A Cap Villas Guide to Antibes: The Riviera Gem Picasso Called Home

cap villas guide antibes riviera gem picasso called home

Situated along the Mediterranean on the Côte d’Azur, Antibes is one of the Riviera’s most compelling destinations. From the glittering superyachts of Port Vauban and the scenic coastal paths of Cap d’Antibes, to the golden and charming streets of the Old Town, the city blends seaside elegance with authentic Provençal spirit. Art lovers are visiting the Picasso Museum, placed in the historic Château Grimaldi, where the artist once lived and worked, in search of inspiration from the surrounding nature. Whether you are here for summery beach days, buzzing markets like the Marché Provençal, seafood lunches by the harbour, or to experience evening stroll as the sky turns pink over the fortifications. Antibes offers a Riviera experience that feels both relaxed and chic.

What you need to know before coming to Antibes?

Antibes delivers several distinct feelings, making it ideal for an ultimate Riviera experience. Vieil Antibes is made for slow mornings—historic streets, local markets, shaded squares, and walks on the fortification with sea views. Around Port Vauban and the marina, the city strikes with its charm, the terraces, yachts, and aperitifs stretching into sunset.

For a quieter, more exclusive pace, Cap d’Antibes offers pine-shaded coastal paths, and sweeping Mediterranean panoramas. Baie des Milliardaires, in particular, has long been a discreet summer retreat for the wealthy, prized for its legacy, privacy, exclusivity, and protected setting.

Juan-les-Pins brings more energy, with sandy beaches, chic beach clubs, and an easy day rhythm. By night, the area comes alive with lively bars and late-night clubs, offering plenty of options for dancing and lavish cocktails.

Outside the centre, calmer residential neighbourhoods provide a low-key base, with quick access to beaches and town by taxi.

What can you discover in the city of Antibes?

For a memorable day in Antibes, start early in Vieil Antibes with a peaceful stroll through narrow streets. Continue to the sea-view lookouts along the ramparts for fresh air and panoramic Mediterranean views. Stop at Marché Provençal for local produce, flowers, and regional specialties, then grab coffee at Amour Café. Later, follow the waterfront by Port Vauban for yacht-watching, galleries, and a sea-view aperitif at golden hour. For a change of pace, head to Cap d’Antibes and walk the Sentier du Littoral to secluded coves. Go for a swim and a sunbath at Plage du Ponteil, Plage de la Salis, or La Garoupe, then end with Musée Picasso or Fort Carré.

Antibes Restaurant & Beach Clubs

Antibes’ dining scene is both varied and impressive, spanning everything from Italian classics to standout Japanese cuisine. Explore our recommendations below.

Plage Keller

 

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Among the most popular beach clubs on the Côte d’Azur, the Plage Keller enjoys a sheltered location with panoramic views and a white sandy beach. Choose between a sun lounger or a deck chair, and enjoy lunch at the gourmet restaurant Le César.

Address: 1035 Chemin de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes
Phone: +33 4 93 61 33 74
Website

Plage Pirates


Tucked into the pine grove of Juan-les-Pins, Les Pirates is a classic Riviera beach club with a fun, “Treasure Island”
feel—sunbeds on the sand, cocktails, and an easygoing restaurant vibe that works for long lunches and sunset aperitifs.

Address: 23 Bd Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Antibes
Phone: +33 4 93 61 00 41
Website

Plage de la Jetee

 

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A true Juan-les-Pins icon since 1956, Plage La Jetée pairs laid-back beach time with a polished Côte d’Azur feel. Arrive for high-quality food and private lounges by the water, then linger into golden hour with a drink in hand.

Address: 21 Avenue Guy de Maupassant, 06160 Juan-les-Pins
Phone: +33 4 92 96 02 91
Website

Les Pêcheurs


Set right on the water, Les Pêcheurs pairs a beautiful sea-facing setting with contemporary, seasonal cuisine led by Nice-born chef Nicolas Rondelli. Expect distinctive flavours of the South, with meticulously prepared Mediterranean fish, selected meats, all sourced with a strong focus on local producers.

Address: 10 Bd Maréchal Juin, 06160, Antibes
Phone: +33 4 92 93 13 30
Website

Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit

Located in the Old Town between the Picasso Museum and the Marché Provençal, this family-run address honours tradition with dishes like squid-and-clam cannelloni and Alpilles lamb cooked in Vallauris clay. A fig tree shaded patio creates a calm, intimate atmosphere.

Address: 14 Rue du Saint-Esprit, 06600 Antibes
Phone: +33 4 93 34 50 12
Website

Le Vauban

On a lively Old Town street, Le Vauban delivers contemporary French cooking that is both seasonal and precise. The kitchen puts real focus on quality ingredients, with dishes such as amberjack carpaccio with citrus and caviar, slow-cooked guinea fowl ballotine, and a passion-fruit soufflé with banana sorbet. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Address: 7 bis rue Thuret, Antibes, 06600
Phone: +33 4 93 34 33 05
Website

Which rental villa does Cap Villas recommend for summer holidays in Antibes?

Cap Villas presents a diverse collection of rental villas in Antibes and Cap d’Antibes, ideal for guests seeking the real charm of the French Riviera.

Villa Garoupe

Villa Garoupe is a unique Inside, the 150 m² villa is described as feeling like being “aboard a yacht,” with a sea-facing living area and kitchen. Accommodation includes 4 bedrooms (one with independent access) and 3 bathrooms, plus a small second-level space designed for children. It is a compact, characterful layout focused on the views and the waterfront lifestyle.

villa for rent antibes indoor outdoor living area garoupe
Indoor and outdoor living areas feels like one
villa for rent antibes living room garoupe
A living room that feels like a beach club lounge

"villa

Outdoors is where Villa Garoupe truly shines, with private beach access and a pontoon sun deck just 15 feet from the sea. The villa retains its original beach-club spirit, including the original beach cabins, and offers several sun-soaked lounging areas. After a swim in the Mediterranean, you can unwind by the small heated pool and solarium on the terrace. For practicality, the property also includes two parking spaces.

Villa Garoupe is a hidden gem on Cap d’Antibes, where summer holidays are especially memorable thanks to its history, exceptional location, and striking sunrises. It delivers rare privacy while still being right on the beach.

holiday rental antibes sea view garoupe
Unique sea views from the villa’s outdoor lounge area

Antibes is a Riviera classic, combining Old Town charm with a relaxed coastal lifestyle and a standout range of experiences. From hidden Cap d’Antibes coves and private beaches to Michelin-level dining, yachting at Port Vauban, and cultural landmarks like the Picasso Museum. For more information about the Cap Villas collection, contact the team with your specific villa rental criteria so we can present the most suitable options for your stay.

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