Things To Do in Golfe-Juan and Vallauris

Because of its position beside the sea, Golfe-Juan long ago developed into a warm-weather resort. The town’s twin strips of beach are Plage du Soleil (east of the Vieux Port and the newer Port Camille-Rayon) and Plage du Midi (west of those two). Each stretches 1km (.5 mile) and charges no entry fee, with the exception of small areas administered by concessions that rent mattresses for between 25€ and 30€ for a day’s use. Like everywhere else on the Riviera, Golfe-Juan indulges bathers who choose to remove their bikini tops.

In Vallauris, Picasso’s l’Homme au Mouton (Man and Sheep) is the outdoor statue at place Paul Isnard in front of which Prince Aly Kahn and screen goddess Rita Hayworth were married. The local council had intended to enclose this statue in a museum, but Picasso insisted that it remain on the square, “where the children could climb over it and dogs piss against it.”

For souvenirs in Vallauris, head around to avenue Georges-Clemenceau, lined with small shops selling brightly glazed, locally made ceramics. These include Les Petites Porcelaines at no. 39 and the Salle Arias-Picasso at no. 35. The latter, housed in the former barbershop frequented by Picasso, exhibits works from the local pottery guild as well as linocuts that Picasso gifted to the association. Picasso’s former ceramics studio, Galerie Madoura, rue Georges et Suzanne Ramié, is open to well-dressed tourists (the sort that look interested in buying some pricey pottery at the same time). The Musée de la Poterie, 21 rue Sicard (tel. 04-93-64-66-51) run by a private enthusiast, offers free tours of a working ceramics factory. It's closed on weekends.

Market days in Vallauris are Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 12:30pm at place de l'Homme au Mouton, with its flower stalls and local produce.