Located between Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera in southeastern Frances, Antibes is a city that offers a mix of old and new. From historic cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the modern Port Vauban, where superyachts gather in the largest marina in Europe, Antibes is a coastal town with history, spectacular scenery, and a love affair with art: it is home to several museums, including the Musée Picasso, dedicated to the works of one of the world’s most famous artists.

The abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are full of French delights. Stroll through an old stone arch that leads to the Old Town of Antibes to discover lively open-air markets that offer fresh produce, street food, art, and handmade goods. Antibes also has some of the finest public beaches on the Riviera, including Plage de la Gravette, a wide curved beach in the centre of town with calm waters for swimming. Further along, you’ll find the stunning Plage du Ponteil, a sandy beach with views of the town and French Alps.

The closest airport to Antibes is Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE), which is about 20 minutes from the city, with many car rental options available at the terminal. There are also taxis and a direct bus service that will get you into town in just over 30 minutes. Antibes is located almost halfway between Nice and Cannes; the drive from either city will take you just over half an hour. There is also a direct train from each city. Once you arrive, the town centre is pleasant to explore on foot, with many shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. Taxis and buses are available to take you a little farther afield.

Antibes is a wonderful place to visit all year round and has a range of apartment rentals throughout the city. The town benefits from nearly 300 days of annual sunshine with warm and dry summers, pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn, and mostly mild winters. The city also plays host to a full calendar of events, including the Jazz à Juan jazz festival, when venues throughout the town host international musicians for ten days in July. Around 90 minutes west of Antibes in Collobrières, the arrival of autumn is heralded by a chestnut festival, which spans three weekends in October and combines marching bands; stalls selling chestnut-flavoured pastries, cakes, and liqueurs; and wild boar stew served up by local eateries.

Marché Provençal

Nearly every morning during the summer, head to the Cours Masséna to experience the Marché Provençal, Antibes’ covered market, where more than 30 vendors sell produce, cheeses, olives, meats, spices, and flowers, whose aromas fill the canopied space. You’ll find everything to enjoy a French-inspired picnic. In the afternoon, Cours Masséna becomes a crafts market with painters, sculptors, and woodworkers selling their art.

Le Nomade

The 8-metre-high cast-aluminium sculpture of Le Nomade in Port Vauban depicts a seated person looking out over the ocean. It’s impressive enough from a distance — but once you get up close, you’ll notice that the structure is composed of thousands of letters. Its creator has suggested that they signify the ability to construct thoughts, words, and meanings. The sculpture is open on one side, so you can get a glimpse of the interior. At night, Le Nomade is spectacularly illuminated.

La Route des Peintres

Take a self-guided tour along the La Route des Peintres, or the Painters’ Route, which celebrates the numerous artists who have painted landscapes of the town. As you walk along the trail, you will spot display stands that feature a reproduction of an artwork at the very spot where its artist captured the landscape. You can pick up a map at the tourist office that will guide you to the stands around town.