location between sea and fields, it regularly hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. Its marks the entrance to the Bay of Angels, and provides a great view of Nice from the ramparts!
• At Cap d’Antibes, visit one of the most beautiful private residences on the Riviera, the famous Villa Eilenroc. This neoclassical manor house, designed by Charles Garnier (the architect of the Monte Carlo and Paris Operas), is open to the public every Saturday. Its gardens and park, accessible from the coastal path, offer an enchanting interlude.

Outdoor walks around Antibes and Cap d’Antibes

A recommended itinerary is to follow the five kilometre Tire-Poil trail, the local name for the coastal path, and admire the mix of mineral colours along the cliffs, the vegetation, and the blue of the sea through this protected natural area. The creeks of La Garoupe are a fine example of the local landscape.

Starting from the town, Salis beach offers a delightful walk between the sea and historic landscapes, with breathtaking views of the ramparts and citadel.

Other classic local walks and hikes include the signposted path leading to the Roman Aqueduct, which takes walkers back in time to when this structure was built to supply fresh water to the area. Some of the original springs can be seen along the way. The path runs alongside the Valmasque nature park, a well-known area for wildlife enthusiasts, with steep paths ideal for long excursions.

Sports and wellness activities in Antibes

Sailing, paddle-boarding, swimming… aquatic and nautical activities naturally have pride of place along the Antibes coastline, which also offers numerous wellness services to help you make the most of this city.

From beginner sailing lessons to self-guided dives among the local seabed, a large proportion of Antibes’ physical and sporting activities are centred around the sea... But with golf courses nearby, dedicated outdoor fitness trails and a wealth of facilities in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, everything here is designed for you to stay active and make the most of the wonderful climate!

Escape for a moment of relaxation to the magnificent botanical garden at Villa Thuret with trees and shrubs from all over the world, perfectly at home on the Côte d'Azur.

Excursions and guided tours around the Antibes area

A few kilometres from Antibes, the slopes start to rise: a drive through Biot, then on to the Chemin des Colles, gives you a glimpse of the Alpine foothills and the beauty of the landscape around Nice. Visit exceptional sites in Alpes-Maritimes, such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

A trip to Antibes can also be an opportunity to explore the town of Cannes just thirty minutes away, or the nearby village of Vallauris famous for its traditional ceramics, and the charming coastline of Golfe-Juan. Further on,Nice, the elegant capital of the Côte d’Azur, or the sunny Menton, can be reached in around an hour’s drive. Just two hours away, discover the glamour and magnificent beaches of Saint-Tropez.

To visit Antibes is to embrace the elegance of the Côte d’Azur, its peaceful way of life and living heritage. The authenticity and refinement of Antibes will charm art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.