The sun-blushed shores and pretty-enough-to-paint harbors of Antibes have inspired the likes of Picasso and Monet, and this busy port is an exemplar of French Riviera luxe. Among the top things to do in Antibes are admiring the sleek yachts and colorful fishing boats lining the marina, visiting the buzzing Provençal market, and climbing the ramparts of medieval Fort Carré for magnificent views. Well-situated for exploring, some of the Riviera’s most beautiful beaches fringe the Cap d’Antibes, while the jazz bars and nightlife of Juan-les-Pins lie just across the cape.
Sun-seekers crowd the beaches of Antibes and neighboring Juan les Pins—renowned as being some of the best in the French Riviera—through July and August, when temperatures average a balmy 80⁰F (27⁰C) and the city hosts its famous fireworks festivals. In-the-know travelers opt for a spring or fall visit instead, as it’s when the crowds wane, hotel prices fall, and the weather is ideal for both beach days and coastal hikes.
A million-dollar yacht might be the most glamorous way to discover the French Riviera, but you don’t have to be part of the jet set to get around Antibes. The atmospheric Old Town is easily explored on foot, while taxis and local buses run between Antibes, Juan les Pins, and the many beaches. Renting a car or moped is a popular way to explore further afield, but the winding coastal roads and heavy summer traffic can slow you down.
For breakfast like a local, pick up fresh croissants and pain au chocolats from one of the many bakeries in the Old Town, and then head to Nomads coffee for your morning caffeine dose. For lunch, nothing beats a freshly baked socca (a pancake made with chickpea flour) from the Provençal market, where you can also pick up local delicacies from lavender jam to regional cheeses.
