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During our recent family trip to the French and Italian Rivieras, we spent three nights in beautiful Antibes, France. Antibes is a charming coastal resort town situated on the emerald waters of the Côte d’Azur in the South of France. It’s a popular vacation destination filled with charming shops, idyllic street-side diners, and massive mega-yachts that preside over its busy harbor. Located just west of Antibes is the Cap d’Antibes (Cape Antibes).
Cap d’Antibes is a peninsula that is located between Cannes and Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It’s at the top of many bucket lists because of one incredible hike I want to tell you about today.
I love this part of France so much that I have visited three summers in a row!
Visiting Antibes, France
While we were in Antibes, we took an Uber to Cap d’Antibes and spent part of the day walking a scenic trail called the Sentier de Tirepoil. The trail follows the eastern and southern coastline of the Cap d’Antibes.
The gorgeous path is dotted with lavish mansions, pristine beaches, and unparalleled views of the rugged French Riviera coast. In this family travel blog post, I want to share everything you need to know to hike this unforgettable scenic trail along the Côte d’Azur.
If you like this European coastal walk, be sure to check out the similar walking path on Cap Ferrat. We did that one, too!
Hiking Cap d’Antibes: The Sentier de Tirepoil
The Sentier de Tirepoil trail winds for 3 miles along the coast. Hiking the entire length, from its start near Plage Keller to its end at Billionaires Bay, will take about 1.5-2 hours. Budget more time if you plan to stop and swim at any of the many beautiful beaches.
During the outing, you’ll be traversing a rocky limestone path right at the edge of the sea, so the views are spectacular. On this unique hike, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coast while walking past some of France’s most famous properties.
Cap d’Antibes Trail 2026/2027 Construction Update:
If you are planning a trip to Antibes between now and Spring 2027, there are some major changes to keep in mind. Much of the Garoupe Bay is currently under public coastal redevelopment. This includes the Plage Keller restaurant we visited, which is temporarily closed for renovation. While you can still access parts of the beach area, the full bay revitalization won’t be complete until Spring 2027.
Furthermore, if you visit during the winter off-season, expect some construction noise near the bay, and definitely pack a high-quality windbreaker—the coastal winds (the Tire-Poil that the trail is named after) are significantly stronger and colder during these months.
Additionally, parts of the coastal trail itself are temporarily closed. Most notably, a 50-meter section directly below Villa Eilenroc is completely blocked off for critical cliff stabilization work, which is officially scheduled to run through May 2027. Because of this rockfall safety barrier, you cannot walk the continuous shoreline path all the way to Billionaires Bay.
Instead, you will need to take a detour inland at Chemin des Douaniers or near the Villa Eilenroc gates, using the paved internal peninsula avenues to loop back to your starting point or to access Billionaires Bay from the roadside.
Don’t let the construction deter you from visiting, but definitely come prepared for a slightly altered route and possible restaurant closures. And the route you see us take in the remainder of this Antibes travel guide may be altered a bit!
Where to Start the Cap d’Antibes Hike
Our family started the trail on the eastern side of the path, near a small beach called Plage de la Garoupe. That is where our Uber dropped us off. A couple of restaurants and beach clubs are in this area, along with public beach space.
One of the beach clubs we visited includes a fine-dining restaurant called Plage Keller (temporarily closed). We decided to eat there on our Airbnb host’s recommendation, made reservations the day before, and weren’t disappointed! The food was amazing, and we actually got to sit at a table on the sandy beach itself.
Talk about an amazing French dining experience – eating great cuisine while looking out over the gorgeous blue waters of the bay. It was so memorable!
The Cap d’Antibes trail begins on the south side of the beach. If you head to the very end of the beach, past the Plage Keller restaurant, you’ll see a sign marking the trailhead. The trail here heads east along the bay before meandering southward. The trail isn’t circular and doesn’t loop back to the beginning.
From the end of the trail, you’ll need to walk along some roadways to get back to the Plage de la Garoupe starting location. When we hiked it, we walked the trail one way and then took an Uber from near the end back to our Airbnb (more on this later).
Getting to the Cap d’ Antibes Hike
Honestly, the easiest way to get to the start of the Cap d’ Antibes hike is to take an Uber. Select the Plage Keller restaurant as your destination, and you will be dropped off very close to the trailhead. From the heart of Antibes, it’s about a 12-15 minute Uber ride.
If you are traveling by bus, the nearest bus stop to Plage Keller is Chenes Verts. It’s an eight-minute walk away. Bus line 02 should take you there, but check the schedules beforehand.
Interesting Sights on the Cap d’Antibes Path
The views along the path are absolutely beautiful. We stopped frequently to admire the immensity of the Mediterranean Sea and to watch the azure waves crash over the jagged limestone coastline.
Along the way are gorgeous coves where you can climb down to the rocks to sunbathe or simply enjoy the view. On your right, lush vegetation includes olive trees, Aleppo pines, a variety of succulents, and native plant species like crithmum, silver ragwort, and sea lavandula.
On your left, the craggy coastline will plunge into the swelling sea. In the distance, you can admire the far-off Esterel Mountains and the Lerins Islands.
