Riviera Insider - September/October 2016 by Riviera Press

espen Øino The creator of yachting dreams

heriTage Louis Vuitton and Dior return to the hills of Grasse

Johnny Depp The ultimate Provence hideaway

Tourism Côte d'Azur vows to fight on

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# 168 sePTemBer / ocToBer 2016 4,90 € The

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EDITORIAL By peTra haLL

Two months ago when I sat down to pen my editorial for the high summer edition of riviera Insider, I wrote of our paradisiacal Côte d’Azur and its peace and safety. There was nothing fearsome to report although never have I been so wrong. What happened in nice on Thursday 14th July 2016 was just that. It was brutal. The acts of a terrorist and his accomplices have traumatised a place many of us have come to love and call home, and it deeply affected us all. “nothing will ever be as before,” I wrote in a personal comment on our website, which in the days after the attack was flooded by readers searching for the latest information and developments. People with whom I had lost contact with for years called me to express their concern and commiserations. How a tragedy can bring people together! One of our reporters, rolf Liffers, wrote bluntly: “now

nice too has lost its innocence.” I remember his words sadly each time I walk along the Promenade des Anglais. My most sincere thoughts go to the victims and their family members who have suffered and are still suffering indescribably. The memory of that fatal day will fade with time, but I do not doubt that its taint will linger. yet, amongst the ongoing threat of further atrocities, I still insist: “We live in a corner of paradise and we will not allow this to be taken from us.”

The Team

ELsA CArPEnTEr

VInCEnT ArTus

KArInE bALAGny

AuréLIE ALLAMAnDI

JAMEs rOLLAnD

CArOLE HébErT

DOMInIQuE FrEuLOn

MICHEL GOMIZ

nearly 25 years ago, petra hall (Riviera Insider’s editor-in-chief) founded the newspaper riviera Côte d’Azur Zeitung in German, which was followed by The riviera Times in 2003. These titles have now blossomed under the names riviera Insider and rivieraZeit into attractive, contemporary magazines. The goal from the beginning was to provide readers with exciting, informative and unique insights from the Mediterranean written by professional mother-tongue journalists. Petra Hall has become an institution in the south of France and Monaco's media landscape.

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.

elsa Carpenter (editor of Riviera Insider) joined the team this spring with fresh ideas and a modern vision for the magazine. Having worked as a journalist in the south of France for many years - some of you may recognise her name - 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.

Dominique Freulon (communication & PR), 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.

James rolland (Managing Director) is an experienced entrepreneur with an extensive career background in the us and France. The Parisian is excited to be joining riviera Press and become acquainted with our unique leadership. James is a passionate musician and amateur chef.

aurélie allamandi (Communication & PR), is fresh from her studies in marketing and communication. born in nice, she is keen to put her knowledge into practice, get to know our readers and development the futures of our magazines.

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.

Karine Balagny (marketing) loves the international flair of the company. After several years of living in the usA, and thanks to her experience in sales and events, the native of normandy has found her dream position in our multi-cultural publishing house.

michel gomiz (communication & PR) lives for his profession. For 23 years he has been working as a media consultant for fashion, jewellery and other luxury items between the Côte d’Azur and Paris. One of his hidden talents is playing the drums.

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issue #168 sEE MOrE, DO MOrE, KnOW MOrE

conTenTs

Nice Attack How the city lost its innocence

26 The Hotlist

Cover photo © Ed Holt

Photographer Ed Holt: life behind the lens

Top news & trends

The superyacht vet

32 Saint Tropez

Monaco Yacht Show Managing a three billion euro show

18 Photo ESPEN ØINO GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH HIS DESIGNS © Guillaume Plisson

Espen Øino: the designer of yachting dreams

One sailor’s thoughts on Les Voiles

Real Estate riviera Insider explores Johnny Depp’s hamlet in Provence

38 Monaco Technology solar Impulse 2 completes round-the-world voyage

40 Lifestyle Tom brault: rolling with the times

42 Style sparkling Cluster by Harry Winston

46 new addresses for your fashion diary

47 ulysse nardin: intricate timepieces inspired by the ocean

48 Wine Casa Lupi keeps it in the family

50 Investment Money really can grow on trees

Looking inside a diamond’s soul

60 Culture Enchanting illustrations from the French riviera

64 bernard bezzina: striving for divinity

66 Christo: the art of the possible

68 still loving you, scorpions!

70 Events see more, do more, known more this september & October

72 Social riviera Press rendezvous d’été: the launch of Palaces magazine

76 Expat Focus Tracy Leonetti: the answer to all your paperwork needs

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nice aTTack

“The darkesT momenT in The hisTory of nice” how The ciTy losT iTs innocence… By eLsa CarpenTer

housands gather on the Promenade des Anglais to watch the annual bastille Day fireworks - Prom’Party on Thursday 14th July at 10pm. The road, shut off to traffic in both directions since around 9pm, is turned into a pedestrian and spectator zone. As the fireworks come to a close, the crowds on the beaches and the Promenade begin to disperse. According to nice’s CCTV surveillance team, the municipal police on the scene call in a report of a 19-tonne, white cargo truck heading east along the Promenade from the Lenval Hospital and nearing the security barriers at 10.33pm. The municipal police are ordered to intercept the lorry. by now, the truck is reportedly travelling at high speed and mounts the kerb to avoid the police car stationed there, a crowd control barrier and lane separators. Head of CCTV in nice sandra bertin says, “It was going at 90km/h without lights. It dodged the municipal police barrier. The team couldn’t stop it. you can’t burst the tyres of a 19-tonne truck with a revolver.” The truck continues its deadly trajectory for almost 2km along the Promenade, zigzagging to cause maximum damage to the many families and spectators in its path. Two civilians, one on a scooter and one on a motorbike, attempt to stop the truck to no avail. both are flung from the lorry. French national police confront the vehicle and its driver, and shots are exchanged. The lorry

continues another 200m before coming to a stop near the Palais de la Méditerranée where the driver is ‘neutralised’ and shot dead by national police. Panic ensues and the many thousands of people on the Promenade run through the streets of nice seeking shelter in nearby restaurants, bars and hotels. The sounds of gunshot - likely the national police - cause a rumour to spread of a second shooting and hostage situation, although these reports are quickly quashed. Initial media reports in the minutes following the attack suggest anywhere between 30 and 70 people have been killed. Overnight, the number of fatalities is confirmed as 84 including more than a dozen children and young adults. The identity of the attacker is revealed as 31year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej bouhlel, a man of dual Tunisian-French nationality living in nice as a delivery driver. He was known to the police, having committed a range of violent crimes. It emerges that his estranged wife and several other individuals- later confirmed as accomplices - have been arrested by the police in the hours after the attack. The days that follow Mayor of nice Philippe Pradal and President of the nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis Christian Estrosi release a statement saying: “This is the darkest moment in the history of nice. now is the time to act. We are currently in talks with state services, who have assumed control of the crisis situation.”

Interior Minister bernard Cazeneuve imposes the highest terror alert on the Alpes Maritimes department and Prime Minister Manuel Valls calls for three days of national mourning. President Hollande extends the national state of emergency, due to end on 26th July, for another three months. Public events in the city are suspended and the Promenade remains closed for several days. Prince Albert of Monaco and countless dignitaries worldwide express their sentiments: “We honour the memories of the victims with a moment of contemplation and anguish, and offer the injured our deepest compassion,” says Monaco’s sovereign. Although the attack has so far been referred to as a criminal act, the day following the tragic event a website linked to jihadist group Isis, Amaq, indicates that they have claimed responsibility. A minute’s silence is observed on the Monday and it attended by more than 40,000 people. Touching tributes and messages are left for the fallen victims and their families along the Promenade. Five days after the attack, the identities of the victims are revealed. 84 people are confirmed dead and 300 more suffer injuries. The question of adequate security arises A week later, bertin of the nice municipal police gives an interview saying she was pressured to make a false statement regarding the security measures in place on the night of the attack. speaking to Journal du Dimanche, bertin says: “The day following the attack, the Interior Ministry sent a commissioner to the Csu

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(CCTV headquarters for the city of nice) who put me in touch with someone in Place beauvau (the Interior Ministry). This person demanded an account of where the municipal officers and barriers were as well as a statement that I had seen the national police in two places assigned by the security measures. I replied that I would not write something that I hadn’t seen. Perhaps the national police were there, but they didn’t show on the cameras. This person then asked me to send a modifiable version of my account by email in order to avoid having to re-type the entire text. I was pressured for one hour, ordered to record the exact locations of

the national police. I hadn’t seen them. I eventually sent a non-modifiable PDF and one that could be modified. several days later, the anti-terror department ordered me to delete the footage from the six cameras I mentioned in my report: those that had footage of the attack.” The following day, it is announced that more than 2,000 soldiers and military personnel are set to join the security forces of the south of France (PACA, Languedoc-roussillon-MidiPyrénées and Corsic). reports suggest that 360 are to be deployed in the Alpes Maritimes. Death toll climbs further Over the next few weeks, the death toll rises

nice aTTack

to 86 as two French family men are confirmed to have ‘succumbed to their injuries’. unrest and worry remains rife in the region following the attack. In late July, a false rumour of an attack sparks panic in Antibes. The next week, an accidental explosion in the city causes further anguish for residents and tourists. On sunday 14th August, almost 100 people are injured in Juan les Pins when gunshot-like sounds are held in the town centre and a stampede is initiated. The region continues to be on high alert and the five accomplices believed to have helped the terrorist commit his crimes remain in police custody. 

The work of The red cross Journalist Claire Lathbury’s experiences as a support worker was in nice on sunday 17th July as part of a group of volunteers from the Monaco red Cross who were there to assist the French red Cross following the horrific bastille Day attack. I was allocated to the Maison de l’Accueil des Victimes in rue Gubernatis, one of many short streets linking two main roads in nice and about 10 minutes on foot from the Promenade des Anglais. I spent all day, from 10am to 9pm, on the barrier with two municipal policemen and volunteers from the French red Cross in Toulon and Menton, and from the Protection Civile, which is a French organisation founded in 1965 that provides similar services as the red Cross. They had come from

briançon. The evening before, some 30 families had just learned that their loved ones were among the deceased and had been requested to come to this venue. At the same time, it had been decided that from now on, anyone seeking help and psychological support who were not directly related to the 84 (now 86) victims would be redirected via a free shuttle run by volunteers to a centre on the Promenade des Anglais. Our job was to accompany people to the Accueil and stay with them till they had been taken under someone’s wing. There was a steady stream of grief-stricken families, tearful witnesses who had not been involved but were in delayed shock, a young family who

securiTy heighTened in schools Parents reassured for La Rentrée ince the attacks in Paris in 2015, four million euros have been ploughed into improving security at nice’s 163 schools. Two million euros has gone towards the installation of the highest response technologies such as alert buttons and alarms, with an additional 560,000 euros allocated for the introduction of security agents outside school buildings who will work directly with the city’s municipal police. by

the end of november 170 additional CCTV cameras will also have been fully integrated into school properties. Keen to reassure parents, nice major Philippe Pradal has confirmed that no distinction will be made between nice’s private and state schools. More nationally, in mid-August, it was reported that French students are to undergo training exercises to prepare them for a possible terror attack such as life-saving

wanted to talk to someone but did not want to return to the Promenade, desperate family members and friends returning for the third, fourth time for news on their loved ones. Identifying the victims was one of the most difficult tasks for the authorities. The Accueil was manned by staff from the CIAV - Cellule Interministériel d’Aide aux Victimes - who had the lists and knew exactly the state of affairs for the dead and the injured. They were endlessly patient and kind, never turning anyone away without constructive advice. The team of psychologists were supported by the CuMP - Cellule d’urgence Médico-Psychologique - 69 (rhone) and 84 (Var), and were there to

make sure we were all fed and watered. Providing the logistical support were the reserve Communal de la sécurité Civile. so many people volunteering their time to help. It was a heart-rending day and yet I coped well - no tears - and, more importantly, felt useful. I was too occupied to dwell on the reality until the very end. A man in his fifties was asking a colleague to write down the name of the road. He seemed calm, his family waiting there in a silent group. As he left, another colleague told me this man had lost his wife, his son and a grandchild. The other two grandchildren were in a critical state in hospital. I still think of him now. 

measures. This was confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday 24th August led by Education Minister najat Vallaud-belkacem, who aimed to soothe the parental concerns of France’s 12.2 million pupils. Three words were at the centre of the plans to tackle terror threats and radicalisation: “Anticiper, sécuriser, savoir réagir.” It has now been revealed at all children, including some as young as three years old, will take part in mock terrorist attacks to better prepare the students and school officials. Examples of the new security measures: teachers will be given crisis management training; gatherings outside school gates will be forbidden; a sMs alert system will be created to warn pupils and teachers of an attack; parents are to be given a handbook outlining

the new security measures; three terror attack simulations will be held each year in which curtains will be drawn, silence enforced, and pupils will have to get on the ground beneath their tables; and anyone suspected of radicalisation - student or staff - will be closely monitored by security personnel. Late last year, online French magazine Dar al Islam, which is believed to be linked to Isis, encouraged Muslim parents to take their children out of the French schooling system and to kill French teachers, who the radical propaganda magazine deemed ‘enemies of Allah’ for teaching secularism - a prevailing and fundamental principle in France. The magazine also compared France’s public school to the ‘anteroom of hell’ or l'antichambre de l’Enfer. 

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The hoTlisT

LVMH returns to ‘cradle of perfume’ Grasse FOLLOWING THE SCENT OF OPPORTUNITY

In an exciting cultural and historic decision, the Houses of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior are returning to the perfumed foothills of Grasse. The town, known globally as the ‘cradle of perfume’ for its revolutionary development of the By eLsa CarpenTer art between the 16th and 20th centuries, will not only benefit hugely in economic terms, but the move also places the region firmly back on the map as the beating heart of haute parfumerie. The olfactory doyennes of Louis Vuitton and Dior, flagship brands of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group, are to work side-by-side in the Fontaines Parfumées estate in the centre of the town, which has been entirely redeveloped as a hi-tech laboratory of creative and scientific development. Here, cutting-edge modernity will stand next to Grasse’s innate knowledge and savoir-faire of perfumery. It is an emotional move for many, not least for Louis Vuitton’s acclaimed chief perfumer Jacques Cavallier belletrud and Dior’s François Demachy, who were both born and raised on the fragrances of the fields of Grasse. Les Fontaines Parfumées The restoration of the Fontaines Parfumées - so named for its naturally scented waters - was an arduous task given that the property was almost derelict and had been forgotten for much of the latter 20th century despite its historic importance in the perfume industry. Over the four years following the purchase of the estate, the Architectes des bâtiments de France and a raft of local artisans and craftspeople worked tirelessly to restore the building using the traditional techniques of the region. It was a colossal effort that has ensured that the Fontaines Parfumées is a stunningly authentic representation of its former glory. It has even been rumoured that the estate’s 1920s fountain that flowed with waters imbued with the seasonal scents of the flowers in bloom will be resurrected for visitors, allowing them to once again fill their bottles with the delicately fragranced eau! Le Château de la Colle Noire A few kilometres to the west in the Pays de Fayence, the former home of Christian Dior himself and the geographical inspiration for some of Dior’s most prosperous perfumes, Le Château de la Colle noire, has also undergone renovations to become a place of welcome and for events. Purchased by the great couturier-perfumer in 1951 following a love affair with Provence that began in the 1930s, Dior has accredited the beautiful bastide with having inspired him to create some of the brand’s most signature fragrances: Miss Dior, Eau Fraîche, Diorama, Diorissimo and Eau sauvage. The property has been entirely restored to Dior’s original plans inside and out, which he made in the years before his death in 1957. Landscape architect Philippe Deliau worked closely with Dior’s leading perfurmer Demachy when redesigning the overgrown gardens. A plethora of Grasse’s ambrosial flowers were planted from the famous rose de mai - May rose - to Dior’s favourite lily of the valley. It has been described as a place of ‘quintessential Grasse bloom’ with Demachy wistfully calling the final creation a ‘tribute to what was Christian Dior’s final dream’.

In addition to using the town as its new fragrance division headquarters, LVMH is also expected initiate exclusive partnerships with local producers, growers and nurseries in Grasse and its neighbouring villes. Grasse masters create new, bespoke fragrances Commercially, both luxury goods brands are to release new perfumes in conjunction with their return to the south of France. Following a 70-year hiatus, Louis Vuitton is making a much anticipated return to the scene of perfume with a carte blanche for its inspired collection and it is no surprise that Grasse native and the maison’s haut parfumeur Cavallier belletrud is behind the sensuous seven scents. Each perfume ‘guided by the spirit of travel and a passion for discovery’, the collection led Cavallier belletrud on a five continent voyage. rose des Vents celebrates a trio of Turkish, bulgarian and Centifolia rose; aromas of tuberose arise in Turbulences; Dans la Peau harks back to Grasse’s dual heritage in leatherwork and perfumery with infusion of natural cowhide and flora; Apogée connotes the innocence of lily of the valley; the popular scent of vanilla is revived in Contre Moi; Matière noire is of a sultry, mysterious nature with notes of Laos’ agarwood; and the finale of Mille Feux is evocative with leather and raspberry. The set will be available for purchase in its entirety and individually in all Louis Vuitton boutiques from september as a travel spray, 100ml and 200ml. The maison has also created a bespoke, monogrammed case reminiscent of the vanity cases used by gentlewomen in the early 20th century that can safely store three bottles when travelling. For Dior, the brand’s newest perfume is deeply rooted in its unique attachment to Provence and in particular to Le Château de la Colle noire, which has given its moniker to the newly released perfume. La Colle noire by Demachy employs Grasse’s floral pillar, the rose de mai, as its main note. Demachy drew his personal inspiration from the ideas of ‘life, pleasure and light’ at the stone château to create a perfume characterised by its elegance, spice and modernity. 

