Riviera Insider - November/December 2018 by Riviera Press

BIOT An inside look at this village of art

LIGURIA The centenary of English botanist Clarence Bicknell

ECO Bats: a natural solution for combatting mosquitoes?

ART & CULTURE The Riviera life of music icon Paul McGuinness

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# 181 novemBer / DecemBer 2018 4,90 â&#x201A;Ź The

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EDITORIAL By NICOLE RUSKELL

Family is the best word I can think of to describe the team at Riviera Press. From the first day of my internship in 2015, the bond between everyone was clear. With founder Petra Hall at the helm, leading strongly yet warmly, she was the glue that held the team together. I had just finished my master’s degree in journalism and my second day at the office, Petra sent me to interview a French billionaire. My second week she jetted me off to New York for four days. At the time, it felt like she was throwing me in the deepend, but she knew I could handle it and it was the perfect jumpstart to my career in journalism. She has been as good a mentor as one could hope for. This summer, there were big changes to the Riviera Press family. After nearly 30 years, editor-in-chief Petra Hall announced her retirement to spend more time with her grandchildren, passing the reigns to long-time editor, Elsa Carpenter. And now Elsa is taking a few months off to start a family of her own,

entrusting me with this beautiful magazine in her absence. It’s a pleasure to be back and we all wish Elsa the best as she embarks on her new role as mother. Now that the summer season has drawn to a close, the air is cooler and our preferred spots are a bit less crowded. It’s my favourite time of year, from food festivals (page 54) to Thanksgiving feasts (page 8), to all the joys of Christmas (page 34). It’s also a great time of year for art and music, with the Monaco Jazz Festival (page 45), opening season of theatre and ballet (page 50), and must-see exhibitions (page 48). In our art special, we speak with local artists and the creator of the TV series Riviera, in the midst of filming season two (page 41). Winter may be considered off-season, but for residents it’s a wonderful time of year. Happy holidays!

THE TEAM

BICH LECOuRT

DOMINIQuE FREuLON

FRANÇOISE MuLLER

PATRICE SAINT-LEGER

PETRA HALL

VINCENT ARTuS

CAROLE HéBERT

DANIEL NARO

Nicole Ruskell (editor) discovered her passion for journalism and its ability to connect people while working as the editorial director for academic journals. She has a Masters degree in journalism and over 10 years’ experience in editorial management. The California native has worked throughout the French Riviera and Liguria, and is committed to well-being and organic principles. Bich Lecourt (managing director) was born in Antibes. Since completing her PhD in Economics, she has worked in Sophia Antipolis so is well-acquainted with the business ecosystem and atmosphere of the French Riviera. From architecture to interior design and décor, Bich likes discovering new parts of the region and enjoying the quintessential Côte d’Azur lifestyle. Petra Hall (founder) established the newspaper Riviera-Côte d’Azur Zeitung (now RivieraZeit) in German 26 years ago. It was followed by The Riviera Times, a magazine that has blossomed into Riviera Insider, in 2003. Her goal was always to provide readers with exciting, informative and unique insights written by professional mother-tongue journalists. She has become an institution in the south of France and Monaco's media landscape in her own right. Dominique Freulon (events & distribution), who was born in Paris and has been living on the Côte d'Azur for 15 years, puts maximum energy and dynamism into working in our marketing department. She is a true 'people person' and has always been an admirer of our magazines. Her hobbies are travelling in faraway countries and literature.

Vincent Artus (art 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. Françoise Muller (sales & marketing) is originally from Dijon, but has been living and working on the Côte d'Azur since 1993. For 14 years, she has thrived on her work in the communications and marketing industry, and is now an enthusiastic member of our team. Her hobbies include literature and sports. Carole Hébert (secretary) is the heart and soul of the team. Besides dealing with accounting, subscription management and reader concerns, this native of northern France has a knack with numbers and always ensures everything in the office is ticking over perfectly. Patrice Saint-Léger (sales & marketing) has been working in the communications sector for more than ten years. After studying business administration and entrepreneurship, our Cannes-born publicist discovered his passion in the advertising business. During his free time, his interests lie in sports and nature. Daniel Naro (sales & marketing) nearly became a professional footballer in his northern French home of Metz. Plan B was the insurance industry, but 25 years later, he sought the sun and found it on the Côte d'Azur. After re-launching his career in the media, he recently joined the professional Riviera Press team.

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CONTENTS

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Christmas on the Riviera Charity, markets and villages de Noël

34 The Hotlist News from the region

6 Elsa Carpenter (editor-in-chief) has worked as a journalist in the south of France for many years, and brings her modern vision for the media to our magazines. She is deeply invested in the culture and lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur, and is keen to share her passion for the region with our readers.

Riviera Insider speaks

An inside look at charming Biot Once a hotspot for Picasso and Chagall

12 Pays de Grasse Creating a custom fragrance

Issue #181 SEE MORE, DO MORE, kNOW MORE

SPECIAL Art & Culture

Monaco Yacht Show 2018

with Paul McGuinness

42 Anna Chromy 40 years of artistic creation

Gourmet A new crew at le Grand Hôtel Cannes

54 Tribeca Burger in Nice

55 Salon de Sucre et Chocolat

44 Bernar Venet in an exclusive interview

45 Thomas Lemaire: Nice’s rising star

46 Must-see exhibitions

Better than ever

Sport Teeing-off on the Côte d’Azur: Barbaroux

62 Eco Bats: A natural solution to mosquitoes?

22 Business & Finance

Cover Sisyphus Sculpture: Anna Chromy Photo: Gabriele Danesi

Unknown Monaco

The Satellady: Candace Johnson, serial space entrepreneur

The first country fully 5G

68 Business Person of the Year Awards Bernar Venet and his 200 tonne ‘Effondrement,’ Le Muy 2017 © Gerard Schachmes Paris Courtesy Archives Bernar Venet New York

69 3rd Women and Finance Academy

69 Riviera Press Elegant soirée at the Marriott hotel of Juan-les-Pins

70 Events What’s on the agenda?

75 Community Son-in-law commissioned murder of Hélène Pastor

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Shirl’s Atlantic Row By NICOLE RUSKELL

chalks it up to her childhood in Northern Ireland, explaining that On 24th November, Shirley Thompson will everything seems easy after you’ve grown up in a war zone. depart from Puerto de Mogán in the Shirl has devoted a lot of her life to giving back, including volunteering for Canary Islands in her blue row-boat and two months of every year in the Amazon. But moving from land to sea embark on a long and treacherous was a big jump. “I’m not a woman of the sea,” she admits, adding that journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Her she only recently learned to swim. Despite that small detail, she has been goal is to arrive in Saint Bart’s in the training since the beginning of the year and feels confident in her ability. Caribbean by February. No help, no “I realise it’s a difficult challenge, [but] I’m mentally and physically support team, no engine—just pure prepared, and hope my training has covered many eventualities. I will endurance. If she completes the crossing, start the crossing only if I feel I will have the best chance possible to she will be break two world records: the finish. If sadly I don't, then it won't be from any lack of preparation on first Irish woman to row any ocean solo, my part.” Her Atlantic Row is 99.9% self-funded and she has chosen two and the oldest woman to row any ocean charities, including local French Riviera Animals, to benefit from any solo. The Grasse resident describes the eventual fundraising. However, she has found it quite difficult to drum up challenge as a 60th birthday present to support for her row. “I have paid to purchase and refit a boat, and I have herself, which may be the most unusual, most dangerous, paid for all training, all equipment, food and gear. and possibly the most rewarding present one can give. Despite huge efforts, sponsorship has so far proved Clearly, Shirley (who goes by Shirl) is not your ordinary almost impossible apart from a very negligible amount. woman. She has a hunger for adventure and personal “I WANT TO An old bird rowing across an ocean is not big news challenge that goes beyond even the most active. One PROVE TO these days!” Her biggest let-down was losing her friend, commenting on her Facebook page, called her MYSELF AND satellite coverage that had initially been offered by a ‘bonkers’, but professed her Atlantic Row is the most OTHERS THAT company, but they pulled out in September, leaving her incredible thing a 60-year-old woman can do. SOMEONE without a way to update followers on her progress. She Her motivation for this challenge is personal she says: “I ORDINARY CAN worries that without this link to the outside world, want to prove to myself and others that someone ordinary DO SOMETHING fundraising for charity will be impossible. can do something extraordinary.” It is this sentiment that ExTRAORDINARY.” has been inspiring many people in the region with her her main goal in this crossing? massive undertaking. Speaking with Shirl, one gets the “Getting across safely and enjoying the journey,” she impression they’re speaking with a 20-year-old about to says, “The world records will be a bonus, and if charities set-off on the journey of a lifetime. With a positive, almost can benefit from it then that’s wonderful too, but it’s 100% a personal bubbly voice, she reveals her gruelling training schedule of rowing 14 challenge.” Shirl’s courage and drive is impressive. Regardless of the hours a day and lists off the unimaginable obstacles and dangers that obstacles facing her, she’s excited to get started. Our best response is to she will face. From massive winter storms to the very real threat of quote a comment from Shirl’s Atlantic Row Facebook page. Supporter smashing into container ships in the night, the odds are definitely stacked Tatiana Rezvaya-Crutchlow writes: “Long live the spirit of adventure. Good against her completing the challenge. “Rowing is the easiest part,” she luck, Shirley Thompson!”  says. So where does she find the courage for such an undertaking? She

A FEARLESS GRASSOISE ATTEMPTS A SOLO CROSSING OF THE ATLANTIC

Follow Shirl’s journey on her Facebook page: Shirl’s Row.

Shirley in her rowboat, Amigo

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GET YOUR WINE ON!

La fête de Beaujolais Nouveau Autumn marks the start of some of the most important harvests of the region. From late-season grapes to olives, truffles and chestnuts, November is a busy month for foodies. It also marks the first arrival of the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau, celebrated across France on the third Thursday of the month (15th November). The national celebration is said to represent the friendliness of the French and is to be celebrated with friends and family. The ‘arrival’ of the new wine is celebrated with banners, posters and supermarkets stock their entrances with towering cases of the new wine. Restaurants and bars throughout the French Riviera will have a celebratory apéro in its honour and typically offer a charcuterie platter and a selection of cheeses along with the vin. Check your local listings for participating venues or pick up a few bottles and celebrate French convivialité with friends and family. For searching or posting photos of your Fête de Beaujolais Nouveau, use:

THE ANNUAL WINE PARTY

RENDEZ-VOUS

THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2018

#BeaujolaisNouveau #ILoveBeaujolaisNouveau

 www.loisirs-beaujolais.com

Bellet’s Portes Ouvertes A WEEKEND OF FREE WINE-TASTING

Each November, the winemakers of Bellet in the hills above Nice open their doors to the public, giving people the chance to get to know their wines. Bellet is France’s smallest AOC and the only one located entirely within <Néant>an urban area. The designation AOC stands for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, meaning that a wine marked vins de Bellet can only be made in Bellet from grapes grown in the designated terrain. The 100% organic region benefits from its location perched atop a hill along the Var River. With an unobstructed path, a constant, temperate breeze from the Mediterranean keeps the vines naturally insect and fungus-free. The perfect climate and porous, loamy earth create the particularly pleasant terroir of Bellet wines. Perhaps one of Nice’s best-kept secrets, Bellet wines are not highly exported, so those lucky enough to be in the region can enjoy this special, truly local organic wine. Whether enjoying the stunning views from the terrace of Chateau Bellet, weaving your way down the tiny road to Clos St. Vincent’s biodynamic winery, or getting to know the many family vignerons, don’t miss this great opportunity to sample Nice’s very own AOC. 26th and 27th November. www.vinsdebellet.com novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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Thanksgiving in the Riviera One of the few uniquely American holidays celebrated around the world, Thanksgiving is a beloved feast that brings together family, friends and even strangers to ‘give thanks’ for what they have. Americans have brought this tradition with them to their foreign homes around the world, and perhaps because it is traditional to invite new friends and acquaintances, Thanksgiving has become a fairly well-known event. In cities across the world, American expats celebrate with friends at home by making dishes with the best available ingredients (albeit sometimes without the roasted turkey). Here in the Riviera, Americans are spoilt for choice with many local clubs, organisations and restaurants hosting meals for groups large and small. Falling on 22nd November this year, the two biggest and most popular Thanksgiving celebrations will be hosted by the American Club of the Riviera and the MonacouSA Association. Both clubs make sure to provide opulent feasts ‘with all the trimmings’ including roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and more. The American Club of the Riviera’s Thanksgiving luncheon will be in the elegant Salon Belle époque of the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco. The popular event sells out quickly, so priority is given to club members and their immediate family. Each year, the American Club of the Riviera dedicates the event to members of the American armed forces stationed abroad. Tickets may be purchased through the club’s website until 13th November. www.americanclubriviera.com The MonacouSA Association hosts their Thanksgiving dinner on the Star Deck at Star’N’Bars, also in the Principality of Monaco. They offer an all-

WHERE TO CELEBRATE

you-can-eat feast with the classic dishes, served ‘family style’. Guests will be seated at long tables where single guests can sit side by side with couples and family groups so everyone can be included. American entertainment, including the Macy’s Parade and live-streamed American Football will show on the screens. This year, they will feature a tribute to American president, John F. kennedy as Thanksgiving falls on the anniversary of his death. Reservations must be made by email to MCuSA: rsvpmcusa@gmail.com. Stars’N’Bars will have a separate Thanksgiving menu in the main restaurant. Ma Nolan’s pubs will offer roast turkey as their plat du jour at all locations. They will also offer an extended happy hour with speals on draught pints of Brooklyn beer and American spirits.

American Club of the Riviera’s Thanksgiving luncheon in Monaco.

Introducing Classiﬁed Ads HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES REACH THE ANGLOPHONE COMMUNITY

In light of the sudden and surprising loss of AngloInfo, Riviera Insider is committed to filling the gap in Anglophone expat support. Starting with the January/February 2019 issue, we will have a new classified ads section where businesses and services can advertise to the local Anglophone community. Whether you are a local doctor, therapist, hair stylist or aesthetician, or offer language assistance, specialty goods, personal training, home repairs or an expat-friendly environment within your locale, our readers will appreciate seeing the many English-speaking options in the region. See page 74 for details. 

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MONACO YACHT SHOW News & stories from the world’s leading event

ET e GOURM omic guid ria A gastron e d’Azur & Ligu Côt to the

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GOURMET Rosé on the rocks: could stores run dry?

LIGURIA Exploring the beautiful Italian Riviera

SUMMER beaches & E Blue Flag events CULTUR aldi Forum: al ART & season the Grim raohs Egypt at Pha of the the Gold

ART & CULTURE Tom Wesselmann & La NAC Coste ChâteauMO O The Grim aldis: a photogr aphic fam

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Tram line 2! © Symbiot / Shutterstock.com

NICE AIRPORT’S NEWEST ARRIVAL

The Ligne 2 has had a few milestones in the last year, starting with the massive tunnel completion in August 2017, then the opening of the first section between CADAM (Center Administrativ) and the Magnan station (near the Lenval Hospital) this past June, and reached a new mile stone on 20th September--the airport. In the presence of Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, Line 2 completed a practice run on the newly laid rails at the airport between Terminals 1 and 2. The test run was successful and the long awaited airport tram is expected to be fully functional by December. Construction started five years ago, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 when it will connect all the way to Nice’s port. These new rail lines are expected to replace 600 buses that are currently circulating in the city. Travel time from the airport to Nice centre is estimated to be around 25 minutes. 

The European Parliament elections will be held in May 2019 and the deadline to register is 31st December. European nationals residing in France are eligible to vote in both municipal and Eu elections, but must be registered on the electoral list. The impending Brexit means of lot of things will be changing in Europe, especially for uk nationals living in France. Make sure you exercise your right to cast your vote for representation in Brussels. To register, download the voter registration form the website below and bring the form to your local mairie along with your Eu identification card and proof of residency. If you have recently received French citizenship but do not have your ID, you may still register by showing your own ID and proof of citizenship. Details on eligibility, registration and candidate profiles can be found on the website:  www.interieur.gouv.fr/Elections/

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Ideas, anyone? Our political columnist gives his opinion on the impending split

After Britain’s June 2016 referendum when 52 per cent of voters chose Brexit-to leave the European union after four decades--London might have been expected to draw up guidelines for a new relationship. Then it could have invoked Article 50 of the 2007 Lisbon Treaty to leave. Instead, Prime Minister Theresa May opted to leave first and plan later. She chose an arbitrary date, 29 March 2017, to give the

kept Britain inside Eu structures for trade in goods but outside for services, particularly financial. Her main Brexit negotiator and Boris Johnson, her controversial and loudmouthed foreign secretary, quit, saying it would turn Britain into “a rule-taker” with no say. And the Eu warned that Chequers could not work. This did not stop May presenting it at a humiliating summit two months later in the Austrian city of Salzburg, only to have it abruptly rejected. The net result is that hardly any details or how ordinary people – not least British citizens living in Eu countries – will be treated after March are known. If Britons abroad had been a priority for the May government, London two years’ notice to leave. might have been a little more conciliatory It was soon clear that she had no strategy. towards Eu nationals living in the uk. Months of contradictory demands followed as But it stipulated in September that new the Remain and Leave camps in May’s own arrivals would no longer have access to the fractious Conservative Party bickered. British jobs market unless they had contracts This put the united kingdom itself at risk. promising an annual salary of at least £30,000. Northern Ireland, where growing numbers This brought protests from transport began to favour closer ties, even unification, with companies, already terrified that the return of Dublin, and Scotland, where one survey in customs controls will lead to miles-long traffic September showed 59 per cent favouring jams, and farmers used to hiring low-paid independence, both voted to remain in the Eu. workers from eastern Europe as seasonal England and Wales alone had a majority of labour. Leave votes. A former head of the Confederation of British Pro-Brexit politicians trumpeted before the Industry said European leaders, not just May, referendum that negotiating new trade terms should be ashamed that they had not would be easy. Opponents, derided for guaranteed the rights of more than 5 million promoting “Project Fear,” said Brexit would bring Eu residents. down living standards and harm the economy “It’s an absolute scandal, two-and-a-half years for decades. in, that citizens of Europe in the uk and uk Paris-based Julian Nundy, has been Financial institutions, such as JP Morgan, then citizens in Europe still do not have an a journalist for more than 40 years, announced plans to move hundreds of staff unambiguous, unconditional guarantee they on staﬀ at reuters, Newsweek, the from the City of London to the continent. will be okay no matter what,” Paul Drechsler, international Herald Tribune, The Citizens were given alarming advice to stockpile who headed the CBI for three years until last independent and Bloomberg News food and medicines, while police drew up plans June, said. and as a correspondent in Moscow, to call on the army in the case of civil unrest. If Theresa May is bereft of ideas, she has one Paris, Brussels, Beirut and Cairo. Not the least of the concerns was how to comfort: so are all her rivals. He has covered international prevent a return of the violent Troubles that Leavers in her own party, some of whom want conﬂict and revolutions across the afflicted Northern Ireland from the 1960s until a “hard” Brexit--just crashing out of the Eu Middle east throughout the 1970s the Good Friday agreement of 1998, credited without a deal-- have come up with no viable and 80s. in Paris he covers with restoring peace in part by scrapping the plan. One attempt inexplicably proposed a domestic politics, including the border with the Republic. The Eu suggested that rapid-reaction military force to defend the referendum to approve the Northern Ireland could effectively remain in the Falkland Islands in the south Atlantic, Maastricht treaty. Eu with a de facto border in the Irish Sea deflecting attention from the economy. between all of Ireland and mainland Britain, a And the main opposition, the Labour Party, is proposal that May rejected. hampered by its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, Abroad, Britain’s image, in the hands of surely its considered too leftwing even by many fellow most mediocre politicians ever, became torn and tattered. Angela Merkel, Labour politicians and ambivalent on Europe. the German chancellor, laughingly recounted how May would ask other Proposals to end the impasse, repeatedly spurned by May, include a new European leaders “what can you offer?” oblivious to the fact that she and referendum or a general election. not the other 27 Eu governments needed ideas. Whatever the next steps, the country’s image seems to be irrevocably Finally, the cabinet, meeting at Chequers, the British prime minister’s tarnished. Inside or outside the Eu, it is hard to see how the rest of the country residence, in July accepted a plan proposed by May that notably world can ever take Britain seriously again. 

BREXIT COUNTDOWN

JULIAN NUNDY

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Biotoise for a day An inside look at the charming artist’s village This beloved artist’s village, perched high on a hill has a long and interesting history. Once a hotspot for the likes of Picasso, Chagall and Melano, today Biot struggles to hold on to its glory as a hub for renowned artists. visitor numbers are good and restaurants are full, but shop owners and galleries are feeling the pinch. Catharina Jäckel takes us on a journey through the village, speaking with artists, residents and even the mayor, to become a biotoise for a day.

comes me. She currently interns at the Office de Tourisme, but she comes from Poitou in the northwest of France. She lives and studies in Sophia Antipolis, but has fallen in love with Biot and was determined to work in the little town. “This village has such a special charm,” she says as she shows me around. “History is immortalised everywhere.”

ancient Biot

Characteristic village road © Ville de Biot

Biot was likely first settled by Ligurians in the second century BC. By 154 B.C., the Romanshad conquered the city. They inhabited the old town and brought it under rule of the city we know today as Antibes. In the Middle Ages, the Count of Provence transferred the territory around Biot to the Order of the Temple. At that time, the well-known Place des Arcades, where the renowned Heures Musicales de Biot has taken place for 35 years, the église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and some of the surrounding houses already existed.

lue skies and sunshine welcome the market visitors on this Tuesday in Biot. Shopkeepers are arranging their goods on the Rue Saint Sébastien, the main pedestrian street. The merchants arrive with jewellery, fruit, vegetables and socca. The first customers — locals — begin to buzz around between the stalls. It is still too early for tourists. All of these people know each other: double kisses and questions of how are things at home abound. At the entrance to the village, Lucie Noël wel-

Templar markings © C. Jäckel

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BIOT

The only glass factory in the old town, “Le Souffle de Verre” © Ville de Biot

“Even today, you can still see places in some buildings where the knights Templar engraved their signs,” says Lucie, pointing to a stone that was built into a house on the steep Rue de la Calade. In the 14th century, war and plague decimated the population, leaving only robbers and highwaymen who sought refuge in its stone walls. Biot remained abandoned until 1470 when king René encouraged about 50 Italian families from the Imperia region to settle in Biot. This brought about a period of revival. In the following centuries, Biot devoted itself to pottery; the city's soil, rich in volcanic ash, is ideally suited for clay. The production of jugs and vessels (popular for transporting water and olive oil) made Biot famous. Even today, numerous old jugs in the historic centre accent the village with pieces of its history, although they are now filled with plants.

belongs to Mimi Brothier. Her grandson Valentin leads me through a low door and into the cellar gallery. “In 1960, my grandfather André Brothier (who died in February) was an enthusiastic art collector,” says Valentin. “He returned from Paris with a suitcase full of paintings by his friends and exhibited them in Biot. At that time, the mosaic artist Lino Melano had taken a room in the Hôtel des Arcades and was working on a design for the façade of the Fernand Léger Museum, which is found just outside the village.”

an artist’s haven

Léger-Museum outside of Biot © Ville de Biot

In 1956, éloi Monod opened the first verrerie, or glassblowing workshop, and today glass art is still the trademark of Biot. Around the same time, artists such as Fernand Léger and Raymond Peynet, as well as other craftsmen, settled in the town and helped it to gain prestige. Many of these artists have left their mark in

Melano wasn’t the only famous artist to stay at the famed hotel and Mimi has cooked for many artists who were or became friends. Artists like Picasso, Chagall and Braque to name but a few! The results of these encounters can be found in this private gallery, including a mosaic that Braque designed together with Melano.

a crisis of tourism?

