RT Magazine December 2015

Issue 163/December 2015 - 3,00 €

see seemore, more,do domore, more,know knowmore more

Michelinstarred magic at

Mirazur

MENTON’S SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS

Festive regional market guide

The Nutcracker in Monaco: A yuletide classic!

AIR FRANCE: 70 YEARS NICE-PARIS

An initiative by #MairiedeCannes

Cannes Town Hall supporting their businesses

WELCOME 03

D

Editorial

by Sarah Harvey

ear readers, I hope you’re sitting down, because ater a year in a new format, under a title that hardly anyone could remember, exciting changes are afoot again: In January we will be launching another magazine format, which will be smaller and glossier than before. Many of you, we know, will be happy with the change.

But that’s not all. he former Riviera Times newspaper, which hasn’t for some time been a newspaper, will become Riviera Inside® from January and will only come out every two months. But it will be more than twice as thick as before!

Why these constant changes, many of you may now be asking. Of course, we have valid reasons for making these decisions. he objective of our new publisher, Sébastien Fraisse, and the entire team is to ensuring “our newspaper” continues to live a long life. And that is almost impossible

without high-quality advertisements. he thing that I still ind a bit hard to reconcile, ater 12 years in the media industry, is this: Most budget decision-makers pay more attention to the appearance than to the actual words that are printed! If it looks like a luxury magazine, then it is more attractive in their eyes. Content? Reader loyalty? For some people, these are just minor issues.

Not for us. Our magazines are written by a team of professional mother-tongue journalists, who pen unique, well-researched articles, especially tailored to our readers who live, work and holiday on the Riviera. herefore, our new magazine, Riviera Inside®, will have a high quality appearance, but will still keep its heart; continuing to deliver excellent, informative, relevant content, direct to you.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team!

In this issue SUCCESS

STORY

Michelin-starred chef, Mauro Colagreco, of Mirazur

04

LIFESTYLE

Festive delights at Château Le Cagnard

07

CHRISTMAS

Discover the Scandinavian Christmas Market & more!

08

MONACO

Enduring yuletide charm: The Nutcracker ART

&

12

C U LT U R E

From the Philharmonic Orchestra to ‘Old Blue Eyes’

13

EVENTS

What’s hot and where to go during the holiday season!

14

BUSINESS

Air France: 70 years Nice-Paris

18 20 21

Club Vivanova, Africa on the Rock and Oktoberfest WE

RECOMMEND

Christmas gifts and more!

23 24 DECEMBER

04

c

Cover: Alice Blangero

SOCIETY

Photo: Fabien Prauss

The region reflects on Paris terror attacks Catch up on all the latest news and updates from across the Riviera

D E S I G N & C O N C E P T B Y K O N N Y S T R AU S S

R T- N E W S

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SUCCESS STORY 04

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SUCCESS STORY 05

Gastronomy knows no bo borders Michelin-starred chef, Mauro Colagreco, of Mirazur: An organic kitchen with a heavenly view

Mango, papaya, bananas…Garavan B oule vard, locate d on the southernmost tip of Menton, is like a tropical paradise. Here, on the b order with Italy, exotic fr uit ripens like nowhere else in France thanks to the extraordinar y microclimate. Magnificent villas and gorge ous gardens give this patch of the Me diterranean a unique charm. Mauro C olagre co didn’t know all of this when he fell madly in love with the area in 2005. But he definitely felt, de ep down inside, that here was the place where he would fulfil his dreams.

a

BY PETRA HALL – PHOTOS: FABIEN PRAUSS

fter completing his training in Buenos Aires, the Argentinian chef had originally only planned on working in France for two years. But although his mother was naturally somewhat crestfallen about being so far from her son, he decided he had to stay put in the land of haute cuisine. Mauro invested three more years at the hotel training college in La Rochelle. Then he successfully landed a work placement with the great chef, Bernard Loiseau, in Saulieu. When he was subsequently offered a position as a commis chef, he could hardly believe his luck...But then, tragically, Loiseau committed suicide; reportedly because he was in danger of losing his third Michelin star. Deeply shaken - as Loiseau had been a mentor to him, and this had really made an impression - Colagreco went to Paris, where he worked in top restaurants including Alain Passard’s L’Arpège and Alain Ducasse’s Plaza Athenée.

“But it didn’t suit me, being one of 40 chefs, as I’d always wanted to be free and independent,’ says the earnest-looking man with the dark eyes.

He transferred to the Grand Vefour, run by Guy Martin; but at the same time his longing for his own restaurant by the sea only grew stronger.

While on holiday with friends in Spain, he told them of his dream, and one of them said he knew of a restaurant on the Côte d’Azur that had been shut for a long time. Back in Paris, Mauro quickly forgot the conversation. Then one day at the end of October 2005, the phone rang. “Are you still interested?” asked his friend from Spain. A little while later, Mauro Colagreco landed in Nice. The sun was shining. “I took that as a good sign,” he remembers. And when he saw the empty 1930s restaurant in Avenue Aristide Briand, above Menton, he was struck by a real coup de foudre - it was love at irst sight. But then he sighed: “Unfortunately I don’t have the means..” - “I’ll rent it to you for a year, then we’ll see,” said the owner.

Today, 39-year-old Mauro reflects: “Back then I was young and plucky, even though the odds were stacked against its success. Menton wasn’t exactly a culinary destination, and the Mirazur was way off the beaten track. As well as that, I didn’t know a soul here. But when you’re in love, rational arguments don’t count for much. We opened the restaurant in April 2006.

Now people come to us from all over the world, but in the irst years it was really difficult.”

Nonetheless, after only six months, Gault Millau, one of the most influential French restaurant guides, named him “Discovery of the Year”. In 2007, Colagreco got his first Michelin star, and his second followed in 2012. In 2009 Gault Millau hailed him their “Chef of the Year” - the first time that someone who wasn’t French was given this distinction. Articles followed in international publications such as The New York Times.

Behind all these accolades stands a man who doesn’t divulge his modesty and down-to-earth nature at irst glance. He explains his success is deeply rooted in his family history: “There’s no secret. I love working hard, just like my Italian grandparents who emigrated to Argentina. They lived in the countryside and only ate what nature gave them. Cooking as a symbol of love, that’s how I’ve always felt it, and I want to give all that back.” With one exception: his favourite meal was and still is Gnocchi di patate, potato gnocchi; his mother’s speciality. his, he only makes at home. “Out of respect to my mum,” he adds.