The majestic Mediterranean, clad in dark blue and white foam, contrasts with the jagged, rocky, asymmetrical coastline, creating stunning scenes and endless photo opportunities.
The area is so beautiful that we crossed paths with numerous oil painters standing before their easels, trying to capture the majesty of the French coastal landscape.
What a romantic and quintessentially French moment! Don’t you think?
Special Locations Along the Cap d’Antibes Hike
On the Cap d’Antibes hike, you will pass three fascinating estates, along with many breathtaking bays, beaches, and swimming holes. These estates have fascinating histories, filled with wild stories of wealth, generosity, and international intrigue.
Remember that during the current construction project, you may not be able to access all of these. But detours are temporary and changing, so here I want to share exactly what we did on our trip to Antibes, France.
Château de la Garoupe
The first mega-mansion you will pass is Château Garoupe. Unfortunately, a tall stone wall and some pine trees hide it, so you won’t get a good view.
Chateau Garoupe was built in 1907 when British MP Charles McLaren hired an English architect named Ernest George to design the villa. In 1999, Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky bought Château de la Garoupe for €22 million. After his suicide in 2013, the villa was seized by the French authorities. In December 2023, Château Garoupe was sold to Ukrainian WhatsApp founder Jan Koum. The sale price is believed to be €65 million.
Château de la Croë
The Château de la Croë is located about two-thirds of the way along the path. It’s a castle set within eight hectares of surrounding grounds. The Château de la Croë was built in 1927 and was leased by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the late 1930s. After the war, the castle was found in disrepair, and the Duchess of Windsor renovated the estate.
Winston and Clementine Churchill celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with the Windsors at the château in 1948. From 1950 to 1957, Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis owned the home before selling it to his brother-in-law.
Since 2001, the castle had been owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich. However, it was seized by the French government in 2022 due to sanctions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The castle isn’t really visible from the trail, but several interesting features can be seen. On the trail, you’ll pass beside some of its stone perimeter walls. You’ll also traverse a boat ramp and an odd circular concrete pad jutting into the sea. This project was Abramovich’s failed attempt to create a yacht mooring. It was illegal, and the French government stopped construction.
Villa Eilenroc
Near the end of the Cap d’Antibes hike, you’ll pass by the grounds of the magnificent Villa Eilenroc. Villa Eilenroc has a rich history that began in the 1860s when Hugh-Hope Loudon, a wealthy Dutchman, purchased land on Cap d’Antibes to build a mansion. Completed in 1867, the villa was named Eilenroc, an anagram of his wife’s name, Cornélie.
In 1873, the property was sold to James Wyllie, who enlisted renowned designers to create an 11-hectare garden on the estate. Madame Hélène Beaumont owned the villa until her death in 1982, when she bequeathed it to the city of Antibes. The city now owns and maintains the villa and garden.
As you walk by Villa Eilenroc along the Cap d’Antibes hike, you’ll be able to see into its gardens and catch glimpses of the stately mansion over stone walls and through intricate iron gates.
Swimming Holes on the Cap d’Antibes Trail
Along the Cap d’Antibes trail, you can sunbathe on the rocks and swim at numerous spots. Some spots are easily accessible and near the trail, while others require a bit more maneuvering. Occasionally, ladders lead down the rock face to secluded swimming spots.
Most of this popular Antibes trail has no fencing or guardrails, but some have them along the more treacherous bends with drop-offs or where large waves could pose a safety risk to walkers. So, for the most part, you are free to find a picnic spot or swimming hole wherever you like.
BUT BE AWARE: the waves are violent in some locations, and I’m sure there is a lot of undertow, making swimming in some areas dangerous. I recommend using one of the actual beaches for your Cap d’Antibes swimming.
Beaches on the Cap d’Antibes Walk
The beaches along the walk are all uniquely gorgeous, with stunning views of the Côte d’Azur, fine yellow sand, and plenty of places to lay out.
The Sentier de Tirepoil has five main beaches. Starting from the Plage de la Garoupe side of the trail (eastern start), the beaches are, in order, Plage Cap Cros, Plage Eilen Roc, Plage Argent Faux, and finally, Plage Baie Milliardaires.
The landscape is rocky, so expect small- to medium-sized rocks on the beaches. If you decide to wade into the water, you may be more comfortable wearing water shoes. If this is your first time visiting rocky European beaches, you’ll quickly learn that good water shoes are a game changer!
Click here to browse water shoes on Amazon!
Billionaires Bay on Cap d’Antibes
Your well-earned reward for completing the Cap d’Antibes hike is discovering Billionaires Bay. This picturesque bay is named for its ultra-exclusive location frequented by the billionaires who live on Cap d’Antibes. Before modern roads were built, only billionaires on their yachts could reach it, hence the name.
The bay is a secluded cove with a beautiful rocky beach that meets cold emerald-colored waters. It’s a picturesque place that feels out of time, an inaccessible refuge of the elite hidden from prying eyes. Sunbathers enjoyed the warm summer day, and swimmers braved the sometimes painfully sharp rocks to stumble their way into the refreshing water.
