Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence Private Half-Day Tour

Summary

Explore Cannes Film Festival Sites, Antibes Markets & Art in St Paul de Vence

You’ll walk Cannes’ red carpet steps, taste local flavors at Antibes’ market, see Picasso’s art where he lived it, and wander medieval lanes that inspired legends—all with your own private guide.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off our half-day adventure right at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès—yep, those famous red carpet stairs you always see on TV every May. Our guide, Sophie, pointed out where the paparazzi crowd during the Cannes Film Festival. Even in the off-season, you can almost hear the buzz. The sea breeze carries a hint of salt and sunscreen from Boulevard de la Croisette. We caught a glimpse of the Lérins Islands out across the water—Sainte-Marguerite with its old fort (the one tied to that Man in the Iron Mask story) and Saint-Honorat with its quiet monastery.

Next up was Cap d’Antibes. The drive along the coast is something else—big pines leaning over winding roads, flashes of sunlight on the water. Sophie told us about Fitzgerald’s days here and pointed out a villa that looked straight out of a movie set. We rolled into Antibes just as the Provencal market was winding down for lunch. The smell of fresh strawberries and lavender soap hung in the air. I grabbed a handful of cherries from a local vendor who joked about tourists always picking out the ripest ones. Fort Carré loomed above town—a real 16th-century fortress designed by Vauban—and down at Port Vauban we saw yachts so big they made our van look like a toy car.

The Picasso Museum sits inside Grimaldi Castle right in Antibes’ old town. It’s not huge but it’s packed with works Picasso made during his stay here in 1946—sketches, ceramics, even some playful doodles he left behind on tiles. You get this sense he really lived here for a bit, not just passed through.

Last stop: St Paul de Vence. The village is all stone walls and narrow lanes twisting between art galleries and tiny cafés (I spotted a tabby cat napping on a windowsill). Our guide explained how artists like Chagall and Matisse used to hang out at La Colombe d’Or—sometimes paying their bills with paintings instead of cash! You’ll still see their originals on display if you peek inside. There’s something about the light here; even late afternoon feels bright and warm against those old stones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence

• Visit Cannes and Boulevard de la Croisette
• See Cap d'Antibes and Billionaires Bay
• Explore Antibes market and Fort Carré
• Tour Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Castle
• Walk through St. Paul de Vence village

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! There are infant seats available and space for strollers or prams. The pace is relaxed so kids can enjoy it too.

Can I use a wheelchair or mobility scooter during this tour?

Absolutely—the vehicle is wheelchair accessible and most stops are easy to navigate with assistance.

Will we have time to shop or grab snacks at the market?

You bet! There’s free time at Antibes’ Provencal market to browse stalls or pick up something tasty.

How long does each stop last?

The timing is flexible since it’s private—usually around 45–60 minutes per main stop but your guide will adjust based on your interests.

What’s included

Your own private vehicle (with AC and WiFi), bottled water for everyone, plus a friendly local guide who knows all the shortcuts—and yes, there’s always a smile included!