The cellar gallery of l’Hôtel des Arcades © C. Jäckel

the famous restaurant of the Hôtel des Arcades, to which my city guide sends me after our meeting. The historic building is part of the cultural heritage of the city, but the property novemBer / DecemBer 2018

Two artists who moved to Biot in 1962 have tried to maintain Biot's culture of craftsmanship. Jean-Paul van Lith, a painter, ceramic artist, glassblower, author and designer, and Claude Pelletier, a jeweller and designer. Both came independently to Biot from nearby Paris and helped to build up the arts and crafts scene. “Today,” says van Lith in his huge, winding studio, “Biot is rather at a low point with regard to the arts and crafts.” According to the Office of Tourism, however, the number of visitors is not at all low. Mayor

Guilaine Debras, who is also present at our meeting, speaks of a consistently good level of tourism. “The city's efforts are paying off,” she says, proudly stating that Biot received the Qualité Tourisme™ label in 2017. According to Debra, the city is constantly improving its touristic offerings to create a unique experience for Biot visitors. Nor do the owners of two prominent restaurants in the city complain. Thierry Piel and his wife Valérie run the Café de la Poste. Founded in 1885, it is one of the oldest establishments in the town and is located right on the main square, Place du Général de Gaulle. “There are not too many tourists here, but that does not bother me: our restaurant is still always full,” says Thierry. The couple only took over the restaurant a few months ago, but they were regular guests before that. “Biot is

“BIOT IS THE MOST BEAuTIFuL VILLAGE IN FRANCE. I LOVE IT.” -MIMI BROCHIER

a beautiful city that always reinvents itself. It's an authentic city, not a touristic one. That's what I like about it.” While the Piels are still new to Biot, Mimi and her late husband André opened their restaurant 65 years ago. “Here we are known only as Mimi and Dédé,” she says, as if André was still present. She laughs and hums happily while tying flowers for table decorations. The red and white checked tables of the Hôtel des Arcades are still almost full of people on this autumn day. Tourists and locals alike enjoy evenings here under the warm light of the lanterns. Customers sing and laugh and, above all, enjoy Mimi’s Provencal cuisine. “Biot is the most beautiful village in France,” she says of her birthplace. “I love it.” She promptly gets applause from her son and friends who stand around our table, listening and throwing in facts. “It's always crowded in the summer; there’s less [tourism] in the winter. But that makes it good for resting! We still earn enough, don't we?” Mimi asks her son, laughing. Even if guests have been fewer in the last few years, their sheer love for what they do makes for any shortcomings. On some days, it is clearly noticeable. katja Meyer-Rachner, a German expat who moved to the area with her husband almost two decades ago, has been living in Biot for 14 years. She believes that the village has become calmer in the last decade and blames laziness for the drop in visitors.

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Glassblower Frédéric Van Overschelde © Ville de Biot

BIOT

Student Lucie Noël helps in the Tourism office© C. Jäckel

lazy tourists? “Only 15 years ago it was popular to go out in Biot. Back then, people had no problem hiking up the hill,” she says. The market sellers have also noticed fewer people coming on Tuesdays, who, in turn have become less numerous. “Biot's geographical location is both a blessing and a curse,” continues katja. “On one hand it lies so picturesquely in the hills and close to the sea, while on the other, it is a place you need patience to get to. Maybe more people will come back when the new parking spaces are ready.” The car park construction at the upper end of the village in the Chemin des Bachettes (and the traffic around Biot) is also a topic of conversation at Mimi’s restaurant. Her husband was a member of many committees and initiatives, and she says there were always discussions the parking lots. “With every new mayor who took office, hope [that more space would be built] was seeded. Now with Mayor Debras, who was elected in 2014, there will finally be one,” Mimi says. Her hotel and restaurant will certainly benefit from the 121 additional parking spaces that will be accessible via wide pedestrian paths. Mimi, at least, looks to the future with optimism.

surviving the off-season While restaurant owners may be looking forward to some peace and quiet after the peak season, the artisans that define the city suffer from it. For 50 years, Jean-Paul van Lith and Claude Pelletier have organised exhibitions, built museums and helped Biot acquire the label Ville et Métiers d'Arts. Four years ago, in order to revive the city artistically, they launched a movement called La Créative. A boutique of the same name at the entrance to the village was opened two years ago and currently exhibits the works of 30 artists. Acting as a sort of cooperative, each artist has to manage the shop once a month, thus saving on personnel. Today, Maura Biamonti sits at the cash desk. She came to Biot from Italy seven years ago and raves about the authenticity of the village. “It's not just a display village. Biot thrives after novemBer / DecemBer 2018

Mimi Brothier of the Restaurant des Arcades © C. Jäckel

Biot’s history, art and culture distinguish the city and set it apart from purely tourist places. “Everyone knows everyone here, and that's great," van Lith muses. As I leave van Lith's studio, I’m welcomed by the sun and the smell of the market—flowers, rotisserie chicken and ripe peaches. Someone quickly approaches and embraces Pelletier. “Ah, long time no see!” They exchange kisses before Pelletier says jovially, “Let me introduce you a new biotoise!” By that he means me, and I am glad to be temporarily a part of this special place. 

work hours, too. There is a school here and the elderly are made to feel very welcome. There are also lots of artists living here. Biot is not perfect, but this makes the village special.” Today, the concept of La Créative works well. In its first year, when they were still selling directly in front of the church, they sold a little more because visitors automatically passed by after visiting the church. After the start of construction work in front of the church, there was a small drop in sales, so they moved to the entrance to the village. Biot’s trademark verreries are also feeling the squeeze. In the only glass shop with an attached studio in the town centre, the owner fears having to close her doors. Le Souffle de Verre, whose shelves contain the typical Biot glasses with air bubbles, as well as unique creations by glassblower Frederic van Overschelde, does not generate enough turnover. For some years now, it has counted fewer tourists interested in glass art. The Belgian managing director Christel Bierinckx, who took over the shop in 2014, looks through the store windows with an empty gaze: “Winter is sad here, so the studio will probably close this autumn.” © Ville de Biot

hope for the future Van Lith and Pelletier think that under the energetic mayor's watch, Biot's handicrafts can regain their old glory. “Among other initiatives, she supports events such as the first Biot International Glass (BIG) Festival in September, which attracted artists from all over the world,” says van Lith. “With the festival we were able to reach a broad audience and bring them to Biot,” confirms the mayor. “Visitors from all over the world, but also people from neighbouring towns and not least Biot, enjoyed the BIG Festival. Investments like the parking lot or the festival will pay off in the coming years.” katja hopes that the city's advertising will be improved: “If something takes place that is well communicated beforehand, like the Soirées Salsa or the Bar éphémère, then the village is full.” The Nocturnes d'Art, which took place every Thursday evening during the summer months, also performed well, recalls Pelletier.

NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE in September, the Tourism Oﬃce launched a more dynamic, modern and intuitive website. it allows visitors to discover Biot in an impressive way. For example, they oﬀer interactive maps and recommendations for excursions. There is also a section where local residents introduce themselves, tell stories of their ancestors and report on their favourite places to go. www.biot-tourisme.com

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novemBer / DecemBer 2018

PAYS DE GR ASSE

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Creating a custom fragrance The perfect gift for someone who has everything as the holidays approach, there is always that one person who is tricky to buy for and no matter how much you rack your brain for ideas, you don’t know what to give as a gift. Whether for your partner, parent, child or friend, we’ve got an insider tip for that truly special gift... By NICOLE RUSKELL

he holiday season is rife with fragrance ads; considering 49% of yearly perfume sales take place in November and December, it’s no wonder why. By the time December rolls around, the airwaves are bombarded with gorgeous people selling expensive perfumes. Chanel, Dior, Guerlain, the list goes on. But what do these perfumes have in common? The best perfumes (those made with the highest quality ingredients) source their scents from Grasse. In fact, Chanel has always sourced its jasmine and tuberose from this special area. Grasse is the birthplace of the perfume industry and is still world famous for its production. Perfume was once a luxury reserved for nobility, but after the French Revolution, it be-

came available to all and mass perfume production skyrocketed. Today the market is flooded with every type of fragrance imaginable, and every quality imaginable. But flower essences from Grasse remain the most highly prized ingredients. How lucky for us to have this world heritage in our own backyard! The most well-known perfumeries in Grasse are also the oldest. Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard have been making perfume for over a century. These historic and established perfumeries, along with a few independent newcomers, offer group workshops and private sessions with their professional perfumers. You can give your special someone an unforgettable experience with a professional pernovemBer / DecemBer 2018

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PAYS DE GR ASSE

a clear liquid produced by solvent-free CO2 distillation. It smells like the pure essence of jasmine. While both were undeniably the same flower, the heavy Egyptian version was no comparison. We repeat the same with the Rose de Mai absolute, again finding the Grasse product far superior to the other. “When you buy a bottle of Grasse fragrance, you are buying a part of the patrimony of Grasse--its history and terroir,” she says. The thought of creating a personalised perfume with some of the world’s highest quality ingredients is exciting, but when taking a seat in front of 150 bottles of scents, it suddenly feels daunting. Irina tells me people’s first reaction is ‘That’s amazing!’ and then they switch to ‘How do I choose from all these scents?’ The short answer to that is you don’t. This is where the expertise of the perfumer

“WHEN YOu BuY A BOTTLE OF GRASSE FRAGRANCE, YOu ARE BuYING PART OF THE PATRIMONY GRASSE-ITS HISTORY AND TERROIR.” -IRINA NESA

The wall of essences, Galimard

fumer and the opportunity to create a one-ofa-kind fragrance that no one else in the world will have. How’s that for a unique gift? The prices for this kind of experience may surprise you. From affordable group workshops to a private sessions with champagne, there is an option for every budget.

The experience Galimard has been making perfume since 1747. A visit to their factory in Grasse is filled with old copper distillation cauldrons offering a visual history in the ancient techniques of perfume manufacture. As one of the oldest perfumers in the world, Galimard claims to be the first to offer private sessions with a perfumer. I meet with Irina Nesa, my expert personal perfumer, who takes us through the building, past the ancient relics now replaced by people in white lab coats in glass rooms. Inside the perfumer’s novemBer / DecemBer 2018

room, amber glass chemist jars with vintage labels line the walls. At first, I thought we entered a museum room, but it was, in fact, Irina’s ‘organ’, the name for a perfume desk. Hers features three shelves of scents. We start by discussing Grasse and its heritage as a perfume capital. I am curious to know if there is really a difference in a scent from Grasse as opposed to elsewhere. To respond, she jumps up from the desk and returns with several small vials. Carefully lining them up, she dips the tip of a card tester delicately into each vial and lays them out in front of me. She explains that plants are grown traditionally in Grasse and their scent carries the terroir. The centuries of expertise in the process of the distillation comes through in the quality of the flower essences. I smell the Jasmine Grandiflora from Egypt: a dark, reddish-brown liquid. Then I smell the same flower essence from Grasse,

comes in. known as ‘noses,’ professional perfumers are trained in the chemical makeup of thousands of the scents and are masters of their craft. Irina asks what my favourite scents are and what perfumes I like. This seemingly simple question gives her an idea of the overall notes I prefer and narrows down the selection to a particular family. In my case, florals. We begin with four unmarked amber bottles, which I need to put in order to my liking. The first one I don’t like; the second is neutral and the third and fourth make me worry. I can’t smell them at all. Half shocked, I think I’m already off to a bad start. With a curious expression, Irina makes notes on the paper, suggests I smell something else and come back to it. Still nothing. My thoughts run wild, wondering how I couldn't smell anything. I forcibly inhale the little cardstock strip, trying to will my brain to identify some scent – any scent! But nothing. She scribbles more notes and explains that this first step reveals to her how I process scent. Next, she pulls about 20 bottles from the bottom shelf of the organ, the base notes of a perfume. My directions are simple: pick out the ones I like. All bottles are turned around, making it a blind selection. I pick only four. As Irina drips the scents onto card sticks, she again asks me to order them to my liking. She

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100ml perfume bottle with automiser and gift sac

also asks for a word to describe each scent. Adventurous, exciting, woody and stable. As I say these words, I am struck that I am giving emotions to describe a scent and ask if this is normal. “Scent is connected to your emotions,” Irina tells me. “People often give emotive words to base scents.” She brings out a tall beaker and pours specific measures of the base notes together. Another

Galimard perfumer, Irina Nesa and Riviera Insider’s Nicole Ruskell

tester strip gives me my first encounter with my perfume. I love it and a smile spreads across my face. I’m warned that many people at this point fall in love with the fragrance and don’t want to go any further. I think that if I love it this much, it will only get better as I add the floral scents. Next were the heart notes, taken from the second shelf. I like so many of these, I need to whittle them down. Another couple arrives to make a custom perfume and this gives me time to narrow my selection. I decide on five, but as I kept smelling and re-smelling, I eliminated one that was just too sweet. Irina returns and begins smelling my new selection along with my base note mixture, moving the different tester sticks in a graceful and melodic way. She pours the new additions into the beaker and touches the result to my wrist. The scent has completely transformed--and it’s divine. Again, I love it. We follow the same procedure for the top notes, but when she mixes it, it has somewhat fallen flat. “What’s missing?” Irina asks. Something fresh and green, something to liven it up? I feel disappointed that the scent that was so wonderful a few additions ago is now lacklustre. “Try this,” she offers. It was the essence of basil: green and bright and unusual. A bit of the basil and some geranium from Grasse, and my perfume was closer to finished, but still missing something. I grabbed the peach stick that I had earlier removed and like magic, it opened up my fragrance in the most amazing way. What I had thought was too sweet before, now complimented the other scents and the tang of the peach was the perfect addition to the strange tang of the basil. “I love it!” I exclaim loudly without realising. My perfume is done: “Your smile says it all.” Irina closes her eyes and gently waves the tester stick below her nose. She wasn’t smelling my perfume, she was experiencing it. With her eyes still closed, she says, “If it was a textile, it would be a sweater. But a very thin one, like cashmere. It’s warm, but not heavy. It’s like a transparent sweater.” I went into the experience with excitement and an open mind, but planning on making a perfume heavy on rose. Instead, I picked jasmine, rose, lilac, cassis, pea, basil, geranium white peach. and more. Never would I have imagined all the scents that go into a perfume. It’s a fascinating experience and a fabulous gift to give. My experience was their two-hour private session with a perfumer for €200. They also offer daily, two-hour group workshops with 127 essences for €65. A VIP package of two half-day sessions plus a return the following day costs €800. All private sessions include champagne, hors-d'oeuvres and a 100ml bottle of perfume. Galimard keeps your personalised perfume recipe on file for when you would like to reorder. 

PAYS DE GR ASSE

NATASHA MANLEY Natasha Manley and her husband Mike, visiting from Brisbane in australia, are the couple who join Galimard’s private perfume session on the same day as riviera insider. Natasha describes her experience as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’. “Having the opportunity to make my own perfume has been on my list of ‘must dos’ and today i managed to do it. i was amazed at how complex the decision making process was... So many lovely fragrances. What a beautiful day!”

CUSTOM PERFUMES Fragonard - 1h30 with perfumer 100ml bottle, certificate & apron, 65€ www.fragonard.com Galimard - 2 hours in a group 100ml bottle and certificate, €65 - 2 - 3 hours with perfumer, 100ml bottle, Chamagne & certificate, €200 - 4 - 5 hours with perfumer 100ml bottle, body lotion & shower gel, Champagne & certificate, €500 www.galimard.com Molinard - 1 hour in a group 50 ml bottle, €69 - 2 hours with perfumer 75 ml bottle, €189 www.molinard.com

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riviera

MONACO YACHT SHOW

2018 Better than ever

Lord Stephen A. Carter (l.), CEO of Informa Group, and Gaëlle Tallarida, General Director of MYS, Prince Albert II and Bernard Fautrier (r.) einen Scheck über 49 000 Euro für die UmweltStiftung des Fürsten. © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

or 28 years, the MYS has been wowing the yachting world with the latest and largest yachts, vendors, toys, and ground-breaking announcements. Each year they outdo the last, with more visitors, more record-breaking yachts and more money donated. Director of the show, Gaëlle Tallarida presented Prince Albert II with a cheque of €49,000 for the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, a thousand euros more than they raised last year.

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MONACO YACHT SHOW

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Johan Pizzardini, Communications director of MYS with Petra Hall.

Marie Christophe with husband (l) and George Kasiliyake, President of the Riviera Business Club.

From left: Nicole Ruskell, Petra Hall and Commander Michael Healy.

Our friends of the Observatoire de Nice

Riviera Press & MYS 18 years and counting! We have a long-term relationship with the MYS, being present every year for almost two decades. We’ve seen the show grow in both size and importance. This year seemed particularly good, with even more of a

Indian Ocean Outdoor furniture in business 30 years

1ST YEAR AT MYS

positive vibe in the air and many happy exhibitors. We welcomed friends, readers, acquaintances, exhibitors and future friends as people from all over the world stopped by our stand to say hello.

Silverlining Hand-crafted custom furniture in business over 30 years

20TH YEAR AT MYS

“There’s more interest in our designs, so it’s been good.”

“This year is going well. We’ve had a lot of owners come by.”

–Jamie Hobbs, Founder and Managing director

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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MONACO YACHT SHOW

Luxury of a by-gone era A tunnel in Le Rocher tells of the golden age of Riva ike no other boat, the sleek wooden Aquarama of the Riva brand embodied the Dolce Vita lifestyle of the 1960s. Stars such as Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren and Sean Connery all owned one; and for the fairy tale wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace kelly, company boss and Aquarama designer Carlo Riva (1922 - 2017) gifted the princely couple one of the chic, iconic boats. In 1959, the patriarch of the family business, which was founded in 1842, had literally carved his relationship with Monaco in stone. Even though his boats were still built in the northern Italian town of Sarnico, Carlo Riva received permission to blast a 90 metre long tunnel from the harbour into the side of le Rocher, the old town rock. Even today, the huge hall, in which splendid festivities are occasionally celebrated, is still the

rectly in front of the Riva workshop. This year, rows and rows of elegant wooden boats swayed in the water in front of the historic boat shop. The brand, which today belongs to the Ferretti shipyard, has long been building larger luxury yachts that have done away with their wooden hull, such as the Duchessa, which was offered for sale at this year’s MYS. 

The Riva tunnel in the Rock

seat of the Monaco Boat Service, now run by daughter, Lia Riva. Many classic Riva models, some of them rare, are not only stored there, but also repaired and lovingly maintained. The Monaco Yacht Show is an important event for the company and conveniently located diCarlo Riva with his famous designs

Eco Angels Saving the sea from MYS waste he Monaco Yacht Show came to a close on Saturday, 29th September with the traditional blowing of the horns. That is when the Eco Angels sprang into action, picking up waste throughout Port Hercule. Eco Angels is a concept created by kate Powers, the co-founder of the Port Hercules restaurant and sports bar Stars’N’Bars and her business partner, Annette Anderson. They organise teams of volunteers each year after major events in the principality, including the springtime Grand Prix. It’s estimated that the MYS brings over 36,000 visitors to the port, and despite the impeccable care and clean-up during the event, bits of rubbish and fallen plastic bottles are inevitable. “It's so important to pick up the plastic bottles near the port. People often don't realise it, but it only takes a small gust of wind for that bottle to wind up in the sea," says kate. Several students from the International School of Monaco volunteered to become Eco Angels, wearing special pink t-shirts designed by the Yachting Pages Media Group and gathering trash in biodegradable sacks donated by the Monaco Port Authority. During the show, kate and other Eco Angels, including staff from the National Pact for Energy Transition, visited almost every stand, giving each of the 600 exhibitors biodegradable sacks. The response was overwhelm-

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

Kate Powers with volunteer students from the International School of Monaco

ingly positive, according to kate, with many exhibitors sharing information on their own companies’ waste reduction initiatives. Simon Brooks, Field Operations Manager of Yacht Pages, was thrilled with the result of the cleanup. He told Riviera Insider, “We are very proud to be working in collaboration with such driven and influential Eco Angels as kate Powers and Annette Anderson. Their proven track record in dri-

ving ecological actions and organisations is outstanding. As the superyacht industry’s leading media company, we feel profoundly motivated and duty bound to help increase awareness and bring positive change to our ocean environment.” After all was said and done, the Eco Angels wound up collecting over 100 bags of plastic waste. 

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MONACO

The Keystone Big Band

2018 Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival The best in jazz he 2018 Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival will take place from 13th November to 2nd December at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. under the high patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event continues to attract the top names in modern jazz. The 13th edition’s pro-

gramme proves that jazz is still quite diverse and free in its expression – open to all musical trends, but always leaving room for tradition. For jazz lovers and newcomers as well, the festival introduces the biggest of jazz stars as well as today’s fresh new talent. Starting with tradition, Gregory Porter will open the Festival on 13th November in this beautiful and historic centre of

music and art. On 14th November, Youn Sun Nah, the korean singer who was first scouted in Juan-les-Pins will be performing from her new album She Moves On which pays homage to great American songwriters like Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and Lou Reed. The line-up also includes Marcus Miller & Selah Sue, John McLaughlin, Bobby McFerrin, Robin Mckelle, Manu katché, Hugh Coltman, Eric Legnini, Vincent Peirani, Electro Deluxe, Cyrille Aimée and keystone Big Band. The festival will play host to other musical genres as well, welcoming pianist Denis Matsuev’s jazz repertoire, Sanseverino, and Benjamin Biolay & Melvil Poupaud. The festival wraps up with Boy George and the Culture Club.  www.monacolive.com

Fête Nationale de Monaco Celebrating the Principality ecked out in red and white, Monaco proudly displays its patriotism during the Fête Nationale on 19th November. Traditionally, Monaco’s National Day fell on the Patron Saint day of the reigning Prince. It was once celebrated on 16th May under Prince Honoré III. under Prince Rainier III, the day was celebrated on Saint Rainier day, 19th November. When Prince Albert II became prince, he decided to keep the day as the official date in remembrance of his father. As usual, the day will begin with a service at the Notre-Dame-Immaculée cathedral on the Rocher which will be attended by the entire Grimaldi family. From there, the festivities move to the Palais Princier, where parades of the principality’s services pass with pomp and circumstance, honouring the Prince. Port Hercules will have an active and fun fairground for the kids, complete with rides, bumper cars and lots of sweets. Monegasques are happy to attend the festivities, but many choose to spend the day doing charitable service like distributing care packages to the less fortunate. A fireworks display goes off over the port on the night of the 18th, to kick-off the celebrations. For the last few years, one of the highlights of the day has been seeing the adorable royal twins, Gabriella and Jacques at the balcony with their parents. 

MICS Monaco International Clubbing Show

he 9th edition of MICS, the leading trade fair for suppliers in the field of clubs, bars and restaurants takes place at the Grimaldi Forum on 7th and 8th November from 2pm to 9pm. This year will have a simplified itinerary organised by sector and activity, and will feature intelligent furniture, prestigious alcohol brands, avant-garde technical effects, optimised management systems, interactive master classes, food courts and international artists. A new configuration allows exhibitors to welcome VIP customers in private spaces arranged around the central stage until dawn. As always, the Nocturne event will be held from 10pm to 4am, hosting the NRJ DJ Awards Ceremony followed by an after hours with renowned DJs.  www.mics.mc

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MONACO

Chef ’s world summit An international gathering of chefs

ne of the world’s largest gatherings of professional chefs, the Chef’s World Summit is designed to train and inspire a new generation of professional chefs.

The summit is open to a wide array of guests in the culinary world, not only chefs and restaurateurs, but also caterers, culinary school teachers, maîtres d’hôtel, butlers and students, and brings together over 150 chefs from 57 countries and more than 2,200 professionals from across the

industry from 26th to 27th November at the Grimaldi Forum . Mauro Colagreco, the famous Michelin-starred chef of Menton’s Mirazur, is this year’s summit sponsor. A list of who’s who in the culinary world form the committee that will oversee numerous demonstrations, panel discussions and forums, which will be simultaneously available in French and English. Committees and panel discussions serve as a ‘meeting of the minds’ to bring the industry forward not only in innovation and technology, but also to strengthen its roots in the foundation of food—the earth. The summit’s main themes for discussion this year will be eco-responsibility, training and recruitment and social involvement. Organic food, zéro déchet, healthy soil, and the preservation of seeds have been hot topics this year. To further this, the guest of honour will be Vananda Shiva, an Indian scholar, food activist and world leader in the preservation of ancient and heirloom seeds. She is the author of twenty books, and works with several governments and NGOs for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.  www.chefsworldsummit.com.

