Riviera Insider - January 2016 by Riviera Press

164RTIMES_01.qxp_Mise en page 1 06/01/2016 12:30 Page1

SUCCESS STORY Behind the curtains of the Café de Paris

GOURMET Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef

LIFESTYLE Yes, Nice Carnival is happening!

BUSINESS Rules of renting out a holiday home

RIVIERA see more, do more, know more

# 164 JanuarY 2016 4,90 € The

english-language

magazine

for

The

french

riviera

monaco

since

2002

164RTIMES_02.qxp_Mise en page 1 06/01/2016 12:09 Page2

* Merchants of dreams and memories, we were present yesterday as we will be tomorrow

164RTIMES_03.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 18:09 Page3

THEOULE-SUR-MER 20 min to Cannes Airport Ref. MZICA2527

LUXURY REAL ESTATE SINCE 1977

The Exceptional Bubble House - Palais Bulles

34 La Croisette - 06400 CANNES Tel. +33 (0)4 93 39 77 77 - cannes@michaelzingraf.com www.michaelzingraf.com CANNES MOUGINS OPIO SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE SAINT-JEAN CAP FERRAT CAP D’ANTIBES SAINT-TROPEZ GORDES LOURMARIN SAINT-REMY DE PROVENCE

164RTIMES_04.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 18:10 Page4

164RTIMES_05.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 18:10 Page5

164RTIMES_06.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 18:11 Page6

RIVIERA

EDITORIAL By SARAH HARVEY

New year, new title, new look, new publication, more than twice as many pages…it’s a great start to 2016! The Riviera Times, the English-language newspaper established in 2003, has blossomed into Riviera Insider, with a fresh, contemporary new look but the same high-quality content you have known for all these years. Riviera Insider is bold, clear and informative. Standing amongst some 5,000 other products in the newsstands; as soon as you see the title you immediately know this is clued-up Anglophone news and information about the Riviera! Rest assured, throughout the rebranding process, the editors defended the news and information content tooth and nail, to ensure we remain an invaluable guide to the Côte d’Azur for all English-speakers in the region. When it came to selecting the first cover photo of

our re-launched magazine, admittedly it was a tough one when faced with some many great images, including one of Princess Stéphanie of Monaco next to a full-grown elephant (page 45), the Nice carnival parade (page 24) and the charming gems of Vernazza (page 59)…But ultimately we decided upon this beautiful image of an acrobat; a perfect representation of our versatility as we transition into a bold and exciting new-look publication. We wish you, our dear loyal readers, a harmonious, joyful and prosperous 2016 filled with countless happy moments here in the south of France. The next time you read our magazine, it will be March – so we look forward to seeing you again in the springtime!

THE TEAM

PETRA HALL

AILA STÖCKMANN

MICHAËL AOUIZERATE-BENE

KARINE BALAGNY

CAROLE HÉBERT

VINCENT ARTUS

Nearly 25 years ago, Petra Hall (Riviera Insider’s editor in chief) established a Riviera newspaper in German which was followed by an English version in 2003. These titles have now blossomed under the names Riviera Insider and Riviera Zeit into attractive, contemporary magazines. The goal from the beginning was to provide readers with exciting, informative and unique insights from the Mediterranean written by professional mother-tongue journalists. She has become an institution in the south of France and Monaco's media landscape. Sarah Harvey (editor of Riviera Insider) is new to the team. The widely-travelled journalist from London has been working in the industry for 14 years and spent the past five years reporting from the Maldives and Sri Lanka before returning to the region where she spent some of the happiest times of her childhood. She specialises in writing articles in the fields of leisure, sport, history, the environment and art. Aila Stöckmann (editor of our sister publication, Riviera Zeit) has been writing for German-speaking readers about the Côte d'Azur for more than a decade. With undiminished enthusiasm, she continues to share her experiences and encounters in the south of France. The German national has not only her feet but also her heart firmly planted in the sunny Riviera. Michaël Aouizerate (marketing) is a media man through-and-through. For more than 25 years, the energetic Frenchman has had a solid track record with clients and with conceiving valueadded advertisements and campaigns in print media. He previously worked overseas including Marrakesh, Dubai, Mauritius and Bora Bora before joining Riviera Press. Karine Balagny (marketing) loves the international flair of the company. After several years of living in the USA, and thanks to her experience in Sales and Events, the native of Normandy has found her dream position in our multicultural publishing house. Carole Hébert (secretary) is the heart and soul of the team. Besides dealing with accounting, subscription management and reader-concerns, the native of northern France has a knack with numbers and always ensures everything in the office is ticking over perfectly. Vincent Artus (artistic director) has a gift for transforming visions and ideas into reality. The niçois creative talent has as a penchant for clean lines and playing with white space for optimum effect and has brought a fresh, stylish look to our publication. The multi-talented creative is also a photographer and videographer.

164RTIMES_07.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 18:11 Page7

164RTIMES_08.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page8

RIVIERA

CONTENTS

Issue #164 SEE MORE, DO MORE, KNOW MORE

The Hotlist Top ten news and trends

News

Nice The story behind one of the world’s biggest carnivals

Architecture

26 Property News and trends in Riviera real estate

Monaco Changing times - 40 years of the Monaco Circus Festival

45 Ireland Fund of Monaco: Celebrating ties between the Principality and The Emerald Isle

51 Art & Culture A fresh look at Cocteau

Business Financial advicefrom a charted accountant

54 The Corbusier, 50 years after his untimely death

Riviera fraudster convicted

36 Spotlight on the electrical car revolution

38 The success of the Sixt family empire

What’s hot and where to go in January & February!

Café de Paris: How an institution was born

Villa Arson, a renowned artistic hub

Encouraging harmony in schools in the multicultural Riviera

Events

Success Story

Education Special:

Lifestyle Jetting off from Nice to the Big Apple, in style

55 Bedding down in the ‘city that never sleeps’

57 The expat love affair with the Italian Riviera...and its residents!

59 Gourmet Meet Italy’s youngest Michelin starred chef

Cover © Natalya Vyshedko Shutterstock,

Catch up on all the latest news and updates from across the Riviera

164RTIMES_09.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page9

MASERA ATI GHIBLI The absolute opposiite of ordinary*

67 250 € V6 3.0l Diesel 275 ch

Garantie 3 ans. Kilométra age illimité. Modèle p présenté : Maserati Ghibli Diesel 3.0 V6 275 5 ch au prix de 73 906 € TTC avec Pack Sport 21’’ (6 656 €). Consommations en cycle mixte (l/100km m) : 5.9. Émissions de CO2 en cycle mixte (g/km) : 158. Photos et coloris non contractuels. RETROUVEZ PLUS D’INFORMATIONS SUR : WWW.MAS SERATTI.FR /

MASERATTI FRANCE

* L’’opposé absolu de l’ordinaire. Maserati West Europe - 487 526 931 RCS Paris - Siège Social 2 rue de Messine 75008 Paris - Création : Agence

www.segond.com

Concession Maserati Monaco 6, Lacets Saint-Léon n Château Périgord II - 98000 Monaco Tél. 00 377 97 98 13 16

Concession Maserati Antibes es 15, allée Bellevue 06600 Antibes Tél. 04 92 38 32 10

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page10

RIVIERA

THE HOTLIST

Creation of Australia-Monaco Association CELEBRATING TIES BETWEEN ‘DOWN UNDER’ AND THE PRINCIPALITY

The Australia-Monaco Association launches this year, with the aim of encouraging social and business exchanges between the Australian community and the Principality of Monaco. It will also include work on developing friendly relations between the two countries, as well as cultural and artistic co-operation, not to mention promoting tourism and sports amongst its members, and in partnership with other associations. Since 2010, Australians have moved from 12th to 9th as the nationality visiting Monaco the most. Highlights of the 2016 programme will include an Australia Day party with a BBQ, Aussie wine and Australian beer on 26 January at Stars ‘N’ Bars in quai Antoine 1er, which will continue each year. According to organizers, there may also be an annual Australian Gala Ball. Several other events are being penciled in, including BBQs and entertainment. Last year, more than 300 guests assembled at very short notice for a trial-run of an Australia Day party. The success of this event, and similar, led the organizers to discuss the idea of officially creating the Australia-Monaco Association. Andrew M. Cannon, the Honorary Consul, Consulat de Monaco, Melbourne, Australia , is a regular visitor, as is Stephen Brady , the Ambassador for France and Monaco. And there are many Australians living in the area, including athletes such as the former Western Bulldogs and Melbourne AFL player Craig Ellis and his fiancée, Erin Deering; Grand Prix driver Daniel Ricciardo and cyclists Simon Gerrans and Matt Goss. More details on future events will be posted on our news website www.rivieratimes.com. 

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page11

W WATCHES

JEWELRY

AL LPINA

AKILLIS

AQ QUANAUTIC BE ELL & ROSS

KIDOU NIRWANA

B.R R.M

QLOCKS

CA ABESTAN

QLOCKTWO

CL LAUDE MEYLAN

UTINAM

CY YRUS

ACCESSORIES

EB BERHARD HY YSEK

BERNARD FAVRE SPEEDOMETER SCATOLA DEL TEMPO O

ICELINK

SWISS KUBIK

MC CT

WOLF

ME EISTERSINGER

CUFFLINKS

PE EQUIGNET

B.R.M

PE ERRELET QL LOCKTWO

ENCELADE MILUS SPEEDOMETER

SE EVENFRIDAY

TF 1968

SL LYDE E

WRITING INSTRUMENTS

SN NYPER VA ALBRAY VIC CENTERRA VIC CTORINOX BELL&R ROSS BR-X1 CARBONE F FORGÉ LIM MITED EDITION 250 pieces

DINH VAN

VU ULCAIN

TF 1968 MILUS

STRAPS HIRSCH NATO

311, BD DES MOULIN NS - MC 98000 MO ONACO - TEL. +377 7 9777 1625 I INFO@TEMPS-PAS SSIONS.COM - WW WW.TEMPS-PASSIONS.COM ONS.COM

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page12

RIVIERA

THE HOTLIST

Reduce, reuse, recycle… ‘UPCYCLING’ IS HOTTEST NEW TREND ON THE RIVIERA

The COP21 climate change conference in Paris in December 2015 has given individuals, businesses and entrepreneurs new zeal for ‘going green’, and the Riviera is no exception! ‘Upcycling’ is one of the hottest new trends in the region, particularly amongst those who are environmentallyconscious. Upcycling is a way of reusing discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. Antibes recently welcomed the Côte d’Azur’s first recycled boutique, Univers Recyclage, specialising in ‘upcylced’ and recycled goods. With an array of goods from handbags made from rubber tires or old jeans labels to bowls made from vinyl records or handmade metal robot figurines, there are all kinds of unique items to explore! This nautical inspired bag made from used boat sails makes us think of cruising around in the summer sunshine. And Nice-based Okavengo, a partner of Grasse’s Junior Chamber of Commerce, has created a presentation of ethical products which include 100% organic cotton bags and USB sticks made from bamboo (all Fair Trade certified). For more information see www.okavengo.produits-promotionnels.eu and www.universrecyclage.overblog.com. 

To the races! FEEL THE THRILL AS HORSES RACE NECK AND NECK TO THE FINISH LINE

The winter season is in full swing at the Hippodrome in Cagnes-sur-Mer and the tracks have re-opened after being upgraded with improvements including cutting-edge surfaces for the horses to race upon: Beautiful grounds, beautiful horses and beautiful views, with glimpses of the blue Mediterranean set against the verdant green turf. Feel the excitement as the horses race neck and neck to the finish-line! Don’t miss the top races, including the Prix de la Côte d’Azur on 14 January and the Grand Prix of the Riviera on 14 February. With tickets at €4.50, there’s no excuse not to go! Additionally, the Hippodrome has opened on the weekends to the community. Every Saturday and Sunday, doors open with free entrance, free parking and entertainment for the whole family. There will be pony rides, giant inflatables and plenty of spots to eat. 

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:57 Page13

Consommations mixtes de la Nouvelle Classe C Coupé : de 4,1 à 8,9 l/100 km. Emissions de CO2 : de 106 à 209 g/km.

Nouvelle Classe C Coupé. Instantanément captivante.

Mercedes-Benz Monaco - 7, avenue Princesse Grace - Tél. 93 25 21 00 www.mercedes.mc

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:58 Page14

RIVIERA

THE HOTLIST

Bounce into the New Year! TRAMPOLINE PARK COULD HELP YOU KEEP NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS OF GETTING FIT

The newest and most fun way to shed the excesses of the holidays and get in shape: Trampoline parks have been all the rage across the UK and the United States, and now you can partake in the fun, right here on the Côte d’Azur. Salto Trampoline Arena recently opened in Mougins, with 1,000 square metres of fun fitness for all ages, from kids to adults (there are separate rooms for the children). Now everyone can spend a few hours having a blast while blasting calories! The arena features a climbing wall (where it’s fun to fall), an elastic tight-rope, Dodgeball tournaments and all sizes of trampolines to add extra bounce to whatever you do. Catapult into the air, bounce off walls, or try a mid-air summersault before diving into a pit of squishy blocks. Ever wanted to slam dunk like Michael Jordan? The basketball hoops with angled trampolines launch you into the air to do it with ease. Sound like too much? They also offer individual and group acrobatic classes as well as Zumba, stretching and cardio. Looking for a fun venue for a birthday party? It can be rented out for private parties or themed evenings. Whether getting into serious shape, or just trying to tire the kids out, the arena is sure to be fun for all ages. 

Glowing reputation... BIOT GLASS MARKS 50 YEARS WITH UNIQUE LUMINESCENT GLASS

For fifty years, the Biot glass factory has been making its unique, ‘bubble glass’. The master artisans have worked to develop several different colours. This year, they have developed their most unusual ‘colour’ yet—glow-in-the-dark! The slogan for this unique new creation: “Find yourself at the heart of the magic of fire and glass”…Imagine having dinner in the garden and as the sun dips below the horizon, plunging your guests into darkness; the oohs and aahs begin as each person’s plate begins to gleam in an incandescent green or blue tinge! Now that is something that doesn’t happen every day! Be sure to visit the Verrerie de Biot, where you can tour the glassmaker’s studio and watch them hand-blow glass, or even take a workshop in glass-blowing. According to Nice Tourism Office, it’s the second most popular attraction in the region. In addition, it’s still in the same hands of the family who founded it. Verrerie de Biot, Chemin des Combes, Biot Tel. 04 93 65 03 00. Reopens after annual closure 27th January, then open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 6.30pm and Sunday, 10.30am – 1.30pm and 2.30pm – 6.30pm. 

Dolphins in the Promenade du Paillon PLUNGE INTO The Centre de Découverte du Monde Marin (Marine World Discovery Centre) in Nice – recent Winner of the Environmental Awards – is helping to bring you face to face with dolphins, octopi, turtles, whales (and THE UNDERWA- 2015 even grouper and skate), right on the Promenade du Paillon! These new fun (and educational) panels have TER WORLD! been installed in Nice’s green enclave, bringing a bit of the seaside into the city. But did you know these incredible creatures can all be found within the Pelagos Sanctuary – which is right on your doorstep? The 87,500 sqkm sanctuary is a quadrant stretching out between France Italy and Monaco; from Escampobariou Point (on the western edge of the Giens peninsulain at Hyères), in the west, to Fosso Chiarone (the westernmost part of the Gulf of Asinara, off the Tuscan shores). It spreads right out into the Mediterranean to incorporate the waters around Corsia and the northerly tip of Sardinia, as well as smaller islands such as the islands of Hyères, Liguria, the Tuscan Archipelago and the Strait of Bonifacio. The project aims to educate children and their families about the importance of protecting the marine world. It was the winner of a competition for a more environmentally-aware city. 

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:58 Page15

RIVIERA

THE HOTLIST

360 degrees of Mercantour VIRTUAL HIKING WITH GOOGLE STREET VIEW

For the first time ever, a French National Park can be explored using Google Street View - The Mercantour, in the north of the Alpes-Maritimes department. Last summer a team of “Googlers” and “Trekkers” (carrying special backpacks equipped with an Android device which operates 15 lenses at the top of a mast, each angled in a different direction to enabled the team to stitch together 360-degree panoramic views). Data was collected from 19 of the park’s most beautiful walking trails. Google has processed the photos and GPS, which is now all available on Google Street View – so viewers can explore the soaring mountains and pristine panoramas of the Mercantour from the comfort of their own armchairs. The scanned images are as diverse as they are spectacular: family-friendly activities, sporty scenes; sometimes shot from very high up and sometimes running through the middle of a village. The French National Park, which was voted in recent years as one of the ten most beautiful nature reserves in the world, is in good company on Street View; even the Grand Canyon and the Galapagos Islands have been scanned by the Google team. www.mercantour.eu. 

Ice DJ Festival DEEP GROOVES AT THE FOOT OF THE ALPS

Snow is cold. But the ski season is hot and the Ice DJ festival at Isola 2000 is even hotter! Just a few hours from Nice, Isola sits 2,000 metres up, with ski slopes, warm cafés and plenty of winter fun. The Ice DJ Festival is a series of free concerts at the foot of the slopes, featuring some of the biggest DJs in France. Four concerts in total, between December and March promise to be so scorching, it melts the ice! Para One, known for their Daft Punk remix, will be playing on 16 January. February’s concert, on the 19th, hosts the experimental sounds of DJ Synapson. And last, but certainly not least, is Nice’s very own Feder, whose recent album is topping the charts. Feder helped organise the immensely successful benefit concert in Nice for the Red Cross and victims of October 2015’s flood. The music starts at 1pm, with sets from local DJs, until the main acts take the helm from 3 – 5pm. But it doesn’t stop there. The local DJs return to the tables until 6pm, when the after party will continue indoors at The Hunter, Isola’s new Irish pub. For more information, visit www.isola2000.com. 

164RTIMES_10-16.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:58 Page16

RIVIERA

THE HOTLIST

Roll up, roll up, for the Cirque du Soleil WORLD-FAMOUS SHOW ARRIVES ON THE RIVIERA

Cirque du Soleil is coming to Nice and tickets are hot, hot, hot! From the 23rd to the 27th of March, Nice audiences will be enchanted by the critically-acclaimed Varekai show. Over 10 million spectators have enjoyed this story since its 2002 debut in Montreal. ‘An explosive fusion of drama and acrobatics,’ the show pays tribute to the nomadic soul and the history of the circus. Set deep within a faraway forest, the story begins with young man falling from the sky into a world of infinite possibilities. Audiences journey along with him as he discovers this strange and unusual world. Varekai, which means ‘wherever’ in the Romany language of the gypsies, pays tribute to the ancient circus tradition of Georgian Dance, but also features Russian Swings, synchronised jumping, single point trapeze, clown acts and more. Written and directed by Dominic Champagne, the extraordinary world created by the famed Montreal company will carry you away with their imagination. Don’t miss the colourful costumes, curious music and back-bending contortionism – everything you expect from Cirque du Soleil! Held at the Palais Nikolai in Nice. Tickets are on sale now. 

Coldplay and Rihanna spice up 2016 TWO WORLDCLASS ACTS JOIN THE MUSICAL CALENDAR

The Riviera attracts the crème de la crème of the artistic world, and 2016 is no exception! British rock band Coldplay recently announced the first dates of its grand stadium tour – and will be heading straight to the Charles Ehrmann Stadium Nice on 24 May to commence the French sector of the circuit! In total, the Head Full of Dreams Tour will pass through 20 stages in 15 countries across Europe and Latin America. This is Coldplay’s first world tour since the Mylo Xyloto Tour in 2011 and 2012, which attracted more than three million concert-goers on five continents. The new "A Head Full of Dreams" album was released only last month; the follow-up to Ghost Stories, which was their sixth consecutive to shoot to the top of the charts. Coldplay declined to tour after the release of Ghost Stories, instead heading straight back into the studio to work on "A Head Full Of Dreams". In addition, superstar Rihanna will be appearing in Nice on 15 July. It will kick off the French section of her world tour. Rihanna's first concert in France as part of her 'Anti World Tour' will be in Nice at the Allianz Riviera stadium. It will feature special guests The Weekend and Big Sean. 

164RTIMES_17.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:58 Page17

164RTIMES_18-22.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page18

RIVIERA

SUCCESS STORY

HERE BEATS THE HEART OF MONACO • A peep behind the curtains of the Café de Paris • The mythical Café de Paris in Monaco’s Casino Square celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2018. We met with director Stefano Brancato, who has been setting the pace here for the last 20 years. His motto: “Every day brings a new challenge.”

ust getting to Stefano Brancato’s office is no easy feat. After navigating various stairwells and an elevator and walking through various storerooms, you finally arrive at his tiny office in a remote corner of the vast Café de Paris premises. Here, away from all the hustle and bustle of the mythical brasserie, the 50-yearold Italian has been directing a 200-strong team with a sure hand over the past 20 years. The regular guests are of course familiar with Brancato, who rarely misses the opportunity to personally oversee what is happening at the famous café, located in the heart of the Principality. Always present yet always reserved: discretion is his hallmark. Maintaining overall authority is also a key element of his role. With an average of 1,000 meals a day and up to 4,500 daily guests on the terrace during the summer (the motto is “see and be seen”), the director has to keep a clear head. Brancato certainly achieves that. The brasserie runs like clockwork from 8am to 2am. Brancato arrives at 9am every day and rarely leaves before 10pm, often staying until much later

By JOSHUA INSTAR Photos FABIEN PRAUX

into the night. Fortunately, his family has always understood his tireless commitment. He somehow still finds the time to cheer on his beloved AS Monaco football club. Since Brancato took over the helm at Café de Paris, which is owned by Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), revenue has more than doubled. However, earnings in the coming years will probably be somewhat lower, he believes, largely as a result of the work being carried out by SBM around Casino Square. About 140 waiters serve the vibrant mix of clientele, plus 50 people work in the kitchen. During the summer, the number of staff increases to as much as 240. When Brancato took over the management of Café de Paris in 1995, his first task was to establish some order. He analysed all the positive and negative points of the operations and dealt with them accordingly. “Many of the waiters needed training,” he remembers. “Around 40% of the existing team had to be replaced.” His standards were, and still are, extremely high. “Everyone must be trained by a school of hotel management and should speak at least two foreign languages. Chinese and Russian are now in demand, indicating

164RTIMES_18-22.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page19

164RTIMES_18-22.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page20

RIVIERA

SUCCESS STORY

how times have changed. It goes without saying that staff should be friendly and have a good feel for service.” Brancato himself went to the school of hotel management in Giarre, Sicily, completed his Masters in Stresa and has worked in Taormina as well as at the London Hilton and the Richemond in Geneva. Then Monaco came calling. What does the director feel are the most important highlights of the world-famous brasserie? “Important factors include a pleasant atmosphere, the quality of the products and the expertise of the staff. Of course, it’s not like it’s a three Michelin star restaurant run by Alain Ducasse, but certain standards have to be maintained.” So what are some of the most popular items on the extensive menu? “In the winter, from October to March, fresh oysters are very popular, while other seafood also features amongst our specialities. Other hits are calf liver, steak tartare, sole, daube monégasque, braised beef, monégasque antipasti of sardines, the typical barbajuan ravioli and pissaladière, which is onion tart.” Managing more than 200 people every day is certainly no easy matter. How does he gain the res-

WHO ARE THE CLIENTELE OF THE CAFé DE PARIS? “60 PERCENT ARE LOCAL GUESTS, 40 PERCENT ARE FOREIGNERS. MANy SHOW BUSINESS PERSONALITIES AND SPORTS PERSONALITIES REGULARLy STOP By”

pect of his staff? Does he ever lose his cool when things heat up? “No, shouting achieves nothing; I communicate in a different way. I expect performance levels to be met as well as compliance with the rules I have established. Of course, mistakes can happen, but customers should not be aware of them. A good relationship with my team is very important to me,” said Brancato. How about the clientele of Café de Paris, who are they? “Sixty per cent are local guests, 40 per cent are foreigners. We are fortunate in that many show business personalities and sports stars live in the Principality and regularly stop by. They feel comfortable with us because no one bothers them here. At Café de Paris, they can relax like everyone else. If other guests want to ask them for an autograph, they first have to receive permission from the head waiter, who then passes on the request to the celebrity in question. But this only happens once the meal is over. Otherwise we do not allow anyone to take photos.” One photo in his office shows Brancato with Bono from U2, but he resists the opportunity to name-drop about the reams of VIP guests who regularly fill the Café de Paris, who include pro tennis players, Formula One drivers and politicians. As we said earlier, discretion is one of Brancato’s fortes. 

