Cap d'Antibes visitor guide

Visit Cap d'Antibes, France

The Cap d'Antibes is situated between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera, with Juan-les-Pins to the north-west and Antibes in the north-east of the peninsula. Visitors don't usually stay on the Cap d'Antibes itself but rather in Antibes or Juan-les-Pins, but an exploration of the peninsula is highly recommended when you are in the region.

The Cap d'Antibes is largely covered with the gardens and villas of the rich and famous - for the large part you can't even see the villas, apart from tightly closed entrance gates. This is one of the most exclusive places on the Riviera to live, and I imagine also one of the most pleasant - the roads are empty and the views outstanding.

Exploring Cap d'Antibes

The path around the Cap is very picturesque and very popular with walkers, while cyclists will prefer to follow the coast road.

The walk around the Cap d'Antibes, called the Sentier du Littoral, is about seven kilometres long and passes one or two small ports along the way and a few small beaches. The scenery is magnificent and we can't recommend the walk highly enough if you want to enjoy the scenery of the riviera.

Note: although the path is well maintained it is a country path rather than a 'promenade' so you will need sensible shoes.

Beaches

A significant part of the coast around Cap d'Antibes is privately owned or inaccessible but there are a couple of publicly accessible beaches, for example, at Plages de la Garoupe and the beach at La Salis. There are other beaches that you can access for an entry charge.

Villa Thuret gardens

In the centre of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula and a little way from the coast you can visit the gardens of the Villa Thuret.

With over 1600 species of plant, mostly from Mediterranean and hot temperate climates, the gardens cover more than three hectares and following the walkways around the garden you will see a wide selection of interesting plants including acacias, cypresses, palms, yuccas etc.

A visit to the gardens makes a pleasant change from the bustle of the riviera and provides a nice shady respite if the weather is hot.

Lighthouse and chapel

At the highest point of the peninsula (on the Route du Phare) there is a lighthouse and a small chapel with a lovely name - the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Amoureux. Take a look in the chapel then climb to the top of the lighthouse for exceptionally far-reaching views across the coast and sea.

Luxury accommodation

If you are feeling like treating yourself there is an exceptional hotel on Cap d'Antibes - called, not surprisingly, the Cap d'Antibes beach hotel. This contemporary hotel has a private beach, lovely views and every luxury you hope for, but it is rather expensive. If you feel like treating yourself for a day or two see here for details.

Other highlights

See separate features for Juan-les-Pins and Antibes for these important towns at the northern end of the peninsula - Antibes especially is a very interesting town to visit.

Explore elsewhere in the Cote d'Azur. You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-Maritimes guide and the Provence guide.