Between Nice and Cannes, just 45 minutes from the Port Palace, Antibes embodies the French Riviera at its most authentic. Follow our 2026 guide, verified by our concierge, to discover the Old Town, the Picasso Museum, Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins with ease.
Between Nice and Cannes, less than an hour from Monaco, Antibes embodies the French Riviera at its most authentic: medieval lanes cooled by the mistral, fine sand beaches, sun-drenched fortifications and one of the world's finest Picasso museums. Port Palace guests planning a day trip often ask us how to visit Antibes the smart way: where to start, how to dodge the crowds, where to lunch with a view. Our concierge regularly sends our travellers there, and this complete 2026 guide gathers the team's best recommendations to make the most of the Riviera's pearl, from the Old Town to Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
Why visit Antibes from Monaco?
Antibes lacks the extravagance of Cannes and the glamour of Monte-Carlo, and that is precisely its charm. The town brings together within a few square kilometres an exceptional heritage: an intact medieval heart, 17th century ramparts facing the sea, a Renaissance fort, two major museums, the largest marina in Europe and a green peninsula lined with legendary villas. Add the beaches of Juan-les-Pins, the seaside resort born in the 1920s, and you have the ideal destination for a day away from Monaco's verticality.
Geography does the rest. Just 48 kilometres from the Port Palace, Antibes can be reached in 45 minutes by car via the A8 motorway or 50 to 60 minutes by the coastal train, one of the most scenic routes in Europe. It is the perfect excursion to slot into a three or four night Riviera stay.
💡 The concierge's tip
"To enjoy Antibes without the crowds, take the 8.32am train from Monaco-Monte-Carlo: you arrive at 9.25am, perfect timing to walk through the Provençal market before the rush and enter the Picasso Museum as it opens at 10am. The ideal window to visit the castle in peace and enjoy the panoramic terrace before the tour groups."
How to get from Monaco to Antibes
You have three options, each with its merits. The train remains the simplest and most pleasant choice, while the car gives more flexibility to combine Antibes with other hilltop villages of the hinterland.
By train: the easiest option
From Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, a 5 minute walk from the Port Palace, TER ZOU ! regional trains reach Antibes in 50 to 60 minutes depending on the service (direct or with stops at Nice). The one way ticket costs around 8 to 10 euros, available at the station's machines or via the SNCF Connect app. Antibes station is 5 minutes on foot from Port Vauban and 10 minutes from the Old Town: the most convenient arrival to start your visit.
For Juan-les-Pins, get off one stop earlier at Juan-les-Pins station, right in the heart of the resort, 3 minutes from Pinède Gould and the beaches. The two stations are connected by a regional train every 10 to 15 minutes.
By car: more flexibility
Count 45 to 60 minutes on the A8 motorway towards Cannes, exit 44 (Antibes). The drive is simple, but downtown Antibes is mostly pedestrian or strictly regulated: aim for the public car parks of Pré aux Pêcheurs (facing Port Vauban), de la Poste or Place de Gaulle. Budget 15 to 25 euros for a full day. In high season, arrive before 10am to secure a spot.
By train + private taxi
A hybrid option is to take the train to Antibes then a taxi straight to Garoupe Beach or another specific point on Cap d'Antibes. When staying at the Port Palace, your dedicated concierge can also arrange a private transfer in a Mercedes S-Class, more comfortable for a packed day.
The Old Town of Antibes: wander the medieval lanes
This is where everything begins. The Old Town stretches behind the ramparts of Bastion Saint-Jaume, between Port Vauban and the sea. A maze of cobbled streets, small squares, craft shops and ochre facades that seem frozen in the 18th century. Unlike Old Nice, the area has remained relatively spared from mass tourism, and you still see Antibois locals shopping at the Provençal market.
The covered Provençal market
This is the lifeblood of the Old Town. Set under an elegant wrought iron hall on Cours Masséna, the market runs every morning except Monday (from September to May), 7.30am to 1pm (until 1.45pm in summer). You will find the region's best products: flowers, fruit and vegetables from local growers, goat cheeses from the Haut Pays, Nice olives, socca, fougasse, Estérel honey, Marseille soaps. It is also the best spot to enjoy a coffee and watch the town wake up.
