The English-language newspaper for the French - Italian Riviera & Monaco since 2002
www.rivieratimes.com Issue 150 - September 2014 2.50e
80 years of Brigitte Bardot
Looking at the life of St. Tropez’s favourite daughter
MONACO YACHT SHOW SPECIAL Power women in the yachting scene
golden years in cannes Expats rewarded for dedication to the city
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Put it in perspective There were a number of interesting studies released in July which point to our quality of life here in France, and more closely, the French Riviera (see page 19). They also give us an idea of what the rest of the world thinks of our adopted region. Not surprisingly, the results are both good and bad. But how much weight should we be giving these 'studies'? According to the magazine CondĂŠ Nast Traveller, Cannes has been voted as one of the world's most unfriendly cities, second only to Johannesburg in South Africa. Coming in at 9th place, Monte Carlo was dismissed as "ostentatious and overcrowded". In fact, France was most represented in the top 10, with Marseille taking 5th place and Paris 4th. The story caused quite a stir on social media because, let's face it, nothing gets people commenting quite like a bit of French bashing. And while I don't think the French are an incredibly hospitable and overlyfriendly bunch, I do think a bit of perspective is called for. CondĂŠ Nast Traveller is an American publication, whose majority of subscribers are American. And U.S.natives can be a bit demanding, loud and rude themselves when they travel. Even I, as an Australian, was not culturally prepared for France when I arrived eight years ago, and I had plenty to say about it. Perhaps the results would have been different if the study was conducted among the European population - who makes up the majority of tourists to France. Because, how bad can this country really be if it continues to top the list as the most visited destination in the world, year in, year out? That's not to say there isn't room for improvement. Another study, this time in France, said that nine out of 10 French people are annoyed at the bad attitude of their own countrymen and women when it comes to service and wait staff. Now that, I completely agree with. But like I said, perspective and balance are always important.
inside... 4 News
16 Travel
5 People & Places
18 Property & Finance
6 Monaco
19 Lifestyle
Flying First Class with Lufthansa
Political column with Julian Nundy
Real estate firm sees growth after takeover
Expats honoured with Cannes gold award
Mirror of the world with Helidon Xhixha
The Irish ancestry of Princess Charlene 1 in 3 is a millionaire in Monaco Monaco and Russia join forces for gastronomy
20 Events
Your guide to this month's top events and exhibitions
8 Gourmet
The taste of exception at La Lavandou
21 Property & Finance Property series: Sospel
9 Saint Tropez
22 Community
Looking back on the life of Brigitte Bardot
Local clubs and columns
10 Special: Monaco Yacht Show
23 Classifieds
Power women in the yachting scene
Listing everything from handymen to villas for sale
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NEWS
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News in Brief
Political Column
Riviera and Monaco
by Julian Nundy The Riviera Times’ political commentator in Paris
Visit www.rivieratimes.com, ‘Like’ us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to receive daily breaking news
A forlorn celebration
MORE THAN a kilo of cannabis went missing from inside the police station at La Seyne. The cannabis, which was seized in an anti-drug raid in the Berthe area, was reported missing after officers weighed the evidence bag and discovered it to weigh 272g, when previously it had been 400g, according to local media. An investigation has been launched.
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A CRÈCHE offering 24 hour childcare has opened in the Var. The crèche is limited to only 10 babies and children between the ages of two months and four years and reservations are said to be filling up fast. 'Le monde des doudous' is the brainchild of Tatiana Zaou and aims to help mothers progress in their careers, like nursing, without having to worry about traditional childcare hours. THE VAR has been ranked France's most organic department, with 20% of land growing produce without synthetic chemicals. 451 farmers in the area either run organic properties or are waiting for their official approval. The PACA region as a whole is also number one on the regional table with over 15% organic land. HADELIN DE la Tour du Pin has been officially announced as the new French ambassador to Monaco. Following the resignation of previous ambassador Hugues Moret on 15th July, the new chosen official comes from a politically significant French family with numerous relatives and ancestors holding diplomatic posts. THE CITY OF Nice may buy
Amid opposition from the western Alpes Maritimes community of Saint Auban, just north of Grasse, the EDF has retracted its plans to build a wind farm, saying it is respecting the wishes of the local community, despite the fact the site has energy production potential.
out the government’s majority holding in the Côte d'Azur international airport if privatisation plans go ahead. Mayor Christian Estrosi has "ruled out nothing" in the fight to keep France's 3rd busiest airport from the hands of a private investor. It follows the government's announced sale of their stake in the ToulouseBlagnac airport in July. FROM 1ST September, vital work on the train line between Hyères and Toulon will take place and the line is expected to remain closed up until June 28th 2015. Buses will replace
the trains that usually run on average every two hours. However, the direct bus between the two stations will take longer than the 20 minute train journey and reservations will need to be made on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during busy times. WHILE VISITING Nanjing in August to support the Monegasque team during the second Youth Olympic Games, Prince Albert II made time to hold a meeting with the leader of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, strengthening ties between the two countries.
60th birthday is normally a big event for serving public figures, a time to review the past and look confidently to the future. In President François Hollande's case, however, it was a low-key jubilee. And it was marred by an opinion poll a few days later concluding that more than 80 per cent of the French had no confidence in him or his government. The poll, by IFOP for the Journal du Dimanche, showed that only 15 per cent of voters believed that the government stood a chance of reducing France's unemployment rate. In his first New Year's address to ring in 2013, Hollande promised to reduce "the curve of unemployment" by the end of the year. In the event, the curve rose. In his 14th July Bastille Day television interview this year, the president boldly announced that "the recovery is here", pointing the way to brighter days for France's economy. In the week of his 60th birthday, however, the national statistics institute INSEE forecast a disastrous zero growth for the French economy in 2014, just as figures for France's neighbours showed them firmly climbing out of recession. One pollster said that, therein lay Hollande's problem: instead of telling the truth about the state of France, he instead made optimistic remarks that quickly came back to haunt him, not only irritating the public, but supporters inside his own Socialist camp where a group of parliamentarians, known as the "frondeurs", dissidents or rebels, are becoming more and more vociferous. But the government showed no sign of taking heed. Prime Minister Manuel Valls announced that policy would not change, saying that it would take time for Hollande's
programme to take effect and hinting that holding firm was a sign of courage. The problem for many French citizens, as the president's five-year term nears its halfway mark, is that they don't see much of a programme at all, still less any real moves to get the economy back on the rails. Even the nature of Hollande's birthday celebration had a touch of the pitiful. For the holiday month of August, instead of taking advantage of the Fort de Brégançon, the French president's official summer residence overlooking the Mediterranean, he retired to his La Lanterne weekend home at Versailles, a brief helicopter hop from the Elysée Palace. And, there, gossipier elements of the French media said, he did not even have much in the way of female company. One magazine that thrives on the lives of the famous said he had been deserted by Julie Gayet, the actress whose relationship with the president - revealed at the beginning of the year forced Valérie Trierweiler, the journalist who had shared Hollande's life since his 2012 election, to move out. The Elysée then moved to reassure the public that Hollande would not be home alone to blow out his 60 candles on 12th August. He would, it said, be celebrating at an undisclosed location in southeastern France with his four children by his long-time ex-companion, Ségolène Royal, the current ecology minister. After that private party, the president led ceremonies to mark the 70th anniversary of the World War II landings in Provence with a vibrant speech about the lessons of history. Many of the French, however, are still waiting for the president to deal with the present.
First indigenous dengue fever case The first indigenous case of dengue fever in the Var was confirmed in late August by the Regional Health Agency (ARS), which released a statement, saying: "We refer to 'indigenous' cases when a person has contracted the disease within the country and has not travelled to an area in which the virus is circulating in the last 15 days. This is, at the moment, a unique and geographically isolated case. The infected person consulted a doctor and
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his condition is of no immediate concern." In accordance to Level 2 of the national procedure for anticontamination of chikungunya and dengue fever, experts were deployed to the home of the victim where they carried out disinfectant measures. Control action was also undertaken in the area surrounding the victim's home. Dengue fever is transmitted by tiger mosquitos, which have become an irritating fixture in the region over the years.
PEOPLE & PLACES
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Golden moments in Cannes
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he Cannes English Bookshop sits comfortably in the cosmopolitan city of Cannes, just a stones-throw from the famous Croisette and the iconic red carpet of the Palais des Festivals. It is not stuffy from the smell of accumulated dust, or overcrowded with mountains of unsold novels. The glorious Riviera sunshine brightens the covers of the latest Dean Koontz, Alan Furst and Stephen King novels; delectable-looking dishes draw your attention to best-selling recipe books; a large volume of works are dedicated solely to the world of film. The comfort of walking into a proper bookshop is heightened by the presence of Wally and Christel Storer, who greet you with typical Australian warmth entwined with a little local verve. The Storers were living in Sydney, Australia, with their 10year-old daughter when they decided to pack up their lives in 1982 and move abroad for a year. Dissuaded by Britain's bad weather and gloomy ambiance, the French Riviera was an attractive option. "I had been to France many times and worked there to some extent with my computer company in Australia. I also thought my French was pretty good; it
Wally and Christel's international adventure began like many others … with the dream of living in a foreign country. But what they achieved goes far beyond most expats' overseas Signature of former Australian experience. For almost 30 years, prime minister Julia Gillard they have managed to run a successful small business in the heart of the French Riviera. In fact, their contribution to the local and international communities has been so great, they were recently awarded an esteemed gold medal from the city of Cannes. wasn't, as it turned out," recalls Wally with a smile. A year later, with their daughter flourishing in a bilingual school, they decided to stay put and open a business. "I think, more than anything, it was the climate and the international community that convinced us to stay here," reveals Wally. "I read an article at the time that said Cannes was the second most visited city in France after Paris, so we decided here was the best place to set up an English bookshop. We took out a two year lease on another store close by in case it didn't work out, but it was doing well, so four years later we bought this." "Everybody thought we were crazy," adds Christel, "our friends and family in Australia, in England, even here in France. But we were young and didn't think it could fail; we just went for it." Cannes certainly draws in a good customer supply. The city's moment to shine comes every May during the Film Festival, but its legend draws a large international crowd every month of the year. "People come here from all over the globe, there's always a different nationality," says Christel. "I think if it was anywhere else we wouldn't
have stayed for 30 years." "And running a bookshop is far more interesting than selling fish or shoes," says Wally, with his typical Aussie humour. Three decades in one company creates memorable stories to share over the dinner table. Three decades working in the world's most glamorous city of Cannes spawns content for a biography. "We had Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visit us during the G20," says Wally proudly. "She came with an entourage of 16 people and was surprisingly charming." Tony Curtis, Jamie-Lee Curtis, Naomi Watts … many a Hollywood star has held a signing or publicity event in the Cannes English Bookshop. Working and living in this prestigious city certainly has its perks. "Three years ago I saw Leonardo DiCaprio just walking along the Croisette. No one was really taking any notice of him. That's what it's like here," says Christel. "And last month I was at the farmers market and there walking towards me were Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt; no security guards. Nobody stopped them or seemed to care," adds her husband. Then out of the blue, one day
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Èze a 'classified tourist resort' Èze has been awarded the title of 'classified tourist resort', making it nationally recognised for its excellence and providing opportunities for the town to enhance itself further. Eligable towns must meet demanding criteria in order to provide visitors the highest level of quality. Èze meets nearly 50 areas of this criteria including the availability and diversity of accomodation, architecture, events and transport facilities. The town joins 120 other recipients of the title, with more than a dozen also in the region including Nice, Cap d'Ail, Menton, Saint Raphaël and Bormes les Mimosas.
