What to do in Antibes: 12 experiences between the sea, Old Town and Cap d'Antibes

What to do in Antibes: 12 experiences between the sea, Old Town and Cap d'Antibes

Walking along the seafront in Antibes is one of the simplest pleasures of the French Riviera.

 

Things to do in Antibes: 12 unmissable experiences between the sea, the old town and Cap d'Antibes

Antibes is one of those towns you think you know — and that always has a surprise in store. between the sea just steps away, the golden lanes of the old town and the wild beaches of Cap d’Antibes. Antibes is full of excellent restaurants at every price point, there is enough here to fill an entire stay without ever getting bored. Here are 12 experiences not to miss, seen from La Jabotte — just 60 metres from the sea, in the heart of Cap d'Antibes.

plage-garoupe-cap-antibes

The sea, everywhere and right away

1. Swimming at Plage de la Garoupe

La Garoupe is one of the most beautiful — and best-preserved — beaches on the French Riviera. Fine sand, crystal-clear water, a beach volleyball net with your feet in the sea, and small beachside restaurants with the irresistible smell of a plancha grill. In July and August, come early in the morning to enjoy the beach before the crowds arrive. The Garoupe chapel, just up the hill, is also well worth a detour.

5 minutes on foot from La Jabotte · Limited parking in summer

 

 

sentier-littoral-cap-antibes

2. Exploring the coves of Cap d'Antibes

The coastal path (sentier du littoral) that winds around Cap d'Antibes is one of the most beautiful on the Mediterranean. 4.5 km of rocks, discreet coves and Art Deco villas glimpsed through the pine trees. You can swim almost anywhere along the way, in remarkably blue water. Weekdays out of season are best for having it almost to yourself.

Access from Anse de l'Argent Faux or from La Garoupe · Allow 1h30 for the full loop

 

 

3. Paddle boarding or kayaking

Paddling along the Cap is a whole different way of seeing things — literally. The water is crystal clear, the cliffs are impressive from the sea, and coves that are unreachable on foot suddenly become accessible. La Jabotte offers paddle boards and kayaks on request. Rentals are also available directly on the beaches.

marche-provencal-antibes-cours-massena

The old town of Antibes, on foot and without a plan

4. Getting lost in the lanes of the old town

The old town of Antibes is one of the best-preserved historic centres on the French Riviera. Its narrow lanes, ochre-coloured facades and flower-filled windows make it a labyrinth in which it is a pleasure to wander. A Provençal market under the arcades, bakeries that smell of morning, hidden art galleries tucked down side streets…

 15 minutes on foot from La Jabotte along the seafront · Provençal market Tuesday–Sunday morning

 

 

musee-picasso-antibes-chateau-grimaldi

5. Visiting the Picasso Museum

The Château Grimaldi looks out over the sea from the ramparts. Picasso worked here in 1946 and left behind an exceptional collection — paintings, ceramics, sculptures. The place itself is as beautiful as the works it houses. The terrace facing the Mediterranean is worth the visit on its own.

Place Mariéjol, Antibes · Closed on Mondays · Discounted entry on presentation of your La Jabotte key (ask at reception)

 

6. Browsing the Provençal market

Under the beautiful arches of Cours Masséna, the Antibes market is one of the most authentic in the region. Local cheeses, tapenade, Provençal herbs, flowers and vegetables straight from the garden… The kind of place that makes you want to linger. Open every morning except Monday.

 

 

7. Dinner in the old town

Antibes is full of excellent restaurants at every price point. Among our favourites: Le Safranier for its shaded terrace and market-fresh cuisine, Le Brûlot for its wood-fired meats and fish in a stone-vaulted cellar, and Nanànère for its creative gastronomic cooking recommended by the Michelin Guide. Booking is essential for most of them.

→ Find our full restaurant selection in the arrival guide given to you at check-in.

 

Cap d'Antibes, between villas and pine forests

8. Touring the Cap by bike or tuk-tuk

Cap d'Antibes is best explored on two wheels or in our tuk-tuk — with photo stops guaranteed. The Garoupe lighthouse, Villa Eilenroc and its gardens, Port de l'Olivette, Anse de l'Argent Faux… A 1h30 discovery tour by tuk-tuk is available on request at La Jabotte.

Tuk-tuk tour departing from the hotel · €60/1 person · €75/2 people · Book at reception

 

9. Visiting Villa Eilenroc and its gardens

Villa Eilenroc is one of the most iconic estates on the Cap. Nestled in an 11-hectare park at the tip of the peninsula, it opens its gardens to the public on Wednesdays during the summer season. A moment of absolute calm, far from the hustle of the coast.

 Avenue L.D. Beaumont, Cap d'Antibes · Open Wednesday mornings in July–August · Free entry

 

phare-garoupe-antibes-panorama

10. Watching the sunset from the lighthouse

The Garoupe lighthouse offers one of the most spectacular panoramas on the French Riviera. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Alps on one side and Cannes with the Lérins Islands on the other. At the end of the day, the light here is simply otherworldly. Something to do at least once.

Plateau de la Garoupe · 10 min on foot from La Jabotte · Free access

 

The extras that make all the difference

11. An evening in Juan-les-Pins

Just 10 minutes on foot, Juan-les-Pins is another world: a lively seafront, beach restaurants, bars, a casino and terraces open late into the night. It is here that the legendary Antibes Juan-les-Pins International Jazz Festival takes place every summer — one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Even without a concert, an evening stroll is well worth it.

 

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12. A day trip to the Lérins Islands

Just 15 minutes by boat from Antibes harbour, the Lérins Islands are a world apart. Sainte-Marguerite with its fort and a pine forest that tumbles down to the sea, and Saint-Honorat with its Cistercian monastery that has been inhabited since the 5th century. No cars, very little noise, turquoise water. A perfect day out.

 Ferries from Quai des Îles, Port Vauban · Departures every hour in season

 

La Jabotte, your ideal base for exploring everything

From La Jabotte, all of these experiences are within walking distance, cycling distance, or just a few minutes away. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cap d'Antibes, 60 metres from the sea, between Plage de la Garoupe and the coastal path. Nathalie and Pierre are on hand to give you advice, book your tuk-tuk tour, point you towards the best table of the moment, or simply wish you a wonderful day.

Antibes is a town to be savoured slowly. Start by dropping your bags at La Jabotte — the rest takes care of itself.

About La Jabotte

La Jabotte is a small boutique hotel hidden just 60 meters from the sea.
A secret garden, a peaceful atmosphere, and a slower rhythm — a place where evenings feel softer, quieter, and a little outside of time.

Ready to unpack? Book your stay at La Jabotte →

La Jabotte logo, boutique hotel in Antibes - a way of life, an invitation to unwind

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