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Special status for Antibes MARINA TOWN JOINS LIST OF DESIGNATED TOURISM ZONES

It seems so obvious, but it wasn’t until the end of July that the thriving port town of Antibes was finally recognised as an international tourism zone – zone touristique internationale or ZTI. The new status allows the coastal community (including neighbour Juan les Pins) to keep shops and places of commerce open later in the evening as well as on sundays. A period of ‘initiation’ as to how employers and business owners can manage the change in legislation will be taking place over the next few months, but many stores have already begun following the new opening hours in order to make the most of this end of the summer season. Almost two million people stayed in Antibes during 2015, making it the second most popular destination on the Côte d’Azur after nice (four million). Cannes came in third with 1.75 million visitors. It also has the largest percentage of second and holiday homes versus primary residences: more than three in 10 private properties fall into this category. It is little over a year since the ZTI legal status was introduced across France and of the 21 that currently exist, more than half are in Paris. There are just nine ZTIs outside of the capital, with five of these occurring in the French riviera: nice, Cannes, Cagnes sur Mer and saint Laurent du Var were all awarded the status earlier in 2016. 

The hoTlisT

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The hoTlisT

Urban sanctuary DISCOVER OCÉANIDE’S SIGNATURE TREATMENTS IN THE HEART OF NICE

With the toils of city living often wearing hard on the mind and body, it was by no means a coincidence when Océanide spa and Wellness resort chose to open their retreat in the centre of nice. Offering the city’s cosmopolitain citizens a refreshing break from urban living and metropolitan sprawl, the innovative spa on 1 rue Voltaire is located minutes from the bustling neighbourhood of nice étoile and just a stone’s throw from the often hectic Avenue Jean Médecin. The spa spans 250sqm of luxurious, wellbeing indulgence complete with a traditional Turkish hammam, Finnish-style sauna, intimate massage rooms, couples exfoliation suites, hitech showering facilities and relaxation spaces. The centre’s expert masseuses and health team have carefully selected a range of natural products for their clientele, each adapted to the array of treatments on offer: massages inspired by cultures around the world such as the sahara, red sea, India and Turkey. The centre’s own signature Océanide massage and exfoliation packages use ingredients such as chickpeas, cereals, Argan, honey and alum (from 45 euros per 30 minutes). Other treatments include facials (from 60 euros per 45 minutes), epilation and hair care. Creating a sense of balance and vitality in their clients is of upmost importance and the team draw on experiences gained through the study of traditional and ancestral techniques to provide a well-rounded experience within the centre’s soothing walls. 

America’s Cup in Toulon THE WORLD’S OLDEST SPORTING TROPHY

six of the best sailing teams in the world are to take part in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World series this september in Toulon. The coastal city and maritime hub is the only French location to host an America’s Cup World series stopover, with the event taking place between 9th and 11th september. The America’s Cup is not only the oldest sporting trophy in the world, but it also exhibits the most prestigious international competitive sailing, showcasing the sport at its highest level. The boats used are highly advanced, making the event comparable to Formula 1 racing in both technology and skill. The event will see Groupama Team France - led by Franck Cammas, Michel Desjoyeaux and Oliver Kersauson - make their debut appearance at home against teams from the usA, new Zealand, uK, sweden and Japan. The event will start on the Friday with a parade off Mourillon beach before racing between the six teams in both one-on-one and fleet racing formats. The event is completely accessible to the public and can be watched in several different ways. The public can simply watch the boats from the shoreline of Mourillon beach or opt for more exclusive views by reserving a place on the Grand stand de la Mer, where a closer perspective is provided through a giant screen with live commentary. For truly unique access, the VIP Cup lounge offers hospitality services on a terrace by the sea. Continuous entertainment suitable for all ages will be provided, giving the event a party atmosphere. saturday evening will see the official opening ceremony take place at the Place de La Liberté, a DJ set from nice-born artist The Avener on the Plages du Mourillon and a spectacular fireworks display, proving that this is an event not to be missed! 

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Virtual adventures DELVE THE DEPTHS WITH IMMERSEAVE 360°

The Musée Océanographique de Monaco’s latest exhibition takes you on an underwater adventure where you can discover beautiful oceans and swim with exotic sea-creatures… All whilst staying completely dry! Immerseave 360° has proved extremely popular for the Musée over the summer months, and has been described as an attraction that is not to be missed. The virtual reality mask, used in partnership with sub Oceana, allows people of all ages to experience the sensation of swimming alongside animals such as exotic fish and sea turtles. The film used in conjunction with the masks, which was created by seaview 360, includes beautiful views of several different oceans. The attraction reminds us to take some time to remember Prince Albert I, who was the founder of the Musée Océanographique. As someone who was passionate about images and the power of new technology, he would have undoubtedly appreciated this 360° experience. This use of virtual reality is the perfect tool to allow more people to have the opportunity to explore the treasures of the ocean from the safety of the Institut Océanographique’s conference room. The show lasts for 25 minutes and can accommodate a maximum of 30 people at one time. Tickets are eight euros and can be purchased at the sales desk in the entrance hall of the aquarium. 

The hoTlisT

ORCHESTRRE DE CANNEES SAISON MUSICALEE 2016 / 17 NEMANJA RADULO ULOVIC

AURÉLIEN AZAN-ZIELINSKI

KHATTIA ET GVA ANTSA BUNIATTIISHVILI

DIMITRI NAÏDITCH

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE DI COST STA ANZO

ARIE VA AN BEEK DAV VID CHARLES ABELL

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managing a Three Billion euro show An interview with MYS director Gaëlle Tallarida

he is the indomitable machine behind the world’s most prestigious and respected yachting show. After six years at the helm of the Monaco yacht show, Gaëlle Tallarida has proven time and time again that she is the woman to drive innovation and excellence at this luxury event of international renown. In the run up to the four-day exhibition, riviera Insider caught up with the Mys director to talk about her experiences and insight into the astonishing world of the superyacht industry.

Gaëlle Tallarida, you have been at the head of the Monaco Yacht Show since 2010. What’s changed over these last six years? The luxury yacht market itself has had to change over the last few years, driven by a need to seek out new client groups; the global economic crisis highlighted the dangers of a market that was too dependent on an existing, limited and ageing customer base. naturally, the Monaco yacht show has evolved to provide solutions to issues facing its exhibitors – who represent most of the international luxury yacht sector – to guarantee a high-end, quality exhibition and

ramp up promotion of the sector to a new, affluent public. The Mys now offers the world a unique exhibition with a comprehensive range of activities linked to the superyacht sector – shipyards, brokers, designers, tenders, water toys and nautical equipment – but also sectors associated with luxury such as business or private jets and even prestige cars as of this edition. Every year the Mys welcomes and puts into contact 34,000 participants, wealthy clients and key decision-makers in the superyacht industry. What are the highlights for the MYS in 2016? One cannot underestimate the significance of having a fleet of 125 superyachts on display on the water, including some 40 world premieres – it remains the jewel in the crown of the Mys. The combined value of yachts on show last year was estimated at three billion euros. With this evolving, floating exhibition every year, the Mys remains a ‘must’ on the yachting universe’s calendar. While the quality remains high, and will be rewarded by the third Mys Awards to which 350 guests are invited the day before the show, this year we are launching a whole new exhibition area dedicated to prestige cars on the Car Deck. Visitors will discover high-end models on Quai rainier III – where the cruise ships dock – for the four days of the show. To date, Lamborghini, rolls-royce and Tesla will be displaying cars as well as two manufacturers specialising in vehicle conversions, namely Centigon, which will be presenting luxury armour-plated vehicles and upper Wish. How many yachts and exhibitors do you have this year and what is the ratio of international boats and companies? In the last few years, the Mys has come to represent the global market with some 40 nations among the 580 exhibitor companies and partners. Obviously, the main ones are Italy, uK, Germany, usA, France and the netherlands. The principality is very well represented as most of the big brokers, crew management and yacht services companies are based in Monaco. On the water, the show will unveil 125 vessels starting at 25m, with the average being around 47m in a reflection of the core of the luxury yacht sector, which is 40-50m. Working with the Monegasque

authorities, we have permission to use the main harbour wall (nouvelle Digue) of Port Hercules, which means the Mys can exhibit megayachts up to 120m and thereby meet market demands for the future. From time to time we hear rumours that the yachting sector is suffering. What is your opinion? The 2008 economic crisis, without a doubt, affected the superyacht industry, but it gave it another impetus: to attract a new clientele, to deviate from a well-trodden route, and not to rely on the market it knew before. Today, clients are younger and are better informed and involved, therefore more demanding, whether it be rental or new build. so that is challenging professionals on every level - design, technology, accessories, leisure gadgets, quality of services and crew. What’s more, they are more environmentally aware. While the market is bearing up better today, it’s still competitive and people are driven to meet the expectations of this new client profile and offer them an ever more exceptional superyachting experience. How do you see the MYS evolving? We continue to apply the development strategy introduced three years ago: to optimise how Mys exhibitors are put into contact and consolidate relations with the end customer. We now offer public relations events abroad, like Monaco Week in China (held in June) and the upcoming promotional operation to new york in november. The Mys is also developing various partnerships with big luxury brands and private clubs, which invite their VIP clients or members to the show – two years ago we also launched the sapphire Experience, a bespoke ‘VVIP’ tour of the show. This year the Mys will host some 50 private clients and managers of Family Offices wanting to discover yachting at another edition of the Monaco yacht summit, which for the first time will be reserved for a limited high-end audience. Held in the afternoon the day before the show, the event is in the form of themed workshops chaired by expert speakers. ultimately our goal is to build on the Monaco yacht summit so that it serves to reinforce the image of the Monaco yacht show as the world’s leading destination and ambassador for luxury yachting. 

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success sTory

The creaTor • Espen Øino, the designer of yachting dreams • He calls the richest in the world his clients and, often, his friends. This stylish naval architect has carved his place in the fast-moving yachting industry to become not only one of the most respected and wellknown designers, but also one of the coolest. By aiLa sTöCKmann Photos guiLLaume pLisson

mong his portfolio, he counts some of the largest and arguably most spectacular motor yachts to cruise the world’s ocean. The life of 54-yearold norwegian Espen Øino, now a resident of Monaco, has always revolved around the water. yet he never expected his career to lead him to becoming one of the finest yacht designers worldwide, a career in which the wealthiest of the wealthy call upon him to create the superyacht of their dreams. It happened by chance. Kismet, Octopus, Cloudbreak, Ester III, silverFast and stella Maris all originated from the mind and pen of this pioneering ship building engineer and designer. 70, 90, even 150 metres in length, each is undeniably unique and awe-inspiring. With a smile, he tells of how he has integrated submarines into luxury yachts, of how one client requested a snow chamber built next to a sauna, the billiard table he crafted that could resist the swell. none of his vessels are like another other on the water. That he would find his calling with ships was probably pre-determined: his father’s family had been ship builders for generations and on his mother’s side, her family own a factory building maritime engines. Growing up in the Oslo suburb of Hellerud, Espen learnt to sail as a young boy and would spend his summers at their holiday home on the lake. Everything that floated interested him. Even as a small child, Espen would draw boats. He

would have studied maritime or car design, but following parental advice, he enrolled at a prestigious scotland university for shipbuilding. That would leave him the opportunity to design industrial ships later on, if ever his career in designing beautiful yachts wouldn’t work out, his parents argued. Their concern, however, would remain completely unfounded and some three decades ago in Antibes, Espen’s remarkable career began. That it was in the south of France that this would happen is perhaps unexpected, due to his family’s background in norway, but it was almost an inevitability. While still a student, Espen had discovered the Mediterranean town with its view of snow-capped Alps and its large marina while on a school exchange in northern France - it was the ideal place for a lover of both sailing and skiing. unlike his homeland and the northern French coast where, like many norwegians, he had spent his final three years of high school, Antibes didn’t just have small fishing boats. It had magnificent, gleaming white yachts. basking in the sunshine, it was a sight that wouldn’t let him go. "It was a kind of revelation,” says Espen. “At that time, there was no internet and no magazines in which I could have seen these huge yachts before.” so, after graduating from university, he headed for Antibes to work for Martin Francis, who was then designing sailboats. When Martin received his first order for a motor vessel, he handed the project over to the

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about his yacht and his experiences as an owner in public, so his name is publicly connected to skat. He doesn’t do it for ego and pretence, but because he’s happy with his yacht. That’s why Espen is happy to discuss simonyi by name. He tells riviera Insider of how, at first, it was all too easy to be intimidated by a man like simonyi, who mans his own fleet of helicopters and jets, and is also the only private individual to have flown to the International space station twice. but Espen insists that simonyi is remarkably down-to-earth, which was inspiring to Espen. “nothing for him was ever a problem. On the contrary, if an issue ever flared up, he was almost pleased and would say, ‘Great! now let’s solve it!’.” After skat left the shipyard in 2002 on her maiden voyage from Germany, where Espen has built most of his yachts, his company truly began to take off. 70 metre skat was a revolutionary vessel, a true eye catcher. It was much more angular than was customary for luxury yachts and not the typical brilliant white, but grey - more of a warship than a floating palace. “you either love it or hate it,” says the norwegian, who, since skat, is known for his taste of clean lines and rational design. Espen has also created a yacht for simonyi’s colleague and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen: Octopus. He (Allen),

young Espen because he was the only member of the team with a suitable degree in his pocket. The yacht itself was to measure 74 metres and, at the beginning of the 1990s, it would be one of the largest and fastest vessels ever made. With this project, Espen revealed his talent and from then on, he remained faithful to the designing of motor yachts. Has he ever thought of returning to sailboats? “no,” dismisses the engineer. “The difference [between motor and sail yachts] is so great in terms of requirements that it’s better to focus on one type.” Over the next eight years, the norwegian gradually built up his knowledge and experience under his boss before going it alone in 1994. He remained in Antibes for 12 years, then, as a now strongly respected name in the industry, he moved to Monaco. He has been based in the principality ever since. From his fourth floor office on Avenue Kennedy, Espen and his 16 employees have a spectacular view of the Port Hercules and Prince Albert II’s palace. Today, beneath his office and a little to the right is sea Lyon, a yacht made by Espen Øino International. A few years ago, perhaps Espen’s most prestigious vessel, skat, was moored here so that the yacht’s owner, Charles simonyi, could toast the yacht’s 10th anniversary with the designer. simonyi, in fact, chose to come to Monaco purely to celebrate the landmark with Espen. simonyi is one of the innovative minds behind the development of the two Microsoft programs Word and Excel. “He’s an example of a super smart and very nice person,” says Espen, who normally respects to the upmost the privacy of his clients. simonyi himself talks

Left photo 95M KISMET

Top right photo ESPEN ØINO HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY THE WATER HIS WHOLE LIFE

bottom right photo PAUL ALLEN’S OCTOPUS

Far right photo THE IMPRESSIVE YACHT SKAT, A TURNING POINT IN ESPEN ØINO’S CAREER

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too, talks publicly about his yacht, so Espen is comfortable sharing his stories, but these are the only clients he feels that way about. Espen uses no advertisements. He doesn’t even need a website as one contract usually leads to another. The world of the super rich is a small one. Allen’s yacht is the one with two incorporated submarines: one that can take humans down to a depth of 360 metres and another that can dive to almost 10 times the depth unmanned and is remotely controlled from onboard the ship. Allen’s passion for deep sea research and investigation has led to some unbelievable discoveries, such as the wreckage of Japanese super battleship Musashi, which was found 1000 metres beneath the waves only last year having been sunk during WWII. Espen counts these subaquatic additions as some of his most memorable and original special features. “I like that this ship is also ‘on a mission’,” says Espen. He shares a pride in the yacht because of its many voyages as a yacht that is almost always on the move. Espen and his team are always working on up to 10 yachts at a time. Two to five leave the shipyard every year with the length of time from conception to launch taking anywhere between three and five years. 45 yachts in total carry his signature as well as numerous tenders.

