The Riviera Times August 2014 by Riviera Press

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

www.rivieratimes.com Issue 149 - August 2014 2.50 e

Taking it to

the streets Chico Bialas at Cannes’ open-air art gallery

Your guide to eating well

The ‘quality’ restaurant labels you SHOULD know

Naughty stories

125 years of legendary moments at Opera Plage

enter & win tickets to

The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra AND the Monaco Yacht Show! Cover photo: Monica Bellucci taken by Chico Bialas R 28055 - 91 - F : 2,50 e

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WELCOME

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Inside this edition... News

Long-last renovation for Russian Orthodox Church News in brief Political column with Julian Nundy

Art & Culture

The Camera Obscura experience in Nice Upcoming season of the MC Philharmonic Orchestra

Monaco

Notice anything different?

Your guide to eating well in the south of France Meet the new manager of the Cannes Mougins Golf Club Montessori comes to Cannes 125 legendary years of the Opera Plage Achieving the unthinkable in Monaco

Property & Finance

Village in the spotlight: Guillaumes 30 million euro investment for Marineland

Events

Gulf of Saint Tropez

Community

Lifestyle

Classifieds

The promised land: Club 55

You will notice that we have initiated a style change for sections of The Riviera Times lately. After seeking the opinions of our readers and advertisers, we figured it was time to give the newspaper a bit of a facelift. And I don't know about you, but I think it looks great! The Riviera Times manages to fall into two categories - newspaper and lifestyle magazine, so we are endeavoring to bring you beautiful, interesting pages. As we evolve to match the expectations of our readers and advertisers, you can be assured of one thing: we will continue to focus on our important role as a source of useful information for expats in the community and for visiting foreigners. Through our printed publication, our weekly email newsletter, daily updated news website, and active Facebook and Twitter pages, we are aiming to satisfy everyone's interest in the French Riviera and Monaco. This is not always an easy task, but we love what we do. Most importantly, we appreciate your continued support, now and into the very bright future.

Special: Riviera Living

The numbers are in and so far, so good Thick skin needed this month at the Marlborough Gallery New direction and more space at the MYS 2014

It's all about art this August

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Your guide to this month's top events and exhibitions

Local clubs and useful information

Listing everything from handymen to villas for sale

NEWS

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Major renovation begins on Orthodox Church Russia funds upgrade of architectural gem

The church has not seen a major renovation since it was completed in 1912

he skyline of Nice’s Parc Imperial neighborhood has undergone a dramatic change in recent days. The golden and turquoise façade of the city’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral has been entirely covered by

scaffolding, and the covering is expected to remain in place for a year and a half before an entirely refurbished cathedral is unveiled. Since the building was completed in 1912, it has never undergone a full

renovation, with some interior decorations never having been completed at all due to the imminence of the Great War. The cathedral, which is the largest example of Russian ecclesiastical architecture outside of Russia, was recently placed in the ownership of the Russian state. The building had been granted to the Nice Russian Orthodox Cultural Association (ACOR) on a 99 year lease in 1907, but the Russian government began proceedings to reclaim it in 2008. ACOR argued that the church was rightfully their property, as the original owners had been the ruling Imperial family, all of whom were killed in the 1919 revolution. The Russian state’s right to ownership however was upheld by the court of Aix en Provence, with ACOR's final appeal denied in July 2013. Russia has since worked closely with ACOR in planning this building work, which will cost the state roughly 14 million euros. The church is one of the most popular sites on Nice’s heritage trail, with almost 150,000 visitors a year. Following renovations the church will be open to the public for free, outside of hours of worship. Elizabeth Brauders

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News in Brief

Riviera and Monaco Visit www.rivieratimes.com, ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive daily breaking news

A SET OF bills presented to French parliament in July could make living on the French Riviera much easier for the expat community. The introduction of two, four, and 10year visas is proposed, which will cut out annoying annual paperwork. The idea of new rights and conditions for asylum seekers was also put forward. Both bills will be debated in parliament before the end of the first semester of 2015. THE FARMERS and livestock breeders of the Alpes Maritimes have found little comfort in edited legislation permitting higher wolf culls, as hunters are having difficulty locating the animals. An annual cull of up to 36 wolves is now permitted. However, permits are a strict requirement as well as special training courses and fluorescent clothing, which is believed to be making them more visible to the wolves. NICE, GRASSE, Sophia Antipolis and Cannes are joining forces to create a haven

EU halves roaming charges The European Commission's Digital Agenda group has placed new maximum caps for mobile roaming fees on network providers in Europe. The new charges are a significant drop from last year's maximum prices. Internet data will now cost only 20 cents per megabyte to download, down from 45 cents. Making a call will be 19 cents a minute as opposed to 24 cents, while receiving a call will cost 5 cents per minute, reduced from 7 cents. Texts will still be free to receive, and the cost of

sending them has dropped from 8 cents to 6 cents. It is also now possible to have a different provider for mobile roaming, without losing your number or usual payment deal. The EU Commission ruling is likely to pave the way for more competition in the mobile industry. The new rules also allow for further alert systems on smart devices, stopping data downloads and warning the user when they are about to go beyond 50 euros or an agreed amount.

for start-up businesses. They are all in the process of requesting the title 'French Tech' Côte d’Azur collective - a government initiative which recognises a region’s potential to lead a new enterprise to maximum profit. If successful, the cities will benefit from a pool of 215 million euros to help support and accelerate the growth of new companies. WORK HAS begun on a nine million euro renovation of the Palais des Festivals. The latest facelift includes an extended glass area, a whole new floor and an interior update. The project is part of a three-year, 22.5 million euro renovation scheme, which began in August 2013. THE NEWEST editions to Eze’s exotic gardens have been officially inaugurated. Closed for over a decade, the northfacing slope has been redesigned into a Mediterranean and subtropical paradise. Over 1,200 plants were chosen as the best of Mediterranean vegetation, and carefully

complemented by tree ferns from New Zealand, lilies of the Nile from South Africa, and Chinese hostas. Two water features were also created. FRANCE HAS been unable to contain the spread of the dreaded tiger mosquito. The potentially harmful insect is defying all preventative measures and continues to advance north from southern regions. France’s health department is maintaining its warning of an increased risk of a tropical disease outbreak this year. JAZZ À JUAN attracted 13.9% more people per evening this year compared to 2013 almost 300 extra sales per concert. Overall, 26,000 people attended the popular jazz festival. Meanwhile, the Nice Jazz Festival saw visitors numbering over 45,000, compared to 37,000 in 2013. Social media presence also soared for the festival with 40% more followers on social media sites Facebook and Twitter.

Jellyfish warning

The pelagia noctiluca jellyfish can sting and cause painful injuries

SWIMMERS BEWARE as the boom in recent years as overpelagia noctiluca jellyfish has invaded Mediterranean waters once again. The stinging jellyfish has become the scourge of swimmers and tourists over the past 10 years, with the summer season regularly disrupted by the mauve stinger. An online database is available at meduse.acri.fr allowing users to locate jellyfish congregations on the Mediterranean coast. Another option to keep tabs on your favourite beaches is the worldwide jellywatch.org, which allows users to directly add their own sighting to an international map. The number of jellyfish in French waters has seen a

fishing removes natural predators in the form of sardines, mackerel, and anchovies, and leaves the water richer in plankton, the jellyfish’s main source of nourishment. Additional ocean pollution by plastic waste has also increased protection for the species’ eggs. As these jellyfish can sting and cause painful injuries, the public has been advised to avoid swimming where the fish have been sighted. If you’re unlucky enough to be stung, the area should be bathed in sea water or vinegar to neutralize the poison. If pain is severe, analgesics such as paracetamol may help.

NEWS

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Political Column

Photos for eternity

by Julian Nundy The Riviera Times’ political commentator in Paris

An opposition in tatters

The photographic works of Chico Bialas, above and cover, can be enjoyed in Cannes this August in four different exhibition spaces

reedom, impertinence, creativity and glamour – this was all expressed by the fashion photographs of the 1980s and 1990s. That’s why they belong in Cannes – or at least that is the view of Marcel Partouche-Sebban, founder and director of the International Festival of Fashion Photography, which is currently taking place in Cannes and runs until 28th August. Around 90 large photos from around the world will be

shown on the Croisette, in the rose gardens, in Palm Beach Casino and in Espace Miramar – four exhibition spaces that will turn the town into an open-air gallery. In 12 years Partouche has succeeded in winning some of the most talented fashion photographers as honorary guests. This time it is the internationally renowned Chico Bialas (cover photo). His sensual, humorous and exotic pictures are simply stunning.

n paper, the reelection of President François Hollande when his five-year term ends in 2017 is all but impossible. Never has a French leader had such low poll ratings for so long. However, a series of scandals and lawsuits sounding the death knell for his main opposition is there to comfort him. Nicolas Sarkozy, whom Hollande ejected from the Elysée Palace in 2012, was well placed to make a comeback until he was taken into police custody for 15 hours in early July for questioning in one of several cases involving alleged financial misdeeds, leading to an investigation for corruption. And the party that propelled Sarkozy to power, the Union for a Popular Movement, or UMP, has been so besmirched by some of those allegations that its very survival is in doubt. A number of politicians including Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, have said publicly that the party could disappear. If it does, it will be an ignominious end to a mainstream grouping that claims its inspiration from Charles de Gaulle, the World War II Free French leader and the 1958 founder of the modern Fifth Republic. Sarkozy, who angrily dis-

missed the charges against him in a television interview as "grotesque" and suggested that the unprecedented decision to detain a former president was politically orchestrated, has said he wants to run for the post of UMP president later this year, further deepening the likelihood of a split. François Fillon, who was Sarkozy's prime minister throughout Sarkozy's 20072012 term, has cautioned against the party leadership being used as a springboard back into the Elysée, raising the prospect that he may lead his supporters out of the UMP if Sarkozy takes it over. And a staggering one third of UMP supporters told pollsters they thought it was time for the party to disband. Investigations into the organisation of Sarkozy campaign meetings in 2012 by the Bygmalion events group under the UMP presidency of JeanFrançois Copé, a bitter Fillon rival, uncovered a system of inflated bills presented by Bygmalion, with the party sometimes paying invoices that should have been covered by official campaign funds. Some senior party figures helped themselves along the way to thousands of euros to

pay for private travel or phone bills. An audit of party finances found that the UMP had paid a 363,615 euro fine levied on Sarkozy arising from his 2012 campaign for spending over the legal limit, which the former president was bound by law to pay in person. The likely disintegration of the party weakens the conservative right as it should have poised itself for a triumphant return in 2017. In all likelihood, those who break away from the UMP will seek alliances with various centrist groupings to attempt a credible comeback before the 2017 election. But an example of how to recover can be found in President Hollande himself. He did not come to the fore as serious presidential candidate until Dominique StraussKahn, the leading Socialist presidential hopeful of the time, fell into disgrace over the alleged assault of a chambermaid in a New York hotel in 2010. The remaining two years proved to be ample time for the Socialist Party to find and field a winning candidate. Now, the remnants of France's conservative right face the challenge of doing the same.

