Jazz à Juan 2026 Festival, Juan-les-Pins, France

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Every summer, the French Riviera transforms into a playground for the rich and famous attracted by the sunshine and its turquoise waters. While glamorous destinations like Cannes, Nice, and Monaco often steal the spotlight, the charming seaside town of Juan-les-Pins offers something even more enchanting: the legendary Jazz à Juan festival.

Running every year since 1960, Jazz à Juan is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected jazz festivals and this year it celebrates its 65^th anniversary. The outdoor stage, sitting among the pines, in the seaside Pinède Gould Park, has welcomed many of the greatest names in jazz history.

Jazz à Juan has produced an extraordinary catalogue of live recordings during its six decades. Many are considered essential listening, and several rank among the greatest live jazz albums ever made. These include Mingus at Antibes (1960), Ella at Juan-Les-Pins (1964), Live at Antibes by John Coltrane (1965) and Miles Davis in Europe (1969).

It’s fitting therefore, that in Miles’ 100th anniversary year, Marcus Miller should be one of the headliners, leading We Want Miles! a reunion of the original 80’s band members. The open air festival runs for 10 days with the pine trees providing natural shade during warm summer evenings. Like most festivals, these days, Jazz a Juan is open to musical traditions beyond conventional jazz and there’s an eclectic mix.

But it’s not all jazz. One of the defining characteristics of Jazz à Juan is its openness to musical traditions beyond conventional jazz. The festival embraces artists who blend jazz with folk, world music, blues, soul, and contemporary sounds, making each edition refreshingly diverse. And they’re always keen to invite musicians who’ve never played here before.

Music Without Borders

I’m here for three days in the final stages so miss out on Tom Jones, Morcheeba, Seal and others. Instead my first night kicks off with Fatoumata Diawara, whose music seamlessly blends Malian traditions with jazz, Afro-pop, blues, and even John Lennon. She makes an attractive figure with a multi-coloured Gibson SG slung over one shoulder. Her powerful voice carries stories of identity, resilience, and hope, while her guitar playing reflects her West African heritage outlook.

Next up is Goran Bregović, the celebrated Balkan composer and performer. He combines traditional Balkan folk music with rock, orchestral arrangements, and vibrant brass. His 19 piece band includes two Bulgarian traditional singers, plus assorted brass and he’s out front on guitar. His music transcends language, inviting audiences to dance while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Europe.

The second evening is devoted to funk. Keziah Jones is the Nigerian singer, songwriter and guitarist famous for his infectious Blufunk sound, a fusion of funk, blues, rock and Afrobeat. After more than a decade away from recording, Jones returns to promote his new album Alive and Kicking, combining new material with inspired live versions of his greatest hits.

Supporting him are The Fearless Flyers, a core of bassist Joe Dart and guitarist Cory Wong with Mark Lettieri from Snarky Puppy, on baritone guitar and drummer Nate Smith. This is fearsome fast-funk with the two guitars and a bass covering three distinct sound ranges, accompanied by drums. There’s no doubt about their technical excellence but it leaves me a little cold.

Jazz

The third evening is probably the jazz highlight of the festival. It starts with the extraordinary Samara Joy, whose rich, expressive voice has established her as one of the brightest stars of vocal jazz. She’s helped by her accomplished septet, a sort of mini big band, and there’s an easy respectful balance between her vocals and their solos. A highlight is a dramatic version of Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life, all pregnant pauses and stuttering stops.

Following her is the much anticipated headliner Marcus Miller who’s reunited the key members of Miles’ 1980s comeback band: Mike Stern, guitar, Bill Evans, saxophone, and Mino Cinelu on percussion.  I saw this line-up a couple of times in London in the 80’s when purists were shaking their heads at what Miles was doing. Joining them are Russell Gunn, on trumpet with Brett Williams, keyboards, and Anwar Marshall on drums. Together, they revisit music from the live We Want Miles! album alongside classics from earlies in Miles Davis’ career.

They start with Aida, segue into It’s About That Time then My Man’s Gone Now. It’s a powerhouse performance with Stern’s muscular lines juxtaposed with Evan’s lyricism and Russell Gunn proving he’s perfectly capable of carrying the might of the master on his shoulder. And they also manage to transition three eras of Miles Davis seemingly effortlessly.

Then it’s back to the 80’s for Catémbe, followed by Hannibal, both delivered with a strong rhythmic pulse.  A reflective In a Silent Way slows the pace, with Miller doubling on bass clarinet, before a muscular Bitch’s Brew. The unmistakeable bass line of Jean Pierre brings the performance to a close. But, of course, they return for Tutu which becomes a lively jam to end the evening.

The beauty of attending Jazz à Juan lies in the destination itself. Juan-les-Pins combines the relaxed atmosphere of a beach resort with the sophistication of the French Riviera. During the day, visitors can unwind on sandy beaches, swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean, or enjoy leisurely lunches at waterfront cafés serving fresh seafood and Provençal cuisine.

Just a bus ride away, the historic town of Antibes offers narrow cobblestone streets, bustling markets, centuries-old architecture, and the renowned Picasso Museum. Exploring its charming old quarter before an evening concert perfectly complements the festival experience. And you can even walk back along the coast on the Sentier du Littoral. It’s a beautiful path with many steps and a little rocky in places.

Another plus for jazz lovers are the pre-show free concerts held every night on the Petite Pinède stage just outside the auditorium. It’s an opportunity for young French musicians to show you what they can do and I get to see three excellent trios. Sets last around 40 minutes, just about right to get everyone in the mood for the evening’s main events.

Factfile

GO: easyJet flies direct from London Gatwick to Nice

The Gatwick Express is the only non-stop service from London to the airport, every 30 mins from London Victoria taking just 31 mins.

INFO: Antibes Juan-les-Pins has information about the destination.

Jazz a Juan has information about the festival.

STAY: Hôtel AC Ambassadeur Marriott**** is a few minutes’ walk from the festival.