Does Mauro dream of obtaining a third Michelin star? “No,” he says emphatically. “I work for the happiness of my clientele, not for a star.” Perhaps he still hasn’t forgotten the fate of his mentor, Bernard Loiseau.

Working in the kitchens of the Mirazur, which is part of Relais & Châteaux, there are 25 people from Argentina, Italy, New Zealand, Japan, Venezuela and Columbia. But however cosmopolitan his team might be, the provenance of the ingredients is very local. He has a ‘zero miles’ transport policy and only takes delivery from local suppliers. This is not always

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SUCCESS STORY 06

“You can ind creativity in simplicity.

I prefer food that’s not putting on airs, but where the original produce of the region is centre stage.”

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100% possible, but the Michelin-starred chef has a huge advantage as far as his produce is concerned. Only a few steps from the restaurant, (in whose park, by the way, stands France’s tallest avocado tree, as well as all manner of citrus trees), is a 2,000 square metre organic cottage garden - with the most beautiful views in the world. In October, at the time of our visit, the last tomatoes and beans of the season, as well as peppers, aubergines, late basil and pineapple sage were just being harvested. Every morning, Mauro’s cooks go out and take whichever vegetables, herbs or citrus fruits they need for that day’s food preparation. hey provide 50% of their required produce themselves.

“In contrast with northern Europe, we are totally spoilt

by Mother Nature all year round,” raves Mauro. “here are constantly new surprises awaiting us, which is why we don’t ofer a ixed menu, just themes: Water, Earth and Chlorophyll. Certain vegetables are only available for 10 days or in limited quantities, so that there is just enough for a dozen portions. Everything depends on the season of the year.” A tasting menu showcasing his skills can be had at lunchtime from 55 Euros per person.

Here at this heavenly crossroads of French and Italian gastronomy, the Argentinian Masterchef can give free rein to his talents. “My cooking is completely diferent from the others; and that comes from my background, but also from this place between two cultures. If I were French, then I would deinitely have gone in a more French direction. But I can let my creativity run free.”

Mauro’s doctrine: “You can ind creativity in simplicity. I prefer food that’s not putting on airs, but where the original produce of the region is centre stage. It must be fresh, soaked in sun and sea.” Another essential for the father of two young sons: “We have carried out so many environmental sins. I want to make my contribution, so that my children can grow up in a healthier world.”

LIFESTYLE 07

Festive delights at Château Le Cagnard Historic four star property conjures up cosy and magical yuletide experiences

is available in order to make the day as relaxing as possible.

On New Year’s Eve, the hotel offers yet more treats. Guests can celebrate the end of the year with an exceptional dinner in the superb surroundings of the main dining room, which is renowned for its sliding ceiling which opens up to reveal views of the starlit sky, and the attractive terrace. On 31 December the view will be even more spectacular than usual, as guests will be able to enjoy watching the dazzling fireworks shooting up into the sky across the Riviera. Then on New Year’s Day, guests can wake up to a glass of chilled champagne delivered to their bedroom, and savour a lazy morning with a late checkout.

Built in the 13th Century, Château Le Cagnard is an exceptional building which is part of the city wall in the medieval village. Its history is closely intertwined with that of the Château Grimaldi, which dates back to the 14th Century. The guardroom, with its arched fireplace, is one of the captivating highlights of this historic property; an echo back to its heritage in the Middle Ages – a time when knights protected the village and the château.

In 1928, the former owner of Le Cagnard commissioned the painter Emile Wéry to paint the famous guardroom. He decorated the archway with a fresco depicting elephants, giving it an exotic and fanciful flourish. The impressive ceiling, which opens up to reveal the sky, was constructed, and its 200 panels were hand-painted in 1986 by the architect Philippe Robertini.

Then in 2011, a new chapter in the hotel’ history began, when the Ivarsson family bought the property in order to protect its heritage. It was reborn as Hotel and Restaurant Château Le Cagnard. After undergoing a complete renovation that included a faithful restoration of Emile Wéry’s frescoes and the antique furniture, the hotel reopened its doors to the public and today continues to function like a family home, with the same passion and devotion it had at its inception.

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Château Le Cagnard is only 10 minutes from Nice International Airport and close to St-Paul-de-Vence.

One night on 24 - 25th December including breakfast and dinner (excluding beverages) from €289 per person in a Deluxe room & from €319 per person in a Junior Suite. One night from December 31 - January from €329 in a Deluxe room, from €359 in a Junior Suite & from €419 in a Suite.

ADVERTORIAL

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n the heart of the medieval hilltop village of Cagnes-sur-Mer (Haut-de-Cagnes), Château Le Cagnard is the perfect setting for a rustic yet luxurious Christmas or New Year break.

Logs crackle on the open fireplace as you sip a piping hot cup of mulled wine and tuck into some delicious homemade sweets. This beautiful property is a historical building, and a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) group. As such, it was hand-picked by judges who discerned it to be a unique gem that offers genuine, one-of-a-kind experiences. Château Le Cagnard was carefully selected to celebrate its individuality, quirks and character, but also because it met the strict criteria of providing consistently high standards for guests.

And this holiday season, guests are being offered the opportunity of an enchanting stay at Château Le Cagnard from 24-25 December. Guests will be greeted with a welcome drink next to the vaulted fireplace in the Salle des Gardes (guardroom), where they will discover a magical Christmas atmosphere like no other.

Then they can soak up the festive spirit as they explore the traditional Provencal village of Haut-de-Cagnes, the former home of Renoir. Surrounded by ramparts, interwoven with winding alleyways and dotted with small open squares; the village is perched on a hill and surrounds the Château Grimaldi, which is now a museum.

Admire the Christmas decorations, buy some local crafts or marvel at the beautiful nativity scene, which has been created in Haut-de-Cagnes- each year for as long as anyone can remember.

Then return to the warmth of the Château Le Cagnard to enjoy some spiced ‘vin chaud’ accompanied sticky homemade sweets. he Chef will prepare a gastronomic Christmas dinner in the restaurant at the end of the evening. On Christmas Day, breakfast will bring even more delights and surprises, and a late checkout

CHRISTMAS - MARCHE DE NOEL 08

Spreading festive cheer across the Riviera!

Snap up some presents, enjoy some mulled wine and soak up the yuletide atmosphere...