this July, Wally received a phone call from the City of Cannes saying Mayor David Lisnard would like to reward the couple with gold medals for their contribution to the local and international communities. "Christel didn't believe me at first, she thought I was pulling her leg," says Wally. "But it was a lovely ceremony in the end and we are very proud to have received it." The City of Cannes said: "After more than 20 years of business, the success goes beyond the English community, with more than half of their clients being French. A symbol of immersion in the city's tissue, the Cannes English Bookshop today represents an unalterable institution." But all good things must come to an end, and the Storers have decided that now is as good a time as any to retire. They have put the bookshop up for sale and are now stuck with the "problem" of what to do post work. "I am sure we will stay in Cannes," reveals Christel, "but we will also travel, perhaps host book reading groups. And you never know, one day we might even get around to writing some memoires." Cassandra Tanti
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The label will allow Èze to benefit from a number of financial perks. Other towns that have been presented the award have seen rises in population, larger grants and a higher rank of staff appointed. The mayor and his deputies will also receive increased allowances. The picturesque coastal town was already classed as a 'tourist town', a title it was awarded in 2012. But Èze has gone a step up with its new classification. This recognition follows TripAdvisor's 'Certificate of Excellence' which it awarded to the medieval town of Èze.
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Princess Charlene has Irish ancestry
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Photo: Irish Embassy Paris
Ireland tracks down 16th century roots
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he Irish newspapers were abuzz in late July with news that Monaco's Princess Charlene has a touch of Irish blood. In fact, the former South African swimmer reportedly descends from one of the most successful merchant families in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Princess even received a Certificate of Irish Heritage by Rory Montgomery, Irish Ambassador to France - an official recognition by the government of those who are proud of their Irish ancestry and heritage. Research commissioned by Tourism Ireland and carried
known today as the Phoenix Park. At the end of the 17th century, the Fagans moved to Killarney, where they continued to prosper in international commerce, trading with the East Indies and colonial America. The last of the Princess's direct ancestors born in Ireland was her great (x4) grandfather, Christopher Sullivan Fagan, who was baptised in St Mary's, Cork, in 1781. It seems the Irish are anticipating that this revelation will encourage the Princess to explore her ancestry further. "We hope that the Princely couple will consider a visit to Ireland in the near future, to
out by genealogy experts Eneclann revealed that Princess Charlene's ancestors can be traced back to the 1520s and a prominent Dublin family called the Fagans. According to the Irish Independent newspaper, the Fagans made a number of important contributions to the development of Dublin. In 1592, Richard and Christopher Fagan, the Princess' great (x12) grandfathers, were key figures in the foundation of Trinity College; and in the 1660s, Christopher Fagan, the Princess' great (x9) grandfather, sold the manor of Phoenix to the Duke of Ormond to create a royal deer park - which is
Fabrizio la Torre: ‘The World of 1950’ Monaco hosts first exhibition of its kind featuring Italian photographer
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or the first time ever, a comprehensive retrospective of the works of Italian photographer Fabrizio La Torre will be on show. The 93-year-old is renowned for capturing everyday moments in Italy, America and Asia in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition will be held in the 800 sqm viewing area of the Quai Antoine 1er in Monaco. 220 photographs, including many previously unpublished images, will be on display. The photographer gives audiences an intimate insight into post-war Rome, the daily lives of people, snapshots of clergy, the ubiquitous Vespa and the curves of beautiful Roman women. But there's also tragedy, like the flood after the Tiber overflowed its banks. Fabrizio La Torre was born in 1921 in an Italian family that
H.S.H Princess Charlene was presented with a Certificate of Irish Heritage by HE Rory Montgomery, Irish Ambassador to France. She was accompanied by her husband Prince Albert, who also has Irish ancestry
see for themselves the places associated with both of their family histories," said Finola O'Mahony of Tourism Ireland. The Irish connections of Prince Albert and his mother
Princess Grace are well documented. The link begins with Grace's grandfather, John Peter Kelly, who was a bricklayer from Newport in Mayo. He was born in 1857 in
Drimurla but left Ireland in 1887 for Philadelphia, where he founded one of that city's leading construction companies and made his family's fortune. Cassandra Tanti
SBM staff relocate from the iconic Sporting d’Hiver Out with the old and in with the ultra-modern and new
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Fabrizio La Torre, Brussels, 2014, copyright Jean Goovaerts
more modest - just a sudden urge to capture daily scenes and atmospheres and transfer them to film before they disappeare forever; "an honest witness of his time". ‘The World of 1950’ will run from 24th September to 19th October. Admission is free.
was passionate about art. His grandfather Enrico Valenziani was one of the founding fathers of Italian photography; he is best known for taking pictures of Rome in the 1860s, including the Pope's visit to Napoleon III. Fabrizio's motivation is
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he staff of Monaco’s biggest employer Société des Bains de Mer have finally settled in their new high-tech home, leaving behind the iconic Sporting d’Hiver building, now set to be demolished. A controversial four-year redevelopment plan for Monte Carlo’s Place du Casino will see the demolition of the art-deco architecture of the square’s Sporting d’Hiver building, opened in 1931. As part of these upgrades planned by SBM, they’ve had to move their own staff from the prestigious address of the Place du Casino to a new building on rue du Gabian. While the change of address could be seen as a downgrade for the 334 workers, the
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specially-designed offices are definitely not. Covering 5,000m2, the new work space features special two-person meeting pods for privacy and confidentiality, as well as extremely spacious meeting halls equipped with discreet sound, light and climate control, all of which react to complement conditions outside. Employees have been issued with multi-purpose ID cards which not only allow them access to the building, but which they can use to make photocopies, buy coffee, or visit the cafeteria. Determined to turn over a new leaf, employees brought nothing from their old offices with them, “not even a pot plant… It’s a new era!” Daniel
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Lambrecht, the estate agent in charge of the 10 million euro move, told Nice Matin. The new offices are still undergoing the last of the work, with painters and decorators putting the finishing touches to the interiors as employees finish the last of their unpacking, but Lambrecht seems unperturbed by this slight delay. "It’s all a question of details, but that’s how we arrive at a better level of efficiency and, therefore, results,” he explained. With the last of the employees finally settled in their new office, demolition work will finally begin on the controversial project which will see the Sporting d’Hiver replaced by a modern glassfronted luxury structure.
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Season of Gastronomy
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Russia teams up with Monaco
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ith a colourful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea as its backdrop, and the luminescent turquoise pools of the Méridien Beach Plaza as a stage, the scene was set for the fabulous Russian Season of Gastronomy Gala on 30th July. The Riviera Times was invited to enjoy a spectacular evening of 'live cooking' from some of the best chefs in the Principality, alongside their Russian counterparts. The Russian Gastronomy Season initiative, which spans five days and is now in its 5th year, was founded by Natalia Marzoeva and has been a wonderful opportunity for enabling cultural and culinary exchanges between Russia and Monaco. Monaco chefs Joël Garault from the
4 5 1) It was an elegant affair overlooking the Mediterranean. 2) Guests were treated to a spectacular selection of food. 3) ‘Live cooking’ with the Chef from the Hôtel de Paris. 4) Russian chefs stood alongside their Monaco counterparts for the event. 5) Art work helped set the romantic atmosphere. 6) The fashion stakes were high, in every age group.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and JeanClaude Brugel from the Café de Paris welcomed chefs from prestigious Russian establishments and together they presented delectable menus. The party from Russia included Andrej Shamakov (Hotel Metropol, Moscow) at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and Konstantin Makridin (Culinary Advisor to the President of Russia) at Café de Paris, who bought with them a selection of products representing their country. An art exhibition featuring prominent Russian artists topped off a memorable summer gala event. It was the perfect taste of things to come when Monaco celebrates the Year of Russia in 2015. Cassandra Tanti 6
1 in 3 is a millionaire Monaco has the highest concentration of millionaires in the world
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ith a population of just 36,371 inhabitants, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. So perhaps it's not surprising that a new study has revealed the Principality tops the poll when it comes to having the densest concentration of millionaires. The consulting firm WealthInsight, in association with Spear's - a magazine that caters to the "ultra high net worth community" - performed an analysis on the financial status of the world's elite and, according to their results, 29.21% of Monaco's population have a bank account containing a sum of seven figures or more. A primary residence was not included in the calculations. While the report made headlines across the globe, the results didn't come as a major surprise to the analysts or perhaps those who live in the Principality and adjoining French Riviera. "It's unsurprising to see that Monaco is the most likely place where you will bump into a millionaire," said WealthInsight analyst Oliver
Monaco is the most likely place in the world where you will bump into a millionaire, according to WealthInsight and Spear’s
that the Monegasques earn more per capita than any other people in the world. It is also one of the few places that does not charge income tax. The top 20 global cities by millionaire density are: 1) Monaco - 29.21% 2) Zurich - 27.34% 3) Geneva - 17.92% 4) New York - 4.63% 5) Frankfurt - 3.88% 6) London - 3.39% 7) Oslo - 2.90% 8) Singapore - 2.80% 9) Amsterdam - 2.63% 10) Florence - 2.59%
Williams. "The Principality’s' low tax and Mediterranean waterfront is the ideal habitat for wealthy individuals." Monaco is followed by Zurich, of which 27.34% of the population are millionaires, and then Geneva, with 17.92%. "Favourable tax and outstanding location are important criteria for attracting clusters of millionaires, but so too is ready access to wealth managers and private banks," added Williams. In early July, the World Bank released statistics showing
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The taste
There may be a marked trail confirming you are on the right track, but it
of exception
is still hard to believe that a vineyard exists in the middle of this "urban plantation".
