RT January 2014 by Riviera Press

The English-language newspaper for the French - Italian Riviera & Monaco since 2002

www.rivieratimes.com Issue 142 - January 2014 2.50 e

DiCaprio signs up for GP Venturi team

Looking back on 2013 Picture highlights

Live dinner shows Monaco style

Have fun this new year!

Incredible acrobatics are a highlight of the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, with performers coming from all over the world to vie for the top award. Photo: Ed Wright Images

Billed as the most important event in the calendar for performers and fans alike, the Monte Carlo International Circus sweeps into town to take over the Big Tent in Fontvieille this month. For Prince Rainier III, who created the first show in 1974, the circus was a passion - a sentiment inherited by his youngest daughter Princess Stephanie, who went on to take over the reins. All year, she sits through hundreds of videos before selecting the best acts to take part. They are competing for a host of prizes, the most prestigious being the Clown d'Or (gold), equivalent of an Oscar in the circus

community, followed by silver and bronze. The result is spectacular in every sense of the word, from the razzmatazz of colour and sound, to the death-defying acts, the clowns, jugglers, horses and elephants. And yet there is a reassuring ritual to the 10-day event. Like swallows in spring, giant trucks start to arrive the week ahead of opening day; the performers' canteen sets up on the

harbour wall, the elephants in a spacious enclosure to the right. Both enjoy spectacular views over the azure blue Mediterranean. A zoo takes shape around the tent - always big cats (lions or tigers), horses and small animals to amuse the kids (fancy breeds of goats or pigs, or a troop of cheerful small dogs). And the air fills with the mouth-watering fragrance of Grand Marnier crepes, sizzling socca or burger baps, with candy stalls as colourful and bright as the glitzy circus costumes. The ritual extends to the

show itself: the festival's irrepressibly catchy theme played by a band of minstrels; oversized balloons batted around the audience to screams of delight from the kids; spectators drumming their feet on the stands following an impressive actâ&#x20AC;Ś nowhere in the tent is one ever too far from the action. This year, the 'Open Door' access initiative is on Saturday 18th from 2.30-4pm, when visitors can see some of the acts for free. The Joy Gartner family, who are bringing five elephants, will also explain how to build a relationship

with these magnificent animals. The programme varies for the first four shows, 16th to 19th, as these are when the jury makes its selections. Tuesday 21st is Gala Night attended by the Prince and other members of the family. It is usually the lengthiest programme and does not finish till the early hours. From 22nd to 26th, the shows are shorter - still a good three hours - and feature the prize winners. If you have never been to the circus before, then do try this one. Claire Lathbury

Also in this edition: Real Estate The Riviera Times continues its tour of the Var coastal cities and villages. This month discover Cavalaire sur Mer, where prices have fallen and negotiation is expected among sellers.

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WELCOME

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Inside this edition: NEWS VAT Tax changes on the way ................................... News in brief ...............................................................

Live shows at Le MĂŠridien ...................................... Restaurant recommendations ...............................

Property series: Cavalaire sur Mer ........................

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Riviera Business Person of the Year .....................

EVENTS

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Listing the best events of the month ...................

CLASSIFIEDS Listing everything from jobs to contractors .......

2013 IN REVIEW New Year message .................................................... Looking back on the year .......................................

BUSINESS

MONACO Leonardo DiCaprio joins Monaco race team .... The latest from the government ............................ Monte Carlo Rally revs up ....................................... Prepare for SEPA changes ....................................... Art immitating life .....................................................

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REAL ESTATE

PEOPLE & PLACES Maillot in Monaco ..................................................... Trouble in the party ranks ....................................... Keeping up to date ...................................................

An important year ahead

GOURMET

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SERVICES Life support for expats ............................................. Newspaper subscription form ...............................

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It is lovely to be back at the helm of The Riviera Times after bringing my beautiful first child into this world, a little girl we named Sienna. Having a baby certainly changes your perspective on life; you become a lot less selfish and far more caring of other people, their situations and their stories. Upon my return, I was therefore very happy to learn that my company, Mediterraneum Editions, will this year begin a dedicated campaign to highlight the fantastic work of various charities and expat individuals in our local community. This will culminate in a special award for our chosen charity later in the year, including some allimportant publicity. Stay tuned over the next few months as we bring you more details of this exciting initiative, and show you how you can contribute and nominate your favourite charitable organisation or individual. Thank you for your support throughout another year. Wishing you a fabulous 2014, full of happiness, health and laughter.

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Political Column by Julian Nundy The Riviera Times’ political commentator in Paris

Three planes and a website

f the government hoped for an end-of-year respite from the comedy of errors that marked President François Hollande's first full year in office, it was to be disappointed. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault took off for an official visit to China in the first week of December, only to be ordered to fly back early to return the presidential Airbus A330 so that Hollande could head for South Africa to attend Nelson Mandela's memorial. As Ayrault winged his way to Paris, the plan changed and three small Falcon executive jets were substituted for the Airbus. One for the Socialist Hollande, one for his conservative predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy - that way they would not have to endure each other’s company during the journey and one for bodyguards and technicians. Ayrault's frustrations did not end there. A few days later, the conservative Le Figaro daily splashed details of an official report advising the government to lift the ban on the Moslem headscarf in state schools. Under the laws of the secular republic, no signs of religious beliefs, be they Christian crucifixes, the Jewish kippah or the Muslim headscarf, are

permitted in state institutions. The report - calling on its 70th page for "the suppression of discriminatory legal dispositions and school regulations particularly aimed at the veil" - was one of five on the prime minister's website containing recommendations to reinforce the "integration" of immigrant communities. But it took 31 days from the time it was posted in November until Le Figaro noticed it and gave it front-page treatment. Sarkozy's UMP party of course pounced, with its president, Jean-François Copé, denouncing the proposals as "a total break from our vision of republican assimilation." The report, he said, would "further divide the French and feed all extremisms." Ayrault responded by calling Copé "irresponsible and a liar." He argued that just because his office had published a report did not mean it reflected government policy. Hollande chipped in, saying the recommendations were "in no way the position of the government." Interior Minister Manuel Valls, widely tipped to be angling to replace Ayrault as prime minister, added that the report contained "dangerous proposals that put in question the nature of France and

secularism." Bruno Jeudy, the political commentator of the weekly Journal du Dimanche, said the government's behaviour seemed to be a consequence of "amateurism or ineptitude. Or perhaps cynicism on the eve of a series of elections in which the rise of the Front National could benefit the Socialist Party and penalise the UMP." For all the political parties, municipal elections in March are crucial. The Socialist Party, which dominates the majority of local councils, plans to underline the achievements of its local officials to counter the party's national fall in favour. The divided and quarrelsome UMP, which has gained very little advantage from Socialist misfortunes, hopes to reinforce its feeble presence in many towns and cities as a base to make a countrywide comeback. The National Front is hoping to exploit both parties' woes and benefit from a general disillusionment with establishment politics. And, whatever the real reasons behind the apparently inept posting of the integration report on the prime minister's website, the incident moved the political debate to the National Front's favourite terrain - immigration. So all in all not a good month.

VAT tax changes from 2014 Be prepared to pay more for most goods and services

s of 1st January this year, there are a number of changes to VAT in France and they will apply to everyone at some point. The biggest impact may be felt at restaurants, where there'll be a three per cent increase in VAT for businesses. Overall, there are four different rates of VAT. So here's what you need to know… • Principal Rate The principal rate of VAT has now jumped from 19.6 per cent to 20 per cent. This rate applies to most products and services, for example a pair of shoes or an envelope. Since July 2013, it also applies to most home domestic services, which were previously charged at the rate of seven per cent. • Intermediate Rate Set at seven per cent in 2012

(after a rise from 5.5 per cent), the intermediate rate is now increased to 10 per cent. It applies to restaurant meals, travel tickets and wood fuel. It also applies to the repair, maintenance and improvement works to buildings. However, works estimated in 2013, on which at least a 30 per cent deposit has been paid and which are completed, invoiced and paid for by 30th March 2014, will still maintain the VAT rate of seven per cent. • Reduced Rate 5.5 per cent This reduced rate will stay the same and concerns food products, non-alcoholic drinks, gas and electricity charges, provision of heat produced from renewable energy, equipment and services for the disabled, books (in any medium), and tickets to the cinema, museums and live

shows. Any energy efficient building works will also be included in this rate, reduced from seven per cent. • Reduced Rate 2.1 per cent This is applicable to medical prescriptions, the television licence, and certain other media activities and will be maintained. • Zero Rated Certain activities including teaching, medical and paramedical activities, exports within the European Economic Area, waste disposal recovery, and marine fishing do not attract VAT. This stays the same in 2014. It also applies to the letting of property (both furnished and unfurnished). Note, however, that VAT must be charged where certain services are provided, like breakfast and daily cleaning.

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News in Brief Riviera and Monaco CHARLOTTE CASIRAGHI gave birth to a baby boy on the evening of Tuesday 17th December. Charlotte is a daughter of HRH Princess Caroline and has been dating French comic Gad Elmaleh for the last two years. Their son, Raphaël, was born in the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco where a special suite had been prepared to welcome the new mother. ROBBIE WILLIAMS will take to the stage for the upmarket Summer Sporting festival on 31st May 2014. It has taken 10 years but organisers of the event have finally lured the British mega-star to Monaco. For the SBM (Société des Bains de Mer) which organises the festival, Williams is part of an on-going strategy to attract a wealthy but younger crowd to the salubrious venue. A WINDFARM is being proposed for Le Mas in the Alpes Maritimes. EDF says wind strength in the area is suitable for the energy generator. The company will submit the project to town hall after the municipal

elections, then residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposal. AS MONACO Football Club will not be forced to apply a 75% tax on salaries following a last minute reprieve by the French government. On Friday 13th December, the State overturned a ruling saying there was a "risk" that it would be seen as "unconstitutional" as the club is not domiciled in France. The issue of ASM’s status in the French league has long been a thorn in the side of other clubs. Monaco’s tax-friendly system has always given the tiny Principality an edge when it comes to salaries it can afford to pay players. JEAN-CLAUDE MAS, the man who sparked a global health scare by making and exporting substandard breast implants from his Var factory, has been sentenced to four years jail by a Marseille court. But the 74-year-old, who was convicted of aggravated fraud, escaped immediate imprisonment by lodging an appeal.

