The French Riviera is one of the world’s top luxury destinations for jet-setters and wealthy real estate buyers, attracting people from around the globe. With sunny weather year-round, gourmet dining, designer shopping, world-renowned events, and so much more, there’s no secret why the Cote d’Azur has such a stellar reputation — and why properties in the Antibes area are always in high demand.
Antibes and Cap d’Antibes are among the most desirable locations on the French Riviera, offering exclusive experiences and activities that only the lucky few are able to partake in. The town of Antibes, set between Cannes and Nice, has so much to do, see, eat and enjoy that you’ll never run out of experiences to try.
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Yacht Chartering and Sailing
For a unique vantage point, explore the French Riviera coastline from a luxury yacht. Charters can be as short as one day, but they can be longer if you wish, spanning multiple days for extra sightseeing, sunbathing, and playing in the water.
While out on the Med, you’ll visit secluded coves, engage your youthful side with watersports, and take in unbeatable views of the area. All the while, you’ll receive the best service you can imagine, with a professional crew catering to your every whim and a chef creating culinary delights to suit everyone’s palate.
Private Beach Clubs
Take your pick of the area’s exclusive beach clubs, like Plage Keller or Royal Beach, just to name two of your options. It’s common for high-end beach clubs on the French Riviera to offer an assortment of niceties, like private cabanas, gourmet dining, beachside massages, and premium service.
Relax on sun loungers or sunbeds, take a refreshing swim when you’re ready to cool off, and place your order with the on-hand bar and restaurant team when it’s time for a drink, snack or meal.
Top-Notch Golfing
Play a round of golf at the prestigious Golf de Biot, which is well-known for its challenging 18-hole course and beautiful scenery. Both beginners and experienced golfers are welcome, and there’s a practice area that’s heated during the winter (though in the French Riviera, even winter weather is mild). When you’re finished, dine at La Bastide du Roy or get a drink at the outdoor bar set on La Brague River.
There’s also Le Provencal Golf nearby, which has a 9-hole course designed by architect Michel Niedbala, plus incredible views of the Alps. The adjoining brasserie, Le Club, is perfect for a quick lunch break, and the creative menu focuses on fresh ingredients.
Art, Culture and Sightseeing Tours
Luxury sightseeing experiences in Antibes range from calm, featuring picnics in phenomenal spots and visiting the lavender fields for photo opportunities, to adventurous, with activities like cliff jumping, hiking and rafting available.
For the most laidback way to explore the area, you can hire a private car with a tour guide to show you around, allowing you to visit different areas at your leisure. Consider booking a tour in a vintage car for extra style.
Antibes’ rich artistic heritage can be experienced in myriad ways, including by visiting local art galleries and the Musée Picasso. To enhance your visit, consider booking an expert guide, private tour or exclusive viewing of renowned artworks.
You can also book private tours to explore the areas near Antibes, such as Cannes, Eze, Monaco and Nice.
Grasse, where the French perfume industry originated, is only a 40-minute drive from Antibes. Visit the perfume factory to learn about the scientific process of making perfume, then take the perfume workshop to create a one-of-a-kind scent that you’ll bring home with you.
Gourmet Dining and Wine Tours
Antibes, Cap d’Antibes and the rest of the French Riviera are hailed for the region’s numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and there are many other options for fine dining, buying local delicacies, wine-tasting, and more.
Treat yourself to a culinary journey through the area’s fine dining establishments, local markets and vineyards. You can book a cooking class with a renowned chef, gain exclusive access to the area’s top wineries, and plan a private tasting for you and your guests.
If you’re in the mood for something less fancy, you can book a walking food tour in charming Old Town, where you’ll taste specialties like truffles, olive tapenades, and even absinthe.
The Best Restaurants in Antibes and Cap d’Antibes
The region’s dining culture includes seaside restaurants, bespoke experiences, local ingredients and exemplary service. Some of the most prestigious restaurants in the area include the following:
- Eden-Roc Restaurant: Situated in Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, this restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and the pastries and breads are made daily in-house.
- Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers French and Mediterranean cuisine in a charming setting.
- Maison de Bacon: This restaurant is known for its seafood (especially the bouillabaisse) and its stunning sea views.
- La Passagère: This art deco restaurant, which is in the Hotel Belles Rives, serves imaginative seafood dishes and creative desserts.
- Les Pêcheurs: Located at the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, this restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere and creative dishes.
These sumptuous experiences give you a taste of the region’s culinary heritage in opulent, luxurious settings.
Spa and Wellness Retreats
After a day of wine tasting or once you’ve returned from your yacht charter, unwind even more at a luxury spa. There’s no lack of ones to choose from in Antibes.
Dior Spa Eden-Roc at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has four treatment suites, plus a garden gazebo and a cabana that overlooks the Med. There’s also the Royal Spa at Hotel Royal Antibes, with three treatment suites, including a suite for two people, and a wellness area with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
In addition to personalised treatments at any of Antibes spas, you can also partake in wellness programs or simply relax in quiet, serene environments.
Private Helicopter Tours
Viewing the French Riviera from the sea is one thing, but there’s another vantage point to consider: the sky. With a private helicopter tour, you can get an aerial view of the Cote d’Azur below, which is an exceptional (and efficient) way to take in your surroundings and see iconic landmarks. Additionally, private helicopter tours often include first-class amenities to make your time even more memorable.
Also, keep in mind that you can charter a helicopter to transport you to various destinations on the French Riviera — possibly the most exclusive way to get around. Included are transfers to Courchevel so you can access the French ski resorts in the Alps.
Exclusive Shopping Experiences
Antibes has a number of high-end boutiques to explore, and the best way to go shopping is with a personalised tour. You can make a private appointment, hire a personal shopper, and even gain access to limited-edition items.
Juan-les-Pins is especially rich with designer shopping opportunities, and this is where you’ll find the latest fashions and trends.
To visit shops that sell goods by local artisans, you’ll want to visit Old Town, and you can book a private tour so you know exactly where to go.
Villa Rental and Private Chef Services
For a truly bespoke dining experience, consider renting a villa and hiring a private chef who will prepare a meal tailored to your specifications and preferences. Not only is this a beautiful and distinctive way to dine, but it’s also the most private dining experience you can ask for.
Whether you want a global menu or traditional French dishes, you’ll be able to find a private chef to suit your tastes. They’ll handle every detail, from meal planning and shopping to cooking, serving and cleanup.
You may also want to have your chef-prepared meal in a unique setting rather than a villa. For example, you can hire a chef to prepare you and your guests a meal on the beach, aboard a yacht or even in a secret location, all for an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts About Luxury Experiences in Antibes and Cap d’Antibes
Antibes and Cap d’Antibes have a wide selection of unique ways to explore, from viewing the coast from the air or sea to engaging with the region’s art and culinary scenes in private, customised settings. As part of the VIP crowd, you’ll see the region in ways others can only dream of.
Here’s a smart rule of thumb to keep in mind when making your plans: Take the time of year into consideration.
Yacht charters, visiting private beach clubs, and golfing are best in the summertime when the weather’s as warm as it’ll be all year. Wait for the autumn or winter to engage in indoor tours and activities that aren’t as weather-dependent.
If you’re looking for a new home in the French Riviera, HOMEHUNTS property buyer agents are able to select beautiful, luxury Antibes property based on your specific search requirements. Search our site and browse the selection of luxury homes currently for sale. You can also speak directly to one of our expert property consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
