Best Things to do in Antibes with family and kids
If Nice is the big, bright capital and Cannes is the glamorous movie star, Antibes is the charming, artistic cousin who knows all the best stories. Antibes became the #1 spot for families travelling from the USA and UK because it is safe, walkable, and filled with adventures for kids of all ages.
At Atelier Plage, we think Antibes is the perfect place to show off your “Riviera Style.” Whether you are exploring a 500-year-old castle or eating giant prawns by the harbour, you want to look great.
Our Antibes, France, Oversized Beach Hoodie was designed specifically for these Mediterranean mornings when the sun is bright, but the sea breeze is cool.
Put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and let’s explore the best things to do in Antibes with family and kids!
What is Antibes Famous For?
Before we start our tour, you might wonder: What makes this place so special? Antibes is famous for three big things. First, it has the largest marina (boat harbour) in Europe, called Port Vauban. The world’s biggest “Super Yachts” park exists here.
Second, it was the home of the famous painter Pablo Picasso. Lastly, it has a giant stone wall that surrounds the old city to protect it from pirates and enemies from hundreds of years ago!
1. Explore the “Billionaire’s Quay” at Port Vauban
If your kids love big boats, this is the first place you have to go. Port Vauban isn’t just a regular harbour; it’s like a floating city of luxury.
The Experience:
Walk along the “Quai des Milliardaires” (Billionaires’ Quay). You will see yachts that have helicopters on the roof, swimming pools on the deck, and crews of 50 people!
How to book a private boat trip:
If looking at the boats isn’t enough, you can actually get on one! In 2026, there are many kiosks along the harbour where you can book a private boat trip along the Antibes coast. It’s a great way for a family to see the hidden mansions of the Cap d’Antibes from the water.
Luxury Boat Tours:
For something extra special, you can find luxury boat tours available from Antibes harbour that include snorkelling gear and a picnic lunch. It’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for kids to swim in the deep blue sea.
2. Step Back in Time in the Old Town (Vieil Antibes)
The Old Town of Antibes is a maze of narrow, winding streets that are hundreds of years old.
The Experience:
It is very safe for kids because most of the streets don’t allow cars. You can wander past shops selling handmade hats, lavender honey, and colourful striped shirts.
The “Safranier” District:
This is the most beautiful part of the Old Town. The houses are covered in bright flowers, and the locals play a game called Pétanque (French bowling) in the small squares.
Style Tip:
Exploring these cobblestone streets involves a lot of walking. Our Cannes, France Oversized Beach T-Shirt Black is the perfect “cool and comfortable” choice for a family afternoon in the sun.
3. Be an Artist at the Picasso Museum
Did you know that Pablo Picasso actually lived in a castle in Antibes for six months? That castle is now a museum!
Why Kids Love It:
Picasso’s art is very colourful and sometimes looks like a very talented child drew it. He loved to paint owls, goats, and fish.
The View:
The museum sits right on the edge of the sea. The terrace is filled with statues and offers a view that will make you feel like you are inside a painting.
4. Brave the “Sentier du Littoral” (The Coastal Path)
Must-see attraction in Antibes. It is a walking path that goes all the way around the “Cap d’Antibes” (the peninsula).
The Adventure:
The path takes you along the edge of white limestone cliffs and past secret garden gates. It takes about 2 hours to walk, so it’s a great way to get some exercise.
Safety First:
Make sure everyone is wearing sneakers and plenty of sunscreen!
The Reward:
Halfway through, you will find tiny hidden coves where the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming around your feet.
5. Rent Bikes and Scooters for Sightseeing
Antibes is very bike-friendly. There are new “Green Paths” that connect Antibes to the nearby town of Juan-les-Pins.
Where to rent:
You can find rental shops like “Holiday Bikes” or “Véloloc” right near the train station or the harbour.
The Experience:
Renting a scooter or an electric bike is a fun thing to do in Antibes because it allows you to see the famous mansions and beaches of the Cap without getting tired. It’s much easier than trying to find a parking spot for a car!