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t the heart of Le Lavandou, not far from the city centre, an imposing stone wall appears as the rampart of a fortress, facing campers and their siege of the beachside. The contrast is as striking as surprising, and even more when, crossing the wide gate of the Domaine de l'Anglade, a green oasis overlooking the sea appears before your eyes. The vineyard spreads out generously on both sides of the path that leads to the buildings on high ground. At the entrance, a tasting house welcomes visitors, while ducks, swans, pheasants and geese roam freely between the vines
and a purpose-built pond. Often you can see deer, raised on the property, nibbling some tasty buds right from the vine plants. This is Domaine de L'Anglade, the only vineyard of Le Lavandou, and it appears to rise from the sea like a bubble of paradise.
September that the domain welcomes its seasonal workers to harvest in the purest tradition, by hand. THE LANGUAGE OF FLAVOURS For red wines, the Domaine de l'Anglade develops three cuvées that stand apart by their unique character: the Grenache-Syrah, a light and fruity red wine which is best rather fresh, ideal in summer; the Merlot, grown in a single grapevine with a register between aromatic red fruit and black fruit; the Cuvée du Brocard made with Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak for 12 months. The "confidential" production of the parcels of Rolle, Sémillon and Ugni Blanc allows the Domaine de l'Anglade to develop its unique white vine cuvée, particularly valued for both its strong and aromatic character, ideal for fish or seafood. Finally, the Rosé, which is the most important production of the Domaine de l'Anglade and is available in two cuvées from plots of Grenache and Syrah, are vinified separately.
THE DOMAINE: DOWN TO EARTH A special feature of the Domaine de l'Anglade is that it is composed of two vineyards located in different municipalities. Among the 18 hectares of vineyard, 12 are grown on the slopes of Bormes les Mimosas, while the vineyards of Le Lavandou are over six hectares. The sea air usually spares the vines of disease thus, without availing itself of an "organic" character, the Domaine de l'Anglade ensures a culture as natural as possible, excluding herbicides and chemical fertilizers in favour of traditional methods. GRAPEVINES: THE TASTE OF EXCEPTION The Domaine de l'Anglade cultivates 10 different varieties of grape, treated with the utmost attention into every stage of their maturation and until the long-awaited moment of their harvest. It is traditionally between the end of August and late
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The two rosés are the jewels of the Domaine de l'Anglade - the Cuvée Tradition with its freshness and gourmet fruity taste, and the Rosé Anna, well known for its elegance and delicacy of the fruits. It is up to you to find your favourite. ADVERTORIAL
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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.
AFRICAN QUEEN 45 years have passed and the African Queen is still going strong! Located at the yachting port, there's no beating this professional brasserie that runs like clockwork. Salade niçoise (Vissian's grandmother's recipe), spiny artichoke salad, bite-sized scallops, lasagne from a wood-fired oven, grilled scampi, pan-fried sea bass with stuffed artichokes, African lamb and chicken curry, prime Black Angus, aromatic grilled Bavarian beef, coulommiers cheese with truffle oil… There's more than one culinary discovery in waiting. It is the atmosphere that brings streams of celebrities around the platters of sea food, summer truffle pizzas and the traditional rum baba. BEAULIEU SUR MER Port de Plaisance Tel: 04 93 01 10 85 www.africanqueen.fr
Brigitte Bardot Saint Tropez’s favourite daughter turns 80
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or many years, Saint Tropez was popular among artists seeking sanctuary and inspiration, the light a perfect backdrop for their oil paintings and water colours. The likes of Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and Greta Garbo are known to have often graced this Mediterranean fishing village. But the quiet oasis enjoyed relative anonymity until the year 1956, when it was spectacularly projected into the global spotlight thanks to a young French actress called Brigitte Bardot. This year, Saint Tropez's favourite daughter, the woman who transformed this small village into the ultimate party town, celebrates her 80th birthday.
Where it all began
Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, or BB as she was affectionately known, was born in Paris on 28th September 1934 to a Catholic bourgeois family. She studied ballet at the Conservatoire de Paris for three years, before appearing on the cover of Elle magazine at age 15. It was then that BB caught the attention of young film director Roger Vadim, seven years her senior, whom she later married. It was Vadim who cast Bardot in the iconic arthouse film ‘And God Created Woman’, a French movie about an immoral teenager in the respectable small town setting of Saint Tropez. The film, with its daring nudity and sensual dynamics, was groundbreaking; it was even dubbed 'God Created Woman but the Devil Created Brigitte Bardot!' in America. The film instantly launched Brigitte Bardot's international career and ignited her sex kitten persona. She abandoned her bourgeois conservative roots and became a symbol of new age feminine freedom. The world's obsession with BB began. "Vadim was the only man who was certain I had something special to offer," Bardot is quoted as saying, though she has also remarked, "I am not an actress. I can only play me - on and off the screen." Not long after the shoot, the actress bought a
Saint Tropez will host the ‘Best of Brigitte’ exhibition at the Château de la Messardière until 25th October
house on the seaside and moved to Saint Tropez permanently. The ultimate seductress, Bardot had an affair with her ‘And God Created Woman’ co-star JeanLouis Trintignant, who was married at the time to actress Stéphane Audran. She divorced Vadim after five years of marriage. "It is better to be unfaithful than to be faithful without wanting to be," said Bardot. But BB’s allure was strong. The pair maintained a professional relationship and Vadim went on to direct her 1958 film ‘The Night Heaven Fell’. She was featured in many other projects including ‘The Parisienne’ (1958), ‘La Femme et le Pantin’ (1959) and ‘Come Dance With Me’ (1959). It was widely reported that during the making of the 1960 film ‘La Verité’, on her 26th birthday, the starlet attempted suicide. Decades later, the actress would talk about the nightmarish world of celebrity and the pressure of constantly having to display a certain image. "I have been very happy, very rich, very beautiful, much adulated, very famous and very unhappy," remarked Bardot. "I tried to make myself as pretty as possible and even then I thought I was ugly. I found it madly difficult to go out, to show myself."
Bardot also performed in several musical shows and recorded over 60 songs, collaborating with French singer Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she also had a brief affair. While they certainly weren't masterpieces (it is hard to forget ‘Harley Davidson’, for all the wrong reasons) - they were all delivered with that classic sex kitten personality. In its review of ‘The Best of Bardot’ music compilation, All Music aptly wrote: "Although not the owner of conventional high-level vocal skills, Bardot invested her frivolous songs with a contagious sense of playful fun, and a refusal to take the music or herself too seriously," Just weeks after meeting self-styled German playboy Gunther Sachs, BB married for the third time on 14th July 1966, in an eight-minute Las Vegas ceremony. They were divorced three years later. But Sachs was never bitter about his BB experience, not even her infidelity with musician Mike Sarne just days following their wedding. Ten years after they separated, he reportedly gave Bardot a diamond ring worth 1.2m francs. "A year with Brigitte Bardot was worth ten with anyone else," he said.
Professional recognition
Bardot starred in 47, mostly French, films throughout her career, although there were some Englishspeaking roles. Most notably, she played herself in Dear Brigitte, a brief role opposite James Stewart and a boy genius with a cute little crush on Brigitte Bardot. The closest she got to professional recognition was a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Foreign Actress for her role in Louis Malle's 1965 film Viva Maria!. By 1973, BB had had enough of the crazy entertainment world and retired. "My soul is not my own any more. I cannot live like I want to. I am going to give up films," the star said, shocking audiences worldwide. Instead, she decided to use her fame to prom-
Her only child
The paparazzi have always gone crazy for BB. There was plenty of publicity surrounding her 1959 marriage to actor Jacques Charrier, with whom she had her only child, a son, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. "I am not finding pregnancy much of a joy," she is reported to have said. "I am afraid of childbirth, but I am afraid I can't find a way of avoiding it." Just two years later, the couple divorced and Nicolas was raised in the Charrier family. Bardot didn't have much of a relationship with her son until his adulthood, and Jacques, now a painter, refuses to discuss the relationship publicly. She is said to have two grandchildren through Nicolas. In addition to her film and modelling career,
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ote animal rights. "Animals have never betrayed me. They are an easy prey, as I have been throughout my career. So we feel the same. I love them." In 1986, she established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the Welfare and Protection of Animals. She became a vegetarian and raised three million francs to fund the foundation by auctioning off jewelry and her personal belongings. "I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals," she is quoted as saying.
