Plan a CruiseAntibes is a charming port city on the French Riviera. Small cruise ships can dock directly in the heart of the old town, offering immediate access to its attractions. For larger vessels, tendering ashore is common. The tender dock is approximately 1 km (a 10-minute walk) from the town center. Antibes is known for retaining much of its original fishing village ambiance, with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with the nearby ultra-rich Cap d'Antibes and the lively nightlife of Juan-les-Pins.
Getting Around from the Port
The old town is easily accessible on foot, just a 10-minute walk from both the cruise dock and the tender drop-off point.
For exploring further:
- Local Train: Both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins have train stations on the main Nice-Cannes line, providing easy connections along the coast.
- Local Bus: Bus service No. 200 operates regularly between Cannes, Antibes, and Nice. You can catch this bus from Place Charles de Gaulle.
- Tourist Train: A "little tourist train" offers a scenic way to visit Juan-les-Pins and its sandy beaches.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Antibes and its immediate surroundings offer a variety of independent exploration options:
- Explore Antibes Old Town: Wander through the fascinating narrow streets, visit the historic Cathedral, and enjoy the Mediterranean ambiance.
- Picasso Museum at Château Grimaldi: Located on the ramparts above the port, this former castle now houses a significant collection of Picasso's works.
- Hours: June–Sept: Tues–Sun 10am–6pm (until 8pm July–Aug). Oct–May: Tues–Sun 10am–noon and 2–5:30pm.
- Marché Provençal (Provençal Market): Delight in a magnificent selection of fresh local products, including meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables. The covered market is close to the harbor and open every morning except Monday.
- Visit Juan-les-Pins: Take the local train, bus No. 200, or the tourist train to Juan-les-Pins. This nearby town is known for its sandy beaches and trendy boutiques.
- Day Trip to Nice or Cannes: Utilize the local train service or Bus No. 200 from Place Charles de Gaulle to visit the larger coastal cities of Nice or Cannes for more extensive shopping, dining, or sightseeing. Travel times vary but are generally within an hour.
Dining
The covered Marché Provençal, located near the harbor, is an excellent spot to find fresh local produce for a picnic or to sample regional specialties. It's open every morning except Monday. Throughout the old town, you'll find various cafes and restaurants. *
Shopping
Antibes' old town offers quaint shops. For trendy boutiques, head to Juan-les-Pins. General shop hours in France are typically 8 or 9am to 6:30 or 7:30pm Monday to Saturday for larger stores, and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). Be aware that smaller shops may close for lunch between 12:30pm and 2pm. You can usually find boulangeries and food shops open until noon on Sundays.