Antibes is just the right size for a vacation. It has a nice small town vibe with lots of events going on throughout the year. You’ll never be stuck for something to do: visit a festival or a market, check out an art gallery or try a hip new beach bar for drinks with friends. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in Antibes.
Dine under a fig tree
Antibes is full of great restaurants, but when you want a really special meal the best place to go is Le Figuier Saint Esprit, hidden away beneath the ramparts in the old town. Chef Christian Morisset has a well-deserved Michelin star and his cuisine is creative and delicious with a focus on the flavours of the region. The wine list is huge and the service is absolutely impeccable. This is not your average dining experience. Ask for a table in the courtyard and sit under the the prettiest fig tree in town while you eat. The main courses are fabulous but try and save room for the warm hazelnut chocolate cake served with cocoa beans for dessert, it’s a little slice of heaven on a plate.
Take part in a traditional festival
As you’re in France, why not take part in a traditional French festival with members of the Safranier commune. The commune loves any excuse to party and they hold a legendary ball on the 14th July to commemorate the Fete Nationale. They organise street parties and festivals throughout the year and visitors are strongly encouraged to stop by and join them for a drink, a meal or a quick dance with one of the members. To find the commune, just head to the Place du Safranier and keep an eye out for the yellow street signs or an ear out for the live music at the Taverne du Safranier.
Step off the beaten track
Antibes has a well-known Cathedral in the old town which is listed as a national monument. But tucked away on a nearby side street is the Chapelle Saint Bernadin, a lovely 16th century chapel which is still relatively unknown to visitors. The little chapel has a stunning blue and gold starry ceiling and many trompe l’oeil paintings and frescos which have all been lovingly-restored. It’s well worth taking the short detour through the Place Nacionale and paying it a visit as it’s almost always quiet and peaceful inside.
Indulge yourself
Papilla is more than just an ice cream parlour, it’s a local institution. All the ice creams and sorbets are freshly made each day and they have dozens of flavours from the practically good-for-you fruity options to the decadent chocolate creations. There’s nearly always a queue to get inside as this is some seriously good ice cream but they now have stores in both Antibes and Juan les Pins so you should be able to get your daily fix without waiting for too long.
If you would like suggestions and ideas about what to do on the French Riviera, please get in touch with our concierge team who will be more than happy to help.