Controversial BB
Bardot's fourth and current husband is Bernard d'Ormale, former adviser of Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the far right Front National party. They were married in 1992 and it was during that decade that BB became particularly controversial, criticising immigration, race-mixing, aspects of homosexuality and Islam in France. She has been fined five times for "inciting racial hatred" and supported Marine Le Pen's 2012 presidential bid. In August 2010, director Kyle Newman revealed plans to make a biographical film of Bardot's life. She responded angrily, "Wait until I'm dead before you make a movie about my life!". Today, Brigitte Bardot continues to fight for animal rights, making headlines every few months with her latest campaign. "I would like, before I die, to see the changes I've always fought for being made. If not, my life will have been worth nothing," she once said. Over the decades, Brigitte Bardot has managed to never be boring or forgettable. For her faults, she is at least superbly honest. And her legend, entwined with that of Saint Tropez, will continue to fascinate for many years to come. "I knew I had to be the best at something, otherwise I would be nothing. I knew I wanted the world to know about Brigitte Bardot." Cassandra Tanti
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Dear readers, liebe Leser,
Welcome to the show! Willkommen!
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very year it is a great privilege for me to write the September editorial, a responsibility given to me by Petra Hall and her team. Mediterraneum Editions has supported the Monaco Yacht Show for more than 10 years and has grown along with the show to become the most widely read news source for English and German speakers on the Côte d’Azur. From 24th to 27th September, Monaco’s Port Hercule will welcome 112 large yachts, up to 100m long, roughly 30 luxury tenders and, as always, a selection of 500 international yachting companies who will set up stands to display both their products and their expertise. This year, with thanks to the Monaco government, the MYS has been able to extend its show footprint enabling us to expand the show, which has become one of the main players in Monaco’s yachting development. The 2014 marketing strategy
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has also been more centred on the end clientele, allowing us 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. What makes Monaco so special during the four days of the MYS are also the numerous events organised on board the yachts, at the stands, or in the Principality’s most prestigious hotels; highlights such as awards ceremonies, gala dinners and cocktail parties. These are true celebrations of luxury yachting! My team and I would like to use this opportunity to once again salute the re m a r ka b l e w o r k u n d e r ta ke n b y t h e editorial team in offering you this MYS feature. Enjoy reading and enjoy your visit to the show! Gaëlle Tallarida Director General Monaco Yacht Show
Jedes Jahr vertraut mir Petra Hall die Aufgabe an, das Editorial für die Monaco Yacht Show-Seiten zu schreiben – ein echtes Privileg für mich! Denn Mediterraneum Editions begleitet die MYS nun schon seit über zehn Jahren und ist mit uns gewachsen. Heute sind die Riviera Côte d’Azur Zeitung und The Riviera Times die meistgelesene Informations-Presse an der Côte d‘Azur in Deutsch und Englisch. Auch in diesem September bildet die 24. Monaco Yacht Show den krönenden Abschluss eines wunderbaren Sommers in einer der beliebtesten Regionen der Welt. Vom 24. bis zum 27. September empfängt der Port Hercule von Monaco etwa 112 Mega-Yachten bis zu 100 Metern Länge, rund 30 Luxus-Tender und 500 Aussteller aus der Yachtenbranche, die ihre Produkte und ihr Knowhow präsentieren. Die Monaco Yacht Show ist einer der wichtigsten Vektoren für die Entwicklung der Yachtenszene in Monaco geworden. Ihr Renommee zieht die größten ausländischen Vermögen an; an den Quais der Messe können die Besucher einige der außergewöhn-
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lichsten Exemplare der Nautikwelt bewundern und vielleicht sogar zu ihrem Eigentum machen. Was Monaco außerdem so besonders macht an den vier Messetagen, sind die über 100 Events an Bord der Yachten, an den Ständen und in den prestigereichen Hotels der Stadt – hinzu kommen Preisverleihungen, Gala-Dinner oder Cocktailempfänge. Eine wahrhaftige Hommage an das Universum der Luxusyachten! Mein Team und ich wünschen Ihnen viel Vergnügen beim Lesen und beim Besuch der Monaco Yacht Show! Gaëlle Tallarida General Manager Monaco Yacht Show
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Power women in the yachting scene: Daniela Boutsen
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t 19, she had her first company; today her name belongs in the upper echelons of the designer world for private aircraft and luxury yachts. Daniela Boutsen, from Berlin, has achieved an extraordinary career. Her showroom on rue Grimaldi in Monaco exudes positive energy. One thing quickly becomes clear: this woman knows what she wants! With German organisational skills, a distinctive sense of Mediterranean lifestyle and definitive taste, she is taking the exclusive, high-end international market by storm. From a very early age, Daniela, who is married to former Formula 1 racing driver Thierry Boutsen, loved art and beautiful items. She began an apprenticeship at KPM - the Royal Porcelain Manufacture in Berlin. “Every free minute I had, I would go to the production department; it was the painting that particularly fascinated me,” the mother of two recalls. “It was at that time when my passion for tableware, Art de table, was awoken in me.”
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Some years later, Daniela entered a different path and started her own company providing staff for trade shows. Within two years, she had the biggest promotion agency in Germany, with clients that included Porsche, Audi, Pioneer, Cartier, etc. Then she met her future husband in Berlin. Thierry and Daniela Boutsen made a good team … the Belgian-born driver was also “passion driven”: he dealt with private aircraft in Monaco. In 1999, the couple founded the company Boutsen Aviation. To date, they have sold 289 aircraft to clients who include Michael Schumacher and Prince Albert II. Daniela worked the back office end of the company, but deep within her heart her dream for art and design lingered. One day, a client purchased two Airbus aircraft from the Boutsens. “He said he didn’t like anything to do with the decoration of the aircraft,” says Daniela. “Then he pointed to me and declared: you have good taste, I want you to take care of everything!” So Daniela co-ordinated it all, everything from the pillows to the flower vase, the porcelain champagne bucket to cashmere throws. That was the start of her
second career and her company Boutsen Design, inaugurated at the Dubai Airshow in 2012 and now employing six staff. D a n i e l a h a s s i n ce e s ta b l i s h e d relationships with more than 140 exquisite suppliers, creating the perfect ‘homely’ ambience on yachts, aircraft and homes, using s u p e r i o r p ro d u c t s . “ W e o f fe r a complete service – a one stop shop.” Most of her customers are located in the Middle East, in Eastern Europe and, increasingly, in Asia. “I do not push anyone towards my taste,” she emphasises, “I let myself be guided by the individual and their environment.” Is there a difference in decorating the interior of an aircraft and that of a yacht? “For aircraft, it is all about business, and it is also very important that the weight of individual objects be considered,” responds the designer. “In yachts, it is leisure, and more a labour of love.”
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Daniela (dressed by Celine) and Thierry Boutsen at the Red Cross Ball
Passion driven
www.rivieratimes.com POWER-FR AUEN IN DER YACHTEN-SZENE: DANIEL A BOUTSEN
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it 19 hatte sie ihre erste eigene Firma, heute gehört ihr Name zu den Top of the Top der Innendesigner-Szene für Privatflugzeuge und Luxusyachten. Daniela Boutsen, waschechte Berlinerin (darauf legt sie Wert), hat eine außergewöhnliche Karriere vorzuweisen. In ihrem von positiver Energie erfüllten Büro in Monacos Rue Grimaldi inmitten feinster Porzellan- und Glaswaren erzählt sie von ihrem Lebensweg, ihrer Passion, ihrer Arbeit. Blitzschnell wird klar: Diese Frau weiß, was sie will! Mit deutschem Organisationstalent, ausgeprägtem Gefühl für mediterranen Lebensstil und sicherem Geschmack ist sie gerade dabei, die exklusive Welt der internationalen Spitzenkunden zu erobern. Schon ganz früh liebte sie schöne Dinge und Kunst, so Daniela, Frau des berühmten ehemaligen Formel1-Rennfahrers Thierry Boutsen. Doch die Kunstakademie ihrer Heimatstadt nahm sie nicht an aufgrund von Platzmangel, und so begann sie eine Ausbildung zur Industriekauffrau bei der Königlichen Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin. «Aber jede freie Minute zog es mich in die Produktion, besonders die Malerei faszinierte mich»,
Passion und Präzision erinnert sich die Mutter zweier Kinder. «Damals erwachte in mir die Leidenschaft für Tischkultur, Art de Table.» Als Lehrling verdiente sie nicht viel und jobbte nebenbei für eine Marketing-Agentur. Sie fand jedoch, dass sie das selbst viel besser konnte und gründete ihre eigene Firma für Fremdpersonal auf Messen. Innerhalb von zwei Jahren besaß sie die größte Promotionsagentur Deutschlands mit 1200 Hostessen und Kunden wie Porsche, Audi, Pioneer, Cartier etc. Dann begegnete sie in Berlin ihrem zukünftigen Mann. Thierry Boutsen, dessen Name sie zuvor noch nie gehört hatte, machte ihr acht Monate lang hartnäckig den Hof. Sie passten gut zusammen, denn der gebürtige Belgier war ebenfalls «passion driven»: Er handelte in Monaco mit Privatflugzeugen. Vor 16 Jahren gründete das Paar dann «am Küchentisch» das Unternehmen «Boutsen Aviation». Bis heute verkauften sie 289 Flugzeuge, unter anderem für Rennfreunde Michael Schumacher und Heinz-Harald Frentzen, aber auch Kunden wie Fürst Albert II. Daniela arbeitete in der Logistik, von Kunst keine Spur. Doch tief in ihrem Inneren schlummerte immer noch ihr Traum. Und
obwohl wir wissen, dass es keine Zufälle gibt, kam ihr eben dieser zu Hilfe. Ein Kunde hatte bei den Boutsens zwei Airbusse erworben. Aber vollkommen glücklich war er nicht, denn: «Alles, was Dekoration betraf, gefiel ihm nicht. Dann zeigte er auf mich und sagte: Sie haben guten Geschmack, ich will, dass Sie sich um alles kümmern.» Alles, das bedeutete: vom Kissen zur Blumenvase, vom Porzellanservice zum Champagnerkübel, von Tischlampen zu Kaschmir-Plaids sowie Bettwäsche. Das war der Start für ihre zweite Karriere und ihre Firma «Boutsen Design», die sie 2012 auf der Dubai Airshow ins Leben rief und für die heute sechs Angestellte tätig sind. Inzwischen steht Daniela Boutsen in Kontakt mit 140 erlesenen Lieferanten, deren Nonplusultra-Produkte ein Flugzeug oder eine Yacht behaglicher machen. «Wir bieten einen Rundum-Service – alles aus einer Hand.» Die meisten ihrer Kunden befinden sich im arabischen Raum, in Osteuropa und immer mehr auch in Asien. Daniela Boutsen besucht sie vor Ort, um sie zu beraten. «Ich drücke ihnen jedoch nicht meinen Geschmack auf», betont sie, «sondern lasse
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mich von der jeweiligen Person und ihrem Umfeld leiten.» Auf diesem absoluten Spitzen-Niveau existiert laut der Unternehmerin keine Krise, «aber das Feld wird kleiner, der Inner Circle ist immer derselbe.» Gibt es einen Unterschied zwischen der Innenausstattung eines Flugzeugs und einer Yacht? Die Designerin: «Bei Flugzeugen ist alles klarer, das Business steht im Vordergrund und man muss sehr aufs Gewicht der einzelnen Objekte achten. Bei Yachten ist es mehr eine Herzensgeschichte.» PH
INFORMATION: Boutsen Design is represented at the Monaco Yacht Show at stand number QD 18 in the Darse Nord tent. «Boutsen Design» ist bei der Monaco Yacht Show auf Stand Nr. QD 18 im Zelt Darse Nord vertreten.
