La Jetee

La Jetee has held the same position on Avenue Guy de Maupassant at Juan-les-Pins for over fifty years, and its defining feature is the structure the name refers to: a pier running out over the water with sunbeds laid along it, so you can take a lounger on the sand or one suspended above the sea. The pontoon beds cost more and are worth the difference on a hot afternoon, when the breeze off the water and the direct ladder access into deep, clear sea make the beach itself feel second best. The sand below is fine and the bay sheltered. Practically it is unusually well set up for a beach of this age, with valet parking, lift access and step-free routes for wheelchair users, and lifeguard cover through the season. The day is long in summer, opening at ten and running to midnight with evening service that starts in mid-May, while out of season it shuts at five. The bar handles cocktails on the pier and the restaurant works the brasserie register. Ask specifically which line you are booking, since sand, second line, pontoon and pontoon front row are four different prices.