164RTIMES_18-22.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page21

RIVIERA

SUCCESS STORY

164RTIMES_18-22.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page22

RIVIERA

REPORTAGE

AND THEN THE LOCOMOTIVES ARRIVED! onte Carlo 1868: Elegant ladies in sumptuous crinolines, silk parasols resting on one shoulder, saunter on the arms of their beaus across the Casino square. There are no cars, naturally, since Carl Benz was yet to invent the first automobile, some 18 years later. In 1864, the imposing Hôtel de Paris was constructed in beautiful Belle époque style, the year after the now-iconic Casino was built. It was all paid for by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the company specifically created by the then Prince Charles III. In return for nearly 1.7m gold francs, the monarch gave the property developer and extremely canny businessman, François Blanc, the monopoly to run all the gambling operations in Monaco. In record time, the quiet spot where previously olive, lemon and orange trees flourished was replaced with the foundations for Monaco's current fame, at the behest of Prince Charles. Blanc and his wife Marie swiftly set about implementing his ambitious plan: A new town – Monte-Carlo - created in the style of Bad Homburg (one of the wealthiest towns in Germany), where the business-minded Frenchman had already created a prosperous casino, surrounded by luxury hotels, thermal baths and other attractions.

From the Café Divan to the Café de Paris: 148 years of history

Above NEW LEVELS OF GLORY © Archives Monte-Carlo SBM Below THE BAR WAS A LATER ADDITION © Archives Monte-Carlo SBM

Blanc had an intreging saying about himself: "Rouge gagne souvent, Noir quelquefois, mais Blanc gagne toujours." - Red wins often, Black sometimes, but White (Blanc himself) always wins. They called him the 'magician of Bad Homburg' and later the 'conjuror of Monte-Carlo'. The Prince's wishes were his command: "The new casino and the surrounding luxury hotels had to measure up to Paris, London and New york." It seems hard to imagine now, but when the Hôtel de Paris first opened, the architect hadn't planned for either a café or a bar to be included in the design. Opposite the magnificent building were carriages and stables for the horses which drew them. And under the direction of François Blanc, the square in front of the Casino slowly evolved. A fountain was created as a focal point, and in 1897, four palm trees from Bordighera in Italy were planted there. Then in 1868 the stables were abandoned to make way for a cafe. The new attraction was called Café Divan, which resembled a chalet and soon became the popular meeting-point for the exclusive hotel’s upper crust guests. In the same year there was an enormous breakthrough: the railway line from Paris, which until then had ended in Nice, now continued all the way into Monaco. By 1869 the Principality was already attracting 170,000 tourists annually. Among the visitors were distinguished figures including the future King of England, Edward VII; the writer, Alexander Dumas; and the composer, Jacques Offenbach. The Principality was suddenly very much in vogue. The Café Divan, later named the Grand Café of Monaco, was rebuilt many times and in 1890 was anointed with its final name, the Café de Paris, which is still world renowned today. Although countless architectural alterations, refurbishments and tweaks were made over the course of the years, both the Belle époque facade of the building (which expanded to over 10,000 square metres) and also the elegant aesthetics of Monte-Carlo’s "Golden Triangle", were preserved. In two years time, 2018, the Café de Paris will celebrate its 150th anniversary. A legendary venue which has withstood the trials and tribulations of many epochs, and today attracts even more than ever guests from all over the world. 

164RTIMES_23.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 19:59 Page23

jasre.com

164RTIMES_24-25.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:00 Page24

RIVIERA

NICE

YES, NICE CARNIVAL WILL STILL HAPPEN!

• Interview with Denis Zanon, director of the Nice tourism oﬃce • Petra Hall” speaks to Denis Zanon about security, digital innovation, the challenges faced by Nice in business tourism, and the amazing career of a remarkable man efore we go any further, let’s get one thing clear: despite a tumultuous 2015, the Nice Carnival will take place next year from 12th to 28th February under the slogan “Roi des Médias” (King of the Media). Basing the theme on the media is extremely topical, because it had an integral role in the atrocities committed on French soil last year. Fortunately, Denis Zanon, who has been director of tourism for France’s fifth-largest city since 2008, deals with sensitive issues like security in a surprisingly open way. He also answers our questions in the same relaxed manner in which he greets us, at his large office on the Promenade des Anglais. On this particular

Nice Carnival in full swing © Fabien Prauss

day, Nice is not living up to its reputation as a sunny Mediterranean city and the sky is filled with ominouslooking clouds. This doesn’t bother Zanon in the slightest. He knows weather like this is the exception here, rather than the rule, and poses confidently for photos in front of the dramatic backdrop of murky skies. Back to the carnival: The potential threat of an attack at the event had already been identified in 2015 (as we reported). As we move into 2016, France is still reeling from the impact of the Paris attacks. Denis Zanon, a handsome and charming man of 53, says: “It’s not a question of cancelling events, but of adopting the right security measures. We already faced an unprecedented challenge with the recent Christmas market. Rather than calling off the popular ‘village de Noël’,

164RTIMES_24-25.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:00 Page25

RIVIERA

we relocated it from Place Masséna to the Coulée Verte within the fenced-off area of the Promenade du Paillon. This has made it far easier to check people as they enter the market. We will make other arrangements for the carnival. For example, we have always used sniffer dogs to secure in advance the areas where the various parades take place. We are particularly concerned about the possibility of a mass panic and a stampede. Fireworks are therefore strictly prohibited as a result of this.” It’s certainly a major logistics headache. The UEFA European Football Championship, which takes place in various French cities including Nice from 10th June to 10th July, will also require extensive preparations. However, that is the responsibility of the City, not the 60-person-strong team at the tourist office. Yet Nice, with a population of around 350,000 people, knows it owes much to its sterling international image – and has enjoyed its superb reputation for the past 150 years. This stunning metropolis is today the second most popular destination in France. Around 5 million people visit the city every year, and almost 60% of them are foreigners. Denis Zanon comments: “Thanks to them, we survived the crisis unscathed, but some markets could collapse overnight. So much depends on geopolitical factors and currency situations. We know we have inherited a leading role in tourism and therefore carry a great deal of responsibility. Standing still is not an option. We are constantly being challenged to meet ever-changing demands.” January 2016 was set to be when a completely new website will go live, with a responsive design that will react to whichever device is being used to access it, such as smartphones and tablets. There are also plans for a virtual marketplace which visitors can use to organise everything right down to the smallest details of their stay: hotels, restaurants, excursions, and, of course, tickets for the carnival. The idea behind it is

Denis Zanon, © Fabien Prauss

WE ARE DOING QUITE WELL, BUT WE WILL NEVER GET COMPLACENT. ONLY THROUGH OUTSTANDING WORK CAN QUALITY TOURISM BE SUSTAINED FOR THE LONG TERM.

NICE

that online reservation systems have become extremely dominant, but fail to offer suitable add-ons. At least, not yet. Denis Zanon and the Nice tourist office now want to target this gap in the market. “But despite all of these digital innovations, visitors can still find a city map in paper form. We are still traditional, in some ways.” He adds: “We are doing quite well, but we will never get complacent. Only through outstanding work can quality tourism be sustained for the long term.” According to Zanon, the French Riviera Pass that offers many benefits for visitors is very successful. But his top priority is business tourism. “In the last seven years we have undertaken many restructuring measures for these important visitors and we have worked on Nice’s image. We have now become a big player in the sector, with around 40 international congresses and numerous smaller events such as workshops, seminars and others. Business travellers spend considerably more than private tourists.” It is of course also about keeping hotels occupied throughout the year. “At present we register an average bed occupancy rate of around 80% and are working on enabling guests to come and enjoy excellent services during the off-peak seasons as well.” The director, who is originally from the French Alps, learned the principles of providing a perfect service in high-end tourism destinations including Chamonix and Courchevel. They are another world - the world of luxury tourism, where money is no object. However, referring to the extravagant desires of certain guests, he also believes here that “the ultimate luxury is to be able to draw the line.” When Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, summoned Denis Zanon from Courchevel to the Mediterranean eight years ago, Zanon was sceptical at first. “I never wanted to go to the Côte d’Azur. I had a clichéd, rather poor view of the region. Thankfully, this proved to be unfounded. Now, I love Nice and its wonderful environment: the sea, the mountains, the excellent transport links thanks to France’s second-largest airport, and the proximity to Italy”. The latter factor is particularly important for the father of a 10-year old son. His grandfather comes from Padua, his grandmother from Florence. The director of tourism provides a refreshing response to questions about his education and training. “I am a self-educated person and previously drove a truck for my father’s company. One day, I came across a tiny job advertisement in our local paper. The Chamonix tourist office had a vacancy for a young man with a good knowledge of English. I had learned English from motorbike magazines. So I applied, because I felt that driving lorries could not be my future. I got the job and at the same time gained a wonderful boss who became something of a father figure for me. He supported me where he could because I was a complete virgin, so to speak, in the tourism trade. One day he asked me if I wanted to represent Chamonix in Toronto. I spontaneously said yes, although at the time I thought it was somewhere in Italy…so it’s like I discovered the world in eight years!” 

164RTIMES_26-29.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:00 Page26

riviera

ARCHITECTURE

164RTIMES_26-29.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:00 Page27

riviera

ARCHITECTURE

VILLA ARSON: AN ARCHITECTURAL, ARTISTIC MARVEL

By ALFRED THUM

• Exploring a stark contrast of styles at the famous artistic hub • a School of applied arts, exhibition space and focal point for international artists all in one; a unique mix which distinguishes this Nice institution from all other ecoles Superieures in France, to say nothing of the architecture and history of the buildings and scenery itself.

nside Villa Arson you’ll find tucked away a School of Applied Arts, an exhibition hall, a group of apartments and workshops for guest artists; and as if that wasn’t enough, an impressively kitted-out media centre and theatre. Its interesting story begins in the 18th Century, with the building of a glorious new villa on a piece of land that covered two hectares and had a view over the rooftops of Nice and out across the Bay of Angels. The garden was laid out over three terraces. Up to the present day the basic structure of the garden and the villa itself have remained exactly as they were, and it was officially named a site of national heritage in 2003. It’s surrounded by an extensive conglomeration of buildings which have been constructed in such a way that the villa still remains very visible from its garden. In 1962 the City of Nice decided to expand the School of Applied Arts, which was then in city centre, and to move it to new buildings. The famous architect Michel Marot was given the design commission. He succeeded in producing an architectural marvel, using practically the whole 12,000 square metre terrain. In spite of this, the lavish Genovese red epicentre is shown off to good advantage and

VILLA ARSON The exhibition hall is open daily from 2pm6pm, except for Thursdays. The next exhibition of work by Sonia Boyce begins on 31st January 2016. 20 Avenue Stephen Liégeard, Nizza

164RTIMES_26-29.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:00 Page28

riviera

ARCHITECTURE

there is lots of greenery, gardens and patios with trees, bushes and flowers, which descend down the hill in terraces. It has the enchanting impression of a Mediterranean landscape which the architect has created with ingenious craft, flair and artifice. The terraces are simultaneously the roofs of the studios and workshops which lie underneath them. The pyramid-shaped roof lights, which give the studios such excellent light for the creation of art, have the effect of being like modern sculptures. If you climb down from these green roof terraces onto the level of the workshops, the scene changes completely. In the style of the 1960s, ‘le style brutaliste’ as it’s called in french, there’s a preference for concrete, rough and unpainted, with the imprints of shuttering boards still visible; direct, unhidden and unvarnished – which reinforces the brutal character of the concrete. The architect had a good idea for the large surfaces of the outside walls, which helps to make up for the sins of the visible concrete obsession of the time, for us modern-day observers: thousands and thousands of pebbles, which we recognise from Mediterranean beaches, clothe the concrete walls, and almost give the feeling of an impressionistic painting. The handling of light, the way it flows from above into the rooms without letting any hard shadows fall, and also the opening up of the spaces with the use of large expanses of windows reaching out to the surrounding greenery and gardens, leaves students of art and exhibition visitors in a decidedly Mediterranean building - something which was important to the planners. Beginning with the reception area, there’s a sizeable olive-grove, around the centre of which are grouped trees from all the continents in the world, symbolising the international character of the institution. The exhibition hall offers a surface of 1,200 square metres and its complex, layered set-up presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the organisers and exhibiting artists. The curators take a decidedly modern approach, wanting to be on the pulse when it comes to the roll-call of artists they choose. You often find artists here who have already been seen at the Biennale in Venice but in particular it’s all about the discovery and promotion of new talent. for the students on courses here, this coming together with the international art scene is exceedingly productive, to say nothing of the fact that the students themselves, either in the course of their studies or for their degree shows, get the chance to exhibit their work here. Students can choose either a three-year or fiveyear course. After three years they can earn a diploma, (comparable to a BA). Those who want to go further must be given the go-head by the board of examiners and after two years they will get an advanced diploma, which is officially recognised as equivalent to a Masters degree. 

Geographic ArCHITeCTUre The Director of villa arson art academy, Jean-Pierre Simon, explains to riviera insider why even though the complex is old, it hasn’t lost anything in its charm - and that’s not the only reason for its excellent reputation. Interview ALFRED THUM

Villa Arson, designed by architect Michel Marot, is a well thought-out architectural masterpiece of the 1960s. But does it still have the functional capability of a college in the 21st century? This building has not only won recognition from the architectural world over the years but it has also achieved this without sacrificing functionality. In 2007, the architecture critic Alain Charre coined the term “geographic architecture” (architecture géographique), and by this he meant the structure of Villa Arson, particularly the arrangement of the complex over three terraces, with the ateliers located on the bottom terrace and accessible via two paths. This functional organisation is still appreciated and admired everywhere to this day.

THe HANGING GArdeNS oN THe Upper TerrACeS proVIde VISITorS wITH A woNderfUl VIew of NICe ANd eNABle THeM To STroll ABoUT wITHoUT dISTrUBING THe workINGS of THe ColleGe

What is so special about this arrangement? The hanging gardens on the upper terraces provide visitors with a wonderful view of Nice and enable them to stroll about without disturbing the workings of the college. At the level of the ateliers, one path provides easy access for the delivery of materials over ramps using trolleys and electrically powered delivery vans. The working area and the area for visitors are thus not strictly separated, but care is nonetheless taken to ensure that the each area is not disturbed by the various comings and goings. The terraces double up as the roofs of the ateliers and provide natural light through pyramid-shaped skylights. laterally fitted windows also let in light. depending on the location of each atelier, the lighting is individually designed to make the greatest possible use of natural light.

164RTIMES_26-29.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:01 Page29

riviera

How significant is the location of the college? The architecture has to be absolutely Mediterranean from a climatic standpoint. Intermediate spaces modulate the light in the large entrance hall. The walkway to the ateliers is partly covered to provide shade in summer and protection from rain, and the windows have sun protection blinds. There are no air conditioning units in the entire building and ventilation is controlled by a complex system that seems to have anticipated modern views on sustainability. Structural modifications were required to create facilities for video production and numerical art. The architectural and horticultural features are highly conducive to interactions among the students. Incidentally, the number one criterion for choosing Villa Arson as a place of study is its favourable layout as a basis for a good working environment. forty years after the school was first opened, this is still seen as a luxury. How would you define the new challenges of a modern school of art? A school of art in the 21st century should enable its students to acquire practical knowledge of a wide range of techniques, from the old and traditional (such as etching and ceramics) through to the very latest techniques (such as numerical art). This knowledge will then form the basis for each student to find his or her personal artistic path. In other words, a school of art should on one hand offer the overall framework for a global, historic and multi-disciplinary approach while also providing individual support for the budding artist and giving him or her free rein to pursue their own independent research. What happens after graduation? The scope of the art schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role extends beyond the exams. It provides support during the difficult phase that follows, when an ex-student wants to stand on their own two feet professionally and is looking for a position in artistic production, the art market or as an art critic. Schools of art in france have long neglected this post-educational aspect. A change in thinking in this direction also involves art schools taking the first steps towards becoming post-diploma research institutions -- that is, enabling deeper artistic research that would be tantamount to a doctorate at a university. There would certainly only be limited demand among graduates for a third cycle such as this, but this focus on research would finally bring schools of art into the same sphere as universities. Which aspects of your school of art make you particularly proud? The strong aspects of Villa Arson are the quality of the structural spaces, the technical facilities of the ateliers and the expertise of the teaching staff. The

photo jeAN-pIerre SIMoN ÂŠ Fabien Prauss

ARCHITECTURE

220 students overall have more space available to them than in other schools of art. we are of course proud of our graduates who go on to make careers for themselves. In the classification of schools of art in france, Nice is ranked in second place behind the paris School of fine Arts. ď ¸

164RTIMES_30.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:01 Page30

RIVIERA

ARCHITECURE

Furniture giant set to open in 2018 in eco-neighbourhood Living, working and shopping are all combined together in Nice’s new "Eco-Quartier SaintIsidore". The centerpiece, next to the football stadium, will be an ecologically-inspired Ikea store.

COUNTDOWN TO NEW ‘GREEN’ IKEA

SIZE

32 000 SQM

2000 PARKING SLOTS CREATION OF

350 NEW JOBS TOTAL INVESTMENT AROUND

€110 MILLION AnticipAted opening: 2nd hAlf of 2018

photos, left and above THE NEW ECO-QUARTIER ©Wilmotte & Associés SA/Inter IKEA Systems B.V> 205

Although you still need to be a little bit more patient, plans for the opening of an ikea store in nice have recently been made concrete. late last year, the city was handed a sales agreement, following both parties signing a mutual declaration of intent in 2013. And so, in the second half of 2018, the furniture giant will finally open its doors. the blueprint for the entire "eco-Quartier Saint-isidore", part of the ambitious "eco Vallée" project, is now ready. the newly-emerging green district in nice Saintisidore covers approximately eight hectares of land. its inception began with the Stadium Allianz Riviera two years ago. the project is particularly innovative in its design because it has no purely commercial areas; instead it’s a hybrid of living, working and shopping zones. not usually noted for the inspiring architecture of its stores, this time the new ikea will blend in alongside attractive apartment complexes, shops, restaurants, offices and hotels. At a later date it will be linked to the third planned tram-line. 287 apartments, including 25 percent social housing, 1,900 square metres of office space and 3,400 square metres of retail space will be created, in addition to the ikea ‘epicentre’. And true to the motto of the eco Vallée, which over the course of several years will sprawl across 10, 000 hectares in the plane in the Var between the airport and the northern part of the river, everything will be built with ecology and sustainability in mind. More specifically, renewable energies such as geothermal energy is used, the parking is only underground, footpaths and green terraces will be constructed, and the buildings strive to maintain a positive energy balance. Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the same architect who designed the neighbouring stadium, has been brought back on board to design the ikea. According to a poll, 80 percent of niçoise welcome the establishment of an ikea in the city. But we will have to hang on a little longer for the 33rd branch of the Swedish furniture empire in france. the start of construction has been delayed for good reason - until after the completion of the european football championship this summer, which will also be hosted in nice. 

164RTIMES_31.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:01 Page31

164RTIMES_32.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:02 Page32

RIVIERA

PROPERTY

‘CONSERVATIVE’ OUTLOOK FOR 2016 ...But many positive signs in the French property market

he forecast for 2016 is looking fairly conservative, with a slight decline predicted in the number of property sales in France compared to 2015. However, there are some silver linings because according to credit brokers, banks have lowered rates for home loans and the rates should remain low in 2016. Several factors support this hypothesis. The European Central Bank (ECB) announced recently that it is keeping its main interest rate at 0.05%; the massive injection of liquidity in the euro zone; and the 10-year bond yield (OAT) remains extremely low (recorded at 0.79% on December 3, 2015). In addition, ECB President, Mario Draghi, announced that the policy of quantitative easing (which helps keep inflation in check) will be extended until March 2017, or longer. All of these factors contribute to incentives for buying a property in 2016. “Thirty banks have now lowered their mortgage rates which are thus returned to the same levels of January 2015. Rising interest rates observed during the summer have been completely halted,” Sandrine Allonier of Vousfinancer.com told French journal, L’Obs. In addition, improved access to free ‘Prêt à taux zéro’ (PTZ) loans for two years from 1 January are expected to boost the number of purchases made by first-time buyers. A slight increase in property prices was noted between 1 December 2014 and 1 December 2015, according Meilleursagents.com, in several areas across the country, including Toulon and Aix-enProvence. But by late 2015 property prices were stabilising, the number of sales was increasing and some pretty favourable credit rates were available. While there appears to be progress when you compare 2015 with the previous year, the market is still more lacklustre than it was five years ago, and as such, most commentators are advising cautious optimism in 2016. During the first eight months of 2015, French housing sales rose 10% compared with the previous year, totalling 740,000 units. This is still below the boom years of nearly 800,000 annual transactions in 2010-2011 - but surpasses 2014, which only saw 690,000 sales.Speaking to Les Echos French financial newspaper, Fabrice Abraham, Managing Direc-

Flats Bordeaux: + 57 percent (in 3080 euros per square meter) Lyon: + 42 percent (in 3275 euros per square meter) Lille: + 36 percent (at 2840 Euros per square meter) Nice: + 31 percent (in 3515 euros per square meter) Strasbourg: + 29 percent (in 2420 euros per square meter) Toulouse: + 22 percent (to 2,500 euros per square meter)

Houses Lille, Bordeaux: + 30 percent Marseille: + 25 percent -Nantes: + 23 percent Nice, Lyon: + 20 percent

tor of Guy Hoquet l'Immobilier, said: “The number of sales in our network [450 branches] increased by 12% since the beginning of the year, through to October.” The market during the last quarter of 2015 was sluggish, as it always tends to be at the end of the year. Perhaps a little pessimistically, a survey on French property site, Immonot.com, noted a “chill” in the market in October. The terror attacks in Paris in November had a negative impact on spending in general across France, particularly on luxury goods. However, looking back at 2015 as a whole, sales were up 18% in third quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2014, according to the Federation of Property Developers (FPI). The reason: A dramatic rise of 56% in sales to investors in rental properties, thanks to the success of the Pinel tax exemption law. Pinel tax exemption law came into force on 1 January 2015 and allows investors to deduct the income tax from their rental investment: 12% over 6 years, 18% over 9 years and 21% over 12 years. But if the amount of the reduction is higher than your tax, it will not be possible to benefit from a tax credit. And when viewed in the context of the past five years, property prices in six medium and large cities (with over 150 000 inhabitants, apart from Paris) has increased by at least 20 percent since 2005, with Nice seeing the fourth biggest increase.

164RTIMES_33.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:02 Page33

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR OPEN SOURCE HR SOFTWARE

Start-up, SME, Global enterprises, whichever one you may be, OrangeHRM offers you flexibility and freedom to select from free and paid versions of OrangeHRM backed with specialized expertise.

3.5

MILLION USERS GLOBALLY

OPEN SOURCE

PROFESSIONAL

ENTREPRISE

COMMUNITY EDITION

EDITION FOR SME’S

FOR MULTI NATIONAL CORPORATES

 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION  RECRUTEMENT  ONBOARDING AND OFFBOARDING

 PERSONNEL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT  PERFORMANCE  ASSET TRACKER

 LEAVE / PTO MANAGEMENT  TIME & ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT  TRAINING

291, rue Albert Caquot, Petra B, 06650 Sophia Antipolis, France + 33 825 59 50 05 / www.datacorp.fr

164RTIMES_34.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:02 Page34

RIVIERA

PROPERTY

Julia Child's French home with custom kitchen goes up for sale PresIdent of fnaIm satIsfIed wIth the new versIon of the PtZ ean-françois buet, President of the national real estate federation (fnaIm), has commented in an official statement that the amendments to the ‘Prêt à taux zéro’ (PtZ) zero-interest loans to make it easier for first-time buyers “clearly show that the government has listened to the professionals; we can only rejoice.” he went on: "firstly, the increase in the maximum amounts of borrowing of 8,000, 10,000 or even 15,000 euros will enable many potential buyers to build a personal contribution worthy of the name. now, we know how banks are sensitive to the fact that borrowers have to present a folder of their personal contribution. this will therefore make it a little easier to finance a first new-build home for young employees on permanent contracts. “better yet, expanding the benefits of the PtZ to all municipalities for purchases of older properties is a good thing. while PtZs were already available for existing dwellings, they were restricted to only in rural area, which is not necessarily a destination sought by young first-time buyers looking for areas where there is activity and jobs.” 