In the afternoon, the hall changes purpose: painters, sculptors, ceramists and artists exhibit their work, Friday to Sunday in low season, Thursday to Sunday in summer (from 3.30pm to 12.30am in high season).
The ramparts and Bastion Saint-Jaume
Walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea, from Promenade Amiral de Grasse to Bastion Saint-Jaume. The view opens onto the snow-capped Alps in winter and onto the deep blue Mediterranean the rest of the year. This 15 to 20 minute stroll is free and offers one of the best vantage points in town. The Bastion also features Jaume Plensa's monumental statue Nomade, now Antibes' contemporary emblem.
Place Nationale and the streets to explore
At the heart of the Old Town, Place Nationale and its obelisk mark the historic centre. All around, rue Sade, rue Aubernon, rue Fourmillière and rue de la Pompe are lined with designer boutiques, antique workshops, independent bookshops and wine bars. Allow an hour for a leisurely stroll, two if you stop to shop.
The Picasso Museum of Antibes: a treasure at Château Grimaldi
You cannot visit Antibes without stepping into the Picasso Museum, one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to the artist after the one in Barcelona. The setting is exceptional: a 13th century castle perched on the ramparts, sheer above the sea, formerly the residence of the Grimaldi family (the same dynasty that still reigns over Monaco).
Picasso's story in Antibes
The story is a beautiful one. In 1946, Picasso, at a loose end after the war, accepted the invitation of curator Romuald Dor de la Souchère to set up his studio on the second floor of Château Grimaldi. For two and a half months, the artist produced a strikingly fertile body of work: 23 paintings and 44 drawings, all of which he donated to the town. In 1966 the castle became the first monographic Picasso museum in the world.
The works not to miss
The collection presents more than 245 works, including the celebrated La Joie de Vivre (1946), a large mythological composition steeped in the Mediterranean atmosphere, and the Antipolis series (fauns, satyrs and nymphs) which marked a return to ancient iconography. The ceramics, made later in Vallauris, illustrate Picasso's shift towards this medium. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit, up to 2.5 hours for a more in-depth experience.
Practical information for the Picasso Museum
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm (summer hours may extend to 7pm in July-August). Full ticket: 8 euros. Reduced: 6 euros. Free for under 18s and on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket includes access to the exceptional panorama from the castle terrace, one of the finest belvederes in town.
💡 The concierge's tip
"If you plan to visit several Antibes museums, go for the Pass'Musées at 15 euros: it gives free access to the Picasso Museum, the Archaeology Museum, the Peynet Museum and Fort Carré for 7 days. A real saving for a museum-heavy itinerary, especially when combined with a multi-night stay in the region."
Fort Carré: the sentinel of Antibes
On the other side of Port Vauban, perched on a rocky promontory, Fort Carré has dominated the bay since the 16th century. Built under Henri II, this star-shaped bastioned fort was designed to monitor the border between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Savoy, which then included Nice. Vauban reinforced it a century later, giving it its definitive silhouette.
The visit combines military fortification, outstanding panoramas over Antibes and the Baie des Anges, and a deep dive into Riviera history. Open Tuesday to Sunday, panoramic access included in the ticket (3 euros). The fort is reached in 10 minutes on foot from the train station, via a path lined with olive trees and agaves. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Cap d'Antibes: nature, beaches and legendary villas
South of town, the peninsula of Cap d'Antibes is the other face of Antibes: a green and residential cape dotted with Belle Époque villas hidden behind tall walls and centuries-old umbrella pines. This is where some of the most expensive properties in Europe stand, alongside the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a refuge for stars from Marlene Dietrich to today.
