1. Fort Carré Beach — The Hidden Treasure

Fort Carré Beach is my secret weapon, the beach I recommend when someone tells me they want to escape the crowds but stay close to town, when they want history and beauty and tranquility all in one place.

Tucked beneath the imposing star-shaped Fort Carré on Antibes’ northern tip, this beach feels like a secret even though it’s just a 15-minute walk from the old town. The ancient fortress rises dramatically above, its Renaissance walls glowing golden in the sun, creating one of the most striking beach backdrops on the entire coast.

The beach itself is peaceful, intimate, uncommercialized. It’s a mix of sand and smooth pebbles, with clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. What it lacks in facilities—there’s just a small seasonal beach bar, basic showers—it more than makes up for in character and tranquility. This is a beach for reading a novel, for long conversations, for watching the superyachts glide in and out of Port Vauban, for feeling connected to centuries of Mediterranean history.

The swimming here is delightful. The waters are typically calm, protected from winds that can stir up the eastern beaches. I’ve had wonderful snorkeling sessions around the rocky areas, discovering tiny crabs, colorful fish, and the kind of marine biodiversity that thrives in less-trafficked waters.

What I love most is the beach’s positioning at the convergence of old and new, history and luxury—the ancient fort above, the modern superyacht harbor beside, the old town ramparts visible across the water, yet here on the beach it’s just you and the sea and the sun, timeless and perfect.

Insider Experience: Visit Fort Carré before or after your beach time (€3 entry). The views from the ramparts are extraordinary, and understanding the history makes the beach experience richer. Then, wander along to Port Vauban to admire some of the world’s most impressive yachts. Several excellent seafood restaurants line the port—perfect for a post-beach meal.

Best for: History lovers, those seeking tranquility, snorkeling enthusiasts, photographers, anyone wanting a peaceful escape without leaving town.

2. La Gallice Beach — The Snorkeler’s Paradise

Some beaches you visit for the scene, others for the sand. La Gallice is where you come for what lies beneath the surface—a underwater world so vibrant and accessible it feels like nature’s private aquarium designed just for you.

This small cove on the southern edge of Cap d’Antibes is admittedly not the easiest beach to reach, nor does it offer any facilities beyond nature’s own amenities. But for snorkeling enthusiasts and those who appreciate raw, uncommercialized beauty, La Gallice is absolute paradise.

The cove is naturally sheltered, creating calm, crystal-clear conditions that make every snorkeling session feel like an expedition into the Mediterranean’s secret heart. I’ve spent hours here, floating face-down with my mask and snorkel, watching a world of colorful fish navigating through rock formations, sea anemones waving in the gentle current, tiny crabs scuttling across stones. The underwater landscape is varied and fascinating—sandy patches give way to rocky areas, shallows deepen into intriguing crevices, and everywhere there’s life.

The beach itself is small and intimate, a mixture of sand and pebbles embraced by rocks on either side. It’s the kind of place where you might share the cove with just a handful of others, where conversation naturally drops to respectful whispers, where you feel you’ve stumbled onto something special that the guidebooks somehow missed.

Because facilities are nonexistent, you need to come prepared—bring everything you need for the day. But that’s part of La Gallice’s appeal. It’s pure, simple, authentic. Just you, the sea, and nature at its most beautiful.

Insider Experience: Make La Gallice part of a Cap d’Antibes adventure. Park at La Garoupe and walk the spectacular Sentier du Littoral coastal path to reach La Gallice (15-20 minutes). The clifftop walk is stunning, and you’ll pass other hidden coves worth exploring. Bring a waterproof bag for your snorkel gear, plenty of water, and snacks—you’ll want to spend hours here.

Best for: Snorkeling enthusiasts, nature lovers, adventurous spirits, couples seeking intimacy, anyone who prioritizes natural beauty over amenities.

3. La Garoupe Beach — The Jewel of Cap d’Antibes

There’s a reason F. Scott Fitzgerald chose to summer here, why Picasso made it his aquatic studio, and why today’s jet-setters still consider La Garoupe the pinnacle of Riviera beach life. This isn’t just a beach—it’s an experience, a state of mind, a glimpse into the golden age of the Côte d’Azur that somehow never ended.

The moment you descend toward La Garoupe, the world shifts. The turquoise waters here possess a luminosity I’ve rarely seen elsewhere—shades of jade and sapphire that seem almost unreal against the backdrop of snow-capped Maritime Alps rising in the distance. The sand is impeccably fine, the kind that doesn’t cling annoyingly to your skin but brushes off with the lightest touch.

