Making the most of Antibes
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Located in the very heart of the old town, at 10 minutes’ walking distance, cruise passengers can explore the fascinating little streets of the city, visit the Cathedral, the Chateau Grimaldi which houses the Picasso Museum, and the Provençal market which will delight them. They also have the option to take the little tourist train to visit Juan-les-Pins and its sandy beaches.
Only small ships can dock here, other will tender you ashore. Distance from the tender dock to town is 1 km or a 10 minute walk.
Antibes was founded by Phocaeans from Massilia. As a Greek colony (and later Roman) settlement, it was named Antipolis "Cross-City") from its position close to Nice. Antibes is a beautiful city. Walking to the old downtown is easy and makes for excellent views.
Much of Antibes charm lies in its little harbor, which is filled with fishing boats and pleasure yachts, and the old town, with its quaint buildings and marketplaces full of flowers. Unlike some of the bigger towns along the coast, Antibes has retained much of its original lifestyle as a fishing village. It is quiet and peaceful, and full of Mediterranean ambiance set against a backdrop of Roman artifacts. Yet just next door, in stark contrast, lies the ultra-rich enclave of Cap d'Antibes and the nightlife of Juan les Pins.
Musée Picasso: On the ramparts above the port is the Château Grimaldi, once the home of the princes of Antibes of the Grimaldi family, who ruled the city from 1385 to 1608. Today it houses one of the world’s great Picasso collections. June–Sept Tues–Sun 10am–6pm (until 8pm July–Aug); Oct–May Tues–Sun 10am–noon and 2–5:30pm.
Getting around
Both Antibes and Juan les Pins have train stations on the main Nice-Cannes line. There is a regular bus service (no 200) between Cannes, Antibes, and Nice from Place Charles de Gaulle.
Nearby places
Juan les Pins has a number of trendy boutiques
- Juan les Pins has a number of trendy boutiques
Food and shopping
The covered market (Marché Provençal) offers fresh products every morning except Monday. It is a magnificent selection of meat, fish, cheese and vegetables. You will find the market close to the harbour.
Money
Euro
Opening Hours and
Most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks in France stay open all day. The exceptions are the smaller shops and enterprises, which may close for lunch sometime between 12.30pm and 2pm. Basic hours of business are from 8 or 9am to 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday for the big shops and Tuesday to Saturday for smaller shops (some of the smaller shops may open on Monday afternoon). You can always find boulangeries and food shops that do stay open, however, on days when others close – on Sunday normally until noon.