How to spend a day in Antibes

Nestled between the seaside towns of Cannes and Nice on the French riviera is Antibes, with historic ramparts, sun-kissed beaches, maze-like Old Town and medieval castle. A mix of history, culture and relaxing surroundings, Antibes is the perfect place for a short break in southern France. Read on to find out how to spend the perfect day the stunning town.

Stroll the cobbled streets of the small town, popping into independent shops and bars that line the walkways. Spend the morning at the Château Grimaldi which now houses the Picasso museum, after the artist stayed there in the 1940s and created some of his works which he gifted to the municipality. It now houses one of the world’s greatest Picasso collections, boasting almost 200 original Picasso creations.

Each day (except Monday) from 6am until 1pm the Provençal market houses cheesemongers, fishermen and bakers offering their produce – ideal for a trip to gather food for an al fresco picnic! The afternoons see this market become home to a range of artists selling their wares – well worth a browse if you’re looking to take an authentic piece of the riviera home with you.

Antibes is known for its rose production and many rose bushes line the path leading to the sea through the blooming Exflora Park, a 12 acre public garden reminiscent of the belle époque when English aristocrats visited southern France and enjoyed the flowers and plants that would bloom there. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Théâtre de Verdure, the Italian style gardens located in the park, which offer a panoramic viewpoint with a view of the sea then stroll down to enjoy some sunbathing on the golden sands of the town’s beautiful beaches.

For those of you who prefer the natural world, the coastal footpath offers a picturesque hike around the peninsula, past the Old Town’s 16^th century ramparts. Known as the Chemin des Douaniers, the walk provides amazing views of both the town and the sea. After the trail visit Garoupe Lighthouse for stunning views from its lofty hilltop.

Evenings in Antibes can be spent sipping wine in the local bars, browsing the night-time markets during the summer months and taking in the sunsets by the Plage de la Gravette.

The town enjoys a range of festivals too, particularly in the summer months, usually focused around music. Its annual Jazz festival, Jazz à Juan, is one of the top jazz festivals in the world and attracts many jazz artists to perform there each year.

As evening folds into night, enjoy some outstanding seafood at the Michelin starred, family run restaurant Bacon and sip some Absinthe in the Absinthe Museum, dedicated to the manufacture of this powerful green liquor. Located in the Roman foundations of Old Antibes, on Friday and Saturday nights this cave-like venue becomes a piano bar where you can sing along to jazz classics while sipping the once forbidden beverage.

For an extra level of glamour, why not visit the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, the stunning location, famous for hosting the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor? Enjoy an ice-cold cocktail while looking out over the glimmering blue seas and if you’re feeling plush, why not stay the night? Rest your head in one of their luxurious hotel rooms or villas overlooking the Cote D’Azur and drift away dreaming of your Gallic getaway.
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DFDS run three routes to France and sail up to 56 times per day. Find out more about our ferry routes to France here.