NASA’s 60th Astronautes come to Monaco he American space agency, NASA, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. With the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Embassy of Monaco to the united States will be presenting the second edition of “Pioneers and Innovators or our time,” a special gathering of leaders in air and space technology. The event will take place from 21st to 23rd November. There will be a screening of Rory kennedy’s Oscar-nominated documentary ‘Above & Beyond: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow’ on Thursday, 22nd November from 5pm – 6:30pm at the Auditorium Rainier III. The film covers the work carried out by NASA on earth and throughout our galaxy. It presents the next generation of telescopes, prototypes of spacecrafts planned for Mars and the organisation of technical missions to better understand space. The film will be followed by a panel discussion focused on space exploration, astrophysics and clean technology for the future. Panel members will include astronauts, members of the 1986 Columbia space shuttle mission and renowned scientists. The film will be presented in French and the discussion of the participants will be in English with simultaneous translation in French. This event is free and open to the public.  Reservations required: eticket@monacomediax.com or +377 93 10 40 61

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No Finish Line Monaco © Palomba

No Finish-Line A week-long run for charity he 19th edition of the immensely successful eight-day marathon will take place from 10th to 18th November. The unique race lasts 24-hours a day for eight days and does not have a finish line, but rather counts the number of kilometres covered by participants. Sponsors, donors and support from HSH Prince Albert II see that 1 euro for every km covered is donated to Children & Future, a charity providing aid for sick and disadvantaged children. The 1400 metre circuit can be run or walked and repeated as many times as desired throughout the eight days. Since its inception in 1999, No Finish Line Monaco has raised millions of euros for charity projects around the world. Last year’s NFL Monaco registered 14,000 participants who covered more than 436,900 km, equating to the same amount donated. 

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The ﬁrst fully 5G country in the world Monaco Telecom & Huawei make History By NICOLE RUSKELL

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

riday 7th September seemed a perfectly normal day in Monaco, but unbeknownst to most residents, the principality was making history. Thousands of miles away in Beijing, Monaco Telecom (MT) was signing a deal with Chinese communication giant Huawei to make Monaco the first country in the world to be completely covered by 5G satellite service. HSH Prince Albert II was in China for the occasion, alongside Ren Zhengei, the founder of Huawei, as the momentous accord was signed by Martin Peronnet, CEO of Monaco Telecom and Shi Weiliang, the director of Huawei France. The deal came to fruition in record time after a meeting between Prince Albert II and Guo Ping, the deputy chairman of Huawei at the Davos Summit in January. The prince is committed to making Monaco a world leader in technology, and providing the ultra-fast wireless data coverage is considered key to keeping the state at the forefront of business and the future digital landscape. MT originally partnered with Huawei in 2017 for their 1 Gb/s 4G network. The new 5G agreement is considered the next phase of a very successful partnership. Virginia Mathis, the communications manager for MT tells Riviera Insider, “Moving the Monegasque economic mission to China and the signing of the agreement have strengthened our commitment and our will to move fast.” They have moved more than fast. Only three weeks after signing the agreement, MT debuted the first-ever instantaneous livestream 360° video in HD over a wireless 5G network.

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monaco Yacht show launch An early morning press conference welcomed journalists at the Starboard media station at the Monaco Yacht Show on Thursday 27th September. Sporting events are a preferred launch platform for MT and a clever choice too, as the world’s press is already on hand. “We opened the 4G 1 Gb/s at the Rolex Masters tennis last year, and we were ready to show the capabilities of the 5G technology for this major event,” says Mathis. The Monaco Yacht Show was a spectacular setting on its own, but journalists were further wowed by the live-action demonstration that started the conference. For the first time ever, a drone fixed with a 5G router and a 360° camera was flown high above Port Hercules and sent a live-feed directly to a large screen in real time. The camera lens was remote-controlled by a mobile phone and as the phone was moved, the image on the screen moved at the same moment. No lag. That may not seem like quite a feat, but thinking about that dreaded spinning wheel when trying to

“IT GIVES MONACO A VERY COMPETITIVE EDGE” FABRICE MARQUET

stream a small video on your phone and you can begin to understand the giant leap in technology. To finish the demonstration, the drone feed was transferred from a flat screen to a globe screen, the newest gadget in the 360° video world. Designed specifically for 360° cameras, the globe screen gives a perfect spherical display without the strange fish-eye distortion often seen with flat 360° images. MT CEO Martin Perronet took the floor to discuss the amazing possibilities that the 5G network holds, describing it as ‘the tool that will enable the next industrial revolution’. The current 4G network supplies a streaming rate of 1 Gb/s, whereas the 5G network will provide 10 Gb/s. That is a speed 10 times as fast, with 10 times less latency and a capacity of 10 times more devices. Perronet said the speed of the network will be a ‘comfort’ for residents and a leap forward for business and industry. The 5G network is expected to profoundly change information processing, promoting the development of the Internet of Things.

fields that will benefit from 5g

Martin Perronet, CEO of Monaco Telecom. © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

Automotive: the development of autonomous cars will flourish with 5G networks, allowing them to instantly react to obstacles such as pedestrians. Healthcare: hospitals can harness 5G for

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numerous applications including remote surgery, holographic diagnostics and the ability to compartmentalise hospital data as well as give extra security to patient records. -Gaming: high-speed connectivity will revolutionise interactive games and virtual reality. -Communication: instant communication is especially useful for assisted translation. Government (cities can improve infrastructures, monitor traffic and pollution and develop ‘Smart Cities’) The terrain and geography of the principality proves the biggest challenge. Just as the signal is 10 times faster, it is 10 times more fragile due to an extremely high frequency. The density of Monaco’s buildings and rocky mountain terrain proves difficult for full coverage. But MT is determined to make the network 100% accessible anywhere in the city, from parking garages to rooftop gardens. In order to achieve seamless coverage, they require a particularly high number of antennae and a significant investment from the government. Frédéric Genta, Monaco’s Chief Digital Officer and head of the country’s ‘Digital Transition team,’ took the floor to describe the government’s investment as a ‘global collaboration,’ with a team of around 40 people to make the network possible. This led to the creation of the 5G platform and the purchase of 40 antennae across three sectors of the country. He describes the coverage as ‘a precise mesh of the territory’, adding: “[It’s] an essential platform for the digital transition. This launch proves that day after day, the Prince's Government outlines the face of the Monaco of tomorrow.”

L-R: Frédéric Genta, Monaco’s Chief Digital Officer; Martin Perronet, CEO Monaco Telecom; HSH Prince Albert II and Ren Zhengei, founder of Huawei; Shi Weiliang, Director of Huawei France and his assistant. © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

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VIRTUAL REALITY DEMO During the Monaco Telecom 5G demonstration, 360° camera footage was wirelessly streamed into a virtual reality mask, allowing the viewer to become completely immersed in the view from above the port.

Virtual reality mask demo © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

is it safe? The 5G network has caused a lot of controversy lately for the level of electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation. Riviera Insider spoke with MT CEO Martin Perronet about the presumed risks. He was well aware of the concerns and assured Riviera Insider that MT has fully considered the EMF emissions from 5G antennae. He explained that since 2010, Monaco has had extremely high controls on EMF radiation output and today the principality has 10 times lower EMF emissions than the rest of Europe. For this reason, MT found that even with the added emissions from 5G antennae, the principality will still remain within safe limits. “We want to be everywhere, but with very low emissions,” he said.

so when can you use it?

Monaco Telecom 5G antenna. © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

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The 5G network is already in place and functional. The first antennae were installed in the pilot area of Port Hercules, which allowed the demonstration, and the first 5G mobile call was placed to Beijing on Saturday 1st September. However, there is a great deal of work to complete and a few miles-

tones to wait for. MT will be working on installing the remaining antennae, which will take place over the next several months. Their goal of 100% coverage is planned between June and September 2019. The summer timeframe is designed to coincide with the release of 5G phones to the market. The next step is to get a new 5G phone, and that is where most of the waiting is. In order to even acces the 5G network, you will need a phone with a 5G compliant chip. But the technology is so new they won’t be available until next year. According to Perronet, only Qualcomm has produced 5G compliant chips so far, which was used in the drone modem for the demonstration. The first commercially available 5G phones are expected in summer 2019. The last step required in order to enjoy the instantaneous network is a new 5G contract with Monaco Telecom. Many Orange customers in France enjoy a partnership agreement with MT, giving them full coverage in the principality. But this will not apply to the 5G network, as the service provider platform is completely different from 4G and Orange does not have the platform capability--nor does France. According to Perronet, the ‘5G Spectrum’ allowing communication at ultra-high frequency has not yet been awarded to the country. So if you’re in France, you won’t be able to ‘binge watch’ Netflix over 5G any time soon. For those in Monaco, 2019 will usher in the tech revolution, enabling almost endless possibilities for wireless communication and business progress.

WHY 5G?

Mobile is the world’s #1 way of accessing the internet 10x faster

10x less latency

10x more devices supported Better security

Best for streaming and virtual reality Better connection for business

essential for autonomous vehicles

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Drone fitted with 5G wireless router © Michael Alesi – Direction de la Communication

monaco’s digital future Officials see unlimited possibilities with the implementation of 5G, solidifying Monaco as a digital world leader. Fabrice Marquet, the head of Monaco’s start-up initiative thinks the new network is ‘great’ and establishes Monaco as a world leader. He told Rivera Insider: “It gives Monaco a very competitive edge. We will finally have a unique advan-

tage in tech. Other European cities like Paris and Berlin will need years before they get 5G.” He also spoke of the numerous ‘day-today applications’ of 5G, from instantaneous processing of data, to analysing energy consumption for more efficiency. One example he gave is the data from hotel room usage, designing a pattern of behaviour that

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can predict when people will be in their rooms. This can then regulate the AC instead of leaving an empty room at 18 degrees all day. The 5G network is therefore a precursor to Monaco's evolution as a ‘Smart City.’ The premise of which uses data collection on everyday things like traffic, energy usage, water supply and emissions to make the city more responsive and energy efficient. It can be used to improve waste management, traffic flow, law enforcement, libraries, school services, community interaction and much more. The European union has several incentive programs for implementing Smart-City technology and runs programmes under ‘Europe’s Digital Agenda.’ There are already several Smart Cities in the world, including Nice, Singapore, Stockholm, Madrid, New York, and Dubai. 5G is not required in order to make a city ‘Smart,’ however, the ease and speed with which 5G processes the data collection makes it an invaluable tool. Monaco is moving forward with the SmartCity implementation. In October, the government appointed a new head of the ‘Smart-City’ project, a subdivision of the ‘Digital Transition’ department headed by Frédéric Genta, with Paul Jolie as the Digital Advisor to the ministry. 

The Matrice Programme Researching Smart-City Applications ne of the projects helping to get the principality to their digital goal is Matrice, a multi-disciplinary programme to research better optimisation of Monaco’s infrastructure. Matrice is organised by 42, xavier Neil’s innovative technology school in Paris. Neil is a telecommunications billionaire, founder of France’s internet mobile provider Free and co-owner of Monaco Telecom as well as Le Monde newspaper. His innovative new school is free of teachers, books and tuition and is only open to 1000 students per year. For the Matrice programme, 42 brings together students from different schools specialised in business, entrepreneurship, tourism and technology. Conducted in three phases, different groups of students will visit the principality for hands-on experience, then analyse and brainstorm ideas for what will make the country better for tourists, residents and businesses. Phase one, which focused on tourism, began in November 2017, when Paul Jolie, who is heading up the Smart-City project, welcomed 30 students from eight different countries. The group spent two weeks in Monaco, living as tourists. The goal was to familiarise them with the principality and think of new and innovative solutions to improve visitor experience. The group returned to Paris to brainstorm ideas and submitted their final reports this past October. Phase two will focus on Monaco’s carbon footprint and the final phase will focus on the well-being of inhabitants. Fabrice Marquet says the programme is still in the early stages, but tells Riviera Insider: “Putting together coding, business and tourism schools will make for a very interesting result.” 

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LIGURIA

search journals (around 38,000 pieces) are housed in 36 different museums around the world. The bulk of his research, however, has been donated to the university of Genoa library. Clarence started his life as an Anglican minister. He travelled the world as a missionary, but after a few years became disillusioned with the inside politics of church life, describing the inner workings of the clergy as a ‘chauvinist culture’ and left the church for good. A strict believer in equal rights, democracy and freedom of expression, Clarence was more of a Renaissance man than a Victorian. He was years ahead of his time, a vegetarian pacifist, environmental activist, a creative and playful artist and an enthusiastic supporter of the women’s suffrage movement. He was, perhaps, better suited to our current era than to the 19th century. Shortly after breaking from the church, he received an invitation to join friends in Bordighera. It was there, in the small Ligurian town that he discovered his true passion. Bordighera, with its lush green mountains, explosive flowers and deep blue sea inspired him like nothing else before. In 1878, at the age of 36, he purchased Villa Rosa, the house of his hosts, where he would spend the rest of his life devoted to the town, its flora and the local community. Clarence Bicknell at his home in Bordigherar © Clarence Bicknell Association

Clarence Bicknell Centenary A look at the man who catalogued Liguria By NICOLE RUSKELL

artist. Botanist. Conservationist. Linguist. archaeologist. Clarence Bicknell defies classification, but this victorian researcher devoted his life to the discovery and catalogue of Liguria’s flora. He single-handedly catalogued thousands of plants and trees along the italian coast, creating one of the most thorough botanical libraries in the region. 2018 marked 100 hundred years since his passing. Here we look at his tireless work in the hills of Ligura.

he breadth of Clarence Bicknell’s work spans not only decades, but also genres. He is most known for his extensive study of botany and the discovery Légende à remplacer © D.R. of the cave drawings of Tende, but he was novemBer / DecemBer 2018

also a priest, an artist, a collector, an alpinist and a pioneer of the universal language Esperanto. His life’s work of watercolours journals, diaries, cave rubbings, pressed flowers and re-

The artist One of 13 children, Clarence grew up in an unusual situation. Clarence’s father, Elhanan, was an avid art collector and friends of many artists of the day. Their home on Herne Hill in London was filled with paintings of living artists, either commissioned or purchased directly from the artists. Legendary painter, JMW Turner was a good family

LIGURIA

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today. His second book was published in 1896, a reference work titled Flora of Bordighera and San Remo, describing the area as unparalleled in its variety of flora. Stating that with his advancing age, it was time to publish a catalogue of ‘our plants.’ Clarence’s collection of plants and his detailed drawings proved invaluable for many celebrated botanists of the day. His work was used in numerous other books, including plates of his watercolours as illustration. In total, he made over 3,000 flower paintings and added 73 species to the list of known Ligurian plants. Today, the majority of his work is conserved in the Hanbury Institute at the university of Genoa. Four hundred of his flower designs can also be found in the Fitzwilliam Museum of his alma mater, Cambridge university.

The archaeologist

Water colour painted by Bicknell © Clarence Bicknell Association

friend and spent a great deal of time at the Bicknell residence. Often painting in the Bicknell home, Clarence grew up watching Turner create masterpieces right before his eyes, learning from a young age to see the world as an artist. Clarence was highly creative, experimenting with any type of art and craft from furniture, rugs and ceramics, to watercolour paintings, pastel sketches and lithographic etchings. He wrote poems and verse about flowers and illustrated the pages with intricate floral designs.

The Botanist The richness of the flora in and around Bordighera inspired Clarence to no end. He immediately began collecting plants, cataloguing them and painting exquisitely detailed watercolours in his journals. He started in his own garden and moved further out

into the countryside to discover new and unknown plants. Within a few years of his arrival, he had created over a thousand drawings. In 1885 he published his first book, Flowering plants and ferns of the Riviera, covering 280 species with 82 colour illustrations. In the book, he complains that many of the plants along the coast could no longer be found, ‘owing to the ravages committed by horticulturists’ agents and winter visitors.’ At the time, the Italian Riviera was more popular with English visitors than the Côte d’Azur, and the Italian population of Bordighera outnumbered by the British. With the continual arrival of new sun-seekers, he took the disappearance of plants personally. He wrote: ‘Every autumn, too…a new road or villa or vineyard has caused the disappearance of some favourite old friends.’ It’s painful to think what he would say about the area

Always exploring further and further, Clarence spent many summers hiking the Maritime Alps near Tende (then part of Italy). In these mountains, known as the Merveilles, Clarence discovered many intriguing cave drawings. These ancient Bronze Age petroglyphs were known, but no one had studied them or tried to understand them. Fascinated with this ancient form of language, Clarence devoted the remaining years of his life to studying the prehistoric images. By his death in 1918, he had created rubbings of 7,428 figures from Val Fontalba, 5,139 in the Merveilles district and 151 figures found in the valleys surrounding Monte Bego. He classified the different figures into eight categories, including horned figures, ploughs, weapons, men, huts and property. These figures related to daily life in the mountains, similar to how shepherds high in Piedmont continue to live. Today, many of the engravings are protected by the Mercantour National Park, prohibiting the public from approaching the images. Nevertheless, many of the engravings have been destroyed by weather or property development, leaving Clarence’s rubbings the only record of their existence. Despite his life’s work in botany, his petroglyph research gained him the most notoriety in the scientific community.

The centenary Clarence Bicknell’s descendants, who run the Clarence Bicknell Association have worked hard to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his life’s work. This year, his great-grand-niece published an intimate biography, “Marvels: The life of Clarence Bicknell” and the association released a short documentary, “The marvels of Clarence Bicknell.” Throughout 2018 there have been exhibits across Liguria, the Côte d’Azur and the uk. Omaggio a Clarence Bicknell, a series of events and exhibitions throughout Liguria is still ongoing.  www.clarencebicknell.com novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

sPecial

Twinkling lights; a crisp feel to the air; and the scent of pine, spice cake and vin chaud really bring out the holiday spirit and the spirit of giving. As the year comes to a close, we focus on those who give back. From charity fundraisers to community markets for a cause, the Côte d’Azur is a particularly generous region. We live well, and we give well in return. There are so many charitable organisations based in the Riviera, we couldn’t possibly list them all. We’ve focused on children’s charities to start off the Christmas special, raising money to help kids locally and afar. We then round-up holiday festivities from town markets, Christmas concerts, and church services for the expat community. From Alpine villages to traditional Christmas markets, towns throughout the Côte d’Azur are coming alive with the festive spirit of Noël.

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

GIVING BACK from cannes To uganDa Nine local youths headed to Africa

annes’ Holy Trinity Anglican Church is organising a charity project for next year. In July 2019, nine local youths, aged between 14 and 18, will be travelling to uganda to bring supplies and work as volunteers at the Ruhanga Development School. The non-profit school cares for the educational needs of over 550 students. Some of these children walk for over an hour each day, to be taught in classes with over 70 other children. Students who live over two hours away and those who are in their final years (many without electricity at home to assist with homework) board at the school, which houses over 250 boarders. They will be flying via two countries and then travelling overland for over 6 hours taking supplies and equipment for the school. In rural areas of uganda, many people survive on less than $1.90 per day. Farming is the main source of income for families in this area and for many children, if it were not for the mug of porridge provided by the school for breakfast, they would not have anything to eat until they return home for their evening meal. Traditionally, the children are removed from school by their families, either because they cannot afford the education, or because they have to work to support the family. The Ruhanga Development School is working to change this. The school asks families to make

a contribution for the education of their children, but no child will be turned away for lack of money. The school relies heavily on the financial support of donors for their building projects and (minimal) teachers’ salaries, but it is also dependant on the physical help of volunteers. Holy Trinity’s nine young volunteers will be accompanied by four adults, spending 16 days at the school and the neighbouring medical centre. They will help with English teaching, homework, crafts and sport. More importantly, if the church can raise sufficient funds, they will be helping with the building of a vocational kitchen. According to Claire Venon, the church’s youth coordinator, they are a dynamic group kids, Anglophone, but fully bi-lingual. All are willing to throw themselves into all manner of fundraising activities to raise the money needed to make this trip happen. They also want to undergo basic First Aid training, so that they can be of use at the medical centre. The school is keen for the volunteers to share in the life of Ruhanga. used to the living conditions on the Côte d’Azur, the conditions and lifestyle of the ugandan village will be an eye opener for these young volunteers. None of them come from wealthy or privileged families, but compared to the poverty that will be experienced, the wealth gap will be vast. The church believes this is a wonderful opportunity to reach out and help to others and will have lasting impact on the kids.

how can you help? The project’s goal is to help the school in the creation of a new roadside restaurant and vocational centre. They need €25,000 to make it work. Any profits made from the future roadside restaurant will be able to support the continuing existence of the school. Holy Trinity is asking the community for assistance in many forms: Supporting the project by making a financial donation Providing sports kits and sporting items to donate to the school Advice on funding opportunities they can take advantage of Sponsoring the medical and first aid training Attending fundraising activities, church services and the children’s post-service bake sales Mostly however, they need financial support to make the project happen. Fore more information, contact youth coordinator, Claire Venon at cvenon@aseica.org.

les enfanTs De frankie Helping local children

onegasque NGO Les Enfants de Frankie is devoted to helping children stricken with illness and disability throughout the French Riviera. They provide numerous activities, services and aide for both families and facilities. Some of their many projects include building playground facilities for special-needs homes, bathroom renovations for disabled children, equestrian therapy activities for children with autism and much more. They also have volunteers visit children to organise play activities and read to those who are bedridden. Dcember is a big month for the group, as they host three fundraising activities. 6th December is the 14th edition of Monegasque Red Nose Day . under the high patronage of Prince Albert II, the event raises funds with the sale of bright yellow sponge ‘noses’ which people affix to their cars. The yellow nose represents the optimistic temperament of Frankie the Clown, the association’s mascot. Sponge noses are on sale from early November for €2 at various post offices across the Principality and at Carrefour Monaco. 14th December is kid’s Night, their annual gala for children with workshops, dinner, entertainment and a dance party. 22nd December is the crowning event of the year. Their annual charity gala, also under the high patronage of the Prince, is in its 22nd year. www.frankiemonaco.org

www.holytrinitycannes.org The nine volunteer youths heading to Uganda

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

GIVING KIDS A FIGHTING CHANCE A visit to the Lenval Fondation’s children’s nursery and day-hospital

selection is also part of Muriel’s tasks. “We set very strict standards for the decision. After all, it's about the well-being of a child,” says the resolute home director. Despite the tragic circumstances, there are also beautiful moments in her life at the front: when adoptive parents can receive their longawaited baby. These are children whose mothers gave birth anonymously and left the baby to state institutions. In the AlpesMaritimes, there are about twelve such births per year. Muriel and her team prepare the new parents for their tasks, a highlight of their job. “A true ray of sunshine in our often very painful everyday life,” she says.

costanzo centre

Dr Philippe Parnot (Head Physician), Head of the Costanzo Center Agnès Icart, dr. Mireille Severino, Arnaud Pouillart (Director General of the Lenval Foundation), Florient Grapinet (Health Commissioner), Kévin Ewald (Director of Communication and Development of the Lenval Foundation (from left)

in our prosperous and glamourous region, many of the harsher aspects of our society are easily forgotten. But it is here, especially with children, that there is an enormous need for assistance and support. The Lenval Foundation opened their doors to riviera insider’s Petra Hall in a call for donations.

t was probably one of the hardest moments in my long career as a journalist: the visit to the Pouponnière Le Patio in the middle of Nice. A sanctuary for children from newborn to three years, whose stories are simply heart-breaking: tiny babies in their cots, toddlers with a cuddly toy in their arms, and big questioning eyes... All these little children have one thing in common: an early start to a hard-knock life.