ART & CULTURE

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Camera

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obscura

A Darkroom of emotions at Nice's newest gallery

vision. It formed the very basis of photography. In Jaussein's recently opened Darkroom Gallery in Nice, light illuminates just one photograph at a time, thereby allowing the viewer to experience all the emotion of a photograph without any distraction. At first, it was difficult for this Noiçois native to gain a foothold in his hometown. But following the success of his disturbing works 'D'Ebene et

Marion Cotillard and Russian greats star in OPMC programme

Above: The ‘TurnDownSideUp’ exhibition will be featured at the Darkroom. Right: Dominique Jaussein

ngineer, technical expert for disaster relief, opera photographer and now gallery owner … whatever Dominique Jaussein does, he does well. But his heart, it seems, beats especially for the art of photography. Not the commercial kind, but the ‘camera obscura’ - a device for projecting light onto a flat surface, to obtain a two-dimensional view as close as possible to human

A star surprise

d'Abîme' in New York, it was confirmed to him and his wife Véronique that they can realize their extraordinary concept on the Côte d'Azur as well. According to Jaussein, the Darkroom Gallery will be a cultural meeting place for lesser-known artists to show their skills. But renowned masters of their craft are also invited several times a year. The next exhibition in the Rue Maccaroni gallery runs

until 25th September and features the photographs of Xavier Escalière under the motto 'TurnDownSideUp'.

onaco's Philharmonic Orchestra has released a bustling programme for its next season, with some very impressive guests and more than 60 concerts. Numerous series of performances with different themes have been created, including shows aimed at children, religious music performed in the Church of Saint Charles, and the popular Happy Hour concerts which allow guests to enjoy a cocktail with the musicians after the performance. The orchestra's crowning glory is still undoubtedly the Grande Saison concerts which see full-scale symphonic performances of the philharmonic's most impressive repertoire pieces. As part of this series, one of next year's most highly-anticipated performances will certainly be Honegger's Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher, to be staged in February with a surprise guest in the title role - Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard. With 2015 designated by Prince Albert as the Year of Russia, the Principality's cultural agenda has been infused with a distinct Russian flavour, and works from the

Marion Cotillard at the Cannes Film Festival 2014. Photo: Getty Images

country's greatest composers will be performed throughout the season. The prestigious Rachmaninov Foundation has even sponsored a special concert of the composer's work on 19th October 2014, with celebrated Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin featuring as a guest soloist. As another part of the cultural exchange, one of the country's most accomplished conductors, Alexander Sladkovski, will produce a festive concert in December on the theme 'A Russian Christmas'. Ticket prices start at 12 euros and will soon be available to reserve online at the Philharmonic's website: opmc.mc Elizabeth Brauders

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MONACO

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New taxes for taxi drivers

So far, so good

FRENCH TAXI DRIVERS as well as VTC (voiture de tourisme avec chauffeur) owners are outraged at a new law requiring them to pay 1,800 euros per vehicle per year, with an extra fee of 720 euros for the duration of the Grand Prix, to operate on Monegasque territory. The changes, ordered by the Principality’s government, came into force in July. According to Patrice Trapani, representative of Nice’s taxis and vice president of the national federation of taxi drivers, the tax could mean a significant drop in French drivers willing to enter the Principality. “It’s just huge. To pay it off I would have to do at least 20 trips to Monaco. Personally, I don’t do more than four or five a year. I won’t do them anymore, it’s settled!” she told Nice Matin. Cedric Savary, representative of the VTC drivers, also took issue with the fact that the new charges alleviate none of the Principality’s administrative demands. Speaking to Nice Matin, he said, “Every time we have to go pick up a client there, we need to fill out a written request first with our taxi number, the name of the client, the arrival time, and even the reason for the journey! And all these constraints were, of course, maintained.” The new law requires the paperwork to be completed two hours before a journey in summer and four hours beforehand in winter. The taxi and VTC federations will now take the case to the European Commission in Brussels, where a similar order for tax discs by the Swiss government was recently struck down. France currently has no special constraints on Monegasque taxis when they work on French territory. However, according to France 3, the taxi and VTC drivers are now calling for the neighbouring taxis to be forbidden from operating in France.

First trimester sees positive growth in majority of the Principality

Tourism took a dip on 2013’s record year, but came close to that of 2012

espite widespread economic difficulties in Europe, Monaco fiscal strength continues with the state reporting another period of GDP growth, though progress was small with only a 0.9% increase, according to a report released in early July. The Monegasque Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies has released figures detailing the Principality's economic balance sheet for the first trimester of 2014. They were revealed by the government during its July press conference. Employment has shown positive progress in the Principality this year, with the number of employed citizens rising by 2.5%. Probably due to this availability of employment, the number of residents is rising with population figures increasing by over 2.5%, largely due to immigration of foreign nationals, rather than a climbing birth rate. 50% of the revenue generated by Monaco each year is due to the country's VAT, with 17% of the GDP dependent on a lesser known sector, scientific and technical activities and business support. This is the biggest single employment sector, providing 11,000 jobs in

2013. Wholesale business is also contributing significantly to the country's coffers, providing seven billion euros in turnover, almost half the Principality's total. Monaco's best-known source of income, the tourism industry, actually took a dip this year when compared to the same period in 2013. However, the booming tourism of 2013's first trimester can be largely attributed to international forum and convention events held in Monte Carlo by Samsung and Dassault. The figures are therefore closer to the first trimester results of 2012, which was itself a record year for the industry. Despite these encouraging numbers, attendance for certain events, including the world-famous Grand Prix, was actually slightly lower than average. From January to May, the rate of occupation in hotels fell one point, while the average price of renting an overnight room increased by over 1.3%, resulting in no major change in revenue generated by hotel stays. "Projections for August are very positive," said Minister for Social Affairs and Health Stéphane Valeri, with the statistics centre predicting the

state will either match or beat the record month of 2013. During the meeting, Valeri also addressed upcoming legislation for Monegasque parliament's autumn session. By the end of July, he announced, parliament would be receiving his draft bill proposing the extension of a work-from-home programme for the Principality's employees. All those in suitable sectors would be allowed to work at a distance, while taking advantage of the same benefits and rights as employees in more traditional surroundings. The minister said he aimed to see this legislation instated as soon as possible. The bill particularly targets the large number of French residents who commute to Monaco on a daily basis, with France and Monaco to evenly split the costs of caring for these employees during their future retirements. Monaco's Minister for State Michel Roger discussed another issue relating to French-Monegasque relations in the Principality: the allocation of housing at reduced rates for both Monegasques and residents of French heritage, whose families have been based in Monaco for generations, or Les Enfants du Pays as they are known. In 2009 the government had announced the creation of 32 such rent-controlled apartments in the Condamine area in a building called the Villa Ida. Despite years of proposals and provisional start dates for building work, the project never took off, and it now appears to be on hold indefinitely. Mr Roger said that the future of the site, already purchased by the government, was now unclear, with the option of a new school added to possible developments. Elizabeth Brauders

MONACO

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Not for gourmets and the thin skinned Marlborough Gallery ignites the senses with McCarthy-Bouchet exhibition

typical roof landscape, adumbrated by metal sheets raggedly cobbled together, over which a disgusting, brown, now dried liquid was they exhibited their museum- poured out, which then spread battleship photography in a further to the carpet below. A huge magnification on scaff- funny act of revenge, but more olding in Bilbao. The second than that, a contamination of phase was the immediate all and everything that greedily protest of the museum, which longs for the luminous shines forced the artists under judicial of spotlights with grand gestures, false pathos and threat to remove their work. The third step of perfor- hollow star-glamour. The pouring-liquid performance takes place here in the Marlborough Gallery. In a mance appears particularly painting, the Bilbao Museum nasty when tapestry with clearly recogis represented as a knight's The artists burst into nizable faces as castle, from laughter in the face motives is affected by the which the inevof censorship... brown goo. itable cannon barrels protrude. A photo of Here, at the Marlborough the street view in Bilbao with Gallery, there are photo the huge screen is suspended tapestries of celebrities who upside down. Here we can see crowned the festive nights of how seriousness and fun are the Grand Prix, like for instance synonymous to the two artists, the Hollywood star Michael as they burst into laughter in Douglas. At first sight, Paul McCarthy the face of censorship emanating from an institution and his art student Mike (the Guggenheim Museum), Bouchet have taken very which should have dedicated different artistic paths. its services to the arts and not McCarthy, the benign, greybearded grandpa, to this day to the censorship of arts. At the centre of another follows the spirit of the 1968 work, a sculpture, or rather an student revolution, which was environment, is once more the pacifist, anti-bourgeois and Bilbao museum, with its stood for sexual liberation.

aul McCarthy and Mike Bouchet, two worldrenowned American artists-provocateurs, give the Marlborough Gallery in Monaco artistic shock treatment with their 'Double Deck' exhibition.

It's satirical art that engages with provocation and consciously puts its foot in its mouth. Take, for example, the art performance involving the Guggenheim-Museum in Bilbao (Spain), which is documented in several ways. According to the two artists, this Frank-Gehry-architecture generates so much attention for itself, is so fastidiously concerned with itself, that it crushes the artworks for which it was actually created for and was supposed to accommodate and foster. The slanting, metallically shining roofs remind the artists of the gleaming helmets of the chivalry in medieval times. They took photographs of the museum and transformed it into an impressive battleship, giving it a sparkling superstructure with countless artillery tubes (the sexual connotations of which are obvious) and thus attacking its appearance of masculinity, domination and power. The satirical performance of McCarthy and Bouchet took place in several stages: first

Confession retracted

Circus Dinners are back on the menu From 1st to 24th August in the Big Top in Monaco

World class circus acts are paired with a delicious menu created by chef Philippe Joannes, pictured above

or the third consecutive year, the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo is presenting its popular Circus Dinner Show. The concept of combining dinner and circus is completely original, pairing an exquisite gourmet menu with amazing circus acts under a big top every night in August. The venue, in Fontvieille, is fully air-conditioned and festively decorated for the occasion - an evening that will

delight the whole family. The show brings together the most talented circus artists from across the globe while music is performed by the Golden Jazz Big Band Orchestra, directed by Carmino Angelo. Once again, acclaimed chef Philippe Joannes, from Private Dining Fairmont Monte Carlo, will present a gourmet fourcourse menu to delight the tastebuds. New this year are the

Bronze Tables, which provide a cheaper alternative in the form of a gourmet tasting selection composed by the chef. The prices are 195, 165 or 95 euros depending on the type of table (50% discount for children aged between 6 and 12, under 6's enter free), and include a welcome champagne drink, dinner, alcoholfree drinks, coffee and valet parking. From 1st to 24th August. tickets.montecarlofestival.mc

ADVERTORIAL

Wojciech Janowski, the man accused of ordering the murder of Monaco billionaire Hélène Pastor, retracted his confession in early July. Janowski "misunderstood the meaning of the words used by the police,” argued his defense lawyer Erick Campana. “He spoke French, but he did not understand all the nuances of our language." Janowski nonetheless will remain in prison until his case is revisited, which could take up to a year.

