Plage de la Gallice Beach, Juan les Pins
Great little beach: sandy, protected and completely public
This little local’s hangout is found just next to Port Gallice, at the very start of the Cap d’Antibes. It’s a pretty peaceful place as is a long way from the road, with a more secluded feel than the open Juan les Pins beaches.
It’s also a lot more casual than those popular beaches with their buzzing watersports and posh beach clubs, making it a great place to relax with a picnic and a good book. This charming, low-key beach is completely public, without a glamorous beach club to be seen.
It’s a relaxed and pleasant place to spend a day, far from the noise and pretention you find at some nearby beaches. Soft sand, calm waters, lovely view, what’s not to like?
Like almost all Riviera beaches, dogs are ostensibly forbidden between mid-April and the end of September because of the crowds. However, I’ve been there on a sunny day in early September and there were several happy hounds running about and no-one made a fuss. However, keep your eye out for inspectors and be aware that you could cop a fine. Pick up after your dogs, don’t let them be a pest to others and don’t take them when it’s really crowded and there’s a good chance you’ll be fine.
Jump to
Setting & Location
Plage de la Gallice is protected at its back with a high wall of pale stone and pine trees, and the harbour shelters it on one side. It offers a lovely view across the bay and generally calm, clear waters.
Water Safety & Clarity
Juan les Pins (JLP for short) beaches often have clearer waters in midsummer than their Antibes counterparts but in high summer they will still sometimes get that miasma of sunscreen and boat run-off that plagues the Riviera beaches as millions of tourists descend on the coast. Gallice Beach, being next to the harbour, can suffer this murkiness sometimes.
The sand slopes gently down into the water, which tends to be calm because of the shelter provided by the neighbouring harbour to the west. This makes it a fairly good choice for the kids to swim, although there isn’t a lifeguard on this beach so always be vigilant.
Stingers do sometimes plague Riviera beaches, but luckily some lovely soul maintains a jellyfish alert website, updating recent sightings of jellyfish along the Côte d’Azur. Check it out here, it’s in French, but it’s pretty easy to understand: it has big red jellyfish marked on the map, or green flags where it’s good to swim.
Beach Quality
This beach is only about 100m long and has lovely soft, deep white sand.
Watersports Nearby
Unusually for the Riviera, there are no watersports rentals at all at this small protected beach, which makes it rather peaceful. For those wanting some adrenaline-filled watersports action, head to Plage du Pont Dulys instead.
Because there’s parking in the port, you can always buy beach balls or inflatables at a store in JLP and bring them along in the car.
Directions
Entrance to Plage de la Gallice is reached through the Port du Gallice, which is probably why so few tourists know it’s there. Head along Boulevard Edouard Badouin away from JLP as if driving towards the Cap d’Antibes, and take the turning for Port Gallice. There is paid parking in the Port.
Villas nearby
Villas in Antibes
See all Villas in Antibes-
Hsud0020 Villa
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 m².
-
Hsud0017 Villa, Vallauris
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
-
Bellevue Villa, Vallauris
Villa Bellevue does not bear this name without reason. You live here high on the slopes of Vallauris, the place where Picasso lived and worked for many years.
-
Hsud0054 Villa, Vallauris
In the town of Vallauris, we present the villa "Luma" located in height, without direct vis-à-vis, with a very beautiful sea view, on a plot of 800 m².
-
Lunetta Villa, Opio
Villa Lunetta features four bedrooms (2 master suites and 2 guest rooms) and four en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms spread over two spacious floors.
-
Hsud0043 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
6km from Valbonne in the town of Roquefort-les-Pins, beautiful Provencal farmhouse renovated in 2021, located on a plot of approximately 3,000 m².
Hotels nearby
Hotels in Antibes
See all Hotels in Antibes-
Royal Antibes Hotel
The only seafront hotel in Antibes town centre, Royal Antibes offers chic, modern rooms and apartments, a private beach, a restaurant, a luxury spa, and top-tier service from a passionate team.
Price: €2,040
-
Royal Mougins Hotel
Located just a few minutes' drive from the charming medieval village of Mougins, this stunning four-star spa hotel enjoys a truly exceptional setting.
Price: €2,338
-
Hotel de Mougins
Set in a historic 18th-century bastide, the four-star Hôtel de Mougins offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Provence. Surrounded by Mediterranean gardens and filled with Provençal charm, it’s the perfect base for unwinding and exploring the Côte d’Azur.
-
Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
-
Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel, Juan les Pins
This beach hotel is located in the Juan-Les-Pins area of Antibes and boasts fantastic sea views. Unlike many hotels in the area this architecture is sleek and modern and as expected, the interior mimics the opulence of the exterior.
-
La Colombe D'Or Hotel, St Paul de Vence
This celebrated Provençal inn combines elegant accommodation with a private collection of modern art by renowned 20th-century artists.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Juan-les-Pins
See all Things To Do in Juan-les-Pins-
Kayaking Tours, Juan Les Pins
Based in Antibes, their kayak activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
-
Easy Dive School, Juan les Pins
Easy Dive is a diving shop and diving centre in Antibes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
-
Paddle Boarding Tours & Hire
Based in Antibes, their activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Juan-les-Pins
See all Restaurants in Juan-les-Pins-
La Passagère Restaurant
La Passagère at Hôtel Belles Rives offers a refined culinary journey shaped by the creative talents of Chef Aurélien Véquaud and Pastry Chef Steve Moracchini. Set against a stunning Riviera backdrop, this restaurant pairs inspired cuisine with a spectacular setting.
