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Favorite thing: I spent two weeks in Antibes and visited several beaches around the area. I loved the beaches here because they are small and they have sand rather than pebbles. In fact, I found the sand here finer than in the razzle-dazzle St Tropez area.
The small size of the beaches creates a nice atmosphere. If you are looking for a long stretch of sand beach, then Juan-Les-Pins is the place for you, however, here I am only dealing with the beaches in Antibes town area.
Here's a run-down of those I visited. For all beaches, there is no shade so you will need to bring your own umbrella or use lots of sun cream. These are public beaches. No need to pay for sunbeds or umbrellas. There were almost no peddlers and the one or two I saw were not really persistent. Water was generally clean everywhere and the beaches looked like they were cleaned every night. They were amazingly clean for being in a town area.
Plage de la Gravette - Of all three, I didn't like this one so much. The plus point is that it is right in the old town so you can easily combine sightseeing, shopping and swimming. It is right next to the port, Port Vauban. It is the smallest of the three and is primarily a sand beach but there are some pebbles before you get into the water. There is a food kiosk and showers but no toilets or lifeguard. An area is cordonned off for swimming.
Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis are just outside the old town (it's not big) but still considered in the town of Antibes and you can probably still walk to them if you are staying in a hotel in Antibes and combine a beach visit with a sightseeing/shopping expedition.
Plage du Ponteil is smaller than Plage de la Salis. It was my favourite because of it's size and there were amenities like showers, toilets and a kiosk. This kiosk (there is only one) has great food and has a seating area with about 5 tables(very rare). I had a great espresso and the best waffle on the whole trip here. Freshly made to order. The prices are normal and not marked up because you are on the beach and there is no other place around. Bravo! The food other people ordered looked pretty good. If you are coming by car, there is a large shady carpark right in front of the beach. The sand is great.
On another day, I walked a bit further to the Plage de la Salis. Since it is longer, the beach is dotted with more kiosks and showers. I didn't need to use any other amenities or buy anything from the kiosk so I can't comment. There is also ample parking and there were a few shops along the road. The sand was really nice here too.
Written Jul 4, 2011
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Favorite thing: The Old Town, le Vieil Antibes, is a truly authentic unspoilt cobblestoned village far removed from the high tech in the port. I fascinated explored the maze of tiny streets and cobble stoned lanes. It was so romantic lose one's way... every corner was a surprise, till Antibes’ Town Hall and a covered Marchée Provençal. This market was irresistible, just the enticing fragrance of spices and fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, flowers, honey, jams and other confectionery, fresh and dried herbs are attractively displayed.
Beyond the city centre lies the Cap d'Antibes. The Cap is a lush setting of some very large and very expensive estates, anyway my goal was the lighthouse at the highest point. It was very hard to reach it, but what a great view all over the coast.
If you like taking picture, afeter a day spent on Cap you can captured sunset light and boats' reflections at Port Vauban. The Fort Carré on background will be like a gem in your picture!
Updated Aug 12, 2007
Favorite thing: Definitely to Port Vaubain to see and wonder the yachts and the marine life.
Also to Old Antibes - and definitely have a lunch in this wonderful place.
Go around, sit for a while, watch these wealthy people pass by, their lifestyle. Many seem to have a very small dog as a pet here.
Fondest memory: What I really miss from Antibes is the sun and blue sky as well as the nice hot -but not too hot- weather. I also liked a lot the local food - it is delicious as in everywhere in the French Riviera.
What I especially miss is just being there, stopping somewhere, walk a little bit, enjoying the rich people's athmosphere. It is like to be a part of it for a while. I enjoyed just watching and being amazed of the yachts that could be 30-40 m long and high like a house. To me some of them looked and seemed to be as big as our catamarans that cruise from Helsinki/Finland to Tallinn/Estonia!
People. Here we met the nicest people of the whole trip: we had our lunch in the old town of Antibes, outside in the shadow. Next to us sat a couple, propably 20 years older than us. We started to talk, (I wondered where did my school French come from...), and had a good time together. Finally the gentleman wanted to offer us our coffees. Very kind of him.
They said that they were still living in Paris but just bought a house from Juan Les Pins-Antibes area for the weather and athmosphere. I don't wonder their decision...
Updated May 30, 2007
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Favorite thing: Marineland - Sea Park offers you to enjoy amazing shows of orcas (killer whales), dolphins and sea lions, to enter into aquarium to see many species of tropical fish, to see amusing penguins.
But the most unforgettable sight of this park is... sharks! You must see it! Imagine, You are walking through the tunnel (30 metres - the biggest in Europe) and everywhere around You there are the sharks...
Updated Feb 22, 2005
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Favorite thing: Marineland is one of the famous Amusement parks in France. It includes 5 different parks: Marineland - Sea Park; Aqua-Splash (water amusement park); La Petite Ferme (Small farm); Adventure Golf; La Jungle des Papillons (The jungle of Butterflies).
Updated Feb 22, 2005
Favorite thing: Everything!!!!! Food, Cheese, Desserts, Pastries, People and the list goes on....
Downtown Antibes would be THE place to see and be seen.
Fondest memory: My experience shared with the the french family is something I valued most as I get to learn their daily lifestyle and culture.
Written Jul 24, 2004
Favorite thing: The best part about Antibes is that you get the beautiful scenery of the Cote D'Azur, but a much more open, laid-back atmosphere. Especially if you are in your twenties and thirties, this is a great place to kick back, enjoy a drink, and meet lots of interesting people from around the world! This town is very special and should not be missed by any traveler on any budget.
Written Jul 6, 2004
Favorite thing: Look at the door on the top of the building... it looks like there is nothing behind!! If someone had the chance to check it thanks to let me know.
Fondest memory: You could see that from one of the window in the Picasso museum.
Updated Aug 28, 2003
Favorite thing: Provence, and whole southern France is such a beautiful place naturewise. There is colourful flowers everywhere, the smell of pines and sea. Get relaxed for an afternoon nap in the mediteranean way with the sound "cigale".
Updated Aug 19, 2003
Favorite thing: At the beginning of June takes place in Antibes a meeting of classic yachts. Yawl, Sloop, Ketch, they are all beautiful and they compete in fierce races during 5 days.
Being in Antibes at that period allows you to enjoy the signt of these beautiful yachts.
Updated Jun 12, 2003
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