"It is, of course, depressing to see this poverty, and the gap between rich and poor is dangerous.

success sTory

As a well-thought out designer, he always seeks to define the nature of the yacht that an owner wants first. Is it to be a family vessel, a commercial endeavour or an entertainment or party boat? Is it going to saint Tropez or to Greenland and beyond? “Good dialogue with the client is crucial,” he says. What follows is an intensive design process from the inside out - function precedes form. “That’s why you can never say how long a yacht will be. It depends on what must be inside.” This creative study can take a year before the final design is on paper. The trend for continuously bigger and faster vessels something the engineer has seen progress over the decades - has at last begun to wind down, Espen explains, even if he has designed several yachts of over 100 metres in length. "The average age of the yacht owners has continued to drop since I’ve been in the industry,” he says. Today’s booming computer technology sector has created an incredibly rich young generation of business people and they are searching for a completely different lifestyle to older billionaires. They are far more active and want to use sport facilities onboard or to practice extreme sport, such as the owner of one of Espen Øino International’s latest babies: Cloudbreak. The owner wants to take the yacht for surfing in the Pacific as well as take his helicopter for heli-skiing in the mountains. The yacht reminds Espen of a chalet with a winter garden, which can be opened or closed depending on where in the world the yacht is. Throughout our talk, Espen speaks calmly and thoughtfully throughout, sprinkling our chat with anecdotes and stories. Only at my very last question does he briefly stall: Where does he stand with regards to the lavish luxury of his yachts in a world of increasing poverty? "It is, of course, depressing to see this poverty, and the gap between rich and poor is dangerous," Espen answers eventually. "but in terms of my work, I see it like this: a yacht that is designed and built is probably the biggest investment that an owner will ever make it is much greater than a house or even an airplane. This money goes back into the economy. you must consider the number of shipyards in Germany alone, the number of vessels that are being built there, and the amount of jobs that arise because of them. One of my more recent yachts was Dilbar, my hitherto largest yacht in terms of volume. As many as 400 to 500 people were working on this yacht alone and behind each of them were another three or four individuals, such as suppliers and subcontractors. Once the boat is ready, there will be the crew. In this respect, we are stimulating the economy in many ways.” The talented designer himself is not a yacht owner right now, despite the fact that he has a clear idea of how it would look. His vision is a rather modest yacht of 12.5 metres or maybe just a little longer so that it could navigate the fjords of norway. As he knew even as a boy: “The world is very different when you’re on the water.” 

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honesTy aBove all else From the buying and selling of new and used boats to brokering charters, servicing and fleet management, yachting experts infinite Yachts – who have offices in Golfe Juan and Saint Tropez – go hand over fist to ensure their clients’ every need is met. Giovanni Toumi at the helm of Infinite Yachts

s someone growing up in Düsseldorf, where the boot Düsseldorf annual boat show is held, Giovanni Toumi always knew the importance of the yachting market. It was also here, on the banks of the rhine river, that this son of a German mother and Italian father first discovered his love of the maritime world. Immediately after graduation, Giovanni started

Photo GIOVANNI TOUMI AT HIS OFFICES IN GOLFE JUAN

working for a company that dispatched him to the French riviera. some years later in 2011, his stepfather richard Dixon founded Infinite yachts and Giovanni became his right hand man at the office in Golfe Juan. Just last year, this multi-lingual and charismatic man – he speaks fluent English and French as well as his mother tongues German and Italian – became the manager of the thriving business. Infinite yachts is a buyer and seller of new and used yachts from 16 metres up to... Well, there is no upper limit! The company is active in charter brokerage and is a respected advisor to clients who have commissioned a made-to-measure yacht or a vessel that has been built by the shipyard, but is destined to be individually decorated, a ‘custom’ or ‘semi’ build. Infinite yachts is also the official representative of baglietto, a renowned shipyard in La spezia, Italy. Giovanni receives five to 10 enquiries per day via the online charter platform yacht Folio, a business-tobusiness search facility centralising charter yacht information for vessels above 20 metres that is run by the Mediterranean yacht broker Association (MybA). Through this portal, he is able to compare and contrast as many as 1,500 boats between Turkey and Portugal for his clients. A charter fee can be anything from 3,000 euros per day to 400,000 euros a week! Within this domain, Infinite yachts offers a first class service with round the clock care. nevertheless, the company’s biggest business is the sale of boats. but Giovanni is not the type of man to just complete the sale and walk away. “A client doesn’t want to have to run around looking for a place to register the newly acquired boat or for a berth to moor it in,” he explains. “I want my client to be able to enjoy the boat from the start, knowing that it is in safe hands with regards to all aspects of management. For example, we can recruit suitable crew, obtain quotes from quality suppliers and artisans, and organise maintenance work to be done by industry professionals. It comes down to trust in our relationships with our clients.” successful entrepreneur Giovanni has been visiting the world’s most major international boat show for years, including the Monaco yacht show, which he has been attending for the past 12 years. “It’s funny now to think that I started off cleaning boats,” he reflects. At this year’s Monaco yacht show, his partner baglietto will be unveiling two vessels: 46 metre yacht ‘Fast’ for sale and a 54 metre jewel of a ship that demonstrates the shipyard’s ‘custom built’ abilities. riviera Insider asks what distinguishes Infinite yachts and its owners from other companies offering similar services. “Honesty,” is Giovanni’s confident reply. “My clients respect and appreciate this above all else. I think of them and their needs at all times, and would never encourage a client to buy a yacht that didn’t suit them!” 

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yachTing Through The lens A portrait of photographer Ed Holt By eLsa CarpenTer

Climbing aboard a superyacht is an experience reserved for few, but that’s exactly what acclaimed photographer ed Holt has been doing for the last 30 years. He has traversed the decks of many of the world’s most iconic vessels, ﬂown high above their masts and toured their interiors, all in pursuit of the perfect shot. riviera insider caught up with the photographer to talk technique and technology in an ever-changing industry.

When I left West surrey College of Art & Design (now the surrey Institute of Art & Design), I moved to London and opened my studio just off the King’s road. I went into fashion photography - it was the late 1970s and fashion was an industry almost all young photographers wanted to work in - but I quickly became fed up with the social circuit. It wasn’t until a few years later when I was invited by a friend to sail from northern France to northern spain across the bay of biscay that I discovered the yachting industry. I’d never sailed before, but I knew right away that I’d like to do more.” After reading ‘lots of books’ in an effort to teach himself how to sail - “It seemed pretty straightforward to me!” - Ed bought a small 24ft gaff rig and embarked on the long journey to Greece, a country he knew well.

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but this first expedition with his boat wasn’t over the sea. Instead, Ed towed it all the way from England to the northern tip of the Greek coast - itself an arduous journey. Once in the waters of the Mediterranean in a small port mostly harbouring local fishing boats, Ed finally had the chance to relish his vessel and eventually moved on board, where he would live for four years: “Without a shower or a toilet!” He sailed the yacht to rhodes and while he continued his photography on the side, Ed also started captaining bareboats for Vernicos & Kavos. While cruising the southeast coast of Turkey around the same time, where Ed began to receive requests from yachts for photography. At the end of his four years aboard his first boat, Ed went back to London for a winter break and met his

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They are fantastic, beautifullymade precision instruments such quality equipment!

monaco yachT show

wife-to-be Fenella (owner of Antibes books, the English bookshop in Antibes) at a drinks party in Clapham. Ed had just bought a second boat and was restless in London. After getting married, the couple spent several years living and working in suffolk. Ed ultimately decided urban, city living wasn’t where he wanted to be after his bliss in the Mediterranean and the couple settled on Majorca, where they lived for 18 years and raised their two children before their move to Antibes and the French riviera some eight years ago. He established a successful career in yacht photography while living in the balearics, but after nearly two decades of island life and their children mostly grown up, Ed and his wife decided to make the move to the south of France. Through his long-standing affiliation with the yachting industry, Ed was able to transfer much of his work with him to France and he now counts a number of high profile shipyards such as Feadship, Amels, Heesen and Vitters among his clients as well as leading charter and management companies, and international yachting media - the likes of boat International, yachting World and Classic boat. “shipyards launching a brand new vessel are the crème de la crème for yacht photographers - fresh off the production line - but they are few and far between,” Ed says. “We all want those contracts!” He recently shot a 40ft Dutch-made speedboat in the south of France, which he describes as a difficult job, not least because the vessel travelled at 40knots and the rib he was shooting from struggled to keep up. “This type of shoot requires camerawork from a helicopter. I don’t use drones - they are better for video and you can fly a small drone without a license, but you need a larger drone for good quality stills, and they require an expensive license and can’t fly in winds more than 20kmph! In 15 minutes from a helicopter, you can get a hell of a lot of work done for not that much money.” The face of both industries - yachting and photography - have changed inexplicably since Ed first began shooting boats. “A photographer used to get four or five days on board for a full charter shoot on a 50m vessel, but today one is lucky to get two or three,” he says. “It doesn’t seem to be a high priority anymore for the crew - one has a much shorter space of time and a lot more pressure - sometimes I have to remind them that I am here because the owner or the management company has requested it. I am there to photograph the boat in order to attract clients for charter - that is, after all, what pays their wages!” “Today’s yacht photographer is expected to be a jackof-all-trades. A client will say, ‘I love the photograph, but the sky is too grey, can you lighten it?’ I can, of course, but a stretch of sky with masts, sails and wires is a lot more complicated than brightening a simple patch of sky. It’s very different in the digital era to when photographers were shooting with film.” It wasn’t until around 12 years ago that Ed deemed the

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quality of digital cameras on par with film, but the emergence of digital photography had already begun to change the yacht photography industry (and other fields) sometime before. “All of a sudden, instead of having five top professional photographers on the scene, dozens of ‘photographers’ with all the digital gear began to turn up. All one had to do was walk up to a boat with the right patter and plenty of equipment - it was a blagger’s game. A lot of

these photographers were self-taught and had had no training. With the advent of digital cameras, they no longer understood how light entered the lens, for example, or of aperture. The prices of myself and my fellow, trained photographers were seriously undercut and we decided we had to maintain our prices - it was to show the standard of quality. no one has ever complained about my prices yet!” but the effects of the digital era didn’t just herald difficulties for professional photographers: “before digital, I’d taken up to 60kg of equipment with me to a yacht: at least three complete camera systems, the film and a lot more lighting equipment. now I have 20kg maximum and can take up to four or five cameras with various lenses. Digital allows much of the work to be done in post-production.” Ed no longer shoots in film, but he has kept a number of his older cameras. “They are fantastic, beautifullymade precision instruments - such quality equipment!” he says with passion. “you can get a digital back for some of them now, but in the region of 15,000€. I’ll hold on to them and hope the price comes down!” Despite his incontestable affection for his film cameras, Ed is enthusiastic about the technological impacts a post-digital age has had on photography. “Anyone can access photography and it doesn’t need to be at great expense. The camera industry is a minefield for amateurs and professionals alike, with a constant stream of new cameras just a little better than their predecessor. Don’t be conned by marketing, you can pay 400€ for an excellent camera that will be good for everything and can fit in your pocket. The quality is so good now with smaller sensor cameras and you don’t need a full frame as an amateur. A budding professional can set themselves up for about 1,200€ and for that you can get away with a quality camera body and two or three lenses.” Ed himself favours the 5D Canon Mark III for his professional work with a selection of lenses. For the ‘fun stuff’, he says that, amongst others, the Panasonic FZ1000 does everything he needs. When he isn’t working to a client brief, Ed is free to indulge his creativity with stunning abstracts, travel photography in south Africa, Turkey, Greece and Provence, and nature and wildlife. He also continues shooting real estate for individuals and interior designers, such as a recent job photographing a private home on the Cap d’Antibes. but his love of the water - and being out on it - permeates throughout his work. One simply has to visit his photo library at superyachtfocus.com and look at the various galleries to understand his connection with the water. And for Ed’s dreams of once again owning a yacht? “I wanted to buy a boat here,” he says, “but the mooring is too bloody expensive!” you can discover Ed’s work for yourself at superyachtfocus.com and edholtphoto.com where you can browse his photography and purchase prints, wall art and direct downloads. 

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Blue, Blue, elecTric Blue introducing SeaZen, an innovative new pleasure boating vessel powered by clean, electric energy. it’s the perfect, guiltfree way to enjoy the beauty of the French riviera from the water without the worries of polluting the seas around you.

Clean sailing with SeaZen

ts sleek catamaran design may be familiar, but seaZen’s unique solar panelling makes for an all-together different type of vessel. With zero CO2 production, zero fuel emissions, zero noise and zero paper usage, the strikingly modern and fully autonomous yacht is one of a kind in the pleasure boating industry of the Côte d’Azur. This is clean and forward-thinking at its finest, coupling the excitement of sailing on the Mediterranean with energy-conscious ethics. This is also the first upscale vessel that doesn’t require a licence to drive it. Anyone over the age of 16 is able to climb into the captain’s seat, but if you prefer the comfort of a more experienced and seaworthy hand, seaZen can organise for a local skipper to join you on your cruise of the local area or even provide you with a few hours of tuition prior to you taking the wheel. There is space for up to eight people on board and President of seaMagine, the owners of seaZen, Guillaume Jacquet-Lagrèze, has made sure that his guests of all ages will be comfortable during their excursion: “seaZen will seduce families and friends alike; all those who wish to share precious moments together. It also has a special appeal for people who want to get out on the water without burning fossil fuels. seaZen is incredibly environmentally-friendly – it is 100% powered by solar energy!” Wifi and bluetooth have both been installed as has a cool box feature to keep drinks and snacks refreshed under the hot sun. When you’re not diving into the crystal waters of the French riviera coast, there’s a 12sqm deck on which you can recline and an adjustable table beneath the shade of the canopy. seaZen also boasts the privileged homeport of

All photos GUILLAUME JACQUET-LAGRÈZE’S SEAZEN TOURS THE VILLAS OF CAP FERRAT

beaulieu sur Mer, midway between nice and Monaco, and within minutes of the staggeringly beautiful saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsular. The yacht can travel up to 40 kilometres using its solar power and Guillaume recommends cruising past the Villa Kerylos and mooring in front of the Villa David niven for the ideal day out on the yacht. you can also enjoy the raw, natural coastline of this famous peninsular or take a tour to see the other stunning and historic properties of the area: Villa Ephrussi de rothschild, Villa Maryland, Chateau saint Jean and Villa Fiorentina. bookings can be made directly at the website, which is now available in English. Hourly rates start at 110 euros per hour. 

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The suPeryachT veT Helping furry friends ﬁnd their feet on the waves By eLsa CarpenTer

From coastal city living in auckland, New Zealand to picturesque island life on the isle of Wight in the UK, Superyacht veterinary Service founder Siobhan Brade has always lived by the sea. So it seemed almost natural to join her two great passions of animals and the water when a chance opportunity came up just three years ago.

I qualified as a vet from the royal Veterinary College in London before moving back to new Zealand to work as a small animal vet,” siobhan brade explains. “The idea [to start superyacht Veterinary service or sVs] came about when several visiting captains in new Zealand needed assistance with the import and care of dogs travelling into the country with their owners. My sister works in the superyacht industry and suggested I help these captains, which I did. Everything grew from there.” she is currently the only known and registered vet in the yachting industry and is consummate in her aim to provide a level of service and knowledge that cannot be matched by competitors - “If and when they do arrive!” shortly after setting up her company two

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years ago, siobhan moved back to Cowes on the Isle of Wight from her new Zealand home and hasn’t looked back since. she officially launched sVs in 2014 following a year of informal assistance and when she isn’t working with her yachting clients, siobhan spends a day or two a week working as a ‘normal’ veterinary surgeon in a small animals practice. “It allows me to keep up-to-date with the latest treatments and technologies,” she says. Planning & legal requirements Her role is primarily based around helping yachts navigate the complex waters of import and export procedures and preventative medicine - most of which she can manage remotely. “The aim of my service is to prevent emergencies, either

logistical or medical,” she explains, “but I am always available to discuss any potential issues and answer my clients questions. Preparation is key and I would recommend that clients contact me as early as possible in a trip’s planning stages.” yachts travelling the upper fringes of the Mediterranean and other places in the European union have the advantage of the Eu-wide PETs travel scheme, which allows relatively free movement of pets between most Eu countries once the initial requirements have been met, she explains. However, travelling to and from countries in other parts of the world with an animal on board can be more difficult. “Further afield, deciphering and complying with the rules of every country can be a

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time consuming headache for captains and management teams, with significant penalties for non-compliance,” siobhan says, “and sVs can take care of all of this. From the medical side, I can act as the animals’ primary veterinarian, but I can also provide country by country risk assessments that inform owners of what diseases their pet may be exposed to and, more importantly, how to prevent them. This ensures that pets remain well-protected from illness or injury and stay happy and healthy whilst abroad. I can also provide veterinary first aid training to crew and medical supplies – from individual items to a fully stocked veterinary medical kit and key veterinary contacts.” Pet food and nutritional plans - often prepared by a yacht’s chef - are also part of her service. siobhan’s experience as a vet and animal owner (her border collie starla is the sVs mascot and you can find many of

their coastal excursions on siobhan's Instagram @superyachtdog) has given her an expert insight into the types of products suitable for on board living. “I can supply or recommend tried and tested items such as cleaning supplies that are suited to the high quality furnishings of a superyacht, grooming kits to keep hairs and cleaning to a minimum, and gear such as dog beds, toys and collars that are in keeping with the aesthetics of a yacht. sVs is a one-stopshop for all the needs of superyacht animals and no request is too big or small!” A sense of familiarity in a transient world since launching her business, siobhan has noticed a growing trend in owners taking their pets with them on their trips away. “Pets are members of the family so it makes sense for owners (and sometimes captains) to bring their pets with them,” she says. “With changes to pet travel regulations over the past decade, travelling with your pets is now a reality for many people, including those who own or charter superyachts. Having their pet with them removes the anxiety many owners feel when leaving them at home as well as providing a sense of familiarity that is often lost in the busy, transient lives of superyacht owners. The yachts often act as a second home for owners and it makes sense to include pets in this picture. Equally, bringing your dog or cat along with you can add an extra dimension to the luxury experience of a superyacht, making the whole trip more memorable for everyone on board.” but not all furry friends are cut out for life on the waves and just like humans, some pets have their sea legs and other don’t! “The dogs that are used to travelling on superyachts seldom get sick and if they do, it is only in rough weather. However, vets such as myself can prescribe sea sickness tablets to any pets that need them.” On call 24/7 worldwide If an emergency arises at sea, siobhan is always on call: “Any time of the day or night, [clients] can call me for help and advice, and I can get on board in the fastest way possible as arranged by the captain or crew. If I am needed in person then I can travel directly to the patient without delay. some owners and crew may also want me to travel with them if they are cruising somewhere remote or if an animal needs particular veterinary attention.” Heading off in the middle of the night isn’t always practical however - “The aim of my business is to prevent emergencies and any last minute panics” - so siobhan advises anyone considering taking their pet away