What strikes me most about La Garoupe is its duality. The legendary beach clubs—Plage Keller, Joseph Plage—exude timeless elegance with their crisp white loungers, gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, and discreetly attentive service. Here, you can spend a day in utter luxury, sipping rosé as the sun traces its arc across the sky, occasionally cooling off in waters so clear you feel you’re swimming in liquid crystal. Yes, you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege (€40-80 for a full setup), but the experience is transcendent—this is the Riviera at its most refined.

Yet La Garoupe also offers something unexpected: intimacy. The small public sections at either end of the beach provide access to these same magnificent waters for those willing to arrive early and claim their patch of paradise. I’ve found that arriving at sunrise, when the first light gilds the Alps and the water lies perfectly still, offers a moment of pure connection with this legendary coastline that no amount of money can buy.

Insider Experience: Don’t miss the climb to the Sanctuary of La Garoupe perched on the hill behind the beach. It’s a brief 15-minute walk that rewards you with 360-degree views that will etch themselves into your memory—the entire sweep of the Baie des Anges, the Alps, the glittering sea, and the exclusive villas of Cap d’Antibes spread below like a secret kingdom.

Best for: Luxury seekers, romantic couples, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience the French Riviera at its most sophisticated.

4. Gravette Beach — The Heart of Old Antibes

There’s something deeply romantic about Gravette Beach. Perhaps it’s the way it nestles against the ancient ramparts of the old town, where 16th-century stone walls rise directly from the sand. Perhaps it’s the proximity to everything that makes Antibes special—the morning market bursting with Provençal colors and scents, the maze-like streets where every corner reveals a new treasure, the museums and galleries that honor this town’s artistic heritage.

Gravette is Antibes’ most central beach, and that’s precisely its appeal. You can spend the morning exploring the Picasso Museum, lunch at a charming bistro in the old town, then be on the beach within minutes, the Mediterranean lapping at your feet while those magnificent fortifications create a dramatic backdrop.

The beach itself is intimate, almost cozy. It’s a mix of sand and smooth pebbles, and the waters in this protected bay are typically calm and inviting. The swimming is excellent, especially for children, with shallow areas and gentle waves. The views are spectacular—look one way to see the ramparts and the old town rising golden in the sun, look the other toward the Alps shimmering in the distance.

What I find most appealing about Gravette is its accessibility and its vibe. It’s popular, yes, but in the best way—full of life and energy without being overwhelming. Local workers take their lunch breaks here, families spend summer afternoons building sandcastles, visitors fresh from touring the old town cool off with a swim. There are beach clubs for those who want service and comfort, and public areas for those who prefer simplicity.

The facilities are good, and you’re literally steps from countless cafés, restaurants, and shops. This is the beach for those who want the full Antibes experience—culture, history, beach, and town life all within a five-minute walk.

Insider Experience: Come in late afternoon as the market stalls are closing. Grab a fresh juice or a cone of socca (chickpea crepe, a local specialty) from a market vendor, then settle on the beach to watch the light turn golden on the ramparts. As the sun lowers, walk along the rampart path for sunset views that will take your breath away.

Best for: First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, families, those staying in the old town, anyone who wants beach and history in one perfect package.

5. Juan-les-Pins Main Beach — Where the Party Lives

If the other beaches are verses of poetry, Juan-les-Pins is a jazz song—rhythmic, vibrant, impossible not to move to. This is where the Riviera lets its hair down, where beach life pulses with energy and the party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

Juan-les-Pins has been synonymous with good times since the 1920s, when American expats discovered this stretch of golden sand and decided it was the perfect place to dance, drink champagne, and celebrate life under the Mediterranean sun. That spirit endures. The beach clubs here don’t just offer loungers—they offer an experience, with DJs spinning mellow beats by day and ramping up the energy as evening approaches.

The sand is beautiful, the swimming excellent, but it’s the atmosphere that defines Juan-les-Pins. This is a social beach, a place to see and be seen, to play beach volleyball with new friends, to try parasailing or jet skiing, to sip cocktails as the sun sets and the music shifts into evening mode.

The beach clubs—Pam Pam, Simone Beach, Le Palm Beach—are destinations in themselves, each with its own personality and loyal following. The service is attentive, the food surprisingly good (fresh Mediterranean cuisine with creative touches), and the people-watching exceptional. Yes, it’s busier and more tourist-oriented than other Antibes beaches, but that’s precisely the point. This is where you come when you want energy, when you’re traveling with friends, when you want your beach day to seamlessly transition into an unforgettable night.

In July, the legendary Jazz à Juan festival transforms the town, with world-class musicians performing and the beach taking on an even more festive atmosphere. Even if you’re not normally a « party beach » person, experiencing Juan-les-Pins during the festival is something special.

Insider Experience: Don’t leave when the sun sets. Stay for the transformation as the beach clubs morph into lounge bars, as fairy lights twinkle to life, as the Mediterranean night wraps around you and the music and laughter float across the water. This is Juan-les-Pins at its most magical—spontaneous, joyful, alive.

