Antibes-Juan Les Pins is probably one of the best spots on the French Riviera for families. It is the area that the French themselves adore and, during the month of August in particular, you will hear little other than French being spoken on the streets. It's always a good indicator when a place is still frequented by it's own nationality.
Antibes is the second largest city in the department after Nice and it is spawling incorporating Cap d'Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and the port and old town of Antibes. There is space and activity to support the interest of all ages and all families.
Take a boat trip in Antibes
There are a lot of companies offering this service. You can take a trip around the coastline or to destinations further a field but one of the most fun is in a glass bottomed boat.
You can see 14metres below the sea at marine life and flora. The route will take you around the 'Bay of Millionaires' that juts out at the furthest tip of Cap d'Antibes and is inaccessible by land.
Tip: Find operators along the beach
Departures are from Juan Les Pins and ticket prices are from €6 for children and €12 for adults.
Watersports in Antibes Juan les Pins
Watersports feature highly along this part of the coast with almost every type of water based activity available. Take a dive course, go water skiing, hire a pedallo with a waterslide on the back.
Go windsurfing or parascending, hire a kayak or hop on a jet ski. Get dragged along on a 'fly fish' or bounced in a rubber ring, even if you simply float in a rubber ring enjoying the freedom of the Med there's nothing better than getting out on the water.
Tip: Buy floating toys locally
Inflatable rings, dolphins and toys are available very cheaply in supermarkets and DIY stores.
Visit Marineland in Antibes
Marine land is a huge water themed parked with four separate attractions; Marineland, La Ferme du Far West, Aquasplash and Adventure golf. You can buy combined tickets for two or three parks or you can buy tickets for just one.
The best value for money is to buy a ticket that allows access to all the parks. Your children will be guaranteed a fully entertaining time though as they can have fun in the water park on vast slides, see over 4000 animals and fish from the farm animals to penguins and whales.
Tip: Parking is free.
For a separate fee you can also swim dolphins. Look online for price combinations, tickets can be up to €33 for children
Visit the beaches in Antibes
There are miles and miles of beaches to choose from, sandy and pebble beaches. Juan Les Pins is famous for it's acres of sandy beaches, framed by a promenade and split from Antibes by the jutting Cap d'Antibes.
You may not be interested in museums but you can't fail to sense the history of Antibes as you walk through the city walls onto the lovely Plage de la Gravette. Also try the calm waters of the Baie de la Garoupe, a popular spot in summer but absolutely gorgeous spot and a great for kids to meet and play together.
Tip: Acres of beaches, all with different vibes, choose well.
More family orientated and less 'St Tropez fabulous'. Go to Juan-les-Pins for myriad of beach clubs.
What to do in Antibes
For Couples
wander in Antibes Old Town
The Old Town of Antibes is a warren of narrow cobbled streets that slope gently up from the port behind the protective city walls. Follow the footpath that you can see from Plage de la Gravette that runs along the top of the city walls, along Promenade Amiral de Grasse, and skirts the edge of the old town.
You'll come across Place du Révély, Chapelle du Saint-Esprit and a building that has housed a Cathedral, been a Grimaldi family palace and is the birthplace of Jaques Audiberti.. Dip into the narrow streets to find the old washhouse and the fountain of La Tourraque.
Tip: Pick up a free map in the tourist office
The town is a warren but the tourist office has a map with all the points of interest clearly marked. It's the best way to not miss anything.
Go Shopping in Antibes
Antibes is packed full of little boutique style shops offering all kinds of trinkets and tourist paraphernalia. There are also plenty of little Atelier's or 'studio shop' where local artists paint, display and sell their works. You'll find some uique and special pieces.
Juan-Les-Pins feels like a more 'beachy/family' style holiday location but the shops are fantastic. There are great clothes and jewelery stores selling unique designers and original pieces. There are cheap and cheerful beach wear shops but also some high quality boutiques.
Tip: Look out for end of summer sales
The clothes are so seasonal here that there are great bargains to be had as the seasons come to a close both in winter and summer.
Visit Fort Carré
Fort Carre sits over the Port in Antibes and has become synonymous with the skyline of Antibes. A little way out of town it is lovely to climb up to its heights and see the stunning views. You can easily see why it was such a prominent military position in its time.