Three other company executives were given shorter jail terms and a fourth was given a suspended sentence. Mas was also fined 75,000 euros and banned from ever running a company or working in the medical field. THE PALAIS des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes will host two new large conventions during the usually difficult winter months. The giant showroom will welcome C10, the largest drinks distributor in France, in November 2014, while the AMRAE insurance and risk assessment convention will follow in February 2015. Combined, these two events are expected to bring 3,700 participants to the city, generating nearly 10,000 overnight stays in hotels. RUSH HOUR on the region's railway is set to be relieved thanks to the opening of a new line between Cagnes and Antibes in December. The track enables the SNCF to schedule four TER trains per hour every day during rush hour, increasing both the

The alleged fraud involves hundreds of horses, some of which should have gone to leisure centres

Lab horses allegedly sold as meat 11 months after Spanghero, a new horse meat scandal hits

s if the recent horse meat scandal wasn't enough, 21 people have been arrested across the south of France for allegedly trafficking horses that were used for research purposes in laboratories. In a press conference on 16th December, state prosecutor from Marseille Brice Robin said that 60 of 200 horses involved came from French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Pasteur, where they were used for the production of vaccines and

serums. However, it would seem the pharmaceutical company was not in on the operation. For each horse coming out of Sanofi’s laboratories, the company issues paperwork specifying the animal is ‘unfit for human consumption’. The horses are sold to specialised dealers, and are intended for leisure purposes or veterinarian schools, Sanofi spokesperson Alain Bernal told Reuters. “We sell the horses to people whose job it is to buy

and sell horses. We can’t track each horse but the person buying it from us commits to not selling them for human consumption,” he said. The suspected brains of the operation, a 59-year-old horse butchery owner from Narbonne in the LanguedocRoussillon region, was arrested, together with four veterinarians, a computer engineer and 13 horse dealers. The network is said to have bought horses from Sanofi for 10 euros each, falsifying the

line's capacity and fluidity. The line will also welcome 17 brand new high capacity trains - they can take up to 800 passengers - starting in April 2014. THE LONG-AWAITED car park underneath the Quai des Etats Unis in Nice has been inaugurated. The new facility was created to replace the former car park that was demolished to make way for the Promenade du Paillon. With a combined surface of 2,600 square metres and a total capacity of 455 cars, the new 'Parking Sulzer' and its six underground levels were gradually opened to the public since early November. The project started in September 2011 and cost the city over 15 million euros. INTERNATIONALLY renowned French sculptor, theorist and painter Sacha Sosno, creater of Nice's iconic square head, has died aged 76. Sosno achieved international recognition for his monumental outdoor sculptures in the Côte d'Azur. He died suddenly on 4th paperwork and selling them as meat to slaughter houses and horse butchers for a significant profit. The operation allegedly acted throughout the south of France and in Spain. In late 2012, a whistle blower tipped off the Aude department’s population protection authorities, Le Figaro reports. The anonymous letter prompted a year-long surveillance operation leading to the arrests. The events come 11 months after a Europe-wide controversy surrounding cheap horse meat being sold as more expensive beef. The two stories, however, don’t have much in common apart from horses being involved. In the latest case, the meat was actually branded as horse meat, but its source and nature were hidden from the public. For Junior Food Industry Minister Guillaume Garot, however, there is no danger to consumers. “At this point, nothing points towards a health risk,” he told the press. Sanofi’s spokesperson told AFP that the specifications in the horses’ paperwork were a measure of precaution rather than resulting from a real danger. Charges are expected to include fraud, forgery and conspiracy. Stan Aron

Starbucks has opened its first coffee house in Monaco. With its 180 square metres, enough to welcome 138 customers, it is noticeably bigger than its Nice counterparts. The establishment is also a little more luxurious, with a marble bar and maps detailing where it's ethically sourced coffees and Fairtrade espresso roast comes from. The global chain partnered up with Monegasque company Tar.Ca to handle the intricacies of the principality's business environment. And founders Kor y Tarpenning and Jean-François Calmes plan to open four more Starbucks locations here in the next five years, according to the store's marketing manager Matthieu Bonnefoi.

December in Monaco, where he was undergoing surgery. THE FUTURE of the CuneoNice rail line has been secured thanks to a 29 million euro grant from Rome. The Italian Chamber of Commerce of Nice (CCI) was happy to announce the funding, which follows years of disagreement between Italy and France over the management of line. AFTER 20 YEARS of efforts, a fast track train route between Paris and Barcelona is now up

and running. Riviera residents headed west to the Catalan capital will also benefit from the new line, with travel times between Marseille and Spain's second city dropping to just over four hours. As well as two daily return trips between the two major cities, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse will all reap the advantages of a quick rail connection with Barcelona. One return trip is planned every day between each of the three French cities and the capital of Spain's northeast.

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Estrosi faces threat from party ranks Former opposing party members inch towards centrist alliance

Where others feared to tread Maillot reflects on 20 years of life and dance in Monaco Guest of honour at the Monaco Press Club, choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot discusses his new Nutcracker Suite, battling tradition and not planning ahead.

ithout a doubt he is the most impressive of artists in Monaco, if not in France and beyond; impressive not just because of his imagination, creativity and discipline, but because he is a free spirit. He is perhaps the only person in Monaco who does not mince his words he's not aggressive just humorous, self-critical and honest. Twenty years ago when Princess Caroline invited this gifted choreographer from Tours to the Principality, local audiences reacted badly. This was when 50 dancers worked in confined spaces, sharing two showers, when the Princess and Maillot fought side by side not only for a budget, but against over a century of tradition. At the time, a post in Monaco represented a loss of professional integrity. "In France they saw me as a 33year-old retiree who had managed to get a place in the sun," he recalls. It was a serious handicap but it spurred him on

to create outstanding ballet in Monaco and win the sceptical local audiences over. "I'm not a strategist," he freely admits. "Our work is done in the now. Planning ahead frightens me. How do I know what state of mind I will be in? But I do take full responsibility for my work, even with regards to the finance. Nothing escapes me." Today the Ballets des Monte Carlo employs 140 people and has a budget of 12 million euros, much of which is privately funded. As they only do about 20 performances a year in Monaco, the company has a busy touring schedule. This year they are going to Barcelona in February and the USA in March with La Belle, and London in April with Lac. Then for the first time, Maillot is leaving his troop for nearly two months to work with the Bolshoi Ballet on one of his pieces, based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. "I've never worked as a choreographer with other dancers and I'm terrified!" he admits.

And yet he is very courageous. He once told Prince Rainier how, as a young dancer, he bought a circus for 11,000 francs and toured it around villages because no big theatre would have him. The Prince was so impressed and, being a circus fanatic, asked Maillot to create his own Casse-Noisette [Nutcracker Suite] Circus for his jubilee in 1999. The new version, CasseNoisette Compagnie, reflects the story of his 20 years with the company. “When I joined in 1993, we were only selling 200 tickets a performance,” he explains, “now we get nearly 2,000 people in the Grimaldi Forum.” On until 5th January, it is a completely revamped ballet, telling the story of Clara whose dreams become real through magic. In it he creates a world where anything is possible and dance can overcome even the most irreconcilable differences. "Casse-Noisette Compagnie is a mosaic of people and events from my 20 years in Monaco. It is proof that good fairies are not only to be found by the cradle of a new born." No doubt this is not the end of the story. Claire Lathbury

he Socialist candidate for Nice's mayoral race, Patrick Allemand, officially opened his campaign on 8th December, shortly after his right-hand man Marc Concas left the party. It came as two more deputies also resigned from current mayor Christian Estrosi's cabinet. With the two main candidates' campaigns well underway in Nice's upcoming municipal election, one could expect their ranks to hold strong. But alliances are constantly shifting in the local political landscape. Marc Concas, long time right hand man of local Socialist leader Patrick Allemand, tendered his resignation from the party and from Allemand's campaign on 5th December. The decision hardly came as a surprise to most - relations between the two politicians has been tense for the past few months. The timing however, only two days before the official launch of the campaign, forced Allemand to cover his former ally's name with stickers on the party's local headquarters’ walls. In his announcement speech, Allemand said he

BPCA hosts tax information conference for expat clients

Above left: BPCA president and owner of Château St Julien d’Aille Bernard Fleury with director of the international branch of BPCA Catherine Gaulier and Marie Luise Fleury. Above right: client and attendee Talbot Austin. Below left: Elisabeth and Mauritz Silfverstolpe. Bottom right: Mr and Mrs Deeben

Estrosi’s deputies have resigned. In her letter of resignation, Andrée AlziariNègre said she could no longer support the mayor whose politics are dictated by public relations stunts, while Brigitte Tanauji-Dahan said that she has regained her freedom of thought and expression. Interestingly enough, an alliance between the resigning politicians from both sides of the aisle seems to be in the making. Marc Concas hasn't ruled out collaborating with former Estrosi allies Olivier Bettati and Benoit Kandel, and has praised their departure from the mayor's office. Bettati, who announced his candidacy in December right after resigning as Estrosi's deputy, told Nice Premium he was ready to work with anyone to beat the current mayor. Former mayor cabinet colleague Andrée Alziari-Nègre has already joined Bettati's campaign. Olivier Bettati's budding alliance had only four per cent of the votes in Ifop's latest poll, but 17 per cent of those polled by Artenice's wish to vote for someone unaffiliated with either the right wing UMP or the Socialist party. Stan Aron

Keeping up to date on taxes

anque Populaire Private Banking (BPCA) held a very informative event for its foreign customers in November, with three key speakers discussing various issues surrounding French taxes and wealth. The conference, in English, was held at the Château St Julien d'Aille in Vidauban and featured Carine Hirtz-Wauthier, tax and investment advisor with BPCA, who spoke about wealth advice, tax and inheritance optimisation. She was followed by Christophe

wanted to give local democracy a breath of fresh air. In an aim to embody unity, he's sharing the ballot with multiple smaller party leaders such as Dominique Boy-Mottard of Gauche Autrement, Fabrice Decoupigny of the Europe Ecology Green party, as well as Ladislas Polski of the Citizen Republican Movement party. Finances a worry Patrick Allemand has been heavily criticising current mayor Christian Estrosi on his financial management of the city. However, Marc Concas described his former fellow socialist as an "incoherent man, who's been unable to beat Christian Estrosi for years, on any political field," Nice Matin reports. Recent polls do indeed give Estrosi a significant lead. With 55 per cent of the popular vote according to the Artenice polling agency and 47 per cent according to Ifop, the right wing mayor has more than twice the popularity of his socialist opponent, who is second in the polls at 18 per cent. But the climate in the city hall offices doesn't appear to be stable either. Over the past three months, four of Mayor

Sendoux, regional manager of I-Selection, who shared his knowledge of investing in a rental property and income tax reduction. Finally, Olivier Martinez and Steve Whyburd from La Mondiale Europartner informed guests about luxury foreign currency investments. The event was well received by its 50 attendees - all international expats and clients of BPCA. "It's nice to have financial information in English," said Nicole Deeben, former owner of a campsite in Drôme.

