Whether you're visiting Antibes alone, with your family or with friends, you can take advantage of a number of unbelievably low-cost or even free activities. It has everything you need for maximum enjoyment, but without needing to count the pennies. It's the perfect chance for new experiences and discoveries, even with your kids.
If you're not enjoying a particular activity, simply move on to the next one, no problem. After all, isn't that what holidays are all about? Simply enjoy going where the mood takes you, without having to think too hard, and far from the demands of everyday life. Here are the 10 best low-budget activities around Antibes.
- 1
The Nomad
A monumental work of art on the seafront
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The Nomad (le Nomade) watches over the Port of Antibes and proudly displays the immaculate capital letters that it is made from. At 10 metres tall, this work of genius by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa stands out elegantly against the blue skies of the Côte d’Azur. Sitting facing the sea, with one leg tucked up against his chest, the nomad watches the Mediterranean and appears overwhelmed by its beauty.
As the letters take flight, so do the words, as if to make room for silence and contemplation. After this moment frozen in time, you'll want to go inside, as if to become one with the sculpture that blends so perfectly into its environment. Once the sun sets, the spectacle – still free of charge – takes on a new character thanks to the subtle lighting changes that, once again, enhance the gentle contours of the structure's white steel.
Locatie: 32 quai Henri Rambaud, 06600 Antibes, France
Openingstijden: Open Tuesday–Sunday. 1 September–30 May: 10 am to 6 pm. 1 June–31 August: 10 am to 11 pm
Telefoonnummer: +33 (0)4 22 10 60 10
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Garoupe Plateau
A window across the Mediterranean
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The Garoupe Plateau (Plateau de la Garoupe), located on the Cap d'Antibes peninsula, reaches an altitude of 75 metres and offers an extraordinary view across the Mediterranean. The plateau is home to a lighthouse – the semaphore of the country's Navy – and the Garoupe Chapel (Chapelle de la Garoupe) with its little oratory known as 'Our Lady of Lovers, Protector of Homes'. You can get there by road or, better still, by following the Chemin de Calvaire trail to the end, where you'll catch the first glimpse of this amazing sight.
Hikers will be particularly relieved to find a little bistro serving local specialities, such as pans-bagnats (sandwiches), petits farcis niçois (stuffed vegetables) or pissaladières (onion tarts). Take the time to study the viewpoint indicator to find Italy, the snowy Alps and even Corsica, which will appear as the sun rises.
Locatie: Plateau de la Garoupe, 635 Route du Phare, 06160 Antibes, France
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The Sentier du Littoral coastal path
Bathing and walking trails departing from Garoupe Plateau
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The Sentier du Littoral coastal path offers magnificent views across the coast and will enchant hikers discovering the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. This trail is suitable for walkers of all levels, and you'll find some cool spots on hot days, thanks to the little coves found along the way.
So remember your swimsuit and get up early to make the most of the beautiful sunrises across the sea and to avoid the crowds on the more popular sections of the trail along the cliff edge known by locals as the 'Sentier de Tirepoil' (literally, the 'Hair-Pull Trail'). Photography lovers will also have a ball thanks to the spectacular vantage points that offer breathtaking views across the turquoise sea, contrasting with the yellow ochre of the rocks.
Locatie: 11 chemin des Douaniers, 06160 Antibes, France
Kaart - 4
The pine grove
Back to nature and concerts
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The pine grove (Le Parc de la Pinède) is the lungs of the coastal town of Juan-les-Pins. To the north there's a children's play area, a carousel, a sculpture by the artist Sosno and benches shaded by pine trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and home to friendly squirrels. Free evening concerts are put on in this part of the park as part of the International Jazz Festival held here every July.
The southern part of the park, overlooking the beaches, is nicknamed 'Pinède Gould'. A variety of shows are hosted in this area too, in particular as part of the Jazz Festival. Handprints of jazz artists who have performed here can be found on the path that runs alongside the park.
Locatie: 7 boulevard de la Pinède, 06160 Antibes, France
Kaart - 5
Exflora Park
Walking enthusiasts will love the gardens and ponds by the sea
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Exflora Park (Parc Exflora), spread across 5 hectares of greenery around a magnificent olive grove, is home to a varied Mediterranean garden. Here you'll find a panoramic terrace, games and waterways, an exotic garden with a palm grove, an oasis of greenery, a hedge maze, vegetable gardens and orchards, a winter garden and an avenue of lime trees. Everything comes together to offer you a fantastic 'botanical' journey, where the combined skills of French, English and Italian gardeners are all carefully showcased.
