Things to Do
Asides from the beaches and the walks there are many other things to do in Cap d’Antibes. Below is my guide to some other things the Cap has to offer.
Stop off at the Port l’Abri de l’Olivette.
A beautiful little fishing port with traditional Pointus.
Unlike a regular port a l’Abri is a temporary port. The boats are moored during the summer months only and come out of the water every winter. It’s an incredibly beautiful place to be and the perfect spot for a photo opportunity or a sandwich stop.
Run as an association this little port is always bustling with Pointu owners either fixing up their boats or picnicking on the associations picnic table.
If you fancy watching the sunset or the summer fireworks this is a great place to do it from.
Landmarks:
Overlooking the lovely little port is the Villa l’Olivette. The two heads either side of the entrance to this villa are often mistaken for those of Laurel and Hardy. In fact they depict a famous french comic, music hall singer and actor, Dranem who built the villa at the beginning of the 20th Century.
To the left of the little port is the Villa Aujourd’hui, a large, white, modernist villa built by the American architect Barry Dierks in 1938 The house was originally built for Florida socialite, Mrs. Audrey Chadwick.
Described as being ‘the size of a grand piano’ because of it’s shape and design it was later owned by Jack Warner who hosted many Hollywood actors and actresses such as Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe there. If walls could speak I imagine they would have some incredible stories to tell.
Walk The Sentier du Littoral(Sentier du Tirepoil)
This is probably one of the most beautiful coast walks on the Cote d’Azur. Stretching between Plage de la Garoupe and Villa Eilenroc the walk takes between 1 ½ – 2 hrs and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. I never get bored of the views and do this walk at least once a fortnight throughout the year.
Insider tip:
Start the walk at the Villa Eilen Roc and end at Garoupe. The views are much more spectacular with the sun behind you and another advantage is that you finish at the beach. You can end your walk with a well deserved drink at one of the beach restaurants.
If you are coming by car there is parking at both ends of the walk however Ave Mrs Beaumont (Eilenroc end) can get quite busy on Sundays and in the high season.
Don’t wear flip flops! I can’t tell you how many people I have seen hobbling along with a broken one.
Bring water!!!
Wear you swimmies and bring a towel in case you want to stop for a dip somewhere along the route.
Don’t forget a hat and sun cream (no less then Factor 50).
Bring your Camera.
Watch your step!
The path can get a little rocky and there are lots of steep steps. I have seen the Pompiers rescuing people with sprained ankles on a few occasions.
And lastly, be prepared to be blown away by the breathtaking views. If you are lucky you might even catch a regatta sailing by.
If you prefer something more organised then in July and August you can book a 2hr guided tour of the Sentier du Littoral. There are two walks a week depending on demand. The tour costs 7 euros per person or 10 euros per couple.
Reservation essential. To book call 04 22 10 60 01/10 or email cecile.you@antibesjuanlespins.com.
Tours are in French but can be provided in English on demand.
Rock jumping in the Baie des Milliardairs.
Snuggled beneath the gardens of the Villa Eilenroc is the Baie des Milliardaires, a rocky beach with deep crystal blue water.
The bay is also a popular spot with thrill seekers as there are several rocks perfect for rock jumping. Locals have been coming here to jump for generations and probably will from many generations to come. Mid afternoons are usually the busiest times when dozens of young locals meet up here and launch themselves into the sea below. It’s not just exclusively for the young though, I have seen people of all ages giving it a try.
If you fancy having a go yourself maybe come in the morning when you will have less of an audience. Meet some of the people who come to jump here.
If swimming and snorkeling is more your thing then you will love it here, the water is deep, super clean and there are lots of fish to see.
When the sandy beaches are busy during the high season, this rocky beach is the perfect place to escape from the crowds.
The bay is also a popular place for boat owners and you will often find a classic Riva anchored up next to a classic Pointu. If you have the opportunity to visit Cap d’Antibes by boat then I would highly recommend anchoring up here for the afternoon.
Insider Tip:
If you want to spend the day here bring rock shoes and maybe a yoga mat to sit on. Although beautiful the large rocks can make it a little uncomfortable so come prepared.
Bring your snorkel and mask.
Bring a Parasol and of course sun cream (min factor 50), the sun can get pretty powerful.
Interesting fact:
If you are standing on the beach you can see a small beach house building up to your right. This used to house an elevator which took the owners of the villa down to the sea.
