Antibes

The ancient walled town of Antibes is one of the liveliest and prettiest on the Riviera with its relaxed beachy feel, thriving superyacht port and gorgeous old town of narrow cobbled streets, markets and cafes. Famous for being home to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, Antibes certainly saw its fair share of glitz, glamour and a touch of the avant-garde through the 20th century.

Of all the seaside towns of the Riviera, Antibes is probably the most instantly recognisable thanks to its iconic skyline made up of a wonderful jumble of old buildings sitting on the high ramparts above the sea, dominated by the tower of the Picasso Museum rising above. The curve of Port Vauban, the largest marina in Europe, is home to huge white superyachts while the old fort stands watch on the far side.

Lying to the east of Cannes, Antibes offers a calmer, more traditional vibe. Its old centre is a warren of pretty cafes and bars, ice cream shops and boutiques, with the busy Provençal market at the top of the town. On the far side of Antibes, golden sandy beaches looked over by modern apartment blocks curve around to the famous Cap d'Antibes, where the gated villas of oligarchs sit along the rocky coast.