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with them to have a veterinary medical kit on board at all times so that all the medication and equipment that is needed is always close at hand. “As part of a support package I can provide a boat with a list of local vets and information on the standard of care in that area. Following verbal consultation with me, we are able to arrange for them to see a vet in the fastest way possible if they need one and make a decision as to whether or not the patient would have to be taken further afield to receive appropriate treatment.” The goal of sVs is to try and avoid any desperate situations occurring, but as she points out, preparation and prior-planning is important: “before setting out on a trip, the yacht and I normally work together to create a plan where we coordinate what would happen if the patient got sick or needed surgery.” On board life on four paws Living on board a yacht many seem like a curious place for an animal, but there are many yachts that have been specially adapted to provide creature comforts such as the laying of turf for an animal to do its business on, modifications to railings and door sensors for safety purposes, and even modified swim platforms. “I heard of one swim platform that was the perfect height to let water-loving dogs launch themselves into the water, but also get back on board with ease,” siobhan says. A salty sea dog will of course enjoy cruising the seven seas, but what about other household pets? “I mostly see dogs on yachts,” she explains, “but there are other animals living on superyachts including cats, iguanas and fish in aquariums. In keeping with the nautical theme, I have even heard of a parrot on board!” “A yacht can be a suitable place for a pet and certain animals, particularly some dogs, are made for a life at sea,” she adds. “They enjoy their life on board more than on shore and clients can always ask for my honest advice as to whether their pet is suited to life on a superyacht. The answer is almost always ‘yes’ as yachts are large and well-equipped with crew growing so attached to the pets that they are never short of care or attention.” siobhan is yet to come across a yacht harbouring any wild animals, although there are plenty of stories about lions and tigers climbing aboard for extravagant parties. “As a vet, I have taken an oath to care for all animals and if there was a wild animal that needed treatment, I would certainly give it!” 

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monaco yachT show

Building The fuTure The latest from the Cluster Yachting Monaco

The principality has a goal: to make Monaco world capital of yachting. While the Monaco Yacht Show is an eﬀective showcase, a new initiative to unite the sector within the Cluster Yachting Monaco is gathering momentum, as evidenced by a one-day forum held at the renowned Yacht Club de Monaco.

Top photo LEFT TO RIGHT: BERNARD D'ALESSANDRI, PRESIDENT OF THE CLUSTER YACHTING MONACO, JEAN-CLAUDE BIVER, PRESIDENT WATCHES DIVISION AT LVMH, AND LUC BIAMONTI, CEO OF THE SBM bottom photo LEFT TO RIGHT: JEAN CASTELLINI, MINISTER OF FINANCE & ECONOMY, HE MR SERGE TELLE, MINISTER OF STATE; GAËLLE TALLARIDA, MD MONACO YACHT SHOW; BERNARD D'ALESSANDRI, PRESIDENT CLUSTER YACHTING MONACO; MICHEL DOTTA, CHAIRMAN MEB; JEANLUC BIAMONTI, CEO SBM; AND ALECO KEUSSEOGLOU, CHAIRMAN OF SEPM

ver 200 people attended the first Cluster yachting Monaco rendezvous held in June, barely two years after the Cluster was launched in november 2014. Presided by bernard d’Alessandri, the Cluster is one of the actions taken by a top level committee under the aegis of the government and the Conseil stratégique pour l’Attractivité to drive development and enhance the principality’s appeal to business investors. As well as being General secretary of the yacht Club, d’Alessandri heads the ‘Monaco: Capital of yachting’ commission. Defined as ‘a geographic con-

centration of interconnected businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions in a particular field’, clusters are considered to increase the productivity with which companies can compete both nationally and globally. For the yachting Monaco Cluster, its role is to provide a unifying platform for dialogue and be a force to put forward proposals to decisionmakers that benefit the whole sector, which numbers some 300 companies. To date, the Cluster has circa 70 members, nearly all of whom are involved in working groups that meet regularly to develop proposals in four areas: Destination Monaco; business development; tax, legislation and

finance; and communication and training. Opening the forum was Monaco’s Minister of state, serge Telle. He was keen to stress that the government fully supports the industry, citing the significant economic benefits, not least the 1,500 jobs it creates in Monaco. A key issue is the Monaco flag for boats. Telle was quick to reassure the audience: “Discussions are ongoing to make our flag more attractive for an industry that is an important vehicle for promoting our principality.” The future profile of Monaco as a destination dominated the early afternoon session, with presentations by Jean-Luc biamonti, CEO of the société des bains de Mer known more generally as sbM - on major new developments at Casino square, notably the Hôtel de Paris, and regis Adeline, General Manager of sAM l’Anse du Portier, who provided insights into the new seaward urban expansion project. by 2025, Monaco will have a new six-hectare district that will include seven seafront villas with gardens and a 32-berth marina for 15m boats, committed to sustainable development and protecting the environment. The issue of berth shortages was tackled by Aleco Keusseoglou, Chairman of société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco, which manages Monaco’s ports. He confirmed that an agreement had been signed with a view to operating the new port facility at Ventimiglia in Italy. “yachting is the lifeblood of life in the principality,” said Keusseoglou, “and we must be able to offer more visitor berths.” Looking to the future of the industry, speaker Espen Øino, an internationally renowned yacht designer based in Monaco (read more about his work on pages 20 to 23), the sector has evolved significantly over the last 30 years. “The industry has changed so

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much it is essential we work together, to adapt to new cultures, new clients and new regulations, which never cease to complicate our job,” Oeino told his audience. yet there are initiatives being taken in Monaco, like the Dynamiq yacht project introduced by its CEO sergei Dobroserdov. “new generation yacht owners are very active and use latest technologies, whatever it is they’re buying. Faced with such expectations we have to change and come up with new ways of taking orders, which from now on should be online. It’s a real revolution for our sector.” Another initiative is development of a yacht profession Masters as a complement to the training centre, La belle Classe Academy, launched by the yacht Club de Monaco last year. Currently in the curriculum prototyping phase, yachting will be integrated into the Luxury and Management Master offered by the International university of Monaco (InsEEC Group). Wrapping up the forum as guest of honour was the irrepressible JeanClaude biver, President of the Watches Division at LVMH, now in his eighties, who shared his upbeat vision of luxury and yachting: “This industry is still very segmented, but the potential to develop is colossal. Monaco is the ideal place to promote this passion and desire to escape that is at the heart of luxury.” 

Above photo MONACO’S MINISTER OF STATE SERGE TELLE GAVE THE OPENING ADDRESS AT THE EVENT

Yachting ﬁgures for Monaco in 2015 (sourCe imsee) ranKeD in FourTh posiTion as an inDusTry seCTor, iT aCCounTs For oVer 5% oF ToTaL reVenue

1,467 peopLe DireCTLy empLoyeD in The yaChTing inDusTry in monaCo

749 miLLion euro reVenue

300+ Businesses For whom yaChTing is main sourCe oF inCome TurnoVer oF The Top 15 Companies is up

+250% sinCe 2005

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monaco yachT show

PresTige on disPlay MYS expands its petrol-powered appeal By eLsa CarpenTer & hannah James

here is, without doubt, far more to the Monaco yacht show than just the boats. While for most the yachts are the obvious draw, there are many others who come to the principality in late september every year in search of that quintessential ‘Monaco experience’. yachts yes, but if there’s one other thing that this place is known for, it’s the cars. After the spring automotive events of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Historique and Top Marques, the Monaco yacht show is perhaps the biggest display of wealth and power when it comes to cars. With Port Hercules as the centre stage for maritime vessels, the avenues and boulevards outside of the marina become the laps of honour for the super rich in their luxury sports cars, colossal 4x4s and prestige limousines. Ever keen to be ahead of the game and to develop the programme offered at the annual event, Monaco yacht show organisers present a ‘logical follow-up’ to the presence of these automotive brands at the show. “[We] will launch a totally new exhibition space dedicated solely to ultra-high-qua-

lity vehicles during the 2016 Mys: the Car Deck,” say organisers. “Installed on Quai rainier III in Port Hercules alongside the largest yachts in the show, the Car Deck will offer all visitors and exhibitors access to a 230 m² indoor lounge bar, while outside, cars will be on display, available for purchase or a test drive in the heart of Monaco. The launching of the Mys’s new exhibition area for prestige automobiles is an integral part of the development strategy implemented three years ago to further enhance the show's ultrahigh-level offering and thereby attract a new wealthy audience, both regional and international, to the quays of Port Hercules.” Premier automobile brands Lamborghini, rolls-royce and Tesla will be amongst those exhibiting, with some brands have also already announcing the models that they will be exhibiting at the show. Lamborghini is set to display that the Huracan LP 610-4 spyder while rolls-royce will be hoping to entice a younger audience with their rolls-royce Dawn. Tesla, a company that specialises in luxury electric cars, will show off the staggering speed performance of their Model s P90D and Centignon, a leading specialist in armoured cars, will put their protected and extended versions of the range rover Autobiography and the Mercedes benz Class s550 on offer for all to see. All attendees to the show with a valid Mys 2016 badge will be able to get access to the Car Deck from the Quai Antoine 1er entrance. 

sAIL AWAy WITH A sInGLE CLICK Community-driven start-up for the seas By hannah James

nspired by a lifetime of sailing in France and the Mediterranean, édouard Gorioux and Jérémy bismuth teamed up in september to turn their community-driven startup into reality. The Click & boat concept has its roots in a question édouard and Jérémy found themselves wondering all too often: how to get the most out of owning a maritime vessel. Only a handful of yacht owners use their boats during peak season, with very few being used for more than 10 days a year. Coupled with the fact that the annual expenses on a boat can be extremely expensive - once insurance, mooring and maintenance costs are all taken into account, these expenses add up to approximately 10% of the price of the boat on average each year – this lack of usage led the two men to a revolutionary idea. In order to try relieve the financial pressure, Gorioux and bismuth decided to create an online community that creates a peer-to-peer yacht charter platform. Following hotly on the heels of similar concepts – Airbnb, car sharing and ‘co-working’ office spaces - the Click & boat platform allows boat owners to earn money in a safe environment by listing their boat for free online and communicating with directly with possible renters. Individuals can add photos, descriptions and prices to their listing, as well as make use of the direct messaging service to ask those hoping to charter the vessel for additional information .Click & boat now has over 40,000 members from countries including France, Italy, Greece and spain. It offers a wide range of vessels for hire, including motorboats, yachts, catamarans and even jet skis. by 2015, the young company had already made a three million euro profit and is continuing to expand. There are now as many as 500 yachts of up to 100 metres in length available on the Click & boat website just for the French riviera! 

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cruising and schmoozing Join Club Vivanova in the harbour lub Vivanova is one of the fastest growing and most successful wine and dining clubs in Monaco and the French riviera. Founder bradley Mitton continues to astound his members and guests with unique and luxurious locations combining gourmet cuisine and fine wines, whilst offering excellent business networking opportunities. His back-to-back events during the Monaco yacht show are no different. Clara One - a 32 metre motor yacht - is to be the location of the four events, allowing guests to fully appreciate the glamour of the show. The lunch events, which take place between 12pm and 3pm on 29th and 30th september, will showcase a gourmet menu and an array of internationally acclaimed wines. Tickets cost 120 euros per person and in-

clude Monaco yacht show entry, return tender to the yacht, lunch and beverages. The cocktail evenings, from 8pm until 11.30pm following the wine lunch events, will showcase a delicious canapé menu. Tickets for this event cost 100 euros per person including entry to the show, canapés and beverages. VIP partners for this event include the Foundation of Prince Albert II of Monaco, with riviera Insider being one of the press partners. bradley has an excellent reputation in Europe’s luxury food and beverage sector and his members are a niche group of international professionals and business leaders in the region. The events are generally sold-out so advance bookings are highly recommended! Club Vivanova events are also organised in locations beyond the principality including saint Tropez, Cannes, barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, berlin and Paris.

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MEET rIVIErA InsIDEr In the exhibitor zone ight throughout the Monaco yacht show, riviera Insider and our sister publications rivieraZeit and Palaces will be present at our exclusive stand, QP55, in the Parvis Piscine tent. Whether you’re a long-term reader, a newcomer to our magazines or would like to discuss the commercial opportunities available within our pages and online, we’d love to meet you! We’ll also be hosting a number of high-end events during the show - the details to be confirmed - but you can follow all the developments online. What we can tell you is that we’ve teamed up with two fantastic producers in the region: Domaine de la rabiega, who will be providing a range of award-winning wines, and Comptoir du Caviar, who will be putting on an irresistible degustation presentation of their caviar and fish roe wares.

EXPECT THE FINEST QUALITY

domaine-rabiega.com 735 Chemin St Joseph 83300 Draguignan 04.93.68.44.22 info@rabiega.com

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whiTe clouds from easT One sailor’s thoughts on the wonderful Les Voiles de Saint Tropez By gerharD sTanDop

t was 35 years ago when two friends agreed to meet in saint Tropez for a glass of wine and a race of their sail yachts. The course led from the harbour around the peninsula to the famous Pampelonne beach. The winner was the one to reach the legendary Club 55 first. The loser would buy the drinks and dinner. The two could hardly have realised that their friendly excursion would be the launch of one of the most famous races in the Mediterranean, perhaps even the world. Initially under the name La nioulargue, the name given to a sand bank close by, and later with a new name - Les Voiles de saint Tropez - the race has since seen hundreds of yachts from hypermodern carbon ships to spruced-up sailing veterans with wood and flashing brass fittings compete in a range of groups against each other. It is this mixture of old and new that gives the event its special charm and many skippers return every year to participate in its exceptional racing atmosphere. Looking out east on the sunday afternoon from the pier, one will see a mass of white clouds looming in the distance as the classic and sailing vessels speed towards saint Tropez. Fresh from the régates royales in Cannes, countless vessels meet again in the famous bay. Celebrated yachts such as the J-Class shamrock V of sir Thomas Lipton, skylark of philanthropist Tara Getty or the Gucci sisters’ Avel are heading for the finish line in front of the marina’s entrance. It is a dramatic finale with some teams greeting each other with the strong thundering of cannon blows and on many an occasion, a boat shrinkage is accompanied by violin or bagpipes.