The coastal path (Sentier de Tirepoil)
This is the cape's signature experience. The coastal path, also known as Sentier de Tirepoil, follows the wild coastline for 2.7 kilometres, from Garoupe Beach to Baie des Milliardaires. Count 1.5 hours of easy walking for the outbound, and the same for the return if you do not arrange transport. The panoramas are breathtaking: rocky coves, turquoise waters, views of the Alps in the distance and the Lérins Islands offshore.
The path is free and accessible all year (closed only during heavy seas) and remains one of the most beautiful coastal walks of the Riviera. Bring sturdy shoes, water and a hat in summer.
Garoupe Beach
At the foot of the path, Garoupe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera: fine sand, crystal-clear water, a sheltered cove facing the Estérel massif. It alternates between free public beach and chic private beaches (Joseph, Plage Keller, Garoupe Beach) where you can lunch with your feet in the water. The restaurants serve refined Mediterranean cuisine, and the atmosphere is noticeably more peaceful than in Juan-les-Pins or Cannes.
The Garoupe Lighthouse and Sanctuary
At the highest point of the cape, 130 metres above sea level, the Garoupe Lighthouse is one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean. Next to it, the Notre-Dame de Bon-Port Sanctuary houses a remarkable collection of maritime ex-votos, prayers from Antibois sailors. The climb on foot from the beach takes 20 minutes, but rewards with a 360-degree view over the Bay of Cannes, Cap-Ferrat and, on a clear day, Corsica.
Stay at the Port Palace and explore Antibes on a private excursion from Monaco.
Check availabilityJuan-les-Pins: seaside resort and jazz festival
On the other side of the cape, Juan-les-Pins shares its commune with Antibes but boasts a radically different character: a 1920s seaside resort, it is the town of sandy beaches, cocktail bars, sea-facing terraces and lively nightlife. La Salis public beach, Petite Garoupe beach, private beaches and beach bars: this is where you come for sunbathing and 1950s Riviera vibes.
Pinède Gould and Jazz à Juan
At the heart of Juan-les-Pins, Pinède Gould is an elegant pine grove by the sea that hosts the legendary Jazz à Juan festival every summer. Founded in 1960, it is the oldest jazz festival in Europe. The 65th edition takes place from 9 to 19 July 2026, with a prestigious line-up: Tom Jones, SEAL, Marcus Miller, Samara Joy, Thomas Dutronc, Goran Bregović, Fatoumata Diawara. The Petite Pinède also offers free concerts every evening showcasing emerging talents.
Around the pine grove, the Jazz Walk of Fame brings together the handprints of the 76 biggest stars who have played the festival. A lovely stroll at the end of the afternoon, just before an aperitif on one of the sea-facing terraces.
Port Vauban: between yachts and tradition
Between the Old Town and Fort Carré, Port Vauban is one of the largest marinas in Europe and the oldest operating port in the Mediterranean. Its most spectacular section, nicknamed Quai des Milliardaires, hosts mega-yachts rivalling those of Port Hercule in size. Walkers can stroll along the port to Fort Carré and watch the maritime ballet for free.
The port is also home to the Antibes nautical club, sailing schools and several restaurants facing the pontoons. It is an ideal transition between the morning's cultural visits and an afternoon swim.
Where to eat in Antibes
Antibois cuisine is typically Mediterranean, with strong Niçoise and Provençal influences. A few styles of tables to favour according to your day.
- For an authentic lunch in the Old Town: the small bistros of rue Sade and rue Aubernon serve socca, pissaladière, salade niçoise, daube and stuffed Provençal vegetables. Allow 20 to 35 euros per person.
- For a feet-in-the-water break: the private beaches of Garoupe (Joseph, Plage Keller) serve refined Mediterranean cuisine for 60 to 120 euros per person. Booking essential in season.
- For a gourmet dinner: Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers modern Provençal cuisine in a historic house in the Old Town.
- For a sunset cocktail facing the port: the terraces of Quai Henri Rambaud, along Port Vauban, offer the finest views over the yachts at dusk.
How much time should you plan to visit Antibes?
Antibes deserves at least a full day to combine the Old Town, the Picasso Museum and Cap d'Antibes. For a more complete discovery including Juan-les-Pins and a swim, allow two days. Three itineraries tested by our guests.
