Old Antibes, Picasso Museum, Cap beaches, Provençal market… and the lesser-known hinterland: first paragliding experience at 1,800 m and canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. Guided by outdoor professionals from the Alpes-Maritimes, since 2013.
Antibes · French Riviera (06)Antibes is one of those towns on the Côte d'Azur that concentrates everything into a few square kilometres: rich historical heritage, some of the most beautiful beaches in the Alpes-Maritimes, a famous Provençal market, and a cultural life boosted by the Picasso Museum. What most guidebooks forget to mention is that Antibes is also an exceptional gateway to the hinterland and its outdoor activities.
30 minutes from the city centre, the Gorges du Loup offer spectacular canyoning routes. Just 45 minutes away, the Cheiron ridges rise to 1,800 metres and are the perfect spot for paragliding, with views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour. This dual character — a coastal town and accessible mountains — makes Antibes an ideal base for a well-rounded holiday on the French Riviera.
Who is it for? Whether you're visiting for a day, a weekend, or a family holiday, this guide brings together culture, beaches, gastronomy, and thrills — designed by local professionals who have been living in the Alpes-Maritimes for over 15 years.
The historic heart of Antibes is best explored on foot, amidst the Grimaldi Castle, cobbled lanes, and sea-facing ramparts. Here are the must-sees to begin your visit.
In the Grimaldi Castle overlooking the sea, the museum houses a unique collection of works created by Picasso during his stay in Antibes in 1946. The terrace offers a Panoramic view of Port Vauban. Just next door, the Saint-André bastion and its archaeology museum trace 25 centuries of local history.
Old Antibes is best discovered without a precise itinerary: cobbled alleyways, colourful facades, shady little squares. Walk along the seafront ramparts for a panorama of the Alps and the Mediterranean. Not to be missed: the Saint-Bernardin chapel, the cathedral, and the free commune of Safranier, a micro-district with village charm.
At the entrance to Antibes, the Fort Carré (16th century) dominates the Europe's largest marina. This historic monument can be visited and offers an extraordinary viewpoint over Antibes, the Bay of Angels and the Maritime Alps. The walk that leads there runs alongside the seafront – ideal at the start of the day.
From the town centre to Cap d'Antibes, via Juan-les-Pins, the coastline offers sheltered coves, a wild coastal path and fine sandy beaches. There's a piece of the Mediterranean for everyone.
The most accessible beach in Antibes: at the foot of the ramparts, a Small sandy cove With a direct view of Old Antibes. Calm, transparent water, ideal for a quick dip between visits. Popular with families and locals for relaxation without leaving the town centre.
Cap d'Antibes is an unspoiled gem. Tire-Poil Trail Stroll along the peninsula for 3.7 km, between sculpted rocks and secret coves, in front of the Villa Eilenroc, with views of the Lérins Islands and the Garoupe lighthouse. Walk of about two hours: good shoes and water recommended.
A few minutes away, Juan-les-Pins offers Fine sandy beaches for several hundred metres. Seaside atmosphere: beach clubs, water sports (paddleboarding, sailing, jet-skiing) and a lively summer life. It is also the setting for Jazz at Juan, the doyen of jazz festivals in Europe, at the Pinède Gould.
Most guides stop at the beaches and museums. However, the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes, accessible in under an hour, transforms a seaside stay into a real adventure.
45 minutes from Antibes, the site of Gréolières culminate in 1 800 m on the ridges of the Cheiron: the Mediterranean on one side, the Mercantour on the other. Introductory tandem flights lasting 15 to 60 minutes, DEJEPS-qualified instructors, from 6 years, No physical fitness required, equipment provided and checked.
Choosing my baptism
Just 30 minutes from Antibes, the Gorges du Loup Waterfalls, turquoise pools and natural slides. Discovery trail Accessible for beginners and families, Sports courses for thrill-seekers. Supervised by qualified instructors, all technical equipment provided.
Discover our canyons
To live both experiences in one day: flight over the ridges in the morning, descent of the Gorges du Loup in the afternoon. The perfect programme for a group of friends, a Hen party or stag party. A unique formula on the French Riviera — few providers master both disciplines.
See the comboThe school Accessories, Based in the Alpes-Maritimes since 2013, we offer discovery flights and introductory experiences supervised by state-qualified instructors who know every air current in the region. over 1070 5/5 reviews, That's a safe bet for a first experience.
Want to learn to fly? Our paragliding school Offers internships for all levels, 45 minutes from Antibes.
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Between the town and the countryside, Antibes is full of family activities accessible all year round, from cultural strolls to supervised thrills from the age of 6.
The Provençal market on Cours Masséna (colours, smells, tastings) is an excellent starting point – children love it. The Picasso Museum offers visits adapted for younger children and a stroll along the ramparts appeals to all ages. In summer, Aquasplash In Juan-les-Pins, the sandy beaches with shallow waters are perfect for little ones.