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The energetic and warm head of the Le Patio nursery, Muriel Dovera, does not want any pity, as I swallow my rising tears. “The children are not helped by pity”, she says, “They need love, encouragement, and help in all areas.” That's what she and her 75-member team dedicated their time to: providing their 36 little beings with round the clock care. Their protégés do not (yet) have any psychiatric or medical problems. The children live in Le Patio because they were taken away from the parents by court order. Their parents are either in jail, are drug addicts or alcoholics, or have other serious issues. However, they retain the right to see their children. When the parent(s) is behind bars, their child is able to visit them thanks to transport and facilitations organised by the staff. A whole range of social dramas take place each day before Muriel and her colleagues. The young inhabitants of Pouponnière Le Patio are the most difficult cases in terms of social background. They come here when no other social institution can help. These include babies suffering from Shaken Baby syndrome, a trauma from being shaken with force that can have fatal consequences. The aim of the institution is to return the little ones to their own families, but only about 30% successfully make it. The alternative is foster parents, who are not easy to find despite the high remuneration (there are 400 in the department of Alpes-Maritimes). Foster parent

Ten minutes' walk further on, in the Riquier district, another team is fighting for the wellbeing of children. The Costanzo centre day-hospital, inaugurated in 2011 by Princess Caroline of Hanover, has a team of over 30 qualified people who strive for the well-being of their patients. The centre is responsible for the area between east Nice and Menton, caring for 700 patients a year aged from newborns to 20 years, with serious psychiatric pathologies. 15 day-care places are available for children up to the age of 12. A small indoor swimming pool, a spacious play area on the top floor and a music and cooking studio are just a few of the facilities that help to rehabilitate difficult children, bringing them back to school and their home environment. However, the waiting list is two years long. In addition, psychiatrists hold counselling sessions to deal with everything from school truancy to bedwetting, reading difficulties, and violence and behavioural disorders of all kinds. Almost daily suicide attempts have increased alarmingly among the region’s most vulnerable adolescents and even in childhood. Violence at school has also exploded in the past 30 years. Particularly problematic areas are Nice's Bon Voyage and Ariane neighbourhoods, from which many sufferers come from a difficult sociocultural background, explains psychiatrist Dr Philippe Parnot. "Nowadays, parents often rely on teachers, but do not punish their children themselves," says Parnot. "Schools, teachers, even kindergartens and their staff have reached their limits. We cannot change society: our organisation is just a drop in the ocean with our much too small structure.” Arnaud Pouillart, the director general of the Lenval Foundation adds, “Child psychiatry has been an orphan in France so far. We now have a new awareness of national urgency and more resources to provide better trained staff. At the moment we are at a low point in terms of the number of specialists.” A glimpse into the lesser-seen side of our society with two examples: the Pouponnière Le Patio and the Centre Costanzo. Our admiration and gratitude to all the committed people who fight daily on the frontlines of child welfare, working for a better future for our children.   www.fondationlenval.org

Design: Anika Gehrke, Conzept: The Hamptons Bay Design Company

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

chrisTmas in valBonne The warmth of community

espite the cool winter air, the picturesque village of Valbonne is filled with warmth during their Christmas village. The tightknit community comes out to celebrate the holiday season in the Place des Arcades with hot drinks, seasonal food and festive crafts in the Christmas market. Adults mingle with cups of steaming vin chaud while children eat goodies and sip on hot chocolate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great atmosphere for enjoying the true spirit of the holiday season. kicking-off on 22nd December, the village will be transformed into a colourful Christmas village filled with lights, vendors and entertainment. There will also be live music and fireworks. www.ville-valbonne.fr

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Where to ﬁnd the festivities, from Christmas villages to Nativity scenes

christmas markets anTiBes 15th December to 6th January Esplanade du Pré aux Pêcheurs and Place Nationale

le TigneT 1st December 10am to 6pm, Avenue de l'Hôtel de Ville

asPremonT 1st December 9am to 5.30pm, Hall Honoré Trastour

lucÉram 16th & 23rd December 9am to 6pm, Place Honoré Barralis Nativity from the 16th

Bargemon 9th December 10am to 6pm, Place St. Etienne cagnes-sur-mer 15th to 24th December Place de Gaulle cannes 1st December to 6th January Allée de la Liberté chaTeauneuf-villevieille 17th December 9am to 6pm, Town hall square, Benefiting Téléthon coaraze 25th November 10am, Route du Col Saint-Roch Draguignan 2nd December 9am to 7pm, Old town marketplace flaYosc 2nd December 10am to 6pm, Place de la République gaTTiÈres 8th to 9th December 9am to 5pm, in the village grasse 1st to 2nd December 10am to 8pm, in front of the Mairie Annexe of Saint-Antoine

mouans-sarTouX 2nd December 9am to 6pm, Avenue de Cannes 9th November to 24th December Most important and oldest market for Santons in the AlpesMaritimes. 21 Provencal manufacturers present figures of all sizes, accessories for nativities, etc. 2pm to 6pm, Médiathèque La Strada nice 1st to 13th December Christmas village with market, food, entertainment for young and old and “Cabanes à sucre” 11am to 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm, Place Masséna and Jardin Albert 1er 24th December to 2nd February Nativity exhibition by the House Fouque of Aix-en-Provence, Sainte-Rita church PeYmeinaDe 8th to 9th December 10am to 6pm, Town centre sainTe-maXime 16th December to 7th January 11am to 6.30pm, Théâtre de la Mer

23rd December 4.30pm Santa Claus comes to the promenade sainT-raPhael 9th to 31st December 10.30am to 8pm, Promenade de Lattre de Tassigny sainT-TroPez 8th December to 7th January Christmas all in white, the arrival of Santa Claus from the sea, ice skating rink, ice show, chocolate fair, Christmas concerts, nativity and a procession through the streets. sosPel 10th December Place Garibaldi (in case of bad weather it is postponed to 17th) TouËT-sur-var 2nd December 9am to 6pm, Village square TourreTTe-levens 24th to 25th November 9am to 6pm, Salle des fêtes ToureTTes-sur-louP 3rd December 10am to 6pm, Place de la Libération monaco 7th December to 6th January Christmas village with regional specialities, skating rink and colourful animations take young and old into a fairytale world. 11am to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm, Port Hercule

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

Holiday festivities Events for the Expat Community anTiBes 7th December Christmas Carol concert Riviera International Singers perform traditional Christmas carols in the Antibes Cathedral

Beaulieu-sur-mer 21st December St Michael’s Church An Ecumenical Advent Service featuring Carols and Readings by the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and Danish Lutheran churches, followed by traditional refreshments.

valBonne 14th & 15th December Christmas Concert Riviera International Singers

vallauris 2nd December kidooLand Christmas Fair Stalls and stands, crafts, activities for children and English books. 10am – 3pm kidooland, 1890 Chenin de Saint Bernar

16th December 10.30am Communion with carols 7.30pm Christmas Carol Service Traditional carols, prayers and readings, in English. Followed by mulled wine. 23rd December 10.30am Morning worship with nativity play 24th December 4pm – 4.30pm Children's carols A simple half-hour service in English with smaller children in mind. All Welcome. 11.30pm Christmas night communion A Church of England midnight Eucharist with carols, in English. 25th December 9.00 – 9:50am Christmas from stable to table. A peaceful start to Christmas Day with Holy Communion, in English. 10:30am – 11.45 Family service with Carols. Christmas Day Eucharist service for all ages in English. All Welcome.

The sweDish church 25th November Christmas Bazaar Villa Ingebord

holY TriniTY anglican church of cannes 1st December Christmas Fair 11am-4pm. Featuring mince-pies, craft stalls, afternoon tea with cakes, jams and chutneys; and face painting and games stalls for children. 2nd December 9.00am & 10.30am Advent Sunday Holy Communion 5.00pm Advent Carols with the Anglican churches of the Riviera novemBer / DecemBer 2018

2nd December St. Brigitta Advent Fair with choir 4pm – 6pm Holy Trinity Anglican Church Nice 15th December Santa Lucia Concert 6pm – 7pm Holy Trinity Anglican Church Nice 24th December Christmas Eve service with vocalists and Christmas lunch Villa Ingeborg 25th December Julotta! Christmas concert Holy Trinity Anglican Church Nice

TraDiTional Danish chrisTmas markeT mandelieu-la-napoule 24th to 25th November Offering an abundance of typical Nordic Christmas decorations, gifts and goodies with a variety of Danish food specialties like flaky Danish Pastries, hot-dogs and Glögg. A Danish chef will be on-site preparing famous Danish open faced sandwiches and Æbleskivers. Proceeds benefit the Danish Church of the Côte d’Azur. Le Golf Park Hotel 780 Avenue de la Mer Mandelieu-la-Napoulex www.danishchristmas.org

2nd December 11.45am St. Michael’s Church, Beaulieu-sur-Mer 9th December 11am St. Georges Church, Cannes 24th December Christmas Mass 11am St. Michael’s Church, Beaulieu-sur-Mer 2pm St. Georges Church in Cannes

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ART & CULTURE

Contents: Paul McGuinness and his riviera

42 anna Chromy’s Cloak of Conciousness

44 Bernar venet’s largest achievement

45 Thomas Lemaire: a rising star

46 a sleeping giant: Olga Kozlova

47 Must-see exhibitions

48 Where art thou?

arT Dossier Plaza Francia

The French riviera has inspired artists for centuries. renoir, Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Cocteau…the list is long and tradition continues today. The beautiful landscape, the rich blue sea and fabulous climate seem to feed creativity. in this edition, we feature an array of local artists, some new and some legendary. Our editorial team interviewed artists at the pinnacle of their career and those just getting started. Columnist Sarah Hyde gives us a selection of contemporary art exhibitions not to be missed and we wind up the special with the best of music and dance. The days may be getting colder, but the art and culture agenda is heating up.

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riviera

ART & CULTURE

Paul McGuinness & the Riviera An inside look at the life of this music icon By SARAH HYDE

The long-time manager of U2 and creator of the hit Tv series riviera, Paul McGuinness has lived in the region for decades. Our art columnist, Sarah Hyde, spoke with the media mogul about living on the Côte d’azur, his impressive art collection, and of course, the upcoming second season of riviera.

Still from TV series Riviera, season 1. Courtesy of Premier Entertainment © Sky Atlantic

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

riviera

Backstage at U2 concert L-R: Edge, Paul McGuinness, Laura Tenoudji & Christian Estrosi, Bono, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen. © Paul McGuinness

he port of Nice – colourful, a bit grimy and steeped in nefarious history – is perhaps the best place to speak with the rock icon and creator of the hit show on Sky. Paul McGuinness has kindly taken time off from the busy Riviera shooting schedule to talk about his life in the south of France and give the first insights into the show’s new season. He developed the TV series after living in the region for years, and I ask what makes this part of the world special for him: “I like the weather, the restaurants and I like driving around. I moved here in the 1990s with u2. We were touring a lot and it just made sense. Nice had a 24-hour airport; this meant that wherever we played, we could always get home.” I am particularly interested in his vast collection of valuable contemporary art, which is rumoured to be quite impressive. His taste in art, which was partly formed while he was involved with the Arts Council for Ireland, is very specific and refined: female Irish Modernists from the 1920s. Paul explains his appreciation for these women, saying, “There were quite a lot of good women artists from this time. I particularly like Mainie Jellett, Sarah Purser, and Irish artists who studied in Paris. I have been collecting them for some time, but you may not have heard of them.” He and his wife are also great supporters of Villa E-1027 by Irish architect Eileen Gray. During our conversation, a love of cars materialises too: “I drive a green Jaguar from the 1990s, which is left-hand drive and convertible. I bought it in anticipation of driving it around the south of France, so it always feels really special. I must confess I also have a Bentley. It had to be in British Racing Green and the only way to travel in the region is with the top down!”

On the subject of restaurants, he is happy to share his favourite spots: “La Réserve in Beaulieu, then I like Bistrot d’Antoine in Nice and I am really enjoying the restaurant Jan in the port area of the city. It’s quite expensive and difficult to get a table, but the cast from the show really seem to like it too.” Working on a hit TV series is an amazing opportunity, but the Riviera cast and crew also get to enjoy living in the French Riviera. “I think one of the things that makes it so attractive to them is the French labour laws. They can only work 35 hours a week, which is much better than a lot of shoots. It means people can have a life too. It’s a six-month shoot, so it’s a nice steady piece of work. There’s about 250 of us on set.” Despite the depiction of violence and crime, Riviera has been a boon for the city of Nice. “The mayor [of Nice, Christian Estrosi] has been so kind to us,” says Paul. “When we

ART & CULTURE

began shooting the first season, it was just after the dreadful attack in Nice. We were using gunshots and explosions for effects and I was worried it was going to be a problem, but he could not have been more helpful. And, of course, the real star of the show is the region itself.” Before creating the series, Paul wrote a now famous list of what he wanted for the show. He can still recite it from memory: “Rich beautiful people from all over the world doing terrible things in the south of France: on yachts, in Ferraris, in amazing houses, wearing great clothes... Money laundering, art fraud, murder, adultery... Russians, Americans, English, French... Behind every great fortune there lies a great crime!” It seems to have been a good recipe. Riviera has been the highest grossing series for Sky Atlantic to date. But not everyone has been happy with the show. He diplomatically skims over my questions about the tensions that broke out with Irish director Neil Jordan. His only response was the phrase: “I got what I hoped for.” So what can we expect with season two? Paul's enthusiastic reply: “Rich people doing dreadful things to each other!” But there are some new twists coming to the show and some new characters (who are not necessarily faithful), including Poppy Delevingne, who will be playing Daphne. Although he couldn’t give away any spoilers, it does sound like season two will be sexedup. Paul was even more circumspect when I asked if the show was based on anyone in particular: “You have to be careful what you say, but you just have to read the papers. This is a place where people came when they had made a bit of money and they often put a very high price on keeping their past private.” Could this be a clue to the next season? His passion is infectious and we can’t wait to find out more. 

Still from TV series Riviera, season 1. Courtesy of Premier Entertainment © Sky Atlantic.

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ART & CULTURE

ANNA CHROMY

More than 40 years of artistic creation Her "Cloak of Conscience" conquers the world

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she says ‘confers to us our dignity as humans’. Her most important work to date, however, was accomplished after overcoming a major life crisis. The Bohemian-born artist survived a nearly fatal fall in 1992. She used to paint exclusively, but after her accident she found sculpture to be her most important means of expression. As she battled to return to her work, she created the Cloak of Conscience, a faceless cloak draped over a human silhouette. She first sculpted it in bronze, with a height of 1.6 metres and later in marble. While the Cloak appears empty, for Anna it contains exactly what constitutes the human being: our soul and conscience. “What you do not see, what you cannot touch, is the most valuable thing in life,” she says. “It will survive us.” It is up to each one of us to meaningfully fill in the emptiness of his cloak - with good deeds and love. According to the sculptor, the Cloak is a universal symbol of peace and solidarity. Variations of it can be found in 19 locations, including Monaco, London and Salzburg and as of November 2018, in Jerusalem. A New York collector has also just taken one of her Cloaks for his sculpture park.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

National archaeological Museum of Greece in athens vatican Place vendôme in Paris National Museum of China in Beijing

AWARDS

Michelangelo Prize Kafka Prize and Salvador Dali Prize Honorary Fellow of the National Sculpture academy of China Golden Medal of the City of Prague

Anna Chromy – The Cloak of Conscience Photo by : Aurelio Amendola

The haunting silhouette needs no explanation or language. Anna hopes that, regardless of which nation or religion the viewer may be, they are moved by the overwhelming nature of it. And she knows that this is the basis for the great success of the sculpture. “Because,” Anna says, “the subject is as relevant today as ever.” Several years ago, Anna was given the chance of a lifetime - she was provided with a 250tonne Carrara marble block from the same Tuscan quarry where Michelangelo and Bernini procured the precious stones for their sculptures. For four years she chiselled the mega-block on-site until she had worked out the fine cloth folds ruled by the masters of the Renaissance before her. She calls it her ‘masterpiece’, and understandably so. It is a five-metre-high walk-in Cloak of Conscience that offers room to meditate inside. It is the largest marble statue ever created from a single block. Now she seeks a fitting home for it—not an easy thing for such a colossal item. “Art has to be shared with people,” says Frédéric Pont, owner of the Continental Art Gallery in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. He fell for the Cloak of Conscience early on and has been representing Anna for years. Thinking back on her 40 years of work, she sounds satisfied as she reflects: “My whole life has been filled with the creation of art.”

CONTINENTAL ART GALLERY Frédéric Pont Tel. +33 (0)6 88 87 52 64 frederic@continentalartgallery.com www.annachromy.com

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onaco-based Anna Chromy has exhibited in prestigious locations around the world, received numerous awards, and was made an Honorary Fellow of the National Sculpture Academy of China. In 2015, she became the first non-Chinese artist to have a solo exhibition at the National Museum in Beijing, where her celebrated bronze Cloak of Conscience was installed in the foyer and is admired by around eight million visitors a year. Anna’s works can be found in over 70 museums and public spaces around the globe. She has also carved the largest ever single block of marble, making her the first woman to earn the coveted Premio Michelangelo. Needless to say, Anna is one of the world’s most accomplished living artists. Sisyphus, her sculpture that appears on our cover and was photographed during an exhibition at the Port of Saint Tropez in 2011, is part of her series Myths of the Mediterranean. These impressive bronze sculptures ‘born of the sea’ are inspired by the legends of Ancient Greece, stories that arose during the era to help people reconcile the power of nature. Acutely aware that we face many of the same themes today as 3,000 years ago, Anna chose key figures from these myths to offer a vision for new titans; ones who could help us find solutions to our current social and environmental turmoil. The ruthless king Sisyphus, who was punished to an eternity of pushing a boulder up a hill, is an allegory of working towards a futile goal. Anna takes the theme and transforms it, adding a woman and child to the lone man. “To what extent can the creation of a couple, a family, a home, increase or attenuate the absurdity of our existence?” she asks. “My Sisyphus has chosen a family to progress, or at least he tries. His eternal pedalling, which mirrors the boulder rolling down the hill after each ascent, measures the absurdity of our existence.” In today’s financial rat-race, Anna’s piece is certainly fitting. She describes it as a ‘rebellion against a blind and unjust destiny’ and our innate search for the meaning of life, which

riviera

ART & CULTURE

BERNAR VENET: THE CONCEPTUAL YEARS Bernar Venet and his 200 tonne ‘Effondrement,’ Le Muy 2017 © Gerard Schachmes Paris - Courtesy Archives Bernar Venet New York

A moment with Bernar Venet One of France’s foremost artists, venet has exhibitions in Nice and Lyon covering 60 years of his work. in an exclusive interview, he discusses the elements of his art with Sarah Hyde.

riviera insider: given that this current exhibition at the mamac in nice is so scientific, are you a mathematician or an artist? Bernar Venet: The answer to that is very simple. I am an artist who uses mathematics as a model to extend my understanding of art. To put it another way, I use mathematics in the same way that Cézanne painted trees and plants, but was not a botanist, or how Malevich used circles and squares. It was intuitive. One day I started to do inclusive drawings as a work of art — a mathematical drawing. I was doing something new: this was not figuration or abstraction.

ri: so you were challenging boundaries? BV: Challenging no; I was breaking them. This was something entirely new. No one had ever done this before. It was entirely instinctive and yet logical: a journey into the unknown. I followed my pathway to a new destination rather like an early explorer.

The exhibit at the MaMaC in Nice has brought together a retrospective on the years seen as a pivotal period to Bernar venet’s work (1966-1976). This 10-year period began in Nice and unfolded in the United States. at the time, venet was rebelling against conventional French art and was inspired by Marcel Duchamp and american formalism. By 1970, he was considered a major contributor to conceptual art. The current exhibit looks at the relationship between artistic expression and scientiﬁc knowledge, combining uncertainty, unpredictability and disorder with mathematical data and theories of information. The exhibit is designed to immerse viewers in venet’s large and intense works. Until 13th January 2019 MAMAC, Nice

ri: You’ve mentioned being a puritan. can you explain what you mean by this? BV: In my early work, I was very puritan. I wanted to say goodbye to everything that had come before so everything was black. I was 20 years old and I was working with industrial objects such as tar and coal. They were not representing anything other than what they were. I don't want to sound pretentious, but in this aspect my work is auto referential.

ri: can you share the most exciting moment in your career? BV: In 1969, I was invited to give a retrospective at the New York Cultural Centre. I was the first conceptual artist to do this. I had been in New York for three years [and] it felt really special. Of course, Versailles was also a good step, but by that time I had already done quite a few things.

I am very excited about my new piece L'Arc Majeur. It will be the biggest permanent sculpture ever at 63m x 75m. It will be seen by 100,000 people a day [to be located on the E411 motorway near Rochefort this autumn].

ri: what is your definition of success? BV: That is a very good question, as this latest piece has taken a long time to come together and there has been a lot of controversy and press about it. Many people already think that it exists and they are surprised that it does not yet exist. In answer to your question, I like my work to exist in the minds of others, but I like to remain private.  novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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ART & CULTURE

Exhibition Saint-Tropez © Thomas Lemaire photography

Thomas P Lemaire Nice’s rising star One of the regions youngest artists, his photography of the Côte d’azur has already been featured on websites for the tourism board, professional corporate campaigns and in several exhibitions. riviera insider speaks with this young photographer before he blasts oﬀ to stardom.

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assionate about nature and architecture, Thomas has a way of capturing the look and feel of the French Riviera. Whether a series of the classic blue chairs on the Promenade at sunset, a crashing wave, or the pastel hues of Old Town Nice, his photographs capture a certain magic only found here. At only 21 years old, he has a portfolio that would be the envy of many established artists. Thomas has exhibited in Nice, St. Tropez, Grenoble and is now preparing a show in Paris. In 2017, the prestigious art estimation board AkOuN granted Thomas an Estimation du prix d’art, giving his work solid market value and listed him in Coté (a listing for recognised artists) for ‘youngest artists in France.’ This year he was awarded the Prix d’excellence de jeune talent (Excellence award for young talent) by the town of St. Tropez. His sweet demeanour only adds to his charm as he tells Riviera Insider how he started: “My very first photo was at six-years-old and I fell in love with it instantly.” From then on, all he wanted to do was take photos. But this wasn’t the fleeting dream of a child; Thomas became a photographer while he was still in grade school. It was while photographing family events like weddings and birthdays that he realised his passion for nature and cityscapes. “I started posting my photos on social media and it gained attention,” he explains. “I got my first exhibition at the Nice Airport when I was 18. I showed eight photographs, and it led to other exhibitions.” His success at such a young age is not lost on him: “It was exceptional,” he gushed, “most people get this much later in

Follow him on social media: @ThomasLemairePhotography www.thomaslemairephotography.com

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Thomas Lemaire holding one of his photographs © Thomas Lemaire photography

life.” Despite his sudden rise in popularity, Thomas kept a good head on his shoulders and enrolled in the Lycée d’économie to study business administration. Two years into the program, he opened his own photography business, selling his photographs to businesses and corporations. He admits that photo requests can be very specific, although he has been lucky to work with companies that give him a certain level of artistic liberty. His business photography earns him a living, but his artistic photography is earning him accolades. Les Vagues (Waves) was his 2018 artistic series, capturing the raw power of nature in a split second. “I really like to photograph waves,” he explains, “it’s like stopping a moment in time—it’s something you can’t capture with landscapes.” His waves (which he insists can only be waves along the Côte d’Azur), is what garnered him a spot on the Coté list. His second favourite subject is architecture— specifically New York architecture. “I like architecture because I can show what man has made with his hands, without showing man himself.” His latest series focuses on architecture of the ‘Big Apple’ and he reveals to us that he is currently working on an exhibition that compares New York and Nice architecture, something he describes as very particular and specific. It’s clear that the Côte d’Azur flows through his veins and is the vehicle that drives his passion. When asked why it is so important to him, he lights up, jumping at the chance to share his love for his region: “I’ve had the chance to travel a lot but each time I returned, I realised that we have the best variety of landscape. We have the sea and the mountains; we can go skiing or boating; we have it all.” It’s no surprise the tourism board nominated him ‘Ambassador of the Côte d’Azur,’ a title he’s held for two years. “Foreigners love the French Riviera and it’s an honour to represent my home,” he says. His upcoming exhibitions will be in Arles for the international photography festival and in Strasbourg, where he will be interviewed by France 3. keep an eye out for this rising star, as the sky’s the limit for him. 

