Saint Laurent du Var
An ancient riverside settlement with waterfront beaches
Just the other side of the airport to Nice, Saint-Laurent-du-Var has been brought bang up to date in recent years.
The waterfront is the place to be - a long esplanade stretches the length of the beach and is lined with a good choice of restaurants and bars. Most nightlife is centred around the harbour, where you’ll find more bars and restaurants as well as a couple of nightclubs.
The centre of Saint-Laurent-du-Var is typical of a small but busy town; unremarkable but it has everything you need such as pharmacies, supermarkets, shops, etc. Cut through some of the smaller side streets and you’ll find yourself in what remains of the old town; Place Adrien Castillon is a charming little square with an 11th century church.
Just beyond the church is the “Hotel de Ville”, or town hall - an extremely grand building set in pleasantly shaded landscaped gardens. There's a children’s playground nearby and a number of boules pitches, as well as a theatre.
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History & Culture in [locality]
Halfway between Cannes and Monaco, built at the mouth of the Var river, its marina is one of the largest on the Riviera.
The Var river itself used to be the border between France and Nice (then Italian) and the town was created in the 11th century when a hospice was founded under Saint-Laurent himself to aid those passengers crossing the river. Gueyeurs transported travellers on their backs across the river until the construction of a bridge in 1792, before then mostly a ferry was used for travellers and traders, who used the Gueyeurs to carry heavier goods and animals across.
Due to its strategic location, the town has suffered in addition to floods, invasions, wars and epidemics, and the plague decimated the entire population. It was repopulated by Italian immigrants from Liguria.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Cut through some of the smaller side streets and you’ll find yourself in what remains of the old town; Place Adrien Castillon is a charming little square with an 11th century church.
Just beyond the church is the “Hotel de Ville”, or town hall - an extremely grand building set in pleasantly shaded landscaped gardens. There is a children’s playground nearby and a number of boules pitches, as well as a theatre.
Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a shopper’s paradise; the enormous Cap 3,000 shopping mall has all the high street favourites such as H&M, Mango, Zara, etc as well as some designer brands along the lines of Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Desigual. If you prefer your holiday shopping to be a little more “local” then you’ll love the markets that are held every Sunday morning on the Esplanade du Levant, where you can find regional produce and typical Provençal goods.
Also, the stretch of sea beside the Plage des Flots Bleus is a protected marine area; an artificial cove has been created to encourage sealife to the area and visits are organised each morning (before 10:00) for families and school groups so that children can meet the fish. Call in at L'Aquarium Naturel des Flots Bleus to join in one of the visits.
Sights in Antibes
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Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, Cap d'Antibes
When Gustave Thuret arrived in Cap d'Antibes, he fell in love with the wild nature of the place and bought five hectares on which to build his stunning villa and cultivate a beautiful park and gardens.
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La Verrerie de Biot
The glass tradition in Provence dates back thousands of years, but it has has been a major industry in Biot since the 1950s.
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Reserve des Mont d'Azur
Come and see bison, deer, horses, boars and hawks roaming on 700 hectares of land, just one hour from the French Riviera
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Musee de la Carte Postale
From all period and all countries, this museum has a wonderful collection that showcases the history of the postcard.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
Beaches in [locality]
Saint-Laurent-du-Var sits on the long curve of stony beach on the Bay of Angels that runs right from Nice down to Antibes.
There are plenty of watersports to keep you occupied, including jetskis, pontoons, paddleboards and pedalos - or you could just rent a deckchair in a beach club and have a long leisurely lunch overlooking the water. Your move.
Beaches in Antibes
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
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Plage de la Gravette Beach
Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes. A restaurant that will excite the taste buds of gourmet meat aficionados. The choicest pieces of beef provided by the highest quality butchers.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
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La Passagère Restaurant
La Passagère at Hôtel Belles Rives offers a refined culinary journey shaped by the creative talents of Chef Aurélien Véquaud and Pastry Chef Steve Moracchini. Set against a stunning Riviera backdrop, this restaurant pairs inspired cuisine with a spectacular setting.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Restaurant, Grasse
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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Grill Restaurant, Cap d'Antibes
Sip something chilled at The Grill Bar and soak up the glamour of the French Riviera, where iconic moments and timeless beauty come together. Open to hotel guests only, subject to availability.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
Events in [locality]
Events in Antibes
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Festival d'Art Sacré
Showcase for some of the finest heritage treasures of the town and host to a programme of exceptional concerts in the Cathedral of Antibes and the Saint-Bernardin chapel.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Antibes, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Grande Braderie, Juan les Pins
The streets of Juan-les-Pins become a sales market, with more than 100 shops from all around town bringing their bargains out.