Main photo BATTLING THE WINDS, WAVES AND THE COMPETITION

right photo YACHTS OF ALL AGES FEATURE AT LES VOILES DE SAINT TROPEZ

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The very first evening begins with a welcome cocktail where musicians play to the sailors and the crowds. besides the Capitainerie, a small village of white tents is erected, where all sorts of useful and beautiful objects from the racing and water sports world are presented, from binoculars through to photographs, watches, knives, books, nautical instruments and even boats themselves and luxury cars. At the bar, everyone comes together for a glass of wine or a beer and to revel in the sociable environment. The daily regatta starts quite early and it is rewarding to rise with the teams and observe their preparations from around 9am. With a little luck, you’ll spot sailing legends such as ‘Mister America's Cup' Dennis Conner making packed lunches for himself and his crew on the quay! When the boats leave the harbour at around 10am, like a long string of pearls, a moment of peace falls over the town and many take the opportunity to stroll through the streets of saint Tropez, visiting its boutiques or enjoying a coffee and croissant at a quaint bistro. The racing can be viewed from countless outlooks: Port Grimaud and sainte Maxime or out on the water itself. The Thursday is traditionally a rest day, but there are many other highlights, such as the following of the first, historic course around to Pampelonne. some years there is also the Centenary Cup, reserved for yachts over 100 years old. On land, the big pétanque or boules tournament for crew takes place on the Place des Lices and in the evening there is highly anticipated crew parade, a carnival-like event with sailors, music and good vibes. The Voiles de saint Tropez, which begins on 24th september and ends 2nd October, is an event like no other. Whether you appreciate the brightly polished brass of an old classic or are enamoured by the carbon-fibre hills of the modern entities, it is impossible not to be awed by the impressive array and individual flair of the vessels taking part. basking in warm autumn sun and enhanced by the beauty of saint Tropez, Les Voiles creates a fever in its spectators that refuses to go away.  lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr

sainT TroPez

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Technology

solar imPulse comPleTes round-Theworld TriP Over a year after Solar impulse 2 ﬁrst took oﬀ from abu Dhabi, it has touched back down where the journey began having completed a trip that may change your mind about the power of renewable energy. By hannah James Photos CharLy gaLLo, CenTre De CommuniCaTion De monaCo

Top photo LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDRÉ BORSCHBERG, PRINCE ALBERT, BERTRAND PICCARD AND MEHMET ALI UYSAL bottom photo PRINCE ALBERT II AND PICCARD CONGRATULATING THE WHOLE TEAM IN MONACO

olar Impulse 2, whose Mission Control Centre is in the Principality of Monaco, has just become the first solar powered plane to complete a round-the-world trip without a drop of fuel. The responsibility of flying the plane during the 43,042km journey fell to pilots bertrand Piccard and André borschberg, who accumulated over 500 hours of flying time between them. The Mission Control Centre, which was described as being the nerve centre of the entire project, gathered, analysed and shared all the information from the plane with the world. When it came to picking the centre’s location, Monaco was an easy choice as Prince Albert II has a personal commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of renewable energies. This has been proved by the fact that he is one of the few Heads of state to continually strongly support environmental protection at political discussions. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was proud to be able to support the mission by hosting the centre on Monegasque soil for the entire duration of the flight. During the 17-stage journey, the plane was in constant contact with the Mission Control Centre via satellite, with Piccard referring to the centre as the project’s ‘guardian angel’. but the trip around the world that started on 9th March 2015 was not all plain sailing. The journey needed to be undertaken in several legs and took over a year to complete. unexpected delays were caused by problems such as crosswinds in China, which meant weeks of delay, and overheating batteries, which necessitated that the plane spent the winter inside a Hawaiian hanger. The plane itself is technologically advanced, as it is the largest plane ever built with such a low weight and has wings that are covered by more than 17,000 solar cells. However, the technological advancements on the plane did not allow for any luxuries, meaning that the living conditions were extremely testing for the pilots. The unheated, unpressurised cockpit only measured 3.8m2, and they had to survive on quick 20 minute power naps. On 23rd July, solar Impulse 2 took off from Cairo for

the last stage of its journey, triumphantly landing in its Abu Dhabi destination on 26th July. shortly before landing, Piccard made a statement saying “I hope people will understand that it is not just a first in the history of aviation, but also a first in the history of energy.” Just three days later, Piccard and borschberg received a hero's welcome in Monaco from both the control centre team and Prince Albert himself. While thanking those who were involved with the journey, Piccard made a plea asking people to see this achievement as a reason to rethink the modern day lack of respect towards the environment. He explained that the goal of the solar Impulse project was not primarily about developing solar plane technology, but about emphasising the capabilities of renewable energy. He made sure to emphasise the importance of clean technologies, stating that they are not only good for the environment, but that they can also make the world a better place because they are profitable and create jobs. Piccard made it clear that he hopes that the mission can inspire us all to take our commitment to clean technologies further. 

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rolling wiTh The Times An insider’s tip for vintage car fans

Hidden among Nice’s harbour area, Tom Brault founded the automobile Classic Car Club one year ago. Meet the young entrepreneur, who’s all about old cars - in all shapes, forms and sizes. By peTra haLL Photos miChaeL KurTz

om brault is a man’s man. sincere, hands on and with a beaming smile shining through his bushy beard, he welcomes us into his vintage car treasure trove. Models of all sizes and build years are parked in the 1,000sqm hall. some are in great shape, others in dire need of professional restoration. Tom, the Automobile Classic Car Club’s president, loves them all the same as if they were his children.

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At only 26 years, Tom says: “If feel like I’m 35.” And that’s not hard to believe given his turbulent biography, which he vividly recounts. The son of a gendarme, he spent his childhood and youth in foreign barracks. Once he had finished his high school education at age 17, he joined the French army straight away. He served as a sniper in one of the navy’s elite troops up until he turned 24. He spent his first salary on a 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle and from that moment he knew: “One day I will work with old cars.” “I had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I was afraid of civilian life,” he tells riviera Insider. A concept formed in his mind nonetheless, targeted at vintage car owners and lovers just like him: “services for collectors so they can devote themselves to their passion.” The city of Fréjus marked a radical change in Tom’s life. It’s where both his time in the army and his long-term relationship ended. “I stood with my back to the wall - no job, no love,” Tom remembers. He worked at a garage in Agay for six months. unpaid. “During this time, I observed rich people in saint Tropez by pretending to be one of them!” He rented an open Mini Moke, the iconic car made famous by brigitte bardot. A business idea was born! Tom and his employer from Agay founded a small and successful firm and brokered six Mini Mokes on the internet. Tom used the money earned to buy 15 more of the fashionable vehicles. “I spent the summer sleeping on a Port Grimaud parking lot

Top photo THE 1,000SQM AUTOMOBILE CLASSIC CAR CLUB SPACE NEAR NICE’S PORT bottom photo TOM IS ONE FEATURE OF HIS ECLECTIC COLLECTION

amid all the Mokes!” Then winter came around and the young entrepreneur slipped into another role, this time in Monaco. He sported expensive clothes, bags and watches and kept a well-groomed moustache. His natural eloquence and elegant appearance did the rest. “you have to catch the right people’s attention,” the car expert says. Along these lines he participated in high-class auctions in the princi-pality. “I wanted to add purple spots to Monaco’s rosy world.” And he did well: the director of a renowned auction house put him in charge of their vintage car section. shortly after, the Frenchman landed his first big deal. but he also knew: “I don’t want to be doing this all my life.” so he fathered the Automobile Classic Car Club in one of nice’s more unremarkable areas. “After I had rented these big premises, I suddenly found them horrible. ‘What on earth have I done?’ I kept asking myself.” but his desperation blew over quickly. For two months, he worked day and night on the property and the concept. “I wanted to create an unconventional universe with industrial design, in which vintage car lovers would feel at home. I see our club as an institution and I guarantee quality for all our services. These include the keeping of collectors’ items, as well as the restoration and the selling and buying of old cars. Everyone gets the same treatment - whether he owns a car worth 1,000 or 100,000 euros,” the club president says. Within the short space of a year, the Automobile Classic Car Club has become the Hot spot for diehard car lovers along the riviera. It already counts around 100 members, 70 percent of which are French, the rest foreigners. The annual fee amounts to 100 euros. “Our premises are already bursting and we’re in the process of renting out more space,” says Tom! 

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#harrywinsTon “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” By eLsa CarpenTer

The Sparkling Cluster collection EARRINGS 10 round brilliant and four pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 4.27 carats set in platinum

RING 10 round brilliant and two pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 2.34 carats set in platinum ew york, London, Tokyo, Geneva, Hong Kong... The Cannes boutique of Harry Winston keeps a respectable company. The regal, deep blue décor of this prosperous address gives the luxury store personality among the muted grey and white façades of its neighbours. Character and poise is one thing this eminent diamond jeweller has in rich abundance. Launched this summer, the sparkling Cluster collection has its roots in the pioneering work of illustrious, American gemologist Harry Winston and his team during the 1940s. Inspired by natural geometry, the designers of the day allowed their diamonds to set the design - a fluid pattern that would ‘maximise the brilliance of each gemstone’ - and the iconic Winston Cluster collection was born. It would go on to influence not only the most recent sparkling Cluster collection, but also many of the magnificent jewellery creations

PENDANT Nine round brilliant and two pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 2.26 carats set in platinum

NECKLACE 48 round brilliant and three pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 15.36 carats set in platinum

BRACELET 55 round brilliant and four pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 10.17 carats set in platinum

by the House of Harry Winston in the decades since. The 1940s were a pivotal moment for the emerging brand. In 1944, in a prelude to the celebrity endorsement we are all so familiar with today, Harry Winston - known as the King of Diamonds - became the first jeweller to ‘dress’ the A-List. Oscar best Actress winner Jennifer Jones wore an opulently jewelled necklace to the ceremony and in one red carpet walk, catapulted the diamond label to its still relevant status as the Jeweller to the stars. From purchases by the british royal family to a credit in the eponymous 1950s hit ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s best Friend’ - which included the line, “Talk to me Harry Winston! Tell me all about it!” - and from a sale to richard burton of a flawless 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond for Elizabeth Taylor, the brand established itself as a name synonymous with Hollywood and the elite. Today, Harry Winston remains a favourite with the world of celebrity. Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Amal Clooney, Helen Mirren, Madonna, Julie Andrews, natalie Portman and Kendall Jenner alike have all been seduced by the innate beauty of Harry Winston jewels. Just last year, the brand became a partner of the prestigious amfAr gala, a star-studded charity event that raises funds for AIDs research, and thus cemented its place on the décolletages of famous faces of the world as well as its sincerity in supporting philanthropic endeavours. The newly released sparkling Cluster is available at all Harry Winston stores worldwide. Here in the French riviera, the Cannes boutique (29 boulevard de la Croisette) is open on Monday to saturday from 10.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 8pm, and on sunday from 2pm to 8pm. All consultations can be arranged directly with the store on +33 (0)4 20 10 07 66.

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#nue19.04. BouTique on The Block Bohemian edge with streamlined sophistication Polygone Riviera has welcomed a new addition to its portfolio of fashion boutiques in the form of Nue 19.04. The brand, which was established by IKKS stylist Cryril Paillot in 2011, has chosen the Côte d’Azur’s newest shopping address as its sole location in France ahead of fashion capital Paris. Cyril Paillot joined the creative team of IKKS at the age of 25, working as a designer and art director. Having been responsible for the launch of their successful women’s line, he then had the experience he needed to fulfil his desire of starting his own label: Nue 19.04. Seeing woman as ‘wild yet fragile’, Paillot was inspired to create a clothing line that would allow women to show off their ‘feline allure’. The ready-to-wear collection showcases Paillot’s signature style with unstructured figure hugging pieces with a subtle rock attitude. The pieces are brought to life with their suppleness and lightness, and can either be layered or mix and matched. Paillot uses the vibrant femininity of the designs to make sure that his pieces leave a lasting impression, from his rippling maxi dresses to statement evening pieces, butter-soft leather jackets and creamy suede boleros. When it comes to shopping at Nue 19.04, expect to find combinations of different shapes, cuts, lengths and materials. Colours are kept neutral and are sometimes superimposed with authentic prints to give the pieces a bohemian edge. After a successful spring/summer season, their fall/winter collection is one that shouldn’t be missed. In the next few weeks, a men’s line will be added to the boutiques rails.

#milady Ancestral passion and appeal Building upon its success in prestigious locations such as the Champs-Elysées and Courchevel, French fashion label Milady has opened its first store in Monaco. The high-end store, which offers a haute couture collection of fashion wear and luxury furs, is situated within the famous Monte Carlo Casino’s walls on the renowned Allée François Blanc. Designed by architect Philippe Magnin de Sauzay, the store’s two floors are filled with spectacular fine fur garments such as lynx gilets and chinchilla ponchos. Milady owner Serge Ghnassia comes from a long line of fur makers: his grandparents originally started the brand, founding and managing a series of fur shops in Paris. His parents took over the family business with their purchase of the Champs-Elysées store in the 1970s. Ghnassia later began his fur making apprenticeship at 14 and soon realised he had the same, ancestral passion for creating and designing garments. When he became the director of Milady in 1985, he made a real effort to learn the ways of life and expectations of the wealthy. It is this insight into the world of his clients that has earned him the loyalty of his famous clients. In 2000, Ghnassia bought the remaining shares in the family business, ensuring that it will remain dedicated to producing the best possible product and thus continue his grandparents’ fierce independence. Milady prides itself on having access to quality of the highest international standard; in the world of ‘high furring’, Milady is a name of distinction. The furs they present come from the best animal husbandries in the world, using only animals that have been bred and raised in the most considerate conditions. Furs are carefully selected for their quality, feel and elegance, with the type of fur needed for each specific garment carefully thought out. The brand not only creates pieces born from the imagination of its clients, but is also one of the only brands that can offer bespoke pieces.

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Treasures from ulysse nardin Intricate timepieces inspired by the ocean

Discover the latest creations from the Swiss watchmaking powerhouse Ulysse Nardin with its four new luxury timepieces. inspired by the powerful movement of the ocean, the brand strives for constant innovation in its maritime themed pieces.

Lady Diver The Ulysee Nardin Lady Diver collection has created beautiful timepieces that not only act as fine jewellery, but also reliable diving instruments. In the latest addition to the collection, glamourous touches such as sparkling diamonds meet sophisticated capabilities. This revolutionary timepiece is perfect for activities on land or at sea, proving that sporting ability does not have to come at the expense of luxury. Price: on request

Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar When it comes to watchmaking, simplicity is often hard to achieve. Yet this is what Ulysee Nardin has managed to do with the new Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar, which offers mechanical solutions with surprising purity. Simple and easy to use, the annual calendar on the highly innovative and precise watch only needs to be corrected once a year. Price: 11,900 euros

Diver Chronograph Hammerhead Shark A perfect example of Ulysse Nardin’s innovation, the new and improved Diver Chronograph Hammerhead Shark is now even more powerful. The watch is presented as limited editions in both stainless steel (300 pieces) and rose gold (99 pieces). Both versions sport a nautical style, including a deep blue dial with a signature hammerhead shark motif and regal red accents. Price: on request

Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon With only 18 of these white gold pieces being produced, the Grand Deck Marine Tourbillion is undeniably exclusive. In a proud nod to its maritime roots, the watch’s handcrafted wood marquetry on the dial evokes a ship’s deck, while the original time display replaces the traditional minute hand with a boom drawn by a wire and pulley system. Price: 300,000 euros

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grandeBraderie Saint Tropez’s signature shopping season It’s the shopping event of the year for the French Riviera as its pearl of a village, Saint Tropez, plays host to the annual Grande Braderie. From 28th to 31st October, the boutiques of Saint Tropez take their stores outdoors and on to the streets with extremely reduced prices. Local shops and luxury, designer brands alike take part in this famous sale (all are open from 9am to 7pm), meaning that it presents an excellent opportunity to pick up quality goods from brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Prada at a fraction of the usual price. The Grande Braderie creates a friendly and festival style atmosphere in the streets of Saint Tropez, making it worth a visit even if you are not looking to pick up a bargain. The town will be buzzing with tens of thousands of people, especially as the event coincides with the first weekend of the Toussaint school holidays. These sorts of sales happen in cities and towns all across France, spreading shopping fever throughout the country, but it is with Saint Tropez that the phrase Grande Braderie has become synonymous!  sainttropeztourisme.com

creaTive sTyling Eros Giuliani and Pascal Rolland open Monaco boutique Nice-based hair and beauty stylists Eros Giuliani and Pascal Rolland have launched their innovative beauty and hair care salon at the Columbus Hotel in Monaco. Already present in the city of Nice with the Coiffure Concept by Pascal Rolland on 11 rue Chauvain, the new expansion into the principality makes a turning point for the modern and contemporary brand, who will also open five more salons in the Côte d’Azur during 2017. The ‘global and dynamic’ approach of the two unique stylists allows their clients to access an extensive range of treatments, from hair care and beauty products to tattoos, wellbeing exercises and massage.

sTyle

ToP marques monaco Haute horlogerie at the Hotel Hermitage Between Thursday 29th September and Saturday 1st October, Monaco will play host to the second edition of Top Marques Watches. The event, which takes part in Hotel Hermitage’s Salle Belle Époque, exhibits rare and luxury timepieces from the world’s most prestigious brands and exciting new collections from promising industry newcomers. After a successful launch event last year, Top Marques Watches is back for another year with an extra date due to increased demand and is the sole horlogerie event of its kind in the principality. A number of brands will be returning to the show this year having exhibited their products successfully during the inaugural edition such as Swiss horologer Franck Muller and Monegasque designer Elena Sivoldaeva. Several new brands have also committed to this year’s show including Maison DeWitt Watches, a company set up by a direct descendant of Emperor Napoleon, and Design Desire, and up-and-coming Austrian-Swiss jewellery brand. The event is open to the public, allowing watch lovers and art connoisseurs alike to browse collections from the world’s top brands in the intimate and relaxed atmosphere of the historic luxury hotel. It has been organised in association with the Edmond Rothschild group and will be held during the Monaco Yacht show, which welcomes over 30,000 people to the principality.  topmarqueswatches.com

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gourmeT

testimonies to natives of the region and the Ligurian building trade. It is estimated that these terraces include some 100 million cubic metres of rock. The white Vermentino grape, a 14th century import from spain, is also very at home here, drawing its strength from the lime-rich soil and adorning the landscape from Diano Castello to Cipressa and san Lorenzo.

Taste & technique

ligurian wine in The limelighT For many years, Ligurian cuisine has been focused on the fresh ﬁsh, oil and olives of the region. its wines weren't of much interest to me until one night at the dinner table when a glass taught me better.