Every winter, the towns and villages across the region are lit up by Christmas markets. With products made by artisans, nativity scenes and decorations, as well as seasonal food and drinks and activities for all ages, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Spotlight on: Menton Scandinavian Christmas Market

T

he town of Menton picks a new theme each year for its yuletide market – ‘New York’ and ‘the circus’ were previous hits – and this year is no exception: visitors will be able to ‘travel’ to the Far North to celebrate a Scandinavian Christmas!

Organised by the Tourist Office in partnership with the City of Menton, the town and the main Christmas market will be adorned with white Scandinavian-style decorations and thousands of lickering lights. More than 300 staf spent the weeks leading up to the start of December installing the illuminations, with 440 festooned across the streets and 1,680 garlands along the seafront. hey include some striking 3-D designs such as (temporarily breaking with the Nordic theme) an ark surrounded by Christmas presents on the roundabout on the highway, and even animated decorations including a girafe (no, not Rudolph!), in an efort this year to delight the young and old alike.

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he special events begin at 6pm on 4 December at the ‘Bastion’ as the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on and the market on Francis-Palmero esplanade will officially open! he following day, families will be able to enjoy the festive activities in the Biovès gardens, which include an ice-rink, mini-train and maze, as well as some fabulous surprises...Not to forget the large red letterbox for posting mail to Santa.

On the irst day of the school holidays (19 December) the children’s entertainment kicks of, continuing right through until 3 January. hey will include parades, workshops, shows and other various distractions.

And for music-lovers, Piedmont Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the traditional New Year’s concert at the Palace of Europe at 5pm on 31 December.

So that nobody is let out, the Centre communal d’action sociale (CCAS) will organize a toy drive, in a cabin located in front of the town hall. From 4 to 10 December, it will be open to donors, from 2pm to 6pm (and on 5 December from 10am to noon, then 2pm to 6pm). hen, from 11 December, the shed will be transformed into a beautiful nativity scene. he CCAS will also take care of the elderly residents by giving them traditional Christmas git packages, consisting of delicious festive products. A pensioners Christmas dinner will take place at the palais de l’Europe on 18 December.

Other Scandinavian-themed events this festive season include St Lucy’s Day processions at the Eglise Saint-Pierre in Haut-de-Cagnes on 12 December and at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nice, on 13 December. Members of the Swedish Church in Cagnes-Sur-Mer will also be singing carols in Nice during the irst two Sundays of Advent.

CHRISTMAS - MARCHE DE NOEL 09

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

MARSEILLE

Christmas Market. Until 27th December 10am to 8pm. Cours Mirabeau. Plenty of merchandise from artisans from across the region, including soaps, jewellery, wooden toys, candles and much more. Info: 04 42 16 11 82

Christmas Market. Until 31st December, from 10am to 7pm at the Old Port. With lots of music and entertainment for children. Info: www.marseille.fr

BIOT

Christmas Village. 4th December to 3rd January, from 11am.

Crats, regional specialties and colourful animations to captivate children and adults alike in its fairytale world. Port de Monaco. Info: +377 93 15 06 03

Fun-illed Christmas programme from 20th December to 3rd of January (closed on 1st January) Gourmet stalls, culinary workshops, pony-rides, Midnight Mass and of course a special appearance of Santa Claus. Details: www.biot.fr

CABRIS

Christmas Market. From 13th December from 9am to 6pm.

Crats, children’s entertainment and treats. At 10am: Face painting, 2pm: Santa Claus Parade. In the old town.

Info: 04 93 60 55 63

MONACO

MONTAUROUX

Christmas Market. 18th December to 20th December, 10am to 8pm. With an ice-skating rink and beautiful attractions and stalls. Place du Clos. Info: www.tourisme-montauroux.fr

MOUANS-SARTOUX

“Bain de Noël.” On 6th December from 9.30am to noon.

Christmas-bathing in the sea. Sailing School Cros-deCagnes. Info: 04 93 20 61 64

Nativity Figures Market. 13th December to 24th December 2pm until 6pm, and on weekends 10am to noon. The most important and oldest market of its kind in the Alpes-Maritimes. The manufacturers present figures of all sizes, accessories etc. Library La Strada. Info: www.mouans-sartoux.com

Christmas Market. From 12th December to 3rd January from 10am to 7pm. Selected Christmas products, git ideas and specialties. City centre, Place de Gaulle.

Info: www.cagnes-sur-mer.fr

Christmas Market. 6th December from 9am to 6pm. Christmas decorations, table decorations and git suggestions.

Children’s programme, with a surprise visit from Father Christmas. Place de la Mairie. Info: 04 93 75 75 16

CAGNES-SUR-MER

“Marché aux Santons” (Nativity Figures Market). 5th & 6th December from 10am to 6pm. Place Beranger, Cros-deCagnes. Info: 04 89 22 40 82

CANNES

Christmas Village. From 4th December to 3rd January. With delicious food and drinks including mulled wine, champagne and seafood bars, Father Christmas in the aternoons, Christmas decorations, an ice rink, ice shows and children’s entertainment. Info: 04 97 06 46 01 Christmas concert. 14th December at 8pm. A varied repertoire, with a large string orchestra, chamber music, jazz and soloists. Admission is free. Théâtre de la Licorne.

Info: 04 97 06 49 10 “Noël des voix” Christmas concert. 18th December at 8pm. Children’s and adult choirs, jazz singing, soloists and contemporary choral music. Admission is free. Théâtre de la Licorne. Info: 04 97 06 49 10

DRAGUIGNAN

Christmas Market. From 12th-27th December. In the city centre, Boulevard Cémenceau. Info: 06 61 32 33 33

FAYENCE

Christmas Market. 13th December. All day. Music programme, homemade gits and regional products. Village centre. Info: 04 94 85 20 35

FRÉJUS

Meet Santa Claus! Santa Claus is coming to town, via a boat on the sea, to hand out small gits to any kids not on the ‘naughty list’. On 19th December at 3pm. Port of Frejus.

Info: 04 94 82 63 00

MOUGINS

Santa Claus and Festival of Lights. 6th December at 4.30pm.

The village is lit up, Christmas carols, exhibition of nativity scenes, children can write letters to Santa Claus.

Info: www.mougins-tourisme.fr Christmas Market. 18th & 20th December from 10am to 6pm.

With more than 40 exhibitors. Many animations for children, git ideas and food trucks. In the old quarter.