There is an urban myth that sometime at the beginning of the Century the villa staff were clearing up after a seafront party. All the guests had left and the owners had gone back to the main villa. At some point in the evening the staff got stuck in the lift. The story goes that because nobody knew they were there they never made it out alive. Their bodies were found several days later. A shocking tale if it is true! I hope it isn’t.
Visit the Espace Mer et Littoral
Situated on the southern tip of the cap this relatively unknown site is dedicated to teaching visitors about the natural riches of the Mediterranean, and Cap d’Antibes in particular.
The 2.2 hectare natural site belongs to the Conservatoire du Littoral and is managed by the Antibes-Juan les Pins commune. Its coastal fringe is also a designated conservation area.
Once inside the site you can climb the watchtower built in 1704, a remnant of the Caps military past. There are quite a few steps to get you up there but once at the top the tower offers exceptional views of the surrounding area.
Behind the watchtower there is a path which leads you down to a lovely little pine forest where you are welcome to sit and have a picnic.
At certain times of the year you can also meet specialists working at the in house sea turtle rehabilitation center and see some of the turtles who have been brought here.
Also on offer are aquatic rambles where you can discover the marine environment with a natural scientist (€20 adults and €15 children under 14) from age 8, equipment provided (wetsuit, fins, masks, snorkel). Information: www.graillon-aquarando.com or on site.
Or why not book a guided Kayak tour where you can discover the coast and its natural habitats. Tour (€20/person), includes equipment and the tour is guided by an instructor. Reservation on site.
Insider tip:
To get a sneaky peek of the famous Eden roc restaurant, it’s infinity pool and the Pontoon where the rich and famous arrive in their tenders take the little path to the left of the Turtle rehabilitation centre.
Open from 15th June- 16th Sep from 10am – 18.30. Entrance is FREE!
175, boulevard JF Kennedy, 06160 Cap d’Antibes. T: +33 (0)4 93 61 45 32
Walk the Bord du Mer
You can walk around the Cap on the Bord du Mer starting either in Juan Les Pins or the Antibes side. The walk takes you along the coast road passing the famous Hotel du Cap Eden roc. It’s an easy walk of about 2hrs or so depending on your pace. There are many amazing villas old and new along the way for you to gaze at and of course the breathtaking sea views.
Insider tip:
If you are a morning person then do the walk at sunrise, this time of day the Antibes side of the Cap is truly amazing. If you’re not an early bird don’t worry the walk is great at dusk too, the sky turns into a pastel palette of pinks and blues and the light is incredible. To be honest it’s a great thing to do at any time of the day.
Fill up your water bottle at the little fountain on the coast road just after Port Salis. Cap d’Antibes water is super tasty!
Take a stroll through Bois de la Garoupe.
For some shade take a walk through the Bois de la Garoupe up to the lighthouse. You can start at the entrance to the woods on Chemin de l’Ermitage and then join the route du Calvaire up to the Phare de la Garoupe. The woods are always quiet with just the occasional dog walker for company.
Visit the Phare de la Garoupe.
This is a great place to take in the panoramic views of this part of the Cote d’Azur. From up here you can see how green the Cap actually is and why the locals still describe Cap d’Antibes as ‘Wild’. Currently the lighthouse isn’t open to visitors however there are plans to open it to the public from 2020/21.
In front of the lighthouse is the little Chapelle de la Garoupe. The Chapel walls are covered in Frescos some of which were painted by local artist Edouard Collin. His son still lives on the Cap today.
There is also a great Café, Le Bistrot du Cure serving sandwiches and salads. It’s a lovely space to sit and have a drink or a snack under the shade of the pine trees. The Café also has a very pretty garden at the back.
Insider Tip: In July and Agust on Thurs evenings they often have live music and tapas, check before you go as days sometimes vary.
Open April until September.
Learn to Waterski
Book a lesson at the Famous Belles Rives Water Ski School in the bay where Water Skiing was born. The story goes that Water Skiing was invented for a joke by Léo Roman, a Frenchman from the area and Emile Petersen, a Norwegian. Both were very successful snow skiers and ski instructors. Some time in 1932, possibly over a few après ski drinks, they decided, for a joke, to try to ski on the water. So that’s what they did from the beach of La Provencal. They were using very heavy snow skis but as they were both very sporty after almost no time at all they succeeded to ski behind the boat. Water Skiing was born.
The schools claim to fame is that they get everyone up skiing first time!