First time American chef/TV personality’s home has been put on the market since her death in 2004

It was JulIa’s husband, Paul ChIld, who IntroduCed her to her fIrst frenCh meal In rouen at the end of the 1940s. JulIa Instantly beCame hooked on frenCh CookIng.

ulia Child's beloved home in Plascassier, close to grasse, is where she spent some of the happiest times of her life. featuring a scaleddown replica of her kitchen that is in the smithsonian, it was put up for sale at the very end of 2015 for €800,000. the listing agent was Peter Illovsky of Côte d'azur sotheby's International realty in Cannes. It was Julia’s husband, Paul Child, who introduced her to her first french meal in rouen at the end of the 1940s. Julia instantly became hooked on french cooking. Paul was stationed in Paris with the us Information agency and Julia enrolled at the world-famous le Cordon bleu. In 1949, she joined the women’s cooking club, le Cercle des gourmettes, where she met two ladies who would become her future collaborators in introducing french cooking to americans; simone “simca” beck and louisette bertholle. together, the three opened a small cooking school in Julia’s Paris kitchen in 1951and later co-authored ‘mastering the art of french Cooking’ in 1961; followed by its sequels. when the Julia and Paul eventually settled in Cambridge, massachusetts, Paul custom-designed Julia’s kitchen with her input. being 6ft 2” tall, the counters were raised to a height that was comfortable for Julia, and three permanent cameras were positioned in the kitchen so her tv shows could be filmed from there. Julia became america’s foremost authority on french cuisine, and was admired by viewers for being her cheery self. Julia and Paul missed france, and decided to build a 1,614square feet holiday villa on half an acre of hillside just outside Plascassier which they leased from Julia’s friend and business partner, simca beck, and her husband. the house was named la Pitchoune ("the little thing"). they designed it to be low-maintenance, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and an open plan living and dining room. It was there that the couple spent some of the happiest times of their lives. when they arranged the lease, since they had no children of their own, they told their friends that eventually the keys would be turned over to simca and her husband’s family, which came to pass towards the end of Julia’s life, 12 years ago. this is the first time this unique property has been put on the market. 

164RTIMES_35.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:02 Page35

RIVIERA

BUSINESS

 fUrniSHed toUriSt AccommodAtion

 Secondment of foreign employeeS:

The rules of renting out a holiday home

More obligations for clients or contractors

ore and more owners are choosing to rent out their properties as furnished tourist accommodation, which means they are renting them out for short stays on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, but not for a permanent stay. this is now common practice; however there are certain rules which must be followed. daily, weekly or monthly rentals are a rapidly growing market because of its profitability (50% higher than long-term rentals) but the property must be attractive (in terms of its location, and in good condition) and the ad must be well written. furthermore, this way of renting requires investments from the owner. they must organize the planning, be available for the tenants and have to pay for all operating costs (repairs, furniture, cleaning…). if the property is the main residence of the landlord, it cannot be rented to another party for more than four months per year and in the case of it being a secondary residence, the owner must register their business with the mairie (town Hall). concerning the taxation of rental income from furnished lettings, there are two different income tax regimes: “micro-Bic” (Bénéfices industriels et commerciaux): most owners choose this way of taxation; there is a 50% allowance against earnings and the maximum turnover is €32,900 per annum. income from furnished lettings is taxed as personal income. “régime réel-Bic” (Bénéfices industriels et commerciaux): if the costs are higher than 50% of gross revenue, it is better to choose this taxation. thanks to this regime, you can deduct costs from the gross rental income but this choice is irrevocable for a period of 3 years and you have to fill in a 2031 tax declaration with a balance sheet made by a chartered accountant. consequently, if you’re renting your property out for the first time, do not hesitate to ask for guidance so you’re sure to choose the best regime for your case! 

JEAN-PHILIPPE GIOANNI CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT © Fabien Prauss

acron law reinforced the obligations of the french companies which use employees seconded by foreign em-

ployers. With the enlargement of european Union, the use of foreign employees assigned by companies located in countries where salaries and social contributions are lower than in france become common. in 2013, 212 000 employees were seconded in france, mostly from poland and in the construction sector. Since the 1st of April 2015, in order to avoid infringement of the law relating to secondment of employees, each french company which uses the employees of a foreign subcontractor must verify that the subcontractor has fulfilled his/her obligation to complete a preliminary declaration to the labor inspectorate and to appoint a “representative” in france capable of acting as intermediary with french government agencies. this obligation is fulfilled if the contractor has a copy of the preliminary declaration and the document with the name of the appointed “representative” prior each assignment. But if the foreign employer does not make this declaration, this is the french contractor which must complete this declaration within 48 hours following the beginning of the secondment. if the contractor and the subcontractor do not comply with these obligations, the french contractor may be punished by an administrative fine up to 500 000 € according to the macron law (instead of the current figure of 10.000 €). 

164RTIMES_36.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:02 Page36

riviera

BUSINESS

RIVIERA FRAUDSTER RECEIVES 6 YEAR JAIL TERM an accountant and independent ﬁnancial advisor who owned several properties on the Côte d’azur has been convicted at Southwark Crown Court in London for attempting to steal £2.2 million in a tax fraud linked to the ﬁlm industry. SEFTON POTTER, POLICE MUGSHOT. © HMRC

he investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) identified Terence Sefton Potter, 55, as the “architect” of the fraud. Potter and five others were subsequently charged with Conspiracy to Cheat the Public Revenue. On 18 December, Potter, who according to the Crown Prosecution Service lived in Monaco and Sinagpore, was sentenced to a jail term of six years. Neil Williams Denton, 44, of Greater Manchester, was also convicted for his part in actively ‘selling’ and promoting Potter’s schemes to wealthy individuals. In a previous trial, which can only now be reported as restrictions have just been lifted, three investment bankers, James Hyde, Phillip Jenkins and Hamish MacLellan were sentenced for taking part in the fraud. Hyde, Jenkins and MacLellan were investment bankers working for Jeffries International and at the time of their arrest had invested almost £100,000 respectively in the scheme. Their trial took place in September 2015 and all three re-

THOSE FOUND GUILTY BELIEVED THEY WERE ABOVE THE LAW, CHEATING THE SYSTEM BY MASKING TAX FRAUD AS INVESTMENT IN FILMS.

ceived custodial sentences of four and a half years. Potter, who was well-known in the community on the French Riviera, was an accountant and tax specialist, and a former partner at Ernst & Young. He was also involved in film production, primarily with Aquarius Films, which is responsible for a host of British films and holds distribution rights to George Clooney’s 1999 blockbuster Three Kings. The court heard that Potter devised and sold a number of fraudulent schemes to wealthy professionals which were portrayed to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as being tax avoidance schemes exploiting legal loopholes. However, the bogus schemes were fraudulently underpinned by false documents, making them tax evasion, the judge ruled. Potter set up two partnerships that were sold to the wealthy investors. One produced a film called 'Starsuckers', the other was a project to develop a package to be made into a film by others called 'Mercedes the Movie'. Together, both partnerships claimed to have spent £5.7 million on the projects. This created artificial losses that allowed the investors to claim back PAYE (pay-as-you-earn) tax they had paid. The partnership declared the losses in its tax return and so did the investors, which would have allowed them to recoup up to £40,000 in tax relief from HMRC, for every £20,000 they had invested. However, as the scheme was illegal their claim for tax relief was false. The claims were supported by false documents produced by Potter. Jennie Granger, Director General of Enforcement and Compliance, HMRC, said: “This was pure greed by a dishonest tax agent, a financial adviser, and people who were already wealthy individuals. Those found guilty had no interest in the film industry, or regard for the impact on honest taxpayers. While it started with a tax adviser pushing a deeply fraudulent tax scheme, wealthy professionals investing in such schemes should be aware of the pitfalls. Those found guilty believed they were above the law, cheating the system by masking tax fraud as investment in films. “Groundbreaking work from our expert investigators uncovered the full extent of the fraud, and this verdict shows that those who engage in this sort of activity are not beyond our reach. The message for anyone thinking of joining such a scheme is: think again - if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Get independent tax advice and stay on the right side of the law.” Over 100 officers from HMRC took part in the operation that led to the arrests in February 2012. Eighteen properties were searched and computers, business records and mobile phones were seized. The majority of the tax refunds were withheld by HMRC and although £500,000 had been paid out initially, this has since been recouped by HMRC. Investigations to recover further proceeds of the crime are underway. 

164RTIMES_37.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:03 Page37

A N E X Q U I S I T E S I G N AT U R E

WINE TASTING AND SALES AT THE ESTATE WWW.DOMAINEDELANGLADE.FR LE LAVANDOU (VAR) - FRANCE A L C O H O L C A N D A M A G E Y O U R H E A LT H , C O N S U M E W I T H M O D E R AT I O N

164RTIMES_38-39.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:19 Page38

riviera

BUSINESS

he Côte d’Azur is the perfect place to buy an electrically powered car, which unlike its fossil fuel-powered counterparts is free of damaging effects on the environment. No exhaust fumes, no noise. Solid lines of cars roll through the densely-populated coastal region every day, polluting the clean sea air and causing a din. Most commuters don’t travel more than 100 kilometres a day; a distance most electric cars manage without a problem. What’s more, the region’s mild climate is perfect for the models which are more open to the elements. And indeed, opinions are shifting. More and more drivers now favour electric mobility. It’s a good way of playing your part in ‘saving the planet’ - and in the long-run, even money. But to really be ecofriendly, electric vehicles should be light and use energy efficiently. Lithium battery production and recycling can put a strain on the environment; coal-fired plants generating electricity for the cars puts a damper on their environmental benefits. In France, the market has grown particularly fast in the past year. Electric car sales have more than doubled compared to the year before with around 15,000 purchased in the l’Hexagone alone. Throughout Europe, car dealers sold 33,835 e-cars in the first quarter of 2015. The numbers may still seem small and owing to their restricted reach of around 140 kilometres with one battery charge, electric cars are still mostly confined to city use. But since 2010, the private automobile sector has noticeably changed. As the silent cars’ battery capacities are increasing, the prices are dropping. There are more and more charging stations around and new models regularly hit the market. Countries like France and Monaco also offer enticing subsidies to customers opting for an electric car. The French state currently contributes up to 6,300€ (up to 30 per cent of the price) to the purchase costs. Erick Kaspy and his co-workers at GoElectrix are true electrical mobility pioneers. The small enterprise based in Sophia Antipolis technology park (Alpes-Maritimes) has been selling all kinds of electric vehicles to cities, enterprises and private customers for eight years. By now, they also offer used models, rent out electric cars and repair and maintain their customers’ fleets with service and ex-

TAKE A DEEP BREATH… • The beneﬁts of electric vehicles • Times are changing, albeit slowly...There are now more and more reasons for customers to buy an electronic car - at least, that’s particularly the case on the Côte d’azur. aila Stockmann paid a visit to France’s e-car trailblazer, Goelectrix, in Sophia-antipolis.

164RTIMES_38-39.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:19 Page39

riviera

pertise without equal anywhere else in France. CEO, Erick Kaspy, firmly believes in the future of electric cars. But still, he notes, the option hasn’t become a no-brainer for drivers. “France is very innovative but those concepts take a long time to become widely accepted,” he says. “People need to see more electric cars on the road, then they’d believe in them more,” adds entrepreneur Georges Dao, who was so fascinated by Kaspy’s ideas that he invested in the start up a few years back. Ever since, he has only been driving electric cars and scooters. “Do you know how customers react when they sit in an electric car for the first time and start the engine?”, asks Julien Schrank, a salesperson at GoElectrix. “They smile.” He says people are surprised when they don’t hear or feel anything - no vibrations, no engine noise. The only way to know the car is actually running is by looking at the display. And electric car drivers tend to quickly adopt a new style of driving and develop a whole different philosophy, Schrank suggests from his experience. “You drive less aggressively; it saves electricity and increases the amount of kilometres it can run for on its electric charge.” Electric car drivers learn to automatically plan their entire day. How far do I have to drive? Where can I quickly recharge the battery while I’m having lunch? More and more car parks and enterprises in the Alpes-Maritimes offer free charging stations. In the evening, drivers can plug their car into a normal power socket at home. And while the battery is charging overnight, they are even saving money in their sleep. Less than one Euro worth of electricity yields 100 kilometres of driving! A canny investment, as Schrank tells his customers. If they drive 100 kilometres a day, they save around 3,000 Euros a year in fuel costs. But there is a fly in the ointment. Electric cars are still more expensive than their combustion engine

BUSINESS

DID YOU KNOW:  The ﬁrst electric vehicle, developed in aberdeen, dates back as far as 1839? The ﬁrst car with a combustion engine was built in 1886. in 1900, 38 per cent of all US cars were electric, 40 per cent were steampowered and only 22 per cent used petrol.

FACTS & FIGURES:

 One year ago, there were just over 9,000 publicly-accessible charging points for e-cars. By 2017, this ﬁgure is expected to have more than doubled.  in Monaco, the percentage of registered electric cars is more than three times higher than in France.  This is because Monaco’s small size is ideal for e-cars and the state grants buyers higher subsidies (up to 10,000 euros). Several smartphone apps, such as chargemap.com, show drivers the closest charging points.

counterparts. A starter model from the small car range costs around 20,000 Euros. The slightly futuristic-looking BMW i3 is a bestseller. The model combines driving comfort and high-class features with enough space for four persons plus baggage. The pricetag: 50,000 Euros. Nowadays, there are many charging stations throughout the Alpes-Maritimes region. Even the mayor of the ski-region, Valberg, drives an electric vehicle, the men at GoElectrix mention, as they continue their sales pitch. All big insurers accept electric cars and offer policies up to 30 per cent cheaper. Accidents are less dangerous than in a traditional car, because the material is more robust, they add. Used and serviced regularly, e-cars have a long lifespan. And France is even discussing an attractive special rate for electric vehicles on its motorways. A great opportunity to experience electric cars and feel what they’re like to handle firsthand is with a test-drive. The Ever convention will be held in Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum from the 6th to the 8th of April. Visitors will be able to test-drive eco-friendly cars and find out all sorts of information on renewable energy. As with every year, GoElectrix will be there as well.

164RTIMES_40.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:03 Page40

RIVIERA

BUSINESS

 FIRST TOURISM INDUSTRY CONVENTION AIMED AT ‘REINVENTING’ THE FRENCH RIVIERA.

700 PROFESSIONALS MOBILIZED FROM ACROSS THE REGION

I want the Côte d'Azur brand to be constantly reinvented, so that this region of brightness and creativity can oﬀer tourists something innovative, bold, and buoyant.

I want the Côte d'Azur brand to be constantly reinvented, so that this region of brightness and creativity can offer tourists something innovative, bold, and buoyant. We must have cooperation between tourism infrastructure and the events calendar, between the territories, from the sea to the mountains, and to put this experience at the heart of all stays in the region”. It was with these words that David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and President of Comite Regional de Tourisme Cote d’Azur (CRT), launched the inargural meeting. A number of new initiatives were decided upon, including creating a dozen exciting new official sports and cultural events, to enhance the attractiveness and quality of events on the French Riviera. Other

“

new CRT concepts given the green light include creating a host of sports tourism charter services, to improve the reception of sporting figures and their families. A new ‘Events, Sport and Culture’ group will help devise holidays and breaks based upon the aforementioned themes, as well as to work on promoting it. New multimedia communications campaigns will be used to promote it. Furthermore, a Convention Bureau Côte d’Azur will add further impetus to the Business Tourism sector. David Lisnard also announced his intention to file an application with the Ministry of Tourism for a destination contract ,“Côte d’Azur, terre d’événement”, to mobilize the most cutting-edge talents in the French Riviera working in the fields of professional events (business tourism), sport and culture. 

MONACO CELEBRATES REINFORCED TIES WITH THE UK s we move into 2016, Monaco is looking forward to even greater cooperation with the UK in the business realm. 2015 concluded with a strengthening of existing ties with Great Britain, including the popular #ConnectingToMonaco event at the Royal Automobile Club in London. Around 70 figures from leading British and Monegasque enterprises at-

tended the event, featuring thematic roundtables, highlighting the exceptional advantages of investing in Monaco. The round tables were chaired by Michael Skapniker, the famous Financial Times columnist. The operation was organized by by Monaco Invest in partnership with the DTC Monaco and the Monégasque des Activités Financières (AMAF), with the va-

luable assistance of the Embassy of Monaco in London and supported by the presence of the Ambassador, Evelyne Genta, and the Monegasque Government’s Advisor on Finance and the Economy, Jean Castellini. Attendees included Stéphane Garino (Institute of Chartered Accountants and Auditors of Monaco), Oliver-Tim Rott (Monaco Private Equity & Venture

Capital Association), Patrick Churchill (Churchill Capital Ltd.), Francesco Grosoli (Barclays Wealth & Investment Management), Tony Henry (Cambridge Strategy), Hervé Ordioni (Monegasque Association of Financial Activities), Nathalie Tanzi (Tempest Monaco Legal Services) and Gregory Moscato (International University of Monaco). . 

164RTIMES_41.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:04 Page41

164RTIMES_42-43.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:04 Page42

riviera

BUSINESS

164RTIMES_42-43.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:04 Page43

riviera

BUSINESS IN THE DNA By MaLTe rOHWer-KaHLMaNN

if any enterprise understands staﬀ motivation and communication, it’s Sixt, with its 4,000 employees worldwide. regine, erich, alexander and Konstantin Sixt were all present throughout the company’s 19th world congress that was held in Monaco at the beginning of December, and clearly form a united and close family unit. What’s more, the well-organised Annual Global Convention took place under the patronage of Prince albert ii of Monaco.

in 2012, Sixt celebrated its 100th anniversary. in 2014, the company recorded the most successful ﬁnancial year in its history. according to erich Sixt, group pre-tax proﬁts increased by 14.1% compared to the previous year, reaching €157 million. This was largely driven by strong growth abroad, which also helped sales to rise by 8.6% to €1.8 billion. Sixt is now represented in 105 countries worldwide either by its own branches or through franchise partners.

Main photo COLOURFUL CONFETTI FALLS AT THE GALA EVENT IN THE SALLE DES ETOILES DES SPORTING D’ETÉ © Peter Seyfferth Photo, left YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP: ERICH SIXT (CENTRE) WITH MARINA AND HANS-JÜRGEN BÄUMLER © Peter Seyfferth Photo, far left APPLAUSE FOR THE MUSICIANS AND REGINE SIXT IN THE CATHEDRAL IN MONACO © Peter Seyfferth

he annual world congress of one of the planet’s most famous car rental companies, Sixt, took place for the 19th time this year, with Monaco chosen as the host city for the second time running. Around 500 selected employees and partners from all over the globe took part in the four-day event. The positive atmosphere and good humour of the participants was clearly apparent at the event, as was the intention of the company to further expand its position as one of the leading mobility providers worldwide. Sixt once again presented itself as a master of employee motivation, under the motto: “We are a family and together we will succeed!” The occasion was used to bring franchise partners up to date and provide them with a deeper insight into the Sixt world. The personal involvement of Regine, Erich and their sons Alexander and Konstantin also lends a certain credibility that is often lost in today’s business life. It was undoubtedly a big show, but many smaller gestures provided a human touch, such as the way that CEO Erich Sixt tenderly put his arm around his wife after her moving speech at Monaco Cathedral. Or the 500 candles lit for the gala evening, each bearing the handwritten name of a guest. Or the words of Regine Sixt, who said: “There is no success without heroes who are prepared to go that extra mile.” Of course, how to increase sales and improve quality next year were still the main themes of the congress. Erich Sixt told the assembled employees: “The customer is the boss! We must do everything to keep them happy.” Regine Sixt opened the event at the Grimaldi Forum and welcomed Monaco’s Minister for Finance and the Economy, Jean Castellini, and tourism director Guillaume Rose, among others. As well as numerous workshops, the programme also included a dinner at the elegant MoncoYacht Club and an impressive closing gala with the Sixt Glory Awards ceremony and a shower of confetti in the Salle des Etoiles. However, the emotional high point was the concert in the Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral in Monaco’s old town. Princess Grazia Patrizia and Prince Rainier III were buried in this holiest shrine in the principality. Probably never before has a private company been permitted to organise an event here but Regine Sixt succeeded in obtaining approval to hold a classical concert there. Artists such as the well-known opera singer, Lucia Alberti, performed works from Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi and others for the benefit of her “DryingLittle Tears” children’s fund. When the boys’ choir, “Les Petits chanteurs de Monaco”, sang Silent Night in German, the congregation was deeply moved. But there was more to come: hot mulled wine was served at the end of the concert in front of the cathedral. Only someone like Regine Sixt can make something like this happen. Because one thing is for certain: ‘vin chaud’ has never been served in front of the cathedral in the entire history of the Principality . 

The Sixt family shows oﬀ its strength at the company’s 19th world congress in Monaco

BUSINESS

164RTIMES_44.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:04 Page44

RIVIERA

SPIRITUALITY

Eckhart Tolle’s NEW YEAR, editor presents NEW START…? Abandon the concept of New Year’s Resospirituality lutions and change your mindset: Victoworkshop ria Ritchie shares Eckhart Tolle’s advice Close friend and advocate of worldfamous author returns to Riviera Victoria Ritchie, Eckhart Tolle’s friend and editor, is a regular visitor to the Côte d’Azur. And on 8 and 15 February, she will be hosting two mini workshops in Monaco and Nice. ckhart Tolle is perhaps best known as the author of New York Times Best Seller, The Power of Now, and A New Earth: Awakening to your Life's Purpose, which sold an estimated 3 million and 5 million copies respectively in the USA alone by 2009. Approximately 35 million people participated in a series of webinars with Tolle and television talk show host Oprah Winfrey in 2008, and in 2011, he was ranked by the Watkins Review as the most spiritually influential person in the world. Victoria Ritchie has been a direct student of Eckhart Tolle's since 2000. She works with Eckhart as his editor and travels the world, sharing his work in a in a simple, easy-to-understand format. The seminars are entitled ‘Acceptance: How Bad Turns into Good Through the Power of Non-Resistance’, and ‘Finding who you truly are: Being Rooted in Being, Instead of Lost in Your Mind’. We caught up with Victoria in Nice for a quick chat to find out more...

Victoria, do you come to the Côte d’Azur often, or is this your first time here? This is probably about my eighth time on the Riviera, I usually come in the autumn and also during the last week of January or during February. I came here originally to go to school to learn French and started to meet people, and liked it here, so I continued to come back. Now it’s like my second home! There’s something about this land, the sea, its beauty, that just draws me. I’ve lived in England and in Denmark before, but there is something special here that speaks to me and to my soul...

