Discovering Antibes France on the French Riviera

Antibes, France Port

Antibes is a Mediterranean resort town located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France. The city is nestled on the coastline of the Cote d’Azur, snuggled between ritzy Cannes and Nice.

The city of Antibes is associated with its mega-yacht capital of the world, Port Vauban. This dynamic billionaires’ quay has a long colorful history with the Ligurians, Romans and Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Today it’s the largest marina in Europe. The port is dotted with thousands of moorings that accommodate mega-yachts in excess of 100 meters long. Yachts complete with seductive names like Eclipse, Octopus, and Quantum Blue – all conjuring images of the owners, a roster of “Who’s Who.”

Picasso’s Antibes

For art lovers, Antibes is the place to trace the footsteps of Pablo Picasso, and his flamboyant lifestyle along the French Riviera. The Musée Picasso, France’s first museum dedicated to the artist, stands tall inside the 16th-century ramparts of the restored Château Grimaldi. The site once belonged to the powerful Grimaldi family of Monaco.

Picasso arrived in Antibes in 1946, as a young and inspiring artist for a six-month stay. He lived and worked inside the chateau, creating, painting, and sculpting. It was here that he created his notable Joie de Vivre, in 1946. Picasso went on to bequeath all of the art he created to the Château, on the condition that it remain on display to the public. For those who love art, there’s no better place than the French Riviera to discover Picasso, his art, his affairs, and his wide circle of friends.

Read: A visit to the Picasso Museum, Antibes

Old Town Antibes

Follow in the daily French lifestyle, by strolling the cobblestone streets of Old Town Antibes. Head to the Place Nationale Cours Massena, Le Marché Provençal, an authentic and lively early morning market. Here, stalls are laden with fresh fruits and vegetables, sundrenched flowers, and fragrant hand-milled soaps of the Provençal countryside.

Whether you call it the Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera, this region is a prime location for discovering historical art and cultural gems.  This Mediterranean seascape is rich with artistic treasures discreetly tucked away in peaceful gardens or safely secured inside ancient ramparts. The French Riviera is waiting for you to stroll along its seaside, discover its small villages. It’s an enchanting treasure-trove of history and beauty.

Important Addresses

Office of Tourism and Convention Bureau
42 avenue Robert Soleau
06600 Antibes
Tel:+33 (0)4 22 10 60 10

Train Station: Centrally located, the Gare d’Antibes is the railway station serving the town. There are connections to Nice, Cannes, Marseille, Paris and several other destinations. The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Other Articles on Antibes

Antibes Free Walking Tours a Chance to Discover the Old Town

Antibes Dress Shopping and Wearable Art at Choisy La Galerie

Destination Antibes and Nice: Three Nights on the Côte d’Azur

Where to Stay in Antibes

Private Villa: Set in a quiet residential neighbourhood, five (5) bedroom La Calado is a quick walk to Antibes’ Old Town. This beautifully refurbished holiday rental has all you need for a stay on the Côte d’Azur. Initially constructed in 1926, the meticulously restored villa maintains its classic elegance. Spread out over four floors; the spacious home has plenty of private corners. Click here for more details on La Calado.

Central 2-bedroom in Antibes: Clos des Vignes, in Old Town Antibes, is a charming two-bedroom rental on the French Riviera. Only steps from tempting boutiques and a selection of restaurants the house is a peaceful escape. Shop for supplies at the Provencal farmer’s market, or spend the day at one of the nearby beaches before heading back to your private terrace with seaside views for cocktails and dinner al fresco. Click here for additional details on Clos des Vignes.

Saint-Tropez - Jewel of the French Riviera: Full day tour with a winery visit

Spend your day as a movie star in Saint-Tropez! The departure is set early in the morning to avoid the traffic towards the legendary town, with which a thousand stories are associated. The experience will start with a tour of this enchanting small fishing town of Saint-Tropez, which inspired numerous painters and whose beauty of the port always attracted the cinematographic world.

Book this Experience

J. Christina

J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world; sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of the in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina's blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina's work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris and The Good Life France.

Enjoy the Scribbles and Smiles stories