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Stronger& bolder: Judith Amselli
Making her way to the top of the yachting industry
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udith Amselli founded luxury charter company Primo Yacht in 1998. Thirteen years later, it was taken over by the OCEAN Independence group and the French-native assumed the role of charter director for the south of France. Throughout her career in the French Riviera, Judith has trained many c h a r te r b ro ke rs a n d fo r ge d a s t r o n g reputation in this demanding industry. Born in Lyon, Judith moved to Beaulieu sur Mer with her family at a young age. Inspired by her mother’s career as an independent real estate broker, she worked in Milan and Africa before accepting her first yachting industry job for Nigel Burgess in Monaco. “It was the ‘must work well under pressure’ aspect that sold me,” reveals Judith. After a number of years working in the industry, Judith’s life and business partner – Pascal Erba – suggested she take the leap and start her own business. “Sometimes we don’t see ourselves as clearly as others, and it took me a while to realise he was right and I managed to build up, with lots of passion, a business I could be truly proud of.” But it wasn’t always easy being a female in the demanding male-dominated world of yachting. “Because I am a woman, I had to become stronger, to project my personality more in order to stand out,” reveals Judith. “I had to fight to get where I am today. But it has made me good at my job.” Over the past 20 years, Judith has established many longstanding relationships
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with people across the globe. She is also a member of MYBA, the esteemed Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association. It is one of many proud moments throughout her career, says Judith. Another that particularly stands out involves a two-month charter, an air-strike, and some high grade beluga caviar. “The local suppliers at the time could not get hold of caviar and the captain was r u n n in g o u t o f id ea s , with th e a d d e d problem of an air traffic strike which had even grounded private planes. But I said ‘never fear, Juju is here!’ With the airconditioning on full blast to keep our precious cargo cool, we drove six hours from Antibes to Cala Galera in Italy to deliver that exquisite caviar. The ensuing head cold was well worth the effort; the client was delighted and, sitting in the glorious Tuscan summer sun, we were treated to a taste of the gourmet treats he had ordered.” When it comes to the most popular destinations for charters, Judith says most of the interest lies in the French Riviera, the Amalfi coast, Capri, Ischia, Sardinia, and in recent years Croatia, Turkey and Greece. “But when a client wants something a little bit different in the south of France, my local knowledge can offer them a new experience,” reveals the charter director. “I recommend as far as Marseille and its surroundings, where there is an eclectic charm. There are many beautiful islands, nature reserves and archipelagos to discover.” After 16 years at the head of the industry, this is one woman who has proven that skill and determination will get you everywhere. Cassandra Tanti
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Mutig & stark: Judith Amselli
Ihr Weg an die Spitze der Yachten-Industrie Judith Amselli gründete ihr Luxus-CharterUnternehmen Primo Yacht im Jahr 1998. 13 Jahre später wurde es von der Gruppe OCEAN Independence übernommen, mit der Französin als Charter-Direktorin des Büros in Südfrankreich. Während ihrer Zeit an der Côte d’Azur hat Judith Amselli zahlreiche Charter-Broker ausgebildet und sich selbst ein her vorragendes Renommee in der anspruchsvollen Branche erarbeitet. Sie ist diejenige, die in Krisenzeiten um Rat gefragt wird, sei es von Kunden oder Kollegen. Die in Lyon geborene Amselli zog mit ihrer Familie bereits in jungen Jahren nach Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Geprägt durch das Vorbild ihrer Mutter als selbstständiger ImmobilienMaklerin, arbeitete sie zunächst in Mailand und Afrika, ehe sie bei Nigel Burgess in Monaco ihren ersten Job in der YachtenIndustrie annahm. «Dass ich unter Druck mein Bestes würde geben müssen, reizte mich», sagt die Französin. «Ich erinnere mich noch gut an die erste Yacht, um die ich mich zu kümmern hatte: Es war die TRUMP PRINCESS – die 85,6-Meter-Benetti, heute KINGDOM K5R.» Nach ein paar Jahren im Business regte ihr Lebens- und Geschäftspartner Pascal Erba an, ihr eigenes Unternehmen zu gründen. «Manchmal nehmen wir uns selber weniger klar wahr als andere, und so dauerte es eine Weile, bis ich begriff, dass er Recht hatte. Mir gelang es dann, mit viel Leidenschaft eine Firma aufzubauen, auf die ich stolz sein konnte.» Aber es war nicht immer leicht, als Frau in der Männer-dominierten Welt der Yachten zu bestehen. «Weil ich eine Frau war, musste ich härter werden und mich stärker darstellen, um hervorzustechen», erklärt Judith Amselli. «Ich musste kämpfen, um dorthin zu gelangen, wo ich heute bin. Aber so wurde ich gut in meinem Job.» In den vergangenen 20 Jahren hat sie viele Beziehungen von Dauer zu Menschen in aller Welt aufgebaut. Sie ist Mitglied der MYBA, der angesehenen Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association. Die Aufnahme zähle zu den Dingen im Laufe ihrer Karriere, auf die sie wirklich stolz sei, so die Geschäftsfrau. Bestens erinnert sie sich
außerdem beispielsweise an eine zweimonatige Charter bei gleichzeitigem Streik im Luftverkehr und das Problem mit gewissem Beluga-Kaviar. «Die lokalen Lieferanten konnten damals keinen Kaviar herbeischaffen, und der Kapitän war am Ende seiner Ideen. Hinzu kam der Streik in der Luftfahrt, der sogar Privatflugzeuge an den Boden kettete. Da sagte ich, ‚keine Sorge, Juju ist ja da!‘. Mit voll aufgedrehter Klimaanlage – schließlich sollte unsere kostbare Fracht kühl bleiben – fuhren wir von Antibes nach Cala in Italien, um den Kaviar auszuliefern. Die folgende Erkältung war die Sache wert; der Kunde war begeistert und lud uns unter der toskanischen Sonne auf einen Happen der georderten Delikatesse ein.» Befragt nach den beliebtesten Charterzielen, antwortet die Spezialistin, am begehrtesten seien die französische Riviera, die Amalfi-Küste, Capri, Ischia, Sardinien und zuletzt verstärkt auch Kroatien, die Türkei und Griechenland. «Wer aber hier im Süden Frankreichs nach etwas Außergewöhnlichem sucht, für den habe ich einen ganz besonderen Tipp», verrät die Charter-Direktorin. Laut Judith Amselli würden die meisten Charter-Unternehmen selten weiter als bis Saint-Tropez fahren, abgesehen vielleicht noch von den Porquerolles-Inseln. Wer aber die Küste des Departements Var noch ein wenig weiter verfolgen würde, der könne dort eine rechte Traumwelt entdecken. «Ich empfehle, bis in die Gegend von Marseille zu fahren und die vielseitige Wasserwelt dort zu erkunden mit ihren zahlreichen schönen Inseln und Naturschutzgebieten, beispielsweise den Riou- und den Frioul-Archipel und die Calanques – Morgiou, La Sormiou, Port Pin –, die Insel mit dem berühmten Château d’If und Europas größtes Kliff, den Bec de l’Aigle.» Anfang 2014 ist Judith Amselli mit ihrem Team von Antibes in den Hafen Camille Rayon in Golfe Juan umgezogen. Die 16 Jahre, die diese Frau bislang an der Spitze der Yachten-Industrie gestanden hat, beweisen: Mit Können und Willen kommt man überall hin. Cassandra Tanti / AS S E P T E M B E R
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TRAVEL
FOR DAILY BREAKING NEWS
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Lufthansa First Class
Symbol of perfection
Refinement, serenity, exclusivity. The new first class category invites even the most demanding passengers to experience incomparable luxury and comfort in the air and on the ground. Welcome aboard.
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n Frankfurt, First Class passengers starting their journey here have their own dedicated Lufthansa First Class Terminal, more like a luxury hotel than an airport terminal. On the Airbus A380, First Class passengers are seated in a separate area with just eight seats on the upper deck; in the new Boeing
THE FIRST CLASS TERMINAL IN FRANKFURT 747-8 they sit in an equally private and secluded space at the front of the plane. The ambience on-board is peaceful, luxurious and particularly refined. The on board entertainment is a world-wide reference. State-of-the-art sound insulation ensures total peace and quiet in the cabin, a humidifying system replicates ground air conditions. The new First Class seat turns into a
completely flat bed, with a revolutionary mattress that is exceptionally restful for the back and legs. Lastly, real bathrooms with separate toilets and dressing rooms are provided on board and passengers are supplied with an amenity kit, a pair of pyjamas and many other details that help make the new Lufthansa First Class truly exclusive.