Info: www.mougins-tourisme.fr

NICE

Christmas Village. 5th December to 4th January from 11am to 8pm. With Christmas stalls, ice sculptures, children’s animations and an enchanted forest of 600 ir trees. Place Massena. Info: 04 97 13 37 70

PEILLON

Nativity Figure Market, “Foire aux santons”. Until 20th December from 1pm to 6pm. In the old town. Info: 04 93 79 91 04

SOSPEL

Christmas Market. 20th December. With local producers ofering their goods, and artists displaying their work, which will be for sale too. Info: 04 93 04 15 80 Staint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne Christmas Market. 20th December, 9am to 4pm. With onion soup, wafles, mulled wine, handicrats and children’s entertainment. In the village. Info: 04 93 60 84 30

SAINT DALMAS

Christmas Fair. With shows, bouncy castle, trampolines, animations, game booths, tea and mulled wine. Port of Fréjus, Place Deï Tambourinaire. Info: 04 94 82 63 00

Christmas Festival. 19th, 26th & 29th December, at 6pm.

On 19th December, “Le Choeur Philharmonique de Nice” headed Giulio Magnanini (choirmaster of the Opéra de Nice).

The ladies vocal ensemble “Les Choir Aline” sing on Boxing Day under the direction of Isabelle Baicchi. On 29th December the Basque vocal polyphony “L’Otxote Lura” will perform. Église Staint Croix de Staint Dalmas. Admission is free.

LUCERAM

SAINT-MARTIN

Crib Exhibition from 5th December to 10th January in Lucéram and Peïra. For the 18th time, the two towns are displaying more than 450 nativity scenes in the streets, from a miniature version in a nutshell to the biggest, at 10 metres high. Info: www.luceram. com

Christmas dinner. 12th December. At the “Gros Souper de Noël” a traditional festive Christmas dinner. Château de Saint-Martin. Info and reservations: 94 99 76 76 or 04 www.chateaudesaintmartin.com

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SAINT-RAPHAEL

Festival of Lights. 5th December to 3rd January. Light shows, ice skating rink, concerts and theatre performances throughout the city. Info: 04 94 19 52 52

ST-TROPEZ

Christmas programme. 4th December to 3rd January. At 6pm on the 4th, the Christmas lights will be switched on and the ice rink opens. On the 24th at 6pm, Santa Claus will arrive via boat in the village and distribute gits to children.

Info: 08 92 68 48 28

VALLAURIS/GOLFE JUAN

20th and 21st December Christmas parade of 1001 Santas and lots more besides. Parade departs Place de l’homme au Mouton at 4pm. On Saturday the singer Lio will lead the parade which arrives at Golfe Juan at 6pm. More singing and mulled wine and hot chocolate will be served.

VENCE

Christmas programme. From 12th December to 4th January. With fabulous entertainment, magical Christmas trees and ireworks. Place du Grand Jardin.

Info: 04 93 58 06 38

Nice Alpine Christmas Village Twinkling lights, fresh pine trees, ice-skating, and the scent of mulled wine. It feels like the north, but it’s the Côte d’Azur! he city of Nice is celebrating Christmas in grand style. his year, Place Massena and the surrounding area will be transformed into a wondrous winter alpine village, with over 60 artisan chalets and an enchanted forest with over 600 pine trees...Quite a contrast from the sun-soaked scenes typically witnessed there during the summertime, when children frolic in the water fountains!

From the Promenade des Anglais to Old Nice, the area will be bathed in fairy lights and kilometres of garlands, giving visitors that magical feeling of Christmas. he wooden chalets will be selling all kinds of yuletide treats, from hot food to sweets and stocking-illers. here will be something for the whole family, including creativity workshops for children and a ‘family fun’ area with giant inlatables, and an ice-skating rink. One of the many highlights of course each year is the ferris wheel, lit up by dozens of lights: it’s sure to be a fantastic spectacle!

And don’t miss a visit with Santa Claus, who will be on hand to meet kids, listen to what they want for Christmas and pose for photos in his sleigh from December 20-25 exact times vary but you can check www.nicetourisme.com for details. So make sure you’re not on the ‘naughty’ list!

December 5 to 4 January. Open every day from 11am to 8pm. Free entry.

SUCCESS STORY 10

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GOURMET 11

W

alking into Mamo Le Michelangelo in Antibes is a beautiful experience.

I don’t know what’s more impressive, the expansive open kitchen with hanging copper pots and warm décor, or the wall to wall pictures of famous clientele. he foyer is a venerable ‘who’s who’ from the A-list worlds of ilm, music and sports.

Everyone from Robert De Niro to Magic Johnson to Mick Jagger are shown smiling, arm in arm with the enigmatic owner, Hervé Mammoliti, known as ‘Mamo.’

It’s immediately clear that Mamo is the secret to Le Michelangelo’s success. His warm and attentive personality instantly makes you feel special. And even though his walls are lined with some of the most famous people the world has known, he remains a humble, hard-working business owner. His success doesn’t seem to have gone to his head. With a dismissive head shake, he tells me: “I don’t think about money - I’m not in it for that. I treat my customers well, and the rest takes care of itself.” He also claims that he’s not the type to walk around with his chest sticking out. “In the summer, I clean the patio every morning,” he says, with a sweeping motion.

As we chat at the bar, I sip on chilled champagne, an ofer I tried to refuse at 10.30am, but the glass appeared nonetheless.

Above us were rows of celebrity photos, but front and centre was a picture his most important VIP: Mike. Not Michael Jackson or Michael Jordan (who is pictured nearby), just Mike, Mamo’s son. With all of this down-to-earth entreprenur’s success, it’s clear his proudest achievment is his son. Arm in arm with big smiles, this father and son team is now a force in the restaurant world.

“Mike grew up in this restaurant,” explained Mamo as he excitedly pulled me to the other side of the bar. He pointed to a picture on the top shelf: “Look up there, see that boy with Magic? hat’s Mike!” he skinny kid in the picture looked dwarfed next to the basketball champion. hen Mamo drew me over to the photo-lined column by the entrance. “Look, that’s Mike today, with Magic.” It was a photo of the opening of Mamo in New York City. here was Mike, now a grown man, and by his side was Magic Johnson, standing like a proud father. Mamo was beaming.