How open do you find the people here are to the teachings of Eckhart Tolle? I’m used to presenting workshops in California: In California, there is so much spirituality teaching going on and so many possibilities for spiritual development that many people have been involved in it for 30-40 years; it’s just saturated there. But over here, people are just discovering spirituality and so it’s really exciting to talk to them about it. Tolle is a very well known teacher internationally, so I find people are very open to these seminars. 

for successfully bringing about lasting improvements to your life. olle is the most popular spiritual teacher on the planet today, save for the Dalai Lama; who is perhaps considered more of an ‘inspirer’ and icon than purely a teacher. Victoria Ritchie met Eckhart in London in the late 1980’s, they became friends and she went on to assist Eckhart by editing several of his books. With Eckhart’s endorsement she has been sharing his teachings around the world since 2002, including regular guest appearances on the French Riviera. As we move into 2016, many people have made New Year’s Resolutions in an attempt to bring about positive changes into their lives, from quitting smoking to signing up to those zumba classes. But the results are often transitory, and by the summer, if not sooner, are usually long-forgotten. Victoria explains that using Tolle’s teachings, harnessing the power of the immediate moment can bring long-term benefits and more deep-seated fulfillment. “Though in deepest reality we exist in a timeless realm, most of us sense and celebrate a new beginning when we turn our calendars over to January 1st,” Victoria says. “Often it’s a time of reckoning and taking stock as we note how our lives are unfulfilling or could be improved. Certain resolutions are made to bring about what is perceived as positive change. Though well-intentioned, these resolutions are often short-lived”. So what might Tolle suggest to anyone wanting to make lasting changes? “Tolle might tell us that we can immediately change our lives for the better by becoming friends with the Now. Our relationship with the present moment is the key to defining our relationship with life itself. Because we are nearly constantly lost in thoughts of the past and the future, we are totally overlooking the beautiful present moment in which we are actually living,” explains Victoria. “A virtual mind reality is in fact claiming our vital energy - the result is that we are missing our lives: Quite absurd, really. For most people the Now is simply seen as a stepping stone to a more important, relevant or interesting future moment. In reality, however, the only true life exists in this Now. This is the secret that all great spiritual masters have known and practiced. It is the key to happiness, fulfillment, good relationships, satisfying work, and true authenticity”. Indeed, as Tolle himself says: “Become friendly toward the Now. Welcome it no matter in what disguise it comes, and soon you will see the results. Life becomes friendly toward you; people become helpful, circumstances cooperative. One decision changes your entire reality. You will need to make that one decision again and again - until it becomes natural to live in that way.” Victoria concludes: “This is the best New Year’s Resolution you could make, it will change your life radically and delightfully. Come into the Now, come fully shining into your life. This could be your best year ever!. 

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:05 Page45

RIVIERA

How the Prince’s childhood dream turned into a world-renowned event By MALTE ROHWER KAHLMANN Photos CHARLY GALLO CENTRE DE PRESSE MONACO

MONACO

MONTE-CARLO CIRCUS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY rince Rainier was 51 when he established the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival in 1974 - an accomplished man at the peak of his career. But it seems he had always cherished one of his childhood dreams. The circus fascinated him to his dying day. In April 2005, only three months before his death, the visibly frail monarch awarded that year’s winners the Clown d’Or - the Golden Clown, as he always did. The 81year-old Prince had tears in his eyes, as the audience rose from their seats and applauded him.

 CONTEST

2016 IS HERE TIME FOR TRANSFORMATION!

Interior designer Simone Steuten of SIM'S & JAY'S Interior Experts specialises in creating interior design to measure. We are giving away a voucher for an exclusive one-day on-site consultation for your home.

Want a change, but not sure how? Looking to relax in your surroundings? Wishing for an environment that renews your energy, tailored to your needs? Or maybe something designed in a Mediterranean style? Perhaps a complete overhaul? Or maybe you fancy a change of scenery? Take the opportunity for advice on colour, space organisation, means, materials and accessories. This voucher corresponds to a value of 1250, - Euro. A pay-out of the coupon is not possible. Graphic services are not included. The decision is final. The voucher is valid for 3 months. Only available in the Côte d'Azur and Monaco!

To participate in the contest, please send an e-mail with your contact information with the subject "Interior Design" to marketing@riviera-press.fr. Submission deadline is 29 February.

SIM’S & JAY’S InTerIor experTS – SIMone STeuTen Tel.: +33 (0)610 610 958 / Info@SIMS-JAYS.de / www.SIMS-JAYS.de

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:05 Page46

RIVIERA

MONACO

No one present will ever forget this emotional moment and will forever bear in mind just how important the circus had always been to him. At the opening ceremony in 1974, he had said: “The circus is a universe of its own, where everything is possible because everything in it is true like in real life.” The Prince himself chose the participants of the first festival and continued to do so for the rest of his life. Alfred Court, a French wild animal trainer, and Charlie Rivel, a Spanish clown, received the Golden Clown back then. But the monarch’s real passion was wild cats. A circus without wild animals was unthinkable for him. He demanded the tamers respected their animals in and outside the circus ring. Thanks to Prince Rainier, conditions for circus animals have noticeably improved over the past few decades. It is partly to his credit that horses are now kept untied in their boxes and elephants are unchained in their stables. Princess Stéphanie, Prince Rainier’s youngest child, was nine in the festival’s founding year. She inherited her beloved father’s excitement for the magical circus world. She has been the Circus Festival’s president for ten years now - a role she takes very seriously. All decisions are run by her and she is on familiar terms with many artists. It almost seems her involvement makes her feel closer to her father. At any rate, she is fighting whole-heartedly to secure the festival’s future. Not surprisingly, her 21year-old daughter, Pauline Ducruet, already chairs the jury of the youth festival, New Generation. Artistic director, Urs Pilz, who has been involved since the early days, is always on hand with help and ad-

CIRCUS ANIMALS: IS IT CRUELTY? An interview with artistic director, Urs Pilz fortunately, this does not work everywhere. In Monaco we only accept animals that are monitored by the states where they perform. That works quite well. I’m close to tears when I see magniﬁcent tigers in a circus ring or a cage...

Mr Pilz, animal rights activists have been protesting against elephant shows and other wild circus animals for years, denouncing their use as animal cruelty. Is it also the case in Monaco? Yes, there were also a few protests in Monaco. Times have changed. In the past, it was normal to have wild animals in the circus ring. But now there is a debate around the subject, which is only partly right. It is important that the animals are treated in the right way, respecting the regulations and laws in the different countries. You rarely see performances with monkeys or bears nowadays. But wild animal performances are the most popular, even more so than artistry and comedy. Prince Rainier and Princess Stéphanie are certainly right by saying, the circus without animals is not the circus. And who controls that? Official veterinarians in the country that hosts the circuses are responsible. They need to make sure circus owners stick to national animal welfare laws. Un-

I understand that but it is not right. These animals have never known the wild and could not survive there. Wild cats - especially lions - barely move in the wild. With professional animal tamers like my son-in-law Martin Lacey Jr, they find affection, food, and become part of a family. They are downright spoiled. But isn’t circus life unnatural for wild animals? Unnatural? This is getting out of hand. Just think of horses, birds, dogs… No, the animals do not suffer - they lead a peaceful life. They are also cared for when they are older. How do you see the future of the circus? The spirit of the times means that certain animal performances will no longer exist in the future. But in other disciplines, artists are more and more striving for perfection at the highest level. Nowadays, the circus is the only form of live entertainment for the whole family. That is why we look ahead with great confidence, with regards to the circus based on the three pillars: artistic performances, comedy and animals.

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:05 Page47

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR OPEN SOURCE HR SOFTWARE

3.5

MILLION USERS GLOBALLY

Start-up, SME, Global enterprises, whichever one you may be, OrangeHRM offers you flexibility and freedom to select from free and paid versions of OrangeHRM backed with specialized expertise.

OPEN SOURCE

PROFESSIONAL

ENTREPRISE

COMMUNITY EDITION

EDITION FOR SME’S

FOR MULTI NATIONAL CORPORATES

 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION  RECRUTEMENT  ONBOARDING AND OFFBOARDING

 PERSONNEL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT  PERFORMANCE  ASSET TRACKER

 LEAVE / PTO MANAGEMENT  TIME & ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT  TRAINING

22 boulevard Princesse Charlotte 98000 Monaco + 33 825 590 589 / www.asteria-mc.com

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 21:52 Page48

RIVIERA

MONACO

Baby and Népal: the elephants’ fate moved the public in 2012. They were to be put to sleep due to suspected tuberculosis. In the end, Princess Stéphanie saved their lives by repatriating them to Roc Agel, the Grimaldi family’s 50 hectare estate near Monaco. The princess loves elephants - both in the wild and the circus, given they are held appropriately. © Charly Gallo, Centre de Presse

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 21:47 Page49

164RTIMES_45-50.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 21:53 Page50

RIVIERA

MONACO

vice. Prince Rainier hired the Swiss as a neutral advisor to keep him in the loop about everything (see interview in the box). Today, the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is the most renowned in the world with televised shows being broadcast to 50 countries. The fiercely contested Golden Clowns have become the circus equivalent of the Oscars. Performing here is the highest honour for top international artists. The festival was cancelled only twice: in 1982, when Princess Grace Patricia died in a car accident and in 1991, when the Gulf War was raging. This year, the Monte-Carlo Circus Festival will be held in Fontvieille Chapiteau from 14th to 24th of January. There will be no jury and no competition. Instead, in keeping with its motto “The Best Of The Best Artists of the Last Years”, the 30 best performances so far are set to put on a truly unique show. Golden Clown winners such as Alexis Gruss and Flavio Togni and their horses, the Casselly family and their elephants or Martin Lacey jr. and his lions are bound to captivate the audience. And the performance featuring cows, pigs, geese and goats presented by clown Bello Nock will provide a circus experience out of the ordinary. A first: the Golden Gala will see artists from different disciplines perform simultaneously on the 19th of January. For instance sixteen Chinese ‘diabolo girls’ will share the circus ring with the world’s best juggler, Kris Kremo; Alexis Gruss and Italian Flavio Togni will come together with their magnificent troops of horses, 30 from different breeds, for the grand finale at the gala performance on Tuesday 20th January. On the 16th of January from 2.30pm, a colourful parade will take to the streets of Monaco. It will head to Palace Square, where artists and animals will put on a show to remember. 

164RTIMES_51.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:05 Page51

RIVIERA

THE IRELAND FUND OF MONACO Supporting the Principality’s Irish heritage By NICOLE RUSKELL

ince the fairy tale union of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly, Ireland and Monaco have had a special connection. Princess Grace’s Irish heritage permanently linked the two countries and to this day, Monaco supports Irish culture and organisations. The Ireland Fund of Monaco (IFM) is one of these organisations. Part of the larger Worldwide Ireland Fund (a Non-Governmental Organisation that supports Irish endeavours throughout the world), the Monaco chapter is one of the largest private funding sources for the entire organisation. The first Ireland Fund was founded in 1976, by Sir Anthony O’Riley, Irish Ambassador to the United States. He had three goals: to further Irish peace, culture and charity. Today, The Ireland Fund has grown to include chapters in 12 countries and has raised over

Photo, above ALI HEWSON BONO; ADI ROCHE; BRIAN LONG; OLIVIA GAYNORLONGPRESIDENT OF CCI; PRESIDENT OF THE IRELAND FUND OF MONACO; IMELDA MAY

MONACO

$500 million for Irish programmes throughout the world. One of The Ireland Fund’s own programmes, ‘Music Generation,’ ensures children across Ireland have access to music education, no matter where they live. The programme is close to the heart of Irish rock band U2, who generously donated €3 million to ensure its success. Locally, the IFM supports the work of the Princess Grace Irish Library and funds one month residency grants for visiting Irish writers. But their biggest events are the glamorous charity galas, which have raised millions of euros for Irish philanthropic endeavours. Working closely with Prince Albert II, IFM supports the Princess Grace Humanitarian Award, which acknowledges outstanding achievement in the field of human rights, social justice, education and humanitarian action. Prince Albert II said of the award: “In creating the Humanitarian Award in the name of Princess Grace, the Ireland Fund of Monaco not only perpetuates the memory of my mother, it also pays tribute to her Irish ancestry, of which she was so proud. Throughout her life, my mother cared deeply about the needy and the underprivileged. This award is a reminder of her profound concern for others.” Bono, the lead singer of U2, is an active supporter of The Ireland Fund. He was recently in Monaco at the IFM’s charity gala, honouring the humanitarian work of the woman behind Chernobyl Children International (CCI), an Irish charity helping the victims of the Chernobyl disaster. The founder of CCI, Adi Roche, has been dedicated to helping sick children since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. She founded CCI in 1991, with programmes to house and care for sick children and families in the affected areas. Bono’s wife, Ali Hewson, joined CCI in 1993. She and Adi Roche produced the critically acclaimed Black Wind, White Land—the first documentary that exposed the world to the detrimental effects of nuclear fallout. Through their efforts, CCI has raised over €100 million, providing homes and life-saving surgeries for children in the Ukraine. Both women were presented with the Princess Grace Humanitarian Award. Prince Albert II usually presents the award, but due to the terrible storms of 3 October, he was unable to attend. In his absence, Bono had the pleasure of presenting the award himself. In her acceptance speech, Adi Roche said: “We are eternally grateful to The Ireland Fund of Monaco, to Prince Albert and to so many people who have supported us here tonight. We accept the award in the name of the Children of Chernobyl who are so often forgotten and relegated to history but who are still very much a part of the unfolding tragedy that is Chernobyl.” The lavish gala, which included traditional Irish dancers and musical performance by Imelda May, raised €300,000 for the charity. According to CCI, the funds will go towards building new houses and pay for life-saving surgeries for children. 

164RTIMES_52.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:06 Page52

RIVIERA

MONACO

 PEaCE and sPoRt intERnational foRuM

GIVING HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE he Eighth international forum Peace and sport was held in Monaco in the presence of Prince albert ii of Monaco. three days of thought-provoking debate helped Peace and sport participants draw up an action plan for the future and open up new, constructive lines of debate where everyone - from sportsmen and women to political leaders, associations and foundations - were able to make their contributions.

the atrocities in Paris that took place in december were on everyone’s minds as the forum began. "when it comes to those who want to destroy what brings us together, our best response is to unite. this is what we have done during these past three days; emotionally and sometimes with a heavy heart, but also in a fighting spirit,” said Joel bouzou, President and founder of Peace and sport. “like with a family that has just gone through a blow, we had to find our way, and can be proud of having made progress together once again, for through our exchanges, our testimonies and our commitments, the idea that sport can contribute to sustainable peace, even in this context, prevails”.

 Royal twins’ fiRst biRthday

PRIVATE ‘FAMILY’ CELEBRATION FOLLOWS PUBLIC FESTIVITIES roud parents Prince albert ii of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene celebrated the first birthday of their twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, on 10 december. Reflecting the colours of the national flag, the adorable twins were decked out smartly; Gabriella in a red and white striped skirt, and Jacques in a cute red and white waistcoat. their mother was as resplendent as ever, in a white lace top and white trousers, accented by some fashionable red lipstick and a beaming smile. Meanwhile the devoted father, Prince albert ii, was dressed in a white shirt and trousers, complemented by a red tie and navy blazer. the colour-coordinated family happily posed for photos at the pu-

 17th MontE CaRlo "ZERo EMission - no noisE" Rally

A FUTURISTIC CHALLENGE!

the 2015 forum was marked by a March for Peace attended by Prince albert ii of Monaco, many politicians and international leaders, sports champions such as Chris froome, Paula Radcliffe, sergei bubka, Pernilla wiberg and around a thousand members of the public. Partnerships signed with the international school sport federation and uEfa foundation for Children will work in depth on concepts discussed at the event, held in november. 

blic celebration, but were careful to ensure they also enjoyed some private family time. “it was wonderful. we had a little bit of a public celebration with some school children and some people from Monaco at the marketplace and we also had, of course, a private celebration…they're wonderful, wonderful babies. they're doing very well and we're very, very proud of them,” said the Prince, who made time out of his busy schedule to also enjoy a private family birthday with the twins. speaking to People magazine in advance of the celebrations, he said: “i’ve set the day aside, i've no other appointments, we just want the family time. i want to take some pictures, some movies of them, so it's just going to be a family day.” 

oin the fia and the Principality of Monaco's exciting programme of events from 13 to 16 october 2016 for the 17th Monte Carlo “ZEnn”Rally (Zero Emissions - no noise). this bold and innovative event demonstrates a true “pioneer spirit”, whilst showcasing future technologies – and let’s not forget it’s also an incredible opportunity for adventure. the concept of the rally was founded back in January 1911, when the first edition of the Rallye automobile Monte-Carlo was organized with the aim of demonstrating how we could cross Europe with a car using four wheels, rather than being towed by horses! 

164RTIMES_53-54.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:06 Page53

RIVIERA

THE GENIUS OF LE CORBUSIER Exploring the fascinating world of the artist, architect, writer and urban planner By SARAH HYDE

ART & CULTURE

www.lastcallforcaviar.com

PASSION INTRIGUE BETRAYAL

It’s 2019, humanity is imperiled: governments and kingdoms are toppling, societies collapsing. escribing drawing as an addiction, it was something Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier, did regularly throughout his life. Stating in 1962 “The drawing itself is an impartial witness and the driving force of the creator,” drawing was described as a game. Taking one form and making it into another, making up the rules of transformation as he went along, inviting the viewer to try and understand them. It is wonderfully reassuring to see how hard the young CharlesÉdouard Jeanneret-Gris worked. Some of the early works are painful. One can almost feel his frustration in his attempts to get the lines right in his early drawings. He developed slowly and clarity and confidence arrived in an idealistic collaboration with Amédée Ozenfant. Cubism was rejected and Purism was born. Le Corbusier began to understand and master both drawing and composition. Working intensely on the interrelationship between objects, overlapping outlines and layering shapes upon shapes. Playing with transparency, colour, shadow, collage, void and texture. These devices were used to transform still life objects into new, curious, clean, almost systematic compositions. This was a formative period that would influence his work for the rest of his life.

Cataclysmic events roil the planet. In the heavens, a dim red star brightens in the night sky, heralding epochal change. Are we the architects of our own demise? Or are we merely bystanders to cosmic events? Among the endangered billions, Maya Jade, an American trapped in the

South of France, is searching for answers while fighting to stay alive. Set on the decadent and treacherous Cote d’Azur, Last Call for Caviar and its sequel, Maya Rising, by author, Melissa Roen, chronicle an uncannily realistic future that is as fierce as it is fabulous.

For further information and where to buy the books, please visit:

www.lastcallforcaviar.com ALSO AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

164RTIMES_53-54.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:06 Page54

RIVIERA

ART & CULTURE

New perspectives on Cocteau A new exhibition in Menton at the Cocteau Museum’s Séverin Wunderman Collection reveals a fresh insight into the artist. The Belgian collector, Wunderman, was a huge aficionado of the late French writer, director and painter (1889 - 1963). As such, throughout his life he collected a series of works by, and information about, his idol. These include several portraits of the genius from the pen of other iconic figures including Andy Warhol. This current exhibition brings into focus, in an impressive way, the special re-

Le Corbusier engaged passionately with the artistic movements of his day and his works are littered with the visual clichés of this time, pipes, guitars and spectacles. However, within the works, you find flashes of Le Corbusier’s own genius and this is where the real pleasure in this exhibition lies. Relating one shape to another, finding new forms within forms. Working on them again and again until perfection was achieved. Search carefully and you will find the same elements of awe inspiring beauty that define his buildings and furniture. As the work becomes more figurative, the influence of Picasso is clear. Corbusier adored the female form, creating a perky, stylized representation of women, made of composite shapes and outlines. He continued to create works at the height of his success. This intimate exhibition of drawings at the Musée Picasso Antibes explores the private side of his work, providing a rare insight into the development of the genius architect. During his lifetime these drawings were kept in two watch chests in his studio, rarely shown in public, and it is only since his death that they have been fully explored. Taken entirely from Le Corbusier Fondation, this show marks 50 years since Le Corbusier’s unfortunate death in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin in 1965. Towards the end of the exhibition, the series of six works created in Chandigarh, using white on white collage, radiate the lighthearted and playful joy of a man who has finally become an undisputed master.  Closed on Mondays. Opening hours are from 10.00am 12.00 noon and 2pm to 6pm

lationship between the artist and his collector. An exhibition running until 3 April about Rudy Ricciotti, the architect of the new Cocteau Museum – is showing in the "Bastion" at the Museum of Menton, which was dedicated to the most famous newcomers the town since 1967. Also on display there are works that Cocteau bequeathed to the city. 

164RTIMES_55-56.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:06 Page55

riviera

LIFESTYLE

FLYING IN STYLE TO NEW YORK After nearly 70 years of summer service between Nice and New York, Delta has extended the route year round and invested billions of dollars in their New York terminal. There’s never been a better time to jet oﬀ the the Big apple!

m ruined. Over the last ten years of frequent international travel, I’ve gotten used to 6am flights, 15kg bag limits (including weighing my bag to the gram and taking out an extra shirt to avoid stern reprimand and accompanying fees), packing a lunch to ensure decent food and learned to tune out incessant on-board sales pitches. And don’t get me started on flying home to the US, with tight connection times, running through airports and spending hours in the customs line. Then I flew Delta One, which has ruined me forever. I can never go back to that cattle herding way of travel. To begin with, Delta’s direct flight from Nice to New York JFK is a breeze. In only eight hours and 39 minutes, I landed in New York with time to check-in to my hotel and make dinner reservations. No

I’

connections, no layovers, no running. The Nice-New York route has been in service for decades, almost seven, in fact. But previously, the service had only been available during the summer season. So if you had a business meeting in January, or you wanted to jet over for New Years Eve in Times Square, you used to have to go through Paris. But this year, Delta has extended the service year-round, with four flights to New York a week from Nice in the winter and daily flights in the summer. Delta One is their all-encompassing, premium programme that takes care of you from start to finish. And it starts before even arriving at the airport. Considering the traveller every step of the way, Delta makes sure they schedule comfortable flight times. Which means there’s no need to arrive at the airport at 4am. Big plus. And after arrival, there is a separate, priority check-in desk, where luggage allowances are generous and the service is friendly. But its gets better. Access to Delta’s airport lounge is included with all Delta One tickets. So getting to the airport hours in advance becomes a pleasure. Excellent coffee, fresh juices, pastries, or carefully selected wines and savoury snacks can easily fill you up as you check your emails with their complimentary Wi-Fi. The highlight of the trip to NY is definitely the flight itself. Welcomed with priority boarding, a private cocoon awaits with a fully flat massaging seat, luxurious Westin Heavenly© bedding and a Tumi travel

164RTIMES_55-56.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:06 Page56

riviera

LIFESTYLE

kit. The second I was settled, a glass of champagne was in my hand to accompany me before take-off, and moments after reaching altitude, I was offered a delicious meal, prepared by a chef and paired with wines hand-selected by Delta’s very own sommelier. Personally, I didn’t sleep a wink on my flight over — I was too busy enjoying every minute. From the delicious, five course meal, leisurely served without rush (including a dessert cart with a selection of cheese, petit fours, port and Sauternes; the midflight ice cream cart with chocolate or caramel sauce, raspberry puree, and fresh nuts; and the continuous service of coffee and tea), to the endless offering of on-demand entertainment, I was actually disappointed when we landed! Upon arriving in NY, Delta has streamlined the customs process by investing in new passport scanning machines. But if you hate that room filled with hundreds of people like I do, you will love Delta’s VIP Select service. I was greeted at the gate by Leslie, the super suave VIP Select agent. He met me at the gate and escorted me straight through to customs and right past all those people in line. Nothing makes you feel more like a VIP than having the ropes opened and being led to the head of a very long line. And just like that, my most dreaded part of flying to the US was a non-issue. Like I said, I’m ruined. Delta Airlines has invested over $2 billion in New York in the past few years - yes, billion. $1.2 billion at JFK alone. Chuck Imhof, Delta’s Staff Vice President of New York Sales has made it his mission to ‘win New York.’ And he has accomplished that goal. Today, Delta is New York’s #1 airline, with one in four flights being Delta run or partnered. Mr Imhoff maintains that Delta is an “employee centric company.” He told me: “If you take care of the employees, the employees will take care of the customers.” And it really shows. All of the Delta employees I met with, from corporate level to the service level seem ge-

Photo, left ‘DELTA SKYDECK AT THE T4 LOUNGE AT JFK AIRPORT Photo, below CHUCK IMHOFF, VICE PRESIDENT OF NEW YORK SALES WITH BEATRICE DEROTALIER, SALES MANAGER FOR FRANCE’

MY FAVOURITE AMENITY, HOWEVER, IS THE BIG, BEAUTIFUL PRIVATE BATHROOMS.

nuinely happy to be with Delta. Something that makes all the difference in a service industry. Delta offers their unique VIP Select Service at JFK, a not-so-well-known add-on specialising in elevated personal service, which by-passes queues and gives you the star treatment. They give personal attention every step of the way, with private escort from check-in to the Sky Lounge and then to the gate. And they don’t drive you through the airport in those little carts — no, they drive you across the tarmac in a Porsche (I was offered the choice of a Cayenne or Panamera). And the best part? I’ll let you in on a little secret — VIP Select Service is available to anyone. Whether you’re flying Delta One or regular coach, you can purchase the service. So whether you have a tight connection that requires being driven to your gate, or you prefer to breeze past the 400 people in line for passport checks, or you just want to feel like a ‘baller’, you have the option. On the return to Nice, make sure to plan plenty of time at the airport. Not because of long security lines, but because Delta’s new Terminal 4 lounge is a place to stay a while. With all the investment that has gone into to making Terminal 4 a state of the art environment with the top shops, restaurants and amenities, the Delta Sky Club lounge is their crowning glory. Unique to the JFK Skyclub is their outdoor terrace. The first for an airline lounge, the space is an inviting change, with comfy sofas and an up-close view of the runways. One of the largest airline lounges in the US, it offers something for everyone. Free wi-fi, and numerous charging stations, a full-service restaurant, full bar, free snack buffet and a selection of international newspapers and magazines. My favourite amenity, however, is the big, beautiful private bathrooms. After checking out of my hotel in the morning and spending the entire day running around the city, I enjoyed a nice, hot shower. By simply giving my name to the attendant, I reserved a full, private bathroom with a rain shower all to myself. They provide everything needed, from thick towels to high-end toiletries. I cannot recommend this enough — I’ve never felt so relaxed and refreshed before a flight. Delta’s NY - Nice flights depart at 9:10pm, making sleep much easier on the return. I was ready to put that flat-bed seat and the Westin Heavenly pillow and duvet to the test. One of the best things when sleep is your main goal, is the ‘eat and sleep’ option. I love to eat, and the words ‘skipping a meal’ are not words I like to put together. Fortunately, this option brings all your courses together on one platter, so you can eat up and get to sleep before the others even make it to the second course. And again, I was disappointed when we landed. If you’ve been considering a trip to New York, or anywhere in the world (they offer 64 connections from JFK), Delta has made it easier and more enjoyable than ever. 