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TRAVEL
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FOR DAILY BREAKING NEWS
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5-STAR TRAVEL Lufthansa is the only European airline to have been awarded a 5-star ranking by Skytrax, the recognised evaluator of airline products and services the
world over. Skytrax has also commended the cabin crews for constantly improving the quality of services over the last 12 months.
CULINARY PLEASURES wines for the Vinothek Discoveries selection. Last but not least, the best caviars and coffees are naturally also served.
PASSENGERS FROM/TO NICE: FREE LIMOUSINE SERVICE! For any flight booked on Lufthansa First Class, a Limousine Service with driver* to/from Nice airport will be offered! Please contact your travel agency for more information.
LUFTHANSA FIRST CLASS EXCLUSIVE WITH LUFTHANSA PRIVATE JET Discover the ultimate travel experience to your final destination with Lufthansa Private Jet. Extreme flexibility - book Lufthansa Private Jet at short notice to more than 1,000 destinations in Europe and North America. *With our partner Elite Rent-a-Car
Read all about Lufthansa First Class and all about Lufthansa Private Jet at: LH.com/firstclass and LH.com/Privatejet
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Adver torial
To match this on board comfort, the First Class menus are devised by internationally renowned Michelin-starred chefs such as Anne-Sophie Pic, Marc Haeberlin, David Bouley and Thomas Keller. Drawing inspiration from internationally renowned gourmet restaurants, Lufthansa upholds its tradition of serving outstanding food on board. And to accompany these delicious dishes, one of the world’s greatest sommeliers, Markus Del Monego, chooses the finest
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PROPERTY & FINANCE
NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS
WWW.RIVIERATIMES.COM
A sample of E & V properties: left is a stunning villa in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat of around 620 sqm, just a stones throw from the beach; right: a beautiful villa located on the picturesque heights of sought-after Cannes
Engel & Völkers expansion New license holding leads to additional agencies and more consultants in France Entrepreneur Florian Gross, together with a group of private investors from Rigeto Entrepreneur Capital GmbH, has purchased multiple licenses from real estate franchising company Engel & Völkers, including Engel & Völkers Munich GmbH and the Engel & Völkers NRW GmbH. This makes the new holding, EuV Residential Holding License, now the largest group within the Engel & Völkers global network. The new structure will also have an impact on Engel & Völkers agencies on the Côte d'Azur - the EV Riviera SAS - a subsidiary of NRW GmbH. "The clear goal now, thanks to
While the location of the new agencies is yet to be determined, Eikel and her colleague in Cannes, Eva de Souza, say the sites will be suitably prestigious - similar to those of previous offices. The number of real estate agents will also increase. At present, there are 12 working in the agencies of Cannes and Cap Ferrat. They all speak several languages and were trained in the E&V's own
the strong financial standing of the new owners, is to continue to grow here in the south of France," says Director of Engel & Völkers in Cap Ferrat Beatrix Eikel.
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academy in Hamburg. Many customers are able to request correspondence in their native language, including German, English, French, Russian, Czech, Danish, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Arabic and Chinese. This, says Beatrix Eikel, is one of the reasons Engel & Völkers stands out from other agencies in the jungle of southern France real estate. "Our consultants are trained so that we can offer the same quality service worldwide from start to finish, including mediation with banks, notaries and solicitors." "We listen to our customers and only show them
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properties that meet their exact requirements," says the German native, who has been working for Engel & Völkers on the Côte d'Azur for more than 10 years. Eikel has recently noticed an increased demand from German clients, while Eva da Souza has noted the same among Scandinavians. Perhaps it's due to the fact that even in luxury real estate, negotiation is now the norm. "Our customers today are very well informed about the prices per square metre in the region," says Eikel. It may make the negotiations tough and tedious, "but today we sell at reasonable prices."
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Director of Engel & Völkers in Cap Ferrat Beatrix Eikel and her colleague in Cannes Eva de Souza
LIFESTYLE
WWW.RIVIERATIMES.COM
NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS
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Helidon Xhixha The mirror of the world
The sculptures of Helidon Xhixha embrace the reality that is reflected in them and offer it to each one of us, leaving some space to our imagination.
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Helidon Xixha's exhibition at Art Southampton 2014
he complete absence of representation and compliance to an idiom that could be included in the mould of informal artistic pursuits of the latter half of the 20th century sinks its roots into the nature of the original research that has been undertaken. From this viewpoint, the very form of the sculpture becomes of secondary importance. We could almost say that it is superfluous in its camouflage, while its capacity to reflect and illuminate takes on a primary role. Helidon Xhixha had a successful exhibition at Art Southampton - New York in June 2014, in collaboration with the renowned Galerie Bernd A. Lausberg in Germany. The many collectors who saw his work were profoundly impressed by the creativity of what he has to offer, along with his originality and the quality of his artistic output. After finalising a partnership with the New York based development firm PMG on 27th June, the maestro installed a monument at the entrance of the Muse Sunny Isles Sales Gallery, during its grand opening on Collins
Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach in Florida. The monument, called 'Oceano', is three metres in height and made of mirror polished stainless steel. The beauty of Helidon Xhixha's monuments is also seen in the French Riviera. The artist recently installed a monument, 'Vera', at the prestigious new Yacht Club of Monaco. Meanwhile in St. Jean Cap Ferrat, in collaboration with Continental Art Fair Gallery, there is an exhibition of monumental art works set within the picturesque and fascinating environment of the town. The maestro Xhixha presents the monument 'Hippocampus' - a tribute to St. Jean Cap Ferrat, a place the artist often visits and loves for its enchanting settings of a preserved environment that offers tranquillity; a village he considers the most loveliest on the French Riviera. The sculpture is four metres high and made of 316 marine grade stainless steel. Above: ‘Oceano’ is 3 metres high and stands at the entrance of the Muse Sunny Isles Sales Gallery in Florida.Top:‘Hippocampus’ is a tribute to St. Jean Cap Ferrat
www.xhixha.it
The soul of Nice
The highs and lows of France
Opera season dedicated to the heart of the city
Surveys reveal opinions and opportunities
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ice's Opera house has announced an exciting new programme for the winter season of 20142015, with the opera's artistic director, Marc Adam, saying he aimed for the line up to reflect the heart of the city. "A heart which, though conscious of its traditions, beats to a rhythm of curiosity," revealed Adam. The programme includes the schedule for ballet and orchestral performances as well as operas, with a special programme aimed at younger visitors. Opera this coming season include Britten's Peter Grimes, Verdi's Les Vepres Siciliennes, and Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte in collaboration with the Theatre of Magdeburg. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Nice, originally founded in 1945, is under the careful direction of Philippe Auguin, a native of Nice who has worked with some of the greatest opera houses in the world. This season sees many exciting collaborations including a performance of Berlioz pieces featuring renowned soprano Barbara Hendricks. Another highlight is sure to be November's jazz concert featuring the world's favourite
Barbara Hendricks will perform this September. Photo: Mattias Edwall
tunes from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and more. Smaller groups from the orchestra will also perform in the beautiful setting of the Musée Marc Chagall throughout the year. "Captivating, refined, unexpected," says artistic director Eric Vu-An, describing the upcoming performances of the Ballet Nice Mediterranée. Created in 1947, the ballet has swiftly grown from strength to strength, working with world renowned choreographers before Vu-An took over as artistic director in 2010. Having studied with the Paris Opera
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house and winning awards from the Legion d'Honneur to the Ariston Proballet International Prize for dance and art, Vu-An has lead the company to a new level of excellence. This year will see the first performances of the ballet accompanied by the live music of the Philharmonic Orchestra, including Gene Kelly's Pas de Dieux. In complementary opposition to Kelly's innovation, the company will also perform La Sylphide, choreographed in 1836 and one of the oldest surviving ballets in the world. The opera house's Jeune Public series also continues into 2015 with a new concert composed by Martin Zels to feature in October, before the new year starts with a musical play based on the poetry of La Fontaine. Les Fabuleuses Fables de Monsieur de la Fontaine will appear in two versions, specially adapted for younger and older children. Ticket prices vary for all shows and early reservation is advised. Full details can be found on opera-nice.org. Various subscriptions are also available to reduce prices for regular visitors to the opera house. Elizabeth Brauders
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Among the areas in which France suffered was employment, putting it 27th on the leader board, while life satisfaction came in at 22nd. Another interesting study referred to the attitude of French waiters. In a survey conducted by IFOP, the aspect of life found to be most dissatisfactory to the 2,992 French people questioned 2,002 of whom were Parisians was, at the top of the list, the infamous French waiting staff. Grievances included arrogant attitudes (with 89% declaring this as the worst offence), being ignored, and waiting for a table despite having made a reservation. And, unfortunately for the Riviera, it looks as if the Côte d'Azur has not escaped the wrath of these seemingly brutal surveys. In Condé Nast Traveller's recent list announcing the 'world's un-friendliest cities', Cannes and Monte Carlo made the top 10. Coming in at 9th place, Monte Carlo was dismissed as "ostentatious and overcrowded" while others were unimpressed with the city's undeniable opulence and glamour, branding it "conspicuous consumption at its
rance has been in the global spotlight recently as a number of surveys have led to the analysis of various aspects of life for both tourists and residents here. Arguably at the forefront is the declaration by the Direction générale de la compétivité de l'industrie et des services (DGCIS) that France is the 'most visited country in the world'. "L'Hexagone" attracted a staggering 84.7 million tourists in 2013 and is a favourite particularly amongst those from Asia and the rest of Europe. France's tourist figures are far higher than those of the USA and Spain - who had 69.8 million and 60.7 million visitors respectively in 2013, and almost triple those of the UK. However, being a tourist and being a citizen are decidedly different. The OECD's Better Life index placed France 18th internationally as the best country to live in, based on economic and social factors like health and happiness. Despite scoring relatively high in certain areas - it placed 8th worldwide in terms of disposable income, for example, and had the 4th cleanest air the overall figures let France down.