So whose idea was it to expand to New York? Mamo assures me it was his son’s initiative. “It was all Mike. It was his idea, his project and his hard work.” In fact, according to Mike, it was a lifelong dream. “From the moment I irst visited New York, I knew I wanted to open a restaurant there,” Mamo’s son, Mike, later told me. he success of the original restaurant in Antibes is due to a perfect union of talented cooks, attentive staf and the meticulous attention of the owner. All of which Mike is striving to recreate. Massimo Sola, Mamo NYC’s Michelin starred chef from Eataly Rome has expertly recreated Le Michelangelo’s indulgent menu. Signature dishes include raviolini al tartufo, handmade spinach raviolini in a rich truffle cream sauce; focaccia al tartufo, a divine pizza with cantal cheese and freshly shaved truffles (neither location skimps on the truffles); and the ultra-decadent MAMO Burger, with foie gras and…fresh truffles!

Having dined in both locations, in Antibes and in Manhattan, I can attest to the nearly identical dishes. But don’t think ‘Soho’s hottest new restaurant’ is a carbon copy of its

‘Côte’ to Coast he Mamo legacy

For nearly 25 years, the famed Mamo Le Michelangelo has been serving rich, sumptuous Italian food in Antibes. Now, Mamo NYC is bringing a taste of the Côte d’Azur to New York. BY N IC OL E RU SKEL L predecessor. With a hip New York feel and sot modern décor, it relects the local culture as well. A large bar on the ground loor serves up unique cocktails like their new truffle martini (yes, fresh shaved truffles in this one as well!). And no New York eatery can go without the sacred weekend brunch, which they now serve from 11:30am4pm. Mike observed: “New Yorkers are the toughest clients in the world. You have to make sure they’re happy.”

He admits that his menu is about 60 per cent the same.

Some dishes, like the lamb shoulder baked in a wood oven just can’t be reproduced. But Mike is enjoying creating his own touches, and experimenting with new dishes. His goal is to “provide a moment of peace” in the hectic city, “like going away to the south of France.” So more French style dishes will surely feature on his menu. For me, the best thing I’ve eaten in a while was their delicate lavender

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cheesecake. he perfect union of New York and Provence.

I still dream about it!

In the six months since the New York branch opened, they have been featured on the ‘Hottest restaurants’ lists from hrillist to Gothamist. “I’m extremely pleased with how people have responded,” enthused Mike. And what does dad think? “So far so good. Mike is just like me. He sees the same way, thinks the same way and he’s very intelligent. I have full conidence in him.”

So whether you are on the Côte d’Azur or in New York, your Mamo experience will surely be delightful. Mike’s message to Riviera RT readers: “Come by and say hi!”

Mamo Le Michelangelo is located on Rue des Cordiers in Antibes and Mamo NYC is at 323 Broadway in New York City.

MONACO 12

Noisette Circus, a ballet that brought dancers to the Big Top for the irst time, breaching the boundaries that existed between choreographic and circus arts. Back then, he had no idea of the extraordinary fate that lay in store for the show, eight years later in Monaco...

In 2000, the ballet that was conceived in Tours was adapted on a larger scale at the Fontvieille Monaco circus in honour of Prince Rainier III’s jubilee. Over the course of a month, Casse-Noisette Circus played to a full house and deinitively consolidated the choreographer’s reputation in the Principality.

And now, with Casse-Noisette Compagnie, Jean-Christophe Maillot touches the audience once again by tackling a theme that is dear to his heart - that of a child rejecting the pallid void of the adult world. Jean-Christophe Maillot has always been inspired by childhood, yet he never slumps into nostalgia. he son of a painter who worked on many a stage backdrop, Jean-Christophe Maillot grew up amongst canvases, frames, ropes and pulleys. From a very young age, he was aware that ictional characters could cross over into reality, as is the case with Casse-Noisette Compagnie’s Clara.

Other Ballets de Monte-Carlo highlights this month include Les Inattendus. In celebration of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo Company’s 30th anniversary, the choreographer is treating ballet fans to the chance to share an exceptional moment with the dancers. he Inattendus sessions in a nutshell? A unique opportunity to see a dress rehearsal of one of the most dazzling companies in one of the world’s most spectacular theatres, the Monte-Carlo Opera House.

he Nutcracker Nutcracker, a festive classic Beau Beautiful

interpretation delights audiences 233 years on A trip to see The Nutcracker has become as much of a Christmas institution as ro ast turke y and c arol-sing ing BY SARAH HARVEY. PHOTOS: ALICE BLANGERO Monte-Carlo for whom he has served as Choreographer and Director for over 20 years. Casse-Noisette Compagnie conveys the captivating tale of a little girl whose dreams turn to reality thanks to a handful of benevolent beings in a world where anything is possible, and where dance is the most powerful form of magic. he production explores Clara’s dreams, which are vividly brought to life through the power of dance.

The Ballets de Monte-Carlo doesn’t do things by halves, and in celebration of its 30th anniversary, the performance will also be screened in cinemas, via international live broadcasting on 30 December.

Two stars of the Bolchoï Ballet Theater, Olga Smirnova and Artem Ovcharenko, have been selected to perform in this classic ballet alongside the company’s dancers, accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Choreographer-Director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Jean-Christophe Maillot, moved to the Principality of Monaco in 1995. The story of this ballet begins a few years earlier, in 1992 at the Centre National de Tours, where he dreamed up Casse-

DECEMBER

2015

• Casse-Noisette Companie, Grimaldi Forum Monaco, from 29 December 2015 - 4 January 2016, 8pm every evening except for 4pm performance on Sunday 3 January. Pre-performance talks conducted by Laura Cappelle of the Financial Times on 3 January at 2.45pm & 4 January at 6.45pm.

• Les Inattendus, Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Friday 11 December at 7pm, Saturday 12 December at 7pm & Sunday 13 December at 11am. www.balletsdemontecarlo.com

ADVERTORIAL

C

hristmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a performance of he Nutcracker. The ballet first premiered in St. Petersburg on December 18, 1892, on a double-bill with Tchaikovsky’s opera, Iolanta. Although it wasn’t an instant success in its original format, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite was, and it later became one of his most famous compositions.

In the 1960s the ballet saw a huge revival and the complete The Nutcracker began being performed every year at Christmas across the United States and United Kingdom. More than two centuries on from its premiere, the magical ballet is now fully ingratiated into the festive calendar across much of the world.

