Every year, the port of Antibes hosts one of the most prestigious nautical events in the Mediterranean. The sails of Antibes brings together the most beautiful classic sailing yachts from around the world for five days. This unique regatta celebrates the art of traditional sailing and attracts thousands of international spectators who come to admire these giants of the sea.

The Voiles d'Antibes 2025: key dates and practical information

When is the event held in 2025?

Les Voiles d'Antibes will take place from Wednesday, June 4th to Sunday, June 8th. These dates mark the opening of the summer sailing season on the French Riviera. In addition, the weather conditions are particularly favorable during this period.

The beginning of June offers particularly favorable conditions for sailing. The winds are steady but not overly strong, the water temperature becomes pleasant, and the days lengthen considerably. These conditions allow sailboats to perform at their best while ensuring an exceptional spectacle for the public.

Where is the event held?

Antibes has hosted this prestigious event since 1996. This historic city is located in the heart of the French Riviera, between Nice and Cannes. 

Its Vauban port, the largest marina in Europe, serves as the event's headquarters. It welcomes participating sailboats and houses the official sailing village. Crews and visitors gather there to share their shared passion.

Furthermore, the bays of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins serve as a staging ground for regattas. This maritime area offers exceptional sailing conditions with protected waters and steady winds. The panoramic view from the coast allows spectators to follow the sailing boats' progress in a preserved natural setting.

How to get there ?

To reach Antibes, visitors can choose from several alternatives: 

• By car, the A8 motorway provides direct access to the city via exit 44. However, parking lots fill up quickly during the event, so it's best to arrive early in the morning or use the park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts.

• The train is another convenient and eco-friendly option. Antibes train station is just a few minutes' walk from Port Vauban. There are frequent connections from Nice (30 minutes), Cannes (15 minutes) and even Marseille (3 hours). This solution avoids traffic jams and allows you to fully enjoy the event.

• The airport Nice The French Riviera is the gateway for international visitors. Regular shuttles connect the airport to the train station. Nice-Ville, then the train takes over to Antibes. This complete connection only takes about an hour. Indeed, chauffeur-driven vehicle services font transfers from the airport to all the cities of the Côte d'Azur.

Once in Antibes, local transportation makes getting around easy. The bus network serves all areas of the city, while taxis are available for more specific trips. However, most of the sites related to Les Voiles d'Antibes remain within walking distance of the city center.

The detailed program of the Voiles d'Antibes 2025 

Discover the complete schedule of the event, from its opening to its closing:

• wednesday 4 june : official opening with a welcome for competitors and the first village activities. This day is dedicated to discovering the participating sailboats and meeting the crews in a relaxed atmosphere.
  
• Thursday June 5 : first day of regattas, first round. The sailboats set sail for their first races while the village bustles with its daily activities.
  
• Friday 6 June : second round of regattas accompanied by increased entertainment in the village. The crews gradually find their bearings and the spectacle gains in intensity. The evenings begin to take on their characteristic festive rhythm.
  
• Saturday 7 June : third round of regattas, followed by an auction of marine items. The entertainment is in full swing and the special evening brings together all participants in an exceptional atmosphere.
  
• Sunday 8 June : The event concludes with the fourth round of the regatta and the awards ceremony. This final day combines sporting excitement and nostalgia for the end of an exceptional event. Farewells generally continue late into the evening with the crews promising to meet again the following year.

Learn more about the sails of Antibes

Spectacle at sea: the regattas

The boat races, or regattas, are the key highlights of this event. Three categories of sailing boats take part in the races: Traditional Yachts, Classic Sailing Yachts, and Spirit of Tradition Yachts. Each category features unique technical and aesthetic characteristics that enhance the diversity of the event.

The race courses extend into the bay of Antibes and can reach the waters of Juan les Pins depending on weather conditions. Departures generally take place in the late morning to allow spectators to enjoy the sunrise over the sailboats, before the start of the events. Thus, arrivals take place in the late afternoon. This creates a magnificent spectacle with the golden light of the sunset.

Among other things, several observation points allow you to admire the races from dry land. Cap d'Antibes reveals an exceptional panorama over the entire bay. The beaches of Juan-les-Pins, on the other hand, allow you to observe the sailboats more closely. The ramparts of Antibes, for their part, offer a particularly photogenic elevated viewpoint.

Sea excursions accompany the regattas for those who want to experience the sailboats up close. These outings allow you to appreciate the impressive size of these giants and hear the wind blowing in their century-old sails.