"This is a very good conference for residents and non-residents," added Swedish couple Elisabeth and Mauritz Silfverstolpe. "It is important to be informed on French laws because they change all the time,” agreed Talbot Austin. The event finished with a question and answer session, allowing attendees to get specific financial advice. And what better way to end a mind-challenging information session on French taxes than with a wine cellar tour and tasting.

Workplace shake-up New bill on table for commuters

Actor Leonardo DeCaprio (2nd left) will join Gildo Pallanca Pastor, (2nd right) and the Venturi racing team for the Grand Prix. Photo: Venturi

Actor set to electrify Grand Prix Venturi & Leonardo DiCaprio in Formula E joint-venture

onaco-based electric car maker Venturi has taken pole position in terms of publicity for the Formula E Grand Prix set to launch in 2014. It was announced in December that American actor Leonardo DiCaprio has teamed up with Gildo Pallanca Pastor, founder of the pioneering Venturi Automobiles, to enter a team. The Venturi Grand Prix Formula E team is the 10th and final team to sign up to the zero emissions circuit

which aims to boost the sale and profile of electric cars. "The future of our planet depends on our ability to embrace fuelefficient, clean-energy vehicles," says DiCaprio, a passionate environmental campaigner. "Venturi Grand Prix has shown tremendous foresight in their decision to create an environmentally friendly racing team, and I am happy to be a part of this effort." Ten venues, including the legendary Monaco circuit, have signed up for the inaugural

Formula E season that kicks off on 13th September 2014 in Beijing, China. It then moves to Malaysia, Brazil, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles and Miami, before crossing the Atlantic to Monaco (9th May 2015), Berlin and London for the final round on 27th June. Each team will have two drivers who for the first season will all be behind the wheels of the same model, a SparkRenault SRT01E single-seater. After that they will be able to develop and test their own cars

and technologies. Other teams include Indy car legends Andretti Autosport, Super Aguri headed by F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, and Richard Branson group’s Virgin Racing. Venturi Automobiles has developed a range of electrically-powered cars, and is the current holder of the world land speed record for an electric vehicle with 495kph (307mph). The team also plans to build its own Formula E car for the second season. Claire Lathbury

bill to allow people who live in France but are employed in Monaco to work at home part of the time is one step closer to becoming reality. Revised bilateral agreements between French and Monegasque social security schemes are still being negotiated, but once cleared could lead to 10,000 more jobs being created. The announcement was made at the government's last press conference of 2013 at which the key message was that the Principality's finances are "on track without being over-optimistic". Jobs are vital to Monaco's prosperity, as they fill both the VAT and health and pension coffers, and for such a landstrapped state "telecommuting" makes sense. Employees would have to spend at least a third of the 39-hour week in Monaco, which in effect means three people could share the same desk, and companies can grow their businesses without worrying about extra space for employees. A beacon in the gloom Minister of State Michel Roger had opened with some good news: as the global economy declined 2% in 2012, Monaco’s GDP grew by 0.9 per cent (after adjustment for inflation) to 4.48 billion euros, putting it back to pre-crisis

levels (4.42 billion in 2007). It was also revealed that at the October 2013 OECD Global Forum in Djakarta, Monaco joined countries like Britain and Germany in being deemed "largely compliant" with international standards regarding fiscal transparency. Finance Minister Jean Castellini was keen to stress that "Monaco has made enormous progress in recent years" having been on an exclusive [for all the wrong reasons] "black list" of uncooperative countries as recently as 2009. On the building front, a sixmonth two million euro project has begun to revamp the picturesque Rue Princesse Caroline leading off from the port. The idea is to open up this pedestrianised street, create a larger children's play area and renew all the paving. Most of the work should be finished by May 2014 in time for the Grand Prix. GPs not casualty Finally, in a bid to reduce the number of people heading to the casualty department of the Princess Grace Hospital in the evenings with minor complaints, the government has reached an agreement with General Practitioners to provide cover from 8pm to midnight. It will be on a rota basis and start on 31st December 2013.

British eyes on Meeke as WRC kicks off with Monte Carlo Rally THE ICONIC "Monte" and its historic counterpart will be in town late January, with no less than 314 cars expected for the Rallye de Monte-Carlo Historique. For modern-day rally fans, the 82nd Rallye de Monte-Carlo sees the return of the traditional ceremony in Monaco, on Place du Casino early afternoon of 14th January. British fans will be watching out for Northern Irishman Kris

Meeke who leads the Citroen World Rally Championship attack. The 34-year-old will be driving a Citroen DS3 WRC run by the same team of engineers who looked after nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb. Competitors then head north for a series of special stages in the Haute Alpes before returning to Monaco on the afternoon of the 17th,

and from then they are in and out of Monaco for special stages including La Bollène Vésubie - Col de Turini - Moulinet (23.61km) and the Sospel - Col de Brouis-Breil sur Roya (16.69km). It ends on the 19th with the prize-giving on the square in front of the palace. The historic rally starts 22nd January with cars leaving from all over Europe to end up in Monaco on the 29th.

Where to be in Monaco Tuesday 14th: Place du Casino - early afternoon Friday 17th: Port Hercule afternoon / evening Saturday 18th: Port Hercule Sunday 19th: Palace Square on the Rock - prize-giving Wednesday 29th: Historic Car Rally line-up, Port Hercule

Minister of State Mr Michel Roger opened with good news

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The bank you need to know Discretion is the distinguishing characteristic at CMB Have you been living on the Côte d'Azur or in Monaco for a long time or stay there regularly? Or did you just arrive at one of the most beautiful places in the world? In both cases, it is likely that you haven't heard of Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (CMB) in Monaco.

n the Principality, CMB is well known for its strong commitment to local businesses and institutions, as illustrated through its partnerships with the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Grimaldi Forum Convention Center, the Oceanographic Museum and the renowned Hotel School. But outside Monaco, the traditional Monegasque banking institution, founded

CMB president Mr. Etienne Franzi

Switzerland's largest bank, and before that as the first non-Englishman at the helm of a renowned private British bank. Discretion is the distinguishing characteristic. No names. Inconspicuous but highly professional service is now offered by CMB, in an environment that is becoming increasingly international. International clientele Of course, the private bankers of CMB, including Austrians, Swiss and British, come with extensive banking and asset management experience, proving that you need not have a global presence in order to serve an international

Be prepared for SEPA changes Companies must act now to adapt their procedures to avoid confusion and disruption when the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) goes 'live' on 1st February 2014. Finance Minister Jean Castellini is heading the government's campaign that targets small to medium businesses in particular. SEPA will allow customers to make payments in euro throughout Europe as easily, securely and efficiently as they do now in their own countries. From February 2014 onwards

there will be no distinction between national and crossborder euro payments, but crucially payments will not be possible unless they comply with the SEPA formats. To make sure they are ready the government is urging companies to contact their accountants, banks or software suppliers for advice. A list of contacts in the Principality's banks who are heavily involved with the SEPA changeover can be found on the AMAF (banking association)'s website amaf.mc/moyens_paiement.

The Compagnie Monégasque de Banque in Monaco

enters into targeted partnerships to collaborate with the world's best money managers on the respective market segments. Healthy balance sheet The remarkable thing about CMB is not only its services but also its financial strength. Of course you want to keep your assets in safe custody. But CMB has a balance sheet that is probably second to none. The 2007-2008 financial crisis showed the importance of sufficient funding for banks, since many large institutions lost market access and suffered refinancing difficulties. The Basel II benchmarks require a minimum solvency ratio of 8%, for example a bank's capital must cover at least 8% of the weighted risks

carried by the institution (mainly loans). For CMB, this figure is above 50%. In addition, a bank must cover its short-term liabilities with short-term assets on an equivalent basis, to avoid possible payment bottlenecks. Here, CMB has a four-fold cover. Uncompromising ethics CEO Werner Peyer has assessed the prospects of the bank as promising. Four core values are adopted by all employees in this development: focusing on the client, competence, acceptance of diversity and uncompromising ethics. Compagnie Monégasque de Banque - 23 avenue de la Costa - 98000 Monaco Tél. + 377 93 15 77 77 - cmb@cmb.mc

Where life is art and art is life The irrepressible Nice artist known to all as Ben takes over the Marlborough Gallery

en has done it again: he has taken the Marlborough Gallery by storm. From the moment you walk in you can see and feel him in every nook and cranny. The walls are adorned with his iconic 'word-pictures', the floor covered with a big carpet on which you would have to dance the tango, if you did what is written on it. He has set up a podium at the entrance with a canvas chair on it, surrounded by short texts, all of which want to tell you a story or sing you the blues. As so often with this irrepressible artist, one can only describe the private preview as a performance which saw Ben and his friend, art critic Philippe Piguet, exchange an amusing, quickfire exchange of repartee in front of invited guests. For Ben is a man of words: sometimes there are a lot of words, other times there are fewer but brimming with poetry (J'aime qu'on m'aime 2002 - ‘I like that they like me’); others can be incisive or controversial (Arrêtez de me dire ce que je dois peindre 2011 - ‘Stop

Ben’s painted words have become his trademarks and are on show in Monaco until 31st January

telling me what I have to paint’). All these words he writes, or better still paints, in his characteristic lettering on large canvases. Sometimes he takes risks with an absurd sequence of words, like for example rose - pose - ose 2011 (‘rose - pose - risk’) as in the best Dadaism-tradition, or the simplest phrases of philosophical wisdom like his 1. to be hungry and eat 2. to be thirsty and drink 1972, or Tout est survie 2013 - ‘Survival is everything’. Over the decades, Ben has always remained true to himself and his concept. One of his guiding principles is written into this exhibition in

big letters on a blackboard Tout est art 1972 - ‘Everything is art’. These typical Ben painted words are his trademarks and underpin his popularity. If everything is defined by art, then what happens as a result is here in the retrospective part of the exhibition which puts the spotlight on the artist's past reviews. It is an amusing, often astounding journey through decades of ideas from the wonderful to the bizarre. Take for example the kettle that is rather too close to the edge and has tipped over. The title Le déséquilibre 1961 (‘Imbalance’) combined with the unusual

position of the item turns this simplest of pieces into an artwork. Ben gives the impression of being a rather nervy person at his appearances who chats away non-stop with his audience like a stand-up comedian. Yet behind this façade is a very thoughtful man, a man who is always curious about life and who invites you to press the STOP button and dwell on one slogan, one short piece of poetry or one philosophy and to allow the atmosphere to work its magic. The exhibition ‘Ben sur Ben’ is open till 31st January 2014. Alfred Thum