To book a lesson call the Hotel Belles Rives T:04 93 61 02 79
Visit Eilenroc
Every year, in May, as part of Antibes week long flower festival ‘Floralies d’Antibes‘, the Villa Eilenroc opens it’s beautiful rose gardens to the public. The garden offers the fragrances and essences of thousands of varieties of roses which are in full bloom at this time of year. The majority of them were created in Antibes, the capital of roses.
The Rose Garden Open days are the last weekend of the festival and entrance is free.
Throughout the rest of the year Eilenroc is open the 1st and 3rd Sat of the month and weds afternoon. However, the villa is currently going through restauration works so is often closed. Work was scheduled to end in May 2018 but at the time of writing (Jan 2019) the villa and gardens were still closed to the public. I recommend calling before you go just to check.
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 67 74 33
Entrance is free from 1st Oct-31st March otherwise entry is 2 Euros. Children are free.
Insider info:
If you visit Eilenroc keep your eye out for Albert, the villas Seagull. Albert landed in the grounds many years ago. He was found injured and distressed with a fishing hook through his foot. The then guardian took him in, removed the hook and took care of him. After that Albert never left. He became part of the furniture. You will usually find him at the back of the villa or on top of the directors car. To read about team Eilenroc click here.
Visit Villa Thuret.
Situated in the centre of the Cap are the Botanical Gardens, founded by the botanist Gustave Thuret in 1857.
The gardens cover an area of over 3.5 hectares and house over 1,600 different species of exotic trees and shrubs.I often come here for a wander as it’s never busy and a lovely place to be. If you want to spend time somewhere calm and peaceful then this is the place for you. Occasionally they also hold free summer classical concerts in the gardens. Check with the tourist office for info or call the Villa directly.
Villa Thuret. 90 Chemin Gustave Raymond, 06160 Antibes Tél. :+33 (0)4 97 21 25 00
Opening Times: Summer 8am –18h. Winter 8.30-17.30
Closed Saturday and Sunday. Free Entry.
Walk the back streets.
For architecture old and new take a walk through the back streets of Cap d’Antibes. There are so many, beautiful villas dotted along the leafy streets from old classic French provencal to enormous grand modernist villas. They come in all different shapes and sizes and thankfully not all are hidden behind large imposing fences.
You are also sure to come across some of the Cap d’Antibes Cats along the way too. The Cats are looked after by two local women who come to feed them every day, from the back of a people carrier. Not a bad part of the world to be a stray cat in.
Keep a look out for the green Paraqeets. They first appeared a few years ago but seem to have rapidly grown in numbers and spread all over the Cap. If you are travelling around by bus, in the summer at around 5pm you will see hundreds of them gather in the trees by the main Antibes bus station. It’s quite an amazing sight to behold.
Rent an Electric Bike to explore the Cap.
Although the coastal road is mostly flat with just one or two inclines if you want to explore the back streets of the Cap by bike then I recommend hiring an electric one. Many of the roads can be quite steep and would challenge even the fittest cyclist.
There a few electric bike hire places around but two of the ones I use are Pop Bike in Juan Les Pins and Proxy Cycle in Antibes.
Pop Bike also rent Trotinettes, Scooters and paddle boards.
Popbike. 113 Boulevard Wilson, 06160 Juan-les-Pins. T:04 93 74 28 15
Proxy Cycle. 1 Avenue Meissonnier, 06600 Antibes. T: 04 92 90 61 61
Rent a paddle Board or Kayak.
Explore the Cap from the sea.
This is a great way to see the Cap from a different view point and also see some of the luxury Villas dotted along the coastline otherwise hidden from view.
You can rent either from Cap Kayak in Port Gallice T: 06 62 28 09 54 and paddle boards from JD at Paddling in Antibes T: 0618083510.
Insider Tip.
For kayaking make sure you bring a mobile phone with you (you can buy waterproof bags in most beach shops), wear rock shoes or trainers. Much of the Cap is quite rocky so you need to be stable on your feet if you want to stop off along the way. Pack a picnic and don’t forget water, a hat and sun cream, no less then Factor 50.
Go diving
Book a diving trip with a local diving Company and take a swim with the fishes. I recommend either Diamond Diving or Easy Dive. Both can also take you out to the little red and black lighthouse opposite Plage des Ondes. Twenty metres beneath it lies an abandoned 1000m2 miniature town built in the 60’s as a film set.
Diamond Diving: info@diamonddiving.net T:+33(0) 615 305 223
Easy Dive: easydive@easydive.fr T:+33 4 93 61 26 07 / +33 4 93 43 40 42
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