Alright, friends, if you find yourself cruising the French Riviera, Antibes should be on your hit list. It’s that perfect blend of sun, history, and that je ne sais quoi that makes you want to move there forever. I’ve gathered my thoughts, spilled some tea, and here’s what you need to know.
Stay: Villa Fabulite
When it comes to a place to rest your sun-kissed head, Villa Fabulite is where you want to be. It’s cozy, it’s chic, and you’ll feel like you’re living in your own little Mediterranean oasis. Think laid-back luxury with all the character you want from a French stay. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill hotel, it’s more of an experience, made so by the incredible staff and the intimate setting of twelve rooms, a communal pool and gorgeous little terrace for breakfast and lunch.
Eat/Drink: Where the Magic Happens
Eden-Roc Restaurant
At the iconic Eden-Roc Hotel, this spot is everything. Yes, it’s pricey, and the dress code is real, but the views and vibes are totally worth it. Perfect for that sunset drink you romanticize. I of course didn’t take a single photo while we were there but thats always a sign of a great night for me.
Plage Keller Restaurant
So, I didn’t get a chance to try this one myself, but everyone in town raved about it. Beach club, restaurant, and the perfect day spot. Next time I’m in Antibes, I’ll be making a beeline here for a beach chair and rosé.
Belle Rives
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s summer house? Yes, please! It’s beautiful, it’s historic, and it’s right on the water’s edge. If you’re into old-world charm and imagining you’re living in a Gatsby novel, this is your place.
Le Cafe Brun
This little spot in the old town is perfect for an afternoon drink. Sit down, sip your Rosé and people watch for hours. Its also a very budget friendly spot compared to its counterpoints above.
Restaurant L’Arazur
Pro tip: Book in advance. I didn’t, so we didn’t get a table and I’m very disappointed in myself. Its another place that was recommended to us. It was also recommended that I book well in advance, but I never have listened to instructions well.
La Crique
This is a great little bar on the beach to watch the sunset from. It’s very relaxed, super easy on the wallet and filled mostly with locals.
Boulangerie Veziano
In my humble opinion, this is the best bakery in town and I do the leg work on bakery recommendations.
NOMADS Coffee
The coffee is great and they don’t look like you’ve just personally offended them for ordering an Oat Latte.
Do: Explore and Enjoy
Marché Provençal
Get up early and hit the markets. They’re open from 6 am every day except Monday, and they’re so worth the early start. Grab some fresh fruit, maybe a pastry (or three), and you’re set for a beach day.
Rue du Haut Castelet
One of the prettiest streets in town, and at golden hour it was made for Instagram.
Coastal Walks Around Cap d’Antibes
For my fellow walkers, Antibes has two coastal trails that are a must.
- Sentier du Brigadiers: An easier walk with stunning views.
- Sentier des Douaniers: A bit more challenging, but equally breathtaking. Perfect for when you need to soak in that Riviera beauty.
Visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picturesque medieval village perched on a hill in the Provence-Alpes-Côte – about a 45 minute drive from Antibes. It is incredibly cute with it’s narrow cobblestone streets and well preserved medieval-architecture. Picasso and Henri Matisse helped put Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the map as they were “inspired by its beauty and tranquil atmosphere”. Now-a-days it’s established as an important center for art and home to a ton of great little art galleries.
Visit Château Sainte Roseline
And pick up a large bottles of their Rosé. Château Sainte Roseline is a historic winery about an hours drive from Antibes. The estate itself is incredibly beautiful and the wine is elite. Sainte Roseline herself is still there too, enshrined in the chapel, which I get cause if I was her I’d never leave either.
Antibes is all about the perfect mix of laid-back luxury and historical charm, so whether you’re eating, drinking, walking, or just lounging by the sea, you’re going to want to savor every moment.