ART & CULTURE

riviera

A sleeping giant Up-and-coming visual artist Olga Koznova

gence. It’s perhaps a surprising field for a painter, but Olga enjoys moving between the very different worlds of analytical precision and artistic expression. She says she has always felt freest when expressing herself through art. Olga does not find inspiration from technology or her job. Rather, she keeps the two worlds separate, her art giving her an outlet for pure selfexpression. “It’s how I release my stress,” she says. “I’m really happy when I’m in this [artistic] flow.” So what does inspire her? “My inspiration comes from inside. I know exactly what I want to do and I do it quickly.” She does, however, admit that Nice inspires her ‘a lot’. The natural landscapes and the blue sea of the Côte d’Azur are a constant source of inspiration. Born and raised in Latvia by Russian parents, Olga visited the region as a young girl. Back then, the vivid colours, azure waters and

warm sunshine were a stunning new world for her. She was hooked. She also loves to see viewes interact with her paintings. “Some people see things in my work that I have never thought about,” Olga says. “Everyone has their own interpretation and I really love that.” She usually paints at the weekend, but sometimes in the evenings, after she gets home from work. Her process goes through three phases: “First, I paint the background then I think about it. In the second phase, I add colours and shapes and stop there. For my third phase, I return to the painting after a few days to add final touches. It’s important for me to find harmony with the piece.” One of the ways she achieves this harmony is by working with complementary colours. This approach is expertly used in her Dichotomy series, where two separate panels of asymmetrical forms create the perfect balance with one another. When asked whether she would like to be a fulltime artist, she exclaims: “That’s just a dream!” Her work is vibrant, striking, and somehow effortlessly blends a soft, emotional background with a fierce statement on top. Despite her humble demeanour, Olga’s work speaks for itself and could very well be gracing the walls of top galleries in the years to come. Art collectors, take note. You can currently view a selection of Olga’s paintings at the Hanna-Logis real estate agency (68 bis Route de la Badine, Juan-les-Pins). Follow Olga on social media @OkZ72. www.okz-art.com

MYRIAM GARCIA

Myriam was 18 when she discovered the Côte d’Azur, coming from Lille to Antibes … … And immediately the young woman is conquered by the beauty of the landscape, the sound of the waves and the vibrating light. She is overwhelmed by the need to express her love for drawing and painting. Myriam is a well-travelled woman with a voracious curiosity and an enormous heart. Life takes her to Africa where she accomplishes many humanitarian missions, and to America where she becomes an art professor. She also starts to exhibit her artwork in San Francisco and around the Silicon Valley. From her journeys the artist brings back numerous souvenirs, rich experiences and the influence of African and Afro-American music, especially jazz. Multi-cultural impressions which inspire Myriam Garcia upon her return to Antibes. « The colors of music could only have been born here » MYRIAM GARCIA

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lga koznova is a young abstract artist based in Nice, but unlike many other budding creatives following the ‘starving artist’ path, she works full-time at a tech company in Sophia-Antipolis. In fact, she has a PhD in Computer Science, with a focus on artificial intelli-

+33 680 954 560 malyamyriam@gmail.com

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ART & CULTURE

The agenDa Must-see exhibitions By SARAH HYDE Until the 1920s the riviera was strictly a winter resort. Today, the winter is oﬀ-season, providing us with cooler temperatures, golden sunlight, and less tourists on the road. This is one of the best times of year to get out and explore places without the summer traﬃc. Here is a selection of exhibits not to miss.

ovni:

ciac:

Nice’s city-wide art exhibit

Vingt ans après

bjective Video Nice (OVNi) is one of this winter’s most fascinating art events. The festival of video art will be shown in two parts, OVNi en ville and OVNi à l’hôtel, and turns the typical exhibit space on its head, displaying works at several locations across the city, including hotel rooms and private residences. Installations will be on view from 16th to 25th November in various locations, punctuated with openings, parties and juried events. Over the weekend of 24th to 25th November, things will come into sharp focus with Ovni à l’hôtel, bringing video art into some of the city's famous hotels. Villa Victoria, Hotel Splendid, Villa Rivoli and Malmaison will all be taking part. There are some exciting artists coming to the event, including the Pink Pong collective from Toulouse. Come and take part, following the video trail around the city! During the final weekend, there will also be a video art fair called Camera Camera at the Windsor Hotel, which sounds absolutely fascinating. This video art fair is allocated to one room and viewers can choose whether they want it to be a Chambre Obscure, projecting a work into the room, or a Chambre Claire, creating an in situ work for the show. The event will be judged by a panel and prizes will be given. Caroline Bourgeois is chairing the panel, one of France’s premier curators. This looks like a serious place for talent spotting. 16th to 25th November www.ovni-festival.fr

ocated in the Carros castle, the Centre International d’Art Contemporain (CIAC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a retrospective of their exhibits since 1998. The exhibit includes around 50 paintings, sculptures, photographs and drawings from their own collection and from past visiting exhibitions. Artists include Hunold, Troin, Landucci, Charvolen, Morini, Baviera, Cassarini, Guillonnet, Merian and more. They have devoted an entire ground floor space to Guillonnet, with paintings and unpublished drawings. CIAC is also honouring Frédéric Altmann with a series of his photographs. Altmann was the first director of the centre from 1998 to 2006. During his time as director, he took many behind-the-scenes photographs of their exhibits and visiting artists. A selection of 50 black and white prints is entitled: ‘Memory of Art,’ the perfect addition to this retrospective. CIAC prides itself as a crossroads of history and art, showcasing contemporary art in the midst of a medieval castle. Their collection includes both local and internationally renowned artists, with temporary and thematic exhibitions. Don’t miss the sensory room installation which gives a tactile voyage across wood, marble, iron, plexiglass and more. Created especially for the visually impaired, the installation invites visitors to touch each piece. Until 30 December www.ciac-carros.fr

Ziggy and the Starfish still by Anne Duk Hee Jordan © Karma Ltd 2016

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Chateau Soleil © CIAC

ART & CULTURE

riviera

chagall du Noir et Blanc à la Couleur he golden stone of Aix-en-Provence looks even better in the winter light and if you like Chagall, a real treat awaits you at the opening on the 1st of November at the lovely l’Hôtel de Caumont. The museum is so beautiful it is almost a destination in itself. Chagall: From black and white to colour looks at the artist’s work between the 1920s and 1930s after learning engraving in Berlin. The show features more than 100 pieces in several techniques. From 1st November - www.caumont-centredart.com

aTlanTis lumiÈre : The Marseille art collective wning art can sometimes seem like an impossible dream, but Atlantis Lumière offers an alternative approach for those who cannot afford to buy expensive works of their own. In 2011, a group of eight individuals got together to buy art and share the works amongst them in a type of art collective. Today, Atlantis Lumière has amassed 15 original pieces of art. Each member of the collective contributes funds to the group for purchasing art and share in the pleasure of owning contemporary artwork. The group describes their collective like a library where members ‘borrow’ artwork for their home for a period of time. Of course, doing things in a group involves much more collective decision making, but if the group chooses wisely, it could end up creating an important collection that will acquire significant value of its own. The members of Atlantis Lumière are clearly enjoying the process of buying art and have recently opened a gallery space in

Marseille. Currently curated by Chris Sharp, the Californian who brought Tom Wesselmann to the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco earlier this year and will also be curating the New Zealand entry to the Venice Biennale in 2019. The current show in Marseille consists of three works by American artist Michael E. Smith. Sharp describes Smith as one the most interesting artists of the moment, saying: “Smith creates supremely laconic and darkly comic sculptures that seem to come to us from a future that we would either prefer not to or cannot imagine.” The show is remarkable not only for the artwork, but also for the way it has been curated. using the distressed interior space and varying levels of day light, Sharp has expertly highlighted the interaction between the works of art. If you are seriously interested in contemporary art, this group is certainly worth following.

LISTING until 18th November

nmnm villa Paloma monaco

until 4th March Musée national Fernand Léger

La Table des Matières Celia Pym Flying Gold cape A fascinating story of an unmarked gold cape that has been found amongst the costumes at the Monaco Opera House.

This well-known contemporary French artist responds to the work of Léger.

17th - 25th November Palais de l’Europe Photo Menton

Featuring impressive works from their vast collection

stéphane couturier

From 1st December Fondation Maeght

The spirit of a collection: donations

110 amateur and professional

photographers presenting their work

VINGT ANS VINGT ANS APRÈS... APRÈS... From October 13rd to January 13rd

80 artists / 20 years of art Exhibitions and creations in Carros 1998-2018 Special guest :

Frédéric Altmann Until 23rd December 2 Rue du Chevalier Roze, Marseille

JoËl TeTTamanTi: Nonante kilomètres heure ne of the last great winter villas of the Toulon region was Villa Noailles and for those who enjoy contemporary photography, this exhibition looks amusing. With works produced over a twoyear residency, these large scale images take you on a tour of Toulon, but with a twist. While there, take time to visit the villa, it is truly magnificent. Until 13th January - www.villanoailles-hyeres.com

FREE ENTRANCE 10:00-12:30 / 14:00-17:30 Closed on monday and vacation ation Place du château, 06510 Carros arros Phone 04 93 29 37 97 www.ciac-carros.fr

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riviera

a classic winter

ART & CULTURE

Gira at Palais des Festivals Cannes C. Jose Luiz Pederneiras

What? Grupo Corpo, “Dança Sinfônica” & “Gira” The Brazilian company does the perfect combination of classical technical virtuosity and sensual vitality of a modern dance with mixed inspirations.

When?

Palais des Festivals Cannes

What? Diamond Dance An original show which combines two different worlds: hiphop music and classical dance.

When? 16th December – 2.30pm

Where?

Grand Auditorium

17th November – 8.30pm

www.palaisdesfestivals.com

What?

David Fray © Paolo Roversi Warner Classics

What? TickeT giveawaY! We are giving away a pair of tickets to see David Frey play Schumann on Friday, 16th November at 8:30 pm. For details, visit the Competitions section on our website: www.riviera-press.fr

David Fray plays Schumann A piano concert playing Weber’s Der Freischütz Overture, Schumann’s piano concerto and orchestra in A minor, Op. 54 and Brahm’s Symphony n. 3 in F major, Op. 90.

When? 16th November – 8.30pm

www.orchestre-cannes.com

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Orchestre de Cannes

Le Sacre des Oiseaux Combining the poetic virtuosity of bird songs with the inspirations of composers of all time, this concert unveils a wonderful and real world, populated by incessant travellers: it will bring together the nightingale, the lark and the turtledove with Vivaldi, Schubert, Sibelius or Rossini. An extraordinary musical and dream-like experience!

When 2nd December – 4:30pm

Where?

Théâtre Croisette Hôtel JW Marriott – Cannes

riviera

What? Vitali, Beethoven & Halvorsen Performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice

Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur

ART & CULTURE

Daphne et Chloe, En compagnie de Nijinski © Angela Sterling

When? 19th November – 12.15

What?

Concert “The Musical” On the occasion of the centenary of Leonard Berstein's birth

Georges Bizet’s “Les pêcheurs de perles” On the island of Ceylon, Zurga and Nadir share an old friendship and an oath—both in love with the same priestess, the have sworn to renounce this forbidden love to preserve their bond…

Opéra de Monte-Carlo

When? 7th December - 8pm 8th December - 4pm and 9th December - 3pm

When?

What?

23rd November at 8pm 25th November at 3pm 27th November at 8pm

Le Ballet de Faust “Les deux pigeons” What if dancing was the most irresistible temptation? In this ballet, Faust is the toy of a Mephistopheles who masters the art of movement like no other.

“En compagnie de Nijinski” After surprising the public by offering a series of new events of ubiquitous originality, the company is now reengaging with its festive spirit by performing four ballets which echo the legendary figure of Nijinsky.

kukai Dantza “Oskara” Oskara is an installation work that reviews some aspects of Basque culture and myths from their origins to the present time, describing a plastic and emotional path of symbols and iconography with an ambiguous and disconcerting force which, in the most absolute way, contain within it the history of human experience.

What? “un léger retour du ciel” Concert By the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie

When? 2nd December – 6pm

When? 22nd, 27th, 28th & 29th December - 8pm, 23rd & 30th December - 3pm, 31st December - 6pm

www.opera-nice.org

When? 8th December at 8pm 9th December at 4pm

When?

Where?

13th December – 8pm

Salle Garnier

Where? Salle Garnier

Grimaldi Forum:

What? Malandain Ballet Biarritz “Noé” In choosing the myth of Noah as inspiration, Thierry Malandain again looks at the themes which are dear to him: Humanity and its future, destiny, the environment…

When? 15th December at 8pm 16th December at 3pm

Where?

www.balletsdemontecarlo.com

What? Hofesh Shechter Company “Grand finale” Internationally celebrated choreographer Hofesh Shechter’s latest work, Grand Finale, is a spectacularly bold and ambitious new piece.

When? 17th December – 8pm

Where? Salle Prince Pierre

What? “Duo Eclectica” Composed of Rossitza Milevska and Peggy Polito, the two women of Duo Eclectica range from baroque to classical, from Piazzolla to jazz, and revisit French or contemporary pop songs (Sia, Sam Smith...)

When? 8th November – 6.30pm

Where? Conservatoire à rayonnement régional – Nice

What? Dada Masilo “Giselle” With a dozen pieces to her credit, the dancer from Johannesburg has proven that it is both entertaining and thought-provoking for the audience.

When? 10th November – 8.30pm

Where? Le Carré – Sainte-Maxime

Salle Prince Pierre

www.grimaldiforum.com

Elsewhere

www.conservatoire-nice.org

www.carre-sainte-maxime.fr

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

riviera

ART & CULTURE

Gotan Project Plays Cannes Riviera Insider was there for the opening of the winter season at the Palais des Festivals n 23rd September, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes launched its 2018/19 season with a spectacular concert. The event was part of Plaza Francia, an international musical collective organised by the founders of Gotan Project (Christoph Müller and Eduardo Makaroff, along with signers Catherine Ringer and Rita Mitsouko), a programme that aims to support the best musicians of the Parisian Tango scene. Blending the electronic tango grooves of Gotan Project with the smooth melody of the Cannes orchestra (directed by Benjamin Levy), the concert was a true Franco-Argentine fusion. Smoke filled the stage as the audience took their seats. Five men dressed in black entered the stage with their fedora hats lit below the bills by LED lights, making their eyes the only things visible in the dark theatre.

Silence was broken by the slow, haunting sound of the accordion, instantly transporting our souls to Buenos Aires. Midway through the concert, the beat picked up to an intense pace. Their illuminated hats and sleeve cuffs pulsated and changed colour from white to orange to red to blue, keeping pace with music. A siren rang out in the distance as the orchestra came through with a force. It gave the feeling of watching the score of an action film being recorded before our eyes. The next bond score perhaps? Gotan Project’s music never lacked an orchestral back-up, but it was a great addition and the sultry voice of Maria Muliterno was icing on the cake. The smoke, the lights, the beats, and the tango mixed with the classical sounds of the Cannes Orchestra made the most remarkable and eclectic fusion of sound. One can only hope this union repeats year-after-year.

Gotan Project playing with the Cannes Orchestra. © Palais des Festivals et des Congres

Plaza Francia was the perfect opener to an incredibly diverse and expert winter season at the Palais des Festivals. From classic Greek Amphitryon (20/11) to Finnish electro-vocal group Fork (23/11), to Paris’ Crazy Horse cabaret (29/12-1/1) and even a Vietnamese circus (2223/12), their line-up is young, edgy, avant-guard and highly creative. If you haven’t gotten tickets yet, put it on your to-do list!  www.palaisdesfestivals.com

CRAZY 18 0 2 S E N CAN Palais des Festivals

29 December to 1st of January

Discover our special offers and gift cards!

www.palaisdesfestivals.com Available at regular points of sale and the Palais des Festivals ticket oﬃce. +33 (0)4 92 98 62 77

A #MairiedeCannes event organised by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

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Licences : 1-1078988 / 2-1078987 / 3-1078989 - © Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes - Photo : Riccardo Tinelli. Toute reproduction ou copie est interdite.

FOREVER

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GOURMET

Two-for-one special at Le Figuier Special winter menus e Figuier Saint Esprit stands out among Michelin starred restaurant as a family-run business. In an industry dominated by high prices and often higher egos, the Morisset family offers a refreshing change on all fronts. And their menu is no exception. Chef Christian Morisset is also about exception and, during the off-season, proposes an almost unheard offer: buy one menu, get one free. Yes, you did read that rightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;BOGO. It seems highly unlikely these four letters could apply to an exceptionally created, haute-cuisine menu by a Michelin starred chef, but again, Le Figuier defies stereotypes and keeps their kitchen accessible and down-to-earth. There has never been a better occasion to try out this restaurant. The Duo Privilege offer applies only to the Le Figuier signature menu, which includes a choice of one entrĂŠe, one main dish and one

dessert for â&#x201A;Ź92. The second menu is offered free of charge until 27th May, 2019 (see offer details below for more information). Getting festive As we head into the holiday season, keep an eye out for Chef Morissetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special menus for Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. These incredible feasts are eight courses each, highlighting the freshest products available, masterfully created into stunning dishes. Last year, his menu featured dishes like smoked salmon cannelloni with fresh crab meat, confit potatoes and a haddock cream sauce; roasted scallops from Morlaix Bay with Osprey caviar from Maison du Caviar de Paris; and Royal dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Anjou pigeon Wellington-style, turnips with dried Martin pears and truffle jus. Each menu can be accompanied by a wine pairing menu that has been carefully selected by head sommelier, Nicolas Vieilleville. ď ¸ www.restaurant-figuier-saint-esprit.com

OFFER DETAILS: The oďŹ&#x20AC;er is valid only from Sunday evenings to Monday evenings, excluding holidays. it is not valid for lunch on Mondays during the months of October or May. reservations are required and you must mention the oďŹ&#x20AC;er at the time of reservation. The oďŹ&#x20AC;er is limited to parties up to eight people and does not include drinks.

Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco

YOUR FREE P PA ASS FOR THE CONGRESS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RIVIERA INSIDER

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GOURMET

Christophe Poard joins Le Park 45

Fetes & Festivals Autumn oﬀers delicious food fests

New vision at Le Grand Hotel Cannes By NICOLE RUSKELL

Chef Christian Poard

ichelin starred chef Christophe Poard has made quite a career in France and Belgium, working with famed chefs including François Clerc and the late Joël Robouchon. Two years after winning Best Chef of the Year in 2014, he took over at La Truffière in Paris. Now he joins pastry chef Pascal Picasse, an expert pâtissier and master of chocolate, to bring a modern and fresh menu to the contemporary Le Park 45. Poard has brought some innovative touches to the Croisette restaurant, including an olive oil tasting tray with a selection of the finest oils from Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. He has also brought in a dessert trolley filled with handmade bonbons, fruit pâtés and cakes by Picasse. Devoted to working directly with the best suppliers across France, he has created his own unique style with an incredible variety of cuisine. His personal signature is present in each dish, expertly blending savoury and sweet un-

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

dertones, sometimes using unexpected ingredients to achieve this delicate balance. Shortly after our arrival, the chef appears from the kitchen to greet us and discuss our upcoming dishes. We certainly don’t make it easy for him, one of us being a pescatarian and the other allergic to seafood! Still, he handles our dietary challenges well, providing us with a scrumptious variety of plates, from seared scallops to roasted partridge and steamed langoustines. The smoked beef tartare (€45) is his signature dish, one that keeps regular customers returning for more. Creating a unique twist on a classic dish, he combines meticulously minced beef and raw onion, with a hint of oyster-infused oil. The piquant of the onion spices up the delicate, sweet beef and a thin layer of Neuvic caviar gives a salty umami flavour. Poard has earned a reputation for interacting with his customers, making rounds at each service to connect with those enjoying his creations. Mid-way through our meal (and our stomachs nearly bursting), he sits with us for a while, chatting about his experience, his influences and his absolute passion for farm-totable ingredients. The most striking trait of this starred chef is his calm demeanour and humble approach to his métier. He tells us, “This is a field where you see, work, experience and learn as you go.” Each season he tours the Mediterranean with other chefs, keeping his ingredients and skills fresh. The average à la carte meal will set you back €130, which makes the chef’s gastronomic tasting menus a clear advantage. He offers several choices: the three-course L’Idée menu (€60), the four-course Le Grande menu (€95) and the extravagant eight-course L’Epicurean (€190). The restaurant also offers a weekday lunch menu of one main and one dessert for €29, an excellent way to sample both Poard and Picasse’s cuisine. 

Truffle Markets Until 25th November alba The largest truffle fair takes place in the region of Cuneo. Every weekend, the cooking shows, foodie moments, wine tastings and food with truffles. 22nd December st. Paul de vence Market, wine and truffle tasting along with a demonstration of truffle hunting and live music. 23rd December rognes Black truffle market with foie gras, charcuterie, and Savoy cheeses. 6th January le rouret Conference on truffles, demonstrations from chef Daniel Ettlinger, traditional Provençal market, 9am – 4pm. 14th January grasse Market with tastings, gourmet meals, hunting dog demonstrations, mulled wine and a truffle hamper giveaway, 9.30am 5.30pm La Bastide St Antoine. Chestnut Festivals 3rd to 4th November isola Two day festival to showcase local

Smoked beef tartare

food producers and the surrounding nature. The 51st year of the festival with roasted chestnuts, crème de marrons, chestnut liquor and a giant polenta served with daube. 9th November vallauris Free tastings of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, live music and Provençal dancing. Place de la Libération, from 6pm. 17th November Cagnes-sur-Mer Olive Oil Festivals 9th to 11th November imperia, italy OliOliva Festival, one of the largest olive oil festivals with 150 producers from around Liguria. 16th to 18th November sainte-maxime Tastings of fresh oil, oil pressing demonstrations, and traditional dancers. Promenade A. Simon Leriere. 1st to 10th December sestri levante, italy Pane e Olio festival with Ligurian DOP Extra Virgin olive oil, local breads, tasting labs and themed dinners.

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LEWIS LONGMAN

Originally from sleepy Suﬀolk, Lewis Longman moved to Cannes three years ago in the search of something meaningful to ﬁll the predictable void of post-graduate life. Between the ubiquitous palm trees of the sunsoaked Côte d’azur and the terraces of its numerous restaurants, he thinks he has found that something...

Tribeca Burger Has our our gourmet contributer found the best burger in Nice?