Their father figure was Wilhelm Reich with his thesis on fascism as a product of petitbourgeois, anti-sex education. Mike Bouchet, however, a generation later, is the child of an era "contaminated" by permanent advertising invasion, in which brands, images and slogans are stored deep in the consciousness forever. Therefore, it's not surprising that Mike Bouchet takes steps to create his own brand and is guided by a highly successful international beverage brand, which he then spoofs with the name "A-Hole". Currently it is not yet that far, the pervasive smell of the experiments is still penetrating the gallery rooms. Luckily, the doors of the gallery are wide open. Visitors might not only feel claustrophobic because of the smell, but also because of the perfidious idea of the two artists to block large parts of Top: Bilbao Battleship Billboard, 2014, Archival inkjet print, 130 x the entrance with a giant 190cm. Above: Bouchet-McCarthy, Rocky Bilboa with surfboard, 2013, replica of an Italian sun screen 110 x 150cm. Both are on exhibition at the Marlborough Gallery plastic bottle of the brand "Bilboa". Those who know the ed by the then young body- become "Objets négligables." The exhibition 'Double Deck' Guggenheim-Bilbao-story can building-shaped Sylvester immediately understand, Stallone, are compared to the in the Marlborough Gallery probably with a chuckle, the blown-up Gehry-architecture of Monaco, 4, Quai Antoine 1er, is significance of the brand the museum in Bilbao, where open until 10th September, "Bilboa" to Bouchet. Their the external appearance of the Monday to Friday from 11am hollow slogans of flawless skin building is everything, and the to 6pm. Alfred Thum for a flawless body, represent- exhibited works inside have

MONACO

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MYS 2014: a new direction and more space The world’s most prestigious boat show takes a fresh approach

ext month, the Monaco Yacht Show will take pride of place on Monaco's Port Hercule. But visitors will notice something a little different this year. The Riviera Times spoke to Gaelle Tallarida, general director of the Monaco Yacht Show, about the direction of the 2014 event.

RT: The MYS continues to grow in size and success. How are you accommodating this expansion? Gaelle Tallarida: The demand for space at MYS has been a challenge for more than 10 years. And more recently, the improving global economy and expanding demand in developing economies for exclusive products and services, including superyachts, was full of meaning for us and for Monaco also. Jointly with the Monaco government, the MYS has been able to extend its show footprint for 2014 enabling us to again welcome the elite of the international superyacht community, not only to an expanded MYS but Monaco itself - the world capital of yachting. How will the 2014 event differ from past boat shows? We've given the 2014 MYS a new direction in its positioning, more centred on

the end clientele. This year's development and marketing strategy has been restructured to enter a new niche of international potential wealthy clients and above all, give them the opportunity to find out more about this exclusive art of living. We've notably set the visit of potential buyers with worldwide private clubs or travel and lifestyle servicing of private banks. Last June, the MYS jointly organised the Monaco Week in Shanghai. We invited some of the world's largest yacht builders to promote their experience to a top-of-the-range Chinese audience and invite them to Monaco. This September's

show will thus be the tangible result of the brand new development strategy to offer the pinnacle of superyachting with many more end clientele that will visit many more superyachts as there will be the breaking record of 112 magnificent units afloat. What is the trend when it comes to superyachts and owners? A recent study by the broker company Camper & Nicholsons revealed that owners are mainly from Europe and Eastern Europe (Russia and Turkey mainly), North America and Asia. It also showed that Russians and Emiratis prefer quite larger superyachts (over 55m) while Chinese or Brazilian owners would prefer enjoying a smaller size (under 35m)! Are you pleased with the progress of the MYS? Our main challenge has been achieved in many cases: from 2014 and for the following years. In 2015, the show will present three additional berths for 120m units. The MYS has the capacity to welcome units up to 120m and can genuinely meet the demand of the industry; unique in the world.

Photo: Franck Terlin

The first ever Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup was held in July and organisers are already planning a World Series. "The Solar 1 Monte Carlo Cup blew our expectations out of the water. This event has really become the event we dreamt of!" said organisers. Over three days, 24 teams from across the globe competed, with participants comprising of international university and college students. The main focus of the event is the solar industry and developing technology through innovation, highlighting yachting and luxury lifestyle.

Air League gets off the ground

he Monaco wing of the Air League (UK) held its first meeting in July since its inception, on the terrace of the Stelios Foundation and hosted by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Founded as a Monaco charity in November 2013 by Christopher Foyle, deputy president (Overseas) of the UK Air League, the charity acts as a branch of the Air League in the UK. It’s aim is to assist Monaco residents and one way it does this is to generate and provide scholarships and awards for young people at and leaving colleges, schools and univ-

ersities, both in Monaco and the adjoining Alpes Maritimes of France, emulating the Air League in the UK. It also seeks to generate additional funds for the Air League in the UK. There are approximately 2,600 British nationals resident in Monaco, out of a total population of about 36,000. The Monaco wing of the Air League is off to a great start, already exceededing 100 members. “Some have aviation connections and interests, fixed wing and helicopter pilots and owning-running and/or working in aviation companies,” revealed Foyle.

“Many others have no aviation links but are nevertheless interested in becoming involved, albeit in some cases to a limited degree, without any commitment, by way of offering ideas and contacts from time to time, others more enthusiastically and wholeheartedly.” The charity is in the process of organising fundraising events, which are likely to include flying displays by the Red Arrows and their French equivalent, floatplane races as were introduced to Monaco in 1913 and 1914 by Prince Albert 1st - and sponsored Formula 1 Pylon Air Racing.

GULF OF ST. TROPEZ

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The myth of the Orient in Saint Tropez Looking at the science behind the exhibition

any European painters of the 19th and early 20th centuries paid homage to the myth that the Orient is a place of sensuality and decadence. Delacroix, Signac, Kandinsky, Matisse, Van Dongen, Klee, Macke, Moillet - all succumbed to the fascination of the light and colours of the East.

This summer, the Museé de l'Annonciade in Saint Tropez plans to explore this phenomenon through a major exhibition: La Couleur sous la lumière de l'Orient - de Delacroix à Matisse, which will run until 13th October, showcasing works from many great masters. However, the museum curators do not want to

explore the romantic aspect of these works, according to a museum spokesperson. "In fact, our objective is rather more to appreciate the almost scientific efforts of the artists to solve the problems of reproducing light and atmosphere, and fathom the mixing of colours that was required for this." Rolf Liffers

Eternal dreaming 700 photos capturing the unique spirit of this Riviera favourite

“When twilight comes, the magic happens,” says Chaix

s the official photographer of Saint Tropez, Jean-Louis Chaix has unique access to the very soul of this iconic French Riviera village. The colour, the magic, the tradition of Saint Tropez have all been immortalised in 324 glossy pages of Chaix's new book, 'Saint Tropez, Rêve Éternel', which translates to ‘Saint Tropez, Eternal Dream’. "This village rich in history and character has always inspired dreamers," says photographer Jean-Louis Chaix. "They came and they come to this place for its beauty and mystery." Stunning panoramas, characteristic village shots, traditional wooden boats floating on the harbour, a golden sunset over the bell tower … these are the first images to welcome the reader. "Saint Tropez in shadow and light, along with the seasons, offers various theatre sets dear to painters, musicians, poets and of course, lovers of the image to

which it gives all the inspiration to create unforgettable work during their stay in the town," reveals Chaix. Fascinating scenes from the annual Bravade are captured, along with intimate moments of working local townsfolk and travelling painters. Presented in English and French, readers are taken on a tour like none other through Saint Tropez; the book acting

as much as a tourist guide as a collection of photographs. But there is also the unexpected - an entire section is dedicated to the architectural diversity of the beautiful doors of Saint Tropez residential houses. Sacred traditions of this small village are explored, like the festivals of Sainte Anne, Saint Peter and the burning of the fisherman’s boat. Then

there are the colours that bathe Saint Tropez. "When twilight comes, the magic happens," says the photographer. "Everything changes - the light, the colours of the facades, the squares, the harbour, as well as the scents that come from the surrounding hills and countryside." The book is available from the Mairie of Saint Tropez.

Chaix’s panoramas of Saint Tropez reveal the overall beauty of this iconic landmark

LIFESTYLE

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The promised land

In the early 50S, a young family chanced upon a hidden beach in ramatuelle. JUST A FEW years later, it was propelled onto the gobal stage

he history behind the creation of Club 55 on Ramatuelle's Pampelonne beach is just as magical as the setting. Meet Patrice de Colmont, spirit of the legendary beach club, turned farmer.

Patrice, how did Club 55 come to be established on Pampelonne beach? My parents were ethnologists and travelled the world. One day, my father was working on a film about the transport of oranges in the Mediterranean region. The boats were loaded with huge quantities of fruit. When a strong mistral wind blew up, they sought refuge in Pampelonne Bay. My father fell in love with the hidden and, at the time, very inhospitable beach. He then received a small inheritance, bought the beach and solemnly announced to us: "This is our promised land!" In 1953 he built a small hut and we lived there henceforth. There was no electricity, and drinking water was fetched from the fountains at Place des Lices.

The art and beauty of nature at Rencontre de Jardins ENTER A GARDEN wonderland this September as the Rencontre de Jardins celebrates 10 successful years. The impressive event attracts over 14,000 visitors, businesses, artists and craftsmen each year - all embodying the spirit and art of Mediterranean outdoor living. Around 6,000 sqm of space is dedicated to the outdoor showroom. According to the man behind the event, Thierry Derbez, there is "only one goal: to make you dream!" Sculptures, water install-

ations, contemporary garden designs and exotic plants … nothing is emitted from this gardening expo. The theme in 2014 is 'Nature Elle et Moi', returning to the origins and history of flora in the Mediterranean. As the sun shines, visitors are welcome to explore over four days the exquisite offerings of Rencontre de Jardins. It will be held from 12th to 15th September in the Parc des Pépinières Derbez, Route de Saint Tropez, Gassin. Entry is 10 euros, free for under 12’s.

Why is the club now famous the world over? In 1955 a film team turned St. Tropez into a mobile film studio. The film 'And God Created Woman' was made starring Brigitte Bardot and Curd Jürgens. The director, Roger Vadim, drove to Pampelonne by Jeep, chanced upon the wooden hut and saw us eating there at a long table with friends. He thought it was a bistro and asked my mother: "We will be filming here for three weeks. Could you feed the crew?" She said: "Of course." "There are 80 of us," replied Vadim. We did not have a proper kitchen. But we all helped, including us children. The meat was prepared in bakery ovens in St. Tropez. In this way, we met the challenge with a great deal of organisational talent and charm.