Photo CASA LUPI’S MASSIMO FOLLOWS THE FAMILY TRADITIONS OF WINEMAKING IN HIS NATIVE REGION

Casa Lupi keeps it in the family By susanne aLTweger-mineT

was desperate to meet the creator of this authentic flavour and drove to the romantic village of Pieve di Teco in the mountains above san remo to seek out Massimo Lupi. When I asked for an interview, he initially turned me down, simply saying, “I have wine to make.” but over a bottle of the golden Petraie riviera Ligure di Ponente, this busy man let me into his world as he shared his philosophy and vision for Casa Lupi. In 2011, Massimo took over the family winery business that his father Tommaso had founded in the 1960s. right from the start, the goal was to produce the indigenous grape varietals of the Ligurian region at the highest level and quality. That vision is still very much a part of Casa Lupi, which continues to progress yearon-year. Massimo, as his father did before him, hopes to move Ligurian wine away from the shade of its famous neighbour, Piedmont, and into the limelight. Massimo enthusiastically talks about the excellent soil of Liguria, which ranges up to an altitude of 1,300 metres and benefits from all the powers brought by the Mediterranean sea. This characteristic note can be compared to the wines of sardinia. The Pigato vines of Casa Lupi’s white wine thrive in abundance on all of the terraces around Albenga, themselves living

The long-standing varieties, so deeply rooted in the native soil, are produced to various levels of quality through vinification and maturation. Massimo and his creative team, including his ever supportive wife sara, are open to experimentation and exploration. He tells me that his Pigato riviera Ligure di Ponente is bottled after four to five months and, despite being a young wine, it is surprisingly elegant with wonderful fresh notes. Another wine is the Vignamare Colline del savonese, which is made using grapes from vines of an average 50 years in age. After the first fermentation - 85% in stainless steel tanks and 15% in new barriques - the wine is transferred for 24 months refinement on lees. This method gives the Vignamare scents of apricot, sandalwood, vanilla and roasted almonds. In the mouth, it unfolds full and fresh with balanced flavour. I was somewhat surprised to learn that the serving temperature should be around 16 degrees Celsius. Massimo says this allows the flavours to reach their best in proportion with the human body temperature. The Ormeasco grape, the greatest passion of the estate and the oldest red grape in Liguria, is grown on terraces 800 metres above sea level in Pornassio in the Ligurian province of Imperia. Discover it in the leading wine produced from this grape, the braje Ormeasco di Pornassio superiore, a deep red, full bodied wine that earns its characteristic aroma through biennial storage in trusty, oak barrels.

Passion passed from father to son Massimo’s passion for wine was imbued in him from a young age by his father. It would go on to inspire him to study at the scuola Enologica di Alba, a wine school in Alba, and acquire the skills needed to run a wine business. This father-to-son heritage has been immortalised by Massimo in a wine dedicated to his father, Passiu da Vinsa, a Trockenbeerenauslese (a German language wine term for a medium to full body dessert wine made from grapes left to dry on the vine and thus affected by noble rot). Massimo follows the traditional Ligurian process, allowing the grapes a year to dry amongst river reeds before two years in the cask. Casa Lupi’s successes have also brought new economic challenges. Previously, the winery produced 160,000 bottles per year, but there is increased demand today. With the addition of numerous new sites, the acreage of Casa Lupi has been considerably enlarged, but the vines need six to 10 years to provide a good quality grape leading to a significant wait for Massimo. He sells much of his wines to the Italian market, but Casa Lupi has a well-established history of export to the uK, Hong Kong, singapore, new york, and more locally in Monaco. Tastings can be arranged by appointment at the family’s wine cellar in Pieve di Teco.

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le comPToir culTure cook-off  LEs sOIréEs GOurMAnDEs ET MusICALs OF du caviar VILLEnEuVE LOubET  WOrLD CLAss DELICACy In CAnnEs

ake a slice of cooking, a pinch of music and a dash of performers, and you have the unusual yet intriguing Les soirées Gourmandes et Musicals. From 23rd to 24th september, nighttime in the town of Villeneuve Loubet - the birthplace of revolutionary French chef Auguste Escoffier - will become an all-out environment of creativity and improvisation. between 7pm and midnight at the Pôle Culturel Auguste Escoffier, leading local chefs and plethora of artistes will come together for two extraordinary evenings, which are completely free for the public. The objective of this event is to create an association between gastronomy and the world of art by having different types of artists, such as comedians,

n the heart of a city renowned worldwide for its glamour and sophistication, a brand new caviar boutique has opened its doors: Le Comptoir du Caviar. This French institution has chosen the historic Le suquet neighbourhood for the launch of its first shop in the south of France and from 5th september, appreciators of this luxurious delicacy will be able to sample and purchase the caviar and fish eggs delights of Caroline and Philippe Chauvin, who have been international purveyors since 1991. “At the time, this precious product still came from wild sturgeon, mainly from the countries bordering the Caspian sea: Iran, russia, Kazakhstan…” say the couple. “but very soon, it became obvious that overfishing would lead to the decline of wild caviar so we diversified our activity into salmon, trout and lumpfish roe.” They now offer an extensive range of high-end produce in addition to their sumptuous Oscietre caviar, including their trademark tarama, smoked salmon, smoked cod roe, and the tongues of Chilean sea urchin. Encouraging their clients to sample the goods themselves prior to purchase is an integral part of the service offered by Le Comptoir du Caviar and the team has created a distinctive lunchtime degustation menu that can be enjoyed at the shop, as a takeaway and even delivered: breton lobster (35 euros), shelled and grilled King crab (35 euros), baked egg cocotte with caviar (26 euros) or even the intriguing sea urchin tongue, which the team recommend with toast or as an addition to a fish-based sauce or recipe. All are served with a glass of wine from the cellars of Parisian restaurant Taillevent, with whom Le Comptoir du Caviar works closely. riviera Insider too will be collaborating with Le Comptoir du Caviar in the coming weeks with a degustation at our Monaco yacht show event. Discover these pearls of heavenly flavour for yourself at 6 rue du Docteur Pierre Gazagnaire. 

musicians and pottery artists, on stage with the chefs while they prepare their food. While a chef cooks a meal with a certain theme, an artist will have to do a performance of their work along the same theme to emphasise how both cooking an art can be used as a form of expression. The festival will also allow the public to perfect their cooking practices by taking part in workshops that reveal some of a chef’s secrets. Conferences and debates will be organised so that the public have the chance to have any gastronomic questions answered. restaurants and other institutions in the town will be getting involved too with a range of concerts and degustations planned. 

chez umi

 FusIOn DInInG In nICE POrT rom the sushi shops of Cannes to the haut gourmet Asian restaurants of Monaco, there’s no denying the popularity of eastern cuisine in our corner of the Mediterranean. yet instead of relying on the tried-and-tested, crowd-pleasing favourites of Asiatic dining, uMI in the port of nice is taking a different approach with a fresh, new menu of French-Asian fusion and a lively atmosphere that will take you straight from after work drinks to dinner and dancing. In the early evening, guests heading down to the port following a busy day in the office can enjoy drinks on the terrace with a light entrée such as Label rouge salmon marinated in tangy citrus juices (18 euros), chef Kazu’s nigiri sea bass sushi (five euros a pair) or an octopus salad with saffron potatoes (14 euros). The restaurant’s in-house chef is a sushi maestro with a flair for creativity – platters are generous both portion and flavour. A 24 piece serving platter (six sashimi, eight nigiri and 10 California rolls) costs 35 euros, the 32 piece dish is 49 euros and a vast 48 piece order comes in at 68 euros. uMI mains demonstrate the restaurant’s quirky fusion direction with Mediterranean-caught tuna with salmon in a tataki style (21 euros), yuzu-caramelised fillet of cod with wok-fried vegetables (26 euros), teppanyaki beef fillet with perfumed rice (29 euros). Desserts too offer a surprising range of textures and aroma: Japanese mochi cake with green tea, mango and litchi or the freshly made strawberry tiramisu (both nine euros). At the bar, uMI mixologists are more than happy to whip up your cocktail of choice, but we’d recommend forgoing the standard mojito and instead sampling one of uMI’s signature drinks such as the uMI honey - a white rum blend of Acacia

honey, lime, orange juice and fleur d’oranger – or the vodka, elder-berry, hibiscus and rose-infused uMI flower, both for 13 euros. The restaurant may have only opened recently, but its cool de-meanour, generous portions and enviable location overlooking the port have already won uMI a legion of fans among nice’s trendy community. The interior has a pared-back, unfussy style with low lighting and a welcome amount of space between tables. As the night draws on, these tables and the seating will gradually be moved to the fringes of the room to allow for dancing to the music of uMI’s own DJ. In addition to the evening service from 7pm to 11pm (and sometimes later) on Tuesdays through to saturdays, uMI is also open for lunch between noon and 2pm. 

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Business

cĂ´Te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;azur crisis uniT Pushes for Tourism iniTiaTives One million euros pledged to tackle 30% drop in tourism By hannah James

n the wake of the bastille Day attack in nice, a crisis unit has been put together to attempt to reduce the impact of the tragic event on the CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism industry. soon after the attack, mayor of Cannes and president of the ComitĂŠ rĂŠgional de Tourisme David Lisnard met with 30 representatives from the most influential organisations in the CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur to talk through any solutions and possible initiatives. The group, which brings together local mayors, representatives from the CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur airports and the Chambre de Commerce et dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Industrie, is supporting the ongoing work of the Tourism Office and the CongrĂ¨s de nice as they try to establish a range of

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initiatives that will improve the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public image following the attack that killed 86 and injured hundreds more. With a focus on communication and marketing, the goal is to help the area regain its image as a popular summer destination. On Friday 12th August, the crisis unit was granted a budget of one million euros after the CrT presented its plan to rectify the 25-30% drop that has occurred since the attacks. Among other strategies, they plan to use hotels, restaurants and airlines such as Lufthansa and France Air to spread a positive image of the Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azur to the international market and to show that the area is as ready as ever to welcome in tourists.

several strategies to improve the CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image have already been approved for action, such as promotion campaigns on main television channels and radio. A last minute reservation scheme with snCF has been extended, giving people good travel deals to the area. Professionals and locals are asked to use #CotedAzurnow

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when posting on social media so that they can share their positive image of the area with the world, exhibiting its beauty, patriotism and welcoming nature. Atout France, a marketing agency that promotes France, will put a specific focus on the area in their international campaigns. ď&#x201A;ť

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Time for ProPerTy TaxaTion Who pays what and when?

taxe d’habitation is paid by the occupier, the taxes foncières by the owner of the property. These taxes are used by the local authorities to fund their regional expenses such as roads and schools.

Taxe d’habitation

he end of the year is approaching and you will soon receive the French local property taxes: taxe d’habitation and taxes foncières. both taxes apply to residents and non-residents - they are sent annually and must be paid by a specific date otherwise you will have to pay a 10% penalty. The difference between these two taxes is the person who is liable for them. The

Taxe d’habitation is a residence tax. you have to pay it if you own or rent a property and live in it yourself on the 1st of January each year. However, if you rent it out longterm, it is the tenant who has to pay the tax. The amount of the tax is based on the theoretical rental value of the property called ‘valeur locative cadastrale’, but it may rise by 20% for unoccupied homes in high demand areas (as is the case on the French riviera in some towns). some exemptions and reductions exist, depending on the age or taxable income of the occupier for example if you have children or are in the midst of major renovation work on the property that make it impossible to live in. The tax demand is due in november or December. If you prefer, you can choose to pay by monthly instalments.

Taxes foncières This is a land tax, divided in two parts: tax on buildings (propriétés bâties) and tax on land (propriétés non bâties). The tax payment date is typically in October. The responsibility to pay the tax falls on the person who was the owner of the property on 1st January that year. If you sell a property, this tax is split between the buyer and the seller by the notary dealing with the sale, and if the property you buy is a new building, you may be exempted from this tax for two years. It is very important to inform the authorities about any changes (like the building of a swimming pool for example) as this will have an impact on the value and consequently on the amount of the due tax. It can be useful to check this figure before buying a property! both taxes can be very different and vary substantially according to the local authorities, and also if you are a French tax resident or not. If you have any questions concerning these taxes you should go personally to your local Centre des Impôts Fonciers. The address is written on your tax notice.

A 5 residential care home

AT THE PORT OF MONACO

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

EVO’S SCHOOL REINVENTS BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL children ages 2 to 11 individualised and positive teaching approach developed from the latest learning processes and the best practices observed in other countries. the most innovative and eﬃcient tools high academic requirements and rigour core subjects taught in the morning; theatre, dance, music, yoga and sports taught in the afternoon (in english)

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

Business

development of 21st century skills (projects, sciences) school and teaching methods adapted to high intellectual potential and/or dYs children school hours adapted to the parents’ schedule direct access from the motorway exit with a drop-oﬀ parking area english holiday arts: bilingual internships Kid's club on wednesday afternoon (full english)

371, av du 11 novembre | St Laurent Var 06 64 31 26 20 contact@evoschool.fr

www.evoschool.fr

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securiTy

French Riviera’s leading private security company: SRX SrX Commercial Director, Gareth Nesbit, explains how private security has evolved from protecting the high-net-worth community and their villas into something we all have a requirement for in the modern day.

how serious is the threat and has it changed since the recent terrorist attacks? The threat from serious organised crime has been on a steady increase for several years now, and the security situation in France has had an impact on the threat and the way in which private security mitigates these threats. French police and security services are facing a very tough challenge in dealing with the domestic terrorist threat and, rightly so, have redirected a lot of resources at protecting the public and preventing terrorist attacks. With an ever-growing influx of criminals from within the Eu coming to the south of France to take advantage of the vortex left behind by this shift in police focus, the responsibility for providing security now falls more than ever with home owners, private individuals and businesses. so can you protect your clients from terrorism as well? Most of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe have been indiscriminate and targeted random members of the public including woman and children. Generally speaking, becoming a victim of terrorism is simply a case of being in the wrong

The nexT generaTion of PrivaTe securiTy place at the wrong time, but there are certainly ways in which we can reduce the chances of our clients being caught up in a terrorist attack (such as advising them on which public events or transportation to avoid) or should they be unlucky enough to do so, ways in which they can increase their chances of survival (such as awareness training, use of self-defence weapons, escape routes and use of protective blast cover). who are your clients? Whilst our clients have always included royalty, celebrities, high-net-worth individuals and elite sporting teams, gone are the days when private security was exclusive to only the super-rich. now it is accessible to us all, whether that be a simple but effective CCTV system you can monitor from your smartphone or a fourman close protection detail to escort a family. We’re seeing our client list expand all the time with an increasingly diverse range of private and commercial projects. how can you ensure the safety of your clients? The bad guys will always choose the softest target – they don’t want any conflict or to risk being arrested, so if you can demonstrate that you’ve addressed your security requirements, that will more than likely be enough of a deterrent. Our packages ensure that within any specific budget we can provide the highest level of protection possible, with the minimum disruption to a client’s personal lifestyle or business model. who are your staff? Our security personnel are hand-picked for each client according to their skillsets, experience and often, their personality. Most of them come from a background in elite military units or the police, so not only is security second nature to them, but they also have high levels of professionalism, discretion and integrity.

how do your solutions match a client’s specific threat level and budget? There is a security solution for everyone, regardless of budget. In order to ascertain exactly what security is required, we conduct a full security assessment prior to making recommendations. This would normally include a ‘penetration test’ where we play the role of the bad guys and attempt to breach existing security (or lack of it) to identify any weaknesses. This highlights any gaps in your security, which in turn will form the basis of our recommendations in order to close these gaps. what typically would these recommendations be? They would normally be a combination of technical solutions (CCTV, alarms, access control) and physical solutions (security guards, close protection teams, drivers), but we always try and encourage a full security assessment prior to any decision on the type of security to go for – there is no better way of proving to a potential client that they have a weakness than by showing them exactly how the criminals could exploit them. Aside from the threat from criminal gangs here in the Côte d’Azur, the hidden cyber threat is growing at an alarming rate so we are seeing an increase in requests for secure communications and IT. 

SRX provides security solutions to families, their property and business interests throughout the French riviera. To discuss your security requirements, please get in touch via their website www.srx-group.com.

riviera

educaTion

school of The fuTure Class of 2030 at Evo's School “ TIMBER INVE NVESTMENTS RETURNED NED 18%-20% SINCE 2010.” - Th he Economist

aint Laurent du Var has recently become home to an innovative new school that is bringing education into the 21st century. Evo’s school, which opened at the start of september, seeks to allow each individual child to reach their full potential by offering customised lessons to suit each child’s needs. Founder and headmistress of the school stéphanie rogers is a keen advocate of this child-centric approach and does all that she can to ensure that individuality and innovation are prioritised during her lessons. Public schools in France are yet to adapt to the 21st century technological advancements, making some of their teaching practices ‘obsolete’ in the eyes of many of today’s parents and education professionals. With a belief that certain schooling methods ‘only leave children ready for a world which hasn’t progressed since 1886’, stéphanie has made it clear that she wants to make a clean break away from these methods, instead preparing her students for 2030. In order to create well-rounded individuals, afternoons are often dedicated to artistic, sporting or technological activities, with a focus on not only expanding a child’s knowledge, but also their social, emotional and memory skills. In stéphanie’s school, children will be prepared for the world of tomorrow. This means using modern technologies such as laptops and tablets as a part of everyday teaching. While she accepts that technology will never replace humanity and human experience, she believes that it is important to recognise how useful a tool it can be in terms of character building, promoting autonomy and preparing children for the future. At Evo’s school, there

is even an app to help parents track their child’s progress, allowing them to feel more involved with the educational process. As well as using new technologies, the school uses current scientific concepts to improve its methods. stéphanie takes advantage of the knowledge gained through the vast advances in neuroscience over the past 20 years, respecting and mirroring natural brain processes to make for easier learning systems. For example, when a child is young, language learning is a part of their brain chemistry, meaning that they unconsciously do it when picking up their mother tongue and are able to also do this with other languages. Evo’s school takes advantage of this and encourages multi-lingual learning from as young as possible. Evo’s school follows examples from the us, China, Finland and switzerland, where similar methods of independent learningbased teaching already exist. Instead of sticking to a specific program, teachers play a more passive support role. Group work is encouraged and new technologies such as skype are used so that children can interact with other countries around the world. According to stéphanie, this prepares them for the intercultural and multilingual nature of our modern world, and encourages the social skills that they will need for the future. 