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worst". The highest ranking given to a French city was number two, taken by Cannes. Second only to Johannesburg in South Africa, the home of the world's most famous film festival was described as "very forgettable, uninspiring… a European Vegas". In the OECD's Better Life index, the PACA region again did not fare well. Given its status as the second most popular destination in France, it is perhaps surprising that the region scored so low. At 13th place nationally, with a score of 7.1 out of 10, the region is particularly poor in relation to safety and education. When it comes to personal security, calculated by the reported number of murders and assaults, it is ranked second from last, only above Corsica. Education was the region's second weakest factor, coming in 17th place. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The same survey did place Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur higher in some aspects of life, with the region having the 2nd best access to services in France, and 4th when it comes to income and health. Madeleine Adey
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EVENTS
FOR DAILY BREAKING NEWS
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September:
Top events & exhibitions
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he crowds h av e su b sid e d , b u t it d oe sn’ t me an t h e re’s an y less to do this September! From t he S t . Tro pe z re g at ta to an gelic classical co n ce r t s, h e re are t he m ont h’s highl ig h t s. 7th September
27th September
MOUANS SARTOUX GOURMET MARKET The theme of this year’s market is cheese, figs and wine. Also a petting zoo for children featuring rabbits, goats, sheep, and chickens.
27th September – 5th October
C A P D ’A I L TRIATHLON 2014 The 13th annual adults’ triathlon will begin at Plage Marquet at 8:30am. There will also be an event for children that features a shortened course for ages 8 to 12.
9th to 20th September
BEAULIEU SUR MER CLASSICAL FESTIVAL A series of classical concerts in a variety of Beaulieu’s beautiful settings, from the luxurious beachside Rotonde salon to the replica Greek antiquity villa, Villa Kerylos.
5th to 6th September
SANREMO 26TH ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE TROPHY Classic motorcycle racing on the track which dates back to 1947 at the historic Ospedaletti Circuit. Motorcyles from throughout the ages will be on display.
5th to 8th September
SAINT CESAIRE SUR SIAGNE FESTIVAL OF SAINT FERREOL Celebrating the village’s patron saint with a parade, boules competitions, a public ball, fireworks, a mass and a special aïoli tasting.
4th September & 26th September
THORONET GREGORIAN CHANT CONCERT Every year the medieval abbey of Thoronet hosts a series of Gregorian chant concerts. The 4th sees 12th century Gregorian music performed by Hildegarde von Bingen; on 26th there’s Gregorian and Byzantine chant, given by the Chantres of Thoronet and guest Dimitrios Zaganas.
6th September
MOUGINS WILD WEST DAY Children are invited to wear costumes, learn how to use a bow and arrow, ride a pony, or throw a lasso. A country and western dance for adults in the evening. NICE FÊTE DU PORT This popular family-friendly event sees crowds fill the Port of Nice to listen to live music, try delicious food and sample some local wines and beer. 7pm – 12.30am.
10th to 14th September
IMPERIA HISTORIC SAILS Historic sailing ships and yachts in the port of Porto Maurizio as races and showings take place. Also concerts and even water polo!
12th to 15th September
GASSIN RENCONTRE DE JARDINS Discover a modern day Eden in this garden with over 6,000m2 of vegetation, carefully chosen by the artistic owner to create an outdoor showroom for the public to enjoy.
13th September
ARLES CAMARGUE HORSE SHOW The 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Camargue Horse Breeders will be marked by a public performance by the horses themselves. In the city’s Roman arena.
20th September
NICE BAROQUE CONCERT As part of the European Day of Heritage, the baroque ensemble of Nice will give a concert in the Palais Lascaris, a 17th century palace. Works from Stradella and Bitti will be performed on the violin, harpsichord and bass viola.
21st September
S A I N T J E A N C A P F E R R AT A DAY IN THE LIFE OF BARONESS DE ROTHSCHILD Walk in the footsteps of the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild: a treasure hunt, a garden tour, and a re-enactment of 20th century party planning.
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ANTIBES PURPLE PANTS PROMENADE A 3.5km walk or run for charity, with funds donated to UK research group Wellbeing of Women and French support charity Défi de Femmes. Pre-registration online. S T. T R O P E Z ROLEX TROPHY Over 300 yachts will gather for a week of racing in the bay of St. Tropez. The event kicks off with two training days followed by the Regatta from 29th September to 4th October.
exhibitions
1st to 15th September
S A I N T PA U L D E V E N C E CERCLE DES ARTISTES: PAULE BONIMOND EXHIBITION At La Vieille Forge, Place du Tilleul, showcasing the work of Paule Bonimonde, a local surrealist painter and a prominent member of the Cercle Des Artistes.
Until 21st September
NICE STEVE MCCURRY RETROSPECTIVE Perhaps best-known as the photographer of the Afghan Girl with Green Eyes, an exhibition of roughly 100 of Steve McCurry’s most important photographs in Nice’s Theatre de la Photographie et de l’Image.
25th to 28th September
CROISETTE, CANNES ARTISTES DU MONDE International exhibition at La Gare Maritime du Cannes featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramic art, mosaic, photography, digital art and jewelry. Work by members of the Artistes Du Monde society alongside famous artists.
Until 28th September
BORDIGHERA RUSSIAN ART OF THE 19th CENTURY Russian artwork from the 1800s will be displayed at Villa Regina
The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur is rich with events and exhibitions. To discover what is happening in your city, every day of the month, simply visit the comprehensive events calendar on our website www.rivieratimes.com. The calendar is updated daily, so you never have to miss a thing!
PROPERTY & FINANCE
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Property series: Sospel Live here, work in Menton or Monaco
CRT Riviera Côte d'Azur/Georges Veran
Sospel was awarded the Croix de Guerre after being heavily bombed during the Second World War
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e head this month to the verdant Bévéra valley in the east of the Alpes Maritimes department and the middle mountain village of Sospel. It lies north of Menton, close to the Italian border and the south eastern section of the Mercantour National Park, in a central basin formed by the convergence of three valleys -
the Bévéra to the north west and then to the south, and the Merlanson to the east. Sospel's strategic location in the Bévéra valley - the damage caused by WWII bombing earned Sospel the Croix de Guerre - makes it a natural choice for various defensive constructions. The Barbonnet fort was built in the 1880s on a summit a couple
of kilometres to the south; and Sospel is one of the most fortified sites in France along the Maginot Line, the defensive system constructed between the First and Second World Wars from the Ardennes to the Mediterranean. You can visit the Mont Agaisen Fort and learn about these alpine fortifications at the Saint Roch Fort museum.
NO. 1 FOR LOCAL NEWS
village, residential areas of more substantial villas make up the third sector. Some older stone properties may be converted former agricultural buildings; others are more modern Provencal villas. Prices here can vary considerably, says Clermont, depending on various factors: land, fixtures and fittings, pool. Expect to pay anything from 3,000 to 6,000 euros/sqm. Building land in the commune is rare, but not impossible. A 1,900sqm plot a kilometre from the village, with water, electricity, panoramic view and triple eastsouth-west exposition, is on the market for 97,500 euros.
Sospel's ancient cathedral was built on the site of a Romanesque church of which only the bell tower remains today. The façade, elevated on two levels and topped with a triangular pediment, is characteristic of the Baroque style. Inside is displayed the Immaculate Virgin altarpiece painted in the mid 16th century by François Bréa, a member of the Niçois primitifs school. The cathedral is currently closed for restoration but Cathy Clermont's estate agency, the Agence de la Cathédrale, is not. The Sospel property market is made up of three sectors, she explains. In the historic centre, stone terraced village houses (some of which have been converted into small apartment copropriétés) sell for circa 2,0002,300 euros/sqm; no need for garden equipment - there aren't any. But you will have a little garden in modern hamlets of detached and semi-detached homes, like the Hameau Saint Michel, around the outskirts, a 10 minute walk from the historic centre. Prices here are from 2,500 euros/sqm for a little semi-detached home, 2,800 euros/sqm for a detached house. Further away from the
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But most old stone barns and buildings have already been bought up and done up. Given its proximity to the Mediterranean, people can enjoy the quality of life Sospel has to offer, and work on the coast. Clermont says today most of her clients are purchasing main homes and either work locally, in Menton or in the Principality of Monaco. Indeed there is a shortage of long-term rental accommodation in the commune, she says, adding that rental returns are "very good". So if you are considering buying-to-rent, Sospel may be a sound investment. Carolyn Reynier
Sospel's 11th century toll bridge, the Pont-Vieux, was probably originally a wooden one; the tower was rebuilt following WWII
Recognising business excellence Preparations underway for 2014 Riviera business awards
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ominations are now open for this year's Business Person of the Year and Start Up of the Year Awards, hosted by the Riviera Business Club. The awards provide winners with valuable recognition from their peers and the business community, as well as important publicity from a number of media sources, including The Riviera Times, as the awards' official print media sponsor. "Being able to call yourself an 'Award Winning' company is always a great thing," says last year's Start Up of The Year winner Ewan Bird, co-owner of Vin de Terre. "Combine that with a useful prize and some great PR, it would be hard for any business not to see the benefits that can come from an award like this." The winner of the Business
Person of the Year 2013 was Côte d'Azur Villas joint CEOs Greg and Marion Harris. Formerly known as the British Chamber of Commerce, the Riviera Business Club saw a successful resurrection last year with the revival of the business awards. "With membership levels almost reaching the figures of its peak a few years ago, the club is once again at the top of business related organisations in the south of France," says RBC president George Kasiliyake. This year, organisers are drawing on the experiences of the 2013 edition to make it even bigger and better. "The sponsors will have more publicity and promotion opportunities so that they will have a better return on their investments," says Kasiliyake. "And the nominees will have
greater exposure and more opportunities to present themselves." Judges for 2014 are: Petra Hall (The Riviera Times), Dorothy Foster (SKEMA Business School), Siegfried Poppe (Marriott Riviera), and Jean-François Boutin (Mergers & Acquisition Specialist). For Business Person of the Year, the company should be registered in the PACA region (including Monaco) and have been in business for at least five years with audited statements of accounts for at least three years. For Start Up Business of the Year, the company should have been in business for at least one year as at 1st September 2014. "The process of taking a third person look at the business helped us to identify what we were doing right, as well as what needed to be
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improved," says Ewan Bird. "The feedback from the judges was insightful and winning was of course great, but the journey to get to the awards dinner was equally valuable for the team." The Business Person of the Year and the Start Up of the Year 2014 will also receive the beautiful RBC Crystal Trophies, kindly donated to the awards by their sponsors. For full details, visit the Business Person of the Year Awards 2014 page of the RBC website. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2014. The gala awards ceremony will be held on 4th December at the Riviera Marriott Hotel Port de Monaco. Tickets and table reservations are available online at the RBC events page.
