Two towns, one peninsula
Antibes and Juan-les-Pins share a peninsula and a town hall, but not a personality. Where old Antibes is medieval streets and markets, Juan-les-Pins is the seaside resort: a crescent of sandy beaches, palm-lined avenues, nightclubs and the most famous jazz festival in France.
The beaches
The great difference: Antibes town beaches are pebble-and-shingle coves, while Juan-les-Pins has sand — the main draw for families. The central bay curves between the Pinède Gould park and the small Cap d’Antibes side, with public beaches between private beach clubs. Arrive before mid-morning in July and August.
Jazz à Juan
Every summer since 1960, the Pinède Gould park hosts Jazz à Juan, one of Europe’s great jazz festivals — the stage under the pines, the sea behind. The festival that once welcomed the legends still books world acts every June–July; check the official programme for the season’s dates. The festival also keeps a free “Jazz à Juan” heritage trail of plaques through the park, honouring the artists who played here.
The Pinède Gould
Between the beach and the road, a park of umbrella pines — shade, playgrounds, and in high summer the festival village. Locals cycle through it to the beach.
Nightlife
Juan-les-Pins is where the Riviera goes out: beach bars open late in season, nightclubs that made the town famous in the 20th century, and a promenade that hums in July and August. Out of season it’s calm — the bars thin out and the beach becomes a walking path.
Eating
Beach clubs for lunch with your feet in the sand; a step back from the seafront for better value. The same rule as Antibes applies — walk five minutes inland.
Juan-les-Pins or Antibes?
With kids and beach plans: Juan-les-Pins. For history, character and walking: old Antibes — ideally both, they’re connected by a pleasant 30-minute seaside walk or a quick bus ride. From our old town to Juan’s sand, it’s one peninsula.
FAQ
How far is Juan-les-Pins from Antibes old town?
About 30 minutes on foot along the seafront, or a few minutes by bus or the little train in season.
When is the jazz festival?
Every summer, typically from mid-June into July, since 1960 — check the official Jazz à Juan programme for current-season dates.
Are the beaches free?
Yes — public sandy sections sit between the private beach clubs, which rent mattresses and serve lunch.
Updated September 2026 — by Antibes Walks, guided tours by a locally born guide. Book your walking tour →