164RTIMES_57-58.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:07 Page57

RIVIERA

With four ﬂights a week from Nice, jetting oﬀ to the Big Apple is easier than ever. Nicole Ruskell shares her experience of staying in the new Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

LIFESTYLE

FROM NICE TO THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS alking along the plushly carpeted corridor to my room, jet-lag is inching up my spine and starting to weigh on my shoulders. My drowsiness is making everything slow and I double check my key with the number on the door, not trusting my own mental capacity. Fortunately, the light turns green and I open the door to the most spectacular view of midtown Manhattan’s skyline. Drawn to the windows like a kid to a candy store, the iconic New York skyline is displayed like a three-dimensional postcard. The excitement of standing on the 44th floor, amongst famous skyscrapers from Burberry to 30 Rock, whisks away my jet lag. I’m not in Cagnes, anymore...I’m in New York! At the intersection of 50th and Madison Avenue, the Lotte New York Palace is one of the most exclusive

164RTIMES_57-58.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:07 Page58

RIVIERA

LIFESTYLE

locations in the city. Just around the corner from Saks Fifth Avenue, a few minutes’ walk from Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, the city really is at your fingertips. Entering through the courtyard, it feels as if you are walking back in time. The turn of the century brownstone has been meticulously restored, preserving the details of the Italian villa it was modelled after. The opulent lobby harks back to the days when columns and gold leaf were the mainstays of architecture. But once you get to the rooms, it’s all modern luxury. The Lotte Palace offers some of the most spacious rooms in New York. After the initial overwhelm of the view, I notice my beautiful surroundings, including the large luxurious bed, covered in over-stuffed pillows. A personalised welcome letter, a plate of fresh cookies and two plush terrycloth robes were the finishing touches. Last year, the19th century Villard Mansion was purchased by the Lotte Group, a South Korean hotel company for a record $805 million. The Palace is the luxury group’s first property in the United States, with over 900 rooms, a 7,000 square foot fitness centre and over 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The ‘Towers,’ which rise 55 stories above the original building, offer spectacular views, stunning suites and exclusive amenities (including a separate lobby and check-in desk). According to the managing director, John C. Tolbert, the hotel wants to appeal to every type of traveller, from business travellers to holiday makers, to highend VIPs. He believes a hotel filled with a wide range of clientele makes for a better environment. And connecting with each customer is a top priority. “Our goal is to have our guests fall in love in with one of our staff. If we can have one of them fall in love, they will keep coming back,” he told me. Despite this all-encompassing goal, it doesn’t take long to see they specialise in elite VIP services. They

Photos COURTESY OF LOTTE PALACE HOTEL.

ACCORDING TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, JOHN C. TOLBERT, THE HOTEL WANTS TO APPEAL TO EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER, FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO HOLIDAY MAKERS, TO HIGHEND VIPS.

have numerous suites, but their four ‘signature suites’ give the ultimate ‘wow factor’. The appropriately named ‘Jewel Suite’ (which runs a price tag of $25,000 per night), occupies 5,000 square feet over three levels. It’s a favourite of a Saudi princess. The modern deco apartment was designed with Marvin Katz (a well-known New York jewellery designer). It has floor to ceiling windows, a cascading crystal chandelier and over a million dollars worth of Mr Katz’s most recent collection. But the highlight of the suite is their 55th floor roof-top terrace. Complete with luxury seating and a Jacuzzi, the wrap-around skyline gives the space a magical feel. Perhaps the most exclusive specialty of the New York Palace is the Rarities room. A richly appointed salon in the main mansion, Rarities is only open to invited guests and private members. It offers rare liquors, pre-prohibition spirits, exceptional champagnes, and a ‘connoisseur’s wine cellar’. However, the room is available to book for private functions or to join their ‘curated experiences’ where they bring in master distillers and winemakers. But the Lotte New York Palace is still an affordable hotel (rates start at $250), so whether opting for a suite or one of the standard, spacious rooms, views are breath-taking all around. The upside of my jetlag was awaking at dawn and seeing the rising sun shimmer across the skyscrapers. And a trip to New York isn’t the same without that iconic view! 

164RTIMES_59.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:07 Page59

S O U S

L A

P R É S I D E N C E

D E

S . A . S .

L A

P R I N C E S S E

S T É P H A N I E

PROGRAMME SAISON 2015/2016 jeudi

25 Février

20h30

RÉSERVATIONS : 12 AVENUE D’OSTENDE - TÉL : (00377) 93 25 32 27 - www.tpgmonaco.mc

164RTIMES_60-63.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page60

rIVIera

Expats of the Italian Riviera reveal how it stole their hearts… The Italian village of Vernazza has a long tradition of foreign partnerships. Since the outside world ﬁrst discovered this ‘Pearl’ of the Cinque Terre, women from all over have fallen in love with Vernazza - and its men.

LIFESTYLE

THAT’S AMORE!

By NICOLE RUSKELL

verything is more romantic in Italy. ‘That’s Amore,’ the song made famous by Dean Martin, captures the way Italy can enrapture you in its beauty and seduce you with the ordinary. Simple things like a plate of pasta with beans (when your mouth starts to drool, just like pasta fazul) is just more romantic when served by a cute waiter in a piazza. Vernazza, in particular, seems to have a certain magia for stealing the hearts of those who visit. I should know, it happened to me. Breath-taking views, delicious food, endless glasses of wine, the sound of the sea lapping on the shore and relentless attention from Italian men...who wouldn’t fall in love? Just a three and a half hours’ drive from Nice, the five villages of the Cinque Terre dazzle and delight

164RTIMES_60-63.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page61

rIVIera

LIFESTYLE

lemon, octopus salad, and stuffed mussels; troffie pasta with fresh pesto, a Ligurian specialty, and a whole baked sea bass, filleted at the table. Each course, or portata, was a reason to top up our glasses with the local Vermentino. The only thing as good as the food was the company. We were a mix of locals and expat spouses. Karen, a previous resident of Vernazza, was visiting from Norway with her family. When they were seated at the next table, it was like a family reunion. She leaned over her chair to join our table, spending time with old friends and briefly reliving her life in Vernazza.

"So Nicole, where did you and Leo meet?"

with their colourful buildings clinging to seaside cliffs. The steep mountains are terraced with vineyards, growing the well-suited vermentino, or rolle, as it is known in France. Vernazza, called the ‘Pearl’ of the Cinque Terre, is one of the villages. This special little place has stolen the hearts of thousands of visitors. Many have come. Many have gone. And many have followed their hearts, leaving behind ‘normal’ lives to be with the man they love, and the village they love. It was hot summer evening and the breeze coming from the sea was a welcome relief from the heatwave. I was having dinner with my husband and friends in Piazza Marconi, the main (and only) square in Vernazza. Our evening progressed as most Vernazza dinners do…long into the night. Multiple courses ensued: antipasti of white anchovies in

VERNAzzA, IN PARTICuLAR, SEEMS TO HAVE A CERTAIN MAgIA FOR STEALINg THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO VISIT.

I pointed to a spot a few feet behind her. "Right there," I replied. Simultaneously, my husband pointed to a different spot a few feet behind us and said: "Right over there." We looked at each other incredulously, as if to say, ‘how can you not remember?’ “Well, we met in this general area,” I said, gesturing in a circular motion. We were both convinced in our own recollection of the event, but I conceded to compromise, something that ten years of marriage has taught me well. But how could I be wrong? The night I met Leo is a scene that has replayed in my mind for years - and I’ve been asked to tell the story more times than I care to remember. To be fair, it is a story to make anyone swoon. While studying in Aix-en-Provence in 2002, I took a last-minute trip to Italy with friends, and met Leo by chance in Vernazza’s dimly lit square. He was 24 and didn’t speak English. I was 21 and didn’t speak Italian. But we spent the rest of the night laughing and partying with the locals in an old man’s wine cellar. We drank thick wine that turned our teeth purple, ate salami hanging from the rafters and had a genuinely fun time. The next day, I didn’t go back with my friends. I didn’t make it back to my hotel, either. I wound up dropping out of school and commuting to the Italian Riviera every week. We stayed together, madly in love, and got married with all the fanfare that an Italian wedding can provide. Yes, yes, it’s all very romantic and if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard: "That only happens in fairy tales," I could retire. The truth is, it doesn’t only happen in fairy tales. In this little seaside village, my story is one of many. In fact, the only clichè that fits is ‘a dime a dozen’.

Young Love It happened to Karen, who was leaning over her chair to join us. She was only 17 when she came to Vernazza with her parents in 2006. She didn’t know Ettore, but he didn’t miss her walking by the Blu Marlin Bar. When he shouted ‘Hello’ to her, she didn’t think that ‘incredibly good-looking guy’ could be talking to her. But that night, in the very same dimly lit square,

164RTIMES_60-63.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page62

rIVIera

LIFESTYLE

he asked her out. Karen didn’t go back to Norway with her parents. Instead, she and Ettore fell "crazy in love" and she stayed nearly three months. The following year, she moved in with Ettore and lived in Vernazza for several years. Now 28, this is her first visit since their break-up in 2013. Despite ending the relationship with Ettore, she hasn’t ended her relationship with Vernazza. "I’m going to keep coming back," Karen said. It also happened to Brittany. Intelligent and cheerful, this blue-eyed blonde from Texas was fresh out of university and on track to get her doctorate when she visited Vernazza in 2008. Then she met Alessandro in the very same square, and they were immediately attracted to one another. She fell ‘desperately in love’ and walked away from an academic future for Italian love and village life. Brittany married Alessandro in 2010. Now 29, Brittany runs her own boutique on via Roma.

Photo, right BRITTANY, 28, FELL ‘DESPERATELY IN LOVE’ AND NOW RUNS HER OWN BOUTIQUE IN VIA ROMA

Leaving it all behind Michele, 49, is a fit, no-nonsense woman from California. She fell in love with Vernazza when she first arrived in 1999. Working in film and television for 12 years, she frequently holidayed in Vernazza to escape the traffic and city life of Southern California. "I hated LA. I was tired. The film business wears you down pretty quickly—it was great money—but I didn’t have any quality of life." After meeting Antonio, she realised Vernazza was the only place she wanted to be. "I decided I had to move, and I left it all behind. Happily."

Photo, left MICHELLE, 49, ‘HAPPILY’ LEFT L.A. FAR BEHIND

Now she runs two art galleries with Antonio’s artwork and she loves her life in Vernazza. She revels in the fact that she no longer has a car. She said: "I can walk out my door, walk to work, or walk down to the beach and take a swim. Where else can you do that? There aren’t many places. This lifestyle is a pretty good way of life." Susie agrees. An artist from the uK, Susie arrived in 2001 and instantly knew she had to move to Vernazza to paint. It was her second visit when she met Filippo, another free-spirited artist. The two of them connected immediately. She packed up her life in Brighton, and moved to Vernazza in 2002, the same year I met Leo. She reminisced on her early days: "When I first came, it was a bit dreamy. It was like this idyllic life. I would be painting, and then Filippo and I would go out on the boat. He would fish and I would get inspiration just watching. And then I would go out in the boat and paint at night and it was just lovely." She and Filippo split up over a year ago, but she never considered leaving Vernazza. She continues to paint, loves her gallery and thinks fondly on the ‘chapter’ of her life with him. Eve, 34, is Vernazza’s newest resident. A professional

164RTIMES_60-63.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page63

rIVIera

LIFESTYLE

Country: Italy region: Liguria Commune: La Spezia

Vernazza

Photo, left JEFF, 37, IS ‘THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE’ WHEN IT COMES TO VENAZZA ROMANCES

dancer from Byron Bay, Australia, she has danced on stages from the West End to Broadway. She has just ‘retired’ from her dancing career to start a family in Vernazza. She met Raffaele in 2010, when he was her waiter at Piva’s Restaurant, the same place Michele met her husband. For five years they fought to spend time together, battling visa restrictions, her tour schedule and Vernazza’s tourist season. Now several months pregnant and able to stay, she is adjusting to village life and happy to be with the man she loves. “Together we feel really free. I couldn’t imagine not being with him."

The exception to the rule Jeff, 37, was sitting across from me at the table. A fellow Californian, he breaks the rule of foreign wives with Italian husbands. His wife Michela is a feisty, voluptuous Italian. Never one to play by the rules, she is the only Vernazzan woman who married an American. Jeff first visited Vernazza in 2006, but after he got together with Michela, he was hooked. He travelled back and forth a few times from California, until one time, he just didn’t leave. With a hearty laugh, Michela shared their story: “The first time we met, we didn’t even talk to each other.” Jeff smiled and noded. “We were both sitting in the back of a car, going to a discothèque in Sarzana, and for 45 minutes, we didn’t say one word to each other.” “So how did you get together?” Karen asked. Michela responded with a mischievous grin: “The next time I saw him, I devoured him!”. They married in Vernazza in 2008. I have known eighteen women, from Canada to Kazakhstan, who dropped everything to live in this village. Some of them have left. But those who have stayed, share a love of Vernazza as deep as the love for their partner. That’s Amore... 

The next time I saw him, I devoured him!

Just three and a half hours’ drive from Nice lie the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Famous for its beautiful hiking trails and colourful buildings perched on steep cliffs, the Cinque Terre is a UNeSCO World Heritage site and has become a top destination on the Italian riviera. Vernazza, a village of about 500 residents, lies between Monterosso and Corniglia. The steep mountains that surround the villages are terraced with vineyards, growing the well-suited vermentino, or rolle, as it is known in France. Wine has been an export of the region for centuries. Vernazza’s tourist season runs from March to November. If you plan to visit during the off season, many restaurants will be closed, but one or two remain open in the piazza.

Where to eat:

For breakfast, lunch or a casual dinner, the Blu Marlin Bar serves full english breakfasts, sandwiches and a daily dinner menu. via Roma, 43 Tel. +39 (0) 187 821149 Piazza Marconi is filled with great restaurants with a scenic view of Vernazza and the sea. Have a drink at Bar Ananaso for aperitivo with the setting sun. In the winter months, you will only find Gianni Franzi and Gambero rosso open. exquisite food with exquisite views, Ristorante Belforte is inside the old fortress walls. Specialising in fresh seafood, the catalan or the mixed seafood pasta is a must. The owner, Michela Basso has also won awards for her pesto. With a view of the sea from nearly every table, make sure a meal at Belforte is on your itinerary. During high season, they fill up quickly, so make reservaWhere to stay: tions a few days in adYou won’t find any fivevance! star hotels in Vernazza. Via G. Guidoni, 42 In fact, you won’t find Tel. +39 0187 812222 any hotels. accommodawww.ristorantebelforte.it/en tion is limited to room and apartment rentals Typical dishes: that vary in style and Fresh white anchovies in amenities. airbnb lists most of the available ac- lemon; focaccia; and pesto. Most restaurants comodation. Gianoffer a mixed seafood apniFranzi.it is a local petizer which includes a institution with a restaurant in the piazza selection of stuffed mussels, fresh anchovies and and beautiful breakfast octopus salad. terrace for guests. CinqueTerreriviera.com is a Sciachetrà is a thick, sweet wine made from website in english with many options for places sun-dried grapes. You’ll only find it in the Cinque to stay, as well as local Terre! activities and day trips.

164RTIMES_64-65.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page64

RIVIERA

GOURMET

ITALY’S YOUNGEST MICHELIN STARRED CHEF IS COOKING IN IMPERIA… Photos FABIEN PRAUSS

• … but it looks like he is about to spread his wings • Compared to the close-by Côte d’Azur, Liguria does not boast a great number of Michelin starred cooks: 49 Michelin restaurants (ten with two and one with three stars) on the French side stand against only 11 between San Remo and Ameglia - all with only one star. Petra Hall paid a visit to Augusto Valcelli, head chef in Imperia’s Agrodolce.

164RTIMES_64-65.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:08 Page65

RIVIERA

cross the whole of Liguria, there are only 11 Michelin starred restaurants. A number which makes Augusto Valcelli’s success story even more remarkable. When he was 23, the ambitious Brescian received his first Michelin star and became Italy’s and - according to him - the whole world’s - youngest star cook. But where you can taste the culinary whizzkid’s creations? Simply pop into Agrodolce, a restaurant in one of the pastel-coloured, medieval fisherman’s houses along Imperia’s Oneglia port. But time is of the essence. The chef wants to fly high - Dubai’s Armani restaurant has just made him an offer. One year before he won his first star, he had already become head chef at Agrodolce - despite his young age. But Valcelli does not think much of Imperia, and claims he would never open his own restaurant in the provincial capital. “People here are narrow-minded and don’t understand my cuisine. Generally, Italy is very difficult when it comes to high-level gastronomy. There’s no continuity and costs are too high,” Valcelli concedes. The world is calling. In June 2013 - when he was 22 - he started working for star cook Andrea Sarri, who was running the Agrodolce at the time. A former employer had whole-heartedly recommended him. His parents have a house in Diano Marina, so Valcelli moved from Brescia to Liguria. In December 2013 - just six months into the new job - the owner of Agrodolce asked him to take over as head chef. “A sign of great trust,” Valcelli says casually. “And a great opportunity to express my creativity.” His first week as fledgling head chef certainly was one to remember. “It was a Thursday night usually those weren’t very busy,” he remembers. “A couple came in and ordered a dégustation menu. After they’d had their dinner, my waiter came to me and said: ‘This gentleman wants to talk to you.’ It turned out he was the Michelin inspector, who had brought his wife - completely unusual. ‘I want to pay you a compliment,’ he said. ‘Excellent choice of products and superb technique. I think

GOURMET

OTHER MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS IN LIGURIA: Alassio: Palma Albissola Marina: Ristorante 21.9. Ameglia: Mauro Ricciardi alla Locanda dell’Angelo Arma di Taggia: La Conchiglia Bergeggi: Claudio Cervo: San Giorgio Genua-Nervi: The Cook Millesimo: Locanda dell’Angelo Noli: Il Vescovado Sanremo: Paolo e Barbara

you’ll get your first Michelin star.’ What a wonderful feeling that must have been! “Yes; I want to surprise my guests like this and give to make them feel something,” Valcelli continued. Culinary ‘emotions’ appear in his dreams, just like beautiful women appear in other young men’s dreams. He then makes them become reality in the kitchen. For example, the Il Gambero Rosso e il Kiwi, which comes in three varieties and can be found on his menu as an appetizer for 18 Euros. The recipe for the sauce? Valcelli smiles and gives a knowing look. Well, what kind of innovator would he be if he gave all his secrets away anyway! “The contrast between the sweet San Remo king crab and the sour Kiwi is poetry - I love contrasts,” the head chef continues. Another favourite is his carpaccio made from red tuna or the local palamita. It is paired with a sweet-sour sauce, which contains celery, carrot, onion, red pepper, pine nuts (not Chinese ones), raisins, sugar and white vinegar. And there you go - he did give away a recipe after all. “Yes, because it’s an easy one,” Augusto says with a cheeky smile. Considering the Agrodolce is a Michelin starred restaurant, the prices are not at all excessive. Risotto and pasta ranges from 16 to 20 Euros; meat and fish dishes, such as Trionfo di Pesci e Verdure in Fritto Croccante, cost 18 Euros. And on hot summer days, guests can cool down in the shade of the arcade and enjoy their meal overlooking the sea and the yachts. 

164RTIMES_66.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:34 Page66

RIVIERA

WE RECOMMEND

Fjord trout on ‘Tour de France’ The Norwegian specialty arrives in restaurants in January orwegian fjord trout has conquered France! Throughout January the fish is being introduced to the French public by means of a “Tour de France”: Several small fine dining restaurants in five major cities across the country are offering from January 11 to 24 special fjord trout menus, including some in Nice. "The chefs create their own dishes, where they combine local products in a surprising way with the Norwe-

gian specialty" explains Matthias Bugge. The Norwegian chef is taking his "Flying Culinary Circus" around the world go on a culinary mission. In Nice, he recruited chefs in the participating restaurants, held a product workshop and spread the news amongst the industry, where trout is still something of a rarity. His message: Whether raw, marinated, steamed, fried or grilled - fjord trout is not only cheaper, finer in taste and less

Vivanova Gala Exclusive black tie event

Coming up in March is Club Vivanova’s Luxury Lifestyle Gala Dinner, in association with the Foundation of Prince Albert II of Monaco and VIP partners including Riviera Insider. Join an eclectic group of distinguished international business

leaders for the black-tie charity dinner at one of Monte Carlo’s leading luxury hotels, the Fairmont MonteCarlo. The gala will showcase selected luxury partners along with a contemporary art exhibition of works by local and international artists and sculptors, followed by two haute-couture fashion shows and a jewellery and diamond presentation. The luxury car partner will present a supercar at the Fairmont lobby, where 220 VIPs and guests will be escorted across the red carpet entrance (after a professional photocall) to the 'Salle de la Mer' Ballroom, which offers a breath-taking view over the Mediterranean Sea (unique in the Principality). An exceptional Meilleur Ouvrier de France fourcourse dinner will be paired with a selection of five internationally-acclaimed wines selected by chief sommelier, Massimo Sacco. Later in the evening, a charity auction will be held with donations from partners, in aid of the Foundation of Prince Albert II of Monaco. As a finale, the Club Vivanova 2016 Awards Of Excellence will be presented, followed by a Vitamin Vodka afterparty. Guests wanting to make a special weekend of it can book a preferential room rate at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, with limousine pick-up service.  www.clubvivanova.com

 Flaveur  Le Millésime  Les 2 Canailles  L'Atelier  Nicert Bistro

THESE NICE RESTAURANTS ARE SERVING FJORD TROUT IN JANUARY

fatty than about salmon, but also provides plenty of opportunities for creativity. And hey presto, delicacies like’fjord trout ravioli with smoked bacon’ have been whipped up by the chefs. On the Côte d'Azur, some smaller relatives of trout can be found in the Vésubie River. Therefore, the Norwegian fjord trout is considered something of a speciality, because they grow large in the icy waters of the fjords. The best water has a

high oxygen content, and in Norway's fjords you’ll find the perfect combination of sweet and salty seawater and glacial water. In the future, however, it’s yet to be seen if fjord trout will become a staple dish; much of it depends on the success of the event in January, as Aurélien Nourry, head chef at Millésime, said: “…But at least on special occasions I will order it again.” 

