Golfe-Juan: beaches, ports and the Lérins Islands
A day on the shores of the Mediterranean
A few kilometers from Antibes and Cannes, Golfe-Juan is the maritime façade of Vallauris-Golfe-Juan, the municipality where is located Jasmins Studio.
After discovering Vallauris, its ceramics and the history of Picasso, You just need to go down towards the sea to completely change the atmosphere.
Here, the Mediterranean opens up between Cap d'Antibes and Cannes.
The fine sandy beaches, marinas and sea excursions allow you to fully enjoy the coastline.
My advice:
Allow at least half a day to explore Golfe-Juan.
And if you love the sea, dedicate a whole day to it by adding an excursion to Sainte-Marguerite Island.
The beaches of Golfe-Juan
Golfe-Juan has approximately 3.5 kilometers of fine sandy beaches, public and private.
They are located on either side of the ports:
- there Pablo Beach Picasso, formerly known as Plage du Soleil, are located east of the Old Port, in the direction of Cannes;
- there beach of the South extends beyond Port Camille Rayon, towards Juan-les-Pins.
It's a pleasant coastline for alternating between swimming, walking and relaxing, with the possibility of practicing different water sports.
Public beaches are supervised during the summer season.
A particularly convenient beach
In the immediate vicinity of the Old Port is the Pablo Beach Picasso, which benefits from facilities facilitating access to the sea for people with reduced mobility.
Golfe-Juan is therefore also an attractive destination for families and for visitors looking for an easily accessible beach.
Two ports, two atmospheres
The Old Port
THE Old Port is the historic port of Golfe-Juan.
It is a small Mediterranean port where pleasure boats and a few professional fishing boats coexist.
I particularly like this place for its atmosphere:
- the boats moored in front of the terraces;
- restaurants located by the water;
- the activity of fishermen;
- the walk along the quays.
In the morning, you can also discover the local fish stall, when sea conditions allow the fishermen to return.
My advice:
Come and have a coffee in the morning or come back at the end of the day for dinner on the terrace.
Port Camille Rayon
A little further east, the Port Camille Rayon offers a different atmosphere.
Developed in the late 1980s, it is entirely dedicated to pleasure boating and notably accommodates large vessels.
The port is also a pleasant place for a stroll.
The walk around the port is almost two kilometers and can be done easily with the family.
In summer, restaurants, bars and entertainment contribute to the atmosphere of the site.
A walk along the water's edge
You can simply enjoy Golfe-Juan without any particular program.
Stroll around the Old Port, continue towards the Port Camille Rayon, look at the boats, have a drink on a terrace or settle down on the beach.
It's also a good way to discover another French Riviera, different from the large, busy resorts.
And if you enjoy walking, the seafront makes it easy to extend your walk towards Juan-les-Pins.
What if you took the boat?
Golfe-Juan is also a starting point for walks and excursions at sea.
From the Old Port, several options are available: sea trips, coastal exploration, water sports and excursions to various destinations on the French Riviera.
But there is one excursion that I particularly recommend…
Sainte-Marguerite Island as seen from Golfe-Juan
Opposite Golfe-Juan and Cannes are the Lérins Islands.
The largest, Saint Margaret, is accessible by boat from Golfe-Juan.
It's an excellent idea to completely change your scenery for a day.
An island to discover on foot
Sainte-Marguerite is approximately 3.2 kilometers long and 900 meters wide.
The island is protected and has a remarkable natural environment.
You will find there:
- beaches and small coves with turquoise waters;
- large maritime pines;
- eucalyptus trees;
- numerous forest paths;
- approximately 8 kilometers around the island.
So you can very easily combine swimming, walking and exploring nature.
The Royal Fort
Sainte-Marguerite is not just an island of nature.
It also has an important historical heritage with the Royal Fort, which notably housed the prison of the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask.
A day on the island thus allows me to combine what I particularly love about the French Riviera: the sea, nature and history.
And Saint-Honorat?
The two Lérins Islands are often mentioned together: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.
But pay attention to one important practical detail: The service from Golfe-Juan includes Sainte-Marguerite.
Saint-Honorat, where is Lérins Abbey and where monks still live, is currently accessible by boat from Cannes.
If you wish to visit both islands, it is therefore best to plan your excursion from Cannes.
Another idea: gain some perspective
After the beach or before heading back down to the sea, you can also discover the Paradou massif, on the heights of Golfe-Juan.
This small departmental natural area is a true balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.
It features, among other things, large eucalyptus trees, mimosa trees, lush Mediterranean vegetation and a bamboo grove.
On a clear day, the panorama extends from the Lérins Islands to Cap d'Antibes and as far as the Fourmigue lighthouse.
It's an excellent alternative if you're craving nature and peace and quiet after a few hours spent on the beach.
My advice to my guests
If you are staying for several days in Jasmins Studio, Here is the day I suggest for you:
The morning : stroll around the Old Port of Golfe-Juan and exploring the beaches.
At noon : lunch on the quays or a picnic.
The afternoon : swimming or walking at Port Camille Rayon.
For a more complete day : take the boat to Sainte-Marguerite and spend several hours on the island.
And if you prefer a quiet day without a boat, the Golfe-Juan coastline is more than enough to spend a pleasant time on the Mediterranean coast.
From Jasmins Studio
Golfe-Juan is one of the great advantages of your stay in Jasmins Studio The sea, beaches and ports are very close to your accommodation..
You can therefore dedicate a day to discovering Vallauris and Picasso, then another to the sea and the Lérins Islands.
That's also what the French Riviera is all about: going from art to the beach, from the city to nature, sometimes in just a few minutes.
Also worth discovering:
→ Picasso In Vallauris: the painter and the ceramics
→ Vallauris, the ceramics capital
→ Napoleon at Golfe-Juan and the Napoleon Route
→ The Grasse region: flowers, perfumes and gardens
→ An excursion: from Jasmins Studio to the Napoleon Route