ADVERTORIAL

CEO of CMB Werner Peyer

38 years ago and currently employing 190 people, is actually little known. This has been evidenced by a recent survey in the German and English language communities on the Côte d' Azur. But that's about to change. The bank builds its strength on solid connections and roots in Monaco and caters its services, particularly in the area of financing for luxury properties on the French Riviera, to clients outside of the Principality. It is aiming to develop its position as a reference bank in Monaco, with private banking services at the highest international level. Strong local roots CMB president Mr. Etienne Franzi, former finance minister of Monaco and current president of the Monaco Bank Association (AMAF), is maintaining the tradition and strong local roots. Beside him, since 2010, is Mr. Werner Peyer as CEO, boasting an international career as head of private banking at

wealthy clientele with the relevant skills and sophistication required. In its quest for excellence, CMB has also positioned itself as a pioneer in the Principality, promoting the technical skills of its employees. Every employee who is in direct contact with clients undertakes a three-year training course to ensure a high level of consulting expertise. Account management, securities administration, asset management and real estate, and Lombard loans form the core services offered by CMB. The bank works on a model focused on its clients' needs and has developed a systematic follow-up approach. It begins with listening to the client followed by an analysis of their needs in order to develop personal solutions. The process concludes with the professional implementation of the investment solutions selected by the client, who receives regular updates on the analysis to ensure full transparency on the investments they have chosen. CMB also pursues excellence in product selection. To this end, the bank

Review / RückblicK

/ RetrospectiVe

The team at

2014

Wishes you a happy & successful new year! Wünscht Ihnen ein fröhliches & erfolgreiches neues Jahr! Vous présente ses meilleurs vœux pour une nouvelle & heureuse année avec plein de succès!

review of the year gone by and resolutions for the new year ahead go hand in hand. And as we have done for the past 21 years, in 2013 we carried on providing our international readers with essential information about the area stretching from Marseille to Genoa, in their native language. However, 2013 also saw a makeover of our monthly newspapers and weekly newsletters, our new and attractive media kits, the expansion of our unique distribution network and the complete modernisation of our publishing computer systems. For the year 2014, we are planning a new layout for our websites www.rivieratimes.com and www.rivierazeitung.com, expanding our presence on social networks, exclusive videos and news via our own Youtube channel, and an iPad-friendly format for both publications. All this of course, while maintaining the journalistic standards that we are proud of. Petra Hall and the entire team wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year!

ückblick und gute Vorsätze fürs neue Jahr gehen Hand in Hand. Wie bereits seit 21 Jahren versorgten wir unsere inter-

PETRA HALL

ROSALIE COLOMBO

AILA STÖCKMANN

CASSANDRA TANTI

PETRA BENZING

KARINE BALAGNY

LAURA VANDENBOSSCHE

KONNY STRAUSS

nationalen Leser auch 2013 mit unverzichtbaren Informationen über die Region zwischen Marseille und Genua in ihrer Muttersprache. 2013 stand jedoch auch im Zeichen eines grafischen Liftings unserer Monatszeitschriften und des wöchentlichen Newsletters; eines neuen attraktiven Media Kits; der Erweiterung unseres einzigartigen Vertriebsnetzes und der kompletten Modernisierung der Verlags-Informatik. Für 2014 planen wir nun ein neues Layout für die Webseiten www.rivieratimes.com und www.rivie-

razeitung.com, den Ausbau unserer Präsenz in den sozialen Netzwerken; exklusive Videos und News via Youtube-Channel und ein iPad-freundliches Format beider Publikationen. All das selbstverständlich unter Beibehaltung der journalistischen Qualität. Ein gesundes und erfolgreiches neues Jahr wünschen Ihnen Ihre Petra Hall und das gesamte Team!

lée. En 2013, et ce depuis 21 ans, nous avons fourni à nos lecteurs internationaux, dans leur langue maternelle, les informations essentielles sur la région s’étendant entre Marseille et Gênes. Mais l’année 2013 a également été marquée par la refonte de nos mensuels et de notre newsletter hebdomadaire, par des kits médias plus séduisants, par l’expansion de notre réseau exceptionnel de distribution ainsi que par la modernisation complète de notre système informatique. En 2014, cependant, nous prévoyons un nouvel agencement pour nos sites www.

rivieratimes.com et www. rivierazeitung.com, qui s’accompagnera d’une présence plus importante sur les réseaux sociaux. Nous proposerons également des vidéos et reportages exclusifs via notre chaine Youtube, ainsi qu’un format adapté aux tablettes pour nos deux publications. Tout ceci en maintenant bien entendu les valeurs journalistiques dont nous sommes fiers. Petra Hall et toute l’équipe vous souhaitent une année prospère et florissante !

os résolutions pour l’année prochaine vont de pair avec une rétrospective de l’année écou-

PETRA HALL, founder and publisher I Gründerin und Chefredakteurin I Fondatrice et directrice des publications. Passion: Riviera Côte d’Azur Zeitung (RCZ) & The Riviera Times (RT) ROSALIE COLOMBO, ﬁnancial director I Finanzen I Directrice ﬁnancière. Passion: Good balance sheets I Gute Bilanzen I Des bilans positifs AILA STÖCKMANN, editor I Redakteurin I Rédactrice RCZ. Passion: Perfect journalistic work I journalistische Perfektion I travail journalistique rigoureux CASSANDRA TANTI, editor I Redakteurin I Rédactrice RT. Passion: News! News! News! PETRA BENZING, marketing manager I Marketing-Leiterin I Directrice marketing. Passion: Excellent service for her clients I exzellenter Kundenservice I un service d’excellence pour ses clients KARINE BALAGNY, marketing assistant I Marketing-Assistentin I assistante marketing. Passion: To have everything under control I Alles unter Kontrolle haben I Avoir tout sous contrôle LAURA VANDENBOSSCHE,

marketing Passion: The pleasure to present our media. I Das Vergnügen, unsere Medien zu präsentieren I Le plaisir de faire connaître nos éditions KONNY STRAUSS, Art direction. Passion: Creativity with a special touch I Kreativität mit dem besonderen Etwas I La créativité avec le truc en plus ...

01-02/13

CRT Riviera Côte d’Azur / Anaïs BROCHIERO

JANUARYJANUARJANVIER 1) Marseille begins its year-long Capital of

Culture extravaganza! I Marseille ist europäische Kulturhauptstadt 2013 I Marseille nommée Capitale Européenne de la Culture 2013 2) The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is officially active I Fürstin Charlène von Monaco startet ihre Stiftung I La Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco ouvre ses portes FEBRUARYFEBRUARFEVRIER 3) February is festival month on the Côte d’Azur I Nizza im Februar = Karneval & Blumenumzüge I Les festivités azuréennes du mois de février 4) Rudy Salles, councellor of the town of Nice I Stadtrat Rudy Salles über den Karneval I Rudy Salles, Adjoint au Maire de Nice 5) Jean Castellini is sworn in as Monaco’s new Finance Minister I Der neue Finanzminister von Monaco heißt Jean Castellini I Jean Castellini devient le ministre des finances de Monaco 6) Friends search for a missing Alzheimer’s sufferer after receiving little support from police I Polizei lässt Angehörige eines Alzheimer-Kranken im Stich I Un patient d’Alzheimer disparu, recherché par ses amis et RT 7) Prince Albert II with Australian Ambassador Ric Lawson Wells I Fürst Albert II. mit Australiens Botschafter Ric Lawson Wells I Prince Albert II avec Ric Lawson Wells, ambassadeur australien 8) Paintings of Joan Miró in Genoas Palazzo Ducale I Joan Mirós Bilder in Genuas Palazzo Ducale I Les Oeuvres de Joan Miró au Palazzo Ducale de Gênes

Aéropolis de la Côte d’Azur

Photo: Gaëtan Luci / Palais Princier

Boeri Studio

03-04/13 2

1 MARCHMÄRZMARS 1) Côte d’Azur celebrates its artists I Die Côte feiert ihre Künstler I Hommage aux artistes azuréens 2) Mercantour enjoys an extended snow season I Ski Heil im Nationalpark Mercantour I L’hiver se prolonge dans le Mercantour 3) The first ever Monte Carlo Kickboxing Masters is held I Erste Kickbox-Masters in Monaco I Le premier championnat de kickboxing de Monte Carlo APRILAPRIL APRIL 4) Talking to Top Marques Director Steven Saltzman I Der neue Direktor des Luxusauto-Salons Top Marques I Steven Saltzman, directeur de Top Marques 5) Dominique Thillaud: new Director of the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport I Der neue Direktor von Nizzas Flughafen heißt Dominique Thillaud I Dominique Thillaud: nouveau directeur de l’aéroport Nice-Côte d’Azur 6) Nice – gate to the world I Von Nizza in die ganze Welt I Nice, un portail vers le monde 7) Looking at Monaco architecture through the Monacopolis exhibit I Monacopolis: einzigartige Architekturgeschichte Monacos I L’exposition architecturale Monacopolis 8) Rafael Nadal attempts 9th consecutive Monte Carlo Rolex Master’s win but fails I 2013 schaffte Rafael Nadal den Sieg bei den Monte Carlo Rolex Masters nicht I Rafael Nadal manque sa 9ème victoire consécutive aux Masters de Monte-Carlo

Réalis Monaco

Aéropolis de la Côte d’Azur

05-06/13 2

1 MAYMAI MAI 1) Turning the Côte’s cinematic heritage into a tourist drawcard I Die Côte d’Azur: eine einzige Filmkulisse! I Le riche héritage cinématographique de la Côte d’Azur 2) Favourite Sebastian Vettel loses out to Nico Rosberg at the Monaco Grand Prix I Weltmeister Sebastian Vettel unterliegt beim Monaco Grand Prix Landsmann Rosberg I Sebastian Vettel, battu par Nico Rosberg au Grand Prix de Monaco 3) Music legend Elton John performs at the Summer Sporting music festival in Monaco I Elton John darf beim SommerMusik-Festival im Sporting nicht fehlen I Elton John au Sporting d’Été de Monaco 4) Rihanna is a sell out at the Summer Sporting festival I Ausverkauft: Rihannas Konzert im Sporting d’Eté I Salle comble pour Rihanna au Sporting d’Été 5) The Riviera Times enters a new distribution agreement with British Airways I Neue Zusammenarbeit zwischen der Riviera Times und British Airways I Le Riviera Times signe un nouveau contrat de distribution avec British Airways 5

DR / Collection VV / AAPM

Photo: Chaix

Photo: Alain Hanel

Photo: Philip Ducap

Philharmonic Orchestra I Musik des Philharmonischen Orchesters Monte-Carlo zum FilmKlassiker ‘Der General’ I Le film ‘Le Général’ accompagné par l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo 7) Christophe Laury from Radio Monaco - new partners with The Riviera Times I Neue Partnerschaft mit Radio Monaco! I Nouveau partenariat avec Radio Monaco! 8) The Anthéa Theatre opens in Antibes I Anthéa – Antibes‘ tolles neues Theaterhaus! I Ouverture du théatre Anthéa à Antibes 9) Saint Tropez hosts the annual legends tennis match I Henry Leconte und andere Legenden beim Tennisturnier in Saint-Tropez I SaintTropez accueille le match annuel entre légendes du tennis 10) Revealing the best swimming spots on the Ligurian coast I Auch 2013 hat Ligurien die beste Wasserqualität Italiens! I Le meilleur site de baignade en Ligurie! 11) Fiat Cinque Cento meeting in Liguria I Es lebe der Cinque Cento! I Rencontre traditionnel des Fiat Cinque Cento! 12) Famous German actors present the new Volkswagen in the Villa Belrose in Gassin I Das Althoff-Hotel Villa Belrose in Gassin ist alljährlicher Treffpunkt von Volkswagen und VIPs aus Deutschland I Des stars allemandes présentent la nouvelle Volkswagen à la Villa Belrose de Gassin 13) A summer of Matisse in Nice I Matisse-Sommer in Nizza I Été Matisse à Nice 14) The new Saint Tropez International Film Festival I Saint-Tropez hat ein neues Film-Festival! I Le nouveau Festival International du Film à Saint-Tropez!

Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais

JUNEJUNI JUIN 6) Classic movie ‘The General’ with music performed by the Monte Carlo

07-08/13 3

Mathieu Ancely / Mercantour National Park

SBM

Ville de Nice – Philippe Viglietti

JULYJULIJUILLET 1/6/13) Celebrating 150 years of the SBM I Die Société des Bains de Mer von Monaco feiert ihr 150-jähriges Jubiläum I Le 150ème anniversaire de la SBM 2) Mayor Estrosi welcomes Gérard Depardieu I Russisches Kultur-Festival: Nizzas Bürgermeister Christian Estrosi empfängt Gérard Depardieu I Christian Estrosi et Gérard Depardieu 3) Prince Albert II releases a Bearded Vulture into the wilderness I Fürst Albert schenkt einem Bartgeier die Freiheit I Le Prince Albert II libère un vautour 4) Terre Blanche chef Franck Ferigutti brings heart, soul and passion I Franck Ferigutti verwöhnt anspruchsvolle Gäste in Terre Blanche I Franck Ferigutti, chef de Terre Blanche, cuisine avec passion 5) Film star Donald Sutherland is a highlight of the Monte Carlo Television Festival I Stars wie Donald Sutherland beim Monte-Carlo TV-Festival I Donald Sutherland, star canadienne, au Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo

7 8

Nicolas Timmermans

S.DARRASSE-REALIS

Photo: Alain Hanel

AUGUSTAUGUSTAOÛT 7) Self-made millionaire in Saint Tropez I Selfmade-Millionär Christian Jagodzinski in Saint-Tropez I Christian Jagodzinski, entrepreneur devenu millionnaire 8) Fried Nielsen: diplomat and chef I Fried Nielsen: Diplomat und Hobbykoch I Fried Nielsen: diplomate et fin gourmet 9) Monte Carlo Philharmonic Director Gianluigi Gelmetti with his orchestra I Gianluigi Gelmetti an der Spitze des Philharmonischen Orchesters Monte-Carlo I Gianluigi Gelmetti, nouveau directeur à la tête de l’Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo 10/11) Mediterraneum Editions invites partners and clients to the dream boat Sea Cloud II I Eine unvergessliche Einladung für unsere Partner und Kunden an Bord des Traumschiffs Sea Cloud II I Mediterraneum Editions invite clients et partenaires à bord du Sea Cloud II 12) The very personal

story of star chef Alain Llorca I Meisterkoch Alain Llorca träumt von den Sternen I L’histoire très personnelle du chef étoilé Alain Llorca 14) Ben Harper headlines the Nice Jazz Festival I Ben Harper beim Jazz-Festival von Nizza I Ben Harper en tête d’affiche au Nice Jazz Festival 15) Carabinier competition with Pierre Casiraghi (c) I Wettkampf der Carabiniers mit Pierre Casiraghi (M) I Compétition des Carabiniers de Monaco avec Pierre Casiraghi (au centre)

Photo: Eric Mathon

SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER SEPTEMBRE 1) German international Club of Monaco’s 40th anniversary I 40 Jahre deutscher internationaler Club von Monaco unter Leitung von Präsident Karl H. Vanis. Auch das Fürstenpaar von Monaco applaudierte der tollen Basler-Modenschau I 40ème anniversaire du club international allemand de Monaco 2) A fine address: the Martinez in Cannes I Feine Adresse: das Relais im Hotel Martinez von Cannes I Le Martinez à Cannes : un must ! 3) Germany has a new AMADE president I Verlegerin Angelika Diekmann ist Präsidentin für Deutschland von Prinzessin Carolines Kinderhilfswerk AMADE I La présidente AMADE d’Allemagne, Angelika Diekmann, avec la Princesse Caroline d’Hanovre 4) Exclusive interview with shipowner Mikael Krafft I Exklusiv-Interview mit Starclipper-Gründer Mikael Krafft I Interview de Mikael Krafft, propriétaire des voiliers Starclipper OCTOBEROKTOBEROCTOBRE 5) Sascha Kunkel is dedicated to security I Bei Sascha Kunkel dreht sich (fast) alles um Sicherheit I Sascha Kunkel, ou la sécurité à haut niveau 5

Photo: Gaby Fey

Photo: Paul Ripke

6) Model Bruce Darnell poses under water I Bruce Darnell taucht für Fotografin Gaby Fey ab I Séance photo sous-marine pour le mannequin Bruce Darnell 7) First ever Paris special in the RCZ I Erstes Paris-Special in der RCZ, u.a. mit Ulrich Wickert I Première édition spéciale Paris dans le RCZ 8) Celebrating Oktoberfest with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene I T.A. Distribution veranstaltet mit der SBM das neunte Oktoberfest im Café de Paris I Le Prince Albert et la Princesse Charlène fêtent l‘Oktoberfest avec la famille Arcaini (T.A. Distribution) et de nombreux invités 9) Monaco Yacht Show: RT and RCZ, press partners as usual I RT und RCZ sind wie immer Pressepartner der MYS! I RT et RCZ, fidèles partenaires presse du Monaco Yacht Show

Ed Wright Images

09-10/13

11-12/13

Ed Wright Images

1 6

NOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBRE 1) German National Day in Monaco I Fürst Albert II. beim deutschen Nationalfeiertag mit der Botschaf-

terin in Paris, Susanne Wasum-Rainer I Fête nationale allemande à Monaco 2) The new Yacht Club of Monaco is nearly complete I Fast fertig: der neue Yacht Club von Monaco I Le nouveau Yacht Club de Monaco presque terminé 3) New Director of ORCHPACA: Wolfgang Dörner (r) I Regional-Orchester Cannes: Wolfgang Dörner (r) löst Philippe Bender ab I Wolfgang Dörner (droite), nouveau directeur de l’ORCHPACA6 4) New Miele Centre in Nice I Miele-Geschäftsführer Dr. Markus Miele (l.) und Dr. Reinhard Zinkann weihen ihr neues Zentrum in Nizza ein I Miele ouvre un nouveau centre à Nice 5) Jazz Festival in Monaco: Wow! DECEMBERDEZEMBERDECEMBRE 6) Hitting the slopes with insider knowledge I Meer und Schnee an einem Tag! I Passer du ski à la plage en une journée! 7) RT & RCZ publisher Petra Hall meets Romano Prodi I Petra Hall trifft Romano Prodi in Passau bei «Menschen in Europa» I Petra Hall, directrice du RT&RCZ, rencontre Romano Prodi 8) British General Consul in Marseille, Simon Taylor in Nice I Der britische Generalkonsul in Marseille, Simon Taylor, kam nach Nizza I Simon Taylor, Consul général britannique de Marseille

Neue Passauer Presse

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11 12

Photo: Valery Morozov

9) Festive season special guide I Feiern an der Riviera! I Festivités azuréennes! 10) Retracing Krigler family footsteps I Die Krigler-Familiensaga I La famille Krigler et l’histoire de leurs fragrances 11) All about the Riviera Alpi del Mare film commission I Ligurien: Wirtschaftsfaktor Film-Industrie I La Riviera Alpi del Mare film commission, un atout pour la Ligurie 12) The Scorpions do it again... I Die Scorpions machen’s noch einmal! I Les Scorpions recommencent !

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GOURMET

WWW.RIVIERATIMES.COM

NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

orget what you know about hotel restaurants; a different kind of dining experience is emerging from the L'Intempo kitchens of Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco. Delicately prepared, cooked and served in front of your eyes, the live menu of celebrated chef Jimmy Desrivières creates an exceptional à la carte evening delivered in an exciting and intimate environment. Watch as the chef takes you on a voyage of flavour from raw ingredients to haute cuisine plates.

Seated around a steel bar at the head of the hotel's famed L'Intempo restaurant, groups of five to eight are this winter invited to sample Monaco's take on the popular live cooking experience. All four courses, each accompanied by a wine handpicked from the establishment's eclectic cellars, are prepared right in front of diners, allowing guests to get an unparalleled insight into the creation of their meal. It is unabashed and relatively unpretentious as chef Desrivières and his sous chef

Jacques Gantié’s Restaurant recommendations

Above: guests are seated around a ‘mini kitchen’ and treated to a show like no other. Right: scallop with a basil leaf on a shallot and oyster froth. Below: foie Gras ravioli with rabbit sausage, lamb, beef and rabbit ball.

talk you through all the ingredients (in French), cooking style and inspiration for the dishes. Le Méridien's 'philosophical sommelier' and prominent figure on the five star lifestyle stage of the Principality, Dominique Milardi, is also on hand to gently guide diners through their evening, as is enigmatic maître restaurateur Antonio Fochi. Live cooking at Le Méridien is more than a meal out, it is a meeting of minds. We begin our meal with a truffle-infused poached egg served with ample lashings of black truffle in a light, creamy sauce. The fish course to follow blends the fresh flavours of toasted Saint Jacques on a bed of oysters and shallots, before Desrivières ups the ante in the meat plate. For red meat lovers, the third course is a

heavenly fusion of traditional French favourites, but even I more inclined to vegetarian or fish dishes - was able to appreciate the finely sliced ribs, wild hare and pork. Classic foie gras also made an appearance, served in a bubble of fresh ravioli and dressed in a light but flavoursome jus. The chefs stepped aside for the final course as animated Fochi took control of the kitchen to whip up a smooth dessert of exotic fruits. Priced at less than 90 euros, with four delectable matching wines included, the live cooking concept is worth its expense in taste and aroma. But it is atmosphere and the undiluted experience of having a chef personally prepare and serve your meal that takes Le Méridien's revisited idea to new heights. Make sure to book ahead as Fochi tells me, "We book up in advance very quickly, it has become so popular so quickly!" Elsa Carpenter

Jacques Gantié is the author of the only regional restaurant guide, Guide Gantié, which is available in French in hardcopy, and electronically in English. It contains hundreds of great insider tips for eating out.

