Sat on a bluff between the Cap d’Antibes headland, the sparkling waters of the Cote d’Azur, and the lush, lavender-scented hinterland of Provence, Antibes is a luxurious hideaway that’s renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. Come here for a dose of enthralling French history. Come for the sandy beaches and the beautiful bays. Come for the top luxury holiday villas on this stunning stretch of the French Riviera near vibrant Cannes.
You won’t be the first person to be enamoured by it all. Graham Greene fell to its charms in the 60s. Picasso came, too, and was inspired to create some of his most dynamic and kinetic works by the ebb and flow of port life, much of which is now on display at the acclaimed Antibes Musée Picasso, itself set in a dramatic castle complex on the site of an ancient Greek acropolis.
For a taste of local vibes, head to the bustling Marché Provençal, a daily market that showcases the region’s culinary prowess. Amid the jostle of stalls, there’s everything from fragrant bunches of herbs to sun-ripened tomatoes to blooms of hand-picked lavender, as well as artisanal cheeses and olive oils. It’s a feast for the senses that is sure to whet the appetite.
To the south of town, there’s a hit of real Riviera glitz going at Juan-les-Pins. Charlie Chaplin and Édith Piaf are among the former patrons of the stylish coast hotels in those parts, and there’s still a lingering nostalgia about the coffee-clinking cafes and beach lounges along the shore. In July, the iconic Jazz à Juan bursts into life there. It’s one of Europe’s top jazz fests, attracting thousands of revellers for nights of plaintive trumpet playing and moody evening saxophone in the sea breezes.
Of course, most luxury villas in Antibes sit outside the hustling, bustling town centre. They dot the pine-cloaked hills to the north or south, some giving easy access to the idyllic swimming coves of the cape – the boat-bobbing harbour at Port de l’Olivette and soft-sanded Plage de la Garoupe are two of our favourites.
See
- Panoramic views from the top of Cap d'Antibes
- The glitzy resort town of Juan-les-Pins
- Pretty Plage de la Gravette
Experience
- Shop for local delicacies in the Marché Provençal
- Charter a yacht and explore the area by sea
- Visit museums dedicated to Napoleon and Picasso
