Antibes, in the South of France, is decidedly more rustic in feel than its French Riviera neighbours Cannes and Nice. But for it, the town holds a unique and timeless allure that brings visitors back again and again.
©2024 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
On a recent pit-stop tour of towns and cities along the Cote d’Azur, including Nice (which you can read about here), we paused in Antibes to while away a couple of hours. Arriving by train, Antibes is only one stop away from Cannes and just a couple more from Nice-Ville station. Both the Old Town in Antibes and the newer part of town are within walking distance of the train station.
© 2024 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
Away from the Old Town, Antibes has its own charm. A lot of the architecture is similar to one another in style and tone, and that part of town is clearly where most of life happens on a day-to-day basis for the residents of Antibes. But, to me, Old Antibes is where most of the charm is held.
Antibes is certainly less touristy than other parts of that region of the South of France, especially when compared to Nice and Cannes, but Old Town Antibes seems to have been handed over to the tourists. Within this part of town, rustic buildings with cobble-stoned and winding, quaint lanes are easy to get lost in owing to its beauty. It’s easy on a warm, sunny day to lose track of time here, whether on the picturesque harbour beside the beach or in a restaurant.
© 2024 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
One of the things I most loved about Antibes is how the past so evidently mingles with the present. It’s easy to imagine that little has changed in the Old Town since the 16th century, save for the appearance of some shops of cafes of course. Of all the places I saw on the French Riviera, Antibes – particularly the Old Town – was the most unique and charming. On this trip, we’d based ourselves in Nice due to its easy proximity to the places we wanted to visit, but, admittedly, I kind of wish we had stayed in Antibes. The town was far less touristy than other places visited, so it was easier to move at a more leisurely pace and enjoy the sights, and the Old Town held an atmosphere of its own.
© 2024 Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
What to do with a couple of hours or day in Antibes
Wander the Streets of the Old Town
The Old Town of Antibes is so beautiful, at almost every turn there was something to take a picture of.
Relax at the Beach
If it’s warm enough, why not?
Other things to do
With only a couple of hours in the town, I didn’t have the chance to visit the Picasso museum, but I hear it’s well worth a visit. On display are some of the art of Pablo Picasso who lived in Antibes in 1946.
Also worth noting is Fort Carré where Napoleon was held during the French Revolution and is open to visitors, as well as a stroll around Port Vauban if yachts are more your thing.
Is Antibes worth visiting?
© 2024 Karis Tavernier-NIcholas
I suppose my answer is already obvious by how much I’ve waxed lyrical about the town, but, yes, Antibes is definitely worth the visit. It warranted more than the few hours I gave it, and is perfect for those who want a slow, chilled, art-filled holiday with sandy beaches and spectacular views on the French Riviera.
