Holiday rentals in Antibes

Three iconic places to discover in Antibes

Antibes is home to several unmissable sites that embody the history, art and Provençal way of life of the Côte d’Azur. From its architectural heritage to the vibrant heart of local traditions, these three destinations offer a glimpse into the soul of the town and the riches it has accumulated over the centuries.

1. Picasso Museum (Château Grimaldi)

Grimaldi Castle overlooks the old town from its ramparts facing the Mediterranean. This medieval historic monument marked a turning point in the history of modern art when Picasso stayed there in 1946. The artist created a series of major works there which now form the heart of the museum’s collections. Beyond Picasso, the galleries house 20th-century sculptures, ceramics and paintings, offering a rich journey through contemporary art. The terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Bay adds a magical touch to the visit.

2. Fort Carré

This bastioned fortress, built in the 16th century, still watches over the port of Antibes. Its distinctive defensive architecture makes it a major historic monument. Napoleon Bonaparte stayed there briefly in 1794, adding another chapter to its eventful history. The ramparts offer a remarkable walk around the bastions, revealing new views of the coast at every turn. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as the Alps, transforming the fort into an exceptional vantage point over the region.

3. Provençal market on Cours Masséna

Every morning, the market on Cours Masséna comes to life beneath the 19th-century market halls of the old town. The stalls are brimming with fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables from the surrounding countryside, regional cheeses and traditional Provençal specialities. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, a blend of the vendors’ calls and the chatter of locals and tourists. It is a lively place where you can experience local authenticity, and from where people set off with baskets full of provisions for picnics by the sea.

These three sites form a heritage and cultural triangle that encapsulates Antibes’ identity: its artistic richness, historical significance and the generosity of the Provençal countryside. A holiday in a holiday let in Antibes is all the better for including these three stops.

The ideal season for booking a holiday rental in Antibes

Each season transforms the character of Antibes and its surroundings, offering holidaymakers very different atmospheres. The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for: warm swimming, a peaceful atmosphere or cultural exploration.

Spring arrives with longer days and mild temperatures. The sea begins to warm up, and the beaches become welcoming once more, without the summer crowds. Locals make the most of the open-air terraces, and the town exudes a new energy. It’s the perfect time to explore the narrow streets of the old town and the art galleries without sweltering in the heat.

Summer is the season of superlatives: blazing sunshine, turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife. The coastal beaches are at their best, and water sports are in full swing. However, tourist numbers peak, and accommodation prices rise significantly. Holiday rentals then offer an air-conditioned refuge from the hottest part of the day.

Autumn brings back a sense of tranquillity. Temperatures remain mild, perfect for a swim in the late afternoon. The summer crowds gradually thin out, giving way to a more contemplative atmosphere. It’s an excellent compromise for enjoying the sea and the terraces without the stress of the summer months.

Winter transforms Antibes into a peaceful destination. Although swimming is less tempting, the days remain bright and the temperatures mild for the region. Christmas markets and cultural events bring the town to life, whilst holiday rentals become particularly affordable.

Renting a holiday home allows you to tailor your stay to your seasonal preferences. Whatever the time of year, you’ll have a flexible private space, free from the constraints of traditional accommodation.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Antibes

Antibes offers much more than just the ideal setting for relaxing in a holiday rental. The town offers a variety of experiences combining history, nature and seaside thrills. Here are three unmissable activities to make the most of your stay on the Côte d’Azur.

1. Explore Old Antibes and its ramparts

The historic heart of Antibes is best explored on foot, as you wander through the cobbled alleyways where time seems to stand still. The ramparts, built under Vauban, follow the coastline and offer remarkable views of the bay and the Lérins Islands. You’ll stroll past the colourful façades of the old houses, explore the small, shaded squares and soak up the authentic Mediterranean atmosphere of the old town. The Château Grimaldi, home to the Picasso Museum, rounds off this immersion in Antibes’ heritage.

Address: Old Town of Antibes, 06600 Antibes.

2. Diving and exploring the Mediterranean seabed

The crystal-clear waters off Antibes invite divers of all levels to discover spectacular Mediterranean flora and fauna. Octopuses, dolphins, groupers and Posidonia meadows inhabit these unspoilt seabeds. Local diving schools offer introductory courses and deep-sea excursions to explore the shipwrecks and rocky reefs that form the rich underwater heritage of Antibes. It is a unique sensory experience to observe the Mediterranean ecosystem up close.

Address: Port d’Antibes, 06600 Antibes.

3. Swimming and water sports at La Gravette beach

La Gravette beach, one of the most accessible in the town centre, welcomes swimmers and sports enthusiasts alike. The calm, shallow water is ideal for families, whilst thrill-seekers can try their hand at stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing. Beach lounges, beachside restaurants and water sports equipment hire make this a convenient and friendly spot. In the late afternoon, the sunset over the Mediterranean transforms this beach into a living painting, the perfect way to round off an active day.

Address: La Gravette Beach, 06600 Antibes.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Antibes

When choosing a holiday rental in Antibes, location is key, but the comfort of the accommodation makes all the difference. Air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace: these amenities transform a simple place to stay into a true haven of relaxation. Travellers staying on the Côte d’Azur know that good facilities make the days more enjoyable and the evenings more sociable.

• Air conditioning: essential in Antibes, it allows you to enjoy sunny days without suffering from the summer heat, especially in July and August.
• Terrace or balcony: this is the perfect spot to experience the Côte d’Azur, enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea or have dinner at the end of the day.
• Fully fitted kitchen: this allows you to prepare your own meals, sample local produce from Forville Market or the old town, and eat at your own pace.
• Parking: in Antibes, having access to a parking space or a garage makes it much easier to explore the surrounding area and go on day trips to the villages in the hinterland.
• Wi-Fi and internet access: travellers stay connected even whilst on holiday, so they can check restaurant reviews or organise their visits.
• Washing machine: this makes long stays easier and allows you to travel with less luggage, a real bonus for those staying two weeks or more.
• Direct access to the beach or close by: families and couples appreciate being able to reach the seaside in just a few steps, without needing a car.
• Comfortable living room with a TV: a space for family evenings, on days when the weather is bad, or simply to relax after a day of exploring.
• Private outdoor space: a garden or courtyard offers privacy and freedom for children, even in accommodation in the heart of Antibes.

Your choice of holiday let depends on your expectations: a couple seeking peace and quiet will prioritise relaxation facilities, whilst a family will tend to look for space and practical amenities. The right holiday let in Antibes will suit your stay, the number of people and your budget.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Antibes?

Prices for holiday rentals in Antibes vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 60 and 120 euros per night. Family-sized properties, with three or four well-appointed rooms, tend to cost between 120 and 250 euros per night. More spacious properties or those offering high-end facilities, particularly those with sea views or direct access to the beach, can cost 250 euros or more per night.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to the town centre, the beaches or the old town pushes prices up. Accommodation set back from the coast or on the outskirts is generally less expensive. The length of stay also plays a part: a weekly or monthly booking often benefits from attractive sliding-scale rates compared to a very short stay. The facilities on offer (swimming pool, air conditioning, private parking, terrace) also affect the overall cost.

Seasonal factors have a clear impact on prices. Summer, particularly July and August, is the peak season with the highest rates. Spring and autumn offer mid-season rates, whilst winter generally provides the best value for money, despite more changeable weather conditions. To get the best value for money, remember to book a few weeks in advance and check other travellers’ reviews of the listings you’re interested in.