To end the year in style, Jean-Christophe Maillot is restaging the ballet with the Casse Noisette Compagnie and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. First performed in a series of sell-out performances in 2013, this interpretation plunges the audience into the choreographer’s creative inner world, and consequently, into the world of the Ballets de

ART & CULTURE 13

‘Frank Sinatra 1915 – 2015’

I

n celebration of 100 years since the birth of Frank Sinatra, a photography exhibit features 100 photographs spanning the illustrious career of ‘Old Blue Eyes’. Frédéric Lecompte-Dieu, the exhibit’s artistic director, is best known for being the biographer of the Kennedy family. Searching private collections and agencies in the United States, he has carefully chosen rare or previously unreleased images.

The photographs feature Sinatra with other greats of the time, like David Sutton, Paul Hesse, Ted Allan, and Sid Avery. Lecompte-Dieu wishes to portray an intimate look at the life and career of this legendary crooner.

The exhibit is prefaced by Baroness Marianne Von Brandstetter, the wife of James Crosby, Chairman of Resorts International in Atlantic City, where Sinatra oten frequented. Baroness Brandstetter offers personal anecdotes and stories from moments with Sinatra. his is the third edition of Métropole’s ‘Destins’ collection, headed by Jay Gatsby. You can view this impressive exhibit at the Monaco Métropole Shopping Centre until the 12th of December. Tel. +377 93 50 15 36

Mozart on the Beach The Orchestra of Cannes Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur (ORCPACA) has released a delightful new CD ahead of their 40th anniversary. Directed by Austrian, Wolfgang Dörner, “Mozart on the Beach” features Concerto No. 9 - K271 ‘Young Man,’ and No. 21 - K467 ‘Elvira Madigan’. There is also Adagio ‘Silence on the Beach’ (K356/617a) performed on a glass harmonica.

This beautiful CD, depicting a vintage photograph of Cannes’ LaCroisette,wasrecordedintheThalesAleniaauditoriumwith renowned pianist, Paul Badura-Skoda. Born in 1927, Badura-Skoda is Austria’s most senior pianist and a specialist in Viennese classicism. Pleased with the outcome, Dörner said: “The concert is over, but the CD remains!”

The musicians of ORCPACA have a wide-ranging repertoire andareveryactivethroughouttheregion.Theyperformhundreds of concerts, including social performances in children’s hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and concerts for the disabled. For the last 38 years, the well-known conductor, Philippe Bender, has led the Orchestra. Wolfgang Dörner is the new director and will continue the orchestra’s success.

The CD is available for €15 from the orchestra office at 24-26 avenue des Arlucs, in Cannes la Bocca. Open Monday to Friday from 9am – 12pm and 2 – 6pm. Tel. 04 93 48 61 10

EVENTS 14

French Events 3rd December

CAGNES-SUR-MER SWEDISH SING-ALONG Come and sing with Åsa Söderberg and the Riviera Choir.

There will be drinks and snacks. Organised by the Swedish church of the Côte d’ Azur and Monaco. Starts at 6pm at the Villa Ingeborg. €15. Tel. 04 93 20 40 64

3rd – 5th December

9th December

BEAUSOLEIL CLUB VIVANOVA Ladies fashion night at Queen Bee. Details on www.clubvivanova.com M O N ACO BAROQUE CONCERT The ‘Stella Maris Basilea’ ensemble will perform ‘Mon Âme Exalte le Seigneur,’ from medieval texts. They will sing in diferent styles from traditional medieval to a cappella.

Starts at 8:30pm at the Chapelle de la Visitation, Monaco-Ville. Free entry. Tel. +377 98 98 83 03

M O N ACO MONTE CARLO WHISKEY FESTIVAL A gathering of investors, collectors and connoisseurs from around the globe for an exclusive 3-day whisky event. Includes tasting at the Crystal Bar, the international whiskey conference and Saint Andrew’s Gala, with Prince Albert II. Full programme: www.mcwhiskeyfestival.com

10th December

4th December

11th December

NICE ENGLISH CHRISTMAS CAROLS The concert will feature favourite traditional English carols with some modern renditions and instrumental ensembles. This year, the choir of the International Church of Nice and St. Paul will be joined by a choral ensemble from Dallas Texas. Following the concert, enjoy a sampling of homemade traditional Christmas biscuits. Starts at 8pm, at the Eglise Saint Pierre, 52 Rue de la Bufa. Free.

NICE BENEFIT CONCERT A concert by the Riviera International Singers. All beneits will go to the SNCM Lifeboat Company. English home-made sausages and mulled wine will be served by the lifeboat staf.

From 8-9pm at the Cathédrale Notre Dame de l’Immaculée-Conception, 1 Rue du Saint-Esprit, Antibes & Juan-lesPins. Tickets €10, €5 for children under 12.

5th December

M O N ACO VIVANOVA FASHION NIGHTS Seafront party at Port Fontvieille. Experience ine wines with great cuisine, accompanied by a DJ playing through the night. Sebastian Cruz Couture will showcase their fashionable pocket squares during the evening. From 8pm - 11pm at Modjo Monaco. Tickets are €40 per person. Price includes a bufet and all wines. Reservations: booking@clubvivanova.com.

5th – 6th December

R AYO L- C A N A D E L- S U R- M E R LES JARDINS DES MEDITERRANÉES Domaine de Rayol is opening the gates of the Mediterranean Gardens to celebrate the arrival of winter. Programme features guided tours, a library of garden books, winter plant suggestions and a Christmas decoration workshop for young and old. From 10:30am-5:30pm Saturday & Sunday. Free entry. Tel. 04 98 04 44 00 - www.domainedurayol.org

NICE THE NUTCRACKER The classic Christmas ballet will be performed by the Russian National Opera. At the Nice Acropolis tickets range from €39 to €62. www.nice-acropolis.com M O N ACO BAROQUE CONCERT The chamber ensemble ‘Les Surprises’ will perform ‘Un Noël Baroque Français.’ Blending a contemporary repertoire with traditional medieval instruments, they will perform a varied concert. Starts at 8:30pm at the Chapelle de la Visitation, Monaco-Ville. Free entry. Tel. +377 98 98 83 03 M O N ACO STAR WARS EVENING With the Monaco release of ‘The Force Awakens’, the ilm will be projected all night, with festive décor, life-size igures and Star Wars’ goodies. Meet Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and more! At La Rascasse. www.larascassemontecarlo.com

11th – 13th December

M O N ACO ‘LES INATTENDUS’ BALLET In celebration of the Ballet de Monte-Carlo Company’s 30th anniversary, the Inattendus sessions ofer a unique opportunity to see a dress rehearsal from one of the most dazzling ballet companies. In the Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte Carlo.

