Cap d’Antibes, on the French Riviera, is a promontory lying in the break between the Bay of Cannes on the southwest and the Baie des Anges on the northeast. The beaches along this part of the coast offer fine, white sand that transition to lush Mediterranean vegetation. The bay is one of the most beautiful in the region, filled with picturesque sailboats (especially in the summer when French families flock to the area.)

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This is one of the Riviera’s most exclusive destinations with many wealthy businessmen looking to holiday or invest in luxury property in the Cap d’Antibes area. Those who are not enjoying the glorious light and mild temperatures behind the walls of a private estate are camped out at Hotel Eden Roc. (During the Cannes Film Festival the place is crawling with movie stars.)

At the northern tip of Cap d’Antibes look for Plage de la Salis, an especially pretty stretch of sandy beach. The most famous beach, La Garoupe, offers views of both the walled city of Antibes and the Mercantour mountains. Be advised that part of La Garoupe is under the management of Keller restaurant so there will be a fee to rent a lounge chair, but the remainder is open to the public.

From La Garoupe, walkers will want to follow the Chemin de Tirepoil around the tip to take in the spectacular view of the sea. The walkway also extends to the 19th century Villa Eilenroc. Although the interior is closed to the public the gardens are open every Wednesday afternoon. Keep walking and you’ll reach the Napoleon Museum situated in the remains of the old battery. (Don’t miss the Thuret Gardens, which were designed by Gustave Thuret, a famed botanist, in 1857.)

There is no train station in Cap d’Antibes, but both Antibes and Juan les Pins are on the main Nice-Cannes line. Although the drive down on the coastal road can be really beautiful, summer is not the time to do it if it can possibly be avoided. If it can’t, be patient and expect traffic jams. (Bus service runs regularly between Cannes, Antibes, and Nice, with Nice offering the nearest airport. The distance to Paris is approximately 900kms from Paris).

While Cap d’Antibes is one of the most exclusive destinations on the French Riviera, it is not out of reach of families on holiday. Life here proceeds at a somewhat slower pace than in neighbouring Cannes, with an emphasis on being outside in the sun, enjoying coastal walks, or venturing into nearby Antibes for a day of exploring — altogether a wonderful spot to just relax and let the pace of life slow to a delightful crawl.

References:
Antibes Property

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