A Day Ashore: Antibes, France

So you’ve pulled into port in Antibes, France, and you’ve got a whole day to yourself, away from the yacht. What’s a yacht crew member to do?

Antibes, a resort town on the Mediterranean coast of France, is well regarded as one of the best destinations for some rest and relaxation, while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. Antibes features more than 20km of coastline, an old town full of markets and charm, a stone castle now home to the Picasso museum, and beautiful cathedrals, villas, parks, and gardens.

Here are a few things not to miss while you’re in Antibes!

Hit the Beach

Antibes is well known for its beautiful beaches. Unlike many other beaches along the south of France, many of the beaches in Antibes are sandy, not rocky. While you’ll find it hard to find any solitude here, especially in the peak summer season, it’s worth it to carve out your piece of sand and relax while you soak in the Mediterranean sun.  Another alternative is to pay for access to a private beach -- often hosted by a restaurant. You can rent a lounge chair and enjoy lunch while you relax.

Culture Fix

Museums, cathedrals, and historic forts -- Antibes has it all.

Visit the Picasso museum, housed in an old Chateau where Picasso lived for a time in the middle of the 20th century.

Or, scope out some history of another sort with the Musee d'Archeologie, featuring artifacts of early Greek and Roman civilization.

Be certain to spend some time strolling through the cobblestone streets of the old town. Home to markets, shops, and restaurants, this charming neighborhood offers twists and turns and hidden treasures.

One final highlight of the cultural scene in Antibes is Le Nomade - a sculpture by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, located on Port Vauban. This beautiful sculpture, made of letters and overlooking the sea, is a must-see.

Get Fit

Antibes is home to any number of outdoor and recreational activities. Whether you want to get your zen on with some oceanfront yoga, play basketball at one of the many outdoor public courts, try your hand at kitesurfing or rock climbing, or simply go for a walk or hike, Antibes has what you need to get a good workout and break a sweat.

Go solo or meet up with new friends at a group class. It’s a great way to break up the routine and stretch out some sore muscles!

Meet & Eat (& Drink)

Le Blue Lady Pub - a popular hangout for current and aspiring yacht crew, this pub features English-speaking staff, UK satellite TV for watching sporting matches, good food, drinks, and some excellent networking opportunities if you’re looking to work on a superyacht.

Irish Hop Store - Also popular with superyacht crew, this bar serves a delicious English breakfast and features live music at night.  

Absinthe Bar Antibes - this unique bar, set in an old cave in the old town of Antibes, serves many types of Absinthe and includes live piano music most evenings. A unique stop and a popular one, especially for first-time visitors.

Quick Trips

Interested in a bit of an excursion? Antibes is well located for day trips, connected by train and bus along the Mediterranean coast. Here are a few places to consider:

Monaco - home to the Monaco Grand Prix street circuit motor race, casinos, and luxury lifestyles of all types, the Principality of Monaco is actually a sovereign city-state and country. Visit Monaco for amazing people-watching and proximity to beautiful homes, yachts, and some unique Mediterranean history.

Nice - the fifth-largest city in France, Nice has beautiful markets, a historic old town, pebble beaches, a long and wide pedestrian promenade, and a breathtaking view of the ocean from Castle Hill. Easily accessible from Antibes, it’s a great option for a day trip away from the marina.

Cannes - known as the home of the Cannes Film Festival, this city is also a beautiful waterfront community of villas, museums, and parks. From Cannes, you can also visit the Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island located just offshore which is home fortress prison Fort Royal, in which the Man in the Iron Mask was held in the 1600s.

Until Next Time...

Whether you stay in Antibes or venture along the French Riviera, you’re bound to find some sun, good food, and memorable experiences. So get out there and explore! And if you can’t do everything in one visit, don’t worry - Antibes is one of the Mediterranean hubs of yachting, so you’ll likely be back in the future.

Interested in more of the FreshYacht Insider scoop on Antibes?

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