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

LA RÉSERVE RAMATUELLE Saint Tropez seems light-years away from this 5-star hotel overlooking coves and rocks with an expansive view over the Mediterranean. Wellbeing and gastronomy go together at Eric Canino's restaurant. The fresh produce and lightness cream and butter are forbidden - combine with a homely spirit. Flavourful and without artificial additives, this is more than health food: freshly-caught raw

langoustine, passionfruit juice, spiced red tuna, tangy niçoise salad with quail eggs, veal filet mignon with peppers and lemon, artichokes and girolle mushrooms, grilled dory, and the local strawberry tiramisu. The art of simple, good food. Price: roughly 85-110 euros. RAMATUELLE (VAR) Chemin de la Quessine Tel: 04 94 44 94 44 lareserve-ramatuelle.com

Brigitte Bardot then became a celebrated star and we turned our terrace into a proper restaurant. Since then, worldfamous authors, artists, actors and musicians have been our guests. Everyone is treated the same, whether they are a billionaire, a star designer or a regular guest. What is different now compared to almost 60 years ago? Pampelonne is still a remarkable nature reserve to this day. The enforcement of the current coastal protection law could destroy the spirit of this globally unique beach and its special atmosphere, however. The law does not take the characteristics of our terrain into account, but applies to the whole of France and favours the large groups. Pampelonne is not a Euro Disney for adults, but a place that everyone should respect! Before I see a Pierre & Vacances on my left and a Club Med on my right, I would prefer to move to the

country and grow olives. Are you not already doing that anyway? Yes, that's true. I bought the Domaine des Bouis, which is just three minutes from here. I played there as a child. As a restaurateur you have a big responsibility for everything you serve. On my - also promised - land we grow controlled organic vegetables, and the ratatouille in the summer comes from our own cultivated garden. The landowner, biologist and poet Pierre Rabhi inspired me in our approach. For example, the land is not ploughed by tractors but in a traditional way using horses. We are building on our Provencal roots. All this work makes me constantly aware of the wastefulness of people, such as when they leave their plates half full. It is worrying: people are sawing off the branch on which they sit. They are only a particle of the world, not the centre! Petra Hall

Special

R I V I E R A

L I F E S T Y L E

Eating well in t

uisine is the soul of France. For centuries, its legend travelled across the globe, with musical words like crème brule, ragoût and vol-au-vent part of most people's vocabulary. French cuisine even earned a spot on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2010. Yet over the years, the country's precious claim to fame has been slowly eroded as an alarming number of restaurateurs trade fresh produce for cheaper, industrially prepared ingredients. Manufactured meals are now being dished up by around 75% of France's restaurants, and the public are none-the-wiser. They are simply left to wonder why on earth French food has such a good reputation. But the practice of cutting corners has not gone unnoticed. Industry professionals have now created labels that not only

reward restaurants who serve freshly prepared food, but they also help consumers identify the good from the bad. The French government has also just introduced a new law requiring restaurants to label items on their menu that are 'fait maison', or prepared 'in house', to reign in the number of establishments serving processed dishes. It appears as though France's culinary reputation is crawling back from the brink of devastation. But with the number of 'quality restaurant' labels growing, which seal of approval should consumers really be looking for? To help out, The Riviera Times has put together this guide to eating well in the south of France.

Yannick Franques, head chef at Terre Blanche

Atelier du Port

Stirring up Nice’s culinary scene

ena and Phillipe Troin are whipping up a storm in Nice's culinary scene, which is somewhat fitting given that their surname means "thunder" in the Provencal dialect. After opening several restaurants, their latest venture is l'Atelier du Port in the trendy port area with 36 covers and some outside seating. Phillipe did not want to be the chef, and instead relies on his talented female colleagues Dina and Charlotte. He taught them his recipes and ideas as well as his professional ethic: homemade Mediterranean cuisine, products only from the producers, everything always fresh, simple but original. Almost every dish costs well below 20 euros and the wine menu is exceptional, with a glass of organic wine starting at three euros.

L'Atelier du Port I 45 rue Bonaparte Tel : +33 (0)9 83 03 88 44

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n the south of France Quality assured restaurants It’s often hard to remember the names of recommended affordable restaurants, so just keep an eye out for these plaques instead, which guarantee quality and authenticity. MAÎTRE RESTAURATEUR

RESTAURANT DE LA QUALITÉ

This prestigious-looking plaque was created by the French government and industry professionals in 2007 to recognise a) the professional skills of restaurant staff, b) a dedication to using fresh ingredients as opposed to simply reheating processed food, and c) proper health and safety standards. Restaurants formally apply for the title, but it is only awarded after strict scrutiny from an independent body. Candidates must also have hospitality qualifications or proven experience in the industry. It is the only seal of approval that is officially recognised by the French government and the

criteria is tough. The restaurateur must serve cuisine that has been prepared by a qualified chef in-house using fresh ingredients. The restaurant also guarantees quality service and a warm welcome, while respecting strict hygiene standards. Applicants' phone manner and ability to direct customers to their restaurant are even tested. You won't find the Maître Restaurateur label stuck to a window among a plethora of Le Routard or Petit Futé awards. Restaurants display this plaque, which is engraved with the name of the restaurant, clearly at the entrance for all customers to see.

Angered by an apparent lack of action by the government in restoring France's culinary image, the world-renowned Alain Ducasse last year announced a new quality labelling system for restaurants. France's most prized chef joined a team of 15 colleagues at the Culinary College of France to create a plaque that identifies restaurants that make their own dishes from scratch rather than using industrially-prepared ingredients. "We cannot continue to let media in the English-speaking world say 'France is not what it was' in terms of cuisine," said Ducasse, a Monegasque chef who operates restaurants in

e i g h t co u n t r i e s i n c l u d i n g t h e t h r e e Michelin-starred Le Louis XV in Monaco. To achieve the quality label, restaurants must reveal to the college where their ingredients are sourced from and the food must be prepared in the restaurant. A 75% or more client satisfaction rating is also required, as well as a warm welcome. More than 700 restaurants in France are now proudly displaying the Restaurant de la Qualité label, and consumers can be confident in their choice because it has the respected Ducasse nod of approval.

La Farigoulette, Le Lavandou Restaurant La Galiote, Le Lavandou Restaurant Les Santons, Grimaud La Résidence de la Pinède, Saint Tropez Hôtel Byblos Saint-Tropez Hostellerie de L'Abbaye de La Celle La Table de Pol, Lorgues Restaurant le Concorde, Vidauban Le Relais des Moines, Les Arcs sur Argens Restaurant Côté Rue, Draguignan Hôtel-Restaurant Les Pins, Sillans la Cascade La Table de Fanette, Fox Amphoux A Table Fréjus, Fréjus Restaurant La Tortue, Saint Raphaël La Villa Mauresque - Restaurant Le Bougainvillier, Saint-Raphaël Restaurant Chez Philippe, Théoule sur Mer Restaurant l'Oasis, Cannes Restaurant Mantel, Cannes La Table du Chef, Cannes Bastide Bruno Oger, Cannes Arts & Assiettes, Le Cannet Café Llorca, Vallauris Entrée des Artistes, Mougins

Aux Enfants Terribles, Juan les Pins Hotel Cap Eden Roc, Cap d'Antibes Restaurant Les Terraillers, Biot Au Fil du Temps, Grasse Clos Saint-Pierre, Le Rouret Bistrot de la Marine, Cagnes sur Mer Le Caruso, Saint Paul de Vence Chateau Saint Martin, Taradeau Restaurant le Mescul, Nice Restaurant Franchin, Nice Le Bistrot Gourmand, Nice Le Safari, Nice Le Sejour Café, Nice Le Boudoir, Nice La Table de Zabin, Nice Palao Bistrot, Nice La Cuisine d'André, Nice Vino e Cucina, Nice Lou Trambalan, Nice La Raison Gourmande, Beaulieu sur Mer Château de La Chèvre d'Or, Eze Hostellerie Jérôme, Monaco La Montgolfiere, Monaco Le Louis XV, Monaco

African Queen, Beaulieu sur Mer Le Safari, Nice Restaurant Koudou, Nice Le Mesclun, Nice La Maison de Marie, Nice La Foccacia Chez Eric, Nice Au Petit Gari, Nice Auberge de Théo, Nice La Forge, Carros Le Paradis Marin, St Laurent du Var Le Vauban, Antibes La Cafetiere Felee, Antibes Restaurant Josy-Jo, Cagnes sur Mer Au Rendez Vous de Mougins, Mougins La Cantina, Mouans Sartoux La Closerie, Grasse Le Festival, Cannes Le Bistro Gourmand, Cannes Auberge Provencale, Cannes Le Rive Gauche, Mandelieu Jilali B, Théoule sur Mer La Table d'Yves, Fréjus L'Abri Cotier, Fréjus Le César, Fréjus

La Bastide du Calalou, Moissac Bellevue La Table de Fanette, Fox Amphoux Le Cauvet, Cogolin Le Pescadou, Gassin Plage des Jumeaux, Ramatuelle Nioulargo Restaurant, Ramatuelle Hôtel Mas Bellevue, Saint Tropez Au Caprice des Deux, Saint Tropez Chez Laurent, Le Lavandou Hôtel Restaurant le Bellevue, Bormes les Mimosas

CUISINE NISSARDE The restaurant award 'Cuisine Nissarde, le respect de la tradition' is given to restaurants that preserve the culture and traditional cuisine of Nice. Created by the Office of Tourism and Congress, restaurants bearing this plaque are guaranteed to have at least three traditional recipes on their menu, have knowledge of the history and heritage of Nice, and treat their customers with a warm and friendly manner. These are not Michelin-starred establishments, rather cosy bistros or authentic little restaurants where a good pissaladière, petits farcis or daube niçoise is guaranteed.

FAIT MAISON

Restaurant Acchiardo La Cantine de Lulu L'Escalinada Lou Balico A'Buteghinn'a Lu Fran Calin La Table Alziari Brasserie de l'Union La Socca d'or La Maison de Marie Le Gaglio Le Marché Restaurant Luc Salsedo Le Safari Auberge de l'Aire St Michel Les Garnuches Lou Bistrot Nissart

Restaurants in France can add another government-sanctioned logo to their menus guiding consumers to quality food the Fait Maison label. As of only 15th July, all restaurants in the country can label dishes that are made in-house from scratch with fresh or frozen ingredients. The idea is to deter restaurants from serving industrially-prepared food by almost shaming them into it. Dishes can be labelled "homemade" even if the raw products - except for potatoes - have been frozen, refrigerated, cut up, ground, smoked, or peeled by the time it is delivered to the restaurant. According to Consumer Affairs Minister Carole Delga, potatoes are excluded to prevent the fast food industry from including French fries, cooked from deep frozen potatoes, next to the Fait Maison logo on their menus. Already made items like pasta, bread, cheese, and wine can also be used in fait maison dishes. According to Delga, the measures will provide "simple information and a guarantee" to the public, while encouraging chefs "who make an effort". But the decree has its critics. "People who A U G U S T

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cook with industrially-prepared food will not change because they are making money that way," said Baptiste Vannini, whose family owns five restaurants in the French Riviera. "These are people with no real qualifications, who buy expensive restaurants in busy areas then hire people to just reheat food." According to Vannini, these 'restaurateurs' are cutting corners because dishing up meals the conventional way is expensive. "First, we have to pay for good produce, but it is not just that," he reveals. "It takes time to prepare the ingredients so we pay people for those hours and for a qualified chef to make the dishes. "But we do it because that is how we love to eat. And I think everybody now is looking for small restaurants with fresh, authentic food. At least this label will help identify them." If all the dishes à la carte are homemade, the official logo should be stamped once in the menu head. According to l'Express, around 75% of French restaurants serve industrially prepared food. The government has given restaurants until January to comply or face a fine.

when the riviera comes a calling...

