We only had a few hours in Antibes during our French Riviera road trip last summer, but it stole my heart almost instantly.
Tucked between Cannes and Nice, this gorgeous seaside town has that perfect blend of charm, character, and coastal beauty that makes you want to drop your bags and stay a while. I already can’t wait to go back and explore it properly.
From its cobbled old town and colourful markets to golden beaches and a museum dedicated to Picasso himself, Antibes offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re here for the art, the history, the sunshine, or just a really good wander, this place delivers.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Antibes, including a few hidden spots you might otherwise miss. If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, make sure this little gem is on your list.
Best Things to Do in Antibes
1. Visit the Picasso Museum
Picasso didn’t just pop into Antibes for a holiday, he actually lived and worked here for a while, and you can still feel his presence at the Picasso Museum. It’s set inside the old Grimaldi Castle, perched right on the edge of the Med, and the whole place has this lovely mix of ancient stone, sea air, and creativity.
The museum itself isn’t huge, which I think adds to the charm. You’ll find sketches, paintings, and ceramics he made while living here, and even if you’re not usually one for art galleries, the space itself is worth a visit; sunlight streaming through the windows, the sound of waves outside, and that view across the bay.
It’s calm, a bit magical, and feels a world away from the usual hustle of sightseeing. One of those places that lingers in your mind long after you leave.
2. Stroll Through the Old Town (Vieil Antibes)
Vieil is the kind of place where you can let your curiosity lead the way. The old town is full of twisty little streets, colourful shutters, and the sort of shops you end up wandering into without meaning to. Think olives, soaps, spices, and old postcards you didn’t know you needed.
There’s always something happening, whether it’s a street performer playing a tune, or a tiny gallery showing off local artists.
It’s got that lovely mix of history and daily life that makes it feel alive, not frozen in time. You’ll pass locals chatting in cafés, smell fresh bread from hidden bakeries, and maybe end up with a scoop of gelato you hadn’t planned on.
Honestly, there’s no real agenda here, just stroll, sip, browse, and take it all in. That’s the charm of it. Vieil Antibes invites you to slow down and just enjoy the moment.
3. Relax on the Beaches
If you’re in the mood for a beach day, Antibes makes it easy. La Gravette is just steps from the old town and perfect for a quick swim if you don’t want to stray too far. It’s family-friendly and protected by a curved sea wall, so the water stays calm.
If you’re after something a little more low-key, head over to Plage de la Salis. It’s got a more laid-back feel and plenty of room to spread out without being shoulder to shoulder with other beachgoers. Then there’s Cap d’Antibes, where you’ll find hidden coves and little stretches of sand tucked between the rocks.
It feels a bit like finding a secret. There’s no fancy scene here—just bring a towel, maybe a book, and take it easy. Whether you stay for an hour or all day, beach time here is simple and sweet.
4. Explore Fort Carré
Fort Carré is one of those places you stumble on and wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. It’s a big stone fortress perched on a hill with a view that stretches right across the bay. Getting up there involves a bit of a walk, but nothing too intense, just enough to earn that extra croissant later.
Once you’re at the top, it’s calm, breezy, and surprisingly quiet.
You can walk along the ramparts, poke around the old towers, and take in the same sea views soldiers once kept an eye on. It’s not overly polished or touristy, which honestly adds to the charm. No crowds, no loud groups, just you, the sea, and a bit of history.
If you’re in the mood to slow down and enjoy some space to yourself, Fort Carré is an easy win.
5. Visit the Provençal Market
This is peak Antibes; cheese, flowers, cured meats, and locals shouting (in a friendly way). Try the socca if you see it.
Bonus: It’s covered, so you’re good rain or shine. Locals come here not just to shop but to chat, to taste, to catch up on the gossip. The colours are bright, the smells are amazing (hello, fresh lavender and ripe tomatoes), and the vibe is just easygoing.
Grab a basket and try a little of everything, maybe some tapenade or a slice of socca if it’s hot off the pan. Don’t stress about finding the perfect souvenir either, there’s always something that catches your eye, whether it’s a handmade ceramic dish or a chunk of cheese wrapped in brown paper. You’ll probably leave with more than you planned, and that’s kind of the fun of it.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Antibes, just take your time, talk to the vendors, and soak in the whole experience.