GOURMET

which gives the patty itself a delicious flavour. I went for the eponymous “Tribeca Burger,” topped with aged Compté cheese, tomato, a homemade wholegrain mustard sauce, rocket, and served in a soft brioche bun (delivered each morning from a local bakery). It was amazing—a tribute to delicate simplicity. “Le Bleu” was another example of a great burger with simple yet superb ingredients. Auvergne Blue cheese melted over the burger with a subtle helping of caramelised onions and rocket. There are only seven burgers on the menu, but each one is complemented with carefully selected ingredients and a homemade sauce. Another essential complement to every burger is of course ‘French Fries’. Tribeca Burger have managed to refine the magic formula for the perfect side potato. Their fries are crispy and soft - crunchy and smooth. The paradoxical potato. Something else worth noting about this small eatery, in hippest area of Nice, is the price. There is a bizarre phenomenon which seems not only to be sweeping across the South of France but the whole world, and that is the idea that restaurants can charge €20 plus for a burger. When did a burger become the same price as a steak? I love burgers and as Tribeca Burger demonstrates so effectively, they can be absolutely amazing. That said, it is fundamentally a glorified sandwich - which makes the ever increasing prices for a burger somewhat hard to swallow. Thankfully, Tribeca Burger is not only great on taste, but also on value. All burgers are €14 with fries, €16 if you want a soft drink, and €17 if you fancy having an extra patty. I’ve been searching for a real burger ever since my arrival in France nearly four years ago. I’ve eaten many, varying from burgers smothered with foie gras, to burnt pieces of meat drowning under a barbeque sauce. I’ve even been fortunate enough to eat burgers which were actually very good, although I was always left feeling a bit conned as my wallet would feel noticeably lighter. However, Tribeca Burger is a place which knows what it’s doing. No overbearing towers of pointless ingredients, just perfectly crafted burgers. Never has the adage “less is more” been so true. Dwayne Johnson, take note. 

he Burger. The Dwayne Johnson of the food world: everywhere you look, on every menu you see, every blockbuster release, the humble burger is omnipresent. While certainly not haute-cuisine, the humble burger, if done correctly can be a piece of art, a veritable delight to the senses. Done badly and you end up with a drab remake of Baywatch. The ubiquitous burger can so often be overpriced and underwhelming; a slab of over-cooked meat laid to rest between a soggy and greasy bun. Tribeca Burger on the edge of Nice Old Town however, is putting the many disappointing burger joints of the Riviera to shame. Nobody likes a burger which disintegrates in your hands like a wet paper bag. But a common trend these days is to chuck as many ingredients on top of a burger as possible. Onion rings, potato galettes, and coleslaw are among the many culprits guilty of turning a burger into nothing more than a clumsy mess of superfluity. Tribeca Burger understands that ultimately the meat is what makes a burger, and not the toppings. So while their toppings are varied and interesting, they are not excessive. This allows their quality meat to take centre stage. 100% French meat is mixed onsite with garlic and parsley,

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

riviera

GOURMET

Salon de Sucre & Chocolat Nice’s city-wide art exhibit renowned pastry chef Christian Cottard is devoted to preserving the traditional art of French pâtisserie. He runs a pastry school attached to his own bakery in antibes, where he teaches young aspiring bakers to preserve ancient techniques. For him, the Sugar and Chocolate show is a way of preserving the traditional techniques of pastry making. Cottard speaks with riviera insider about the pastry show, his struggle to ﬁnd traditional pastry chefs and the current trend threatening the ﬁeld.

croissants just to break even. He compares how easily we pay 2-3 euros for a coffee, but will scoff at a croissant that costs more than 1 euro. So when large factories produce thousands of premade, frozen croissants for a few cents each, it’s easy to see why a bakery no longer spends the time to make them from scratch. This is one of the reasons that Cottard worries for the future of his field. In our modern world, time has become a more valuable commodity than wheat or sugar. “There are lots of cakes, but not many pâtissiers,” he says. Despite his fear for the profession, Cottard remains a hopeless romantic for the art of pastry and puts his heart and soul into finding and supporting young, new talent.

ri: why is the salon de sucre et chocolat important? CC: It is a showcase of the competence of our top pastry chefs. It’s a chance to present to the public what we do and give people more than they can even imagine. It’s also a chance to show the ability of young bakers and help them get recognised. I try to find the small patissiers, hidden in some small place and practicing the traditional techniques. But it’s very difficult—there are not a lot left.

ri: why is it hard to find traditional pâtissiers? is it a dying art? CC: Yes. There are many reasons, but the biggest are economic and convenience. We are living in a time of fast, cheap convenience and frozen dough provides all that. It’s a real battle to fight this trend.

ri: what qualities make a good pastry chef? is there a particular trait that you find in common? CC: They all have the same approach to the métier. Meaning they are committed to traditionalism, they have a sincere interest in the work and they have a sense of responsibility to continue this great art. This show attempts to save that tradition by finding real pâtissiers, protecting them and getting new people interested. We inherited a savoire-faire (know-how) from our predecessors and it’s our duty to continue it. It’s so important.

ri: what are you goals for sucre et chocolat?

Chef Christian Cottard © Cook and Shoot

SALON DE SUCRE ET CHOCOLAT 1st to 2nd December Palais de Congrés antibes Juan-les-Pins

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hen one thinks about French pastries, one often imagines a person dressed in a white shirt and apron, a tall chef’s hat firmly placed while precise movements shape, roll, cut and spread delicious and beautiful confections. And croissants, the quintessential French pastry, made at the break of dawn by hand-rolling layer upon layer of dough and butter. That is, after all, how to achieve that light, flaky consistency. unfortunately, this grand tradition is quickly becoming a thing of the past. And it’s no wonder why: according to Cottard, making croissants is a four-hour process. To consider the overhead, the energy consumption and the labour, a bakery would have to sell an awful lot of

Cc: Well, first to have great a party and a great exposition! Then it’s to get the people to see what we create and say, ‘wow!’ These are extraordinary bakers. They work 15-20 hours to make their creations and then they spend an additional several hours with the people. We are artists and we are a gift to be shared.

ri: what can we expect at the salon? CC: It will be broken up into different areas and events. There will be an exhibit of candy or chocolate structures made by pastry chefs, who will be present to speak with visitors and answer questions. We will have pastry workshops to teach techniques and what it takes to become a pâtissier; an area of artisans presenting their specialties and an area for people to purchase goodies and holiday table décor. We didn’t use to sell anything, but people were asking where they could buy the wonderful things they saw. So we do that now. It will be a lot of fun. 

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L IFESTYLE

Win a dinner for two! Riviera Insider is giving away a dinner for two at Château Le Cagnard in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Visit the ‘Competition’ section of our website for details on how to win:

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L IFESTYLE

To your health 5 tips for a healthy immune system this winter Early autumn is the perfect time to prepare the body for the colds and viruses that proliferate during the colder seasons. Changes in the weather can be a stress to the immune system, making us more susceptible to infection. We also tend to spend more time indoors than during previous months and subsequently are in closer contact with others: environments where viruses can be transmitted more easily. With this in mind, we can optimise prevention with better diet choices to help protect us. Here are some of my top tips for strengthening your immune system for the winter.

1. gut health Did you know that about 70% of our immune system is focused in the gut? Beneficial bacteria in our gut support the immune system in many ways and can have a huge impact on overall health. Antibiotic use and poor dietary choices such as high sugar intake, processed foods and trans-saturated fats can harm the beneficial gut-flora and can lead to recurrent infections. A diet rich in soluble and insoluble fibre supports the gut-flora and ultimately your immune system. Good sources of fibre: Oats, prunes, seasonal fruits and vegetables (especially the brassica and onion family), beans, lentils, and wholegrains. TIP: A simple way to include immune-boosting nutrients is to make a health vegetable curry using a variety of vegetables and spices including turmeric, garlic and ginger.

2. cut back on sugar Research has shown that vitamin C reduces the incidence and duration of colds and flu. White blood cells, which fight viruses and bacteria, require large amounts of vitamin C to be effective, but sugar in the blood competes with vitamin C to get into white blood cells. Eating sugary foods may deplete your vitamin C and prevent white blood cells from effectively killing-off invaders. Poor immunity and susceptibility to colds may be an indication of vitamin C deficiency. Beware of ‘healthy’ sugar as well. Studies suggest that the body cannot determine between white sugar and other sugar, so don´t be fooled. If you want improved immunity, cut out refined sugars altogether. When baking at home for novemBer / DecemBer 2018

the family, use sugars with a low glycaemic index such as xylitol, stevia or yacon syrup. Good sources of vitamin C: fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables (not over-cooked). Aim to eat raw fruits and lightly steamed veg to preserve nutrients. Tip: Avoid buying cough mixtures high in sugar as these may worsen rather than improve health. Make a warm drink rich in fresh pressed citrus fruits and ginger with a teaspoon of Manuka honey to sweeten if required.

3. vitamin D Vitamin D has been a hot topic for a while now and with good reason. It plays a vital role in immune health. Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise, even amongst those of us living in a sunny climate. The major source of vitamin D is sunshine, but many of us do not get sufficient sun exposure during the autumn and winter. Individuals with reduced levels may struggle to fight off colds and flus, so it makes sense to get levels checked. Low levels have been associated with increased risk of respiratory tract infections in children. Food sources are oily fish and mushrooms, but are not usually as effective as getting sunlight. Tip: Get outside! Go for walk, sit on a balcony or pick a table on the terrace at your local café to take advantage of our year-round sunshine.

4. exercise Yes, this simple lifestyle inclusion can boost immunity. Getting the heart rate up for short bursts during a 15-20 minute period –three to four times per week has immune-boosting effects. Exercise also improves sleep patterns which also supports the immune system. Tip: Take a brisk walk outside a few times a week. Both the exercise and sunshine may reduce the chances of catching a cold.

5. sleep Sleep is a simple way to boost immunity and should be made a priority for the entire family. The amount of sleep needed per night varies by age, but the most important is sleep quality. Make sure to turn off screen well before bed and sleep in a dark space. Tip: Electromagnetic waves from cell signal and Wi-Fi can disturb sleep, so always put phones on airplane mode and better still, switch off the Wi-Fi at night. 

Christine Kjeldbjerg

riviera insider is introducing a new column on health and nutrition. Christine has a BSc in nutritional therapy, an MSc in personalised nutrition and is a Pilates & Xtend Barre instructor. Originally from Berkshire in the UK, Christine has been living in the riviera for 12 years. She has a busy ﬁtness and health coaching business and runs various educational workshops.

FOR OUR READERS: Christine is oﬀering a free 30-minute health chat to one lucky reader interested in optimising their own health or that of a family member. To enter, email: secretariat@riviera-press.fr with your details and Health Chat in the subject line.

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L IFESTYLE

Peugeot DS Antibes gets new specialty DS dealership

arlier this year, the Peugeot Group opened the very first DS Store in the Alpes-Maritimes in Antibes. The DS is Peugeot’s line of premium vehicles. Frédéric Wehbe, who represents the brand as a DS expert, was happy to welcome this unique and modern addition to the existing dealership. Located in Antibes, near the new Olympia Shopping Centre, the building is striking with an allblack façade and offers 380 square meters to showcase new vehicles and service current DS owners. It also features a personal valet service for their customers. The DS Store offers six models: the DS3, DS3 Convertible, DS4, DS4 Crossback, DS5 and the newest edition, the DS7 Crossback. Contemporary and chic, the DS7 is a high-tech, high-end sport vehicle. It offers several new tech options such as DS Active Scan Suspension, DS Night

Vision to provide exceptional road readability at night and DS Connected Pilot, which paves the way for autonomous driving. In 2019, two new models will be launched: DS3 Crossback and Crossback E-Tense (100% electric version). They will bear the new DS Automo-

biles signature and its current and future values: elegance, comfort, technology and refinement. The entire DS Automobile Antibes team is also very proud to be part of the brand's history and to now service the Mediterranean basin. 

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L IFESTYLE

The new Bentley Bentayga The newest, fastest, most exclusive SUV in the world

entley has joined the ranks of luxury SuV makers. But they haven’t just made any SuV, they’ve made the best. The all new Bentayga is hand-crafted in Crewe to the highest, most rigorous and luxurious specs yet. Creating a super-fast (0-100 kM/h in 3.7 sec), all-weather, all-terrain off-road vehicle while maintaining the highest level of luxury a Bentley customer would expect, the Bentayga ticks all the boxes where other luxury SuV makers fall short. And despite the bulked-up appearance, it remains unmistakably Bentley. A brand-new twin-turbo charged 6.0-L W12 engine makes it the most powerful SuV on the market, while the intricate, hand-crafted wood detailing with metal and leather makes it the most luxurious. The dedicated off-road modes for snow, sand and trails ensure an exciting ride whether jumping dunes in Dubai or cutting paths

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in the Alps. Its 48V anti-roll system also makes it one of the safest SuVs on the market. But what do we think? Riviera Press’ Dominique Freulon took it for a spin during the Bentley Cannes Monaco Polo Cup in St. Tropez: “Driving a Bentley Bentayga in the heights of Ramatuelle was an exceptional moment. It is quite an impressive vehicle to drive, because it is very heavy - 2.4 tons from memory - but so reassu-

ring to handle even though it is very powerful! I quickly touched the accelerator which unleashed a monster of power. I am a very cautious driver, but quickly adopted a sporty driving style. What a fun experience! The interior is so comfortable, the plush leather seats are refined, and it is clear why Bentley is the official supplier of the English Crown.” 

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BUSINESS

BuYing a ProPerTY in france Through an sci By ZOUBAïDA BOUZOU, ISEGORIA CONSEILS

id you know that you can purchase a French property as a ‘civil company’? There are many advantages to such a purchase, including the tax structure, and inheritance planning. If you are thinking about buying a property in France to be used as a principal or a second home, there are several advantages to proceed with an SCI.

Purchase with an SCI - An SCI “Société Civile Immobilière” is a non-trading company, with at least two shareholders, that is constituted for the ownership and management of property. Very easy to set up, it also means that you will own the shares of the company which in turn owns the property. What are the advantages? - There is a list of examples, depending on your situation but among these advantages, we can mention that it makes the transfer of property easier, permits the division of property rights between the owners (démembrement croisé), and it can also provide a certain extent of protection from business creditors. However, it is important to consider your particular situation before deciding whether or not an SCI is useful in your case. For sure, buying a French property through a French company is more advantageous than buying it through a foreign company, as specific taxes would apply in such a case. Taxes – Taxes are due on your personal income tax return if you decide to rent out the property, but it has to be unfurnished - otherwise it would be considered a trading activity. This would mean your company will be subject to corporate tax (impôt sur les sociétés). Shareholders who have taken out debt to finance the acquisition of the property can obtain mortgage tax relief against their personal liability to income tax, provided the property is their principal home. Another advantage is the possibility to gift shares to children, which is highly appreciated by shareholders, especially if the purpose of the SCI is the ownership of family property. Inheritance rules – under French law, only fixed assets held by non-residents are subject to inheritance rules (except if the applicable law rules differently). Shares in a company are considered movable property, so the only applicable rules will be the ones that apply to movable properties. It is also important to note that if you are a resident in France, it is possible to obtain some relief from the inheritance laws through an SCI. In all cases, it is important to protect your interests by obtaining legal advice from a professional who can provide impartial guidance to decide whether or not setting up an SCI is beneficial for your particular case.  www.iselegal.com

 zoubaïda Bouzou, lawyer 12 Avenue Malausséna 06000 Nice Tel.: +33 (0)9 83 57 28 00 isegoria.conseils@gmail.com

Living in luxury Engel & Völkers hosts an incredible evening he leading international brand in prestigious real estate and lifestyle, Engel & Völkers specialises in residential and commercial real estate, yachting and private jets. In September, the company organised a private event on the terrace of a prestigious villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is currently on the market for €20,000,000. The evening was an opportunity to introduce customers to Engel & Völkers’ luxury partners, such as Daniela Boutsen, the founder and president of Boutsen Design, and the International Bank of Luxembourg. Organised as a cross-marketing event, Engel & Völkers welcomed more than 100 guests from the fields of prestigious real estate, interior design, yachting and vintage cars. In the presence of France President, David Scheffler and Anissa Mediouni, CEO of Engel & Völkers Yachting, guests could visit the property with direct access to the sea and a main terrace with a breath taking view of the bay of Villefranche. There was also a yacht moored in the bay for guests to visit. The German real estate company has been building its position in the French Riviera over the last few years with sites in Cannes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and now Saint Tropez, where a private office opened last March. The Côte d'Azur is where Engel & Völkers recorded the most significant turnover this year, with a 116% increase of in the first half of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. They attribute this to the 10% increase in the number of agents in the region in early 2018 and their commitment to embodying the values of passion, competence and exclusivity. The company regularly organises creative and prestigious events to promote their properties. 

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SPORT

OUR GOLF CORRESPONDENT MICHAEL MOLLOY

Teeing-oﬀ on the Côte d’azur

Barbaroux

ave you played golf all over the Riviera, and are a yearning for something a little different? If so, do yourself a favour - get in your car and drive an hour up the A8 to tee off at Barbaroux. Nestled among the renowned vineyards of Brignoles, this Pete Dye (TPC Sawgrass) designed gem is one of the best layouts in France, and no golf tour into the Var can be complete without playing it. I've played the course a number of times, and like all the great courses, it always makes you want to play it again. A little bit of prior course knowledge is a big help here, because Pete Dye has, as usual, managed to not only challenge your visual perspective and your bravery, but he's managed to do it in a different way on practically every hole. He has used the landscape extremely well to include just a few blind shots and some par 5 holes that definitely require advance warning before attempting them. unlike a number of courses on the Riviera, Barbaroux does not generally place a big premium on distance, particularly if you're playing from a tee position that suits your handicap. What it does challenge is your accuracy and I can't honestly remember having asked so many questions of my course management. You may even find that your best performance here happens on the day you leave your driver at

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home! The first tee from an elevated position tests your nerve straight away with a lake to carry, an orchard beyond it, and a lengthy bunker separating all that from the ever narrowing fairway. You simply have to pick the club that will carry the lake and no more! The second hole is also a narrow affair with a valley that disappears down into to the left and eventually proves to be a decent location from which to access the elevated green further away to the right. All this is merely a prelude to the Var region's greatest gift to the golf gods: the par 5 third hole. Try taking a walk to the edge of the slope here before playing your second shot. A good drive might actually give you a chance at the green, but how can you measure the yardage into the abyss before you? An absolutely stunning risk-reward shot awaits you, and a great monument to the architect's vision. Through the next two holes, semi-blind perspectives are combined once more with elevated tees, always challenging you to wonder what's around the corner. Accuracy is preferred! I've seen long hitters reach the end of the front nine with a serious dent in their egos. That's the joy of Barbaroux. Take your long hitting nephews here, and then see who's boss! Further ego-crushing awaits with holes that seem easy - but aren't - with approaches rolling off the back or

sides of greens all too probable. The ninth offers you the chance to get on Europe's largest green in two, but its wicked slopes mean there's still work to do. What an epic front nine. Notable back nine holes include 10 and 11, carrying vineyards and lakes successively. 'Driving' the 11th will depend heavily on which colour tee you're playing from. keep a look out for tele-tubbies on the 14th - another Pete Dye crazy landscape with more pot bunkers than a Scottish links, and some unusual visual obstacles. Then follows a beautiful par 3 ringed almost entirely by a circular bunker. It’s a really fun hole from a high tee position. The final three holes take you past various water hazards, and hopefully with your pride still intact, the club house itself awaits with a great ambiance, a great restaurant, and did I mention a resort style collection of apartment accommodation adjacent to the hotel? I personally think Barbaroux is the best golf experience you can have in south France, and as I said above, playing just once is never enough! If you do choose to over-night here, make sure to visit nearby Château La Margillière, for a late afternoon wine tasting. What better way to wine-snob than to do so over a bottle you've brought back from the scene of your most memorable golf game! 

an irish iT professional who spent several years working in Sophia antipolis, Michael learned his French at the local rugby club and got his golfing fix by joining the office golf society. During his time in the region, he has played many of southern France’s finest courses.

GOLF DE BARBAROUX Route de Cabasse Brignoles +33 (0)4.94.69.63.63 www.barbaroux.com

The course >18 holes >87 hectares >Club house, terrace, Proshop, restaurants, Hotel & spa, ﬁtness room and conference space >High season green fee: €78 >Low season green fee: €66 >4 holes business fee: €28

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YACHTING

Reporting from the Yacht Club de Monaco: led by Gerhard van der Schaar, had a repeat victory in 2018, the YCM wanted to encourage Open Source, a sharing of knowledge and projects via Tech Talks. These daily conferenceformat meetings for contestants proved very popular with the students, eager to pass on useful information so vital for the industry’s development. With this in mind, the YCM created a group discussion forum on the Solar & Energy Boat Challenge Facebook page, accessible to all and allowing everyone to monitor updates remotely. This year’s 5th edition attracted 200 contestants from 12 nationalities across 30 teams and three categories: Solar Class, Offshore Class and Energy Class. Participant numbers are not the only thing that is increasing; it’s also the scientific progress being made with these new technologies.  © Carlo Borlenghi

Solar & Energy Boat Challenge Clean energy to propel yachting’s future very July, the Yacht Club de Monaco, in collaboration with the Hydros Foundation, International Powerboating Federation (uIM) and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, organises the Solar & Energy Boat Challenge. This future-facing boat event is unique in the world. More than a century after the first international powerboat meetings were launched in 1904, the YCM is reviving a tradition by leaving the field wide open to innovation and the imaginations of young engineers, working hand in hand with experienced manufacturers. Their goal is to develop alternative propulsion systems, using only clean energy sources to power the yachting of tomorrow. It’s a big challenge if yachting is to meet the energy and environmental needs of the future. Making their first appearance (and the first to register) in the 2019 Solar & Energy Boat Challenge (2-6 July 2018) is the Star Team MC Association, with their boat NEO eDrive from Greenline. Registered in the Open Category, the 10m vessel boasts a 100% electric powered propulsion combining two electric outboard engines and high-performance lithium batteries. The boat is capable of a maximum distance of 40 nautical miles at 6 knots in economy

mode, or 20nm at 16 knots. It will be competing in the Offshore category, which is attracting a lot of interest from manufacturers as the imperative to protect the environment becomes a priority. In 2009, hybrid propulsion was perhaps a little ahead of its time,” admits Vladimir Zinchenko, who recently acquired Greenline Yachts and its production facilities in Slovenia. “But now after nearly ten years the market is ready for the next stage: to switch to all-electric.” After Clafis Victron Energy Solar Boat Team,

TECHNICAL ADVANCES MADE IN 2018 Improved battery eﬃciency: >More compact >More capacity: 0.12 kW/kilo >Optimised battery charge with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controllers, improving voltaic panel performance by +95% >Longer battery life Propulsion developments: >improved L-type propulsion system instead of the standard Z-type yielding outputs of >80% compared to the industry average of 50% >Ultra-compact counter-rotating propellers producing less noise and vibration >improved control and eﬃciency >Presentation of prototype electric engines achieving 30kW for 13kg (compared to a power-weight ratio of 13kW for 32kg, the current industry average)

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ECO

riviera

Bats A natural solution to mosquitoes? By NICOLE RUSKELL

This year has proved to be one of the worst for mosquitoe infestations. Heavy rainfall and intense heat made the pesky bugs ﬂourish throughout the region. Bats can eat thousands of mosquitoes in one night, but many are on endangered lists around the world. Here we look at bat houses as a way to help protect these nocturnal hunters and provide a natural combatant against mosquitoes. eople across the Alpes-Maritimes have complained of being ‘eaten alive’ by mosquitoes this year. It was, in fact, a terrible year, with record numbers of mosquitoes early-on in the season. According to Stéphane Robert, president of the French information website Vigilance-Moustiques, the 2018 mosquito season started as normal in April, but a series of heavy rain storms followed by an intense heat wave created the ‘ideal cocktail’ for mosquito larvae to proliferate. He told Le Parisien that his association had received three times more complaints in 2018 than in 2017. The most common treatment against mosquitoes is spraying toxic pesticides like DEET either into the environment or on our bodies. unfortunately, widespread spraying has shown to be more effective at wiping out the natural predators of mosquitoes than the mosquitoes themselves. As the world is becoming more aware of the dangers of pesticides and the collateral damage caused by liberal spraying, more natural solutions are being sought to combat these maddening insects. Bats are one of the most efficient killers of mosquitoes,

1 / Bats: our fury friends © Shutterstock.com 2 / Mela Nolan saves tadpoles from her pool, which become baby frogs that eat mosquito larvae. © Mela Nolan

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able to eat up to thousqnds of them in one night. Over the last several decades, bat populations have been decimated around the world and governments have stepped in to protect them. France lists 33 species of bats as en-dangered and has laws prohibiting the destruction, alteration or the degradation of their reproductive sites and resting areas. However, poisoning their food source is still widely practiced.

west nile virus While often considered a nuisance, mosquitoes can be dangerous. Luckily, we don’t live in an area with lifethreatening mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, however, West Nile virus has been much stronger and more widespread across Europe in 2018 than in previous years. In the Alpes-Maritimes, the ARS (the regional health agency) had reported 20 cases of the virus by the end of September. Symptoms of the virus usually manifest as a fever accompanied by extreme headaches, muscle pain and sometimes skin breakouts. The majority of people recover easily, but it can be life threatening to the elderly and immune-suppressed. West Nile virus is spread mostly by the Culex mosquito, which feasts at night, making them the prime target of bats. What about the tiger mosquito? Well, this aggressive species, easily identified by its striped body, feasts during the day, which means it won’t be eaten by nocturnal bats. The best way to combat them is by preventing their larvae. Officials recommend being vigilant against stagnant pools of water in or near your home. This includes damp areas around trees, irrigation pools, standing puddles and water fountains. Other animals like tadpoles, frogs, fish and dragonflies are excellent predators to mosquito larvae.

surprising benefits of bats Despite their reputation as scary vampires, bats are incredibly good for the environment and crop protection.

