My guide to Antibes: Picasso, pissaladière and everything in between

This old and idyllic French town overlooking the Mediterranean sea inspired both Monet and Picasso. You can definitely see why! The scenery around Antibes is breathtakingly beautiful, on one side of the town you’ll find the glittering blue sea and on the other a dramatic mountain landscape. The sun shines here almost everyday and the old town is full of quaint, cobbled streets filled with flowers.

Antibes has everything you need within a short walking distance: beach, bars, restaurants, shops, clubs, parks, museums and of course the French language school. The town has a dash of that Côte d’Azur glamour, yet it also retains its cultural heritage and French charm. It’s also home to a renowned jazz festival, which takes place in July.

I travelled to Antibes to take part in a language course a couple of years ago. Even though I’ve travelled to many different locations since then, it remains one of my favourite places.

Here are my Antibes must sees!

Cap d’Antibes

As well as relaxing on the beach, you should go for a walk along the coastal path around the Cap d’Antibes. Make sure you pass all the luxury villas up towards the lighthouse. The scenery is stunning! Take a break at the end of peninsula, sit on the rocks and watch the sunset over the sea.

Marché Provençal

For all you French food lovers, you should go to the Marché Provençal. A typical French market with all the most delicious local and fresh produce from cheese to charcuterie, fruit and veg, spices, olives and flowers! If you get peckish, try the local specialities – ‘socca’ a chickpea pancake or ‘pissaladière’ a caramelised onion, olive and anchovy flatbread.

‘Green Fairy’

Tucked away down some stairs in the old town you’ll find the absinthe museum. Whilst it may sound slightly suspect, it’s actually a really unique cultural experience! This quirky and cosy bar dating back to the 1850s is in a cellar covered in vintage posters and a collection of antique hats! Try on all the different hats whilst listening to live piano music. You can then try some absinthe, which is served in the traditional way.

Picasso

Take a trip to the Picasso museum. The museum is situated in the grand and impressive 16th century Château Grimaldi, overlooking the sea. It displays the amazing work that Picasso produced during his stay in Antibes.

Once you’ve done all that, take a look around the marina at all the luxury superyachts, dance all night in Juan-les-Pins, walk around some of the beautiful parks and gardens, take a trip up to the Fort Carré, or simply explore the rest of the Riviera.

Côte d’Azur

Antibes is in an incredible location with so many other interesting places to see just a short train journey away. It is definitely worth exploring further afield around the Côte d’Azur. Hop over to Nice, or if you’re looking for glitz and glam go to Cannes for the film festival. You can also take a trip to Monaco to try your luck in the casinos!

If you prefer something more traditional, visit the artsy hilltop town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the perfume capital of Grasse, the charming village of Eze, or next to the Italian border you’ll find Menton, a town famous for its lemon festival.

I have such magical memories of my time in Antibes and there really is so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored. I definitely didn’t want to leave!

-Melissa

Snow capped mountains – Antibes, France