1. Introduction
2. Antibes-Juan les Pins Facts
3. Getting There
4. Getting Around
5. Where to Stay
6. Where to Eat
7. Where to Be Entertained
8. Tourist Information
9. Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival
10. Visit Antibes
Introduction
Juan-les-Pins, the French Riviera resort on the Côte d’Azur, is the glitzy, modern seaside part of Antibes-Juan-les-Pins, albeit with a different atmosphere from Antibes. Commonly referred to as “Juan,” this destination is celebrated for its annual Jazz à Juan festival, which transforms the town every July. Antibes and Juan-les-Pins sit on opposite sides of the Cap d’Antibes, adorned with lavish private villas and gardens, filled with the delightful scents of Provence. With the radiant Mediterranean as a backdrop, both resorts create a picturesque scene.
F. Scott Fitzgerald spent time here, and there’s an abundance of sites linked to the renowned American writer and socialite.
Antibes-Juan les Pins Facts
- 80,000 inhabitants
- Located on the French Riviera
- Second largest town on the Côte d’Azur
- Situated between Nice and Cannes
Getting There
Travelers can fly into Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, which provides direct flights from both the USA and various European locations. This modern airport boasts two terminals and is positioned a mere 4 miles southwest of Nice, approximately 10 miles northeast of Antibes-Juan-les-Pins.
With an impressive annual passenger count exceeding 10 million, Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport services nearly 100 international destinations. An excellent way to enjoy the picturesque countryside is by taking the train from other European and French cities. The airport is well-connected to both Nice and Antibes-Juan-les-Pins via buses, trains (with a short bus ride to the station), and taxis.
Getting Around
Juan-les-Pins and the Cap d’Antibes offer pedestrian-friendly pathways, making it easy to showcase one’s resort attire along the seaside promenade and in the many cafés that provide ideal people-watching venues. A reliable local bus service is also available, great for traversing between towns and villages.
Where to Stay
As a resort town, Juan-les-Pins presents a diverse range of accommodation options, catering to various budgets and levels of luxury. Options range from the exquisite Art Deco Hôtel Belles-Rives, which once housed Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald during the roaring 1920s, to the more modest Hôtel La Marjolaine, known for its warm hospitality and central location despite its smaller rooms. Those considering a visit during the renowned summer Jazz Festival should plan well in advance.
Where to Eat
In Juan, delectable food is always within reach, although caution is advised with some beachside restaurants that may look inviting but don’t always meet culinary expectations. For authentic Mediterranean cuisine, consider dining at Bijou Plage located on the Bd du Littoral, where the private beach offers a fantastic setting for cocktails with a view of the Iles de Lérins at reasonable prices.
L’Amiral is another delightful family-run restaurant just a few streets away from the sea. If you plan to dine on a Thursday, be sure to request the couscous in advance.
Where to Be Entertained
Juan-les-Pins is dotted with bars, but Le Crystal, situated right in the heart of town, is particularly renowned for its late-night drinks, serving patrons since 1938.
Reflecting Juan-les-Pins’ lively character, the Eden Casino offers an array of gaming options, from slot machines to more traditional games, catering to all types of gamblers.
Tourist Information
Antibes-Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office
Website
Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival
Jazz a Juan is celebrated as one of France’s premier jazz festivals, uniquely set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Scheduled annually in July, it includes a special night on Bastille Day, July 14th, where the musical festivities coincide with a stunning fireworks display over Cannes, creating an unforgettable experience.
Visit Antibes
If you find yourself in Juan, you’re merely a short distance from Antibes, a vibrant town that thrives year-round. Antibes showcases a beautiful port, a historic citadel, charming winding streets, appealing shops, restaurants, cafés, a bustling covered market, and a magnificent marina filled with luxury yachts.