LE CLOS-SAINT-BASILE Like a doll’s house in the Provencal style with bay windows and garden-patio just outside the village, this is one of the best addresses on the Côte. Deliciously light dishes go beyond the usual Provence approach. Try the sea bream marinated in mango and ginger with coconut broth, or Spanish ham glazed with honey and

spices joining other more traditional dishes. The praline millefeuille with caramel cream and hazlenut nougat is to die for, and the prices are reasonable - 24 euros for three dishes at lunchtime during the week. MOUGINS 351 ave Saint-Basile Tel: 04 92 92 93 03

REAL ESTATE

NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

WWW.RIVIERATIMES.COM

to 7,000 euros per sqm. Villas at La Vigie and elsewhere on Le Cap, in the same price range, date back to the 50s and 60s; they are not necessarily luxurious but usually come with attractive amounts of land and lovely views over the entire bay on one side and the islands on the other, says Grandmaire. Restricted building However if you think you can buy, demolish and build something bigger, think again. Land pressure in these small coastal communes is great and the new Plan Local d'Urbanisme is designed to slow down building development. In sectors like La Vigie and Le Cap, the average constructability has plummeted from 20% to 7%, "which means that before on a plot of 1,000sqm, for example, you could build 200sqm. Now you can only build 70sqm," says Grandmaire.

Property series: Cavalaire sur Mer

There is no centre historique in Cavalaire sur Mer; town centre accommodation consists of apartments priced around 5,200 to 5,400 euros/sqm. The Canissons project planned for a four-hectare site on the periphery of the town centre would provide 100 units of social housing for rent and first-time buyers plus various leisure/sporting facilities. According to Grandmaire, if the current mayor gets reelected in the March municipal elections, the project will go ahead; if he doesn't, it won't. Away from the sea Move inland and upwards and you come to other residential areas like Eau Blanche and La Roseraie, offering properties of around 160 to 180sqm and often with pools, 1,000sqm of land and lovely sea views. Prices, depending on location and quality of the fixtures and fittings, range from around

600,000 euros to over a million. Here you will be between two and four kilometres from the town centre. Prices down "In 2013 prices have fallen between 5 and 15% compared with 2012," says Grandmarie, and negotiation remains the name of the game. Over 70% of clients, primarily French, are buying second homes. Foreign purchasers, mainly northern Europeans (but not the British who are sellers rather than buyers), have decreased from 35% in 2012 to 10% last year. All year round life There is a seasonal element to Cavalaire sur Mer with the busiest months being April to October. Nevertheless; there are still 7,000 Cavalairois living here year round and second home owners, often retired, stay for several months. Carolyn Reynier

Where prices have fallen and negotiation is expected

round 800 years ago, Ligurians settled in Cavalaire sur Mer and built their fortress on the Montjean heights dominating the bay. The Count of Provence erected a lookout tower on the Cap Cavalaire to which the Grimaud Counts added fortifications (destroyed in 1646). And 300 years later its

metres of the centre, and higher up a few kilometres from the centre and the beaches. Along the sea front and just behind - Les Myrtes west of the cape, and Le Parc de Cavalaire east of the marina, for example - you find primarily residential apartment buildings with prices around 6,500

strategic location made Cavalaire the Allies' choice for landing the 3rd American Infantry Division on 15th August 1944. This place is all about ‘location, location, location’. Flavien Grandmaire at the Agence de Cavalaire says there are different property sectors in the commune: the seafront, the town centre, within 400 to 800

Top left: panoramic sea view from a modern south-facing 120sqm villa in grounds of 500sqm, 695,000 euros Agence de Cavalaire. Above: the commune may only have existed for 85 years, but the name comes from a Roman port mentioned in Antonin’s maritime itinerary, a guide for Antiquity’s mariners

Bigger and more showy than ever

New energy rules for owners of new builds Owners of new property over 50sqm will now be required to examine the various energy efficient supply options as part of the planning application process. The move is expected to add at least several hundred euros to the procedure. Until now, the requirement only concerned new buildings over 1000sqm. Following a new law that was passed in October, the

M O R T G A G E Financial Institution

Contact Thomas Nielsen Camilla Greiersen Camille Marne

Monaco may be building a concrete future all around it but one garden in Monaco remains sacrosanct. The Princess Grace Rose Garden is being extended by almost a third and will have double the number of roses when it opens in June 2014. For the last couple of years, the garden in the Fontvieille district near the big circus tent has been undergoing a mas-

alternatives for the heating, ventilation, production of hot water and lighting to the building. It is hoped that the owner will be steered toward a range of renewable energy options, including the use of solar energy, heating systems with wood or biomass, connection to a district system and condensing boilers, as well as combined systems of heat and electricity.

government has lowered the threshold for which a technical study of energy supply solutions must be undertaken, in order to "promote the installation of efficient equipment and renewable energy." Extensions planned for existing buildings are exempt from the decree. As of 1st January 2014, owners must undertake a cost/benefit analysis of various

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RFP - RIVIERA FINANCIAL PLANNING SARL

varieties at the entrances to the garden, with others being arranged in themes - botanical rarities, climbers, Grimaldi family roses and medalwinners to name a few. Until then, the plants are being stored and nurtured in greenhouses in Saint Laurent d’Eze, under the watchful eye of Alain Meilland whose father created the original ‘Grace of Monaco’ variety in 1956.

C O N D I T I O N S Description

Tel / Fax.

The various credit solutions are a part of our Wealth Management program. Please contact one of our local advisers in Cannes to see what a Wealth Plan can do for you and your future. Wealth management and life style planning through a 360 degree holistic approach established with your personal adviser based upon your current situation and future requirements to relocation plans, inheritance, taxation, investment, asset portfolio management, and daily Netbank services.

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 39 00 Fax: +33 (0)4 93 39 39 02 Email:info@jyskebank.fr www.jbpb.fr

M O R T G A G E Financial Institution

sive restructure to extend it by 1,500sqm. Due to be completed by spring 2014, it will have a surface area of 5,000sqm in the shape of a flower and contain 8,000 to 10,000 roses. Those who love the prickly perennial favourite of gardeners everywhere will be in heaven when ‘La Rosarie’ finally opens mid-June 2014. The new layout will put more emphasis on perfumed

B R O K E R S

Contact

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Mike Lorimer

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 74 73 35 Mob: +33 (0)6 21 85 84 42 info@mikelorimer.com www.mikelorimer.com

Specialising in helping international clients obtain mortgages, re-mortgages and equity releases for French properties.

Yves Derrien

E F D

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 00 11 71 info@rfp.fr www.rfp.fr

Real estate financing in France provided by European banks and unit-linked life insurance from a range of European insurance companies. Specialist international financial advice, from a qualified IFA, regarding relocation from anywhere in Europe to Switzerland, France or Monaco.

Description

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

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NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

And the title goes to... Riviera Business Person of the Year Awards is back with a vengence

1 1) Right to left - Marek Lande, Chairman of Crystal Caviar, with the winners of the Riviera Business Person of the Year - Greg and Marion Harris 2) RBC president George Kasiliyake with RBC board member Ella Dyer (left) & Kerry Cooper, Marketing Manager for Events by George 3) Nominee Paddy Warwich with his wife Emma 4) The Riviera Times’ publisher Petra Hall with Ewan Bird (left) and Bertrand Petit from Vin de Terre, winners of the Start Up of the Year

ôte d'Azur Villas has taken out the Riviera Business Person of the Year Awards, while Start Up of the Year has gone to Vin de Terre. The awards, organised by the Riviera Business Club, are a special recognition of the hard work of foreign entrepreneurs in the French Riviera. The Marriott in the Port de Monaco hosted the gala evening on Thursday 5th December. Presented by the Riviera Business Club, the awards were attended by a large group of local business people and residents. "The decision to organise a Business Person Of the Year Awards event was taken the day after I was elected the president of the Riviera Business Club in June 2013," said George Kasiliyake. "I took over a club which had been dormant for two years due to various reasons and am proud that after just six months we were able to present a gala event with 140 participants, which is a record for the club! "This is the first time the revamped and recreated RBC

has run an event of this magnitude and thanks to the support of generous sponsors and partners it was a great success." The judging panel was made up of a group of esteemed local business leaders: The Riviera Times' founder Petra Hall, Dorothy Foster from SKEMA business school, consultant Jean-François Boutin, BPCA's Catherine Gaulier and Siegfried Poppe from Marriott Cap d'Ail. They selected the top six nominees according to their vision, business strategy and performance. It was a difficult task given the high-calibre of nominations, but the top award went to Côte d'Azur Villas, a holiday rental company founded in 2004 by Greg and Marion Harris. The Valbonne-based company was presented with the impressive looking Crystal Caviar Trophy and an advertising package by The Riviera Times valued at 1,200 euros. "We have been around this area for the past 10 years developing this business and it's very humbling to be honoured like this," said Greg.

