The article was written by our French representative CĂ©dric from Antibes.
Despite Nice's huge popularity as the #1 destination for holidays on the French Riviera, it's not necessarily the best option available to you. Scandal you will tell us?! Of course not, since all of the French Riviera is amazing to spend your next vacation, but we have a secret to share with you. An optimal localization is literally just a few minutes away and promises to surprise you. Without further ado, here are 6 reasons why choosing Antibes over Nice as your base when visiting the sunny French Riviera.
Right in the center of the French Riviera, Antibes turns out to be a city well kept by locals. 20 minutes away from Nice and 10 from Cannes, find yourself in a charming and quaint place where everything is to be won. With its own train station and well-served bus network, Antibes is accessible to all. You can either reach Nice, Cannes or Monaco in a few minutes only, without having to stay in those crowded or unaffordable towns. With 3 main industries attracting people to settle down here, the town is also a real hub for expats making it a very multicultural hub where everybody enjoy living the real French style life!
Antibes is a city that overflows with life at all times of the year. First of all, it is animated both in summer and winter by its Port Vauban, otherwise known as the “billionaire wharf”. Considered as the biggest leisure port in terms of tonnage in Europe, you can find here the most amazing and prestigious super mega yachts of the industry, along with a very traditional and classic sailing competition there in June. A very large yachting community is found there and ensures a very active and diversified nautical activity.
Antibes holds a very special history in the heart of France. Having seen the Greeks and Romans pass through its lands, it was not until the 16th century that it became French. It will even be the door to France, having its eastern borders at the limit of its city. Also, Old Antibes, a mythical and absolutely charming district of the French Riviera, will welcome you in its cobbled streets. It will give you the chance to taste local specialties while connecting with the local merchants of the Provençal Market.
Above all, Antibes is an artistic and inspiring city. Having hosted Picasso, Victor Hugo and many other renowned artists, it will certainly make you dream and transport you to another universe. With several museums, arts and exhibition events, breathtaking views, colourful flora, fragrant sea air, all your senses are stimulated in Antibes.
Obviously, you'll find less tourists in Antibes than in Nice. Although very popular, Antibes holds well-kept secrets from locals, such as its many sandy beaches. This attribute has the effect of attracting people to its beaches, but never as much as you can find in Nice. Come and enjoy the sandy beaches and a little more tranquillity.
This is an opportunity to enjoy the French Riviera with locals and expatriates who live in Antibes. This demographic situation demonstrates a great open-mindedness and an incomparable welcome for all people wishing to taste the French Riviera in its true light. Far from clichés and Pinterest to-do lists, Antibes is unique and authentic. You will be wonderfully surprised.
Antibes allows you to experience the French Riviera differently, with respect for the planet and its local inhabitants. It only holds benefits to a great vacation, just like having local tour guides who can introduce you to the main attractions but also the hidden gems of the town. Throughout the years of guiding visitors around, a lot of them have been expressing their envy to come and stay in Antibes next time they come to the French Riviera instead of other cities around the coast. They even choose Antibes as their favourite town on the coast and our tours as the best experiences around here. Proud of this, we wanted to share it with you and if you are not 100% convinced, you can also feed from their reviews!
People in Antibes are passionate about their town and they can’t wait to show you around to smell, see, taste and learn all there is to know about this amazing French Riviera’s town. And that's exactly what the team of WhatToDoRiviera is offering you during all of its tours. You can discover the French Riviera by leaving conscious ecological footprints via e-Bike Tours, Free and Private Walking Tours, Tasting Tours, Croissant making classes and much more in Antibes, Cannes, Nice, Monaco and more! Don't hesitate to contact them for a tour customised for your needs on the beautiful French Riviera.
See you in Antibes, your next perfect vacation destination!
