Five things to do in Antibes on the French Riviera

Posted on 13 July 2011

The vibrant town of Antibes is always a hive of activity during the much-anticipated Mediterranean summer. Each year, hundreds of young South Africans flock to Antibes in hope of finding crew jobs on super yachts. In between my job search I managed to explore the original town, old Antibes. Here are five things to do when visiting this coastal gem:

1. Picasso Museum

Set in a castle, formerly inhabited by the Grimaldi family, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Although the collection doesn’t focus entirely on Picasso’s work, there is a vast selection of cubist works which are unique and intriguing. My eye caught the selection of photographs taken by Picasso’s wife and muse, Dora Maar. The behind-the-scenes shots of Picasso at work show another angle of Picasso. Once you have toured the interior exhibition, you can walk out onto the terrace where a selection of sculptures rest in the garden. The fresh sea air and the contrast of the bright blue sky with the pale brick castle makes it an ideal backdrop for these masterpieces.

2. Absinthe Bar

The Absinthe Bar is a novel experience and one of the main attractions of Antibes night life. You walk down a flight of stairs into another world. The slanted walls are decorated with vintage posters and hanging musical instruments that surround wooden tables set with Absinthe apparatus. To add to the fun, there are an assortment of hats to try on and wear while you order your absinthe. The absinthe drips from a little tap onto a spoonful of sugar which dilutes and sweetens your drink. According to local patrons, the trick is to let the absinthe drip at a slow and steady pace. Old school music and a friendly atmosphere guarantees a fun and unique experience at this old Antibes bar. Who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of the green fairy!


3. Pomodoro Restaurant

Pomodoro is an Italian restaurant tucked away in Old Antibes. Their menu offers a selection of authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and salads which are reasonably priced and delicious. The main attraction is their dinner special consisting of a starter, main and dessert for only 18 euro. This is a steal compared to neighbouring restaurants. Bon Appetit!


4. Morning market

Most mornings Old Antibes hosts a food market which should not be missed. Fresh produce, cheese, meats, olives, jams, and flowers are a few of what is on offer to tantalize your senses. The refreshing morning air with the hustle and bustle of the market is bound to put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. The market shed is bordered by a string of cafes and gift shops which are worth a visit if you are looking for gifts to take home with you.


5. La Gravette beach

Directly through the portal of the old city walls at Port Vauban is the sheltered bay and popular beach, La Gravette. The water is calm and warm, the views are spectacular and it is the perfect spot for sundowners.
Once you have had a taste of Antibes, you will no doubt want to explore more of the French Riviera. Conveniently, Antibes is a quick train ride away from Nice, Monaco and Cannes so it is worth planning a trip to all of these idyllic French Riviera locations.



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