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November and December, during their hibernation period. Letting the house acclimatise, off-gas any scent from the wood and become a part of the environment will make it easier to attract bats seeking shelter in the spring. Bat house kits can be purchased online or easily constructed out of wood. Cedar is the most common type of wood used, as it stands up to long-term weathering. International laws prevent the sale or transport of bats, so bat houses can only be installed and naturally sought out by bats. They are very picky about where they roost and the wait-and-see approach can prove frustrating. understanding their needs can make sure your bat house is more successful in attracting these nocturnal creatures.

Top tips

They are excellent pollinators, with their fury bodies acting like brushes to large, nocturnal-blooming plants and tropical trees. Bananas, mangoes and agave plants actually depend on bats for pollination. They also proliferate the renewal of rainforests, as the seeds they eat and then eliminate are how many trees reproduce. Their excrement, in fact, is a highly prized fertiliser. Guano, the name for bat manure, has the perfect ratio of NPk (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), which is essential for plant growth. Guano is also a natural fungicide and destroys the nematode worm that can decimate crops. For our interests, however, the most important benefit is their appetite for bad bugs. They eat many bugs, including the crop-damaging kind, but one of their favourites is the mosquito. A university of Wisconsin study found that a single bat could eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in one hour. That study was done in a controlled environment filled with thousands of mosquitoes, so in an open environment, they probably won’t be eating that many. However, bats in your neighbourhood will eat a lot of mosquitoes, which is always good thing.

how to attract bats Bat houses offer a safe place for bats to rest and females to nest. Bats love dark, tight spaces where they can nestle together to conserve heat. Their natural habitat is often inside of dead trees, squeezing into the crevice between the tree and the bark. Bat houses mimic this environment, offering a tight space in a safe enclosure. Mothers need very warm temperatures for their babies, ranging between 29° and 37°C (85-100°F). This makes them attracted to our houses, where they get heat during cold periods. It is common to find a family of bats nested behind shutters that haven’t been moved for a while. This protects them from predators like hawks and owls, and they get the heat from the sun. The best time of year to install a bat house is in

Go high: Bat boxes should be mounted at least 4.5 to 6 metres from the ground. Bats can’t take-off in flight; they need to first fall to catch wind. Having a clear open space below the structure ensures a safe path for flight. Avoid mounting it to a tree, as it makes bats easy prey for hawks and owls. Mounting under the eaves of a roof or on a tall pole have been the most successful. A warm spot: Mount the box somewhere it will receive full sun or a heat source to keep the pups warm. It should be placed south or southeast facing without too much shade. keep it dark: Bats are nocturnal feeders, needing the dark to hunt. Installing a box near bright lights will deter them from settling in. Check for wasps: Wasps love the small space for building their nests. During the winter, when both bats and wasps aren’t around, it’s good to check the bat house and clear out any accumulated nests.

a local experience Mela Nolan, the co-founder of MaNolan’s Pubs, is a strong believer in respecting the environment. She tells Riviera Insider about her experience of installing bat houses: “We try to be as eco-friendly as we can and we wouldn’t want to spray chemicals unnecessarily because of not just the adverse effects on our environment but also to our domestic flora and fauna. Plus, it doesn’t work,” she says. “Bats are famously brilliant at keeping mosquito numbers down, and we invested in bat boxes a couple of years ago. I have to be honest and say that I don’t think they have since moved in! We have seen a couple of bat families feasting in the garden, but not with the frequency you’d expect if they were roosting here.” Mela admits that after chatting with friends and doing online research, she learned about the specific requirements of attracting bats. She has, however, had success with keeping larvae down in their pool. “In the winter our pool becomes a pond, keeping mosquito larvae at bay. Frogs come annually and we conserve the tadpoles either in the pool or a bath, depending on time of year, and the frogs are free to graze on insects there on.” 

for more information and guides on installing bat houses, visit the following sites:

 www.batcon.org  www.habitatforbats.org

OTHER MOSQUITO PREDATORS: Swallows These quick birds feast on mosquitoes and like to build their nests on buildings and sheds, making them great resident pest control. Dragonflies Known as ‘mosquito hawks’ these elegant bugs (who have been decimated by pesticides) actually feast more on mosquito larvae then adult mosquitoes. Goldfish & guppies These little fish can be great at keeping larvae in check. Frogs & tadpoles excellent bug eaters, both feast on larvae and grown frogs can eat adult mosquitoes.

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ECO

Eco news from the Côte d’Azur free elecTric shuTTle for anTibes & Juan-les-pins rom the beginning of November, the city of Antibes Juan-lesPins and the service Mobility+ has launched a new complimentary electric shuttle to transport people from parking areas to town. Designed by ASPP Technology, the Géco 6 minibus is equipped with Lithium batteries, giving a range of at least 80km on a single charge and is capable of covering 50,000 km over a period of 3 years. The bus seats six passengers and is completely enclosed, allowing it to run year-round. Its small size makes it particularly suitable for driving in city centres and

pedestrian areas. The shuttle will prove invaluable to residents with reduced mobility and shoppers stuck in a rainstorm. The designated route will be Rue République > Place Na-

tionale > Rue Aubernon > Bd d'Aguillon. The bus is also available by calling to request a pick-up from designated areas. For more information: antibesjuanlespins.com

The TransformaTion of plasTic To fuel ntibes native, Christofer Costes, has created a revolutionary machine that can recycle plastic waste into boat fuel. A prototype of the machine was demonstrated at Port Vauban on 10th September. Chrysalis, the name of the two-metre tall machine can extract 600 grams of diesel and 300 grams of gasoline from a single kilo of everyday plastic waste. This amazing device was funded by Earth Wake, an association created by French comedian Samuel le Bihan. Committed to saving the planet from plastic pollution, Earth Wake funds low-tech projects such as Costes’ Chrysalis. The fuel created by the device has the same properties as conventional fuel and can used in boat and truck engines, or to run generators. Described as a revolution to the recycling and energy sector, the machine is clean running, itself fuelled by photovoltaic panels. The Chrysalis demonstration was organised to

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World's firsT carbonaccrediTed heliporT onaco Heliport has become the first heliport in the world to receive carbon accreditation. HSH Prince Albert II has long been committed to making the Principality a carbon neutral state by 2050. As part of the government’s Energy and Climate Plan, initiated in 2014, the Civil Aviation Department, in collaboration with the Environment Department, set up a program last year to achieve carbon neutrality. The Director of Civil Aviation, Bruno Lassagne, who is also in charge of managing the Monaco Heliport, took steps to significantly reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the structure. Working together with Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Minister of Public Works, Environment and urban Planning, they applied to obtain a carbon accreditation from the International Airport Council of Europe. The application was approved in October, granting the heliport a carbon accreditation level of ‘Mapping.’ This certificate recognises the Heliport’s committed to managing its CO2 emissions. The program has 189 accredited airports worldwide, but this marks the first heliport. 

Chrysalis

Monaco Heliport

coincide with the San Francisco launch of Ocean Cleanup on 8th September. The Ocean Cleanup is a program to tackle the Great Pacific Garbage Patch located between Hawaii and California. The massive floating ‘island’ is the world’s largest accumulation of ocean plastic. The next step for Costes and his low-tech and mobile machine is to double its size, allowing it to handle 300 kilos of waste per day. The hundreds of litres of fuel it would produce could have many potential uses, especially in economically depressed regions. The first fully-functional model of Chrysalis is expected in to be deployed in a French port within six months. The price tag will be around €50.000, but would quickly make up for its price in fuel savings. The long-term goal for Earth Wake is to place these machines across Europe and the developing world to provide a safe and clean way to recycle plastic and produce fuel. 

SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS

private oﬃce

€60

exc. VAt /month /m2

= work station from €290 exc. VAt /month

coworking space

domiciliation

€190* exc. VAt

€49€* exc. VAt

*exc. bespoke options

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A business incubator for growing start-ups, entrepreneurs & individuals FLexiBiLity

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www.starter-business.fr

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BUSINESS

The Satellady Candace Johnson, global serial space entrepreneur behind ARPAnet (Armed Forces Public Affairs Network), the precursor to the Internet. From her early years, Candace was exposed to all the telecommunication greats, such as Vinton Cerf, the Father of the Internet and Paul Baran, the Father of Packet Switched Networks and soaked up all they had to say.

a serial entrepreneur

he, who is also known the world over as the “Satellady”, participated in January 2001, together with Sophia-Antipolis founder Pierre Laffitte, AxA, the French National Savings Bank and the Bavarian State Bank in the creation of one of the first Seed Funds in Europe, Sophia Euro Lab. Then in 2003, she followed with the creation of the Sophia Business Angels, one of the first Angel Networks in France and Europe, which she then presided over and 15 years after its creation has invested more than 50 million Euros to date in local, regional and international Startups. And on top of all of this she has just completed two mandates of two years each (the maximum according to the statues) as the President of EBAN, the European Business Angel Network. It must be said that Candace Johnson, on the Côte d’Azur for almost 20 years now, was literally “born” into the world of high-tech, well before the digital wave rolled over all of us. Her father, united States Air Force General Johnny Johnson, was not only responsible for the first satellite systems and Apollo Missions of the united States under Presidents kennedy and Johnson, but was also one of the pioneers novemBer / DecemBer 2018

She saved these lessons all her life and applied them to create an incomparable expertise and network throughout the united States and Europe. She has shared all this expertise as well as her experience as a serial entrepreneur and Angel Investor through numerous venues, be they her participation in associations, conferences, Tedx lectures, and in consultations for the European Commission. A real energy dynamo, Candace Johnson masters the art of “storytelling” with gusto. Guests at the recent Business Club de Grasse meeting where she spoke about her experiences as an entrepreneur and investor can well attest at once to her vibrancy as well as to the relevant lessons she taught about being a “never give up“ entrepreneur.

Beyond the iron curtain “In 1983”, she recalled at the beginning of her speech, “It was not permitted to have your own satellite dish. There were no private television channels, with the exception of RTL and ITV. There were obviously no private satellites! But, it was at this time that we conceived the Astra satellite project which covered all of Western and Eastern Europe at a period when the two Europes were separated by the Berlin Wall. In 1985, we then created our company, SES (Société Européenne des Satellites) to operate this wonderful project of ASTRA and in 1988 we were all in kourou to launch it. The funny thing was that I was the only woman in the photo and indeed in the entire project!” “ASTRA was a huge success. In November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell down. We were the only ones who had foreseen to have a footprint that covered all of Europe, not just Western Europe. We were the only ones to want to give ‘Freedom of Choice’ to all Europeans. And because we had this goal, it was also a huge success in terms of investment. We became the most profitable satellite system in the world and many of our first investors realised

if ever there has been a pioneer on the Côte d’azur for ﬁnancing start-ups, it is indeed american-born Candace Johnson. a Return on Investment (RoI) of 1,000 times!” The lesson learned? “Think ahead,” she said. “With SES ASTRA, we launched the first private satellite. But in 1995, we also were way ahead of the game when we created the first-ever private satellite launcher by commercialising the Russian rocket, Proton. This was 20 years ahead of Space x and Elon Musk!” Indeed, it was this audacious initiative which inspired Claudia kessler, the President of WIA-Europe to proclaim when she was giving the Women in Aerospace Lifetime Achievement Award to Candace Johnson, “Whereas Elon Musk with Hyperloop, Tesla, and Space x may be a visionary in mobility, Candace Johnson is our Leonardo da Vinci for human and technological networks.” Quite an amazing recognition for our Satellady who continues to be appreciated in Sophia Antipolis for her energy and her philosophy of “never accepting no, never giving up, and never going away — even when others want you to!” 

CANDACE’S TOP TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS 1) Think BiG. it is just as easy to do something small as it is to do something big. 2) Bring a solution to a problem which will bring about a better world. The world has never had so many problems. The time is now for creative solutions and for those who can implement them. 3) Make your Business Plan for you and not for investors. When you are making the numbers for sales for a certain price, for costs etc., ask yourself, “is this right? Can i really make these numbers? are these really costs i can bear? You cannot lie to yourself.” and ﬁnally, for those who are interested in being Business angels, we at eBaN always like to say, Business angels bring experience, expertise, network and ‘smart money’.

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Business Person of the Year Awards The Riviera Business Club’s 2018 edition record number of nominations have been received for this year's event. The panel of judges, which includes a representative from the Nice Côte d'Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as Riviera Insider founder Petra Hall, has begun interviewing the candidates. The selected finalists will be invited to the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Friday 30th November at the Radisson Blu in Cannes. Last year’s Start up of the Year Award was granted to Nicholas and Barbara Basalgete of Badaboom Vegan Bistro & BeJuice Bar in Nice, while the Business Person of the Year Award was won by Antonia Beauvoisin-Brown of kidooLand (La Petite Ecole Anglaise) in Vallauris. The BPOY Awards, as it has come to known, is in its 20th year since it was started by the local British Chamber of Commerce and subsequently revived by the Riviera Business Club five years ago. Apart from celebrating local entrepreneurs, the event has also become a major social event on the French Riviera, kicking off the Christmas

and New Year season. The panel of judges this year is headed by JeanFrancois Boutin (Senior Corporate and Board Executive of Europe, uSA and Asia and presently Director of Development of Tournaire SA.), with

BUSINESS

Sylvain Pages (Director of the Start up Incubator at Edhec Business School), Elodie Carsalade (representing the CCI Nice Côte d'Azur), Thady Nolan (the 2014 winner of the PBPOY award and owner of a successful chain of bars and restaurants in the region) and Petra Hall (founder and ambassador of RivieraZeit and Riviera Insider). Edhec Business School sponsors the award along with Riviera Insider, Zantos by Ernst Jan Zantingh and Events by George. www.rivierabusinessclub.com.

From Left: Mark & Antonia Beauvoisin-Brown of Kidooland, Marion & Greg Harris of Côte d'Azur Villas, and Mela & Thady Nolan of Ma Nolan’s Pubs

CMB honours women in Finance

objective is to help potential philanthropists to clarify their aspirations, and the Academy First Investment, in partnership with the International School of Monaco, which aims to introduce high school students to the world of finance and investment and to provide them with the basic tools and skills they will need to manage their wealth and portfolio. www.cmb.mc

English-speaking ﬁnance academy

uilding on the success of previous editions, Compagnie Monégasque de Banque is launching the 3rd Women and Finance Academy for an English-speaking female audi-

ence. On Tuesday October 2nd, Werner Peyer, CMB’s CEO, and Marie-Hélène Parisi, Director of the Academy, welcomed the students for their first course at Le Méridien in Monaco. The academic year, organized into ten modules, has been enriched by an additional module, "Banking and Technology: the new fashion." This new module will focus on new technologies in the banking environment, including cybersecurity, Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. The training courses are led by experts from the CMB, mostly women, and benefited by this

year’s new talent. CMB is the first Private Bank to offer a structured initiative and an academic curriculum to its clients. By creating the Women and Finance Academy, CMB aims to enable its students to improve their financial literacy and thus achieve a higher level of autonomy on issues of wealth management and investment strategy. MarieHélène Parisi, director of the Women and Finance Academy, underlines the students' involvement: "their thirst for learning and their desire to understand complex mechanisms make them excellent future decision-makers." Educational sponsorship, set up by the CMB under the aegis of Werner Peyer, is part of a vast program of innovations designed to complement the Bank's service offering to clients looking to improve their financial literacy. The CMB has developed two other flagship programs: the Academy Philanthropy, whose main

From left to right: Werner Peyer, CEO, Emma Gamerdinger, Private Banker, Marie-Hélène Parisi, Director of the Academy, and Laura Young, Equity Fund Manager

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RIVIERA PRESS

Riviera Press’ Autumn Soirée Photos LOIC B.

Chilling pool-side

To welcome autumn, Riviera Press invited readers, partners and friends to their Soirée d’automne at the AC Hotel by Marriot Ambassadeur in Juans-les-Pins. The poolside venue was the perfect place to bid farewell to summer as the air was warm and the bright blue pool felt like a holiday getaway. With our four publications, Riviera Insider, RivierZeit, Palaces and our newest addition Start, our guests make up quite novemBer / DecemBer 2018

an interesting and international group! Great conversation was had as guests enjoyed champagne, caviar, local Nicois beer and a beautiful spread from the chefs. Our sponsors provided excellent gifts for our raffle, including a DS7 weekend car hire from the DS Store in Antibes, a gift certificate for a massage at Maison de Beauté Carita and a complimentary dinner at the Marriott’s restaurant.

RIVIERA PRESS

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(1) Girl power! The team at Riviera Press (from left): Dominique Freulon, Bich Lecourt, Petra Hall, Nicole Ruskell, Aila Stöckmann and Catharina Jäckel. (2) From left: Beatrix von Dellingshausen, co-president of the German Club of Monaco; Petra Hall; Dr Christiane Amiel, Conseillère Municipal of Nice (3) L-R: Catherine Cerruti, press manager of the Salon de Sucre et Chocolat; Chef Christian Cottard, head of the union of Artisans Pâtissiers Chocolatiers Glaciers des Alpes-Maritimes (4) Frédéric Gallet, Elodie Lorandi and Grégory Berben (from left) of the Association Sourire & Partage (5) L&R: Maxime Artigues and Sophie Gastal of Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur and Dominique Feulon, centre. (6) Sébastien Fraisse, CEO of Datacorp and Bich Lecourt, General Director of Riviera Press. novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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RIVIERA PRESS

100 employees in 7 years 40 designated roles www.asteria.mc

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RIVIERA PRESS

Our ﬁrst issue of START By MARINA CARVALHO

he latest title to Riviera Press, START gives a voice (in French) to all those who create, innovate and dare entrepreneurship on the Côte d'Azur. Every two months, we fea-

ture interviews, portraits, expert advice and feedback to fill the pages of this free magazine, distributed among French tech, CCI (Chambers of Commerce and Industry), incubators, and other business clusters. In our first issue, released in early October, START discovers the paths of the region’s ne-

west start-ups: their anxieties, their difficulties and also their successes. It zooms in on those who have already developed a business and they describe everything from the creation to the challenges, to the success they enjoy today. Speaking of success stories, our first issue features a business that stands out in the industry—Virbac—the first start-up in the Riviera, who is now celebrating 50 years of business. It’s the perfect occasion to consecrate the section ‘Que sont-ils devenus?’ (Where are they now?). We also cover local entrepreneurs exporting their brilliance elsewhere in ‘On en parle là-bas’ (Making news elsewhere) and the foreign entrepreneurs bringing their know-how to the region in ‘Ils viennent de débarquer’ (Coming to us). Starting a business in the French Riviera is a story in itself and we tell it in our special feature. The ‘Guide’ focuses on a topic that has become a real challenge for all companies: recruiting and retaining talent. Finally, ‘START Aime’ (START likes) highlights all the favourites of the editorial office, from trendy restaurants to events, plus wellbeing, sport, shopping, getaways...Everything to help us take time for ouselves! Pick up a free copy and follow START on social media @STARTcotedazur. 

New classiﬁed ads section Details:

How to advertise in our new local business section o you have a small business or offer services to the Anglophone community? Advertise in our new classified ads section! We have a large Anglophone community in the Riviera and people are always looking for English-speaking services and businesses. We have a circulation of over 20,000 magazines, including top hotels, airlines, yachts, local news agents and private subscribers. Riviera Insider can also be found in nume-

60x45 mm ad for €250 The ad runs for two months. If you purchase a year’s worth of ads (6 issues), we will provide a small feature on your busines.

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

rous English-speaking doctor offices, clinics and salons. Our readership is an international Anglophone community with an average age of 35+ years and an even between male and female.

If you are interested in posting an ad in an upcoming issue, please email: marketing@riviera-press.fr with the subject: ‘Riviera Insider Ad’ 

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france 2ND NOVEMBER CANNES "c'esT Pas classique" under the direction of Benjamin Levy, the Orchestre de Cannes, alongside Dmitri Makhtin on the violin, will be reviving katerina Barsukova's "Sand Art" at 8.30pm at the Palais Acropolis-Nice. www.orchestre-cannes.com

www.nicejazzfestival.fr

9TH TO 11TH NOVEMBER NICE museomiX Non museum visitors are invited to transform the “Musée Archéologique” into teams and digitalise it over three days. www.museomix.org

uNTIL 3RD NOVEMBER

10TH NOVEMBER

MARSEILLE okToBerfesT Tickets from 30 €, including a 15 € voucher for food. Parc Chanot Palais de la Méditerranée, daily 6.30-11.30pm. www.oktoberfestmarseille.fr

CANNES nrJ music awarDs For the 20th time, viewers and listeners can vote on the awarding of the prestigious Radio and TV Award to international DJs and musicians. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. www.palaisdesfestivals.com

4TH NOVEMBER NICE maraThon nice-cannes One of the most beautiful marathons in France: from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the Croisette in Cannes. www.marathon06.com

5TH TO 8TH NOVEMBER SAINTE-MAxIME "le chanT Des Baleines" This piece combines music and poetry and gets to the bottom of existential questions. Staged especially for a young audience. 9.30am and 2.30pm, Le Carré www.carreleongaumont.com

6TH NOVEMBER CANNES "musique Pour la PaiX" The Orchestre de Cannes is dedicating to three artists who sought peace in and with music after World War One. Hindemith from Germany, Elgar from the united kingdom and Tailleferre from France composed the “quatuor à cordes”. 7pm, Théâtre Alexandre III. www.orchestre-cannes.com

7TH NOVEMBER NICE "marquis hill BlackTeT" At the trumpet or the bugle horn, the modern jazz musician Marquis Hill wants to inspire audiences in the Forum Nice Nord. 8.30pm.

14TH TO 18TH NOVEMBER NICE "au granD marchÉ" On an area of 11 000m² and with over 110 exhibitors, the fair offers the latest in living. Admission: 5 euros. Palais des expositions. www.augrandmarche.fr

EVENTS

atmosphere of the Middle East with contemporary arrangements. 8.30pm, Forum Nice Nord. www.nicejazzfestival.fr

classical music festival, music comes first in any case. At different venues in the city. www.cirm-manca.org

27TH NOVEMBER

2ND DECEMBER

MOuGINS "en aTTenDanT goDoT" Classic by Samuel Beckett, who turns hum two vagrants waiting for a certain Godot. Will he appear in Mougins? Scène 55. www.scene55.fr

CANNES "le sacre Des oiseauX" The theme and muse of this evening is nature. Birdsongs mix with the pieces of Strauss, Schubert, Vivaldi and some more. Théâtre Croisette, 4.30pm. www.orchestre-cannes.com

28TH NOVEMBER MARINE RELEASE oPereTTa "Trois De la marine" One of the most famous “Opérettes marseillaises” around the grotesque story of three sailors. Théâtre Axel Toursky, 9pm. www.toursky.fr

29TH NOVEMBER LE CANNET concerT of an icon The well-known French singer Sylvie Vartan tours all over France with her varied programme "Forever Sylvie" and also makes a stop in Le Cannet. 8.30pm, La Palestre. www.lapalestre.eu

4TH TO 8TH DECEMBER AIx-EN-PROVENCE shorT film fesTival Tous courTs Visitors can look forward to the 36th edition of many international short films. 8-10 Rue des Allumettes. www.festivaltouscourts.com

8TH DECEMBER NICE concerT Nice Music Live - a concert by the Michel Jonasz Quartet that encourages swinging. The artists want to inspire with microphone, piano, drums and double bass. At 8.30pm at the Palais Acropolis. www.nicemusiclive.fr

18TH NOV.

1ST DECEMBER

SAINT-TROPEZ "la Bohême" As part of the Cinéma des Opéras et Ballets, the "Star" cinema is dedicating the evening to Giacomo Puccini's ballet "La Bohême", recorded at the Bastille Opera in Paris. www.sainttropeztourisme.com

MOuGINS "love, love, amour" In their new programme, Salut Salon from Hamburg also interpret classics in their very own humorous way. In 2018, everything will revolve around love among the musicians. Scène 55. www.scene55.fr

21TH NOVEMBER

1ST TO 31ST DEC.

CANNES funDraiser concerT The proceeds of the Orchestre de Cannes go to the charitable foundation "Les Restos du cœur" for this concert. 8 pm, Auditorium des Arlucs.

