A Family-Friendly Walking Tour To Discover Antibes

Whenever we have visitors from out-of-town, one of our favourite places to take them is Antibes. Located about 30 minutes drive from Cannes, or a very easy train or bus ride away, it’s a great little town with loads to see-and-do for all ages. It’s got an old town with history, a harbour with superyachts galore, a fort, a fantastic Picasso museum, a superb Provencal market, a café with chocolate walls and even an Absinthe bar (!) – what’s not to love?!

The beautiful old town of Antibes

This week I took the opportunity to try out a new "Free Walking Tour" run by a wonderfully passionate and bubbly local called Cedric. Despite having been to Antibes dozens of times, he showed us around plenty of places I’d never discovered, entertained us with lots of fun and interesting facts and really showed off Antibes in all her glory.

Chapelle Saint Bernardin - be sure to go inside!

The start point for the tour is in the huge main square in Antibes – Place General De Gaulle -  at the northern end, near the fountains, and opposite Monoprix. Look for the guy in the bright red T-shirt!

Cedric leading the group along the ramparts

The tour takes you around plenty of the famous sights in Antibes, the Provencal market, the ramparts, out to see the Nomade, but it also winds its way through smaller streets and alleyways to root out some of the hidden gems the town has to offer which can often go unnoticed.

Beautiful backstreets of Antibes

We were a group of about twelve, made up of both locals and tourists, and Cedric led us at the perfect pace – slow enough for people to stop and take pictures (and run to catch up!) but with no unnecessary hanging around. He is very well-informed and hugely enthusiastic about his home town and it was a lovely morning both for first-time visitors to the Riviera and long-term residents.

There is a great ‘rest’ stop at the absinthe bar where you can sample the infamous liquor and the kids will enjoy the myriad of hats in the bar to dress up in. They will also enjoy the sculpture spotting around the ancient lavoir (washing baths) and beyond.

Absinthe bar

Spot the sculptures!

Children are very much welcome on the tour and it is pushchair friendly. Be sure to bring plenty of water, (though there is a fountain or two where you can refill), a sunhat in the summer months, comfortable shoes and of course your camera!

Views from the ramparts out over the Mediterranean

The tours are free but are run on a tip-basis so be sure to reward Cedric's endeavours at the end.

The best way to find out when the tours are running is via his Facebook page but they are generally Wednesdays – Sundays starting at 10.30am. It is advisable to sign up via the page but if that's not possible you can still join a tour on the day. Tours last around 2 hours and 15 minutes.  https://www.facebook.com/pg/AntibesFreeWalkingTours/events/

Cedric's contact number +33 (0)7 82 85 19 97

It was a great tour and equally enjoyable for both locals and visitors alike. 

The many colours of the Provencal market

TOP TIP – A large parking can be found at Esplanade des Pecheurs (under the big wheel) but for those staying along the coast – in Juan Les Pins or Cannes, the train is ideal – fares from Cannes are €3.10 each way per adult and it takes 8 - 12 minutes. If you reserve online you can get a discount for travelling with children (Decouverte Enfant)  https://www.oui.sncf/billet-train – eg. 2 adults and 2 children can get a return from Cannes – Antibes for €14. 

Accommodation:
Visiting the French Riviera and haven't booked your accommodation yet? Why not check out our wonderful centrally-located, self catering, townhouses and apartments sleeping from 2 - 11 people. All our properties are air-conditioned and are located on pedestrian streets within 5 minutes walk of the beach. We are a small family-run company so we are on hand for anything you may need before, during or after your stay!

Chic Gites - Accommodation Cannes