Good news if you fancy a stroll along the Juan-les-Pins promenade which has been under construction since October 2024. Some of the project has been completed, many private beaches have started re-opening and the work that hasn’t been finished yet, is being put on pause in August.
Antibes Juan-les-Pins mayor, Jean Léonetti, announced in his podcast yesterday that the renovations along the Juan-les-Pins beachfront are “continuing positively” but will pause for the height of the summer season (August and September).
“We’ve already opened the esplanade at the start of Avenue Courbet… and part of the Boulevard Baudoin is totally finished. Some of the beaches have already opened for business again,” he said.
The beaches from Ruban Bleu to New Beach (by Juanita) have re-opened and the matelas (sunbeds) are lined up bumper to bumper, ready for tourists and locals to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views.
Most beach restaurants along that strip have reopened apart from Miami Beach, although a representative told Riviera Edition that their restaurant is due to open in the next few days. Shower facilities have been upgraded, and there is a lift from the promenade to the beach for anyone with difficulties using the stairs.
The beaches to the left of the promenade, between Café de la Plage and Ruban Bleu (including Helios) are still under construction, as of this weekend.
The mayor said as the height of summer approaches, the town has agreed with business owners to “make a pause in the month of August and not have a construction site during peak tourism season. We’ll let August and September pass, and then start again in October to finish our development.”
The mayor said construction will be paused during September as well, as it is not only a “very beautiful month” but also one that’s important in terms of tourism, “better than June, and sometimes July. So we have to allow ourselves to breathe.”
The mayor said “I think everyone regrets that we couldn’t finish” yet, but explained it is complicated construction work, not as simple as just laying new paving. (There is work taking place above and below the promenade.) Leonetti also pointed out that the start of work was delayed last year until October, to not disturb the previous season.
The mayor said the planting of new vegetation which can’t be done during July and August anyway, will take place in September and October.
He said the important thing is that the work is done to satisfaction, and that everyone realises its value and how important this overhaul is for the future of Juan-les-Pins.
All work sites will be secured until winter when it will be easier to work.
Leonetti predicts that by the time the pause comes into effect in August, “we’ll have completed the entire promenade”.
The 20-million euro overhaul of the beachfront is aimed at reinstating the natural beauty of the Côte d’Azur, reducing the private beaches, and expanding the public beaches to cover 80% of the coastline. (To the right of New Beach, there is now a small public beach.)
