It should come as no surprise that during the summer season one of the most popular activities during an Antibes holiday is to head to the beach for the day. The way in which you beach in the South of France is very important. Each of the Antibes beaches has a unique personality and as such attracts a unique crowd of visitors. There are many beaches in Antibes to choose from on Cap d’Antibes and closer to the Old Town. These are a handful of my favourites.
Pat enjoys an afternoon apero at Royal Beach Club Antibes. | © Pat Bailey
5 of the Best Beaches in Antibes
In the high season you will need to arrive early or make a reservation at one of the beautiful Antibes beach clubs to ensure you have a spot you’d like and settle in for the day.
If you are staying at one of the beautiful Antibes luxury hotels, the concierge will be able to make your bookings for you during your stay.
Plage de la Gravette
Plage de la Gravette is a great Antibes beach for families, in particular for its proximity to the Port of Antibes and the old town. The nearness to the Port.
It is a nicely sheltered cove with shallow waters. It is also blessed with the beautiful backdrop of the iconic Old Antibes medieval ramparts.
Quai Henri Rambaud, Port Vauban, Antibes
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The conveniently located Plage de la Gravette is a great choice for families. | © Pat Bailey
Plage du Ponteil
A popular public sandy beach in Antibes is the Plage du Ponteil. Set up on soft white sand for the day and look back to the north admiring the stunning historic buildings of the old town and the cape.
The Royal Beach is the only Antibes beach club on this stretch. Open during the summer months, Royal Beach is a beautiful place for lunch or an apero and always nice for an afternoon of pampering in the sun. View beach club rates here.
16 Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc, Antibes
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Royal Beach Club at Plage du Ponteil in Antibes. | © Pat Bailey
Plage de la Salis
Just around the point to the south is Plage de la Salis. While this is not the prettiest beach in Antibes, it is a public stretch and it has sand, not stones underfoot.
You will find Chez Josy and other snack bars right on the beach and also public toilets at the south end. Enjoy a snack and a swim with the view back to the old town Antibes, just a kilometre to the north.
Bd James Wyllie Antibes
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A healthy cafe on the sand, Chez Josy is a great snack spot when on Plage de la Salis. | © Pat Bailey
Plage de la Garoupe
Located in Cap d’Antibes, Plage de la Garoupe has a couple of very small public beach spots on one side.
On the other are two luxurious Antibes beach clubs, Plage Keller and Plage Joseph.
As one of the original holiday beaches on the cape, it’s no surprise it remains a popular summer spot on the cape. Spend the day lazing at one of the beach clubs, snorkelling, swimming, and settling in for afternoon drinks on the sand.
Try to resist the urge to go Insta-crazy though. Selfies are banned at La Garoupe in an effort to encourage guests to stay in the present and enjoy the beautiful setting.
Plage Keller Beach Club and Plage Joseph offer all the amenities you would expect from an upmarket South of France beach club.
Book a sunbed on the pontoon over the waters of La Garoupe bay or settle in on the sandy beach. Spend your day between the water and a good book, take a break at the panoramic restaurant and enjoy an afternoon apero from the comfort of your lounger. Showers, free car parking and an on-duty lifeguard are all included in the daily rate.
Chemin de la Garoupe, Cap d’Antibes
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Plage de la Garoupe is home to two luxurious beach clubs in Cap d’Antibes. | © Pat Bailey
Plage des Ondes
Plage des Ondes is another sandy beach with an iconic Petit Tour (small tower) that is in the water and popular for photographs. I loved this beach at the end of my hike and for sunset relaxing.
It is also a perfect pick for families with small children as the waters are shallow and calm. However, there aren’t any food outlets or amenities so pack your snacks before you go.
Boulevard Marechal Juin Juan-les-Pins, Antibes
Just a couple of minutes drive north is the Hotel Belles Rives Beach Club in Juan les Pins. It is a lovely option for lunch, swimming, and even an evening cocktail.
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The iconic Petit Tour (small tower) at Plage des Ondes beach Antibes. | © Pat Bailey
Pat Bailey is a certified Bhakti Yoga Teacher, published poet, writer, and entrepreneur with a passion for exploring the globe. Pat created her own branding academy helping to elevate brands and students through authentic and intuitive coaching.