Jacques Gantié’s RESTAURANT RECOMMANDANTIONS Jacques Gantié is the author of the only regional restaurant guide, Guide Gantié, which is available in French in hard copy and electronically in English. It contains hundreds of great insider tips..

TABLE D’EXCEPTION

GRANDE TABLE

TABLE DE QUALITÉ

COUP DE CŒUR

SONG QI Song Qi is a fusion of Asian flavours. Opened last year, it is close to the Grimaldi Forum and the sixth restaurant for the Giraudi Riccardo group in Monaco. At the site of the Italian restaurant Lorenzo, the interior design agency Humbert & Poyet has designed an ultra-chic decor, giving a nod to 1930s Shanghai with green-bronze tones, lacquer panels, marble tables, and velvet armchairs. Alan Yau, from Hong Kong, is a star chef in England and oversees the kitchen. He has pitched Asian concepts such as Wagamama in Britain. With a brilliant menu including crispy duck salad; handmade Lamian noodles and caviar served with steamed prawns and black beans; wok chicken with

scallop sauce, Rose Imperial; raspberry and lychee sorbet. Among the 'signatures' dishes: glazed Shanghai duck - cut tableside – with cucumber and spring onions and the Wagyu grilled beef with soy sauce is perfumed and mean. A flamboyant wine list with some real gems, including some classy grand cru Bordeaux. An attractive and accessible approach to the lunch menu (€ 45), which changes every fortnight (crispy squid salad, ravioli with grilled chicken, Dim Sum, Chinese cabbage, and shrimp. Monaco 7 ave Princesse Grace Tel. +377 99 99 33 33 Dienstags geschlossen

164RTIMES_67.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:32 Page67

RIVIERA

PUBLI-INFO

CAPRICE DU CHEF Oﬀering you the world Laura Seguret qnd her team deliver tasty treats on land and sea, in qnd around Monaco.

Located next to Hercules Harbour in Monaco, Caprice du Chef is a locally owned and operated purveyor of fine goods. Whether supplying yachts or villas, they ensure their customers get the finest food and drink the world has to offer, at competitive prices. The helpful staff, who are fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish, deliver fresh vegetables from Provence, top-quality meat from France and Italy, fresh seafood, artisan pasta, fine spirits and much more. They have a comprehensive selection of fine wines from all over the world and an array of caviar to match. In addition to their supply shop, they offer catering for a variety of needs, from a simple day at sea to a grand gala. Caprice du Chef takes orders 24 hours a day, seven days a week and they strive to deliver within 24 hours. ‘Emergency’ beverages can delivered within a few hours of ordering at no extra cost, if the items are in their warehouse. The expert staff take pride in making their customers happy. If you have needs beyond their offerings, from banking to restaurants, clothes and jewellery, they are more than willing to help. Don’t leave the most important details to just anyone, leave them to the experts!. 

1, CHEMIN DES ŒILLETS 98000 MONACO TEL. +33 (0)6 80 86 29 86 SHOP@CAPRICEDUCHEF.COM WWW.CAPRICEDUCHEF.COM

164RTIMES_68-69.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:09 Page68

RIVIERA

EDUCATION

f course, every parent wants the very best for their child, and when it comes to education, choosing the right school where they will be happy and flourish, as well as encouraged to develop academically, is of paramount importance. When it comes to living in a foreign country, often new expats lack the local knowledge about schools and the education system that people who have been living there for generations have, especially if they are very new to the area. and then there are further issues to take into consideration when choosing a school, such as how well will the child be able to integrate as a foreigner. needless to say, this means expat parents tend to thoroughly research institutions and seek out those with the best reputations. recently, the issue of bullying has been highlighted in the french media. a unicef investigation revealed that one in ten children in france suffer harassment or bullying at school, which encouraged french ministers to take action. at the end of 2015, the minister of education, najat vallaud-Belkacem, rolled out plans for an anti-bullying campaign; the third in four years. it’s always the same story: children deemed as ‘different’ or ‘weak’ in some way is typically the target. according to a report on expatica (expat news website) citing Spain and germany as examples, expat children could be easier targets for bullies for exactly those reasons – they are ‘different’ and they will usually arrive at a new school without knowing anyone. however, here’s the good news: our investigation revealed that the general consensus appears to be that bullying is a fairly rare occurrence in schools on the multicultural riviera, so rates may be lower than in other parts of france. at the various international schools, which have a particular emphasis on promoting cohesion and tolerance, bolstered by pro-active anti-bullying initiatives, it appears that bullying is even rarer than at the public schools, however, naturally, no institution can claim to be entirely immune to the issue. one British parent we spoke to, from the grasse area, told us that her son was bullied at school, which led her to relocate him to an international school. the mother, who declined to be named, said: “my eldest has had problems at school. he was being bullied, and kept moving away from the child bothering him. But as he can't speak enough french yet to say what the matter was, he was the one getting shouted at by the teacher. he was in floods of tears every morning, dreading going to school. “the headmistress was totally ineffectual. nothing changed until a new teacher who spoke english took over. now in class its better, but in the playground it really is like lord of the flies. they are expected to toughen up to survive. that's why i'm moving them to an international school. if there are problems they will at least be understood and the culture is more nurturing.” however, the majority of expat parents on the riviera told us their experiences of schools in the

ENCOURAGING CROSSCULTURAL HARMONY Where education and integration meet By SARAH HARVEY

Several SchoolS in the area told uS their fundamental principleS place great emphaSiS on StudentS Supporting each other region have been positive, whether public or private. a Swedish couple from valbonne told us: “our boys have been to french state school since they were little and i think they are well integrated. most of their friends are french and i think that their language level is quite good.” henrik, plate, a german father of two added: “lennie (now 10) was never bullied by his classmates because of his german nationality - even in the early years when his french was not that good. it was rather the opposite: classmates and teachers showed interest in german culture, he was even asked by his teacher to give a german lesson during regular school time, where he could teach a couple of words and german habits. in fact, i always found that the teachers downplayed the skills of kids with maghrebian background - they also speak two languages, but i felt that was not as much appreciated as lennie's bilingualism. “i guess that one reason for not having any such problem is that the schools are already pretty heterogeneous (with backgrounds from domincan republic and other french overseas territories, and other parts of europe) - at least in nice, it may be different in the hinterland. Several schools in the area told us their fundamental principles place great emphasis on students supporting each other. for example, mr di mauro, assistant head of international Studies at international Bilingual School of provence (iBS), said: “the very first international schools were founded in the aftermath of WWi under the simple, altruistic, and perhaps naïvely

164RTIMES_68-69.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:09 Page69

RIVIERA

hopeful guiding principal that if students of diverse backgrounds live, learn, and grow together, they would be less likely to ever see one another as enemies. any discussion of advantages must begin with an acknowledgement of objectives. the objectives of french schools are to nurture responsible french citizens who can live together harmoniously under the banner of french republican values. the objectives of international schools such as iBS of provence are to prepare young people to be citizens of the world who are open-minded, tolerant, well-rounded, multi-lingual, flexible and independent. “iBS aims to prepare young people to become globally-minded, locally responsible, tolerant, knowledgeable, congenial, multilingual, self-reliant citizens of an increasingly interconnected world. With over 60 nationalities represented at iBS, cultural and religious tolerance and respect are a fundamental part of our philosophy. these values are the tools to creating a more peaceful world in the future.” head of iBS’ lower School, christine Balandier, explained that although of course every school everywhere has incidences of bullying, the rate at iBS is very low – approximately four pupils per year out of the 200 in the lower School which equates to about 2%, compared to the national average of 10%. “When a pupil arrives at an international school they’re all from elsewhere, so in some ways they are almost like an underdog, which means they are less likely to attack

EDUCATION

others,” she explained. “obviously there is bullying at every school, everywhere. But we have over 500 pupils in this school, and it’s very rare. i look after about 200 pupils and would only see about 4 cases per year, and even then, it’s never about great big things. however, we have a very big chain of commitment to deal with it.” She explained that the most effective solution they use is bringing the bully and victim together so the child being bullied can explain how it makes them feel. “We sit them down with us, with us showing the bullied child that they are being supported by us, and we discuss it with them. Sometimes it is done via the internet – for instance, someone calls someone else fat or stupid, but they don’t see the reaction so they don’t know how much it upsets them. We find that when we show the bully the impact of their actions, it usually never happens again. and we then follow up to check the child is okay, several times afterwards. “in addition, we recently had an assembly on the issue of saying things on the internet and social media, giving examples, and then had discussions about the way it made the pupils feel about it. We feel this is the most effective way of dealing with the issue.” no doubt it will reassure many parents that as well as pursuing high levels of academic achievement here, schools have the happiness of the pupils at heart, too. 

164RTIMES_70.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page70

RIVIERA

ADVERTORIAL

MOUGINS SCHOOL: MOVING INTO THE FUTURE Preparing for tomorrow’s world with an education worthy of today 015 has witnessed some dramatic events across the world and, in these troubled and uncertain times, reassurance and stability are important factors that contribute towards the wellbeing of young people. Mougins School provides a caring environment which focuses not only on the academic performance of its students, but also on nurturing individuals and giving them access to a wide spectrum of both curricular and extra-curricular activities such as sport, music, art and theatre. These are areas which encourage confidence building and teamwork, qualities that are essential to the students for preparing them to face the challenges ahead. The school campus is exceptional; custom-built buildings clad in wood, blending into the forested area which is its backdrop. Superb

Photo MOUGINS SCHOOL HAS CREATED A WELCOMING FAMILY ATMOSPHERE WHICH FACILITATES THE STUDENTS’ TRANSITION INTO A NEW SCHOOL.

facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and numerous outdoor areas, catering to the different age groups, all contribute to the wellbeing of both students and staff. The Parent Teacher Association has an important role within the school, both in the organisation of social activities, and assisting with fund-raising and the support of local and international charities. For those parents who are new to the area, the PTA provides a platform for social interaction and, together with the school administration, offers reassuring pastoral care, helping with integration into a new community. The school’s caring philosophy reaches out to those less fortunate and in need. Both the enthusiasm of students and the generosity of parents permits the school to organise a number of fund-raising activities throughout the year, as well as clothing collections for refugees, food for the needy, and toys for sick children. A sensitive awareness of the needs of others is deeply embedded in the school’s values. An international school, catering to over forty nationalities, breaks down the barriers of race and religion and emphasises the value of the individuals working in harmony within a diverse group. Their very differences combine to cultivate their strengths. Mougins School, with over 500 students aged 3 to 18 has, over the fifty years of its existence, created a welcoming, family atmosphere which facilitates the students’ transition into a new school and, very often, a new country. An international education, based on the British curriculum, exposes children to many cultures, thus teaching them that our differences are enriching, and should never be an obstacle. This, surely, is one of the best lessons a child can receive. 

164RTIMES_71.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page71

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MONACO Conveniently situated on the port of Monaco, The International School of Monaco offers: • An internationally accredited bilingual programme where the focus is on students and their learning • Excellent IB Diploma results which are well above the world average and facilitate entry to top universities • A wide variety of extra curricular activities in arts, music and sports which enhance and enrich the academic programme • Modern, spacious facilities including a new Early Years building, a dedicated Science Centre and exceptional library/media resources. To learn what ISM can do for your child, please contact

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MONACO

164RTIMES_72-73.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page72

T H E E V E N T S I N J A N UA RY 2 016

Concerts and shows

Monday 4 at 8pm and Sunday 3 January at 4pm, Grimaldi Forum Monaco: Dance: "CasseNoisette Compagnie" by JeanChristophe Maillot with the Ballets de MonteCarlo company and two stars from the Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Olga Smirnova and Artem Ovcharenko, the Princess Grace Academy and MonteCarlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nicolas Brochot. Information: +377 99 99 30 00 Thursday 7, Friday 8 at 8.30pm, Saturday 9 at 9pm and Sunday 10 January at 4.30pm: Théâtre des Muses: "Nuit gravement au Salut" comedy by HenriFrédéric Blanc. Information: +377 97 98 10 93

Thursday 7 January at 6.30pm, Auditorium Rainier III Troparium: Musical Happy Hour – Chamber music concert by the Archetis Quintet with Mor gan Bodinaud & Claude Costa, violins, Sofia Sperry, alto, Delphine Perrone, cello and Patrick Barbato, double bass. On the programme: Johannes Brahms, Fritz Kreisler and Anton Dvorak. Information: +377 98 06 28 28 Saturday 9 January at 8pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Dance show by the Monaco Rock et Danses association. Information: 06 122 123 84

Sunday 10 January at 6pm, Auditorium Rainier III Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Grande Saison series Symphony concert by the MonteCarlo Philharmonic Or chestra conducted by Alexander Sladkovsky with Vadim Gluzman, violin. On the programme: Elmir Nizamov, Johannes Brahms and Anton Dvorak. Information: +377 98 06 28 28

Monday 11 January at 7pm, Saint Nicolas Church – in the church hall: CinéClub: screening of the film "La parade de printemps" by Charles Walters fol lowed by a debate. Information: 06 80 86 21 93

Tuesday 12 January at 8.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Tout l'Art du Cinéma "Les films de notre vie" series: Screening of "America Ame rica" by Elia Kazan, organised by the Archives Audiovisuelles de Monaco. Information: +377 97 98 43 26 Wednesday 13 January at 8pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Concert by Bettina Aust, clarinet with Robert Aust, piano organised by the Asso ciation Ars Antonina. Information: 06 03 44 20 66. Wednesday 13 January at 8.30pm, Princess Grace Theatre: "The Servant" by Robin Maugham with Maxime d’Aboville, Roxane Bret, Xavier Lafitte, Adrien Melin and Alexies Ribes. Information: +377 93 25 32 27

Thursday 14, Friday 15 at 8.30pm, Saturday 16 at 9pm and Sunday 17 January at 4.30pm, Théâtre des Muses: "Victor Hugo mon Amour" by Anthéa Sogno. Possible performance: Saturday 16 January at 6.30pm. Information: +377 97 98 10 93

Saturday 16 January, from 12 noon to 11pm, Espace Léo Ferré: Dance competition organised by A.S.M. Danse Sportive. Information: +377 06 122 123 84

Saturday 16 January at 8pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Music show in aid of the Association Monégasque des Amis de l’Arche Jean Va nier. Information: +377 98 98 83 47

Monday 18 January at 9pm, Princess Grace Theatre: David Larible in his play "Le Clown des Clowns" in aid of the Baby & Nepal Asso ciation. Information: +377 93 25 32 27 Tuesday 19 January at 7pm, Théâtre des Variétés: To mark the 750th anniversary of the birth of Dante, conversation in Italian about the character of Ulysses in the Divine Comedy with Moni Ovadia on the theme "Le courage d’assumer son propre destin: XXVIe Chant de L’Enfer" with Maurizio Dehò, violin and Nadio Marenco, accordion, organised by the Società Dante Alighieri de Monaco. Information: +377 97 70 89 47

Wednesday 20 January at 4pm, Auditorium Rainier III Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Concert for young people by the MonteCarlo Philharmonic Orchestra conduc ted by Philippe Béran with Jo Bullitt, narrator and Marina Sosnina, sand painting. On the programme: "Pinocchio" by Sergio Rendine. Information: +377 98 06 28 28 Thursday 21 January (gala), Wednesday 27 and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday 24 January at 3pm, MonteCarlo Opera Salle Garnier: "La Wally" by Alfredo Catalani with EvaMaria Westbroek, InSung Sim, Lucio Gallo, Jorge De León, Olivia Doray, Marie Kalinine, Bernard Imbert, the Monte Carlo Opera Choir and MonteCarlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mau rizio Benini, organised by the MonteCarlo Opera. Information: +377 98 06 28 28 Thursday 21, Friday 22 at 8.30pm, Saturday 23 at 9pm and Sunday 24 January at 4.30pm, Théâtre des Muses: "Fabrice Luchini et Moi" by Olivier Sauton. Information: +377 97 98 10 93

Thursday 21 January at 8.30pm, Princess Grace Theatre: "Colorature" by Stephen Temperley with Agnès Bove, Grégori Baquet and Sarah Colas. Information: +377 93 25 32 27 Saturday 23 January at 8pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Concert organised by the Monaco Christian Fellowship. Information: +377 93 25 67 83

Tuesday 26 January at 8.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Tout l'Art du Cinéma "Les films de notre vie" series: Screening of "WeekEnd" by JeanLuc Godard, organised by the Archives Audiovisuelles de Monaco. Information: +377 97 98 43 26

Wednesday 27 January at 4pm, SainteDévote Church: International organ Festival "In Tempore Organi": Concert by Jan Willem Jansen. Information: 01 84 22 98 88 Thursday 28, Friday 29 at 8.30pm, Saturday 30 at 9pm and Sunday 31 January at 4.30pm, Théâtre des Muses: "Des Cailloux plein les Poches" show by Marie Jones. Possible performance: Sa turday 30 at 6.30pm. Information: +377 97 98 10 93

Saturday 30 at 8pm and Sunday 31 January at 6pm, Grimaldi Forum Monaco : Show with Véronic Dicaire. Information: +377 99 99 30 00 Saturday 30 January at 8.30pm, Princess Grace Theatre: "Un Dîner d'Adieu" by Alexandre de la Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte with Eric Elmosnino, Guillaume de Tonquédec and Lysiane Meys. Information: +377 93 25 32 27

Sunday 31 January at 6pm, Auditorium Rainier III Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Grande Saison series Symphony concert by the MonteCarlo Philharmonic Or chestra conducted by JeanClaude Casadesus with Fanny Clamagirand, violin. On the programme: Dominique Probst, Jean Sibelius, Claude Debussy and Igor Stra vinsky. Information: +377 98 06 28 28

Exhibitions

Oceanographic Museum: Exhibition: “Requins, l’expo sensation” / Sharks, a sensational exhibi tion. Information: + 377 93 15 36 00 Until Sunday 20 March, NMNM, Villa Sauber: "LAB: behind the scenes of Monaco’s art musuem". Information: +377 98 98 91 26

Until Friday 8 January, MonacoVille: "Le Chemin des Crèches", (nativity scenes of the world exhibition). Information: +377 92 16 61 16

Friday 15 January at 6pm, Nouveau Musée National (Villa Sauber): As part of the "Lab" exhibition: meeting/conversation on the theme "59 sorties" with Celia Pym, artist. Information: +377 98 98 91 26

Thursday 21 January at 6pm, Nouveau Musée National (Villa Sauber): As part of the "Lab" exhibition: meeting/conversation on the theme "The museum in the age of climate change" with Philippe Rahm, archi tect. Information: +377 98 98 91 26 Thursday 28 January at 6pm, Nouveau Musée National (Villa Sauber): As part of the "Lab" exhibition: meeting/conversation on the theme "Residency Unlimited, an alternative view on artists’ residences" with Nathalie Anglès, founder of Residency Unlimited, NYC. Information: +377 98 98 91 26

164RTIMES_72-73.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page73

Sports

Saturday 9 January, Louis II Stadium: French Football Championship Ligue 1: Monaco Ajaccio. Information: +377 92 05 74 73

Saturday 16 January at 8pm, Louis II Stadium Salle Omnisports: PRO A Basketball Championship: Monaco – Limoges. Information: +377 92 05 40 10 From Monday 18 to Sunday 24 January: 84th MonteCarlo Rally. Information: +377 93 15 26 00

Saturday 23 January, Louis II Stadium: French Football Championship Ligue 1: Monaco Toulouse. Information: +377 92 05 74 73

Saturday 23 January at 8pm, Louis II Stadium Salle Omnisports: France Cup basketball: Monaco Elan. Information: +377 92 05 40 10 From Wednesday 27 January to Wednesday 3 February: 19th MonteCarlo Historic Rally. Information: +377 93 15 26 00

MonteCarlo Circus Festival

From Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 January (Saturday, Monday and Fri day at 5pm, Wednesday and Sunday at 4m) Monaco Port: Cirque Piedon: the smallest circus in France, invited by the greatest international circus festival in the world! Information: +377 06 09 17 21 35

From Monday 11 January to Saturday 13 February, from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 7.30pm, Métropole Shopping Centre: Exhibition of photographs by Alain Hanel on a circus theme. Informa tion: +377 93 50 15 36

From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 January, Espace Fontvieille : 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: The best of the prize winning artists from the last few years. Information: +377 92 05 23 45 From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 January, Riviera Marriott Hotel: Exhibition by artists Claude Gauthier, Thierry Mordant and Roberto Rosello on a circus theme. Information: 04 92 10 67 67

From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 January, Columbus Hotel: Exhibition by artists Igor Akimov, Dominique Avigdor, Pierre Assemat, Toly Castors, Nathalie Chabrier and Petit Gougou on a circus theme. Information: +377 92 05 90 00 From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 January, Fairmont hotel: Exhibition by artists Jacques Cinquin, Rolf Knie, Quirin Mayer, Nall, Jacques Reboutier, Martin Stommel and Elena Zaika on a circus theme. Information: +377 93 50 65 00

Thursday 14 and Saturday 16 January at 8pm, Espace Fontvieille : 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: Golden Show (1st pro gramme). Information: +377 92 05 23 45 Friday 15 at 8pm and Sunday 17 January, at 10.30am and 8pm, Es pace Fontvieille : 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: Golden Show (2nd programme). Information: +377 92 05 23 45

Saturday 16 January at 2.30pm, Espace Fontvieille : To mark the 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival, Grand Pa rade and Open Air Circus Show, departs at 3pm from the square in front of the Palace on the Rock. Information: +377 92 05 23 45 Tuesday 19 January at 8pm, Espace Fontvieille): Golden Gala for the 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival. Information: +377 92 05 23 45 Wednesday 20, Saturday 23 January at 2.30pm and 8pm, Espace Fontvieille: 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: Golden Show. Information: +377 92 05 23 45

Thursday 21 and Friday 22 January at 8pm, Espace Fontvieille : 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: Golden Show. Infor mation: +377 92 05 23 45

Sunday 24 January at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 7pm, Espace Fontvieille: 40th International MonteCarlo Circus Festival: Golden Show. Infor mation: +377 92 05 23 45

Events

Until Sunday 28 February, Monaco Port: Outdoor ice skating rink and gokarting on ice. Information: +377 93 15 06 09 Sunday 10 January, from 8am to 12 noon, Monaco Port: Remote controlled cars on the ice rink in partnership with the Fédération Monégasque de Modélisme and MC Clic. Information: +377 93 15 06 09 Sunday 24 January, from 8am to 12 noon, Monaco Port: Remote controlled cars on the ice rink in partnership with the Fédération Monégasque de Modélisme and MC Clic. Information: +377 93 15 06 09

Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 January: Festivities to celebrate SainteDévote, Patron Saint of the Princely Family and Principality of Monaco and the Diocese of Monaco. Information: +377 93 30 87 70 Tuesday 26 January, at 10.30am, SainteDévote Church: Festivities to celebrate SainteDévote: Traditional Mass. Information: +377 93 30 87 70

Tuesday 26 January at 6.30pm, Port Hercule: Festivities to celebrate SainteDévote: Homage to SainteDévote – arrival of symbolic boat followed by a procession of from Avenue Président J. F. Ken nedy, at 6.30pm. Information: +377 93 30 87 70 Tuesday 26 January at 7pm, SainteDévote Church: Festivities to celebrate SainteDévote: Traditional burning of the boat cere mony in front of SainteDévote Church, at 7.45pm. Fireworks. Information: +377 93 30 87 70

Wednesday 27 January at 9.45am, Monaco Cathedral: Festivities to celebrate SainteDévote: Relics received by clergy members and the Vénérable Archiconfrérie de la Miséricorde followed by a Pontifical mass, at 10am with procession in the streets of MonacoVille on the Rock. Information: +377 93 30 87 70 Saturday 30, from 2pm to 6.30pm and Sunday 31 January at 3pm, Espace Fontvieille (circus tent): "New Generation" 5th competition for young circus artists presented by the International MonteCarlo Circus Festival. Information: +377 92 05 23 45

