Juan-les-Pins — Sandy Beaches & Jazz

Juan-les-Pins lies between Antibes and Cap d'Antibes and is what Cannes would like to be: relaxed, with real sandy beaches and a legendary jazz tradition. In the 1920s, Americans (led by F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda) discovered this place as a summer residence — a revolution, as until then people only came to the Côte d'Azur in winter.

The Beaches

Juan-les-Pins has the most beautiful sandy beaches between Nice and Saint-Tropez: fine, golden sand, gently sloping, sheltered by pines. Perfect for families. The Plage de Juan-les-Pins (public), the Plage de la Gallice, and the Plage de la Salis are the most popular.

Jazz à Juan

The Jazz à Juan Festival (July) is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world — since 1960. Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie — they all played here under the pines of Pinède Gould right by the sea. World-class musicians still come today. Tickets from 35€, but the atmosphere is priceless.

Nightlife

Juan-les-Pins has a surprisingly lively nightlife for a small town: the bars and clubs along Avenue Georges Gallice and Boulevard Wilson fill up from 10 PM. Younger and more casual than Cannes, cheaper than Monaco. In summer, people dance until sunrise.