Antibes: Day Trips and Tours from Nice

The ancient walled town of Antibes located midway between Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera is instantly recognizable with its walled ramparts and iconic skyline. This lively seaside resort town artfully blends the traditional with the modern.

The labyrinthine old town center, modern apartment blocks, bustling superyacht dock and golden beaches make a day trip to Antibes from Nice the ideal way to spend a day.

Although Antibes is more laidback than its neighbor Cannes, there is still more than enough to see and do with markets, cultural events, music festivals and regattas regularly keeping both locals and visitors entertained.

Here's all you need to know about Antibes, one of the most exciting day trips from Nice.

How to get to Antibes from Nice?

Antibes is situated on the Côte d’Azur between Nice and Cannes.

From Nice to Antibes by road

You can travel to Antibes from Nice by car or bus along the A8. The route is approximately 28-kilometers long and takes around half an hour by car and a little longer if you take the bus.

From Nice to Antibes by train

Catching a train from Nice to Antibes is easy and convenient. The 17-kilometer train trip takes between 20 and 30 minutes and there are regular departures in both directions throughout the day.

Guided tour to Antibes from Nice

You can book a guided tour to Antibes from Nice on a private basis or with a group. Tours typically begin with a hotel pickup, collection at the cruise terminal or pickup at a central location.

Half-day and full-day tours are offered by tour operators and many include other locations along the French Riviera as part of the itinerary.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a typical day tour from Nice to Antibes, your guide will meet you at your designated meeting or collection point. Some half-day tours only begin in the afternoon.

To make the most of the available time, your guide will usually accompany you in your coach, minivan or private vehicle as you visit places like Cannes, Antibes, Eze and Monaco, stopping to admire the top attractions at each location before returning to Nice.

Each tour will provide the opportunity to stop for lunch in the case of full-day tours or refreshments on a half-day tour. Private tours allow for more flexible itineraries to cater to your specific interests.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Antibes?

There are tours of varying lengths and with different itineraries available from Nice to Antibes. Here is a description of some of the tours available.

Half-day guided tour including Cannes, Antibes and Saint Paul de Vence from Nice

If you only have a short time to see the highlights of the Côte d’Azur, you can opt for a half-day guided tour for a group of up to 15 people.

Your guide will direct you to the famous Croisette and Palace of Festivals in Cannes before driving you to Antibes to soak up the atmosphere of this fascinating walled town. The tour also includes a visit to the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence.

Half-day guided tour of Antibes and Cannes from Nice

On a half day guided small-group tour, you are collected from your hotel in Nice. The tour travels along the scenic coastal road to Antibes, passing Juan-le-Pins and Golfe-Juan.

In Cannes, you will have time to stroll along the La Croisette, site of the famous Cannes Film Festival red carpet. The tour ends with a drop-off back at your hotel.

You can also book this type of tour on a private basis, and can choose a photography tour, where a professional photographer will accompany and guide you as you capture the essence of the French Riviera.

Full-day guided or unguided private tour including Antibes and Cannes from Nice

If you have a full day available to explore the Côte d’Azure, then a private full-day tour from Nice that includes time in Antibes and Cannes is ideal.

You will be collected from your hotel or cruise terminal and spend the day exploring the resort towns along the coast.

Depending on your choice of tour, you may also visit Saint Paul de Vence, Grasse or Saint Tropez in addition to Antibes and Cannes.

How much does a day trip to Antibes from Nice cost?

A half-day guided tour including Cannes, Antibes and Saint Paul de Vence from Nice can start at €45 per person for a group of up to 15 people.

A half-day guided tour of Antibes and Cannes from Nice costs from €70 per person on a shared small group tour, €280 for a private group of up to six people or €250 per person on a private photography tour.

A full-day guided or unguided private tour including Antibes and Cannes from Nice can cost anywhere from €800 for a group of eight with a private vehicle and driver, to €5,000 for a guided tour for up to 15 people.

What will you see and do?

Antibes is a fascinating and unique destination along the French Riviera. On a visit to the town, you can choose to participate in outdoor activities such as a boat cruise, visit to the beach or bicycle tour.

Attractions such as Musée Picasso in the Chateau Grimaldi and Fort Carré, perched on the Saint-Roche Peninsula, are among the most popular places to visit in Antibes.

Along with shopping and sightseeing, Antibes has a plethora of options when it comes to dining and you have cafés, bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants and popular Provençal eateries to choose from.

When is the best time to visit Antibes?

The early autumn months are among the best for a visit to Antibes. The weather is still pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

If you are hoping for beach weather, then the summer months from June to August are best, but this is peak season with accommodation prices being at their highest.

Are there any tours to Antibes from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in France:

• Day trips to Antibes from Cannes

Travel tips

• Book your tour in advance, especially during the peak season.
• Bring your camera.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Choose a private tour if you want flexibility.