1. The Blooming of Villa Eilenroc Gardens

In April-May, Villa Eilenroc gardens explode with colors. Heirloom roses, century-old wisteria, irises, peonies. The air is fragrant 50 meters around. It’s the ideal time to visit this Belle Époque property. Gardeners are at work, pruning, planting, and willingly discuss their techniques. A paradise for garden lovers.

2. Flower Markets

The Provençal market in spring becomes a floral festival. Peonies, ranunculus, anemones, lily of the valley for May 1st. Stalls overflow with colors and scents. It’s also the season for fresh aromatic herbs: basil, lemon thyme, verbena. Buy a bouquet of peonies for €10, it’ll brighten your hotel room or Airbnb for a week.

3. Hiking on the Flowering Customs Officers’ Path

Cap d’Antibes path in spring covers itself with wild flowers. Pink cistus, yellow immortelles, maritime lavender. The air smells of wild thyme and rosemary. April mornings, with temperature around 18°C and azure sky, this hike is enchanting. Leave early (7-8 a.m.), you’ll have the path to yourself and the light is sublime.

4. Picnic in Poppy Fields

Late May, backcountry fields cover themselves with poppies. Red carpets as far as the eye can see. Find an accessible field (ask the owner before settling in), spread your tablecloth, and enjoy. Bring bread, local goat cheese, Carros strawberries, and chilled rosé. It’s postcard Provence, but for real.

5. Observe Nesting Birds

Spring is nesting season. Swallows return from Africa in late March and build their nests under Old Antibes roofs. Swifts scream while circling in the blue sky. At the Cap, gulls nest on rocks. With binoculars and an ornithological guide, you’ll discover unsuspected biodiversity. And it’s free.

6. First Swims (May-June)

Water reaches 18-19°C in May, 21-22°C in June. For the brave, it’s already swimmable. But especially, beaches are almost deserted. You’ll have La Garoupe to yourself on a Tuesday in May at 10 a.m. Absolute happiness: swimming in fresh, invigorating water, drying in mild sun, without a sound around. It’s rejuvenating.

7. The Rose Festival (May)

Antibes and several regional towns celebrate roses in May. Floral exhibitions, bouquet creation workshops, conferences on heirloom roses. It’s an opportunity to discover forgotten varieties, very fragrant, locally grown. And especially, private gardens open to the public for exceptional visits.

8. Taste Seasonal Strawberries and Cherries

Carros strawberries arrive at the market in April. They’re small, very fragrant, incomparable with tasteless Spanish winter strawberries. Cherries follow in May-June. Buy them at the market, enjoy them on a bench facing the sea. Simple, delicious, authentic. And for gourmets: first green asparagus also appear in spring.

9. Attend the Sea and Fishermen’s Festival

Early June, Antibes celebrates the sea and its traditional fishermen. Blessing of boats, demonstrations of old trades, grilled fish tasting, musical entertainment. It’s popular, family-friendly, authentic. Old Antibes port comes alive, traditional pointus parade, and the atmosphere is festive.

10. Explore Backcountry Trails by Bike

Spring is perfect for cycling: neither too hot, nor too cold. Rent an electric bike and set off to explore the backcountry. Country roads are bordered by yellow broom, white hawthorn, green wheat fields. Stop in a village for lunch on a terrace, leave again gently. In one day, you can visit Biot, Valbonne, and Mougins. It’s hilly, but with electric assistance, it’s easy.

Nature Advice

Mediterranean spring is short but intense. Between mid-April and mid-June, everything explodes. If you could only come once to Antibes, choose May. Weather is ideal (22-25°C, 80% guaranteed sun), nature is at its beauty peak, tourists aren’t there en masse yet, and prices remain reasonable. It’s the perfect window.