Lectures

Friday 8 January at 6.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Talk on the theme "L’éclipse du soleil, l’apparat funèbre et le mythe du Roi éternel" by Fabrice Conan, art historian, organised by the Associa tion Monégasque pour la Connaissance des Arts. Information: +377 97 70 65 27

Monday 11 January at 6.30pm, Salle Belle Epoque in the Hôtel Hermitage: "Le ProcheOrient dans la tourmente", talk organised by the Monaco Méditerranée Fondation with guest speaker Antoine Sfeir, French jour nalist and professor, editor of French journal, Cahiers de l’Orient. Information: +377 97 77 61 10

Monday 11 January at 6.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Guy Martin "De la Savoie au Palais Royal, mon chemin de passion", talk organised by the Fondation Prince Pierre. Information: +377 98 98 85 15

Tuesday 12 January, from 7.30pm to 10pm, Auditorium Rainier III: Conferencedebate "Enjeux et Société" on the theme "Les défis écolo giques : après la parution de l’encyclique Laudato Si et la COP21, com ment les relever ?" by JeanClaude Escaffit, journalist with Professor Wolfgang Cramer, GIEC expert, François Fouchier, PACA Regional Mana ger of the Conservatoire du Littoral, Philippe Mondielli, Chief Scientific Officer at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Professor Fa bien Revol from the Catholic University of Lyon. Information: 06 80 86 21 93 Thursday 14 January at 7pm, Princess Grace Academy: Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco present, in collaboration with the Ballets de MonteCarlo, a meetingdebate on the theme "Amour narcissique et amour de l'autre" with Anne Dufourmantelle, philosopher and psychoanalyst and Patrick Pharo, sociologist. Information: +377 97 70 65 20

Thursday 14 January, from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, Saint Nicolas Church – in the foyer: "Spécial famille" talk on the theme "Père et mère, chacun sa parole…" by Doctor Bernard Duméril, former President of the CLER Amour et Fa mille. Information: 06 80 86 21 93 Monday 18 January at 6.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Talk on the theme "Marche vers Compostelle : une passion contempo raine ?" by JeanChristophe Rufin organised by the Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco. Information: +377 98 98 85 15

Monday 25 January at 6.30pm, Théâtre des Variétés: Talk on the theme "Concertcauserie L'Art de l'improvisation" by Jean François Zygel organised by the Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco. In formation: +377 98 98 85 15 Thursday 28 January, from 8pm to 10pm, Saint Charles Church – church hall: As part of the "Au fil de la Bible…" journey, talk on the theme "Le livre de la Sagesse : éternité et histoire" by Abbot Pierre Dumoulin, PhD in theology and graduate of the Bible Institute. Information: 06 80 86 21 93

Dr Alain Frère, Technical Advisor for the International Circus Festival Why did Prince Rainier III decide to create an International Festival in Monaco that you have been involved with since the first edition? Prince Rainier III had always been passionate about the circus. He loved hosting all the great French circuses in the Principality and with Princess Grace he always made a point of bringing his three children to the show. In the seventies, he was very moved to hear about the serious financial problems that some circuses were having. Prince Rainier III expressed his wish to create an event in the Principality that would celebrate the circus, and so it was in the 25th year of his reign that he founded the circus festival. In the introduction to the first programme in 1974 he said: “This International Circus Festival has been created with the circus world in mind, this unappreciated family, so that you the audience, mindful of all their efforts and hard work, will come to know and love them more and wish to celebrate them.” What major changes have you been involved with over the years? Of all the types of spectacles on offer, the circus is one that has evolved the most. Today it is a temple of unimaginable feats, as former artistic and rhythmic gymnast champions retrain for the circus. For example, Anna Rodion, the former Belarussian European Champion was the first ever to perform the perilous quadruple somersault

on the bar at the 29th Festival in 2005, for which she won a Gold Clown. The circus world also boasts some of the finest directors who are behind very original choreo graphy. For example, at the 38th Festival the talented Russian director Alexandre Gri maïlo conceived a superb tableau entitled Amadeus in honour of Mozart, performed by the Sokolov Troup which won the Gold Clown, so the circus became opera!

What are the highlights for this 40th Festival? As requested by the Festival’s President, HSH Princess Stéphanie, there are several highlights for the Festival’s 40th anniversary. So for example, three of the great wild cat trainers who have won a Gold Clown the Russian Nicolaï Pavlenko, the Italian Massimiliano Nones and Englishman Martin Lacey will be together in the same cage to work with 11 lionesses, six of which are white, and the imposing male lion Kassenga. A unique feat in the history of the circus. Then we have two of the great horsemen of this era, Frenchman Alexis Gruss and the Italian Flavio Togni coming together with their magnificent troops of horses, 40 from different breeds, for the grand finale at the gala performance on Tuesday 20th January. And then of course we have the Grand Parade that will leave from the big tent in Fontvieille to go to the square in front of the palace at 2.30pm.

164RTIMES_74-75.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page74

RIVIERA

EVENTS

French Events 7th January CANNES FIDDLER ON THE ROOF The musical comedy Fiddler on the roof’ has a great cast, bringing together singing and dancing. Starts at 8:30pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Tickets start are €10 for children and €55 for adults. www.palaisdesfestivals.com. Tel. 04 92 98 62 77 9th January GRASSE TRUFFLE MARKET The 20th anniversary of the Grasse truffle market, it will feature fresh truffles direct from the producers, demonstrations of truffle dogs and plenty of gourmet items on offer. From 9:30am – 5:30pm, in the Bastide SaintAntoine. www.grasse.fr 10th January NICE PROM’CLASSIC Deemed the most beautiful 10K in France, the quarter-marathon is the first of the year and runs along the Nice Promenade. Begins at 10am on the Promenade des Anglais. www.promclassic.com 10th January LE ROURET TRUFFLE MARKET The annual truffle market kicks off on the 10th of January and will repeat every Friday. From 9am – 5pm in the Place du village. www.mairie-lerouret.fr 13th January MONACO CLARINETTE RECITAL The young virtuoso, Bettina Aust, will be playing works from Schumann, Liszt, Français and more. Bettina won the German National Competition “Deutscher Musikwettbewerb” in 2015. She will be accompanied by her father, on piano. Starts 8pm at the Théâtre des Variétés. Tickets €20. www.ars-antonina.com 14th January CAGNES-SUR-MER PRIX DE LA CÔTE D’AZUR An international trot race reserved for horses between five and ten years of age. The race starts at 1:15pm at the Hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur. Entrance €4.50, free parking. www.hippodromecotedazur.com

14th January NICE ROYAL OPERA The Arts Alliance brings performances from the Royal Opera House to theatres around the world. This performance will be ‘Cavalleria Rustican/Pagliacci’. Two showings, 2pm and 7:30pm, at the Cinema Variétés, 5 Blvd Victor Hugo. www.artsalliance.com 14th – 24th January MONTE CARLO INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL The largest and most prestigious circus festival in the world! Located at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille, the festival brings together the best circus acts from around the world. There will be a parade through the streets of Monaco on the 16th at 2:30pm. Tickets start at €25. www.montecarlofestivals.mc 16th January CANNES OTELLO Verdi’s opera in four acts will be performed with a modern set emphasizing its melodic drama. Starts at 7:30pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Tickets €10/€55. www.palaisdesfestivals.com

wine dinner with special guest sommelier and winemaker Regula Stamatiadis from Casa Constanti in Asti. The dinner will highlight four boutique and regional wines from one of Italy's most wonderful and inspiring wine growing regions. At the restaurant Casa Constantin. Resevations required. www.clubvivanova.com 30th January MONACO LIGURIA WINE EXPERIENCE Club Vivanova presents a winery, olive oil & gourmet lunch tour in Liguria. Meeting at the Fairmont Monte Carlo and travelling to one of the steepest vineyards in Liguria with 120 year-old vines. Followed by an olive oil tasting, a five-course wine paired lunch and evening aperitivo. 10am – 7pm. Early reservations recommended. Information: www.clubvivanova.com Every Tuesday MOUGINS COUNTRY LINE DANCING The Riviera Rebels Line Dancing club holds lessons every Tuesday evening at Mougins School for English and French. All levels welcome from beginner to advanced dancers. From 8pm – 10:30pm at Mougins International School, 605, avenue Maurice Donat Tel. 04 93 70 36 01

18th – 24th January MONACO FIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP The 84th Rally of Monaco will race through the hills surrounding the principality. Hairpin turns and rough road conditions make this race a heartpounding spectacle! www.acm.mc

5th February CANNES ‘A PRINCE AMONG US’ Concert by the Orchestre Régional PACA Cannes under the guest direction of Günter Neuhold. On the programme: Bach, Ravel, Saint-Saëns, and Mozart. Starts at 8:30pm at the Théâtre Croisette. www.orchestre-cannes.com

19th – 24th January NICE DISNEY ON ICE ‘A Magical World’ features four classic Disney stories will be told in an un-interrupted performance on ice. At the Palais Nikaïa, 163, Boulevard du Mercantour. Tickets start at €25.50. www.nikaia.fr

5th & 6th Frebruary NICE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT The symphony will be playing Sergueï Rachmaninov and Dmitri Chostakovitch. At Nice Opéra, Friday, 5th February at 8pm and Saturday, 6th February at 4pm. More information at www.philharmonique-nice.org

27th January - 3rd February MONACO HISTORIC MONTE-CARLO RALLY Over 300 cars are expected to participate in the Historique of Monaco. Only open to cars that participated in the Monte-Carlo Rally between 1955 and 1980. www.acm.mc

5TH – 7TH February MONACO CREDIT SUISSE PRIMO CUP The 32nd year of the sailing trophy, the race takes place in the Bay of Monaco. Organised by the Monaco Yacht Club.

28th January MONACO TRADITIONAL PIEMONTE DINNER Club Vivanova and AngloInfo are hosting a traditional Piemonte gourmet

13th February – 2nd March MENTON LEMON FESTIVAL The 83rd annual festival transforms the town of Menton with gardens of flowers, oranges and lemons. This years’ theme is ‘Cinecittà’, an elegant and nostalgic ode to the golden age of Ita-

lian cinema. Rediscover the films of Fellini, Visconti, Sergio Leone and more. www.menton.fr 14th February CAGNES-SUR-MER GRAND PRIX DE LA RIVIERA The Hippodrome Côte d’Azur hosts the prestigious horse race for the French Riviera. All welcome, with free entertainment for children. Tickets €4.50, free parking. www.hippodromecotedazur.com 17th – 24th February MANDELIEU LA NAPOULE MIMOSA FESTIVAL The annual festival lasts for 8 days with parades, marching bands and beautiful flower processions. This year’s theme is "La Mimosa Festival celebrates Jules Verne." Visitors can enjoy the hills in bloom mimosa during its flowering period from mid-January to early March. www.ot-mandelieu.fr 25th February NICE ROYAL BALLET The Arts Alliance brings performances from the Royal Opera House to theatres around the world. This performance will be ‘Rhapsodie/Les Deux Pigeons’. Two showings, 2pm and 7:30pm, at Cinema Variétés, 5 Blvd Victor Hugo. www.artsalliance.com 27th February CAGNES-SUR-MER DÉFI DU GALOP The Hippodrome in Cagnes-sur-Mer is the first leg in the Défi du Galop, the prestigious challenge for 14 racing champions in France and abroad. This day is festive for the whole family, with plenty of entertainment for children with a circus theme. There will be jugglers, clowns, circus schools, and more. Starts at 1:30pm, tickets €4.50 and free parking.

Exhibitions Until 24th January ANTIBES ‘LE CORBUSIER, LE JEU DU DESSIN’ The Picasso Museum is featuring an abundant and varied exhibition of le Corbusier and the different periods of his work spanning six decades. Open Tue - Sun from 10am - 12pm and 2pm 6pm. Tickets €6. Until 24th January NICE

164RTIMES_74-75.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:10 Page75

RIVIERA

HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON An exhibition of the photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson at the Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image. Open Tue Sun from 10am - 6pm. www.tpi-nice.org Until 30th January MENTON MICHEL ISNARD The exhibit, ‘1975-2015, 40 years of freestyle painting,’ is a retrospective of the artist’s varied work, from dancing figures to olive trees to religious subjects. At the Galerie du Palais de l’Europe, open Tue - Sat from 10am 12pm and 2 - 6pm. Free entry. Tel. 04 92 41 76 73 Until 14th February CANNES SALVADOR DALÍ ‘Salvador Dalí, on the borders of reality’ is part of "Les Rencontres de Cannes," devoted to the theme of borders. The exhibition offers an approach to real borders that Dalí was able to stretch in his work by blurring the lines between dream and reality. At Espace Miramar, open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 1pm and 2 – 6pm. Tickets €6/€3 reduced. www.cannes-destination.fr Until 29th February NICE ‘UN BIOGRAPHE DE MATISSE’ Featuring the biographic work of Matisse by Gaston Diehl, who worked with Matisse from 1947. The exhibit features letters between the two men, pictures and many more mementos from their collaboration. At the Musée Matisse. Open every day (except Tuesday) from 10am - 6pm. Tel. 04 93 81 08 08 Until 21st March NICE ASIAN ARTS MUSEUM "Du Nô à Mata Hari" celebrates 2000 years of theatre in Asia. At the Musée départemental des Arts Asiatiques, 405, Promenade des Anglais. Free entry. Tél. 04 92 29 37 00 www.arts-asiatiques.com Until 31st March GRASSE ‘ANCIENT PERFUMES’ This exhibit looks at the processes of ancient perfumers through an exciting investigation that led to the rediscovery of forgotten knowledge. At the International Perfume Museum, open every day (except Tuesday) from 10:30am – 5:30pm. Tickets €4. www.museesdegrasse.com Until 4th April MENTON POETRY AND ARCHITECTURE A study of the architect Rudy Ricciotti. Covering over 34 of his works, this

exhibit looks at his emotional and poetic designs and how he has always pushed the limits of his technique. At the Musée Jean Cocteau. Open 10am – 6pm, every day (except Tue). More infor mation: www.museecocteaumenton.fr Until 8th June LE CANNET ‘LE COLLECTIONS’ With each new exhibit, Musée Bonnard does a complete facelift, offering visitors a redeveloped space and a new design to discover. This exhibit offers three previously unpublished paintings from private collections. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 6pm. Tickets €5/€3 for children. 16 Boulevard Sadi Carnot. www.museebonnard.fr

EVENTS

A 5 residential care home AT THE PORT OF MONACO

Come and experience the sweetness and serenity of a blissful life on the Riviera, in our residential care home. Enjoy the exceptional climate, panoramic sea views, quality furnishings and fine cuisine. Our attentive caregivers are at your service 24/7.

Italian Events Every Sunday GENOA ‘MUSIC APERITIVO’ CONCERT SERIES 'Music Aperitivo' is a popular event at the Carlo Felice Theatre in Genoa. It hosts a performance and refreshment every Sunday morning. Performances include classical music, opera, soloist recitals or poetry readings. The event starts at 11am and is followed by light refreshments. Tickets €6 and includes refreshments. www.carlofelicegenova.it Until 24th January GENOVA BRASSAÏ, POUR L’AMOUR DE PARIS 250 vintage photographs of secret places and hidden corners of nocturnal Paris. Brassaï captured the underworld of Paris unlike any other. At Palazzo Ducale, open Tue-Sun 11am - 7pm. Tickets €9/€7. www.palazzoducale.genova.it Until 10th April GENOVA FROM THE IMPRESSIONISTS TO PICASSO An immense collection of art, including works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Modigliani, Kandinsky, and Picasso. Palazzo Ducale, open Tue-Sun 11am - 7pm. Tickets €13/€5. www.palazzoducale.genova.it

Résidence Fontdivina | Chemin Romain | 06420 Beausoleil 04 97 17 75 00 | www.fontdivina.fr

164RTIMES_76.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:30 Page76

RIVIERA

OPENING OF THE WINTER PARTY SEASON.

(FROM RIGHT TO LEFT) ELIZABETH WESSEL, INNA MAIER, SANDRINE GARBAGNATI-KNOELL (FOUNDER OF FIVE STARS EVENTS, ORGANIZER OF THE BAL DE NOEL), CÉLINA LAFUENTE DE LAVOTHA, MARQUISE ROBERTA GILARDI-SESTITO AND DONATELLA CAMPIONI

ART IN THE BLOOD

PHOTO: LAURE HATCHUEL-BECKER, CFM CHIEF EXECUTIVE GILLES MARTINENGO AND JÉRÔME FROISSART, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF AMADE MONDIALE, BEFORE ONE OF THE DONATED WORKS (FROM LEFT). PHOTO: OLIVIER WARTER

SOCIETY

The 10th Anniversary of the “Bal de Noël” took place on 12 December under the patronage of Albert II of Monaco. The sparkling event in the Salle Empire at the Hotel de Paris launched the start of the winter season in Monte-Carlo. This year the theme was Monte-Carlo New York, which evoked a fabulously glamorous Christmas atmosphere. Michaela Schwarzenberg presented the gala dinner this year, and the raffle was presented by Swedish personality, Victoria Silvsted. During the evening there was also a unique auction sale by Sotheby’s in aid of the charity “Les Enfants de Frankie”.

Nita Ker and Laure Hatchuel-Becker have art in the blood. The two artists, who are based on the Côte d'Azur but operate internationally, recently displayed a sample of their creations at CFM Monaco. They also both each donated one of their works to support the work of the AMADE Children's Fund. The Association nationale Monégasque des Amis De l'Enfance (AMADE) was founded in 1966 on the explicit wish of Princess Grace, who had already initiated in 1963 AMADE Mondiale (a federation of national AMADEs), in order to create the first true national AMADE in the world. The current Président d’Honneur is her son, Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Local author Melissa Roen’s two book series, Last Call for Caviar and its sequel, Maya Rising, have recently been released. Roen has lived in Cap d'Ail and St Jean-Cap-Ferrat for more than 28 years, and the setting for these fiction novels is the Cote d'Azur and Monaco. What first brought you to France: My father brought me to France when I was a small child, and instilled in me his love of France, the language, people and all things French. We spent a holiday visiting the charming towns from Saint Tropez to Monaco. My father owned hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, the Desert Inn and Stardust. In collaboration with the Clerico brothers, and their artistic director, Pierre-Louis Guerin, he brought the Lido de Paris to Las Vegas to be showcased at the Stardust Hotel. My mother had been a professional dancer and was a friend of Madame Bluebell. My family owned, for twenty years, a villa, in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat; an old property which we completely renovated. I have so many wonderful memories of living amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of Cap Ferrat; truly one of the most beautiful settings in the south of France. It will always hold a special place in my heart as my first home in France. What are your favorite places in the region? The most spectacular setting for a swimming pool and beach club: Club Dauphin at the Grand Hotel de Cap

Ferrat - our villa was just down the road. Favorite seaside restaurant: Le Pinede in Cap d’Ail. Country Club in Monaco, where I’ve been a member and played tennis for 26 years. The Rolex Masters Men’s Tennis tournament in April. Monaco Art and Danse, where I take dance class weekly. Plage Mala in Cap d’Ail. I’m a long distance swimmer and particularly appreciate this protected and magical cove for the clarity of the water and abundance of sea life flourishing there. It is one of the settings that I use in my book. The Sancutaire de Notre Dame de Laghet; a spiritual place that has existed for more than 400 years. Local legends say that miracles are granted here by Notre Dame de Laghet. It is also one of the settings in my book. Finally, hiking from Cap d’Ail up the old Roman Salt Roads to the Tete de Chien and the medieval village of La Turbie. Another setting in my books.

164RTIMES_77.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:11 Page77

RIVIERA

NEWS HEADLINES

NEW MINISTER

OF STATE SELECTED

Regional elections: EXPLAINING THE RISE OF THE NATIONAL FRONT egional elections barely cause such a commotion as they did this December, when for an instant it appeared as though the National Front had a legitimate shot at succeeding in Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur (PACA). In the first round of voting, the far-right party was leading in six metropolitan regions out of thirteen in France. Many outsiders looked on in amazement, wondering how French politics had reached this watershed. But support for the party didn’t come out of the blue, in fact since the 1990s the National Front has been steadily growing in popularity in France. “Its flagship themes - immigration, insecurity, unemployment and now 'Europeanization' - find a resonance in this region, where waves of immigration have always existed,” Marie-Ange Gregory PHD, a lecturer in Political Science at University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, and part of the ERMES research team which documents changes in Europe, explained to us. And so, with 40.55% (nearly 720,000 votes) in the first round of regional elections and 45.22% (more than 885,000 votes in the second round), the National Front recently obtained unprecedented levels of support in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. “This demonstrates that it now has a solid electoral base,” continued Professor Gregory. “Since 2012, the rise of the extreme right party has been indisputable; the increase is not so ‘sudden’. Nevertheless, the regional dynamics of the results can be explained by the accession of Marine Le Pen at the head of the party in 2011, but also in the context of France; bereaved by the attacks of November 13 in Paris. After these tragic events, the election campaigns were stopped, but then resumed on national themes conducive to the National Front: security and immigration. “In PACA, the National Front’s good results can also be explained by the personality of Marion Maré-

chal-Le Penal Le Pen. With a known family name; the youngest in the National Assembly; she represents the return of a very well known name but with a more liberal economic position than other National Front candidates, and she also displays a strong Catholic culture; so she carried much weight that could entice some of the conservative electorate”. So what might have been the implications for expats living on the Riviera if Le Pen had been successful in her regional election bid. We’re all familiar with the anti-immigration rhetoric, but what might that have meant for foreigners already living and working here? It’s difficult to predict at this stage, says Professor Gregory. “For now, there is a sort of glass ceiling for the National Front, both at PACA and at national politics level,” she concedes. “The main weakness of this party lies in its inability to form alliances and hence to make gains via a two-round voting system, let alone in the face of a republican campaign. That said, if the National Front comes to power at national or local level, some measures envisaged by the party, such as the closure of borders, could give a less welcoming image of France to expatriates…” And what about expatriates who are entrepreneurs, with well-established businesses here? “The party is historically well-established amongst small traders and artisans, but is seeking to convince the bosses and executives, inclu-

ding through the structures ‘Audace-Jeunes actifs patriotes’ and ‘Eco Cap’ (Presidential Action Committee for the Economy, led by Bernard Monot). But its position in the abandonment of the Euro, and economic patriotism, is of particular concern to French and foreign entrepreneurs; even if realistically they seem difficult to implement. If the return to the French Franc can persuade popular circles; entrepreneurs, open to the world are much more reluctant. We have seen for example during the campaign Pierre Gattaz, president of MEDEF (Le Mouvement des entreprises de France), who said the National Front initiative ‘is not economically responsible. It is turning neither to the future nor to competitiveness’. The question remains whether the reputation of the National Front would succeed if it has an impact on foreign investment”. Republican Christian Estrosi eventually swept to victory in PACA with 54% of the votes. At one point he had been lagging some 14 points behind. Maréchal-Le Pen. However, he finally won, almost 10 points ahead. Doubtless, Estrosi received a boost from the withdrawl of several candidates from the Left, who said Estrosi was the best hope of defeating the National Front, urging their voters to support the Republican. The Republicans/UDI/MoDem won 81 seats. The remaining 42 seats were taken by the National Front, led by Marion Maréchal-Le Pen. 

THE MINISTER OF STATE, Michel Roger, is to step down from his role on 1 February, the Palais Princier de Monaco has announced. He will be succeeded by Serge Telle, who was Consul General and Ambassador of Monaco to France before being appointed Inter-ministerial Delegate for the Mediterranean. It was announced in December 2015 that Mr Roger, who has held the role since March 2010, had been suffering from ill health. In the interim, Gilles Tonelli, Government Counsellor for External Relations and Cooperation, took the helm as Acting Minister of State after Mr Roger was taken to hospital but Mr Telle has been appointed to take over the responsibilities from 1 February onwards. Prince Albert II of Monaco has reiterated his best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr Michel Roger. 