Evo’s School Nursery

(2-3 years, 12 children) (3-6 years, 20 children) Primary school (6-11 years, 20 children) evoschool.fr Kindergarten/reception

Stock Market Econominc Un ncertainty Falling Stock Prices

Forestry Investment /ŶŇĂƟŽŶ ,ĞĚŐĞ WŽƌƞŽůŝŽ ŝǀĞƌƐŝĮĞƌ

4711 Yo onge Street, t 10th Floor,, To oronto, Ontario, Canada M2N 6K8 Te el: +1 647 9133 | Fax: +1 416 762 2803 Email: info@ecofor o ests.com Follow us on Faceb book @Ecofo orests ĂŶĚ dǁŝƩĞƌ Λ ĐŽĨŽ ĨŽƌĞƐƚƐ www.ec ecofforests.c ts com

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By saBine sophy, GrEEn PArrOT GArDEns

your private potager in the south of france hroughout my childhood, not only my parents, but also all my aunts and uncles grew fruit and vegetables in their gardens. I wasn't that much into the veggies as a child, but cherries, strawberries, raspberries and pears were my favourites. It was magic; eating fruits directly from shrubs and trees, adorning yourself with ‘cherry earrings’, pulling panicles of red currants through your teeth, making funny faces when eating unripe gooseberries and quickly throwing wormy plums over into the neighbour's garden.

If you own a garden on the Côte d'Azur and you have room to grow something then you too can indulge yourself with a small fruit and veg garden, and regain your childhood's fun. Cultivating fruit and vegetables for yourself will revive your harmony with nature and allows you to get back in touch with a larger creative process. Anyone who has once fetched intensively tasty cherry tomatoes from their own garden will know what I am talking about. The reward for a little effort is not rated with money and therefore it make us happy – and maybe even a little proud.

seven simple steps to creating a beautiful fruit and veg garden

step 1: Plan an automatic micro-drip irrigation system right from the start – you can only go without it if you live down here and you're absolutely crazy about watering every day. Without a carefully scheduled irrigation your fruit and veg will stay measly. If you already own a system, an extension may be necessary. If not, maybe think about a state of the art model that can be managed over the Internet if you are not at home. step 2: Don't choose just any fruit and vegetables for your potager, but grow what you really love to cook with. If you don't love artichokes, don't plant them. If you adore tomatoes then think about planting multiple varieties (e.g. Coeur de bœuf, Green Zebra or Divina) and enjoy the subtle differences. Plant the types of fruit that you like to eat and get some expert advice on choosing the right spot. Avocados and lemons need heat and sun to thrive, delicate raspberries and sorrel on the other hand will welcome some dappled shade. step 3: Please don't try growing fruit and vegetables in normal provençal soil (soaked and washedout in winter and baked to stone in summer). That won't work, seriously. Two magic solutions: raised beds and compost. A raised bed doesn't have to be high, 30cm can be enough. A higher one will be much more comfortable for your back though and you can fit more compost in it as well. your raised bed can be built from natural

stones, or simply put together from wood planks. If you plant in pure, fluffy compost, your plants will happily take root and bring joy to you quickly.

step 4: Make use of the enormous advantage of having your own garden and plant toxicfree. save money by avoiding chemicals and trust in Mother nature's wisdom. biological pest control and mixed cultivation are proved means for a good harvest and healthy plants. Then you can go straight into your garden, pick something and bite right into it. step 5: All woody plants, especially fruit trees, need proper pruning not just chopping. For healthy plants and good results, fruit trees should be kept rather short and opened up on the inside. not only will it be easier to pick the fruit, but you can also check on the plant's health much easier. step 6: Make use of your luck of living in the south and plant what likes to grow here: almonds, apricots, figs, vines, thyme, oregano, sage, lavender, rosemary, basil and rock samphire. Plant an avocado tree; just recently I saw a fully matured specimen in Mougins that was almost bursting from an enormous amount of fruit. you certainly know how incomparable figs taste when they come straight from the tree. Plant vines, you won't regret it – and why don't try a kiwi tree? Please plant at least two trees for most fruit types to have a chance for successful pollination. step 7: Please don't think of me as my own grandma now, but make use of your wonderful vegetables and your beautiful fruits.

It doesn't have to be boring old jelly, try something new: a modern tomato jam, for example, that goes perfectly with cheese, or a chutney from pumpkin and zucchini. For a good confit from shallots or figs your guests will build you a stairway into the heavens and preserved pears are great in winter with venison or chocolate cake. you surely must know how wonderful it is to open up your handmade treasures while outside storms are raging. you will never want to miss this feeling again. Planting and harvesting yourself is also a piece of independence. Arriving in nice in the evening when the shops are closed and it’s too late to go out for dinner, there's the garden from where we bring in some tomatoes and basil. Good olive oil, shallots, garlic and pasta are cupboard staples and before you know it, the tastiest of tomato sauces is simmering in the pan. We can hardly grasp how heavenly it tastes. 

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amid the stocks, bonds and real estate portfolios of the investment industry is a lowrisk, high-return tactic that is turning heads with gathering speed. Timber investment in sustainable forestry is by no means a new type of investment, but its ecological vices - as well as the fact that the demand for timber has never been higher - is making this asset class an intriguing alternative in a world where traditional ‘paper’ investments are looking increasingly unstable.

money can grow on Trees Looking to the forests for long-term investment By eLsa CarpenTer

imber investment is no longer reserved for aristocratic and land-owning families. It’s true that timber prices are steadily growing in line with population growth and demand thus making the land on which trees are grown more valuable, but flexible investment management companies such as EcoForests are making timberland investment far more accessible - and appealing - to a whole raft of different individuals. It may come as a surprise, but those who chose to invest in forests over the past decade have, on average, fared better than others who placed their money in more mainstream investments such as stocks and bonds. In north America last year, eight billion euros was invested in its forests while across the pond, british forests experienced a 400 million euro injection. It’s safe to say that interest and investment is thriving worldwide. EcoForests is one of the companies at the forefront of an industry gathering recognition on the back of improved global awareness of climate change and sapping natural resources. The booming renewable energy market and a desire to behave in a more environmentally conscious manner among HnWIs is also driving timber investment towards, and it is emerging as reliably high-return and low-risk option for investors at all levels. “Our clients are seeing returns of between eight and 20%,” says Michael Ackerman of EcoForests, “most are averaging around 14%. For investors with more patience, the long-term returns are impressive. Those more interested in a quick return can invest short-term, but that can come at a premium. Clients can invest in well-established plantations or consider younger ones that will be commercially viable in 20 years or so. We have a range of diverse investment

invesTmenT

opportunities that can be adapted to each client’s will. There is also the possibility of purchasing the land on which the trees are grown and we, EcoForests, take a mandate to manage and nourish their property.” The business concept grew of Michael’s family investments; they have been involved with timberland for over three decades. now they are acquiring older plantations in south America - Michael was born to parents of European origin in Honduras where he lived until his midteens before moving to Canada - and are buying land on which to begin new ones. Of EcoForests’ 5,000 hectares across Latin America, teak is the most dominant species. These trees are native to southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, but indigenous stocks are almost entirely depleted, with some nations imposing an 80% export ban. “supply is almost nonexistent,” says Michael, “but demand just keeps on rising. Its biggest use is in yachting and other maritime industries - as much as 25km² of teak forest is required just to build the handrails of a cruise liner. Can you imagine what is needed for the decks?” As Michael explains, the natural qualities of teak make it an extremely popular choice: it is resistant to fire, fungus and rot; it is resistant to corrosion when used with metals; and its natural oils protect it from drying in the sun. but these unique characteristics also mean that there is virtually no substitute for teak. “As an investor, there’s little risk involved when investing in teak - the trees will always be there (risks for natural disasters are mitigated by insurance policies) and the value of teak itself has increased by up to 8% in the last decade. you don’t need to market it or even seek out buyers either,” he says, “there are people lining up to buy it! ” Teak has been planted, grown and harvested in Costa rica and Panama, where EcoForests has its plantations, since the 1930s and the hardwood trees currently make up 50% of the company’s forests, with new trees being planted every year. The rest of the plantations are made up of mahogany, grown in Honduras and constituting around 10%, and eucalyptus, which EcoForests grows in uruguay and Argentina. “Everything is operated out of Canada,” says Michael. “The country is a pioneer in sustainable forestry managements and its combination of strong and stable banking and regulatory systems are a comfort to many investors, not to mention the tax benefits. For many of EcoForests’ clients, timber investment is something new or an type of investment they haven’t heard much about. Each year we are seeing more and more interest. Our clients come from around the world, but are predominantly in Europe and the Middle East although we also expanding into Asia. At the moment, we have agency offices or agents in London, Italy, Germany, switzerland, California, Israel and, of course, Monaco.” To speak to Michael and his team about timberland investment, you can head directly to his website for contact information and the address of EcoForests’ closest bureau.  ecoforests.com

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whisPers of The PasT Johnny Depp’s provençal hamlet goes on sale By: eLsa CarpenTer

n 1999, when acclaimed Hollywood actor and musician Johnny Depp visited a hamlet near Plan-de-la-Tour in the hills above saint Tropez, the effect was instantaneous. It was love at first sight. Depp would go on to buy the unique 18th century property - a complete Provençal village - and move in with his ex-partner Vanessa Paradis and their young family. The price he paid for the estate at the turn of the millennium remains a tightly-lipped secret, but it is clear that there was more behind Depp’s acquisition than simple investment. For the man who has always dreamed of playing Hamlet, this historic hameau was a true coup de cœur. In the years that followed the sale, Depp ploughed 10

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WHAT MAKES A LUXURY HAMLET? 37

acres of land of living space Main house Six guest cottages Chez Marceline restaurant Bar areas Professional kitchen Two swimming pools Gym and ﬁtness retreat Painter’s studio Skatepark Olive groves vineyard ancient oak tree copse 1,200m²

million euros into his reverent restoration of the 37acre property. His artistic goal was to bring a sense of 1930s Provence into the property and the interior of the main maison, in particular, is a testament to Depp’s unwavering attention to detail and respect of les années passées: almost all of the period furnishings that bedeck the remarkable home were sourced in the antique markets of the region. beyond the front door of the magnificent stone building with its empyrean, beamed ceilings and traditional wooden windows, lies a sprawling estate that mirrors the individuality and imagination of this notably maverick artiste. It is a place of incredible repute and is alone in its ability to spirit you back to the past. Many of the buildings were constructed at the tumultuous time of the French revolution in 1789 - the

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walls have seen much in their time and even if they have no voice, they absolutely have personality. “When the actor took ownership of this hamlet, it was in relatively good condition,” explains Michaël Zingraf, who has been given the mandat for the sale along with rick Hilton of Hilton & Hyland, both of whom are exclusive affiliates of Christie’s International real Estate. “Despite this, he wanted to reinvent it stone by stone, adding his own personal vision.” The main house is complimented by six guest or staff cottages - including one converted from the hamlet’s former chapel - taking the tally of accommodation up to 15 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. Creating the perfect entertainment space seems to have ranked highly for the 53-year-old actor and father of two as he also recast one of the other stone outbuildings into a private restaurant, Chez Marceline, that comes complete with a professional kitchen. Among Depp’s more modern installations is an amazing wine cellar that Zingraf is keen to point out to clients as many of the precious wines will be part of the sale. bar and al fresco relaxation areas dot the property that includes two stunning swimming pools - one enclosed by the exquisite stone walling that dominates the estate and a mass of lush vegetation, and the other a larger beach-style pool circled by soft sand. If languishing by the water’s edge isn’t high tempo enough, there’s also a fitness suite and a skatepark for those hoping to sweat out the previous night’s indulgences. The painter’s studio - “A favourite of Johnny Depp’s” - is a wondrous place too in which to unwind and be inspired or you can take an easel outside, wander through the ancient oak tree copse, vineyard and olive groves to find a seat amongst the verdure. “Homes of this calibre seldom come to market,” says Zingraf. “Legacy properties of this stature are next to impossible to find - Plan-de-la-Tour is unquestionably one of the most unique estates on the market.” Extraordinarily, much of the décor will remain behind in the hamlet following the sale along with many other treasured possessions of the Pirates of the Caribbean star. From furniture to artwork on the walls and in the studio, books and musical instruments. not only is the property itself a rare commodity, but along with becoming the future owner of this simply beautiful place, the buyer will also gain an exclusive insight into the life of this famously private man. “The inhabitants of Plan-de-la-Tour have always been respectful of the privacy of the property belonging to [Depp], who has managed to organise and protect the environment of his property unwaveringly,” says Zingraf. “Moreover, Johnny Depp would like the purchase of his property to occur by virtue of mutual love at first sight. The buyer must be able to project themselves into the artistic vision of the actor,” he adds, noting that the property has been designed to be an open-air dedication to craftsmanship. “It is certainly no ordinary property, but a work of art.”  michaelzingraf.com

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visitors to the private viewing of L’Impressionnisme dans les Pierres Précieuses at Monégasque bank CFM indosuez Wealth Management were transported into a world of vivid colour and intrigue.

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looking inside a diamond’s soul Gemologist Djieﬀ discovers a new art form By peTra haLL

or almost two decades, belgian gemologist Djieff – a pseudonym – inspected and probed the opals, emeralds and rubies of famous auction house Christie’s. In his career as a gem expert working in Monaco, brussels and Paris, Djieff became more than wellacquainted with precious stones and their marvel, but around five years ago, he began to become more curious about what lies beneath their solid façade. More than simple intrigue, Djieff’s innocent interest would see him discover a new art form and a new form of expression. Equipped with a camera and a microscope, he explored the unknown inside, the soul, of valuable diamonds. He delved into a captivating world, which he magnified up to 220 times, full of mesmerising colours and light. “It’s about raw, true beauty,” said Djieff, who has lived in Monaco for 25 years. “I don’t use any photo editing software and spend many hours adjusting the photographs by hand.” Djieff’s creations were the perfect choice for Indosuez CEO of CFM Indosuez Wealth Management Gilles Martinengo, whose enthusiasm clearly showed on the launch night: “It’s stunning what you subjectively perceive in Djieff’s art. His works are innovative, which perfectly matches our philosophy.” 

Main photo A MAN IN LOVE Top right photo LIKE A FISH IN WATER bottom right photo GILLES MARTINENGO AND DJIEFF (RIGHT)

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An interview with Geneviève Berti By eLsa CarpenTer

Strong-willed, determined and extremely capable, Monacoborn Geneviève Berti has been progressively rising through the ranks for more than a decade. Now she is poised to the lead of the communications strategy of this famously private nation as the principality enters a new phase of dialogue with the outside world. in an exclusive interview with riviera insider, Geneviève reveals her plans for the future and her thoughts on Monaco’s place in the ever-changing global landscape.

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The new face of monaco Riviera Insider: geneviève Berti, you have just been appointed the Director of Communications for monaco. Congratulations! This will certainly be an excellent opportunity for you personally and your career, but it will also undoubtedly bring many challenges and lots of responsibility. what will be your main roles? Geneviève Berti: This is a big change indeed and not only for me, but also for the wider communication strategy of the Monegasque government. It would be very difficult to explain all of the elements involved in a managed communications campaign, but essentially we ensure the right message is received by the right person through implemented media relations. We organise: press releases and communiqués; press visits and appearances; the management of our governmental and ministerial Twitter platform; the development of a press contacts file; and a daily press review. We manage the government’s public relations and, in particular, organise consultations with important partners in the principality. We provide support – financial, human resources, media planning, and communications – for local bodies and events, and also accompany them beyond the borders [of Monaco]. Our team is responsible for the running and implementation of communications between the government and the public, and we are involved in the development of tools for the dissemination of public information – TV, social media, and, in particular, Monaco Channel. RI: The principality has, for a long time, had the reputation of not communicating enough with the outside world. will there be any changes with you in charge? GB: This is the challenge of our age: how to exist in a world where everyone has a lot to say. We are conscious of the increasing number of TV channels and the emergence of social media, which has completely changed the playing field. Today, we have to live in the present and exist beyond the ‘news’. Our communications strategy is therefore guided by our knowledge of the world, its evolution and its challenges, and by what we have to say in it. RI: as one of the smallest nations in the world, what are the subjects on which you would like to better communicate? GB: Value isn’t built on age, just as importance and intelligence have nothing to do with size. Monaco works and plans with (and speaks and listens to!) global talents on a range of topics that our sovereign prince has

Photo AFTER WORKING HER WAY UP THROUGH THE COMMUNICATIONS RANKS OF THE PRINCIPALITY, GENEVIÈVE BERTI NOW HOLDS THE REINS OF THE DIRECTION DE LA COMMUNICATION

decided to focus on: climate change, the environment, sustainable development, preservation of the world’s oceans, tax transparency, ethics, education, sport as a driver of development and peace, and the larger objectives of the united nations for ensuring the future of our planet. RI: you are monegasque by birth, but have also spent a number of years working in Brussels. what is your opinion on monaco’s position in the world today? GB: The principality is a European country: modern, contemporary and politically stable. The important steps we are taking now, notably concerns towards creating better tax transparency and the launch of ascension negotiations with the European union, demonstrate the strength of our sovereignty and the will of Prince Albert II to position our nation alongside those who look to the future with confidence and determination. RI: how would you describe a typical ‘day at the office’? who is your official boss and how many people do you work with? GB: The Direction de la Communication is directly beneath the authority of the Minister of state. Each morning, the day begins with the daily press review and a briefing by the state secretary [serge Telle] and his colleagues. We discuss the important subjects of the day, prioritise and define our objectives. We are more than 40 in number – civil servants, state agents, and service providers – and all work together using our own savoir-faire to achieve our missions. We also produce the daily news bulletin Monaco Info. The day is punctuated by daily tasks and deadlines – we are frequently in touch with each area of the administration, which helps us to produce the correct materials. RI: what are your objectives for the next five years? GB: Monaco will reclaim its voice on the world stage by defending the values it holds dear. We will be nothing but ourselves, after all, who can do that better than us?