2 "In an era of economic u n c e r t a i n t y, what consumers want is to have some affirmation that the people they're dealing with are 3 safe and this award and the publicity that surrounds it can only go to help that." The winning start-up company of the year was Vin de Terre, established by Bertrand Petit and Ewan Bird. The wine wholesaler was also presented with a special award and an advertising package from The Riviera Times worth 1,200 euros. "It's easy when you work for someone else to know when you are doing something right or wrong, it's more difficult with your own business," said Ewan. "So it's nice to get external validation, to know you're moving in the right direction." The Riviera Business Club says it looks forward to hosting the next business awards in 2014. "Of course like every project with the benefit of

4 hindsight we realise that there are things which could have been done better," said George. "But we will strive to make The Business Person of the year Awards 2014 even bigger, better and more professional, to put it firmly on the calendar as the most prestigious business event on the Riviera". Cassandra Tanti

NOMINEES 2013 Business Person of the Year • AzurPlus - Carin Peirano & Sabine Karlberg • Brittain's Home Stores - Caroline Brittain • Côte d'Azur Villas - Greg & Marion Harris - Winner • French Riviera Property Search - Jackie Pressman

Start Up of the Year • FitHub - Colette Kent • Create Talent - Christine Dunton Tinus • Paddy Warwick Personal Training - Paddy Warwick • Vin de Terre - Ewan Bird & Bertrand Petit - Winner

EVENTS

NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

01 Wed Dec New Year's Concert. Helmut Froschauer conducts Nice's Philharmonic Orchestra. Acropolis. Free (within venue limitations, seat reservations at 04 92 17 40 79). Info: niceacropolis.com Nice (N) 05 Sun Marathon. Run 10 kilometres with your fellow Côte d'Azur residents. Also a morning jogging and collective warmup before the marathon. Promenade des Anglais. From 14 euros. Info: promclassic.com Nice (N)

06 Mon Classical concert. Conducted by Wolfgang Dörner, with Cécile Maudire on the harp. 8.30pm. Restaurant du cœur, 24-26 Avenue des Arlucs. 16 euros. Info: 04 92 98 62 77

11 Sat Truffle market. Truffle market with numerous tastings and sales. From 9.30am to 5:30 pm. Bastide Saint Antoine. Info: 04 93 70 94 94 Grasse (L)

Cannes la Bocca (L)

09 Thu Orchestral concert. The Regional Orchestra Cannes PACA performs pieces by Vivaldi, Cambini, Chostakovich and Beethoven. 4:30 pm. Théâtre Croisette Cannes. Info: orchestre-cannes.com Cannes (L)

New Year's Concert. Regional-Orchestra Cannes PACA performance to celebrate the New Year. Music by legends from Vienna. 4.30pm. Théâtre Croisette. Info: 04 92 98 62 77

10 Fri Inline skating. 'Menton Roller Tour' inline skating tour through Menton. 7.45pm. Promenade Reine Astrid. Free. Info : 04 92 10 50 48

Cannes (L)

Menton (Q)

12 Sun Chess tournament. Cogolin competes against Toulon. 2.30pm. Bastide Pisan. Info: cogolin-provence.com Cogolin (H)

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15 Wed Horse Festival. With 250 exhibitors and 12,000 horses, discover everything there is to know about horseback riding, saddlery, food and much more. Until 19/01. Parc des Expositions. Info: chevalpassion.com Avignon (A) 16 Thu Ball. Dancing with orchestral music. 2pm. Palais des Congrès. Free. Saint Raphaël (K)

Dance. Dance afternoon with music. From 3pm to 7pm. Centre Maurin Moors. 8euros. Info: cogolin-provence.com Cogolin (H)

Harmony Orchestra. Nice's 'l'orchestre de l'harmonie' celebrates the New Year with a classical concert. 3.30pm. Auditorium Joseph Kosma. Info: nice.fr Nice (N)

Concert. Carla Bruni performs songs off her fourth album "Little French songs". 8.30pm. Palais des Congrès. From 14 euros. Info: 04 98 11 89 00 Saint Raphaël (K)

17 Fri Orchestra concert. The Cannes orchestra performs works by Beethoven, Bruch and Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, conducted by Wolfgang Dörner. 8.30pm. Théâtre Croisette Cannes. Info: orchestre-cannes.com Cannes (L)

Opera. 'La chauve-souris' French version of the German opera piece 'Die Fledermaus' by Johann Strauss. Conducted by Bruno Ferrandis in cooperation with the State Theater of Salzburg. 8pm. Also 19/01 (3pm), 21/01, and 23/01

(both at 8pm). Nice Opéra. Info: opera-nice.org. Nice (N)

show entitled 'Au Bout de tes Rêves.' 8pm. Palais Nikaïa. From 36 euros. Info: nikaia.fr

Dance avec les Stars. Winners of the French version of 'Dancing with the Stars' go on tour. 8.30pm. Palais Nikaïa. From 25 euros. Info: 04 92 29 31 29 Nice (N)

Nice (N)

18 Sat Serge Lama. French star Serge Lama celebrates his 50 years on stage with this 'Tournée Anniversaire.' 8.30pm. Palais Nikaïa. From 49 euros. Info: nikaia.fr Nice (N)

Dance and music. With international artists, including star soloists from the Opera of Marseille. 8.30pm. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. From 10 euros. Info: palaisdesfestivals.com Cannes (L)

20 Mon Concert. Novakova (violin) and Maki Miura-Belkin (piano) perform music by Igor Stravinsky and Franz Schubert Vera. 8pm. Musée National Marc Chagall. Info: opera-nice.org. Nice (N)

21 Tue Disney on ice. Disney's popular heroes return to the stage with a magical winter

22 Wed Disney on ice. Disney's popular heroes return to the stage with a magical winter show entitled 'Au Bout de tes Rêves.' 2pm and 5.30pm. Palais Nikaïa. From 36 euros. Info: nikaia.fr Nice (N) Jazz. The Franco-American pianist Cécile Mclorin performs new pieces. 8.30 pm. Grand Théâtre de Provene. From 10 EUR. Info: lestheatres.net Aix-en-Provence (B)

24 Fri Philharmonic concert. 'Concert Apostrophe.' Music by the Ensemble Apostrophe du Philharmonique de Nice, conducted by Mark Foster and featuring Liesel Jurgens (soprano). 8pm. CNRR. Info: opera-nice.org Nice (N) 26 Sun Orchestra concert. Cannes' Regional Orchestra, accompanied by Bertrand Chamayou on the piano, perform works by Mozart, Weber, Franck and Ravel. 4.30pm. Théâtre Croisette. Info: orchestre-cannes.com Cannes (L)

Eye on film with James Luxford THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (1ST JAN) Ben Stiller stars as a shy employee at a closing magazine who fulfils his dream of a life of adventure when he chases down a missing photograph for the magazine's final issue. Directed by Stiller as well, the film attempts a 'Forrest Gump' type of storyline but the tone of the film is too inconsistent to be anything more than an occasionally charming, pretty looking film. ** STARS HOMEFRONT (8TH JAN) Jason Statham plays a man who cannot escape his violent past, in an action-thriller about a DEA agent whose relocation to a small town becomes complicated when he becomes embroiled in a

dispute with a local meth gang. Despite impressive support casting in James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth, the film feels limp and unsatisfying, promising more than your average 'Jason Statham action film' but ultimately delivering much of the same. ** STARS 12 YEARS A SLAVE (22ND JAN) From the makers of the awardwinning British BBC documentary series comes the 3D movie version, following a herd of dinosaurs as they migrate. An epic, interesting film that acts as part documentary, part narrative drama, with impressive visuals and a story that will keep you engaged. In a festive season filled with family films that are high on spectacle but low on substance, this educational

and involving film is ideal for imagination-filled youngsters this winter. ***** STARS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (29TH JAN) Joss Whedon has taken time out from creating the world of the ‘Avengers’ to indulge his other passion - Shakespeare. He adapts one of the Bard's most famous comedies, starring Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof as two very different people who are drawn together through a series of unlikely and comedic events. While the execution is slick and will be accessible to Shakespeare 'newbies', you never really get the feeling that this is anything other than a side project that doesn't seem to have the same care as Whedon's other work. *** STARS

EVENTS

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Sunday concert. 'Concert en famille du dimanche matin.' Performance by Corinne Parenti (soprano) and Thierry Di Meo (tenor). 11am. Nice Opéra. Info: opera-nice.org. Nice (N)

Truffle market. Local products, cooking demonstrations and tastings. From 9am to 5pm. City centre. Info: villeneuve-tourisme.com Villeneuve Loubet (M)

28 Tue Symphony concert. The French National Orchestra performs pieces by Dvorak and Mahler. 8.30pm. Grand Théâtre de Provence. Admission from 10 EUR. Info: www.lestheatres.net Aix en Provence (B)

29 Wed La Fontaine. "Les fabuleuses Fables de Monsieur de la Fontaine". Performance of fables by La Fontaine, for children. 3pm. Nice Opéra. Free. Info: opera-nice.org. Nice (N)

31 Fri Philharmonic concert. Directed by György G. Rath, with Adorjan Pataki (tenor). 8pm. Also 01/02. 4pm. Nice Opéra. Info: opera-nice.org. Nice (N)

Until 01/01 Art exhibition. Discover the varied works of artists Gerald Panighi and Philippe Jusfargues. Galerie Eva Vautier. Info: eva-vautier.com Nice (N)

Until 12/01 Santon exhibition. 'Salon international des santonniers.' Works by and about santon craftsmen of the Provence. Cloitre Saint Trophimus. Info: 04 90 96 32 14 Arles (A)

Until 23/02 Ceramic art exhibition. 'De soleil d'argile, de feu - 50 ans de création céramique.' Art by ten artists such as Martine Polisset, Jacky Coville and Jean-Paul van Lith. Office de Tourisme. Free. Info: 04 92 91 55 95 Biot (M) Until 23/02 Art exhibition. 'La Provence. Terre de rencontres entre plasticiens et écrivains'. Drawings, sculptures, photos and paintings of Provence. Important artists like Rilke, Grenier and Magnan. Musée Regards de Provence. Info: 04 96 17 40 40 Marseille (A)

Until 28/02 Marc Chagall homage. To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the Marc Chagall national museum, Saint-Paul is honouring the artist. All day. Marc Chagall national museum. Info: saintpauldevence.com Saint Paul de Vence (M)

Story-telling exhibition. 'Envieux.' Articles, photography and other story telling art forms. Daily. All day. Galeries Lafayette. Info: 04 93 14 82 12 Saint Laurent du Var (N)

Until 03/03 Science exhibition. 'C'est quoi le corps humain?' - an educational exhibition about the human body and all five senses. Eco'Parc de Mougins. Info: ecoparc-mougins.fr Mougins (L)

Until 27/04. Exhibition "La magie de l'Estampe". Images by Georges Braque. 250 original prints of the cubist artist. 10am-1pm/2pm-6pm (except monday). Centre d'Art la Malmaison. Info: www.delart.org Cannes (L)

Until 12/05 Asian arts. The departmental museum of Asian arts hosts an exhibition entitled 'Sur les traces des mystérieuses cités d'or'. From 10am to 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Musée départemental des arts asiatiques. Info: artsNice (N) asiatiques.com

NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

02 Thu Market. Craft market. From 10am to7pm. Piazza Massena. Loano (G)

03 Fri Opera. Performance of "Otello" by G. Verdi. 8.30pm. Teatro Carlo Felice. Info: www.carlofelice.it Genoa (N)

04 Sat Market. "Campagna amica" farmer`s market. From 10am to 6pm. Old town. Laigueglia (F) Concert. Performance by the "Camerata musicale ligure". Works by Carulli, Paganini, Bellini and Rossini. 9pm. Townhall. Diano Marina (E)

