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Characterful town with an impressive marina
Here you find a rich mix of all the elements that make the region of Provence so fascinating: the ancient (the Greek established the town in the 5th century BC), the medieval (the towers of the Grimaldi castle), the vigilance against pirates and other invaders (the ramparts along the sea), 20th century artists (Picasso Museum in Château Grimaldi), the scents of Provence (covered Provençal market) and today's chic (the beautiful yachts in the marina and the sumptuous hotels along Cap d'Antibes).
It has a wonderful old town centre with a covered market and plenty of little cafés where you can contemplate the world as it drifts by.
The Port Vauban is a very popular marina for fancy yachts, and it also hosts a regatta in June.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
Initially named Antipolis, the town was founded by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, becoming part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century BC. Once the Roman Empire collapsed, its history becomes turbulent until the 15th century when it comes under French rule and stability is restored.
In the 1800s wealthy nobles began building their holiday residences around the area, and in 1870 the first luxury hotel was built here.
The ancient fort guarding the town was built in the 16th century and is open to the public for a small admission fee.
Antibes was home to Picasso in 1946, and over 300 of his paintings are shown in the Musée Picasso in the Château Grimaldi.
The Commune Libre du Safranier quarter of Antibes is dedicated to preserving traditions of the local townspeople and holds festivals and parties to raise money to help those in need.
The Cap d'Antibes is an upmarket area with large discreet villas. You can walk up through the lanes to explore the Cap, passing by some lovely botanical gardens (Jardin Botanique de la Ville Thuret) and on towards lands end where the iconic and luxurious Hotel du Cap sits.
There are a couple of small beaches in Antibes.
Plage de la Gravette is next to the marina, and Plage de la Groupe and Plage de la Salis lie to the south west of the town.
Wander through the streets of the old town, along the Cours Masséna (where the covered market is) you'll find many restaurants with outdoor seating.
If you arrive in the morning, head for the Provençal covered market first. Take in the colours, the scents of the rich products of Provence. Then, wander about the narrow streets behind the ramparts and peek over for a splendid view of the Mediterranean sea.
Just behind the ramparts, you find the old Château Grimaldi. This castle used to belong to the same family that now resides in Monaco. Of the medieval structure only the tower remains; the rest was rebuilt in the 16th century.
The main attraction of the Grimaldi castle is the Picasso Museum. In 1946 Picasso resided in Antibes, but had no studio to work in. The curator of the then small, historical museum in the castle invited Picasso to use a floor as his work place. For months, Picasso worked "comme un fou" and produced more than a hundred paintings and pottery, the best known, perhaps, La Joie de vivre-Antipolis. Picasso, known for his stinginess, atypically donated his work to the town of Antibes, upon which the curator immediately renamed his museum as Picasso Museum. Undoubtedly, this museum is worth a visit. There are also works by other artists, such as Calder, Modigliani and Max Ernst.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
This company are based in Breil sur Roya and offer a huge range of outdoor sports and activities for groups and individuals.
This company offers a range of outdoor activities mostly based around canyoning and rafting white water, as well as via ferrata and mountain biking experiences and snowshoe walks in the winter.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Nice Rafting is the place to go to!
Papillon is a pretty stone villa with contemporary interiors suitable for families and close to pretty villages with restaurants that are typical of this bustling part of the Cote D'Azur.
Villa Porthos is located in the small village of Le Muy, just 15 km from the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of St. Tropez.
In the small village of Le Muy, just 15 km from the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of St. Tropez and close to the cities of Sainte-Maxime, St. Tropez and Fréjus, you will find this beautiful villa at the end of a beautiful driveway lined with oleander and cypress trees.
Villa Athos is a newly built villa situated on a secure estate on a very generous plot in the hills between Sainte Maxime and Le Muy. Exclusively surrounded by large plots and villas in a very quiet location, your privacy is guaranteed.
Magnificent villa close to the famous town of Saint-Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne.
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
In their charming hotel in Biot, you'll find all the peace and comfort you need for a relaxing stay. Les Arcades offers 12 uniquely decorated rooms, each with its own character, right in the heart of the medieval village.
Approaching Antibes from the Autoroute by way of the D35 is a challenge. The departmental road is stuffed with traffic, winding its way around numerous rotaries, stopping at countless traffic lights. One can try to approach the town in a circumventive way, taking the Cap d'Antibes road for instance. But the many extra miles may not make up for the lesser irritation.
Parking can be difficult. It's best to opt for paid parking if it's still available. Off-season, you may find free parking along the ramparts, but even then you're lucky to find a place.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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