6. Discover the “Le Nomade” Statue
At the very edge of the stone walls, overlooking the sea, is a giant statue made of white letters. It’s a man sitting and looking at the horizon.
The Fun Factor:
Kids can actually walk inside the statue! It’s a great place for a family photo. In 2026, it is the most popular spot in town for a sunset picture.
Our Style Pick:
For a sunset walk to the statue, you’ll want a layer to protect you from the breeze. Our Nice France Fitted Beach Sweatshirt is lightweight and fits perfectly in a backpack until you need it.
7. Splash at the Plage de la Salis
Antibes has many beaches, but Plage de la Salis is the best one for families.
Why it’s great:
The sand is soft (many other beaches in the Riviera are rocky), and the water stays very shallow for a long way. This makes it very safe for younger kids to splash around.
The View:
You can look back and see the Old Town and the snowy Alps mountains in the distance at the same time!
8. Visit the “Marché Provençal” (The Food Market)
Every morning, the big covered market in the centre of town comes alive.
Must-Try Foods:
Look for Socca (the chickpea pancake we mentioned in our Nice guide) or fresh local strawberries.
The Vibe:
It’s loud, colourful, and smells like fresh herbs. It is the best place to see how real French families live and shop.
9. Eat the Best Seafood in Antibes
You can’t visit a port city without eating fresh fish!
Best local restaurants to try seafood:
For a family-friendly experience, try Le César at Plage de la Garoupe. If you want something more local and casual, L’Oursin in the centre of town is famous for its platters of fresh oysters and grilled fish.
Pro Tip:
Always ask for the “Poisson du Jour” (Fish of the Day). It was likely caught that very morning!
10. Learn History at Fort Carré
This is a giant star-shaped fortress that sits on a hill overlooking the harbour.
The Story:
It was built in the 1500s and was even used to hold Napoleon Bonaparte as a prisoner for a short time!
The Tour:
You can take a guided tour along the top of the walls. It feels like you are a soldier guarding the coast from invaders.
Where to Stay: Finding a Hotel in Antibes
Choosing a hotel in Antibes depends on what your family likes.
For Luxury:
The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has a swimming pool carved into the side of a cliff!
For Families:
Look for hotels in Juan-les-Pins (the beach side of Antibes). They are often closer to the sandy beaches and have larger rooms for kids.
Boutique Style:
In the Old Town, there are many small “Guesthouses” that feel very authentic and cosy.
Why “Atelier Plage” is the Perfect Antibes Companion
When you are travelling with kids, you need clothes that can handle a lot of activity. You might be climbing fortress walls in the morning and sitting in a nice seafood restaurant in the evening.
At Atelier Plage, we focus on Sustainable Luxury. We use:
- Organic Cotton: It is soft on your skin and doesn’t use the harsh chemicals that many “Fast Fashion” brands use.
- Recycled Materials: Our hoodies help keep the Mediterranean Sea clean by using recycled fibres.
- Timeless Designs: Our Saint-Tropez Oversized T-Shirt doesn’t just look good this summer; it will look good for years to come.
When you buy a piece from our Founder’s Faves Bundle, you aren’t just buying a souvenir. You are buying a high-quality piece of French design that supports the environment.
Tips for a Great Family Trip to Antibes
Go Early:
The market and the Picasso museum get very busy by 11:00 AM. Try to start your day at 8:30 or 9:00 AM.
Use the Train:
Antibes has a great train station. You can be in Cannes in 10 minutes or Nice in 20 minutes. It’s much easier than driving!
Pack a “Beach Bag”:
Always keep towels and a change of clothes in your bag. In Antibes, you never know when you might find a secret cove that is too beautiful to resist!
Antibes is a place where memories are made. Whether you are watching the “Nomade” statue glow at sunset or eating ice cream in a hidden square, this city will stay in your heart forever.
Pack your Atelier Plage gear, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for the best family vacation ever!