Friday & Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 11am. www.balletsdemontecarlo.com

13th December

LE ROURET TRUFFLE MARKET Celebration of the opening of trufle season. From 10am-5pm at Place de la Libération. Tel. 04 93 77 20 02 www.mairie-lerouret.fr NICE SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Swedish Church Choir will be performing a Christmas concert at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 11 rue de la Bufa.

Information: www.anglican-nice.com

DECEMBER

2015

13th – 27th December

CANNES LES AMIS DE L’ORGUE DE CANNES Organ concert series featuring Joonho Park on the 13th, Yoann Tardivel on the 20th and Henri Pourtau on the 27th.

Concerts starts at 4pm at the Eglise Notre Dame du Bon Voyage. www.orgues-cannes.org

15th December

NICE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Classical concert with choral choir at Saint Réparate in Nice

16th December

M O N ACO CLUB VIVANOVA Asian Fusion Gourmet Wine Dinner at the Maya Bay Monaco.

Details at www.clubvivanova.com

18th – 20th December

M O N ACO ‘VOLLMOND’ - PINA BAUSCH Pina Bausch, ‘Tanztheater Wuppertal’ (the High-Priestess of Dance Theatre), presents ‘Vollmond,’ her most famous production. An iconic and emotional performance without a connective plot, audiences follow the whims of the dancers.

In the Salle des Princes at Grimaldi Forum. Friday & Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 4pm. www.balletsdemontecarlo.com

18th December – 31st December

NICE COPPÉLIA A joyous, playful ballet about a life-like doll that a whole village amorously adores. Features European folklore costumes and dances. Several dates playing at Nice Opéra.

More information: www.opera-nice.org

20th December

S T- P A U L - D E - V E N C E TRUFFLE MARKET Producers’ market and large trufle growers stand. Tasting of a trufle omelette on the trufle growers’ stand. At Place de Gaulle.

24th – 25th December

CANNES ENGLISH CHURCH SERVICES The Holy Trinity Anglican Church will have services in English.

24th December Children’s service from 4 - 4:30pm. Christmas night communion will have the eucharist with carols from 11:30pm -12:45am. 25th December Christmas day service with communion from 9-9:50am. Family communion with carols from 10:30 - 11:45am.

Until 24th December

MOUANS-SARTOUX SANTON FAIR 32nd annual Santon Fair at the Médiatheque. Open everyday from 2pm – 6pm.

EVENTS 15 24th December

H A U T- D E - C A G N E S NATIVITY EVENING Living Nativity scene, mass and procession. Followed by tasting of 13 desserts. Place Grimaldi. Free shuttle bus until 2am.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 31ST DECEMBER CAGNES-SUR-MER - NEW YEARS EVE PARTY ‘Soirée Réveillon’ features a cabaret show ‘Les Etoiles du Moulin’ and dinner. At the Casino Terrazur. From 8pm. Tickets €169 www.casinoterrazur.com

CANNES - SPANISH NATIONAL BALLET Led by Antonio Najarro, the Spanish National Ballet will present a New Year’s Show with over 40 dancers. At 8:30pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès’ Grand Auditorium. Tickets start at €34. www.palaisdesfestivals.com

CANNES - RÉVEILLON DE STARS The 19th annual New Year’s gala at the Palais du Festivals et des Congrès is open to everyone. Featuring a grand welcome, gourmet dinner, top entertainment with the G-Star Orchestra and Exotica dance review. Reservations at www.reveillon-cannes.fr

NICE - LE NEGRESCO Versailles comes to Le Chantecler restaurant with a deluxe gourmet dinner, fit for a king. €390 per person. The following morning, the Royal Lounge is hosting a New Year’s Day Brunch on 1st January. There will be eight buffets on option. €110pp Tel. 04 93 16 64 00

MONACO - STARS’N’BARS Courses featuring smoked salmon and foie gras, shrimp quesadillas and teriyaki salmon or pepper steak. €82/38 children, includes ½ bottle of champagne. Tel. +377 97 97 95 95

MONACO - THE OVERTURES CONCERT One of the best sixties tribute bands in the world! The Overtures play the greatest songs from the Beatles to The Beach Boys to Jimi Hendrix. Starts at 11pm in the Place du Casino.

MONACO - SOCIÉTE DES BAINS DE MER End-of-year celebrations at all Sociéte des Bains de Mer locations. Set dinners at Le Blu Ray with a ‘New York, New York’ theme, L’Orange Vert hosts a Cuban evening with mambo, salsa and lambada dancing. Buddha-Bar Monte Carlo will feature Chinese cuisine along with DJ Papa playing the entire evening.

Themed parties at their night-clubs as well: Blue Gin, Jimmy’z and La Rascasse. Info at www.montecarlosbm.com

Exhibitions

Italian Events

Until 12th December

Every Sunday

M O N ACO FRANK SINATRA 1915 – 2015 Celebrating 100 years since the birth of Frank Sinatra, this photography features 100 photographs spanning Sinatra’s career. At the Monaco Métropole Shopping Centre. Free entry.

Until 16th January

NICE ‘LA PROM EN PHOTO’ A photography exhibition that pays hommage to the Promenade des Anglais. Featuring the work of six artisits: Delphine Brossat, Pierre Volot, Fabien Ramello, Elizabeth Mathis, Frédéric Laurent-Alunni and Nathalie Beatini. At the Centre Anima Nice Cimiez, free entry. Tel. 04 93 53 85 95

Until 24th January

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

NICE HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON An exhibition of the photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson at the Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image. Open Tue - Sun from 10am - 6pm. www.tpi-nice.org

Until 30th January

MENTON MICHEL ISNARD The exhibit, ‘1975-2015, 40 years of freestyle painting,’ is a retrospective of the artist’s varied work, from dancing igures to olive trees to religious subjects. At the Galerie du Palais de l’Europe, open Tue - Sat from 10am - 12pm and 2 - 6pm.