Best for: Young travelers, groups of friends, party seekers, water sports enthusiasts, jazz lovers, anyone wanting a high-energy beach experience.

6. Ponteil Beach — The Local’s Choice

Ponteil is where I find myself returning again and again, drawn by its authentic charm and that perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. Stretching along the western side of Cap d’Antibes, this lovely sandy beach offers something increasingly rare on the Côte d’Azur—genuine, unpretentious Mediterranean beach life.

The sand here is real, proper sand—not the pebbles that characterize so many French Riviera beaches. It’s golden and soft, warm under your feet, perfect for that barefoot beach walk you’ve been dreaming about. The beach curves gently, creating an intimate feel despite its generous length, and the southwest orientation means glorious afternoon sun and spectacular sunsets.

What sets Ponteil apart is its atmosphere. Yes, there are beach clubs if you want them, but the public sections are spacious and welcoming. Local families spread their towels here, teenagers play paddleball in the shallows, couples read novels under umbrellas. It feels lived-in, loved, authentic—a beach that belongs to Antibes rather than to tourists.

The swimming is delightful. The water clarity rivals anywhere on the coast, and the gentle slope makes it ideal for less confident swimmers and children. I’ve spent hours here with a snorkel, exploring the rocky areas at each end where colorful fish dart between stones and sea grass sways in the current.

The location is genuinely convenient, with easy parking (by Riviera standards) and a pleasant walk from town. Behind the beach, a tree-lined promenade offers shade and several casual restaurants serving excellent fresh seafood and crisp salads.

Insider Experience: Walk to the far southern end toward Cap d’Antibes for the quietest spots and the best snorkeling. The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) begins nearby—follow it south for dramatic clifftop views and access to hidden coves that feel like your own private discovery.

Best for: Families, authentic beach experiences, sunset lovers, those seeking good facilities without the crowds of central beaches.

7. Salis Beach — The Mountain Meets the Sea

If La Garoupe is the Riviera’s elegant salon, Salis is its spacious, welcoming living room where everyone’s invited. This glorious kilometer-long stretch of golden sand is where I send families, joggers, sunrise worshippers, and anyone who wants space to breathe and that jaw-dropping Alpine panorama that makes you question if you’ve somehow landed in both the Mediterranean and the mountains simultaneously.

The view from Salis never fails to astound. Looking east across the Baie des Anges, the Maritime Alps rise dramatically from the sea, their peaks often dusted with snow even as you bask in sunshine on the sand below. On clear mornings—and most mornings here are gloriously clear—the mountains glow pink and gold in the dawn light, creating a spectacle that draws photographers from around the world.

What I love about Salis is its generosity. There’s room here—room to spread out your towel without encroaching on your neighbor, room for children to build elaborate sand kingdoms, room for impromptu beach volleyball games and sunset yoga sessions. The beach has a wonderfully democratic feel; locals and visitors, families and couples, all coexist peacefully along this magnificent strand.

The water is exceptionally gentle here, with shallow areas extending well out from shore—perfect for children learning to swim or anyone who prefers to wade gradually into the sea. I’ve spent countless afternoons floating on my back here, watching clouds drift over the Alps, feeling the Mediterranean sun on my face, completely at peace.

The facilities are excellent, with clean public amenities and several welcoming beach restaurants where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish with your toes still in the sand. The promenade behind the beach invites evening strolls, with the sunset painting the Alps in shades of lavender and rose.

Insider Experience: Arrive at dawn if you can. The sunrise over the Alps from Salis Beach ranks among the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking spectacles. Bring a thermos of coffee, claim your spot on the sand, and watch the world wake up. You’ll have the beach nearly to yourself, and the light—oh, the light is pure magic.

Best for: Families, sunrise enthusiasts, anyone seeking space and natural beauty, joggers, and those who want excellent facilities without the beach club price tag.

Planning Your Antibes Beach Adventure

The beauty of Antibes is that you needn’t choose just one beach. String together a few days and experience them all—glamorous La Garoupe one day, family-friendly Salis the next, a peaceful morning at La Gallice followed by an energetic evening at Juan-les-Pins. Each beach offers a different facet of the Riviera experience, and together they create a portrait of why this coastline has captivated hearts for generations.

As Van Gogh understood, the Mediterranean is endlessly changeable, endlessly beautiful. These seven beaches are your invitation to discover that beauty for yourself, to find your own favorite spot where the sea meets the sky, where the Alps shimmer in the distance, where time slows to the rhythm of gentle waves and the Mediterranean sun works its ancient magic on your soul.

Welcome to Antibes. Your perfect beach is waiting.

Useful information available on the dedicated beach page