The outdoor activities in the hinterland are also accessible to families. Paragliding baptism is possible from the age of 6., curated by a monitor who adapts the experience to the child — often described as the highlight of their stay. The Discovery canyoning in Gorges du Loup is also suitable for accompanied children.
Provençal gastronomy and the Cours Masséna market make Antibes a gourmet destination in its own right, offering local produce and restaurants with views over the port.
It's the soul of Antibes. Every morning (except Monday in low season), one of the most authentic covered markets from the Côte d'Azur: fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses, flowers and spices from local producers. In summer, it extends into the evening with an artisanal market (jewellery, ceramics, Provençal art). Stroll, taste, chat - and it's free.
From the fish restaurant on the Port Vauban to the small, hidden addresses of old Antibes. The quays offer terraces with views of the boats. In the evening, Rue Thuret and the Safranier district offer an intimate, local atmosphere. For wines, several cellars offer Provençal vintages and appellations from Bellet, the Nice vineyard.
Even in bad weather or after dark, Antibes has no shortage of options – from museums and artists' studios to the atmosphere of the port.
Le Picasso Museum and the Saint-André Bastion Archaeology Museum are unmissable; the Postcard Museum, a more discreet option, offers an original dive into local history. The artist workshops in old Antibes (painting, ceramics, glassblowing) are regularly open. Théâtre Antibea and the cinema complete the offerings.
The nightlife is concentrated around Old Antibes and the Port Vauban cocktail bars in the pedestrian alleyways, livelier establishments on the quays. In summer, the beach clubs of Juan-les-Pins take over. For a more peaceful evening, a stroll along the ramparts lit up at sunset is unbeatable.
Our best-selling packages for enjoying the French Riviera’s outdoor activities. Transparent pricing, for children aged 6 and over, with DEJEPS-qualified instructors on a 1:1 basis (45 mins from Antibes).
Antibes brings together the riches of the Côte d'Azur: historical heritage, preserved beaches, generous gastronomy and a mountainous hinterland less than an hour away. Strolling through old Antibes, relaxing on the Cap's beaches or a paragliding baptism at 1,800 m: enough to fill a day, a weekend or an entire holiday.
Fancy extending your visit with an outdoor activity? Book your first paragliding experience with a view of the Mediterranean or your canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. You can also offer the adventure with a gift voucher valid for one year.
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Paragliding access, family beaches, duration of visit, hen parties, market, weather: everything you need to know before coming to Antibes.
About 45 minutes' drive : head for the hinterland via Grasse or Vence, then climb towards Gréolières and the Cheiron ridges (1,800 m). The launch site is accessible by car.
We will communicate the exact meeting point and time the day before, after analysing the weather.
La Gravette beach, at the foot of the ramparts, offers a sheltered sandy cove with calm waters, ideal for young children.
À Juan-les-Pins, the long fine sandy beaches with shallow waters are perfect for family swimming, with beach clubs nearby.
Yes. Old Antibes can be discovered entirely on foot: Picasso Museum (Grimaldi Castle), narrow streets and ramparts, Provençal market, Port Vauban and La Gravette beach can be managed in a single day.
Add Fort Carré and the Cap d'Antibes coastal path if you're staying longer.
At 45 mins, the first paragliding experience at Gréolières (1,800 m). 30 minutes away, the canyoning in the Gorges du Loup.
On-site, the coastal path (Tire-Poil) at Cap d'Antibes (3.7 km). And the paragliding + canyoning combo to experience everything in one day.
Antibes, it's the old town, culture (Picasso Museum), the Provençal market and Port Vauban—a heritage-rich and authentic atmosphere.
Juan-les-Pins, a few minutes away, is more seaside resort-like: long sandy beaches, beach clubs, water sports, and Jazz à Juan. Both are part of the same municipality.
Le spring and the'autumn offering the best weather/crowd balance, with beautiful light and gentler prices. Summer is lively (beaches, Jazz à Juan) but touristy.
In terms of nature, paragliding can be done almost all year round depending on the weather, and canyoning from May to September.
Antibes and its hinterland are perfect for a stag or hen do. paragliding + canyoning combo is the most requested formula.
Flight over the ridges in the morning, descent through the Gorges du Loup in the afternoon: a Day of sensations to share with friends.
Yes. The market for Masséna course held every morning (except Monday in low season) all year round: fruit, vegetables, olives, cheeses, flowers and spices from local producers.
In the summer, it extends into the evening with a craft market (jewellery, ceramics, Provençal art).
4 reasons why Antibes is an ideal base on the French Riviera.
Old Antibes, Picasso Museum, seafront ramparts, Cours Masséna market and Port Vauban: the essential sights can be discovered on foot in a single day.
The cove of the Gravette in the city, the wild path of the Cap d'Antibes and the long sandy beaches of Juan-les-Pins.
First paragliding experience at 1,800 m and canyoning in the Gorges du Loup The most memorable experiences of a stay in Antibes.
