Bonjour from the South of France! Over the next week, I’ll be giving you a little peek into my recent trip to this sun-soaked corner of Europe – destination by destination. And where better to start than with the charming town of Antibes?
Landing in Nice
I flew into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which – if you’ve never been – is an absolute breeze to navigate. Everything is super well signposted, from train connections to car rentals, taxi ranks, and pick-up spots. I had pre-booked a private transfer (treat yourself!), so as soon as I arrived, my driver was waiting in the arrivals hall, ready to whisk me away.
Honestly, the drive from Nice Airport felt like a mini sightseeing tour. With no stress about traffic or directions, I got to fully soak in the beauty of the French Riviera. Picture stunning French architecture, adorable little coffee shops, winding cobbled alleyways, and those classic pastel buildings with their iconic shutters – I was in heaven already and I hadn’t even reached my final stop!
Cruising to Antibes
Antibes is just a short 30-minute drive from Nice, and the route hugs the Mediterranean coastline, which makes for an insanely scenic drive. There’s nothing quite like that combination of sea views, sunshine, and blasting your summer playlist in a comfy, air-conditioned car. Bliss!
When we arrived, our driver dropped us off right outside our accommodation – zero hassle, which is exactly how I like to start a trip.
Getting to Know Antibes
We decided to stay local in Antibes that first day and save our mini road trip to Monaco, Eze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer for the next. After unpacking, we went for a little stroll to get our bearings – and let me tell you, Antibes is an absolute dream.
It’s a seaside town full of charm, character, and Mediterranean magic. One of the highlights? It’s home to the largest marina in Europe – Port Vauban – so if you’re into yacht-spotting, you’re in for a treat. Some of these boats look like floating mansions!
Wander around Antibes Old Town, and you’ll find yourself lost in a maze of flower-filled alleyways, artisan boutiques, quirky art galleries, and the prettiest shuttered windows you’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of place where you just want to put your phone away and explore.
Pro Tip: Get your private transfer to drop you off! If you’ve hired a car you might find parking hard to come by! Antibes is a one-way system and parking mainly consists of street parking which is always full! You may find yourself driving around for an hour trying to find somewhere to park so just hop in a private transfer instead!
Foodie Highlights
Food-wise, Antibes did not disappoint. Here are a few spots that made my must-try list:
- Le Bistrot Juan Les Pins – ideal if you fancy hopping over to the livelier side of town.
- Bistro Chez Jules – perfect for casual yet authentic French cuisine.
- Côte Jardin – dreamy garden vibes with a fab Mediterranean menu.
- Panino – quick, tasty bites if you’re short on time (or patience!).
Don’t Miss…
A couple of things I highly recommend doing while you’re in town:
A Boat Trip – where better to take a boat trip from other than Europe’s largest marina? Hop on a sunset cruise and enjoy a glass of wine or two on the French Riviera!
Le Nomade – this giant white sculpture overlooking the marina is iconic and makes for a great photo-op.
Billionaires Beach (Plage de la Garoupe) – with crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and a peaceful vibe, it’s a slice of paradise. There’s also a fab viewpoint nearby that’s well worth the short hike.
Sunset strolls – whether you’re up by the old fort or down along the beach, Antibes serves up serious golden hour magic.