olf is synonymous with the good life. There is the exclusivity, the perfectly manicured golf course on prime land, the reputable club house, the luxury of time. But few places in the world can offer a setting for golf like the French Riviera. Just ask Mark Vickery, a British native who has worked in a host of impressive golf courses across the globe and who has just arrived in Mougins. Mark began his career as a caddy and assistant professional at just 16 years of age. Born in Stafford England, the 52-year-old worked his way through the industry. "I started at the very bottom, cycling 20 miles a day to a golf club and shoe cleaning job at a local club," says Mark. Five years later he became a qualified professional and worked at the famous Sunningdale Golf Club next to London and Les Bordes in the Loire Valley, which is ranked 2nd best in France, 1st in Europe during his tenure. Mark says his biggest achievement was gaining his European Tour card at the age of 19. "Unfortunately, I didn't win enough money to keep it but fortunately I saw the world and some of its famous clubs, and that sent me in the direction of management." Being a golf manager is no ordinary job, well not for Mark Vickery anyway. In the 1990s he was recruited by the Walt Disney Company to be the opening manager of the new Paris Disneyland resort. Then, he went on to open a new project in Barbados Royal Wesmoreland, making it the number one golf experience of the Caribbean. Throughout his career he has managed clubs in England, Barbados, Florida and France. Five months ago, Mark was headhunted to take over as manager at the Cannes Mougins Golf

Cannes Mougins is the only golf club in the Riviera completely owned by its members. Meet Mark Vickery, the new club manager... of its members - the shareholders - at its heart. Therefore, there is a very strong sense of responsibility and democracy here. And contrary to what you would imagine a relaxed French Riviera golf club to be, members apparently take their sport very seriously. "There is a very high level of play in all ages and categories; it's a golfers club," reveals Mark. "The teams rank amongst the best in France, even challenging the best Parisian clubs." As a proven successful club manager, Mark brings with him a vision for Cannes Mougins… "I want to continue to improve playing surfaces, and by 2015 the restaurant and the pro shop will have received considerable investment and be managed directly by the club. We are also creating a state-of-the-art training centre on the present practice ground." While the job comes with a lot of responsibility, it is - like the game of golf itself - very gratifying. "There is no stress. Every day I can't wait to get to work and once I am there the time flies. I am very fortunate to have a job that I am passionate about and enjoy, in a very attractive environment," says Mark. So after an accomplished and rewarding career traveling the globe, has the French Riviera convinced this golf pro to stay put? "I would love to live here forever, but no one can determine what will happen next. That's why life as a golf director is so exciting!" Cassandra Tanti

Country Club. Located just a few kilometres from the Croisette and its famous seafront, the fairways of the club are surrounded by the superb mountains of the southern Alps. Nestled against the Valmasque Nature Park, the course allows golfers to disconnect during a few privileged hours from the turmoil of city life. The original club was established in 1923 on the foundations of a 300-year-old oil mill serviced by a Roman-style aqueduct, the arches of which can still be admired today. The founding members Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Baron Edouard de Rothschild - held the club in inter national high society. By the Second World War however, after being requisitioned by the German army, the course was left in disrepair. It was bought by François André in 1948 for a symbolic franc and restored to its former prestige. A major makeover was undertaken in the 70s and today the Cannes Mougins Golf Club remains the sole private golf club on the Riviera, comprising 500 shareholders. "We are the only club on the Côte d'Azur owned completely by its members," says Mark proudly. "The club is truly international with 50% of the membership being French and 50% being various nationalities, with no more than 50 members of any one nationality." The club has a prestigious history, hosting the opening event of the European Tour. And while many golf resorts focus on expanding their business interests by selling real estate, the Cannes Mougins Golf Course has just the interests

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Photos: 1) Mark Vickery pictured second from the left with members of the club. 2) The Cannes Mougins Golf Country Club has an interesting history and a very bright future. 3 ) The perfectly manicured grounds of the golf club 4) ‘Champions of France’ Mens 1st division 2011.

Helping children to be

T ADVERTORIAL

ALL THAT THEY CAN BE “Our educators work with the children individually or in small groups. It is an education that is tailored to the rhythm of each child.”

he Montessori metho d was created by the first Italian doctor, and educator, Maria Montessori at the beginning of the 20th century. It aims to create a stimulating environment, where children are able to develop the self-confidence that they need to absorb new abilities and knowledge, at the same time as they work with their curiosity and their ability to discover. The first bilingual Montessori School in Cannes is set to open on 4th September this year. "Traditional schools believe that children need prizes in order to develop, such as grades, medals, and 1st prizes," says Nathalie Petit, director of Montessori Cannes. "Montessori's method proposes a contrasting belief: children are naturally interested in learning; a good example of this is to look at a three year old in their surroundings. "Montessori education proposes to keep the flame of curiosity lit and the joy of learning by encouraging experience, respecting the child's own pace, and offering stimulating and joyful

collaborative learning." According to Mrs. Petit, the Montessori method stimulates innovative thinking rather than traditional thinking - without the use of grades, without homework or lessons at home. The Cannes school will offer two classes: one for 2/3 years and one for 3/6 years, which allows the older children to become mentors, while the younger benefit from the experience of their elders. "It is a collaborative method," reveals Mrs. Petit. What also makes Montessori unique is that educators do not deliver the same information simultaneously to all children. "They are co n s ta n t l y m o v i n g a r o u n d i n t h e classroom, working with the children individually or in small groups," says the director. "It is an edu-cation that is tailored to the rhythm of each child." And considering the children are using specific working materials designed to stimulate, Mrs. Petit says the students are learning "much more than in the conventional system, using all their senses, with a special emphasis on touch

as they are constantly manipulating materials for better memorization." Children who follow the Montessori method are, says Mrs. Petit, encouraged to be self-sufficient, responsible, auto disciplined, independent and curios, whi le de velo pi ng so l id a ca d emic foundations and a passion for learning. www.ecole-montessori-cannes.fr www.ecole-montessorie-mandelieu.fr Tel: 06 51 99 65 83

Barely-legal swimsuits, legendary celebrity parties, naughty rendezvous and effigies unfit for children's eyes: four generations of the Maiffret family have seen it all. Celebrating 125 years, owner Michel Maiffret shares his stories on the life and laughter of the Opera Plage.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK

125 legendary years of Nice’s Opera Plage

t was the hot spot of relaxation for the earliest Riviera tourists at the end of the 19th century, when fullbody swimsuits were the norm and tanned skin was associated with the lower class. In the 1930s, Opera Plage was "the place to be" as people flocked seaside for 'sun therapy' to treat everything from fatigue to tuberculosis. Throughout the 60s and 70s, the French Riviera lured the most revered music and film stars and they were all drawn to the energy of the iconic private beach. For more than 125 years, Opera Plage has been an institution on the Côte d'Azur. It also lays claim to being the oldest private beach in the Mediterranean and throughout France. "Opera Plage - it's all about great ambience and parties," laughs fourth-generation owner Michel Maiffret, whose great-grandfather founded the private beach in 1889. At that time, it was called the Pavillon de l'Opera and rested on wooden pylons metres above the pebbled coastline. As the name suggests, Opera Plage has always enjoyed a privileged location - opposite the stun-

secret passage shrouded in dubious legends. One such story claims that nuns once used the tunnel for clandestine "meetings". Erotic paintings are even etched on the stone walls. "As a little boy I would spend a lot of time down there, looking around, so my grandmother eventually covered those naughty frescoes with large shells," remembers Maiffret with a grin. Today, the restaurant owner stores his wine bottles in the fabled underpass.

ning Opera House, a stones-throw from the bustling Old Town, at the foot of the Colline du Château. It is no wonder that it has stayed in the hands of just one family for so long. "It was the beach of show business," reveals Maiffret. "Stars, film actors, singers, renowned artists - we had them all." In fact, Maiffret was good friends with famous French singer Johnny Hallyday. Together they often spontaneously took a boat over to Saint Tropez. "I was known in that village like a sore thumb," laughs the jovial owner.

The tales of Opera Plage are both fantastic and heartbreaking. Four years ago, Michel Maiffret almost lost his life after he was caught in an enormous wave that struck the coastline. Along with all the contents of the private beach, Michel was pulled out to sea. Luckily, he was saved by an employee. But around 400,000 euros worth of restaurant and beach furniture was gone. "The worst was losing all of the items that I hold dear, like childhood photos," remembers the restaurant owner. "But as we all sat together in the evening, speechless, I went to the fridge and opened a bottle of champagne and said: 'Tomorrow we start from the beginning!'"

The Opera Plage has a very special atmosphere and has been an inspiration for many. It was a popular haunt for artists like painter Raymond Moretti who, in search of peace and quiet, would come here and scribble creatively on paper tablecloths. It was also a filming location for numerous television series and films. It is the stuff that legends are made of. There is even a sordid little secret. Maiffret reveals that, hidden below Opera Plage, is an underground tunnel that leads to the Saint François de Paule Church 80 metres away. It is a

And that will to survive has paid off. There is no

trace of the disaster that consumed Nice's iconic private beaches that day. The sun loungers and blue and white umbrellas continue to lure visitors from near and far. "A warm welcome, a goodnatured smile and a fine glass of rosé wine - you find all of these here with us," smiles Michel. Cassandra Tanti/Anna-Maria Deutschmann

Pictures Top: Opera Plage in the early 1900s. Above: Michel (right) with his good friend Johnny Halliday. Left: Michel Maiffret today.

The most beautiful public beach in the Côte d’Azur The natural beaches of Bormes les Mimosas in the Var are some of the most spectacular in the region: Brégançon, Pellegrin and especially the Plage d'Estagnol - a south sea paradise with the finest white sandy beach at the edge of a mystical pine forest. No buildings or annoying souvenir shops, not even any houses or high-rise apartment blocks - just the beautiful Château de Brégançon, where the Tezenas family has been making gorgeous Côte de Provence wine since 1816. Access to the Estagnol beach is via a private road owned by the Tezenas family. Strangely, there is a 'toll fee' … eight euros per car per day. But it is a small price to pay to ensure that the beach is clean and not overcrowded. Visitors are rewarded with a

Jerome Decq

wonderful view of the Fort de Brégançon - the former official summer residence of French presidents and now a museum documenting its important history. Discreetly integrated into the landscape are showers, toilets and wood-panelled trash cans. The land owners spend a lot of money on forest management and erosion control; the walking paths are kind to your feet but completely natural. The gate to the beach is shut at 8pm every evening, but those wishing to stay longer can head to the Patrick & Gène restaurant, where gastronomic and traditional cuisine is on offer. This is actually the only building (wooden of course) to be found on the Rolf Liffers waterfront.

Helidon Xhixha The sculptor of light brightens Miami, London and Monaco

Helidon Xhixha unites the power of light with stainless steel by confining it, transforming it, and ultimately setting it free.

elidon Xhixha is a prominent Italian sculptor of Albanian origin, who studied at London Kingston University as well as the Accademia delle Belle Arti of Brera in Milan. He is renowned for his many achievements and a consistent style that has already generated wide recognition from critics in numerous countries, with an impressive portfolio of monumental installations permanently placed in significant locations like the Violin Museum presided by the Stadivari Foundation in Cremona, Italy, the Presidential Palace in Tirana, Albania, the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan, and the regional government Lombardy Building in Milan, among others. Xhixha is an unconventional artist who explores beyond the use of the same old materials and themes and unveils new realities and forms. An investigator of "alternative paths" on the artistic

scene, Xhixha plays with the light reflected on the metal with a mastery that lies at the core of an expressive power that hinges on the precarious yet sophisticated ambivalent relationship between randomly and finely calibrated harmonious darting forms.

and luxurious condominium, will have an artwork of Helidon Xhixha in every apartment and monumental sculptures adorning the hall and entrance of the building.