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C O M M E N T A R Y
Mike Ferrier
A local author’s musings on Riviera living We asked our members how PWN Nice Côte d'Azur had enhanced their lives: • "I have met such an incredible group of women in the region, it has changed my life". • "It has helped me regain my confidence in the business arena after a few years away, taught me many new skills, and given me some close friends and business contacts". • "I have only just joined the group as I am new to the area so I am keen to network and meet like-minded ladies". • "PWN provides a safe environment to learn and share knowledge, experience, discuss challenges and ideas with the objective of supporting one another in any business context".
• "Their workshops are really informative and a lot of fun too, and my mentor has stretched me way beyond what I thought I was capable of". The PWN Nice memberbase covers the south of France from Cannes to Monaco, whilst PWN Global is a Federation of 24 European cities and Sao Paolo, Dubai and Singapore. For more information on how to become part of our network and benefit from our unique mentoring scheme, please contact membership@ pwnnice.net or come and meet us at our next event 'Focusing Your Energies Towards the Priorities; Tools and Techniques’, with Ruth Ann Lake on 23rd September in the Novotel, Nice Centre.
What a great summer it has been for the members and guests of the International Club of the Riviera! Our signature event, A MidSummer Night in Villefranche, drew a record participation of 96 and with the magical setting and Colette Marx-Neilsen's fabulous musical tour of her love story, it was one of the best events we have had since the club was created 7 years ago. The curtain dropped on our summer program with our annual outing for the National Day celebrations of the Principality of Seborga across the border in Italy in a truly fitting manner with another sell-out crowd of 50 sitting down for dinner with the 312 citizens of Seborga and their guests under the stars in
the village square. The summer of 2014 - one of the best for the ICR - is done and dusted! Our autumn programme commences on Thursday 25th with another annual event the Lunch Outing to the world famous Monaco Yacht Show the quintessence of super yachting in the world! We will spend the day at the show with a break for lunch at Restaurant Le Saint-Benoit, one of the more trendy restaurants in Monaco, with great views and an excellent reputation for their food and service. Our usual golf and tennis activities will also continue! www.internationalclub.fr Tel: 04 93 72 11 89 or 06 21 20 60 10 info.internationalclub.fr.
September is one of the most important months in the calendar of activities of the Riviera Business Club! It is the time when we launch our biggest event for the year, the prestigious Business Person of the Year Awards, the gala dinner and awards ceremony, which will be held this year on Thursday 4th December at the Marriott Riviera - La Porte De Monaco. The Riviera Times will be the title print media sponsor of the event and nominations are now open (the entry coupon is in this issue) and will close on 31st October. The awards are split into two categories: the Business Person of the Year & the Best Start Up of the Year. Members of the club as well as
The rentrée. The Resurection!
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ost of us Europeans or North Americans finish our vacations and just go back to work (or school). Not so the French. September is a cultural rite-ofpassage. It is the month of la rentrée. The return to life from the "other" life. To understand this phenomenon you need to comprehend the French attitude to 'vacations'. A two-week rush to the beach is not a break, as the French see it. The first few days you are worrying about the boss, the work unfinished, the garden or who has taken possession of your mistress. The last two days you start worrying about that whole soup again. That leaves about nine days to relax. "Ca c'est pas des vacances - c'est seulement une interruption," as my French neighbour would say. A real vacation, French style, means you are away long
enough to build a new life, cement new friends, completely obliterate your plans to poison the mother-in-law, and get to know your family again. (Yes, that lanky spotty, dozy, teenager constantly playing with his iPad really does belong to you! Sorry!). Total, born again, life rebuilding relaxation requires a stay-away of at least three weeks, better four. This means that France virtually shuts down from July 14th through September 1st. No other country does that as well or as thoroughly. The constant preaching about the "different holiday life" always strikes me as odd. Because go to the beaches of Cannes, St. Juan or St. Tropez and you'll find the same families or friends gossiping with the same neighbours from down the street in Lyon or Lille. That's because French
do what other French do; go where other French go. What's so different about that, I ask the neighbour? "Mon Dieu," he splutters as if talking to an imbecile, "you eat different food and you talk of different things. C'est évident, non?" No it's not that "evident" to me, but never mind. But come September, you feel as Christ must have felt on his resurrection. Welcome home, stranger! Enter any Carrefour or Casino and banners and bunting celebrate the return of the prodigal son. School kids are offered the latest in pencil boxes, sneakers and shoulder bags. (Little Marie-Hélène can't return to school with last year's styles! Alors, this is France after all!) Telephone companies demand you update your perfectly good Smart phone. Restaurants replace Salade Niçoise with Beefsteak-frites. The President
Life support
reopens the Elysee Palace. Red wine replaces rosé. And the TV industry stops dishing out those ancient and endless summer repeats. So dear readers, this is the time to be contrarian. If the kids' holidays allow it, visit the Riviera now in September. It is less crowded, less costly, less humid and less noisy, with less accumulated sun tan oil to slide you off your beach chair and pollute the waters. Plus, the local restaurants will be so happy to see you. The waiters might even crack a smile. Just don't talk to the French couple at the next table. They will demand to know why you haven't yet "Rentré-ed" back to wherever you came from. The debate will be hot as your fish gets cold.
M e di t e r r a n e u m e di t io n s
Your survival guide to living in France Dear Andy, My wife and I live in Paris and we have bought a small holiday apartment in Nice, which we would like to also rent out for seasonal lets. Others in the building were doing the same but many are now selling because of the new Loi Duflot. Should I be concerned and what are my responsibilities now? Confused in Clichy Hello Confused, The Loi Duflot, and indeed the Loi Alur, with which you are more likely concerned, has caused confusion and debate since they were proposed by the former French housing minister Cécile Duflot, to combat a sustainable housing shortage in the larger metropolitan areas. After a Paris version of the new proposition was tested, the law was amended, passed and is now rolling out to every city or agglomeration with more than 200,000 inhabitants. Therefore, if you have bought into the Nice Metropolitan area, you will be affected by these measures. To tackle the first cause of the deficit, the Loi Duflot created and modified tax incentives for new build investment. This is tied into social housing to stimulate that sector. The second cause is a lack of available housing within the existing properties. One reason is the number of properties
members of the public are invited to nominate deserving candidates. Table Reservations for the Gala Evening are now open. Please visit the Business person of the year page on our website for full details. There are many other events to look forward to in the coming months including networking cocktails, business seminars and workshops with business leaders and experts to help you to get a head start for your business on the Riviera. Membership prices start from 40 euros. www.rivierabusinessclub.fr Tel: 04 93 72 11 89 or 06 21 20 60 10 info@rivierabusinessclub.fr
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being bought as secondary homes for seasonal lets. As it stands, the law affects you if you have a secondary home. You will have to apply for your secondary home to be a Tourisme Meublé, which means changing the designation of your property from a habitation, if you wish to rent it out. This application is done through the local urban bureau of the mayor's office, but you now do not have to seek permission from the Syndic, although the urban office may check with the Syndic if the property is suitable for the new purpose. This means that your property will be a business asset; the change of status is likely to take some time and cost money, and the property will be inspected for quality. Your second point refers to a grey area in the law which considered non-commercial renting as personal revenue. This now only applies to primary residences. For example, if you AIRBNB your apartment in Paris while you are away during the summer holidays, this is considered a personal income and you would declare it as such, and receive a 50% statutory deduction. This does not cover your secondary residence as all income is considered professional. Many people see this law as a detriment to the Niçois economy and property markets.
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It was assumed that Nice would veto the law. The Loi Duflot officially passed this year, however, and the Nice Metropole, headed by Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, made its amendment in July to the following effect: “The law would be adopted in its entirety but a new temporary change of usage permit will be introduced to allow secondary homeowners to rent out their properties occasionally without changing the status of their property. Only three permissions will be granted per owner and for lettings of no more than 90 days. Outside of this authorisation, the property must be properly designated with a maximum penalty for noncompliance of 25,000 euros plus a judicial penalty of 1,000 euros per day until the property is redesignated.” If you do not rent out your secondary apartment seasonally then you may consider a long term or student let with no change of status. Otherwise, apart from the initial investment, handing the property over to a specialist and changing its designation can prove lucrative depending on the market and the type of property. Mon Ami Andy Rue Lascaris, Nice Port Tel: 04 83 50 84 78 jennifer@monamiandy.com
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JOBS OFFERED
CHARMING, MODERN VILLA FOR SALE. Built in 2004, this beautiful single level villa of approx. 120m² was designed with the highest quality fittings. Boasting a modern, comfortable design with spacious, bright rooms, the home features airconditioning, double-glazed windows and car shelter. There's a fantastic contemporary American kitchen and dining area, and three terraces looking out over a large, family-friendly garden of 1,300m2. Two spacious bedrooms feature their own bathrooms; one is so large it can be separated to make 3 bedrooms. Surrounded by grape vines, the property is in a quiet, residential area and south exposed. A swimming pool can be easily constructed. Just outside the centre of Flayosc, a must see. Price: 339,000 euros. Contact: villa.lacharmille@orange.fr, Tel: +33 (0)6 82 83 81 82.
LOOKING FOR someone, ideally an English-French speaking student, to manage an apartment in Nice. Responsibilities include greeting tenants, inventory, and handling departures. Salary to be discussed. Email: haillard_goldman@yahoo.fr
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