The atrium, peristyle and Pompeian-style gardens will take you back in time. And lastly, no visit is complete without spending a little time at the Rotunda, with its Latin inscription: 'Many gardens that have not yet come to an end are already being reborn'. Enough to make you want to scatter the seeds of inspiration far and wide.
Locatie: Avenue de Cannes, 06160 Antibes, France
Openingstijden: Open Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 7 pm. Closes at 12 pm on Saturday.
Telefoonnummer: +33 (0)4 97 21 42 60
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Ponteil Beach
A great beach for families
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Ponteil Beach (Plage du Ponteil) can be found by heading towards the Cap d'Antibes peninsula from the Old Town (Vieil-Antibes). With its gentle slope and shallow waters, it's ideal for families with young children. Families can also take advantage of the vast car park and can have fun watching the small boats coming and going from the nearby sailing school. The toilets, showers and lifeguard stations guarantee both the comfort and safety of all.
Fancy stretching your legs? Why not take a walk along the pretty promenade that runs alongside the beach and enjoy the magnificent views, accentuated by the sun's reflection across the turquoise waters. The nearby restaurants and cafes are handy if you need to eat on the go.
Locatie: 1990 route de Grasse, 06600 Antibes, France
Kaartfoto door Abxbay (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt
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Carré Fort
An unmissable historical monument
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Carré Fort (Fort Carré) has long provided protection for the town as one of the first bastion forts built during the Renaissance period. During a guided tour, discover its fascinating history and the fabulous architecture inspired by mathematical art, and walk the 43 metres along the ramparts for a breathtaking panorama across the city.
This low-cost visit also gives you access to the magnificent 4-hectare park, full of Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Locatie: Avenue du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes, France
Openingstijden: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefoonnummer: +33 (0)4 92 90 52 13
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Esplanade du Pré aux Pêcheurs
Calm, fun and relaxation with a view across the ramparts
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The Esplanade du Pré aux Pêcheurs is still accessible by bikes and buses though it's exclusively pedestrianised. It links the marina to the old town and provides a stunning view of the ramparts. Made from exposed aggregate concrete, this vast mineral setting is reminiscent of the ancient fortifications and fishing mesh used in former times.
Shaded by clusters of pine trees, this calm yet lively area hosts a number of different activities including sporting competitions, bric-a-brac and cultural events. For ease of access, there is a large underground car park, unless you come by bike or public transport.
Locatie: 20 avenue de Verdun, 06600 Antibes, France
Kaart - 9
Vallauris and Biot: 2 inland villages
The potters of Vallauris and the charm of Biot's old stones
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Vallauris and Biot are 2 inland villages you won't want to miss. Biot is a charming little village full of shaded alleyways, flowery cobblestone paths and vaulted buildings of old stone. Boutiques, pretty restaurants and craftspeople bring this village – also well-known for its glass-blowing – to life.
Art also features prominently in Vallauris, renowned for the skill of its potters found on every street corner. In short, these are the places that are really worth the visit and will offer an excellent change of scenery during your stay in Antibes.
Locatie: 06220 Vallauris, France | 06410 Biot, France
Kaart - 10
Galimard Perfumery in Grasse
A whirlwind of flowers in Grasse
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The Galimard Perfumery (Parfumerie Galimard) is a local institution and was founded in 1747. The skills related to perfume making in Pays de Grasse are listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visit this traditional factory in the perfume capital of the world and discover a superb collection of museum pieces, antique machinery and all the secrets of fragrance blending.
At the end of this entertaining and captivating visit, head off to Eze-Village, between Nice and Monaco, and wander around this charming medieval village before visiting another perfume establishment, home to a magnificent collection of antique perfume bottles. There are 2 guided tours, completely free of charge, that you're sure to find intoxicating.
Locatie: Parfumerie Galimard, 73 route de Cannes, 06130 Grasse, France
Openingstijden: Open daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm
Telefoonnummer: +33 (0)4 93 09 20 00
Kaartfoto door Weefemwe (CC BY-SA 3.0) bewerkt