05 Sun Concert. Performance by Bordighera’s Symphony Orchestra. 5.30pm. Palazzo del Parco. Bordighera (B)

Until 01/06 Textual art exhibition. The exhibition 'Ligne de force' shows works of art that have to do with words, texts or characters. From 1pm to 6pm (except Mondays and Tuesdays). Espace de l'Art Concret. From 7 euros. Info: 04 93 75 71 50

09 Thu Concert. Orchestre Teatra carlo Felice under the direction of A. Lonquich. Works by L. Van Beethoven. 8.30pm. Introduction at 7pm. Teatro Carlo Felice. Info: www.carlofelice.it Genoa (N)

Mouans Sartoux (L)

Open ended Nature exhibition. Sharks: a thrilling experience continues at Monaco’s world-famous aquarium. Get up close and personal with the giants of the sea and unravel their complicated tale in this unique place. Oceanographic Museum. Info: oceano.mc

11 Sat Verdi-Gala. Concert by the Orchester Teatro Carlo felice. 6pm. Teatro Carlo Felice. Info: www.carlofelice.it Genoa (N)

12 Sun Market. 'Celle in Bancarella' craft market. Also antiques. 9am - 6pm. Old town.

Monaco (P)

Until 19/01 Photography exhibition. Vivre pour Voir from photo journalist Marie-Laure de Decker, with pictures from places such as Vietnam and South Africa, as well as a collection of self portraits. with a focus on humans. Théâtre de la Photographie et de l'Image. Info: 04 97 13 42 20

Celle Ligure (J)

Our events calendar is updated daily! To ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting events happening on the Riviera this month, scan the QR Code on the left and be directed instantly to our website. It’s that easy!

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Nice (N)

13 Mon Concert. Behzod Abduraimov plays the piano. 8.30 pm. Giovine Orchestra Genova. Teatro carlo Felice. Genoa (N)

19 Sun Concert. "Massimo Schivon" for the Gaslini children’s hospital Gaslini. 6.30pm. Palozza Ducale, Sala Maggior Consiglio. Genoa (N)

23 Thu Concert. With the Orchester Teatro Carlo Felice with O. Mustonen on piano. Works of Mozart and Sibelius. 8.30 pm. Introduction at 7pm. Teatro Carlo Felice. Info: carlofelice.it Genoa (N)

24 Fri Opera. Sogno du un valzer" Compagnia Abbati. Teatro Chiabrera, Piazza Diaz. 9pm. Savona (I)

21 Tue Opera. Performance of "Gianni Schicci" by Puccini in a Carlo Felice production. 4pm. Teatro Verdi. Genoa (N)

25 Sat Concert. Trio of wind instruments Di Franceschi. 5pm. Church, Corso Garibaldi 37. Sanremo (B)

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NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

HEALTH

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INTERIOR DESIGN LOOKING FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGES from Monaco-based qualified pharmacist Mrs S. Tel: +377 6 43 91 61 98. YOUNG, RETIRED assistant nursery nurse, well experienced (day nursery, children intensive care) can look after your children, part time, in Nice and St. Laurent du Var, english speaking. Please contact 0610348597, email: cheriefmina@gmail.com

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NICE Relais H Aéroport 1 et 2 FNAC 30 avenue Jean Médecin MONACO Maison de la Presse de Monaco 1bis rue Grimaldi SAINT-TROPEZ Librairie du Port 11 rue des Commerçants

guidegantie.com

WOULD YOU like to start all over in 2014 with new luck? Businessman who has partly retired, 69 years, 178 cm, uncommitted, who's been living on the French Riviera for a few years, s e e k s a h a p p y, c u l t u r e d , w a r m hearted and sophisticated woman with whom to share his hobbies like golf, hiking, cultural things and travelling. A cosy home with good wine and food (which you can tell by his looks) is waiting. He is a happy, positive character with many friends. Non-smoker. With grown son who works in different countries and has his own family. If he finds the right woman he would love to stay with her for good. Not looking for adventures. He counts on mutual faith and warmth. He would be delighted to receive a positive reply soon. CHIFFRE 857 or chiffre@mediterra.com RADIANT, ELEGANT, beautiful, fit, and accomplished woman 39 yrs old, seeks a world-class partner - 47-60 yrs old in every sense of the word. Contact: just1muse@yahoo.com GORGEOUS FEMALE, 168cm/56kg, blonde hair/green eyes, 45yo/athletic/non-smoker. ISO Monegasque gentleman 50+ for marriage. Email w/photo merfroid@yahoo.com.

FOR RENT NICE. Studio 3-beds for holidays, Royal Luxembourg Palace with rooftop swimming pools next to Palais Mediterranee on Prom. For price/info/pics e-mail: towersfrance@yahoo.it CANNES. Studio for holidays, Eden Beach residence 3+1 beds, Plage du Midi Croix de Garde near the sea, swimming pool park. For price/info/pics e-mail: towersfrance@yahoo.it

PERSONAL

SPLENDID ISOLATION on the frontier between the Var and the Alpes Maritimes with rivers, waterfalls, olive groves and Roman ruins. 17th century stone farmhouse with authentic features. 4 bedrooms in main house, 2 bedrooms in guest house. Fully furnished. Closest main town is Fayence. Excellent buy to rent opportunity (average rental 4,000 euros). 1,160,000 euros. Contact: landfall.molly@gmail.com LARGE VILLA 25 minutes from Monaco with sea view, pool and excellent access. 595,000 euros. Contact: montecarlo 117@hotmail.de

PERSONAL

MODERN VILLA in Agay with fantastic sea views on 1,300 sqm of private land. Built in 2010 with 293 sqm of living space, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate toilet, bright kitchen with first-rate modernities, terrace, garage and planning permission for pool. Price 2,040,000 euros. Info and visits: +49 208 467 155 92 or andrea.jeppel@hochkaraetigeimmobilien.com

THE RIVIERA TIMES is looking for motivated editorial and sales interns, with placements of two months to one year available. Duties include writing news stories for the website and monthly newspaper. Applicants must be enrolled in a university course. Excellent writing skills are vital, experience in journalism is preferable, and a strong level of French: writing, reading, listening, speaking. Interested students should please send a cover letter, C.V. and examples of their writing to: rivieratimes@mediterra.com

MEETINGS with Adonis, 32, 1.85 m. Attractive Single Ladies can contact : infomail69@hispeed.ch

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NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS

Life support Your survival guide to living in France Dear Andy One of my New Year's resolutions is to sort out my finances. Indeed, over the past few months with Christmas and paying my taxes I have found myself in a bit of a hole. Do you have any advice? Frugal in Frejus Hello Frugal, Now is the time to take stock of your financial household budget and determine how much of a situation you are in. Can you get out of this yourself or do you need some help? Let's look at the options. The period from 'la rentrée' in September all the way through to January can be particularly expensive. You may have spent a lot over the summer holidays, now the children need all new kit, then there's taxe d'impot, taxe d'habitation, and finally the holiday season. This requires a lot of budget management and you have done well to start thinking about this now. Step One: The first thing to do is plan out a bare minimums budget. Make a list of all your monthly incomes in the family, such as salaries, CAF payments and rental income. Then make a list of all of your outgoings including your bills, credit repayments and rent or mortgage repayments. Don't

forget a budget for groceries and clothes. This is your bare minimums, your obligations. Subtract your outgoings from incomes and if the number is positive then you move on to the next step. If not, then you need to seek assistance. Step Two: Add taxes. Redo the budget again but this time add in your taxes. Now that you know how much you owe for all taxes you can divide these by 12 and add that item in to the budget. And don't forget Christmas. Do you go and see family and buy presents? Give yourself an honest budget for Christmas and divide that by 12. Also, do you have a major project on the horizon? Budget for that and factor that in. This is your complete budget. Step Three: Slash and save. If you are still in the positive, chances are you spend your money as you get it and get caught out later in the year. You probably already have a Livret A (bank account) that you never use. Put the money from Step Two in that every month by direct debit so you don't forget. Then when the time comes to pay you have the money stashed away. The Tresor Public also allows you to pay in installments, but only for the following year. You are effectively paying taxes in advance. If you prefer this, talk to

your local Tresor Public. Now is also a good time to look for ways to cut your bills. Run down every item in your budget and see if you could do better by shopping around. For example, that 70 euro mobile bill - thanks to that cheap smartphone - could be had for 20 euros with free calls abroad, as long as you re-use your old phone. Assistance: If after all that you are still in debt, consider asking for help. First, list everyone you owe and write a summary. Phone everyone you owe money to. Be honest about your situation. You may receive a credit payment holiday or tax credit. If not, consider applying to the debt commission of your local Banque de France for help. They will contact all of your creditors to see if an agreement can be reached to write down or narrow your debts. This includes the tax man. If no agreement can be reached then a payment schedule will be established by the commission which will be taken from your pay directly. At least this way you will avoid penalty fees and the debt is taking care of itself.

Another new year and members, guests & friends of the International Club of the Riviera can look forward to another diverse and imaginative program of events during 2014! We start the year on Saturday 25th January as we celebrate Australia Day with a rousing dinner with all the aussie favourites in food, wine and music. New World Wine Specialist Bradley Mitton will join us for a presentation of his favourite Australian Wines which we will be drinking throughout the evening. It will be a fabulous evening of fun and typical 'down under' humour with a 'sing along' and dancing. Other great events to look forward to are the annual International Media Event hosted by the Bank Populaire Cote d'Azur, golf and tennis

outings, polo in a new partnership with the Riviera Polo Club, our regular springsummer theme events hosted by generous members in their villas, adventurous outings to other regions in France, our special bi-annual lunch outing for the Historique Grand Prix in Monaco, a new look to our annual Texas Scramble Golf Tournament, the 'Vivanova Open', the Monaco Yacht Show Lunch Outing, the revival of the International Gourmet Group and the high point of our year - the Business Person of the Year 2014 in association with the Riviera Business Club. We wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year!

Mon Ami Andy Rue Lascaris, Nice Port Tel: 04 83 50 84 78 jennifer@monamiandy.com

Publishing Director Petra Hall hall@mediterra.com

Editor Cassandra Tanti rivieratimes@mediterra.com

Contributors Elsa Carpenter, Stan Aron, James Luxford Andrew Denison, Claire Lathbury, Julian Nundy, Carolyn Reynier

Art director Konny Strauss

Distribution Superyacht Distribution Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless previously agreed. Articles do not represent the opinion of the Editor. The publishing house is not responsible for the correct content of ads. We are unable to consider unsolicited material and cannot return it.

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