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Are the shimmering Mediterranean waters of the Cote d’Azur beckoning to you? This compact region of southeastern France is super day trip-able, so it’s popular to base yourself in Nice and village hop via train from there. One such essential day trip is visiting the city of Antibes, which sits in fortified coastal splendor just west of Nice.
From the 15th century until 1860, Antibes sat on the French border with Italy. Today, it is still possible to detect these historical differences through the architecture. Nice’s old town maze of sunny-hued stucco and orange terracotta roof tiles contrasts to Antibes’s narrow, shady lines with high ramparts dropping down to the sea.
Having partially based myself in Antibes on a recent trip, I fell completely fell in love with this gorgeous, laid-back town. I joined the bantering locals in the market in buying meats, cheeses, and produce to fuel myself over five days. Speaking French became easier with each day and I even drove a Renault rental car. In my mind, I was French for the week.
To help you get a taste of my authentic Antibes experience, I’ve created the perfect day trip itinerary below. Soon, you’ll see why I left a little piece of my heart in this town.
The Perfect Antibes Day Trip Itinerary
Grab Coffee and a Pastry at a Local Cafe
I started each of my five mornings in Antibes ordering take-out from Boulangerie & Brunch le Félix by Éric Kayser. This convenient cafe services crews from the nearby yacht port with staples from pain au chocolat to almond croissants. As this shop was one minute from my Airbnb, I transported double espressos and flakey pastries to enjoy in comfort.
Browse the Marché Provençal
Get a taste of daily market life at Antibes’s Marché Provençal. Every day (except Mondays between September 1st and May 31st), high-quality local staples are sold from 7:30am to 1pm. At a variety of stalls you can find the likes of produce, proteins, preserves, and even freshly-picked peonies!
No lie, this market is the primary way I fed myself during my stay, and that is not a complaint. I can literally live off of cheese and charcuterie!
If you’d like to purchase something, keep in mind that most vendors only accept cash. The good news is that there is an ATM just a short ways down Rue Aubernon, heading towards the harbor on your left.
View the Yachts of Massive Port Vauban
One of the most striking features of Antibes is Port Vauban, or the largest marina in Europe. This location has served as a port since antiquity, both for commercial and military purposes. Today, the harbor accommodates up to 1,500 boats, including mega yachts and other giant vessels measuring up to 160 meters.
Port Vauban also features an abundance of paid parking. Although pricey, I stored my rental car here because it was so convenient to my Airbnb. Plus, it gave me a reason to make the pleasant harborside walk past dozens of beautiful boats on several mornings. Nothing like a short walk to feel the fresh sea breeze!
This pedestrian-friendly harbor is a great place for a stroll, especially in route to the below landmark.
Take a Short Hike to Fort Carré
While walking along Port Vauban, you will likely see the star-shaped hilltop stone walls of Fort Carré towering above the yachts. Continue along the harbor until you reach a hiking trail that leads the rest of the way to Fort Carré. This walk takes about 30 minutes from the port entrance, but is flat and rewarding with nonstop waterfront scenery.
For three euros, you can enter the fort for panoramic views over Antibes and to learn some of the history. The structure dates back to the 1500’s, when King Henry II sought to fortify France’s border with Nice against attacks ordered by the Duke of Savoy. The fort was decommissioned in 1860 when Nice formally became a part of France, although barracks at the foot of the hill continued to be used into the 1960’s.
Keep in mind that Fort Carré does not open until 10am and is closed on Mondays. I arrived about an hour too early and didn’t feel like sitting around or circling back, so settled for what views were available outside the stone walls.
Walk Along the Ramparts
The best thing about Antibes is that you can get up close and personal with history without doing a factual deep dive. For example, upon returning from Fort Carré you will already be near the stairs leading up to the ramparts, some of which date back to the 16th century.
Ascend the stairs to take a leisurely waterfront stroll to appreciate how the turquoise water pops brightly against the warm beige hues of the stone walls. Don’t be surprised if you begin to feel jealousy of beachgoers lazily sunning themselves on Plage de la Gravette down below. Just keep reading my friend – we have a fix for that!