It might be said that rather than sculpting materials, the artist uses them to sculpt space and light, or, in other words, that he transforms the force and energy of his creative process into sculptural material which he then transfigures into luminous energy.

In London, the prestigious gallery Contini Art UK, recently opened on New Bond Street, has started collaboration with Helidon Xhixha exhibiting his artworks in its space located in the heart of Mayfair. Set over two floors, the gallery covers over 5,000 square feet, and contains a permanent collection of well-known contemporary and modern artists.

The artist recently finalised a partnership with PMG - a New York City based development firm headed by Kevin Maloney for the project Muse, located on the pristine white sand beaches of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. The 47-story tower was conceptually designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott and fleshed out by the Miami based firm of Sieger Suarez Architectural Partnership. Muse, a state-of-the-art, tall, narrow

Meanwhile, during the official June opening of the New Yacht Club of Monaco, a five metre high monument titled Vela by Helidon Xhixha was unveiled. The monument sculpted in 316 marine grade, mirror polished stainless steel, resembles a sail and stands tall next to the entrance of the club house at Quay level. The piece is inspired by the

call of the sea, the contrast between life on land and at sea, between home and the unknown, and the passion for adventure. A smaller sculpture similar to the Vela monument was realised by Xhixha as a trophy for the 62nd Giraglia Rolex Cup 2014. The sculpture, measuring 30 x 50 cm, was rewarded to Roberto Tomasini Grinover and his Robertssima team, and presented by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. www.xhixha.it

Pictures. Top left: Prince Albert presented Roberto Tomasini Grinover with the racing trophy created by Helidon Xhixha. Above: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Veraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has a prestigious position at the Yacht Club of Monaco.

achieving the

unthinkable

t is a development that many never thought possible: three independent villas by the sea in the heart of Monaco. With every square inch considered sacred in this tiny, two-square kilometre Principality, how do you convince investors to choose just three liveable spaces as opposed to a possible hundred?

"I think people want something that doesn't exist in Monaco," reveals architect Christian Curau, one of the visionaries behind the new Sporting Villas. "Even the new generation wants something that they can't get anywhere else; the privilege of the exception." The villas certainly are exceptional. Located on the prestigious peninsula of the Sporting Monte Carlo, the Sporting Villas are an unprecedented real estate accomplishment in a Principality that is dominated by stark concrete towers. The two-storey villas harmoniously hug the peninsula; their shimmering pools, curved wooden exteriors and umbrella pines blend with the natural tones of the Mediterranean coast. Designed by Christian Curau and Laurent Gire, the villas were created using the finest materials, artisan builders and strict environmental standards. They are also completely curved. "The straight line doesn't exist in nature, and we built the villas - in the middle of this wild part of Monaco - trying to integrate it and find the smoothest shape we could," revealed Curau.

The nearby Sporting Monte Carlo, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, also served as the architects' inspiration; its rounded design and proximity to the sea laid the foundation for SBM's newest venture - holiday villas. The three villas can be rented for around 200,000 euros each per month. The central villa is filled with carefully selected furniture made from the finest materials - marble, Zebrano wood (from central Africa) and natural smoky quartz. The majority of pieces are custom made, a necessity considering there is not one straight angle in the entire villa. The gardens exude an authentic and intimate ambience thanks to the landscape architect Jean Mus. All existing umbrella pines on the site were retained; new citrus plantations bring colour and fragrance, while the flora also serves to protect guests' privacy. The villas are an accomplishment on a number of different levels. "For an architect, it is exceptional to be able to build a villa in Monaco," conCassandra Tanti cludes Curau.

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Tennants sought for Monaco’s Odeon Tower

The Odeon Tower will be Monaco’s tallest building when completed

pplications to live in Monaco's tallest building, the Odeon Tower, will be received by the Monegasque government from this September. The double skyscraper is set to open in spring 2015 as the tallest building in the Principality, and among the most luxurious in the world. While the lower floors of the building will be sold as office and business spaces, the upper section right to the top floor, the 49th, will be private residences. 166 apartments have been reserved by the government and will only be rented to Monegasque citizens. The applications begin 1st September and will close in January 2015 before a committee decides who the successful candidates will be. While no indication of rent prices has yet been given, the government said that they will be reasonable but the extensive facilities of the building, including a fullyequipped spa with Turkish baths, must be reflected in the cost. A further 82 private apartments are available to buy for international customers, including two duplex

apartments, as well as the 3,300m2 Sky Penthouse. Sprawling over the top five floors of the skyscraper, it will be the most expensive apartment in the world at 300 million euros, reports French architecture network Batiactu. Each apartment comes equipped with an interactive screen allowing access to a limousine chauffeur service, housekeeping services, and the building’s 24-hour concierge, giving the private homes all the facilities of a 5-star hotel. Originally scheduled to open at the end of 2014, the building work will now run on for an extra three months, but for the construction of a 170m building, the Monegasque Minister for Finance Jean Castellini thinks it’s understandable. “One trimester late on such an ambitious project, it’s hardly a deal-breaker,” he told Nice Matin. The building was designed by Alexandre Giraldi, who also co-created the Principality’s new Yacht Club, while interior decoration has been put in the hands of Alberto Pinto. With projects such as Gstaad’s Grand Hotel Park and two British castles under his belt, Pinto was a smart choice for a building that aims to be the last word in urban luxury. With a mélange of ultramodern and 60s retro-feel décor, the interior fittings will be provided by the world’s most prestigious companies to create a unique take on opulence. The building is the first high-rise construction to be permitted in Monaco since the late 1980s, when Prince Rainier III decided to move away from the controversy caused by the giant buildings and the shadows they were casting on neighbouring properties. The current project has seen its fair share of complaints with local residents creating the group ‘Odeon Riverains’ to protest the effects the building will have on their homes. Elizabeth Brauders

CRT Riviera Côte d'Azur/Georges Veran

Guillaumes, dominated by the 15th century chateau of Reine Jeanne, lies in the upper Var valley south west of the Mercantour National Park

Property series: Guillaumes Affordable village living close to the ski slopes

his month in our series looking at property in the valleys surrounding the majestic Mercantour National Park, we come to the commune of Guillaumes and the gorgeous red schist Daluis gorges. The village lies on the Routes des Alpes in the upper Var valley, between Nice and Digne les Bains in the neighbouring Alpes de Haute Provence. On your way up to Guillaumes, an easy walk along an old Roman road gives you an exceptional view of the gorges and the ancient copper mines exploited since Neolithic times. Standing at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park the territory of Guillaumes, founded in the 10th century by Guillaume II, Count of Provence, is today a Natura 2000 classified site. Interestingly, when the County of Nice threw in its lot with the House of Savoy in 1388 Guillaumes remained Provencal, becoming French and a royal city under François I in 1451. It was handed over in

M O R T G A G E Financial Institution

Contact Thomas Nielsen Camilla Greiersen Camille Marne

Mike Lorimer

en ok Sp

G, F DK E, S, N

A 91sqm villa with the possibility to develop another 100sqm, valley views and 3,000sqm of land is priced at 330,000 euros. Valberg Agence

garden although you may occasionally find a separate potager - kitchen garden - but these are rare, she says. Larger detached homes with some land tend to be on the outskirts either above the village or at the entrance or exit. A kilometre up from the

Description

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

but at least you can choose your own shower tiles. If you want to buy to build you may have to put in a septic tank and will need a reasonably sized plot. Ravel sold a 1,800sqm plot for 60,000 euros, however a smaller 1,000sqm plot with drainage and close to

the village remained unsold at 95,000 euros. It's worth looking, too, in the surrounding hamlets like Bouchanières, where an 80sqm terraced house sold for 85,000 euros, a 30,000 euro reduction on the asking price and it took two years to sell. It is a different story in St. Brés east of Guillaumes, just a few kilometres from the ski resort of Valberg. Here, proximity to the ski slopes raises prices and you can pay 350,000-390,000 euros for a chalet. Come winter, movement can be limited because roads can be closed, says Ravel. However, if you crave the white stuff but have a limited budget who knows? You could pick up an apartment for 40,000 to 50,000 euros in Guillaumes and drive the 13 kilometres east to Valberg. During spring, summer and autumn with the Mercantour on your doorstep, there is no shortage of healthy outdoor activities. Or knock around a few tennis balls then have a dip in the open air pool. Carolyn Reynier

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

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village, a small 50sqm maisonette with 4,000sqm of land is on the market for 115,000 euros (originally priced at 140,000). It is liveable, she says, but does require freshening up - which you will not be able to do in the 30sqm studio she recently sold for 30,000 euros. Located in a village house, it has no sanitation or shower room -

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the late 18th century to what was by then the Duchy of Savoy and Kingdom of Piedmont Sardinia, and returned to France, along with Nice and its county, in 1860. Some of the terraced village houses have now been divided up into small apartments, explains Valérie Ravel at Valberg Agence. Generally, there is no

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

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SKEMA teams up with Miami

The new three-star hotel will feature 90 bedrooms and five suits named after the park’s star attractions. It will be open to the public as soon as spring 2015. Photos: Marineland

30 million euro investment for Marineland Hotel and swimming with the dolphins among new attractions

arques Reunidos, owners of the second largest number of theme parks in Europe, will invest 30 million euros over the next three years in the construction of a hotel and two new attractions at its Marineland park in Antibes. Already the largest water park in Europe, welcoming over 1.2 million people each year, Marineland will soon offer visitors the opportunity to stay on site. The Marineland Resort three-star hotel will open in spring 2015 with 90 bedrooms and five suites in different buildings named for some of the park's star attractions: dolphin, orca,

shark, turtle and bear. "The hotel allows visitors to completely immerse themselves in the world of Marineland, to stay longer and make our park a real holiday destination," said Bernard Giampaolo, director of the park. The new developments will also include an expansion of Dolphin Lagoon, to be called Paradise Creek. Offering visitors special underwater explorations in a tropicalinspired pool that holds up to 300 people, the creek's key attraction will be an experience never available before in Europe: swimming with dolphins. The final major addition is

the Turtle Odyssey, offering a 3D and 360 degree insight into the life of turtles from birth to maturity. The installation aims to be interactive and entertaining, as well as educational. Since the park's creation in 1970, it has had two principle goals: firstly, to offer visitors a unique experience, both surprising and emotional, of the marine world. Secondly, the park has always prioritised conservation projects, founding the Conservation Research Centre in 1998, and expanding this work into practical actions with the Marineland Foundation. The foundation protects marine biodiversity by sponsoring a

number of active projects including protection for the Mediterranean's sea turtles, and sustainable farming in the mangroves of Madagascar. The foundation stone of the new resort was laid by Jean Leonetti, mayor of Antibes, as well as CEO of Parques Reunidos, Yann Caillère, at the end of June. The new hotel will expand the resort which already contains four separate attractions: Marineland, Kids Island, Aquasplash and Adventure Golf. With unemployment continuing to rise in the PACA region, news of the development is encouraging. The park already employs 160 fulltime staff, a figure that rises to 600 at

the height of the summer season. Expansion in all areas is Parque Reunidos' plan for the future, with Marineland the first to receive large-scale investment, "Marineland perfectly represents our strategy for the future," said Caillère. The company has recently acquired Miami's Sea Aquarium, as well as signing contracts for future parks to be built in Dubai. 26 million people a year visit the company's 69 parks all over the world, but with a goal of increasing visitors by two million, it is hoped that investment in the French Riviera's Marineland could kick start a badly-needed economic boost for the region. Elizabeth Brauders

A PARTNERSHIP agreement with Florida International University, based in Miami, will see SKEMA business school offering a training programme specifically focused on the development of luxury retail in Latin America. In association with the Altagamma Foundation, both institutions are now offering a one-month seminar designed for managers of luxury brands. The class will gather 30 participants in Miami to educate on the changes in the sector. The programme includes financial analysis, learning how to identify a point of sale, changing customer behavior, decrypting current innovations and creating the luxury boutique of tomorrow. Among the lecturers are luxury professionals (Tiffany & Co., Vuitton, Swarovski, Ferragamo, Hermes ...) as well as renowned teachers including Jonas Hoffmann, Sudeep Chabra and Ivan CosteManière. "This is a great opportunity to export their expertise in the luxury sector," said SKEMA "Following on from Sophia Antipolis, Suzhou and Raleigh, SKEMA also now teaches luxury in Miami".