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infochanTiers.mc Online portal into Monaco’s changing skyline inister for Infrastructure, Environment and urban Living Marie-Pierre Gramaglia has launched a new website mapping Monaco’s many construction and building sites. The online platform identifies all ongoing private and public building sites as well as the disruptions they may cause: diversions for pedestrians and drivers, increased noise levels, and visual and environmental impact. The goal of infochantiers.mc is to improve public awareness of construction operations and provide in-depth information on the expected length of projects, building legislation in the principality and the affiliated disturbances they can cause to

Tickets to the Big Top Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo icket sales to the highly anticipated Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo have commenced. Taking place from 19th to 29th January 2017, this is a sell-out event so early bird reservations are highly recommended! Tickets can be bought online

(montecarlofestival.mc, francebillet.com and fnac.com), by telephone on +377 92 05 23 45, and by letter or in person at 5 Avenue des Ligures (open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm). you can also go direct to the ticket sales booths at the Chapiteau de l'Espace Fontvieille. 

okToBerfesT aT café de Paris Bavarian beer and German culture ear after year, Monaco’s unique celebrations of the famous German event Oktoberfest go down very well with the public. Following on from the phenomenal success of the 10th festival of its kind in the principality in 2015, Café de Paris will once again play host to the event. Last year’s unforgettable celebration included a marching band on Casino square and a beautiful horse drawn carriage from which Prince Albert II and the event organiser Tonio Arcaini emerged. With 425 people attending the opening day alone, the event was an extremely successful celebration of German culture. This year’s festivities will be no less traditional, with a mass of

genuine bavarian dishes and beer from Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world. For the 11th year running, the band Echt Guat will be entertaining the crowds with their upbeat music that even the prince hasn’t been able to resist dancing along to. Entrepreneur Tonio Arcaini first launched this traditional event in 2005 with the enthusiastic consent of Monaco’s ruler and has been the organiser every year since. The event is held with the support of Arcaini’s company T.A. Distribution, as well as the société des bains de Mer and the Weihenstephan brewery.  For reservations, call +337 98 06 36 36

residents. The legal hours of public and private construction, for example, are listed (8am to noon and 1pm to 8pm on week days, 9am to 1pm on saturdays) as well as explanations for works that are exempt from the rules, such as urgent matters linked to public safety: gas, water, electricity, and sanitation. users of the site are also able to access information on Monaco’s ‘Grand Travaux’ - large scale projects - from land reclamation and the extension of Port Hercules to the new Princess Grace Hospital site, urban Project Pasteur, residential development Operation Testimonio II, Hôtel de Paris upgrades, and the redevelopment of the sporting d’Hiver area. infochantiers.mc 

full Tax TransParency from 2018 onaco and the Eu have signed a momentous new tax transparency agreement under which the principality will automatically share information on the financial accounts of its residents from 2018. The move is set to broaden Monaco’s conformity to the new global standards of tax transparency. The agreement, which began in February but was formalised on 12th July, means that the Eu and Monaco will automatically exchange the names, addresses, tax identification numbers, and dates of birth of residents with accounts in the other jurisdictions, along with other financial information such as account balances, from 2018 onwards. European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Pierre Moscovici, said at the signing, “Today’s agreement reinforces Monaco's commitment to international tax transparency standards. The Eu and Monaco

have today sent a clear, joint signal: we are allies when it comes to tax transparency and allies in the fight against international tax avoidance and tax evasion.” The agreement aims to put an end to tax evasion, ensuring that both the Eu and Monaco will be ‘better equipped to detect and pursue tax evaders’, who will now be unable to hide income and assets in financial institutions abroad. Monaco’s Minister of state, serge Telle, said, “This accord is a firm signal to Eu member states that they must remove Monaco from their list of ‘discriminatory’ nations. I would like to highlight the fact that Monaco is the only European third country to be fully integrated into the European customs territory.” similar agreements have been signed with Andorra, Liechtenstein, san Marino, and switzerland, but among Europe’s ‘tax haven nations’, Monaco is now leading the way in the fight against tax evasion. 

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 500 yEArs OF MusIC

une rencontre in monaco Jean and Danièle LorenziScotto exhibition

he dual works of Jean and Danièle Lorenziscotto are to be celebrated in Monaco with a retrospective exhibition that allows the public to discover the couple’s life’s work. The exhibition, which is entitled ‘une rencontre’, will run from 19th October until 16th november in the salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine 1er. Over 200 works of art will be displayed in the exhibition including, drawings, engravings and graphic designs. Danièle scotto was born in Monaco in 1936, but moved away to spend time studying art in Florence. In 1961, she returned to her homeland and it was here that she met and married Jean Lorenzi, who was born in the principality in 1916. As well as their day jobs – Danièle worked as the headmistress of the Ecole Municipale des Arts Décoratifs in Monaco and Jean was a practising lawyer - the pair worked together on artistic creations until Jean tragically died in 1989. Danièle has continued to create and produce, but her work has been forever touched by the death of her longtime love and co-collaborator. In terms of artistic style, the couple had their differences. Danièle conveys her desire for simplification with her stylistic expression, focusing on simple lines and the effects of light. Although Jean had mastered

many different drawing tools, such as crayon, pastel and charcoal, it was ink that remained his favourite as it allowed him to create spontaneous and authentic drawings. In the later years of his life he experimented with engraving, using everything from copper to acrylic as his canvas. The exhibition, which was envisioned by Lidia Carrion and organised by the Direction des Affaires Culturelles de Monaco, emphasises the huge role that art and literature played in both Jean and Danièle’s lives. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of pieces by the couple, exploring the different styles and mediums they employed to create their works of art. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge. Call +377 98 98 83 03 for further information. gouv.mc

cannes-Paca orchesTra PresenTs uPcoming Programme The regional Orchestra of CannesProvence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is preparing to explore over 500 years of music history during its eventful 2016/2017 season. The upcoming season will see 18 soloists and 11 guest conductors welcomed into the orchestra’s ranks, and will include a wide range of different types of music. The planned concerts range in style, from classical music to jazz to contemporary baroque. Although the official start of the season is not until 16th October, there are several events to be taken advantage of before this date. For example, the beaulieu Classic Festival, the Festival d’Art sacrée in Antibes and the Fête du Port Canto in Cannes will all feature the orchestra. The 37member orchestra will start their official season under the direction of guest conductor György G. rath with a concert on 16th October. serbian guest soloist nemanja radulovic will be a guest soloist at this concert,

which sees the classical music of beethoven and schubert on the programme. Created in 1975, the Orchestra of Cannes-PACA has always been very important to the Côte d’Azur’s music scene. Every year they offer nearly 100 concerts at venues on the French riviera and also during tours around countries such as brazil, China and America. This new season will see the appointment of a new Chief Conductor after the departure of Wolfgang Doerner, who has led the orchestra for the past three years. The orchestra prides itself on the accessibility of its work, travelling to schools, hospitals and prisons to perform. To inspire children to get involved with orchestral music, the orchestra organised special events such as on 22nd October where nicolas André will lead the Orchestra in a performance of Peter Pain in the Auditorium des Arlucs. 

orchestre-cannes.com

O ktoberfest 14 > 23

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PLACE DU CASINO I T. +377 98 06 36 36 I # CA F E D E PA R I S M C I @ CA F E D E PA R I S M O N T E CA R LO I M O N T E CA R LO -A P P S .C O M

# M Y M O N T E CA R LO

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enchanTing illusTraTions from The french riviera Discover the colourful world of Cat Caroﬀ By hannah James

She’s a talented illustrator with an abundance of other skills to offer, so if you don’t already know about Cat Caroff then maybe it’s time to find out…

Photos FaBien prauss

er charming watercolour characters capture the personality of the modern day woman and entertain us with their words. Despite the lightheartedness of her work, Cat Caroff’s past collaborations with big brands such as Galeries Lafayette and fashion brand COs prove that she is an artist to be taken seriously. Cat spent her childhood by the sea - just not the warm waters of the Mediterranean that we all know and love. born in saint Malo, a port city on the English Channel, she stayed in northwest France until she left to study graphic design in Paris. After her degree, she worked with advertising agents in Paris and Marseille, which gave her the opportunity to further embrace her creative side and build up a strong network. Looking to settle someplace that would inspire her work, she then moved to nice as a graphic designer and independent illustrator, where she has now been living for over 20 years. Over a coffee at nice’s Comptoir Central Electrique, Cat tells me that her love of living in nice stems from its beautiful setting and the relaxed mindset of the locals. sitting outside the café, looking out onto the little side streets of nice basking in the mid-morning sunshine, it’s not hard to see why so many artists have historically chosen to call this city home. she explains how the proximity of the mountains to the beach gives the area a sense of freedom as it

means that so many different activities are possible. As the conversation turns to her work, it’s clear to see that Cat has a real passion for what she does. she describes her style as flirty and feminine, with a focus on the contemporary woman. Her fauvist use of nonnaturalistic colour sets her apart from other illustrators, with several of her artworks created using one tone, usually green or red. The characters that she creates using watercolours are allowed to interact with their audience through the funny quotes that they are presented with. Interestingly, despite the feminine nature of her drawings, Cat gets just as many male customers as female. she prides herself on the fact that her artwork is also accessible to people of all ages, allowing her a wide target audience. Although most of Cat’s work is done on paper, she doesn’t dismiss any opportunity to paint elsewhere, including on walls, purses and even people. you can even find her little characters on lampshades in babalux, a lighting shop in nice. she has also created posters for children’s theatre shows and illustrations for children’s books, working with publishing houses such as Editions Gilletta and Editions du ricochet. Although these two projects necessitated more solid characters and in-depth backgrounds than her usual work, Cat’s style still manages to shine through, retaining the unique magical edge to her drawings. In addition to her love of art, Cat has also developed a love of teaching. she enjoys teaching painting to adults

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“I TAKE GrOuPs TO sOME OF My FAVOurITE PLACEs TO bE InsPIrED by My FAVOurITE VIEWs; I Try TO EnCOurAGE OrIGInAL IDEAs In OrIGInAL PLACEs.”

Main photo CAT AT HER DESK IN NICE Top left photo GETTING CREATIVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Top right photo HER WORK IS FUN AND FREE-SPIRITED, EARNING HER FANS OF ALL AGES

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and children in nice on a regular basis: “I find great happiness in watching my students learn.” she also organises frequent ‘stages Aquarelles’ - four day watercolour painting courses that are designed to inspire creativity in both beginner and experienced painters: “I take groups to some of my favourite places to be inspired by my favourite views; I try to encourage original ideas in original places.” As well as her artistic pursuits, Cat has plenty of other hobbies to keep herself occupied. she became involved with nice’s performing arts scene as soon as she moved to the city in order to meet new people. she is currently preparing to perform in ‘Mais qui a hérité de Mr. Georges’ at nice’s Théâtre de L’Eau Vive, which runs between september and november. she also tries to travel as much as possible, having been on hiking holidays in exotic destinations such as Costa rica, Thailand and réunion. Given her love of colour, it does not come as a surprise that a trip to the Holi festival of colour in either nepal or India is on her wish list of future travel destinations. Closer to home, Cat’s favourite travel destinations on the French riviera are the beautiful communes of Èze and saint Jean Cap Ferrat. With plans to delve further into the world of body painting and a desire to get involved with wedding planning, it doesn’t look as if Cat’s creativity is going to diminish any time soon. Happy in the knowledge that she will continue to entertain us with her characters and their words, we’re looking forward to seeing what comes next. For information concerning Cat’s work or to sign up to one of her watercolour courses, you can visit her website. 

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sTriving for diviniTy Bernard Bezzina leaves his mark on Saint Tropez By peTra haLL Photos marCeL LoLi

Centre photo A WHITE BRONZE HAND REACHES FOR THE SKIES ABOVE THE PORT OF SAINT TROPEZ bottom photo BEZZINA’S BRONZE FOOT IN THE TOWN’S PLACE GARMMONT Far right photo THE ARTIST HIMSELF: BERNARD BEZZINA

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hose meandering saint Tropez’s streets this summer will have no way of missing out on bernard bezzina’s five monumental bronze sculptures. Hands, feet, shoulders and fists radiate both power and fragility - an intriguing combination that draws large crowds, among them many a celebrity. The Toulon-born artist enjoys seeing children play on his artworks and, in doing so, make them their own: “I love chaste eyes. sometimes I even catch a glimpse of them in adults, who have seen a lot in their lives.” He has become the first French artist to hold his very own exhibition across saint Tropez, in various locations as opposed to in a sole gallery: “Mayor JeanPierre Tuveri asked me three years ago to send him my documents. but I wasn’t ready. now I am! First, however, I had Jean-Pierre come to my studio near Toulon. He had never seen this kind of work and decided where in the city the statues should go. Meanwhile I picked the statues. I wanted to display those embodying protection and strength.” Dark and pervasive eyes, voluptuous mane and beard, bezzina himself has a commanding appearance and an equally impressive life story. until to his 40th birthday, he worked as a chef in his own restaurant.

I LOVE CHAsTE EyEs. sOMETIMEs I EVEn CATCH A GLIMPsE OF THEM In ADuLTs, WHO HAVE sEEn A LOT In THEIr LIVEs.

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He wasn’t just any chef, but was named alongside the likes of Ducasse and robuchon, who count among the best in their field. Creativity and discipline are what fuel bezzina’s artistic endeavours, both in the kitchen and the studio. From an early age, he painted shapes and faces, but in 2004, the time had come to set free his life’s defining passion. bezzina left his career as a chef to dedicate his time to his artwork. The son of a Maltese father and an Italian mother (he is an honorary citizen of the artistic village of Pietrasanta, Tuscany) has never made things easy for himself. “Only when something’s on the move, my mind vibrates,” admits bezzina. His method is to simultaneously work on several sculptures and he never completes more than three based on the same model. by now his pieces are highly sought-after on the international art market; collectors hate to part with them. His take on the art scene? “Often, people over interpret our work. This intellectual masturbation must stop!” At one time, bezzina was searching for an artistic identity and his friend sacha sosno, who died in 2013, advised him: “bernard, you need a distinctive mark, a stamp with your name. you’re a crazy horse, tame your art!” A while later, the famous creator of nice’s tête carrée saw bezzina’s fragmented statues. “Finally, you’ve found yourself,” he cheered. bezzina had carved out his very own technique. Much like a surgeon, he adds lines, cracks and furrows to perfectly smooth sculptures. They represent life’s scars and lend a much deeper artistic identity. Divition, that’s what bernard bezzina calls this method, which is unique to his sculptures. “I wouldn’t leave any marks by doing something that others have done before.” He wants the world to remember him for his work. Forever. And in pursuing that goal, he relentlessly strives to create ‘all-encompassing art’, the fusion of art and existence, of all creative disciplines, of all senses, of the whole universe. “Already when I start to work on a piece, I know it’s impossible to create art total. After all, I’m not god! but still, I keep trying.” Bernard Bezzina’s monumental sculptures can be discovered on the streets of Saint Tropez until 5th October. 

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Christo at the Fondation Maeght

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The arT of The PossiBle By sarah hyDe

t 81 years old, Christo vibrates with energy. He is at the Fondation Maeght for the launch of the next step in his greatest project, Mastaba. 1,076 oil barrels piled in the ancient pyramidical form aren’t exactly what you would expect to find in the beautiful sert courtyard, but Mastaba rises as if in defiance, its bright primary colours dazzling against the azure sky and dominating the space. The word Mastaba refers to the form of an ancient burial mound, a shape that the Christo has been considering for long time - since 1973 to be precise when he and his late wife Jeanne-Claude first visited Abu Dhabi. The Mastaba project, which is explored in the current exhibition, aims to build the largest physical sculpture ever made. The sculpture in this saint Paul de Vence courtyard is a mere model, a trial. The final work is planned to be the same size as bellini’s courtyard and will be the only permanent, lasting work that this artistic collaboration has ever produced. It is fair to say that modesty is not Christo’s issue. As with all of his projects, the process by which the artist is attempting to bring the project to life is an intrinsic part of the art work. Mastaba - whether achieved or not - will be the lasting testament, his greatest work. Christo is keen