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Jammin' Juan Jazz Festival, Juan les Pins
In conjunction with the International Jazz Festival Association, Jazz a Juan will bring you three nights of entertainment with some of the most promising French and international acts on the jazz scene today.
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Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
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Napoleon's Landed
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
Things to do in [locality]
Twitchers and nature lovers should remember to pack their binoculars; the river Var is a renowned bird reserve where you may spot plovers, sandpipers, grey herons, egrets, flamingos and many more.
There's good fishing to be had too - although the stretch of sea beside the Plage des Flots Bleus is a protected marine area with a total ban on fishing.
The hills rising up behind Saint-Laurent-du-Var are popular with road cyclists and once you get beyond the towns, they are riddled with hiking trails.
Things To Do in Antibes
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Motorbike hire
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Chantella Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Cannes Islands Boat Trip
A trip on a luxury motor boat with the professional crew to guide you on a fabulous day out on the ocean from Antibes to Cannes.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Nightlife in [locality]
Most nightlife is centred around the harbour, where you’ll find more bars and restaurants as well as a couple of nightclubs and where the majority of events will take place. Shimmy over to Le Spey River on Wednesday evenings for a free salsa lesson and tex-mex tapas.
Bars & Clubs in Antibes
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Royal Lounge Bar
Enjoy sea views and delicious cocktails at this jazz lounge in central Antibes.
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Fitzgerald Piano Bar, Juan les Pins
Moleskine armchairs, panoramic view, masterpieces, cracked oak floors, all complemented by a breathtaking view from the terrace where the sunset is magical.
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Pam Pam, Juan les Pins
Pam Pam and her team invite you to discover or rediscover a wide selection of cocktails, alcoholic or not.
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Cafe Brun
A relative new-comer to Antibes bar and restaurant scene this funky joint has become one of the coolest hang out spots in the town.
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Blue Lady Pub
This English-speaking pub is located in the heart of Old Antibes. It is a real institution for Captains and crew members.
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Absinthe Bar
You can be sure you'll have a good time in this authentic, lively bar.
Where to stay in [locality]
There are some chain hotels here, handy for the airport at Nice, but for something more boutique-styled you will need to go further afield, either into Nice or into the hills above the coast.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Antibes
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Belles Rives Hotel, Juan les Pins
Hôtel Belles Rives, a historic Art Deco gem, offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Cap d’Antibes, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and stunning seaside views.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Le Mas de Mougins B&B
Set in a secluded, tranquil location surrounded by ancient oaks, olive trees, oleanders, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine, it’s easy to see why this peaceful haven was a favourite of Picasso.
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Juana Hotel, Juan les Pins
20 September 20257 NightsHotel Juana is a stylish 1930s landmark offering timeless elegance, refined service, and an enviable location on the French Riviera.
Price: €4,450
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Villa Miraé
20 September 20257 NightsVilla Miraé offers a serene retreat in Cap d’Antibes, featuring luxurious rooms and Mediterranean-inspired dining by Chef Mauro Colagreco. Experience elegant interiors, breathtaking gardens, and unforgettable cuisine in a prime location on the French Riviera.
Price: €6,957
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La Villa Hotel, Juan les Pins
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
How to get to [locality]
Easy to access, Saint-Laurent-du-Var is little more than a short bus ride from Nice airport; you can even cycle there using the Vélobleu bikes that are stationed all along the coastline. The no.200 bus also runs regularly between Nice and Cannes, passing through Saint-Laurent-du-Var along the way.
Transfers for Antibes
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Car Riviera Airport Transfers
Car Riviera offers a range of cars available for hire with a driver to chauffeur you either to and from the airport, for sight seeing trips or just to and from dinner so you can sit back and relax. Large vehicles such as Espace and Multi vans are at your disposal.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Antibes
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Villa for Sale
A stunning stone property, boasting amazing sea views, with guest house, pool and double garage.
Price: €12,700,000
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Villa for Sale
Nestled at the summit of a prestigious residential estate, this new 575 sq m contemporary villa embodies the very essence of luxury.
Price: €7,700,000
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Apartment for Sale
Boasting an exceptional location facing the sea, in the heart of a sought-after area, this property offers 160 sq m of living area, plus 200 sq m of seafront terraces and a 130sqm garden.
Price: €1,395,000
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Villa for Sale
Stunning property with pool and tennis court, ideally located on the West side of Cap d'Antibes.
Price: €17,000,000