'FAIRY GODMOTHER'

FOR THE NEEDY ON 16 DECEMBER, Mougins Primary School students welcomed an old friend and ‘fairy godmother’, Madame Gentil. For several years the School has collaborated with this wonderful lady who devotes her energies to providing help to people in need. At Christmas the students bring in brand new toys which are destined for the children who will be in the Lenval Hospital in Nice during the festive season. Madame Gentil was welcomed by the students who then sang to her in French and English, much to her delight. A touching and emotional moment with many hugs for a wonderful grandmother figure. 

164RTIMES_78.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:11 Page78

RIVIERA

NEWS

YOUNG WOMAN FROM NICE ‘PLANNED FUTURE TERROR ATTACKS’ 20-year-old admits contact with terrorist organizations

Shooting suspect takes his own life Gunman "had history of violent episodes" gunman who killed a policeman and wounded another on December 7 in Cavalaire-sur-Mer took his own life the following day as he was on the verge of being arrested in RayolCanadel. It followed a large manhunt involving 100 hundred men including the Gendarmerie’s elite PI2G division, underwater search and rescue, the dog team, and a helicopter equipped with a thermal camera. Police eventually located the suspect the evening after the attack on the police officers. He opened fire on them before turning the gun on himself. The 65-year-old, a French national who has been named in the local media, shot two Municipal Police officers after they were called to a domestic disturbance at his home. He then fled to the surrounding hills on a quad bike. Two Municipal Police officers were hit by bullets from an automatic rifle. Christophe Bouissou was hit three times and taken to Hospital Pasteur in Nice with serious injuries, but died later. The married 43year-old, who didn’t have any children, was from Mauriac. The gunman is said to have been a coral diver, who was well known in

Cavalaire. According to the Municipal Police Union, he “knew those on whom he opened fire; it could even be said he was on familiar terms with them”. According to French newspaper, Nice-Matin, the man may have had a history of violent episodes and mental health issues. It quotes the prosecutor of Draguignan saying: “We often forget that most of the weapons in circulation in France are registered weapons, hunting guns, sports rifles etc. One could perhaps question why an individual with a history of violence and mental health issues was allowed to be in possession of an M16 rifle.” The Municipal Police Union took the opportunity to insist that their colleagues should all be armed. “Altercations are commonplace in the everyday life of a police officer, but they are sometimes exposed to extremely grave dangers. There is no more time to procrastinate and hide behind a part of our Constitution which is regularly bypassed, when we can no longer guarantee the safety of the municipal police. All the municipal police should be armed, with weapons appropriate for the situations they may encounter,” said the spokesman.

S" banners and instructions for making explosives were found by investigators in the apartment belonging to a young woman from Nice. The 20-year-old is said to have planned an attack on French soil because she was unable to leave for Syria to join ISIS. The woman has been arrested by police in mid December on suspicion of planning an attack in France. Flags of the Islamic State and instructions for making explosives were found in her apart-

“I

ment. The 20-year-old confessed while in custody to being in contact with terrorist organizations, and that her plan to go on "jihad" in Syria had failed, which is why she began planning assassinations on French soil. The reason why she was unable to depart for Syria is not yet known. In mid-November a friend of the woman, this time from Marseille, was arrested in Tunisia, on suspicion of being on his way to join an “IS” training camp. 

FIRE CONSUMES ST TROPEZ HOLIDAY PARK Bungalows at popular holiday spot go up in ﬂames devastating fire broke out at the 'Kon Tiki' holiday park. Fire crews spent most of the morning of 30 November battling the blaze, which was spread by high winds. The fire started before dawn, and by 7.30am it is believed that more than 50 of site’s exotic-looking thatched bungalows had burned down. The Pompiers du Var, SDis83 posted pictures on social media this morning showing the absolute devastation of the fire. The bungalows are built from palm leaves

and coconut thatch, with wooden verandas, in the style of traditional Asian or South Pacific island huts. Located in Ramatuelle, five kilometres from St Tropez, Kon Tiki is a holiday park consisting of one and two bedroom huts on the beach. The blaze quickly consumed the wood structures, aided by strong gusts of wind. The fire could be seen for miles around the St Tropez bay. There were no reports of victims; the park was open but occupancy was low due to the time of year. 

164RTIMES_79.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:11 Page79

RIVIERA

NEWS

LAUNCH OF MONACO ALERT SERVICE New mobile service ichel Roger, Minister of State, Patrice Cellario, Government Counsellor for the Interior, Stéphane Valeri, Government Counsellor for Social Affairs and Health, Régis Asso, Director of Public Safety, and Lieutenant Colonel Tony Varo, Chief Fireman, has officially launched an Alert Service for Monaco. The purpose of this service is to warn the public of an impending major risk or situation affecting everyday life, which can range from wind and storms to floods

or even natural health disasters, and inform them of precautions or measures to be taken. The messages will reach the inhabitants of the Principality via SMS and email, after registration on the page www.clever.fr/formulaire/alerte-sms/monaco/inscription. Registration is free. The concept allows you to subscribe to receive alerts related to the following areas: weather warnings, marine pollution, technological hazards, seismic information and health alerts.. 

FRANCIS BACON,

Come and experience a moment of pure relaxation, between Provence and the French Riviera, the Domaines de Saint Endreol Golf & Spa Resort.

The idyllic location delights golf-lovers and relaxation enthusiasts alike, thanks to the magnificent 2,000 m² spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, solarium ... Everything is designed to heighten your enjoyment and stimulate your senses!

We are giving away ONE NIGHT FOR TWO PEOPLE at this superb retreat, including breakfast and access to spa facilities (excluding spa treatments).

For your chance to win, email your name to marketing@riviera-press.fr with the title ‘Competition’.

NEW EXHIBITION SET TO OPEN THIS SUMMER The Grimaldi Forum Monaco will dedicate its summer exhibition in 2016 (from July 2 to September 4) to Francis Bacon, Monaco and the French culture. The exhibition is organized with the assistance of Francis Bacon estate in London and Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation in Monaco. It will feature more than sixty works, and is one of the most ambitious projects that has been dedicated to this artist for a long time. The Grimaldi Forum will invites the public to discover the work of Francis Bacon (who was born in Dublin in 1909 and died in Madrid in 1992, having lived in London, Paris and Monaco) from a new angle: the influence of French culture and the Monaco period. Major triptychs and paintings will be presented alongside lesser known works, grouped by theme and referring directly or indirectly to France and Monaco. A special feature of this exhibition is to offer a fresh perspective on some of the major works of the great masters that inspired Francis Bacon: Giacometti, Léger, Lurçat, Michaux, Soutine, Toulouse-Lautrec, etc. Tate Britain in London, Arts Council Collection, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Centre Pompidou, as well as many private collections have loaned works to the exhibition. 

ZEST FOR QUALITY: Menton lemons oﬃcially recognized Lemons from Menton have been awarded 'indication géographique protégée (IGP) status, based on a rigorous set of specifications developed by APCM chamber of trade and crafts with the assistance of the INAO (National Institute for Origin and Quality). The protected geographical indication (PGI) is an identifying sign in Europe which guarantees the origin and quality of a product, and helps preserve geographical names – Champagne is a famous example. To obtain the right to use the mark, guarantee of reliability and quality, producers in Menton will have to comply with certain standards and specifications which include tree pruning, maintenance and irrigation of fields, tree planting, cultivation techniques, soil certification and of course the certification of the plants (via an INRA course). True "Menton Lemons" are recognized by leading chefs for their quality, taste and unique softness. The move comes ten years after the creation of the APCM (Association for the Promotion of Menton Lemons). 

Life in n the Frenc ch Rivie era,, in English Everything you need ed to know about living in or moving g to the Côte d’Azur

riviera.angloinfo.com

164RTIMES_80.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 21:41 Page80

RIVIERA

NEWS

PACA, ‘LUCKIEST’ REGION

FOR THE LOTTERY IT sEEMs IT PAys to play My Million in Paca! In 2015, France counted 146 game winners in the draw, including 17 in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. since the game launched in February 2014, 27 people in the region have become millionaires. Technically, Ile-de-France has the most winners (31 millionaires) but Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur scoops first place as the luckiest region in all of France, when measuring the volume of winners to population ratio. (3.45 winners per million inhabitants). 

ALL STATIONS

GO! SKI SEASON IS NOW is full swing, following the opening on 5 December of the Blanc Azur ski stations (Auron and Isola 2000). The resort of Auron offers five pistes in the Las Donnas area and has four lifts or access points, at Télériou, Cable Las Donnas, Blainon chairlift and Nabines chairlift. Isola 2000 has seven pistes in the Lombard and Pélevos sectors, and two lifts (Mercantour cable car and Grosse Combe chairlift). A spokesman said: “Thanks to many years of investment in developments made by the syndicat Mixte des stations du Mercantour, chaired by Christian Estrosi, the Blanc Azur resorts are pleased to announce their opening on saturday, December 5, 2015. They will be open continuously until 17 April 2016.”  For more information visit www.stationsdumercantour.com

ESTROSI’S ‘LAVISH’

PARTY CRITICIZED PATRICK ALLEMAND, SOCIALIST COUNCILLOR, and Olivier Bettati, National Front representative, have lambasted the amount of money spent by recent PACA election winner and Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi (Republican), on his staff at his staff and agents party held at the Palais Nikaia during the first week of January. Allemand, who was invited by the Mayor to attend, walked out of the entertainment laid on for guests before the Flashdance show, scheduled amongst the evening’s highlights, began. Guests at the free

event included some 12,000 ticketing agents who work with the municipality-operated venue, Palace Nikai. “I condemn in the strongest possible terms all this public money being squandered on two nights of entertainment while life is becoming more and more difficult for many of our citizens”, he said. Olivier Bettati declined to attend the event but had this to say about the matter: “The Mayor of Nice would have been well advised to cancel his extravagant and expensive ceremony, as did Eric Ciotti, President of the County Council and a prudent manager of public funds.” Allemand and Bettati both wrote to Estrosi demanding to know the exact price of the ceremony, which Allemand suggested could be €150,000 while Bettati pegged his guess at €250,000. The actual cost of the two nights of municipal events? €95,000. “We have always communicated with transparency regarding the budgets of our ceremonies,” a Town Hall spokesman said. “This year it is 10% lower than in 2015. We choose to focus on real quality shows, which then produce the Palais Nikaia, allowing us to improve the purchasing power of all of our agents by offering free access to a great musical show”. 

POLICE OFFICER ACQUITTED

THE VERRERIE DE BIOT IS BACK IN BUSINESS! fter devastating floods and three months of closure, the Verrerie de Biot has reopened its doors to the public, and restarted production of their world famous glass. Another step towards Biot regaining normality. The floods of 3 October, 2015 devasted the town of Biot, one of the hardest hit in the region. The Verrerie was no exception, with muddy floodwaters destroying the workshop and breaking a great deal of merchandise. The force of the water was so strong it lifted several-ton kilns as it ravaged through the workshop. The flood also ruined the warehouse (they lost about 60% of their inventory), the museum, and the boutique. Damages were estimated at €3 million, and it was expected to take six months before the factory would be back to work. But Monday 28 December, the Verrerie officially restarted production, three months ahead of schedule. Anne Lechaczynski, the family owner of the factory, described the reopening as "an emotional time", but she is proud of the work that has been done by so many people. The employees of the glass factory, unable to make glass, insisted on showing up to clean and get the

Verrerie back to work. Despite the devastation to their workplace and the entire town as well, they have been working non-stop to reopen. Their shop welcomed the public to their shop on 21 December, just in time for some last-minute Christmas gifts. But being able to welcome the public back into the workshop and make their famous bubbled glass, is their true delight. Guests can once again watch the artisan glass blowers create beautiful products before their eyes. The Verrerie de Biot is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 6 pm. Sundays and holidays from 10am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 6pm. Free admission. Closed January 1. 

AFTER ‘ATTACK’ THE CRIMINAL COURT of Grasse has acquitted a municipal police officer, aged 29, of Villeneuve-Loubet, who had been charged with attacking a civilian. The civilian had a swollen face, spent 21 days in an Intensive Care Unit and was supported by a damning report by a forensic doctor. However, the individual, who was at passenger in a car at the time of the alleged attack, was found in contempt of court and given a fine of €1,000, during the first week of 2016. On 14 January 2015, routine alcohol tests of three car passengers led to a beating by the policeman, the victim had claimed. Bertrand Dubois, a witness who spoke at the trial, said: “A real beating was given to a handcuffed man, and he was tear gassed…”. But Frédéric Hentz, counsel for the police, claimed the story was fabrication and succeeded in convincing the court of the police officer’s innocence. 

ARMED ROBBERY IN GOLFE-JUAN wo men stormed into a jewellery store on Christmas Eve, robbing precious jewellery and striking the owner. Nearby municipal police pursued the robbers, leading to a chase through town. At 10am on Christmas Eve, two masked robbers entered the JeanMichel Chibaeff jewellery boutique on avenue de la gare, brandishing weapons. They obtained an undisclosed

amount of jewellery before hitting the shopkeeper and fleeing the boutique. Nearby municipal police arrived at the scene as the robbers were fleeing the store and gave chase, pursuing them through town. One gun-shot was reportedly fired, although no details of who fired the shot were given. The police managed to catch the robbers quickly and both men were arrested. 

164RTIMES_81.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:12 Page81

RIVIERA

NEWS

WHY OUR RESOLUTIONS ARE

RUBBISH

LOOKING FOR A HOME

FOLLOWING THE JAPANESE PATH new year begins and we develop laudable plans, good intentions and perhaps even new perspectives. That's a good thing to do because several unpleasant events in 2015 made us feel quite uneasy and our confidence in a general safety was totally shaken. At such times we tend to retreat from the world and seek happiness and well-being in our private lives. A smart and beautiful opportunity for a tranquil retreat is the creation of a Japanese garden. Well, what makes this garden different? Japanese gardens avoid overcrowding, are well structured, offer interesting vistas, work with a reduced number of plant species and are defined by two main requirements: simplicity and balance. The principle of conscious reduction - avoiding all superfluous and emphasizing what’s important - can be applied for a garden as well. Flowers of all colors, untrimmed bushes and trees, weeds and excessive decoration make a garden look cheap and unkempt, while clearly defined areas produce an aesthetic image. The culture of Japanese gardens is over 1,500 years old and had to undergo several stylistic changes during this time and it hasn't always been the silent Zen garden that we associate with "Japanese" today. Excessive floral diversity, artificial villages and versifying in the garden are only some examples. Today, combining different styles is completely normal. A Japanese promenade garden usually offers some beautiful ponds, these include small islands, which are accessible by bridges, which, incidentally, do not have to be red, but also look good in sage green,

creamy white or dark blue. On one of these ponds a beautiful maple could grow (eg Acer palmatum 'Beni Komachi'), planted on a small hill (first for aesthetic, second for drainage reasons). In the autumn its scarlet leaves fall in the water, to be scrutinized by cheeky kois. If there’s enough space, a pagoda or summer house could be built, which can also be a tea house, studio or writing hut. They are downright conducive to generating creativity and also to give privacy while bringing ideas to paper or canvas. Famous garden house fans are George Bernard Shaw, Paul Klee, Prince Charles and Snoop Dogg. So you see, you would find yourself in interesting company, opting for more than a "shed" in your garden. It can be protected from prying eyes with a bamboo plantation (please do not forget rhizome barriers). Gently sculpted hills, windy sandy pathways, spikey bonsais, Japanese white pine ('Pinus parviflora') and golden larch ('Pseudolarix amabili') can beautify the picture, and attractive bushes as ilex crenata, rhodendron and azaleas can round it off. Camellia should not be forgotten; some varieties are frost hardy for temperatures as low as 12 °. Avoid too many colours, a combination of orange rhododendron and pink camellias will jar on the eyes. What else? Well-placed, very large stones, a water feature; falling from from bamboo and a stone lantern are all at home in a Japanese garden. Such a garden is inviting, comforting and inspiring at the same time. Maybe it's an attractive prospect for your garden for the New Year? Sabine Sophy, Green Parrot Gardens 

SMALL, SENSIBLE, WELL-BEHAVED! IN ADDITION, HE IS ALSO VERY cuddly, affectionate and a real couch potato. Dots is a Pinscher aged about 3-4 years old, who wants nothing more than a good and loving new home. Who wants to share their life with him? Tel: 04 94 96 89 19, 06 43 06 19 60, +49 (0) 172 45 55 033 Info: www.joshi2.de. 

ADOPTION

CORNER Prince Beberoux was a rather spoilt cat until his mistress suddenly had to go into a retirement home. He is only 7, so retirement is in the far distance for him! He would therefore like to find a new family, preferably with no feline competition. At first he was shy and distressed but now he is a completely different cat. Berberoux is a very friendly, social and affectionate cat, and becoming even more so every day. He’s a talkative cat and makes cute chirping noises. Beberoux has been tattooed, castrated, etc. Contact Leslie on 06 18 94 35 76 or Serena on 06 31 54 20 93. Leschatsdumercantour.com/en 

BY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACH, THERESA DESTREBECQ January 1st always offers new possibilities and new beginnings. We go into it with grand expectations, but for most of us, those resolutions fall by the wayside in the first few weeks, with some lasting a little longer. This year, approach your resolution(s) a little differently. When feeling pushed, coerced or guilted into taking on something it is never going to end well. If your resolution is guided by the word “should,” it is doomed to failure. Instead, create a resolution around something that you really, truly want for yourself-not what someone else wants for you. Often times, when we commit to a change, we aren’t really committing in the true sense of the word. True commitment comes from deep within us and doesn’t have an end date. Just like your commitment to your partner-you may fight, but then you make up and start again. You don’t say, ‘Sorry, honey, but I can’t make up until next year.” Sometimes our resolutions fail because we are adding more to an already full plate. If you are already stressed, and tired, and your schedule is jam packed, don’t sacrifice sleep, rest or play to do more. Instead, create a resolution that takes things off your plate. Sometimes less is more. Our resolutions also fail to materialize because we don’t seek or create the proper support. Whenever you are creating change, it is important to have social support. Telling people your resolutions is one thing, but asking them to be your champion, cheerleader, inspiration, or teacher is another.  Theresa Destrebecq is a Personal Development Coach/Life Coach www.thrivewithin.com

164RTIMES_82.qxp_Mise en page 1 08/01/2016 20:12 Page82

RIVIERA

COMMUNITY

 ExPAT FOCUS

RIVIERA

INTRODUCING A SERIES OF INFORMAL INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Beverley Holt, who has been a Reiki Master and teacher for more than 25 years, originally hails from Wales. She has lived on the Riviera for eight years and currently resides in Monaco. lease can you to P tell me a bit more about yourself and your work: I was born in Wales and grew up there. I trained as a Registered Nurse then moved to Bermuda for 4 years then Australia for 20 years. I have been a Reiki Master and teacher for more than 25 years. Since I was a small child I’ve always been intuitive and sensitive to people who are in pain and suffering through illness or emotional drama. People come to me when they feel stressed and stuck, not sure of their life’s purpose, are in a crisis, or simply have no energy. I see many people who are out of alignment; terminally ill, or who have various ailments, injuries and diseases.I am a Traditional Dr.Usui Reiki Master and Teacher.

What first brought you to the Riviera? My partner Brian and I got offered a job on a sailing yacht owned by Sir Richard Branson. Brian sailed yachts since a child and later gave up his Engineering job to go sailing and raced Maxi

yachts professionally. I raced yachts for a hobby including 5 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races.

What made you decide to stay…? Everyone was asking me for Reiki. Each yacht I worked on, the owners or guests asked for a Reiki Healing and eventually my partner said ‘I think you’re meant to start a business in France’. I started my Reiki practice four years ago and became very busy straight away. My Bikram yoga teacher referred clients to me and came himself, and also his wife. My estate agent came: She had fractured her wrist and had seen many therapists and nothing was working. After one session, she felt no pain and could move it at ease so sent many of her family members and friends. My singing teacher had a car accident where her car slid and was hanging off the cliff and was rescued after 30. For 2 weeks she didn’t sleep properly and when she did, she had nightmares. After one session she called me to say she had slept well and also confessed that she was feeling suicidal before and now felt so good.

How did you begin working in reiki and the holistic field? Like many people, I initially thought Reiki was “hokus pokus”. Then I had a bad break-up and was being stalked by my ex. I wasn’t sleeping and lost loads of weight. I had a sty on my eye which was huge. I went to see a surgeon and he encouraged me to bathe my eyelid then apply a cream twice a day. He said if it didn’t heal he would cut it out in 2 weeks’ time. When I returned the sty was bigger and the other eye was infected. I arranged to go back again in a few days’ time and he promised I wouldn’t have to wait, which wasn’t the case. After an hour of waiting, a friend suggested I try Reiki and if it didn’t work I could have the operation in Wales… I reluctantly had the Reiki and didn’t feel comfortable during the session at all. However, a week

later someone visiting me asked where I had the operation: I hadn’t realized the sty was completely healed, and I could see again from that eye! I was so excited, I found a Reiki Master near my family home and started having sessions. My sleep improved and I felt like a new person. I then returned to Australia and did a Reiki 1 course, and it’s been part of my life ever since.

What kind of work do you do on the Riviera? For the past 4 years in Nice, I’ve been organizing weekly holistic speakers to give a workshop to educate, motivate and inspire people. I started with showing films by Dr. Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle and similar people then encouraged local people to give workshops on personal development, health, wellbeing and spirituality . Through word of mouth many great speakers/healers/authors have contacted me to promote them. Recently, I’ve started holding these events in Monaco, I also teach Reiki Level 1, 2 and Master workshops.

How much interest is there on the Riviera in spiritualism/holistic healing...? Over the last five years I’ve noticed a huge growth. There’s many yoga /pilates/dance studios, personal trainers, health coaches…More recently, juice and healthy salad bars and vegan restaurants. Raw food classes and dinner parties…

And are most of your clients expats? Yes, However I see many French also. There is a very large French Holistic Community. Last summer most weekends there were spiritual fetes along the coast including Villefranche and St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. There are also many spiritual artists and photographers. France also supports La Ligue, where Cancer sufferers can go for relaxing therapies in a centre during their remission.

Publishing Director SEBASTIEN FRAISSE s.fraisse@riviera-press.fr Editor in chief PETRA HALL p.hall@riviera-press.fr Editor SARAH HARVEY s.harvey@riviera-press.fr Creative Director VINCENT ARTUS vincent.artus@wanadoo.fr Marketing Director MICHAEL AOUIZERATE Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 22 commercial@riviera-press.fr MICHEL GOMIZ Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 22 commercial@riviera-press.fr KARINE BALAGNY Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 29 marketing@riviera-press.fr Contributors Vivienne Bishton, Sarah Hyde, Claire Lathbury, Anne Morris, Malte Rohwer-Kahlmann, Nicole Ruskell, Aila Stöckmann, Sabine Sophie & Tobias Albert Wille Secretary CAROLE HEBERT contact@riviera-press.fr 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 contents of ads. © 2016 - by Riviera Press s.a.r.l.

RIVIERA

«Alexandra», 1495 RN 7 F-06270 Villeneuve-Loubet Plage Tel. +33 (0)4 93 27 60 00 Fax +33 (0)4 93 27 60 10 info@riviera-press.fr www.rivieratimes.com Riviera Press s.a.r.l. au capital de € 10 000 R.C.S. Antibes 812 415 552 SIRET 812 415 552 000 15 N° ISSN 2430-3534 Dépôt Légal à parution Printed by: Rotimpress, C/Pla de l'estany S/N, Poligon Casa Nova E-17181 Riviera Insider is printed on recycled paper

164RTIMES_83.qxp_Mise en page 1 06/01/2016 12:10 Page83

MONACO NICE MONACO LA NOUVELLE LIGNE RÉGULIÈRE NOUVEAUX HÉLICOPTÈRES !

FORCE ONE

t /*7&"6 40/03& 3²%6*5 t /067&"6 %&4*(/ */5²3*&63 t $-*."5*4"5*0/

)ÏMJQPSU EF .POBDP t "WFOVF EFT -JHVSFT t t JOGP!NPOBDBJS ND t XXX NPOBDBJS ND

164RTIMES_84.qxp_Mise en page 1 06/01/2016 12:17 Page84