Antibes Classic Yacht Regatta, Côté d’Azur

I’ve always loved the water. I’m on of those odd people that never get seasick. I also love history. Old, classic sailboats are magical. My first day of day work in 2002 was on a 150 year old 30m classic named SY Thendara in Antibes. Stunning. If you’re into the same, The Voiles d’Antibes is the event for you.

The best way to start the summer and, coincidentally, my birthday season – is the Classic Yacht Regatta in Antibes. It’s changed a lot over the years, but 2026 was a great experience as a more ´mature’ visitor!

I casually invited two of my best girlfriends (not sure it would happen!) and they booked tickets to come! Cassie who I went to culinary school with and who got me the job at Verjus we…and Adriana who we met while working at Verjus! We are all moms now, so we made our first momcation! We were all so happy to have make it happen!

The regatta is usually end of May or early June. It’s the first of its kind for the Mediterranean yachting season, ending with Saint Tropez.

You don’t need tickets, but 2026 was the first year they decided to limit the number admitted into the music / drinks venue. We went straight for the top where you could overlook the Mediterranean and enjoy a bottle of champagne.

It’s a mix of families, old yachties, locals and foreign visitors. The older folks (me this time!) were there earlier and after dinner was when the under 40’s tended to show up. There were games for kids earlier in the evening. I might try with my girls next year.

To see the classics in action, arrive early in the morning to see the yachts leave harbor, hire a boat rental to take you out to see them race, and head back in late afternoon to watch them come home.

WHAT TO DO IN ANTIBES?

There are plenty and I mention more in a prior post, but it’s a great town for a couple days and easy to be based in. If you want quiet at night, you’ll want to avoid the center of old town with its many bars and night clubs.

We had a really great time at the Absinthe Bar which I honestly didn’t go to when I used to live in Antibes! We had finished dinner not far from the market and were walking home when we heard live music, old Italian classic ‘Bella Ciao’ was playing. We went inside, maybe 30-40 people max can fit inside. We sat down next to another couple of American women. Oddly, the woman next to us we would meet while swimming on an island the next day. A man near by, we would meet at the regatta the next night, he was seated next to us while we had champagne. It was so random!

I love the provincial market of Antibes, the food and socca is delectable! The antique market in the nearby square is also a great morning stroll.

DAY TRIP FROM ANTIBES

Need to get away from it all? Cannes Islands are always a perfect place to go. This time we went to the smaller island that has the monestary and produces wine, Ile Saint Honorât. They have a restaurant set near the shore that is stunning! Go for the location but the food is also worthwhile. Be sure to book in advance. Ferry to island is booked day of and return must be booked at the same time, unlike Ile St Marguerite.

We also took a trip to Sanremo (I’m so old but I swear it used to be San Remo) for our Italian fix. Being based there is years past it felt like reliving my youth! We were 100% tourists and it was fantastic. Walked up into the old town, explored the market, enjoy drinks on the beach and I got my fritto misto for lunch. An old friend joined us as well! Great day!

Adriana loves modern art and planned our outing to Saint Paul de Vance to see this stunning museum, Foundation Meaght. Lunch there was also worthwhile and in a stunning setting. No matter if you’re into that style of art, you’ll appreciate the views and experience. The village is very much worth going to but we didn’t this time. The other fun surprise was the chapelle designed by Matisse. The priests wear robes were even designed by the artist.