Our Guide to Spending a Week in Antibes

The town of Antibes is situated on the coast between Cannes and Nice. This enchanting medieval fisherman’s village is steeped in history and culture and offers beautiful natural scenery. There are 48 beaches along the 25 km (16 miles) of coastline surrounding Antibes and Juan les Pins. In addition, this seaside village is home to Port Vauban, Europe’s largest yachting harbor and marina, serving both local fishing boats and luxury yachts, creating a dynamic and vibrant yachting community. The village is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, full of charm and life, and there is a lovely traditional market selling local produce, fresh fish, a variety of cheeses, and exotic herbs.

The old town is surrounded by ancient ramparts which, to this day, continue to guard the village and its historic buildings. The Château Grimaldi dates back to the 10^th century and was transformed into the Picasso museum where Picasso himself used to paint. Antibes is a town that has inspired many artists including the likes of Picasso and Monet, both of whom spent time in the village and during that period produced a large number of paintings which, to this day, are regarded as some of their best and most important work.

Originally named Antipolis – meaning across from (anti) the city (polis) – by the Greeks, who founded it in the 4th century BC, Antibes flourished under the Romans’ aristocratic rule and boasted an amphitheater, aqueducts, and baths. By the end of the 15^th century, Antibes came under the protection of King Louis XI of France. In 1850 wealthy nobles began flocking to Antibes for its unrivaled natural beauty and this is when the building of luxurious villas and holiday residences began.

The following is our guide for a one-week stay in Antibes. This is a proposed itinerary for our guests but we can tailor your holiday according to your preferences.

Day 1 – Saturday:

Arrival at 4pm

Dinner by private chef in the gardens of your villa

Day 2 – Sunday:

Continental breakfast prepared by chef

Visit the port and the charming cobblestone streets of Vieil Antibes

Explore the local, open-air market and pick up fresh produce for a delicious poolside lunch

Dinner at Restaurant Le Vauban in the heart of old Antibes

Day 3 – Monday:

Enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon on the sandy beaches of Plage Garoupe

Feeling more active? Enjoy a beautiful trail along the sea that starts from Plage Garoupe and goes along the Peninsula of Cap d’Antibes

Dinner at Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit

Gastronomic restaurant in the heart of old Antibes with a beautiful terrace

Day 4 – Tuesday:

Continental breakfast prepared by a chef

Lunch at Le Petit Fouet in Mougins (20 minutes away)

Le Petit Fouet is a favorite among the locals offering delicious classic French dishes in the heart of Mougins village

Tour the shops and galleries in Mougins Village and visit the neighboring medieval village of Valbonne where you can enjoy a glass of wine at one of the cafés in the main square

Day 5 – Wednesday:

Charter a boat to St. Tropez where you can enjoy lunch at the famous Club 55 (2 hour boat ride)

Spend the afternoon lounging at the private beach of Club 55 before taking the boat back to Antibes

Want to explore the village of St. Tropez? Have the boat drop you off after lunch and tour the shops and cobblestone streets

Enjoy a dinner al fresco prepared by a chef in the privacy of your villa

Day 6 – Thursday:

Continental breakfast prepared by chef

Lunch at the renowned Grand Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes

Enjoy happy hour at Helios Plage in nearby Juan-les-Pins

Day 7 – Friday:

Lunch at the oldest restaurant in Cannes, Da Bouttau (15 minutes away)

Located on a charming pedestrian street in the old town of Cannes, this restaurant offers friendly service and exceptional French cuisine

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beaches of La Môme Plage

Dinner at La Passagère in Cap d’Antibes

A waterfront Michelin starred restaurant offering incredible panoramic views and Mediterranean cuisine

Day 8 – Saturday:

Departure

To rent a luxury holiday villa in Antibes click here.

Photos by Zoya Stafienko for A.M.A Selections. All images © A.M.A Selections