The Village des Voiles: entertainment and atmosphere

Port Vauban transforms into a veritable maritime festival during the five-day event. The official Voiles Village is located on the port. It brings together marine artisans, local producers, and sailing enthusiasts in a friendly and authentic atmosphere.

Visitors discover stands of artisans specializing in traditional maritime crafts. Ropemakers, sailmakers, marine carpenters, and other artisans showcase their ancestral know-how and explain the construction and maintenance techniques of classic sailing ships. These demonstrations provide insight into the complexity and beauty of these exceptional vessels.

Local producers showcase the region's specialties, including olive oil, Provençal wines, local cheeses, and other Mediterranean delicacies.  

Daily entertainment punctuates village life. Marine music concerts, knot-tying demonstrations, navigation workshops, and lectures on naval history enrich your visit. These activities are suitable for all ages and allow you to discover the maritime world in all its aspects.

Festive evening events

The Voiles d'Antibes evenings extend the magic of the event after sunset. You'll enjoy concerts, musical entertainment, and themed evenings where crews and spectators mingle in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. These festive moments create lasting memories and build bonds between participants from around the world.

The awards ceremony crowns the event and rewards the most deserving crews. This official evening celebrates the sportsmanship and camaraderie that characterize the Sails of Antibes.

Tips for fully enjoying the Voiles d'Antibes

Accommodation: book in advance!

June marks the beginning of the peak tourist season on the French Riviera. Accommodations book up quickly, especially in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. It's therefore advisable to plan your stay several months in advance to guarantee availability and benefit from the best rates.

Antibes offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming hotels in the old town to luxury establishments facing the sea. Vacation rentals are also an attractive option for stays with family or friends. In Juan-les-Pins, the atmosphere is more seaside with its waterfront hotels.

Neighboring municipalities such as Biot, Vallauris or even Nice et Cannes expand accommodation options. These destinations remain easily accessible by public transport and allow discover other facets of the Côte d'Azur while enjoying the Voiles d'Antibes.

Catering: discover local gastronomy

Antibes' restaurants showcase the richness of Mediterranean cuisine. The port is home to numerous establishments offering fresh seafood specialties, accompanied by local wines. These restaurants often feature terraces overlooking the sailboats, creating a perfect ambiance at any time.

Bouillabaisse, pissaladière, Niçois stuffed vegetables, and other regional specialties offer a taste of authentic Provençal cuisine. Local markets are full of fresh produce that showcases the richness of the Mediterranean region: olives, sun-drenched vegetables, goat cheese, and seafood.

Ice cream parlors and wine bars complete this gastronomic offering with specialties adapted to the Mediterranean climate. 

What else is there to do in Antibes and its surroundings?

Old The town of Antibes deserves a thorough visit with its picturesque alleyways and daily Provençal market. The ramparts offer an exceptional panoramic walk while local shops offer authentic souvenirs far from mass tourism.

The walks around Cap d'Antibes are exceptional, with their unique viewpoints and preserved Mediterranean vegetation. The Garoupe lighthouse is also a particularly popular destination for a stroll.

In addition, you can take a short tour of the Picasso Museum, located in the Grimaldi castleThis museum houses an exceptional collection of works that the artist created during his stay in Antibes.

Juan-les-Pins also seduces visitors with its fine sandy beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere. This iconic resort has retained its Roaring Twenties charm while adapting to contemporary expectations.

Preparing for the event

Sun protection remains essential during the Voiles d'Antibes. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses provide effective protection from the Mediterranean rays, which are particularly intense in June. Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing may be useful for long periods of observation in direct sunlight.

Comfortable walking shoes will facilitate movement between the various observation sites. The port, beaches, and viewpoints of Cap d'Antibes sometimes require long walks on varied surfaces. Appropriate footwear will ensure comfort throughout the event.

Cameras and binoculars are essential for enjoying and capturing every moment of the race. These accessories allow you to observe the architectural details of the sailboats and capture unique moments. Cameras with long focal length lenses reveal the full beauty of these giants of the sea.

Les Voiles d'Antibes 2025 promises five exceptional days dedicated to celebrating maritime heritage. This unique event brings together the world's most beautiful classic sailing ships in the enchanting setting of the Côte d'Azur. Between spectacular regattas, friendly entertainment, and cultural discoveries, every visitor will find something to enjoy at this authentic maritime festival.

Advance preparation ensures an optimal experience: booking accommodation, planning transportation, and having the right equipment contribute to a successful stay.