A morning of December, 7.45AM in Juan-les-Pins. Dawn drapes the Cap d’Antibes and the Mediterranean horizon in shades of golden orange - welcome to winter’s gentle warmth. Here, winter means intense light and short, yet wonderfully mild days. A winter escape to the French Riviera feels like a step back in time--when winter holidays here were all the rage. If a swim in the sea might tempt only the most adventurous, here people practice stand-up paddle, kayak and longe-côte (sea wading) all year round. Some locals even claim that a daily dip in the sea is their secret to staying fit and full of life!
In the old town of Antibes, winter is all about savoring the good life—where the gentle rhythm of the season meets the colours and flavours of Provence and the Mediterranean. At the Provençal Market, stalls overflow with vibrant vegetables, fresh pasta and other irresistible local delights, an invitation to taste, cook and enjoy. Once the picnic basket is filled, let’s head to the beach for a sun-soaked break. And since winter temperatures are just right for lingering over a good meal, food lovers will be spoilt for choice between Michelin-starred restaurants, vegetarian cuisine or traditional bistros.
The destination in winter time is perfect to enjoy a cocooning escape and a moment of self-reconnection. Let’s put the phone aside and start slowing down - just like the artists who come here to find inspiration. Time to relax at Thalazur Antibes, the local thalassotherapy institute, for a soothing interlude or a longer stay dedicated to wellbeing, with a wide range of treatment options. Several hotels in Antibes Juan-les-Pins remain open throughout the winter season and welcome external guests to enjoy their spas: Sothys at La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa, Phytomer at Royal Antibes, and Codage at the 1932 Hôtel & Spa Cap d’Antibes–MGallery. And since happiness often comes through the taste buds, a variety of cafés and tearooms invite visitors to indulge in a warm, comforting gourmet break.
Recognized as “Ville & Métiers d’Art” (City of Art and Craftsmanship), Antibes Juan-les-Pins is home to a thriving community of artists and artisans, representing a rich diversity of creative talents. All year round, through galleries and at the “Casemates de la Création”, local artists and craftspeople warmly share their knowledge and know-how. The cultural scene here is just as vibrant, with a full calendar of performances across the city’s theatres—including Anthéa, Antibéa, and the Conservatory of Classical Music, as well as exhibitions at the Picasso Museum. Looking beyond the city, Antibes Juan-les-Pins is also a perfect base for exploring the Côte d’Azur’s cultural treasures such as the Fernand Léger Museum in Biot, the International Perfume Museum in Grasse or the Maeght and CAB Foundations in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
“Movement is life,” as the saying goes. Thanks to the mild weather, it’s a pleasure to take the coastal path exploring the Cap d’Antibes on foot. Visitors can breathe the fresh and salty air while discovering Mediterranean vegetation, between sea sparkles and snow-capped Mercantour peaks, with mountains always visible in the background. For the most active people, adventure continues beyond, into the Sophia-Antipolis area--from the Valmasque Park and the banks of the Brague River to the trails of Gourdon and Gréolières. As a quintessential symbol of Provence, pétanque lovers will have a great time here, whether playing or watching, in the pine grove of Juan-les-Pins or near the ramparts of old Antibes. For sports fans, another show not to miss is a Sharks basketball game at the AzurArena, with the current season running until May 2026!