Visit the Beach
There are three main sandy public beach options near Vieil Antibes (Old Antibes) that will allow you to step into the glittering blue Mediterranean. The most convenient is Plage de la Gravette, which is located literally right below the ramparts and stays well-protected against virtually all waves. Alternatively, you could visit Plage du Ponteil or Plage de la Salis, which are still close to town and offer a little more length.
Pause Your Antibes Day Trip Adventures for Lunch
Lunch can be as formal or informal as you want. However, with so many great views to soak in, I recommend grabbing some provisions like cheese, meat, and fruit from the Marché Provençal and a baguette from a cafe. All that’s left to do is find a pleasant spot for a picnic (the beach would be perfect!).
There is also the option to order a pre-made sandwich from a cafe and take it to eat on a bench near the water. Or better yet, take a food tour!
Do Some Shopping
While digesting your food, do a lazy wander into the myriad of local shops and boutiques that line the historic cobblestone alleyways throughout old Antibes. Like all other cities on the Cote d’Azur, you’ll want to be careful to avoid tourist traps located near the main squares (although they are great for last-minute umbrellas and sunglasses).
One of my favorite things I did during the week I spent on the Cote d’Azur was dedicate an entire day to finding the perfect hat in Antibes. Combing through every street I could, I virtually saw the entire old town by that evening.
Tour the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed in the former Grimaldi Castle, which sits on the site of the ancient Greek acropolis of Antipolis. The museum is not a coincidence: Picasso had a studio in the building from September through November of 1946. Inside, you find an entire floor dedicated to 300 of his works, including paintings and sketches he left behind and other works acquired later.
Even an untrained eye can discern the influence Picasso’s proximity to the Mediterranean had on his art. You can spot references to Greek mythology, fishermen, and an abundance sea creatures reflected across various works.
To avoid crowds at the most popular museum in Antibes, I suggest visiting around 4pm, or a couple hours before closing. When I visited, only cash was being accepted for the $8 entry.
Take a Waterfront Stroll for Views
Early evening is a lovely time for a waterfront stroll in Antibes, and you’ll see many others doing the same. Golden hour brings gorgeous lighting that casts the historic stone walls and clay rooftops in warm hues.
Starting near Plage de la Gravette, follow Promenade Amiral de Grasse past the back of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de l’Immaculee, the Musee Picasso, and the Jardin des Poetes. A little ways after encountering the archeology museum, you reach a viewing area jutting out towards the water that offers a magnificent views back to Old Antibes.
Dine Out in Antibes
It’s been a day full of wanderings, which means a lot of time on your feet. It’s time to finally sit down for a relaxed dinner within the romantic medieval walls of old Antibes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Restaurant le Vauban: traditional French restaurant with formal feel
- Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit: A Michelin-starred restaurant with a charming courtyard that boasts its own fig tree.
- Nacional Trattoria: Being that the French Riviera isn’t far from the Italian border, this is the place to go if you are craving high quality cuts of meat and fresh pasta dishes.
Cap Off Your Antibes Day Trip with Gelato
The highly rated Gelateria Del Porto is one of the most popular gelato shops in town, making all their flavors in house with local ingredients. Expect there to be a long line to get your cornet (cone) or petit pot (cup) until dinner time on the weekends. While the line moves quickly, things are much more chill during the week.
Have More Time?
- Hike to the Cap d’Antibes: Hiking enthusiasts should set aside two hours for this scenic trail.
- Get a closer look at the shimmering blue Mediterranean waters during a boat ride.
- Visit another museum, such as the archeology or postcard museums.
- Basing yourself in Antibes like me? Day tripping to nearby towns like Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, and Menton is a must!
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That was one exhilarating day of exploring the medieval lanes of Antibes. It’s best not to push the pace too much to retain ample time for savoring the marvelous sea views. This low-key Antibes day trip is the perfect breath of fresh air before returning to the hectic city streets of Nice.
