Antibes and Juan-les-Pins Travel Guide
A visitor's guide to Antibes and Juan-les-Pins — Old Antibes, the Picasso Museum, Port Vauban, the markets and the beaches, with chauffeur tips.
Antibes and its neighbour Juan-les-Pins form one of the most rounded destinations on the Riviera: a fortified old town full of history, Europe's largest yachting harbour, a great Picasso collection, and a resort of pine-backed beaches and jazz. Together they reward a full day. Here is a visitor's guide to Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, and how a chauffeur ties them together.
Old Antibes and the Marché Provençal
Old Antibes is a warm-stone maze inside 17th-century ramparts built by Vauban. At its heart, the covered Marché Provençal fills each morning with flowers, produce and Provençal goods, while the sea walls offer a breezy promenade with views to the Alps.
It is one of the most authentic old towns on the coast, best explored on foot with a chauffeur waiting at the edge.
- The Vauban ramparts and sea-wall walk
- The covered Marché Provençal
- Cobbled lanes, cafés and boutiques
- Views to the snow-capped Alps in winter
The Picasso Museum and Port Vauban
Set in the seafront Château Grimaldi, where Picasso worked in 1946, the Picasso Museum holds paintings, ceramics and drawings from that prolific period. Just below, Port Vauban is the largest marina in the Mediterranean, its Quai des Milliardaires lined with some of the world's biggest yachts.
The contrast — medieval castle, modern art, superyachts — is Antibes in a nutshell.
- The Picasso Museum at Château Grimaldi
- Port Vauban and the Quai des Milliardaires
- The old fishermen's quarter
- Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea
Juan-les-Pins and its beaches
On the other side of the Cap, Juan-les-Pins is the livelier resort face of the commune: sandy beaches backed by pines, a buzzing evening scene, and the celebrated Jazz à Juan festival each July, one of Europe's oldest jazz gatherings.
It is the place to swim, dine by the water and enjoy the nightlife, a few minutes from the calm of the old town.
- Sandy, pine-backed beaches
- The Jazz à Juan festival in July
- Lively bars and beachfront dining
- An easy pairing with Old Antibes
Frequently asked questions
What is Antibes known for?
Its walled Old Town and Marché Provençal, the Picasso Museum at Château Grimaldi, and Port Vauban — the largest marina in the Mediterranean.
What is the difference between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins?
They are two sides of the same commune: Antibes is the historic old town and port, while Juan-les-Pins is the beach resort known for jazz and nightlife.
When is the Jazz à Juan festival?
It takes place in July in Juan-les-Pins, one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe, set in a pine grove by the sea.
Is Antibes walkable?
The old town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. A chauffeur drops you at the ramparts and links Antibes with Juan-les-Pins and Cap d'Antibes.
Ready to book your private driver on the French Riviera?
Tell us your route, dates and preferred service and we will recommend the right vehicle and booking format for your stay.
Continue planning your Riviera journey
Nice Airport to Antibes Transfer Guide
The short route, journey time, prices and yachting tips for a private chauffeur transfer from Nice Airport to Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
Cap d'Antibes: A Scenic Guide
The coastal path, La Garoupe, the gardens and the legendary Eden-Roc — a scenic guide to the Cap d'Antibes peninsula.
Antibes, Cannes and Saint-Paul Private Tour
A full-day private tour from Nice through Old Antibes, the Picasso Museum, Cap d'Antibes, La Croisette in Cannes and the medieval streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.