EVENTS

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August:

Top eve he Rivie ra is in f u ll swing this month, with world class music concerts, festivals of every genre and spectacular fireworks displays! It all makes for a very dynamic and exciting ambience, so get out there and get involved!

Brigitte for Ever exhibition in Saint Tropez

Until 9th August

VENCE NUITS DU SUD An annual musical festival that welcomes performers from every corner of the world, and every genre imaginable. Performing on 8th August, La Yegros is definitely one to watch. Combining Spanish guitar and the rhythms of the Andes with a twist of electro, the young performer’s first album Viene de mi is a tropical cocktail of sound. Info: nuitsdusud.com

Until 14th August

MENTON MENTON MUSIC FESTIVAL This classical music festival has been running for 65 years and is well known for its exciting and sometimes quirky programme. Top picks are musical comedy duo Igudesman and Joo, and pianist prodigy Benjamin Grosvenor. Info: festival-musique-menton.fr

Until 26th August

PHOTO: GÉRARD SCHACHMES

V E N T I M I G L I A , I T A LY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL Travel back in time with this annual tribute to Ventimiglia’s medieval history. The city is transformed with medieval banquets, jesters, and tournaments, not to mention the crowds of attendees in full medieval dress. A permanent medieval market also takes place, as well as concerts of period music. Info: enteagostomedievale.it

1st August

M O N ACO RED CROSS GALA Join Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene to raise funds for the Monegasque Red Cross, founded in 1948. The Gala begins with a dinner and live music from Diana Krall, Freshlyground, The Sporting Summer Band and the Zhang Zhang Band, followed by a glittering firework display. Info: montecarlosbm.com

1st to 3rd August

GRASSE JASMINE FESTIVAL This traditional festival marks the beginning of the jasmine harvest, one of the flowers central to Grasse’s reputation as the perfume capital of the world. The weekend features fireworks, music, and a large floral parade through the town. Info: ville-grasse.fr TENDE AFRICAN FESTIVAL The mountain village will host a cultural festival featuring African cuisine and arts, including free workshops on African dance and percussive music. Proceeds go to the village of Dogon in Mali. Info: tendemerveilles.com

1st to 12th August

RA M AT U E L L E FESTIVAL DE RAMATUELLE This will be the 30th edition of the arts festival which invades one of the Riviera’s most charming and traditional seaside towns. The programme features a variety of theatre and musical performances,

Until 30th August

encapsulating a variety of genres. Events take place in the intimate setting of the town’s open-air theatre. Info: festivalderamatuelle.com

1st, 8th, 15th and 24th August

ANTIBES FIREWORK FESTIVAL Settle down on the beautiful beaches of Antibes to watch the world’s greatest pyrotechnicians demonstrate their skill with large scale displays exploding in time with music. Info: antibesjuanlespins.com

1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th August

CAGNES SUR MER JAZZ AU CHATEAU A variety of jazz styles performed by a different group each week in the village’s beautiful medieval castle, built at the turn of the 13th century. The concert of the 22nd will be a highlight, with a Billie Holiday tribute by Behia Jazz Band. Info: cagnes-tourisme.com

Until 8th August

TO U LO N TOULON JAZZ FESTIVAL Toulon celebrates the 25th edition of its annual Jazz Festival this year with 22 free concerts from the living legends of jazz. The festival aims to be elitist and accessible at the same time, pleasing everyone from true fanatics to those who’ve never experienced jazz before. Info: jazzatoulon.com

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A N D O R A , I T A LY SNORKELLING EXCURSIONS Qualified diving instructors bring small tourist groups on tours of the Italian Riviera. All equipment is provided and beginners are welcome. The groups will be taken on an underwater tour of the Italian environment, with plenty of marine life to be seen. The tours take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 4pm. Info: savona.it

2nd August

TOURETTE LEVENS FESTIVAL OF THE STORY AND WORDS César award-winning actress Fanny Cotennçon reads extracts from some of the greatest literature inspired by the First World War. The evening takes place in the beautiful setting of Tourette Leven’s castle grounds and is part of the village centenary commemorations. Info: festivalduconte-cg06.fr

2nd to 8th August

MOUGINS FESTIVAL OF NOTRE DAME DE VIE A series of concerts will be held for the first time this year in the beautiful cathedral of Mougins. The music is mainly classical, but also features some jazz performances. International performers are on the programme, with some of the best known classical composers set to be performed including Scarlatti, Satie, Liszt, and Debussy. Info: mougins.fr

2nd to 30th August

B E R G E G G I , I T A LY GUIDED CAVE TOURS Each Saturday in August the Italian village of Bergeggi offers visitors the chance to discover a natural cave system which runs for several hundred metres underneath the town. First discovered in the 1800s, the cave has excellent examples of limestone structures. The cave is undisturbed by light fittings so visitors will be equipped with torch helmets. Info: prolocobergeggi.it

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vents & exhibitions 3rd to 31st August

CANNES L’HEURE D’ORGE The Notre Dame de Bon Voyage church, Cannes’ beautiful 16th century church, provides the perfect backdrop of masters of organ-playing to show their skill. The programme includes performances by international names Nathan Laube, Thomas Kientz, and Gabriele Studer. Info: orgues-cannes.org

4th and 11th August

NICE OPEN AIR CINEMA Held in Nice’s legendary amphitheatre, the Theatre de Verdure, guests are invited to bring pillows and blankets to enjoy Lost in Translation and Skyfall in this unique Riviera setting. Info: tdv-nice.org

4th August

RAYOL CANADEL SOIREE ROMANTIQUE The Domaine du Rayol is a protected conservation park featuring typical Mediterranean vegetation. The soirée romantique offer visitors an organic dinner menu followed by a high quality musical performance by pianist Dominique Merlet. Beethoven, Liszt, and Brahms are on the programme. Info: domainedurayol.org

6th to 8th August

MOUANS SARTOUX AU CLAIR DE LUNE THEATRE The professional theatre festival celebrates its first decade this year. Held in the castle grounds of Mouans Sartoux, there is range of plays and shows on offer. The closing piece is a reinterpretation of the fairy tales of Charles Perrault, sure to be a crowd pleaser for adults and children alike. Info: compagnieducedrebleu.com

6th to 10th August

NICE INTERNATIONAL TANGO FESTIVAL The Latin flavour of tango invades Nice with shows, outdoor performances, and taster classes for beginners. With DJs, orchestras, and dancing experts, the festival aims to appeal to all. Info: verynicetangofestival.com

6th and 14th August

CANNES LES PLAGES ELECTRONIQUES This electro festival transforms the sandy shores of Cannes into a giant dance floor. Featuring international acts from all sub-genres of electro music, the festival is the perfect opportunity to dance the night away to club favourites, and more obscure numbers, in a beach setting. Info: plages-electroniques.com

7th and 14th August

HYERES CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS Performed on the white sand of the Ayguade beach, the evening of the 7th sees a selection of opera’s most famous airs, while Offenbach’s operetta Pomme d’Api will be played on the 14th. 500 beach chairs are installed for this free event, with visitors also welcome to bring blankets to sit on the sand. Info: lesmusicalessurlesable.com

8th and 9th August CAGNES SUR MER

ANGELS AND DEMONS STREET THEATRE The promenade and medieval castle at Cagnes sur mer will be taken over by a variety of a performers, all on the theme of Angels and Demons. The artists play with a variety of light, music, and art techniques to create an ethereal atmosphere in the Riviera night. Info: cagnes-tourisme.com

15th August

SAINT TROPEZ

SAINT TROPEZ AIR SHOW The town commemorates the role of Provencal airmen in the Second World War. The air show will feature historic airplanes from the period, including the famous British Spitfires and Sea Furies. Roughly 10 airplanes will take to the skies to delight audiences gathered below. Info: saint-tropez.fr D I A N O M A R I N A , I T A LY

LUMINI IN MARE 20,000 lights illuminate the seafront for this special event which takes place on the coast in the Ligurian region of Diano Marina. Events kick off at 9.30pm.

19th August

LA TURBIE COMMEMORATION OF THE DEATH OF EMPEROR AUGUSTUS The town of La Turbie is dominated by the Trophée des Alpes, a huge monument built in 6 B.C. by Roman emperor Augustus to mark the boundary between Roman territory and the Gauls. Take the opportunity to dress in Roman clothing, enjoy guided tours of the monument, and a dinner of Roman cuisine. Info: ville-la-turbie.com

21st August

MENTON THE PICASSO MYSTERY SCREENING The Jean Cocteau museums hosts an evening dedicated to the art of both Cocteau and Picasso. The evening begins with the screening of the 1955 film documenting Picasso’s creative process, followed by a street-art performance which draws on inspiration by both artists. Info: museecocteaumenton.fr

22nd and 23rd August

PUGET SUR ARGENS PUGET LIVE FESTIVAL This is the third edition of Puget Sur Argens’ live music festival. Featuring folk, electro, hip hop, and more. A highlight of this year’s festival will undoubtedly be the performance by Gorillaz Sound System, a four-piece group who recreate and adapt hits from the Gorillaz accompanied by huge projections of the group’s awardwinning animations. Info: pugetlivefestival.fr

27th August

THORONET GREGORIAN CONCERT Every year the medieval abbey of Thoronet hosts a series of Gregorian chant concerts. This season features a wide variety of acts, performing throughout the summer until the end of September. The concert of 27th August will be given by the Chantres de Thoronet, the abbey’s resident Gregorian choir. The group will perform a series of Gregorian psalms. Info: chantgregorien.over-blog.com.

