Driving from Nice to Antibes: A Scenic Coastal Journey Worth Taking
One of the most memorable legs of our South of France road trip was the drive from Nice to Antibes. It’s not just a journey from one town to another—it’s a visual delight, full of Mediterranean coastal views, picturesque stops, and charming French Riviera moments.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the full experience, share the route details (including toll info), highlight key attractions in Antibes, recommend vegetarian/vegan restaurants and pizza spots, and tell you where to insert the drive video if you’re planning to showcase it on YouTube.
Route Overview: Nice to Antibes by Car
The drive from Nice to Antibes is about 25 km and takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. You have two route options:
- A8 Motorway (Fastest)
- M6098/M6007 Coastal Route (Scenic)
We took the A8 motorway for convenience.
Toll Info:
- You’ll need to pay a toll when taking the A8.
- Toll Cost: Around €2.50 to €3.00 depending on vehicle type.
- Make sure you have either a contactless card or cash in small denominations.
Drive from Nice to Antibes
I filmed the entire drive from Nice to Antibes, capturing the stunning views and road conditions. Coming Soon
Welcome to Antibes
Antibes is a beautiful blend of old-world charm, Mediterranean beaches, and arty sophistication. It’s smaller and more intimate than Nice but packed with character. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
1. Vieil Antibes (Old Town)
- Wander through cobblestone lanes lined with cafes, local boutiques, and pastel-coloured houses.
- You’ll find a local food market at Cours Massena — perfect for sampling Provençal goodies.
2. Picasso Museum
- Housed in the Château Grimaldi, this is where Picasso lived and worked in 1946.
- The museum holds a unique collection of his works, along with pieces by other modern artists.
3. Plage de la Gravette
- A lovely sandy beach nestled near the port, ideal for a swim or relaxing in the sun.
4. Port Vauban
- One of Europe’s largest marinas. You’ll spot some of the world’s most luxurious yachts here.
- Great for a stroll or coffee along the quay.
5. Le Marché Provençal
- A vibrant morning market full of fresh produce, flowers, cheese, and handmade goods.
Fort Carré
- A 16th-century star-shaped fort with panoramic views over the bay.
- Perfect for history lovers and photographers alike.
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Pizza-Friendly Restaurants in Antibes
Whether you’re plant-based, vegetarian, or simply in the mood for good pizza, Antibes offers some brilliant food options:
Healthy Lounge by M
- Located at 18 Rue James Close, this cosy cafe offers vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian meals using fresh local ingredients.
Apopo
- Found at 27 Boulevard Albert 1er, Apopo serves healthy bowls, sushi burgers, and vegan desserts.
Picnic
- A takeaway-style vegetarian and vegan cafe at 25 Rue de Fersen. Expect creative sandwiches, power bowls, and organic juice.
PizzAgora
- Traditional Italian pizza spot with vegetarian topping choices and a 72-hour fermented dough. Located at 1 Rue des Îles.
Giovanni’s
- Set within the luxury Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, this pizzeria uses organic Italian wheat. (Note: dining available for hotel guests only.)
Stop Pizza
- Casual, budget-friendly pizza with generous portions and vegetarian options.
Eden Pizza Antibes
- Eden Pizza is a local gem with friendly service and delicious, fresh pizzas. I tried their vegetarian option and it was absolutely spot on—crispy base, quality ingredients, and reasonably priced. They also offer free delivery within a 5 km radius and were really helpful over the phone when placing an order. Highly recommended for a no-fuss, satisfying meal.
Travel Tips for Antibes
- Parking: Use underground parking at Parking La Poste or Parking Port Vauban.
- Footwear: Wear comfy shoes for walking around the Old Town.
- Timing: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Don’t rush it: Antibes has a slow-paced charm — take your time and soak it in.
Next trip Port Vaubant & Mougins