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There are so many places to see around Antibes you can easily spend weeks without seeing everything. A few places to do a bit of research on and maybe go see:
Surrounding Antibes
People from all over the world, including many French, come to the south every year on holiday for very good reasons. Antibes rests between the cities of Nice and Cannes, which are only 20 minutes away by train or a little longer by car. You can also spend an afternoon wandering around the palace grounds in Monte Carlo, Monaco which is only an hour distance. There are so many places to see surrounding Antibes that you can easily spend weeks without seeing everything, which might just be the point. Here are a few destinations we’ve enjoyed that you may want to do some research about and go visit.
Eze - This very old hilltop village is accessible only by footpaths winding to the top where the site of the original 11 th century fortress is now surrounded by a cactus garden offering spectacular views of the coastline.
St. Paul de Vence - Another beautiful hilltop village, which also boasts the surround of the entire original city wall, St. Paul has become a large gathering of artist galleries scattered throughout its small winding streets.
Biot - A very old town, Biot has become widely known for its glass blowing artisans, many of whom open their workshops to allow visitors a chance to watch them work.
Grasse - Famous for its perfumeries, most people visit to tour the factories where the essential essences are developed from flowers from all over the world.
St Tropez - This town, also accessible by ferry from Cannes, has a very picturesque port filled with shops and cafes. The drive along the coastline is very beautiful, but be wary of the grueling traffic as you near St. Tropez, especially during the summer months.
Events to Keep in Mind
Antibes and the surrounding area has many, many events throughout the year. While the summer months are certainly the big draw, visiting the area during quieter months when the weather is cooler, can be very appealing, especially just to see the Christmas lights throughout Antibes lit on Christmas Eve. Doing a little research beforehand will most likely reveal something for everyone, but just as a start here a few we have experienced first hand or have heard are a must see.
MAY
- Cannes Film Festival - This film festival is world renowned for all its craziness, originality, and glamour. Expect large crowds, but you never know who you might rub elbows with. It kicks off during the month of May each year.
- Monte Carlo Grand Prix - The grand daddy of all racing, if speeding cars flashing through centuries old city streets raises you pulse head to Monaco. The racing begins every year in May.
JUNE
- Fete de St Jean - While it seems that every town celebrates this festival at different times, we experienced it just blocks from the apartment and were completely entertained by the food and music and dancing all at the base of the Musee Picasso. Stay after dark to watch participants leap over the bonfire. It all happens on the Summer Solstice.
JULY/AUGUST
- Bastille Day - This is French Independence Day on July 14th. We celebrated by taking the train to Cannes, digging our feet into the sand on the beach, enjoying a bottle of wine, and watching the fireworks over the sea.
- International Fireworks Competition - Each year, starting in July, several countries compete over the course of four weeks in a display of fireworks. The location changes occasionally, but primarily it happens in Monte Carlo. Just look for posters and flyers or ask at the tourist office, which is always a great place to find out about events and festivals.