I'm trying to decide between these two towns as a place to relax the week after Easter, with visits to Saint Paul de Vence, Menton and possibly Sanremo (worth the trouble?). Family of 3 with a teen. We are NOT into lifestyles of the rich-and-famous and have no interest in Monaco or Cannes for that reason. I'm leaning toward Antibes (seems like a slightly more down-to-earth town), but VF may be more convenient for trains and buses and quieter/more relaxing? We'll probably take trains to coastal destinations but might rent a car for a couple of days to explore inland. We enjoy exploring the streets of old towns, going to markets, peeking into gardens, talking to artists in their studios, hiking in mountains, walking coastal trails and enjoying a long apero on a terrace with a view. We'll self cater breakfasts and a few dinners in our rental apartment. Proximity of boulangeries, patisseries and a market is very important. Not really into restaurants as they tend to frustrate me (I always feel I could've made something better and healthier at home), so we'd want restaurant scene that offers the best value.
Posted by
40 posts
We stayed in VF on our own after a RS tour 5 years ago and really enjoyed it so I would recommend staying there. It has a lot of what you're looking for.
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, United States
149 posts
Cannot speak to Antibes, but have stayed in VF twice and loved it.
Also, we have driven three times thru Carpentras to Crillon le Brave. LOVE that area and near Mayle Trail.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
715 posts
Either could work, it could come down to where you find a rental. Antibes is much larger and spread out, but has a bit more to offer with a near-daily market and a wider variety of restaurants. Villefranche has good access to a number of walks (Antibes does have the coastal path along the cap) and is very compact, but is basically a hillside. The restaurants on the water are at a premium, but apero is good. But it is a quick bus over the hill down to the Port de Nice, where there are better value options.
Posted by
Washington DC
28246 posts
I think either Villefranche or Antibes could be fine; you've already nailed the comments I'd have made, except this: Since you've mentioned a couple of side trips by train, I'd pay careful attention to the location of your apartment options vis-a-vis the local train station.
Posted by
OP
Maryland
24 posts
Thanks for the responses . I was hoping that our lodging options would make the choice clearer, but no. Each has tradeoffs. Perhaps we'd end up appreciating the easy access to amenities in Nice from VF, but in the immediate vicinity there do not seem to be many options for shops/bakeries or cafes.
Posted by
11606 posts
We love Antibes!
Villefranche is very nice but when we were last there it was where the huge cruise ships were moored, letting passengers off. I would check to see if that is still happening.
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
We love Antibes. We did day trip to VF so I can’t say about staying there but Antibes is a nice to stay.