The Côte d'Azur swings at this time of year to the great sounds of jazz. At Juan-les-Pins, the glitzy beach resort with stunning views over the sea, one of the most enjoyable and beautifully located festivals, Jazz à Juan, gets going on July 14th. This year, the likes of George Benson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Keith Jarrett, Kyle Eastwood (yes, that's Clint's son) and Diana Krall follow in the footsteps of the greats of the past. Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis have all played in the festival.
The festival is 50 years old this year and celebrating in style. The main stage, the Pinède Gould is a small pine-filled area, seating 3,000 during the festival and right by the blue Mediterranean. There are also three further fringe stages on the main squares in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. Nearby Biot and Vallauris Golf-Juan have marching bands and special concerts; the streets of Antibes-Juan-les-Pins party to hip hop, modern jazz, funk and reggae. The terraces of nearby hotels make more great venues and the Garden Beach Jazz Club hosts the pianist Pierre Christophe and his quintet with special guests for some 'after jazz' music.
Information:
Antibes-Juan-les-Pins
06601 France
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 97 23 11 11/10
www.jazzajuan.com
For more information on Juan-les-Pins:
For more information on Antibes-Juan-les-Pins:
Image: Jazz by the Sea © Y. Seurat