While at Billionaires Bay, I snapped some amazing photos, and Abby and I went for a dip. Matt and Jake sunned themselves on a few large rocks. It was the perfect conclusion to our Cap d’Antibes day trip.
Getting Home From the Cap d’Antibes Hike
The Cap d’Antibes trail ends (or starts if you are going west to east) at Billionaires Bay. After we were done enjoying the bay, we headed up a steep road connecting Billionaires Bay with a larger road named Avenue Beaumont. We walked north along Avenue Beaumont for about 10 minutes until we came to a really nice small supermarket called VIVAL.
The walk is pleasant and takes you alongside some secluded wealthy estates shrouded by hedgerows and encircled by high fences. It gave me Hollywood Hills neighborhood vibes. VIVAL was the perfect location to request an Uber and get a short ride back to Antibes.
What to Bring to Hike Cap d’Antibes
This hike is periodically strenuous and takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately and bring a few travel essentials for the family.
Comfortable Shoes: The trail includes rocky and uneven sections, so sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential. You may also want lightweight water shoes in your backpack.
Backpack: Bring snacks, water, towels, an extra layer, and a camera if you have one. A lightweight travel backpack makes it easy to carry these items.
Water and Snacks: There are no facilities along the trail, so bring water and some light snacks to keep you energized. In summer, we saw a couple of people selling water bottles for €2 cash, but don’t count on that.
Swimsuit: If you plan to enjoy one of the many swimming holes or beaches, wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes. Bring a lightweight Dock and Bay towel in your backpack. We take these on every trip, and they are so light, small, and fast-drying!
Sun Protection: A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are crucial as the trail is mostly exposed to the sun.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker: If you are hiking any time but summer, you may want to wear an extra layer. Coastal winds can be strong, especially in cooler months or early in the morning. We always travel with a travel raincoat.
Camera or Smartphone: You’ll want to capture the stunning views and memorable moments along this beautiful Antibes coastal trail. We always bring portable chargers on our Europe day trips and outings.
Don’t Bring a Stroller: The Antibles coastal trail is unpaved and too rough for strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, and other wheeled devices. It is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Top Safety Tips for Hiking Cap d’Antibes
The trail is rocky and uneven and traverses rugged coastal terrain. Watch small children and stay aware of your surroundings. Here are some additional first-hand tips for your Cap d’Antibes coastal hike!
#1 Stay on the Marked Trail
Follow the designated path to avoid damaging the fragile coastal ecosystem and to stay safe. While there is construction, watch for closures and marked detours.
#2 Be Cautious on Rocky Sections
Some parts of the Antibes coastal trail can be rocky and uneven. Take your time and watch your step, especially if the rocks are wet or slippery. Even the Antibes beaches can be quite rocky, so take your time getting in and out of the water.
#3 Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is key, especially during hot weather. Bring enough water for the entire hike. We were parched by the end of our hike! And we thought that we had enough water with us. If you’re hiking the Cap d’Antibes trail in the summer, bring twice as much water as you think you need. Trust me!
Making Memories at Cap d’Antibes on the Côte d’Azur
Hiking the Sentier de Tirepoil in Antibes, France was one of our family’s most memorable experiences from that summer trip to France. The sweeping coastal views, rich and somewhat glamorous history, and serene atmosphere make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a scenic walk, the Cap d’Antibes hiking trail offers something for everyone. I know you’ll love exploring this gorgeous path, enjoying the opulent estates, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the French coast.
And if you loved this French Riviera hike, be sure to read my post all about walking the coastline on Cap Ferrat and my post about hiking down the path from Èze, France!
Hiking lovers may also enjoy visiting Cassis, France, and hiking in Calanques National Park. It’s near Marseille and was a wonderful place for us to spend four nights.
We also did the Lagos, Portugal, coastal walk this summer as part of a 16-day trip to Portugal! That one has amazing views, but is much more accessible with a lovely new boardwalk. So, make sure to read that post, too!
Other Travel Blog Posts You May Like
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love my other European travel blogs. We only post about places we have been, with our own photos and travel tips.
Want to bring a little bit of France home with you? Browse my favorite French-inspired gifts and finds, from cute kitchen accessories to gifts for fellow France lovers. I’m also sharing the French beauty products I actually use and love, including favorites to look for while shopping in Antibes or order once you’re back home!
Here are a few posts that you might find interesting! And follow along on social media to see where we’re heading next! The story highlights are full of great first-hand travel tips!
- Should You Visit The Louvre?
- How To Plan A Trip To Europe
- Lagos Coastal Walk
- The Cats In Athens
- Ancient Roman Baths
- Rentals in Amsterdam
- Tips For European Travel
Pin This Antibes Hiking Blog Post For Later
What a comprehensive post! Thanks for all the tips! It looks very beautiful there… I also like to use Get Your Guide. We used them for two excursions on our cruise trip last summer… to the Egadi Islands and in Barcelona.
This is a wonderful resource in finding interesting things to do off the beaten path!
This coastline reminds me a little bit of the Cinque Terre. I’d love this experience in Cap d’Antibes. It’s been many years since I was in Cannes and Nice.