-
La Cap Beach Restaurant, Juan les Pins
Open from April till October for lunch and from June till mid-September for dinner, this fantastic restaurant offers delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
-
La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
-
Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
-
Plage Les Pirates Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Les Pirates Beach Club is nestled in the Pine Park of Juan les Pins, just five minutes away from the city centre of Antibes, offering delicious cocktails and cuisine on the beach and wonderful views of the Mediterranean sea.
-
Cap Riviera Restaurant, Juan les Pins
Located on the seafront in Juan les Pins with wonderful over to the Lerins Islands, this seafood restaurant offers authentic cuisine in a refined environment.
Nightlife nearby
Bars & Clubs in Juan-les-Pins
See all Bars & Clubs in Juan-les-Pins-
Fitzgerald Piano Bar, Juan les Pins
Moleskine armchairs, panoramic view, masterpieces, cracked oak floors, all complemented by a breathtaking view from the terrace where the sunset is magical.
-
Les Pirates Bar Events, Juan les Pins
Les Pirates Bar is in an exceptional location where you can savour delicious cocktails on the beach while enjoying wonderful views of the Mediterranean sea.
-
Pam Pam, Juan les Pins
Pam Pam and her team invite you to discover or rediscover a wide selection of cocktails, alcoholic or not.
-
Le New Orleans Bar, Juan les Pins
Wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Juan les Pins, opposite the Pinede Park that serves up live music as well.
-
Eden Casino, Juan les Pins
If you fancy a gamble head to the Eden casino in Juan les Pins. There are 180 different slot machines plus tables with roulette, black jack and poker.
-
Le Village
The club is known for hosting some of Europe’s most popular DJs, as well as its creative theme nights. Imagine a village square at night - cobbled streets, fountains and a lively atmosphere.
Sights nearby
Sights in Antibes
See all Sights in Antibes-
Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, Cap d'Antibes
When Gustave Thuret arrived in Cap d'Antibes, he fell in love with the wild nature of the place and bought five hectares on which to build his stunning villa and cultivate a beautiful park and gardens.
-
Le Phare de la Garoupe
A charming little place, lost amid maritime pines, sheltering an old chapel and the lighthouse.
-
Espace Mer et Littoral (Graillon Tower), Cap d'Antibes
This museum is located in the Graillon Tower on the tip of the Cap d'Antibes. It boasts panoramic views from its large terrace.
-
Musee d'Histoire et d'Archeologie (History & Archaeology Museum)
Take a look into the ancient past of Antibes which includes some artefacts from the Greek occupation when the town was known as Antipolis.
-
Absinthe Museum
Absinthe has been made in Antibes for a long time. It is possible to visit the Absinthe Museum to see how this incredibly potent green spirit is made.
-
Chapelle Saint Bernardin
This Gothic church was built in Antibes in the 16th century to house the Brotherhood of the White Penitents of St. Bernardin.
Golf-clubs nearby
Golf Courses in Antibes
See all Golf Courses in Antibes-
Royal Mougins Golf Course
Founded in 1993, the Royal Mougins Golf Club is a course of exceptional quality. Designed by world-famous American architect, the late Robert von Hagge, the par 71, 18-hole course extends for 6,004 m through a lush, wooded vale.
-
Le Provencal Golf Course, Biot
The route goes up and down hills through pines and cork oaks, shrubs and flowers, with large undulating greens and meets the expectations of any golfer.
-
Saint Donat Golf Course, Grasse
This beautifully situated golf club has two courses, one 18 hole and one 9 hole, plus a practice range and practice bunker.
-
Cannes-Mougins Golf Country Course
The Cannes-Mougins Golf Club provides all features you are expecting from a modern golf within an historical environment. The Cannes Country Club was founded in 1923 by a group of illustrious gentlemen such as Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild.
-
Valescure Golf Course, Saint Raphael
The course was designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt.
-
Golf Course de la Grande Bastide, Opio
Situated between Nice and Cannes, the Grande Bastide golf course is in one of the beautiful parts of the Côte d’Azur.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Antibes
See all Towns & Villages in Antibes-
Juan Les Pins
Located just west of the old town of Antibes, Juan Les Pins is a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, independent boutiques and a good selection of lively restaurants, bars and hotels.
-
Cap d'Antibes
A short walk from both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins is the Cap d'Antibes. This gorgeous headland is gently undulating and is filled with smart and very private villas. The Cap is best known for the uber-luxurious (and expensive) Hotel du Cap Eden Roc.
-
Vallauris Golfe-Juan
The commune is known as Vallauris Golfe-Juan, combining the traditional charm of the pottery capital of the Riviera, Vallauris, which sits inland, with the seaside resort and sandy beaches of Golfe-Juan.
-
Biot
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.
-
Ile Sainte Marguerite
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
-
Ile de Saint Honorat, Lerins Islands
The island of Saint Honorat is the smaller of the two inhabited Lerins islands. Its main attraction is the monastery, a wonderful stone building well worth a visit.
Beach Bars & Beachclubs in Antibes
Your choices here are extremely limited, but just off the beach there is a little snack bar/restaurant offering burgers, ice cream and general beach food.
There are park bench tables out the back of the snack bar and even ping pong tables, a great spot for a cheap day out with the family and it’s open from April to November. A picnic bought from one of the supermarkets in town is a great choice for this beach.
For something fancy, head to nearby Le Cap Beach restaurant on Plage du Crouton or, fancier still, to the famed Hotel du Cap Eden Roc on Cap d’Antibes.