Express itinerary (half a day): Old Town, Provençal market, Picasso Museum, lunch on a port terrace. Ideal for combining with Cannes or Nice on the same day.
Classic itinerary (full day): morning in the Old Town and at the Picasso Museum, lunch on Cours Masséna, afternoon at Cap d'Antibes (coastal path + Garoupe Beach), return via Juan-les-Pins for aperitif. Our concierge's recommended itinerary.
In-depth itinerary (two days): add Fort Carré, the Garoupe Lighthouse, Pinède Gould, a Juan-les-Pins beach and a gourmet dinner. Best paired with a night outside Monaco, or with a late return to the Port Palace.
Antibes from the Port Palace: turning your day into an exceptional moment
The Port Palace Monaco, a 4-star boutique hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, enjoys an ideal location to explore the French Riviera. All our rooms and suites with Port Hercule views let you return in the evening to admire the illuminated yachts after a day in Antibes, in an intimate setting far from the large hotel groups.
To organise your trip to Antibes, our concierge service can take care of everything: reservation at Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit, private Mercedes S-Class transfer, skip-the-line tickets for the Picasso Museum, or even hiring a boat to reach Cap d'Antibes by sea. Our guests benefit from this exclusive service throughout their stay, turning a day trip into an exceptional moment.
If you combine your visit to Antibes with other Riviera villages, also consult our guide to visit Èze, our guide to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and our guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer: three other Côte d'Azur gems, all closer to Monaco than Antibes.
Port Palace Monaco
Make Antibes the highlight of an exceptional Riviera stay
Just 45 minutes from Antibes, the Port Palace welcomes you at the heart of Port Hercule. Sea-facing suites, dedicated concierge to plan your Côte d'Azur excursions, and a return each evening to an intimate boutique hotel.
Book your stayPractical information to visit Antibes
Frequently asked questions to visit Antibes
When is the best time to visit Antibes?
The high season runs from June to September, peaking in July and August. To visit in optimal conditions (pleasant climate, fewer crowds, terraces still open), favour May, June and September. Winter remains mild and allows museum and Old Town visits in pleasantly quiet conditions.
How much time do you need to visit Antibes?
A full day allows you to cover the Old Town, the Picasso Museum and part of Cap d'Antibes. To include Juan-les-Pins and enjoy the beaches, plan for two days. For a half-day visit, focus on the Old Town and the Picasso Museum.
What to see in Antibes in 1 day?
Our recommended one-day itinerary: Provençal market on Cours Masséna in the morning, Picasso Museum, lunch in the Old Town, afternoon along Cap d'Antibes' coastal path and a swim at Garoupe Beach, aperitif in Juan-les-Pins to round off the day.
How do you get from Monaco to Antibes without a car?
The TER ZOU ! train from Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is the easiest option: 50 to 60 minutes of travel, around 8 to 10 euros one way, departures every 30 minutes during the day. Antibes station is 5 minutes on foot from Port Vauban.
Is the Picasso Museum in Antibes worth visiting?
Absolutely. Housed in the 13th century Château Grimaldi, it gathers more than 245 works including the famous Joie de Vivre, painted by Picasso himself during his 1946 stay in Antibes. The terrace offers one of the finest panoramas in town. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit, for 8 euros.
What are the most beautiful beaches in Antibes?
Garoupe Beach, at Cap d'Antibes, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera: fine sand, crystal-clear water, peaceful setting. In Juan-les-Pins, La Salis Beach and Ponteil Beach offer golden sand and a livelier atmosphere. La Petite Garoupe Beach remains a well-kept local secret.
When is Jazz à Juan 2026?
The 65th edition of Jazz à Juan runs from 9 to 19 July 2026 at Pinède Gould in Juan-les-Pins. The line-up features Tom Jones, SEAL, Marcus Miller, Samara Joy, Thomas Dutronc and many more. Free concerts are offered every evening at Petite Pinède for emerging talents.
