The old town of Antibes is walled and full of history but is one of the most vibrant and beautiful places on the French Riviera, with pleasant beaches, a harbor full of superyachts and a stunning old town with narrow cobblestone streets, markets and cafes.
Antibes' iconic skyline is a wonderful jumble of old buildings, dominated by the towering Picasso Museum. Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, is home to stunning, giant yachts, and the old fortress stands guard at the end of the marina.
Antibes lies east of Cannes, and is a town that offers a more relaxed and traditional atmosphere, compared to the flamboyant chic of CannesIts old center is a collection of fun cafes and bars, ice cream shops and boutiques, with its bustling Provençal market. You'll also find sandy beaches and quite a few oligarchs' villas.
Flights to Antibes and how to get there
To get to Antibes, you need to fly to Nice, to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. From the airport, you can take a train, which takes about 25 minutes. The ticket price starts at 14 euros. You can also take a bus (a 40-minute ride).
Howie says that if you're planning a trip to Antibes, what you need is a flight to Nice. You can fly to Nice with Arkia, Air France, easyJet, and El Al. The flight to Nice takes about 4 hours (without stops in between), and ticket prices vary depending on the airline, of course. You can fly to Nice really cheaply, starting at 50 euros on easyJet, and there are also flights for about 400 dollars.
For more information about flights to Nice
Weather in Antibes
In the spring (March to May) Temperatures in Antibes range from 12 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. Antibes in spring is particularly blooming and beautiful. This is a particularly good time for those who love leisurely walks in the gardens. Tourist traffic is far from its peak, making spring a less crowded time to discover the place. The charm of the Mediterranean environment is further emphasized when outdoor cafes and restaurants open their terraces to diners, and it is possible to eat al fresco.
In the season ofSummer (June to August), temperatures warm up considerably, ranging from 20 degrees to 30 degrees, and occasionally even reaching the numbers we know in Israel. This is the peak of the beach season in Antibes. On the French Riviera, summer attracts both locals and tourists to the beaches – to sunbathe, swim and engage in water sports. The cultural scene is also flourishing, with many festivals and events. Long daylight hours provide you with the opportunity to make good use of your time. The nightlife is lively, with the energies of beach parties, nightclubs and evening markets.
during theAutumn (September to November) In Antibes, temperatures range from 14°C to 24°C. The sea, having warmed up throughout the summer, still attracts visitors in early autumn for beach walks, but now the area is less crowded. The town takes on a more rustic feel, and the parks are shaded. It’s also the season for foodies: it’s the harvest season, which brings with it wine tastings and regional food festivals. The atmosphere is more peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of summer, and is suitable for travelers looking for a more relaxing holiday.
Winter (December to February) Antibes is not very cold compared to Europe. Temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C. The relatively warm Mediterranean winter makes Antibes an attractive tourist destination, a refuge from the cold of northern Europe. In winter there is time, and you can explore Antibes' historical sites, its museums and art galleries in depth, all without the usual tourist crowds. The holiday season brings with it a unique charm, with Christmas markets, twinkling lights and a wealth of seasonal events. Accommodation and travel rates are generally lower compared to summer.
Hotels in Antibes
Antibes is full of luxurious, well-designed hotels, with excellent service and spacious rooms. The comparable hotels are usually located on the promenade, and some even have a private beach. There are also hotels in Antibes for a more moderate budget, and some that are suitable for families with children. The 3-star hotels are also very good, if you know where to go. I have prepared a list of hotels where you should stay.
Attractions and itinerary in Antibes
I visited Antibes as a guest of the Tourism Office, and I fell in love with it at first sight. The combination of an ancient city with a fascinating history, azure sea, and wonderful cuisine is exactly what I'm looking for. The itinerary you'll find here contains things that interest me (such as cathedrals and museums) as well as other topics that will enrich the trip (for example: a visit to a cellar where you can taste an absinthe drink). Most of it focuses on the old town, but I added an additional part at the end, which deals with Cap D'Antibes and Juan Les Pins.
Link to article:
Itinerary in Antibes and Cap d'Antibes
Interesting events in Antibes
The summer season in Antibes is full of interesting events: orchestras playing outdoors, art exhibitions of all kinds, fireworks shows, and more. Even in the other seasons of the year, Antibes has many events for every taste: a music festival, flea markets, a freestyle competition, jazz performances, and more.
To the events website in Antibes
Recommended restaurants in Antibes
It's very difficult to leave Antibes hungry, and as you'll see, you'll find quite a few restaurants and cafes there. Here are some good options I've collected for you.
Baba and LES PÊCHEURS restaurants
I really like the cuisine of Chef Assaf Granit, ever since the days when I lived in Jerusalem. Over the years, the chef has opened a series of restaurants in France and even won a Michelin star. He recently opened a restaurant called Baba in the luxury hotel CAP D'ANTIBES BEACH HOTEL And I got to eat there in July 2023.
Everything I ate there was very tasty, the atmosphere was great and the service was excellent. The only comment I have is that the food is very similar to what you would find in his restaurants in Israel, although there were a number of (excellent) fish dishes, which I don't remember having in Israel.
If you are interested in eating local French food, you are welcome to eat at the LES PÊCHEURS restaurant, located in the same hotel. This is a one-Michelin-star restaurant with an 80-year history, run by chef Nicolas Rondelli and specializing in seafood.
La Taverne du Safranier
Address: 1 Pl. du Safranier
A nice and not particularly expensive bistro that serves traditional Provençal food such as aioli (it's not just mayonnaise with garlic but a whole dish centered around cooked fish and vegetables), pickled sardines, ravioli with the fish of the day, and much more.
Opening days and hours
Monday: Closed
Thursday: 19: 30-21: 30
Other days: 12:00-14:00 and 19:30-21:30
The Old Walls
Address: 25 Prom. Amiral de Grasse
The previous restaurant I recommended is considered relatively popular. If you're looking for a slightly more chic option, then Les Vieux Murs (The Old Walls) is a great choice.
The restaurant is located inside one of the old forts that guarded the port (hence its name) and you can find typical southern dishes there. France, such as the famous bouillabaisse soup, and alongside them, pasta dishes, which will remind us that the neighbors once belonged to the House of Savoy that ruled Italy. Alongside all of this, there is also a tasting menu priced at 60 euros, in which chef Stéphane Arnal cooks for you what the muse of the day ordered.