NICE village De noËl At Christmas, Nice shows its best side. Christmas market, animations for young and old, “Cabanes à sucre”. Jardin Albert 1er, Place Masséna. www.nicetourisme.com

9TH DECEMBER

2ND TO 9TH DECEMBER

12TH DECEMBER

24TH NOVEMBER NICE Jazz from israel As part of the Nice Jazz Festival, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, the Israeli artist Omer Avital will perform on the Côte d'Azur. The talented jazz musician mixes the warm

NICE "manca fesTival" "Prima la musica, dopo le parole", does the music serve the text or the text of the music? This debate is repeated in every epoch. At this

8TH DECEMBER AIx-EN-PROVENCE guesT Performance The Orchestre de Cannes performs pieces by korngold, Grieg and Rossini. Auditorium Campra, Conservatoire Darius Milhaud, 8.30pm. www.orchestre-cannes.com

VALLAuRIS vinTage car meeTing Cars and bicycles. Théâtre de la Mer, Avenue des Frères Roustan. From 8am to noon. www.vallauris-golfe-juan.fr

NICE BalleT: anna karenina The Boris Eifmann Ballet presents The tragic story written by the novelist Leo Tolstoï. Palais des Congrès Nice Acropolis, 8 pm. novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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france 2ND NOVEMBER

EVENTS

9TH TO 11TH NOVEMBER

CANNES "c'esT Pas classique" under the direction of Benjamin Levy, the Orchestre de Cannes, alongside Dmitri Makhtin on the violin, will be reviving katerina Barsukova's "Sand Art" at 8.30pm at the Palais Acropolis-Nice. www.orchestre-cannes.com

NICE museomiX Non museum visitors are invited to transform the “Musée Archéologique” into teams and digitalise it over three days. www.museomix.org

uNTIL 3RD NOVEMBER

MARSEILLE okToBerfesT Tickets from 30 €, including a 15 € voucher for food. Parc Chanot Palais de la Méditerranée, daily 6.30-11.30pm. www.oktoberfestmarseille.fr

4TH NOVEMBER

10TH NOVEMBER

14TH TO 18TH NOVEMBER

8.30pm, Forum Nice Nord. www.nicejazzfestival.fr

27TH NOVEMBER MOuGINS "en aTTenDanT goDoT" Classic by Samuel Beckett, who turns hum two vagrants waiting for a certain Godot. Will he appear in Mougins? Scène 55. www.scene55.fr

29TH NOVEMBER

NICE "au granD marchÉ" On an area of 11 000m² and with over 110 exhibitors, the fair offers the latest in living. Admission: 5 euros. Palais des expositions. www.augrandmarche.fr

LE CANNET concerT of an icon The well-known French singer Sylvie Vartan tours all over France with her varied programme "Forever Sylvie" and also makes a stop in Le Cannet. 8.30pm, La Palestre. www.lapalestre.eu

18TH NOV.

1ST DECEMBER

CANNES "musique Pour la PaiX" The Orchestre de Cannes is dedicating to three artists who sought peace in and with music after World War One. Hindemith from Germany, Elgar from the united kingdom and Tailleferre from France composed the “quatuor à cordes”. 7pm, Théâtre Alexandre III. www.orchestre-cannes.com

21TH NOVEMBER

1ST TO 31ST DEC.

CANNES funDraiser concerT The proceeds of the Orchestre de Cannes go to the charitable foundation "Les Restos du cœur" for this concert. 8 pm, Auditorium des Arlucs.

NICE village De noËl At Christmas, Nice shows its best side. Christmas market, animations for young and old, “Cabanes à sucre”. Jardin Albert 1er, Place Masséna. www.nicetourisme.com

7TH NOVEMBER

NICE Jazz from israel As part of the Nice Jazz Festival, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, the Israeli artist Omer Avital will perform on the Côte d'Azur. The talented jazz musician mixes the warm atmosphere of the Middle East with contemporary arrangements.

NICE maraThon nice-cannes One of the most beautiful marathons in France: from the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to the Croisette in Cannes. www.marathon06.com

6TH NOVEMBER

NICE "marquis hill BlackTeT" At the trumpet or the bugle horn, the modern jazz musician Marquis Hill wants to inspire audiences in the Forum Nice Nord. 8.30pm. www.nicejazzfestival.fr

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24TH NOVEMBER

comes first in any case. At different venues in the city. www.cirm-manca.org

2ND TO 9TH DECEMBER NICE "manca fesTival" "Prima la musica, dopo le parole", does the music serve the text or the text of the music? This debate is repeated in every epoch. At this classical music festival, music

2ND DECEMBER CANNES "le sacre Des oiseauX" The theme and muse of this evening is nature. Birdsongs mix with the pieces of Strauss, Schubert, Vivaldi and some more. Théâtre Croisette, 4.30pm. www.orchestre-cannes.com

9TH DECEMBER VALLAuRIS vinTage car meeTing Cars and bicycles. Théâtre de la Mer, Avenue des Frères Roustan. From 8am to noon. www.vallauris-golfe-juan.fr

12TH DECEMBER NICE BalleT: anna karenina The Boris Eifmann Ballet presents The tragic story written by the novelist Leo Tolstoï. Palais des Congrès Nice Acropolis, 8 pm. www.sean-acropolis.com

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14TH DECEMBER OuTBAG "l'arlÉsienne" Together with the Orchestre de Cannes, Benjamin Levy will perform Bizet's music for l'Arlésienne. Centre des Congrès, 8.30pm. www.orchestre-cannes.com

19TH DECEMBER NICE "noËls Du monDe" Shortly before Christmas, the children's choir of the opera, conducted by Philippe Négrel, wants to sing its way into the hearts of the audience. Opéra de Nice www.opera-nice.org

nos jours", the city of Cannes is hosting an exhibition at the Archives Municipales. The focus is on the transformation of childhood from the 18th century to the present day. Documents, objects, furniture and clothes will be used to convey how children used to live in Cannes, what their health and education was like and what their duties and rights were.

monaco 2ND TO 4TH NOV. Big sale of The shoPs in monaco. From 10am to 7.30pm on the Fontvieille square. +377 93 50 59 66

4TH NOVEMBER 30TH DECEMBER CANNES 30 Years of sYmPho new "Sympho New", the Academy of the Orchestre de Cannes, which trains young music students and gives them an insight into life as musicians, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. On this occasion, numerous former academy students from all over the world join the orchestra. Théâtre Croisette, 8.30pm. www.orchestre-cannes.com

1ST JANuARY NICE new Year's concerT Into the New Year with classical music, including "Boléro" and "The Nutcracker". 11 am, Opéra de Nice. www.opera-nice.org

6TH JANuARY NICE BalleT: The nuTcracker The National Ballet and Orchestra of Russia perform the beautiful piece Nutcracker in time for Christmas. 4 pm, Palais des Congrès Nice Acropolis. www.sean-acropolis.com

eXhiBiTions uNTIL 14TH JuNE 2019 CANNES chilDhooD in cannes under the title "Enfance cannoise, quelle histoire ? De l'an pèbre à

les maîTres Du classicisme under the direction of Gábor Takács-Nagy, Andreas Ottensamer of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra will perform pieces by Mozart and Haydn on clarinet. Salle Garnier, 11am and 3pm. www.opmc.mc

6TH NOVEMBER inTimaTe orchesTral momenTs In the Troparium of the “Auditorium Rainier III” you can get very close to the young musicians of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. 6.30pm. +377 98 06 28 28

7TH - 8TH NOVEMBER inTernaTional cluBBing show Fair all about nightlife. With international DJ festival. Grimaldi Forum. www.mics.mc

8TH NOVEMBER conference Pierre Rabhi invites discussion. The French writer with Algerian roots is considered a pioneer of ecological agriculture and advocate of a society in which people respect nature and their fellow human beings. Espace Léo Ferré, 7.30pm. www.francebillet.com

EVENTS

9TH NOVEMBER

1ST DECEMBER

The arTisT hollYsiz concerT celebrates the release of her second album in January 2019. Before that, the French artist will perform in Monaco to share the hits of her first successful album "My Name Is" with the audience. Espace Léo Ferré, 8.30pm. www.espaceleoferre.mc

enTerTainmenT The actor and comedian Ary Abittan wants to give an insight into his life with his new show "My story" and make the Monegasque audience laugh and cry. Espace Léo Ferré, 8 pm. www.espaceleoferre.mc

10TH TO 18TH NOV. no finish line The 19th edition of "No Finish Line" is expected to cover as many kilometres as possible on the 1.4km Parcours in the Fontvieille district: Every single kilometre brings one euro for sick and disadvantaged children. Everyone can participate, running or walking. On the 10th and on the 18th for 2pm. Entry fee: 12 euros. www.childrenandfuture.com

13TH NOV. TO 2ND DEC. Jazz fesTival The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival invites you to a different concert every day: This year's concerts include Gregory Porter (13/11), Denis Matsuev (18/11) and John McLaughlin (28/11). The concerts will take place at 8.30pm at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in the Salle Garnier. www.opera.mc

18TH NOVEMBER fireworks On the occasion of the Monegasque national holiday, the town organizes fireworks in the evening. Port de Monaco, 8pm. www.ports-monaco.com

25TH TO 27TH NOV. chefs worlD summiT The Summit of Master Chefs is entering its third round: The threeday "Chefs World Summit" this year specializes in the engagement of top chefs for "planet, employment and other people". Over 200 brands and producers and over 150 star chefs and sommeliers invite you to live cooking, conferences and lectures at the Grimaldi Forum. The 3-day pass for the event is available for 60 euros when booking online before 24.11 and for 90 euros thereafter. www.chefsworldsummit.com

2ND DECEMBER fanTaisies à cineciTTà David Lefèvre on violin and the Philharmonic Orchestra of MonteCarlo would like to delight the audience with pieces by Nino Rota and Marco Taralli. Auditorium Rainier III, 6 pm. www.opmc.mc

7TH TO 9TH DEC. monaco sPorTsBoaT winTer series This third start in the series will bring together skippers from all over Europe to take part in regattas of varying difficulty and prepare for the summer. www.yacht-club-monaco.mc

DECEMBER 16TH en aTTenDanT le PÈre noËl The Philharmonic Orchestre de Monte-Carlo puts the audience in Christmas mood with harp, flute and clarinet. Pieces by Debussy and Ravel are on the program. Auditorium Rainier III, 3pm. www.opmc.mc

16TH & 17TH DEC. TheaTre In the play "Dans la peau de Cyrano" the stuttering pupil Colin joins the theatre group to get his problem under control. He discovers a spiritual community with a certain Cyrano. The actors of the Théâtre des Muses play this funny-poetic play on Saturday at 6 and 8 pm and on Sunday at 5 pm. www.leteatredesmuses.com

19TH DECEMBER liBerTango Intimate concert with pieces by Piazzolla at the Troparium de l'Auditorium Rainier III, 6.30pm. www.montecarloticket.com

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COMMUNITY

Club Vivanova viP YachT ParTY The BesT of iTalY

Summer came to a sizzling close with Club Vivanova’s Summer Yacht Show Party on Friday 28th September. The event featured the launch of Champagne De Watère on the VIP Terrace of Le

Join The cluB

Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco and to make the evening even more glamourous, Hong kong resort wear designer kAPRICE hosted a show alongside Patrice Papa with his 2018 Summer Collection. 

Club Vivanova is the region’s fastest growing expat club and offers a range of exciting gourmet and cultural events across the Côte d’Azur and abroad. If you are not a Club Vivanova member, but are interested in joining, membership is €120 and runs for 365 days from the day you join. New members receive three bottles of premium New World wines by courier as a complimentary gift as well as numerous other benefits listed on the website, such as a free edition of Riviera Insider and VIP entrance to member-only events throughout the year. www.clubvivanova.com

 2019 club vivanova luxury lifestyle charity gala Dinner Saturday 6th April 2019 at the Fairmont Monte Carlo www.clubvivanova-luxurygala.com

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

As we head into autumn, the international networking club keeps things going with their annual weekend trip to Monforte d’Alba in Piedmont, Italy, from 10th to 12th November. You don’t want to miss the amazing food and degustation of top Barolo wines. The Saturday includes a guided winery tour, light lunch and wine degustation, sunset apéro and gourmet dinner. Sunday features a deluxe Piemontese breakfast followed by a truffle hunting expedition, gourmet lunch and a trip to the renowned Alba Truffle Market. For the calendar and more information: www.clubvivanova.com/events

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cannes maraThon Mimosa runners for a good cause n Sunday, 4th November, the Nice-Cannes marathon takes place along the coast. known as the most beautiful marathon in the world, up to 42km can be run or walked. The local cancer charity, Mimosa, sponsors the event, recruiting runners to cover ground for a good cause. The Mimosa Runners slogan, “Run with your heart not with your legs” has proven that runners recruited by them for the NiceCannes Marathon sign up because they want to help make a difference, not just run. Juliette Clarkin, President of the Association comments: “the majority of runners join us because they want to help, they know that for every cent and euro they raise, something positive is being done.” Mimosa amassed one of the largest representations taking part in 2017 and hope to smash their fundraising record this year, reaching out to even more potential runners. Juliette adds: “we are proud that word is spreading and we can work with the community to highlight our efforts.” For the last three years, the charity, run by a small group of expat female volunteers has managed to recruit, motivate and train over 200 people annually to take part in the Nice to Cannes Marathon event. This has culminated in over €65,000 being raised for the local chapter of La Ligue contre le Can-

cer, helping a countless number of people in the region with their battle with cancer. Not only has Mimosa been able to raise significant sums of money for charity, generating a huge awareness around the fight against Cancer, it has also created a steadily growing health movement amongst their supporters in the region. The NiceCannes Marathon is accessible to all levels of ability; from full (42km) to half (21km) with a friend or even sharing one of the 6 legs that make up the relay Marathon, from 3km to 10km. Funds raised by Mimosa have gone to the opening of a non-medicated drop-in clinic for cancer patients in Antibes. At L’Espace Ligue, patients can avail of free holistic treatments, advice, support as well as practical assistance, all for free. With funds raised, the Mimosa team has also worked alongside La Ligue contre le Cancer this year on a multimedia cancer prevention and awareness campaign. 

COMMUNITY

Burgers for a cause Stars’N’Bars donates to Make a Wish Foundation

Kate Powers presents check to Make-A-Wish Foundation representatives, Guy Pierlot (left) and Richard Boueno (right).

his summer, Stars’n’Bars restaurant in Monaco ran a charity drive for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They pledged 20 cents for every burger sold between June and August (including the vegetarian burgers). After all was said and done, they successfully raised €3,831.40 and co-founder kate Powers presented the charity with a check on 12th October. The non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation arranges special experiences ‘wished-for’ by children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Children's wishes can range from being a princess for the day or meeting their hero, to going on a once-in-alifetime family holiday. For many children, a wish is an opportunity to do something they never thought possible because of their illness. Whatever each child's wish is, the Make-A-Wish Foundation makes the experience a truly individual and memorable one. Perhaps without even knowing it, Stars’N’Bars customers helped to make a critically ill child’s dream come true simply by buying a burger. 

eXPlosive resulT in PasTor Trial Son-in-law commissioned murder of Hélène Pastor hat many suspected was confirmed by Wojciech Janowski's lawyer, 69, in court in Aix-en-Provence on 16th October: the son-in-law of Monégasque real estate heiress Hélène Pastor commissioned the assassination attempt on her in Nice in May 2014. A total of ten people were involved in the plot. At the start of the trial, the former Polish honorary consul in Monaco had still asserted his innocence. Now Janowski and two other perpetrators were sentenced to life imprisonment. His former sports trainer, Pascal Dauriac, had immediately pleaded guilty and is behind bars for 30 years. Pastor's son, Gildo Pallanca-Pastor, who had attended the entire trial, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict to the regional television station France 3. Asked about Janowski's decision to appeal, he laconically shrugged his shoulders and

said, "He'll only serve up more lies there." From the prosecution's point of view, money was the main motive for the murder. The son-in-law, who was allegedly on the brink of financial collapse, is said to have speculated on the legacy of his partner Sylvia, Hélène Pastor's daughter. In May 2014, the 77-year-old billionaire and her chauffeur Mohamed Darwich were sprayed with bullets in Nice. Both victims a few days later. The two perpetrators caught Pastor outside Archet hospital, where she was visiting her son, who had been admitted after a stroke. The investigators identified the two suspects surprisingly quickly with video footage from surveillance cameras, mobile phone data and DNA traces on the shower gel in a hotel room near Nice train station. The Pastor family, whose ancestors had come to Monaco on foot from neighbouring Liguria at the

beginning of the 20th century without means, accumulated a gigantic fortune in Monaco through real estate transactions. After the death of the builder Gildo Pastor, Hélène and her brothers Victor and Michel, who had also died in the meantime, inherited the estate, which is estimated at up to 20 billion euros, as media report. 

Wojciech Janowski

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

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COMMUNITY

a moTivaTional sPeech for mougins From the ashes of a terror attack A motivational talk was given at Mougins International School on 4th October. Sebastien Bellin was injured in the Brussels terror attack in 2016. Titled 'the illusion of fear', he discussed his journey from near-death, step by step, back to life and to an awakening of empathy, understanding and forgiveness. Sebastien had a 15-year professional basketball career and is now the General Manager of Spirou Charleroi, Belgium's leading Basketball team. He is a survivor of the 22nd March Brussels airport terrorist attack in 2016, where he suffered extreme injuries to his legs and hip. The bombing

took the lives of thirty-two civilians and injured more than 300. Sebastien shared his emotional and physical journey highlighting how he emerged from the brink of death to find the strength to heal and rebuild himself with the help of will, determination and focus. Living with more passion, a newfound clarity, and a unique perspective on life, Sebastien has gone from a hospital bed to a wheelchair, to crutches to walking, and he will now run his first marathon on October 28, 2018 in Brussels. He shared his moving and motivational story to the students.

american cluB of The riviera Annual gala ednesday, 12th September was a magical evening for members of the American Club of the Riviera. Their annual gala, which was quick to sell-out, was held at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. The evening started with an aperitif in the Volupte Garden and continued in the Club Dauphin for a gourmet seaside dinner. There were 90 guests in attendance and after the dinner, DJ Mark Dezzani

The Professional women’s neTwork Annual inspirational breakfast

ensured there was plenty of dancing. The club's president, Beathe-Jeanette Lunde, described it as: "a wonderful evening in the utmost luxury and sophistication." The American Club of the Riviera is open to all nationalities and celebrates cultural differences and similarities. According to their website, their main goals 'rest on the foundation of shared values, including friendship, hospitality, and civility in all interactions.’ 

ach year, the Nice Côte d'Azur chapter of the Professional Woman’s Network gathers together for an 'Inspirational Breakfast' meeting to network, meet new members, and discuss how they can further each other. This year's Inspirational Breakfast was held at the Hotel Negresco on 19th October, with the theme 'Lighting the spark.' Speakers included Lena Beck Rorvig, of Beck Global Consulting, and Theresa Destrebecq,

salon De l’aDoPTion 1st Animal adoption fair in Sophia rom 22nd to 23rd September, the Espace Antipolis in Sophia hosted the very first animal adoption fair. Cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, chickens and horses were all presented in the hopes of finding a new family to adopt them. Organised by the ASA 06 (Au Service des Animaux), the Salon de l’Adoption brought together fifty animal shelters and associations in the PACA region, including the local Anglo charity French Riviera Animals and The Walking Dogs group. Deemed a success, it is estimated over 1,600 people visited the event and 26 animals were adopted.

novemBer / DecemBer 2018

The new fair is intended to save animals that have been abandoned, abused and even martyred. French Riviera Animals is the only local association to represent the International community in the region. Their president, Tana Deen, told Riviera Insider that they were happy to have been invited to take part in the fair. “It has been very successful in bringing adoptions and local shelters to the notice of the general public,” she added. Aside from adoptions, the salon is also devoted to awareness, information and education by offering conferences, sensitization workshops and animations for children and adults. 

PWN's Mentoring Coordinator. The Professional Woman's Network is a global network of business women who join together to advance gender-balanced leadership and support others (both women and men) in their business ventures. They offer mentoring, assistance with entrepreneurship, networking events, extensive business knowledge and an executive forum to nurture ideas and new businesses. 

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COMMUNITY riviera

eXPaT focus: hilly mazija

Founder PETRA HALL p.hall@riviera-press.fr Publishing Director SEBASTIEN FRAISSE s.fraisse@riviera-press.fr

illy Mazija and her family have been living in Grasse for 10 years. Originally from the English city of Canterbury, she has always had a passion for France. At the age of 8, her father taught at the American Institute in Aix-enProvence and from then on, she knew she wanted to make this country her home.

Managing Director BICH LECOuRT b.lecourt@riviera-press.fr Editor-in-Chief NICOLE RuSkELL n.ruskell@riviera-press.fr Contributors Elsa Carpenter, Sarah Hyde, Catharina Jäckel, Claire Lathbury, Lewis Longman, Julien Nundy & Aila Stöckmann Creative Director VINCENT ARTuS vincent.artus@wanadoo.fr

A self-proclaimed chocoholic, Hilly didn’t like the high sugar content and bulking agents in commercial chocolate, and wondered if there was a way to make her favourite treat healthier. Working seasonally, she found plenty of time in the winter to develop her idea. In 2017, after four years of research and recipe testing, she launched Le Bon Bean Chocolate: a line of artisan, organic, Fairtrade and vegan chocolates. what makes your chocolate special and different from others on the market? We source directly from farmers in Peru, some of our highest quality heirloom beans come from the Machu Picchu area. The beans are gently air-roasted and stone-ground. This minimal processing helps protect all the nutrients naturally found in the cacao. Then the cacao is combined with pure cocoa butter and organic coconut sugar, which is a healthier option than cane sugar because of its lower glycaemic index. This helps keep my chocolate as pure and close to ‘healthy’ as possible. I also add a lot of love. Working via direct trade is another way of spreading the love. Our people have actually met the farmers whose beans we use and they pay them a fair price and know first-hand about the quality, working conditions and communities that surround the bean. Then we can feel really good about the provenance of the chocolate too. I’m currently developing a line of orange spice chocolates for the holidays and we have an exciting project coming up, too! novemBre / DecemBer 2018

Advertising & PR FRANCOISE MuLLER Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 29 f.muller@riviera-press.fr PATRICE SAINT-LEGER Tel: +33 (0)4 93 27 60 00 p.saintleger@riviera-press.fr DANIEL NARO Tel: +33 (0)4 93 27 60 00 d.naro@riviera-press.fr

why did you choose to make vegan chocolate? are you vegan? No, I’m not vegan, but it’s important for me to make my chocolate as healthy and safe as possible. Today’s milk is not what our grandparents used to drink, and many people are not able to digest it. keeping it free from dairy and all animal product allows people with restricted diets to enjoy chocolate treats without worrying about a reaction. It also means the chocolate lasts longer. Not that it lasts that long in our house! Bon Bean chocolates are suitable for many restricted diets, including anti-inflammatory, gluten-free and low-carb diets and also people on diabetic protocols. I also work with nutritionist Christine kjeldbjerg on sugarfree treats for her cleanse programme. what is it about the french riviera that you love so much? It’s just a really good deal. It’s got everything for me: the weather, nature and food – although not necessarily in that

order! It doesn’t get any better than sitting in the sun during the winter with exceptional food and great friends. where are your favourite places? Aix will always be in my heart, quintessentially provencal with it’s leafy market squares and fountains along with Mont Saint Victoire and the Route des Crêtes between Cassis and La Ciotat. My two favourite places locally are the Plage des Ondes on the Cap d’Antibes (by Eden Roc) and Les Courmettes in Tourrettes-sur-Loup for peace and reflection. It’s a wonderful place to get away from it all. what has surprised you most since moving here? I’m surprised that my love for France has actually deepened. I constantly feel blessed to be able to raise my kids here. what is your insider tip? For newcomers, I would say to learn how to say at least ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ in French. And when you’re here, taste everything. Go to the local markets and taste it all. 

Distribution DOMINIQuE FREuLON Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 22 d.freulon@riviera-press.fr Secretary CAROLE HEBERT contact@riviera-press.fr 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. © 2018 by Riviera Press s.a.r.l.

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