Until 28th August

S A I N T PA U L D E V E N C E NIGHT TOURS BY LANTERN LIGHT Discover the history of Saint Paul de Vence by night. Make the most of the balmy evenings and the empty streets by following a guide through the medieval streets and listening to the histories and legends of Saint Paul de Vence. Lit only by a lantern, the guide will take you through the ancient streets to the ramparts and village cemetery. Visits take place each Thursday. Info: saint-pauldevence.com

Until 30th August

FREJUS CONCERTS LES MAS DES ESCARAVATIERS The unique setting for these concerts is a family-run vineyard. Gather around the family’s swimming pool, surrounded by olive trees and vines, and expect a more intimate and relaxed type of performance. Info: lemas-concert.com

5th September

NIICE UNICEF FUNDRAISING CONCERT In support of 50 years of UNICEF in France, the Association Energie Création Solidaire is organising a piano recital by the Russian pianist GéNIA, to take place in the auditorium of the Theatre of Photography and Image in Nice. Tickets are 12 euros. To reserve: www.asso-ecs.com or call: 06 31 90 83 92 or asso-ecs@gmail.com.

exhibitions Until 25th August

G E N O A , I T A LY A PASSI DI PIOMBO Francesco and Roberta Rastrelli take us on an historic journey to discover an underwater world in danger of extinction, with photographs captured during a series of dives with the Navy in La Spezia, recounting the hardships, risks, and charm of this essential profession. At the Galata Museo del Mare.

Until 9th September

G E N O A , I T A LY COSMIC JIVE: TOMÁS SARACENO. THE SPIDER SESSIONS With this exhibition at Villa Croce, Genoa, the Argentinian artist continues to explore the complex world of spider webs, which he has extensively investigated for some years.

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Until 21st September

BIOT SHARDS OF GLASS EXHIBITION From the middle of the 20th century, Biot became famous for its beautiful glass creations, featuring bubbled and coloured pieces. The glass blowing tradition remains strong to this day and is commemorated through this new exhibition. The catalogue features artistic pieces from contemporary glass blowers as well as earlier masters including Eloi Monod, who founded the glass factory in 1956. The pieces are grouped together by two colour groups, blue tones and golden ones, representing the Riviera’s landscape. Info: biot.fr NICE STEVE MCCURRY RETROSPECTIVE Perhaps best-known as the photographer of Afghan Girl with Green Eyes, an exhibition of roughly 100 of Steve McCurry’s most important photographs will be shown in Nice’s Theatre de la Photographie et de l’Image in conjunction with Magnum Photos. The photos chronicle conflict and the universal human condition, captured by McCurry’s undeniable talent in touching arrangements.

Until 28th September

ILE SAINTE MARGUERITE PLUS LOIN EN MEDITERRANEE This exhibition of work by Parisian photographer Dolorès Marat is composed of roughly 40 works taken in multiple countries with a Mediterranean coast, from Italy and Spain to Syria and Egypt. Generally an artist of shadows and obscurity, the brilliant light of the Mediterranean necessitated a more creative approach. Info: cannes.com CARROS COSTUMES AND TRADITIONS OF CARROS Take a step back in time to the Provence of the late 1800s. Housed in the Villa Barbary, constructed in the late 19th century, the collection features clothes worn by peasants, artisans and the bourgeois during this period, accompanied by the sounds of a period gramophone. The exhibition was put together by Karène Aubert with the local community loaning authentic pieces to the collection. Info: carros-tourisme.com

Until 30th September

GRASSE BAIN, BULLES & BEAUTE For the summer, the International Perfume Museum in Grasse offers an exhibition on bath, bubbles and beauty in Western Europe from the 18th century until today. The bathroom has a history full of symbols, of different times and different religions. Info: museedegrasse.com

Until 31st December

S A I N T PA U L D E V E N C E AN ARTIST’S PARADISE Saint Paul de Vence has hosted a plethora of famous artists from the 20th century including Braque, Chagall, Miro, and Calder. This exhibition displays not works by the artists, but depictions of the artists themselves. Photographs of the famous visitors to the village will be displayed throughout the streets, with some video footage playing in the local museum, Musée de Saint Paul. The theme which runs through these photos is the artists’ attachment to the beauty of Saint Paul de Vence as well as to its people. Info: saint-pauldevence.com

Until 25th October

SAINT TROPEZ BEST OF BRIGITTE EXHIBITION Saint Tropez’s beloved Brigitte Bardot will be honoured with two special exhibitions: the ‘Brigitte Forever’ world exclusive photo exhibition at the Espace Jean Despas from 26/07 to 02/09, and the ‘Best Of Bridget’ exhibition, with objects and pictures of the Bruno Ricard collection at the Château de la Messardière from 29/08 to 25/10.

COMMUNITY

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C O M M E N T A R Y

Life support

Mike Ferrier

Your survival guide to living in France Dear Andy, I currently have an auto entreprise that I started two years ago. I originally signed up as a business consultant, but lately my work has been more in web design. Is this ok? If not, what should I do? Marco in Menton Hello Marco, Technically when you start an auto enterprise you are attributed with a NAF code. This code is a direct reflection of the kind of work you are doing. Also, your NAF code lumps you into either the commercial, liberal or artisan group. If the majority of your work is still on the business consultancy side, then it is ok to do other bits and pieces on the side. As long as the new work that you are doing is within the same threshold (e.g. liberal, professional or artisan). For you this is ok, as you are a 'profession liberal' in both situations. But if, for example, you started as a business consultant and found your

The Riviera Business Club will have a welcome pause in August as far as events are concerned, but for those who still wish to party we invite them to join the members of our sister club, The International Club of the Riviera, who has two great events in August - A Mid-Summer Night in Villefranche and a dinner outing for the national day celebrations of the Principality of Seborga across the border in Italy. For details please visit www.internationalclub.fr. However, we certainly won't be resting in August. Behind the scenes there will be hectic planning for the launch of our signature event of the year, The Riviera Business Club Business Person of the Year Awards 2014 in September! The gala dinner and awards ceremony will be held at the Marriott Riviera - La Porte De Monaco on Thursday 4th December 2014. The Riviera Times will be the title media sponsor of the event and nominations will open on 1st September and close on 31st October. The awards are split into two categories: The

true passion was being a hairdresser, then making the change is a little bit tricky and has to be done via the proper channels. If the majority of work that you are doing is now the web design, changing your NAF code is relatively simple. Visit www.lautoentrepreneur.fr and on the left hand panel click 'modifier/cesser son activité'. They will then give you a variety of options, one of which is changing the activity. Once the form is complete the system will generate a pdf which you must print/sign/send to the URSSAF, which will then be in touch with you in two weeks or so with confirmation that your activity has changed. You can still work and invoice whilst everything is in process. Of course, if you need any help any step of the way, contact us, we are happy to help. Mon Ami Andy Rue Lascaris, Nice Port Tel: 04 83 50 84 78 jennifer@monamiandy.com

Business Person of the Year and The Best Start Up of the Year. Members of the club as well as members of the public are invited to nominate deserving candidates. The RBC BPOY Awards are the most prestigious business awards on the Riviera and last year a sell-out audience of 150 people were present at the ceremony when the joint CEO's of Côte d'Azur Villas Greg and Marrion Harris were awarded the Business Person of the Year Award, while Vin De Terre and joint CEO's Ewan Bird and Bertrand Petit were selected as the Best Start Up. Reservations for the gala evening will open on 1st September. Watch this space for more details. The Riviera Business Club has three different types of memberships available: single at 40 euros, couple at 70 and corporate at 100 euros. (Corporate Membership entitles the company to five memberships). www.rivierabusinessclub.fr Tel: 04 93 72 11 89 or 06 21 20 60 10 info@rivierabusinessclub.fr

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A local author’s musings on Riviera living

Saint Tropez: dream or drama?

s there anything like Saint Tropez? I don't think so. The mega yachts, the boutiques, the long legs and short shorts, the flashy restaurants, the beaches, the famous, and the curious. It's heady and hedonistic. Like nothing else I know. It's a summer dream, but it's also an August nightmare. The traffic snarls. The crowds crowd. The euros vanish out of your pocket like mist on a sunny day. You need a guide. And here I am to help. First the traffic. Remember the rule of 10: arrive well before 10, go home after 10. Want an evening parking spot? Best time is between 78pm - the families have gone home, and the fashionistas are still sorting out their wardrobes. Or go in the midafternoon whilst the glitterati

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are still glittering on the beach. If you are arriving from the A8 east, avoid St. Maxime at all costs. Turn right just after the ‘St. Maxime’ sign to Le Plan de La Tour (D74), then follow left Grimaud (D44), turn right at the end T junction, and follow Grimaud (D14) to St. Tropez (D558). It's a scary ride over the hills on nothing more than a one lane track. You might lose a wing mirror, but you won't lose your sense of humour. As you enter St. Tropez, take the turning to Ramatuelle (D61), then follow 'Plages', and head backwards to Saint Tropez (D93) and if you are clever and turn right after the Chemin des Moulins (direction Tahiti, Garmin), you will plop right into the Place des Lices parking without a heart attack. Avoid the morning market

days (Tuesday and Saturday). The markets in Cogolin (Wednesday and Saturday) and Ramatuelle (Sunday) have about the same junk, but less crowds and more courtesy. Now the nightclubs - if you must endure a hot hole to dance on a two-metre square floor with 10,000 other sweaties, at least don't get ripped off. Watch what the kids do. They negotiate a table and share a bottle of scotch. 800 euros should last all of you the night. And guys, be warned. If you order a "Tarte Tropezienne" (Tropezian Tart), you won't be getting a hot-pants, bed-time companion. You'll be eating a revoltingly sweet, custardcream laden cake. (Even though the price will be about the same!)

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Lunch and lounging on the beach? Famous Club 55 deserves its fame, (Boulevard Patch). It's where the beautiful people go to be seen. Les Jumeaux (Route de l'Epi) is cuter and less frenetic. It's where celebs go who don't want to be seen! Moorea (Chemin des Moulins) has fun boutiques and good food. Dining? Few Tropezienes eat in town these days - high prices and average quality. So where do they go? Probably to the Pomme de Pain on the road to Tahiti Plage, where there's great Italian food under Mediterranean pines and a check which won't break the bank. Well I hope that helps. The Yanks may have Las Vegas, the Brits Blackpool. But the rest of us have Saint Tropez. Thank you Brigitte Bardot!

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Editor Cassandra Tanti rivieratimes@mediterra.com

Contributors Elizabeth Brauders, Julian Nundy, Andrew Denison, Carolyn Reynier, Aila Stöckmann, Alfred Thum, Rolf Liffers

Art director Konny Strauss

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It's been a great summer so far for the members of the International Club of the Riviera! The fun continues in August with our signature event for the summer, A Mid-Summer Night in Villefranche on Saturday 2nd hosted by two of our members. A fantastique setting in the Domaine de Castellet with fabulous views over Villefranche Bay and Cap Ferrat, a sumptuous international buffet dinner, excellent wines, lots of fun activities for everyone, great opportunities to network and socialise and musical magic by the acclaimed singing sensation Colette Marx-Nielsen in Concert ‘For The Love of Music’. Our second event for August will be on Wednesday 20th with our very popular annual outing for the national day celebrations of the Principality of Seborga. It's a short but picturesque drive up to

Seborga by a private luxury coach, approximately 45 minutes from the Italian Border. On arrival there will be time for a drink and a short tour of the town before the festivities begin! We will then join the citizens of Seborga and other visitors for a superb barbecue dinner under the stars in the town square, surrounded by the traditional national day celebrations including the arrival of the Prince S.A.S Marcello in a grand procession followed by the grand 'Festa con Musica e Danze' to round off a fabulous evening and a great summer of events for the International Club of the Riviera. For photos of last years outing please visit internationalclub.fr/photos. www.internationalclub.fr Tel: 04 93 72 11 89 or 06 21 20 60 10 info.internationalclub.fr.

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