6. Walk the Old Town Ramparts
Walking the ramparts is one of those simple pleasures that somehow feels timeless. You’re not rushing, you’re not checking your phone every five seconds, you’re just moving along the old stone walls, catching glimpses of the sea on one side and the terracotta rooftops on the other.
The light shifts throughout the day, and if you go in the late afternoon, it’s golden and soft and kind of magical. Locals stroll here too, maybe with a dog or a baguette tucked under their arm, and the occasional street musician adds to the vibe without being pushy. It’s not a big loop, but that’s part of the charm.
There are benches to sit on, nooks for snapping photos, and spots where you can just lean on the wall and watch the boats come and go. Slow, easy, beautiful. That’s the ramparts for you.
7. Enjoy a Day at Port Vauban
Spending a day at Port Vauban is a must and one of the best things to do in Antibes. It’s home to some of the biggest yachts you’ll probably ever see up close, some of them so fancy they look like floating hotels.
There’s a quiet kind of buzz around the marina: locals walking their dogs, sailors doing boat stuff, and travelers sitting on benches just watching the world go by. It’s easy to lose time here. Maybe you stop for a drink at a little café, watch the sunset bounce off the water, or peek into a few shops tucked along the waterfront.
The boats are fun to look at, sure, but it’s really the atmosphere that makes it worth hanging around. Chill, a little glam, and very Riviera. You don’t need a yacht to enjoy it.
8. Take a Bike Ride Along the Coastal Path
The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) around Antibes is one of the nicest ways to see the town without feeling like you’re on a mission. Rent a simple bike, and just cruise. You don’t need to be super fit or decked out in gear.
The path is gentle, scenic, and full of small moments: the smell of pine trees, locals out for a walk, wildflowers growing in scruffy patches, and maybe a cat lounging in the shade like it owns the place.
There are benches along the way if you feel like stopping, and the views are pretty much nonstop Mediterranean blues. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of sailboats out in the bay or kids jumping off rocks into the sea.
It’s mellow, easy, and feels like you’re slipping into the town’s rhythm without trying too hard. That’s what makes it one of the best thing to do in Antibes!
9. Explore the Cap d’Antibes
Cap d’Antibes is hands down one of the best things to do in Antibes if you love a bit of nature, a bit of luxury, and a whole lot of coastal beauty. This little peninsula has it all, quiet beaches, lush gardens, and a sprinkling of seriously fancy villas tucked behind the trees.
One of the best ways to explore it is on foot. The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) winds around the edge, giving you knockout views of the sea and plenty of spots to stop and just soak it all in. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great way to escape the buzz of the town for a while.
If you fancy a peek into the past, Villa Eilenroc is worth a visit. It’s an old-school estate with beautiful gardens and that grand, Riviera feel. Or, if you’re in the mood for a bit of indulgence, there are beach clubs and restaurants dotted around where you can sip something cold and pretend you live there.
Cap d’Antibes is the kind of place you’ll want to return to with a picnic and no plans. It’s elegant, quiet, and full of little surprises along the way.
10. Discover Villa Eilenroc
Villa Eilenroc is one of the best things to do in Antibes if you’re up for a touch of elegance with your coastal stroll. Perched above the sea on the Cap d’Antibes, this 19th-century villa is all about grandeur – sweeping views, manicured gardens, and that quiet, timeless feel that makes you slow down and take it all in.
Built for a wealthy Swiss gent (Eilenroc is actually an anagram of his wife’s name, Cornelie—love that), the villa is a proper Riviera gem. Inside, it’s full of beautiful frescoes, period furniture, and rooms that feel like they’ve barely changed in a century. But it’s the gardens that really steal the show. Think rose-scented paths, ocean views, and the kind of peaceful corners you could sit in for hours.
They also host art exhibitions, concerts, and the odd cultural event, so there’s often something going on. But even on a quiet day, it’s worth the wander. Bring your camera, wear comfy shoes, and enjoy pretending you’re in your own French period drama for an hour or two.