There is free parking and a free bus up to the Fort but the walk is really not far and the views over the Baie des Anges are stunning and stretch for miles and miles, back in time it seems.
Tip: Take the guided tour.
You can only go upstairs in the Fort with a guide but at €3 per person it really is worth it. The views are amazing and the information is really interesting.
Romantic walks and dinners in Antibes
Walking is one of the best and most peaceful ways to get a sense of this old town and it's landscape. Follow the path along the ramparts of the old city and walk out to Cap d'Antibes, a 4.5km round walk through parks, gardens and breathtaking sea views.
Take lunch at a sunny beachside café and dine out in a cosy restaurant tucked away in the old town. See the section 'where to eat in Antibes' for ideas or discover your own favourite places.
Tip: Look online for maps
The walks are detailed online, with maps and difficulty ratings. Look in the RG directory under 'Activities' for contacts.
What to do in Antibes
For a group of Friends
Hire a boat in Antibes
For certain this is one of the best days out. There is a whole different view on the world waiting out there for you. A freedom that's impossible to experience on dry land.
You will need a license for boats over a certain size but there are several options. Either take a weekend course and get your license, hire a skipper to go out with you or just get a couple of small boats and punt around the edge of the bays. It's a great day out and not expensive when split between a bunch of you.
Tip: High factor protection
Sunscreen and hats. You won't even notice the burning sun once the sea breeze hits you so protect yourself.
Visit the bars in Antibes
Ok every town has it's share of bars but Antibes is particularly famous for its absynthe bar. This unusual bar is located in the market square below a local gift shop and is an experience. The shop sells the beautiful glass stills that dispense this unique liquor as well as other local products. It's good for a browse even if you are not an avid drinker at least.
The paraphernalia that goes with drinking Absinth is unusual enough combined with the powerful force of this alcohol. If you don't feel like drinking it then the delicate glass stills make beautiful momentos. If you go for it in the bar don't make plans for later.
Tip: Don't worry if you fall foul of the green fairy.
Not the mind altering, hallucinogenic drug that it used to be, modern absinths are milder, less potent and less lethal than the elixir that drove artist Toulouse Lautrec to madness.
Visit Antibesland
It's not just for the kids. Antibesland is a funpark with rides and attraction, restaurants and sideshows. It is open late during the summer weeknds until 1am. There are rollercoasters, mini karting, Ferris wheels and all the typical fairground attractions.
It's goof fun if you have a bunch of friends together and you'll remember how much fun it is once you get there. Entrance is free and free parking is available too.
Tip: Go in the evening
It is easy to find, on the seafront, opposite Marineland and both are landmarks on the horizon.
Go Dancing in Antibes
Antibes-Juan-les-Pins has one of the youngest populations on the coast with about a quarter being under 25. So the nightlife is fairly active if a little quaint.
Juan-les-Pins is a particularly well known spot for going dancing with a variety of clubs, casinos and cabaret shows to choose from. Look for names like Milk, la Siesta and Whiskey a GoGo. Ages and door policies vary so check them out before you commit.
Tip: Door prices vary
They can range from €10-€20 but usually include a drink or a 'conso' as it is called in France.
renting vacation apartments and villas in Antibes
There are plenty of activities to keep every age and nationality entertained during the course of a holiday in Antibes-Juan-les-Pins. If you are interested in holiday homes and vacation rentals in Antibes then please use the search facility below. You can also click on 'Browse Rental' in the main menu to see every apartment, villa and home available to rent for your holiday. Thank you for choosing Riviera Rental Guide.
A picturesque, 4 bedroom villa, close to the heart of Valbonne. Impressive landscaped gardens, a private swimming pool, dining terraces, an independent apartment, tasteful decor throughout and just 15 minutes from Cannes and Antibes. WIFI available.
One bedroom apartment is in a great location near the port and beaches in Antibes. It is perfect for a couple or a group of friends to have a fabulous holiday in the centre of the action.
Stunning prestige villa close to the famous La Garoupe beaches of Cap d'Antibes. This newly renovated belle epoque ('beautiful era') villa is decorated to a very high standard with swimming pool, summer kitchen and attractively designed garden.
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Bedrooms: 3