Free entry. Tel. 04 92 41 76 73

Until 31st December

ANTIBES ‘BOXE FRANÇAISE-CANNE-BÂTON’ An unusual and antique stamp exhibition featuring women boxers and pre-1914 French battalions. Musée de la Carte Postale, Antibes. Open 2pm - 6pm. Tickets €5. www.culturefrance.fr

Until 29th February

NICE ‘UN BIOGRAPHE DE MATISSE’ Featuring the biographic work of Matisse by Gaston Diehl, who worked with Matisse from 1947. The exhibit features letters between the two men, pictures and many more mementos from their collaboration. At the Musée Matisse. Open every day (except Tue) from 10am - 6pm. Tel. 04 93 81 08 08

DECEMBER

2015

GENOA ‘MUSIC APERITIVO’ CONCERT SERIES ‘Music Aperitivo’ is a popular event at the Carlo Felice Theatre in Genoa. It hosts a performance and refreshment every Sunday morning. Performances include classical music, opera, soloist recitals or poetry readings. The event starts at 11am and is followed by light refreshments. Tickets €6 and includes refreshments. www.carlofelicegenova.it

Until 6th January

FINALE LIGURE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE A huge tent will house market stalls, a theatre for folklore plays, an ice-skating rink and a nativity scene. There will also be Santa’s sleigh, pony rides and a train. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10am - 8pm. www.ilnataledigiuele.it

Until 24th January

GENOVA BRASSAÏ, POUR L’AMOUR DE PARIS 250 vintage photographs of secret places and hidden corners of nocturnal Paris. Brassaï captured the underworld of Paris unlike any other. At Palazzo Ducale, open Tue-Sun 11am 7pm. Tickets €9/€7. www.palazzoducale.genova.it

Until 10th April

GENOVA FROM THE IMPRESSIONISTS TO PICASSO An immense collection of art, including works by Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Modigliani, Kandinsky, and Picasso. Palazzo Ducale, open Tue-Sun 11am - 7pm. Tickets €13/€5. www.palazzoducale.genova.it

XAN.A refreshing elixir to enhance your vitality.

Non-alcoholic. Low in calories. www.xan.com Now available at Carrefour Monaco!

BUSINESS 18

Flying à la française

70 years Nice-Paris with Air France Nice or Africa? For Jérôme Jacquemard the decision was simple, when he relocated from Bulgaria in 2013. Like many other Parisians, the 41-year-old commercial director of Air France/KLM for the South of France and Monaco adores the Côte d’Azur. BY PETRA HALL

SAPHIR: a unique service for the disabled

F

rom his sunny office on the Promenade des Anglais, with its view of the country’s second largest airport, Jerome Jacquemard was in charge of the regional business of the company and boss of 21 of its worldwide 10,000 employees. For 70 years there had already been a connection between Nice and Paris - at irst there was only one light per day, now there are 23. About 3.3 million passengers a year set of from Nice with Air France/KLM. In the past year 77.5 million passengers travelled with the company and lew to 79 destinations in 80 countries.

Jacquemard studied Engineering and Economics - in Lyon and the USA - and also has a broad experienece in international management.

Does he prefer the French or American management style? “I use a mixture of both, a middle way between strict hierarchy and none at all. Here employees can say what they think,” says Jerome Jacquemard with a mischievous glance at Jeannine Biache, the person responsible for Marketing and Communication (pictured with Jacquemard, right).

His remit is to develop regional price and promotion strategies as well as action plans and partnerships. He must be constantly on the ball as to what’s going on in his area: the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival or other events and holidays … but he must also know about crises and wars in the whole world. he ability to react quickly is important, because ater all the job is to ill to maximum

capacity each of the 23 daily Air France lights to Paris and beyond on international connexions. “Every empty seat is a loss,” according to Jacquemard. “he system is very complicated. Businesspeople bring in the most money because they book late. Air France has just invested 500 Million Euros in Business, First Class, Premium Economy and Economy. We want to develop the French way of life on board.

Ecvlusive suites, great gastronomy, excellent wines, Michelin-starred chefs like Alain Ducasse, the highest quality products, an attentive, elegant service and a chaufeur service from your house in the South of France to the aeroplane.

Our whole leet of 107 long haul aircrat from Paris will be decked out in this way. By the way, Air France is the only airline that also serves champagne in Economy.”

Are there, then, so many rich travellers who can aford this luxury? “First Class is a micro market,” the manager makes clear. “here are only four suites per plane.” What, however, surprises no-one, is that in the whole of France, the most First Class tickets are sold on the Côte d’Azur. And that’s what Jérôme Jacquemard and his team are endlessly striving for. “We are very active in the area and we do everything possible to promote good customer relations.

We also need to know which brand of champagne our passengers prefer. We take the view that our passengers aren’t followers of fads; what they are is discerning.”

DECEMBER

2015

In 2001, Saphir’, a free service exclusively for the disabled, was started in Nice. Requests from all over France are processed in this call centre. Air France and KLM are the only airlines to have specialised in the care of these travellers. All year round 400,000 passengers, 68% in wheelchairs, need a travelling companion. In all, 8,500 people possess a Saphir card.

In the offices in Nice 22 employees answer calls and emails. The aim of this dedicated personnel is to make travelling easier for the disabled and to reduce the stress that comes with it. Passengers have to fulfill two criteria to enjoy the Saphir service. They must have the capacity to contribute to their own evacuation if there are problems on board and must understand the safety regulations and be able to apply them.

Saphir is available in 19 other countries and also to passengers of airlines which belong to the Skyteam partnership. The call centre is open daily from 9am - 6pm (Saturdays until 7pm) and can be reached on 09 69 36 72 77 or by email (mail.saphir@airfrance.fr).

HEADLINES 20 B Y S A R A H HA RV EY

Opinion As a journalist, from time to time I find that my friends ask me questions that are difficult to answer. One of the queries that came up in the aftermath of the terrible attacks in Paris, not just amongst my friends but also across social media was this: Was Paris disproportionately covered by the international media, bearing in mind that there were also some equally tragic events elsewhere in the world too, namely the 147 young people murdered by Islamist gunmen at a college in Kenya, and the suicide bombings which killed around 40 people in Lebanon (both on 12 November)…

Let me begin by saying it’s absolutely distasteful to start an argument about which lives matter more, as some people were doing on social media. What happened in Paris is horrifying. But is the answer as simple as ‘the Western media is racist’? Some may argue so. Lebanese observers suggested perhaps Arab lives ‘mattered less’. For sure, there is a certain amount of bias in the way the Western media covers events. But the answer is more complex than that.

First of all, readers/viewers are more likely to be concerned about victims they can identify with. For example, research (‘Terrorism & Political Violence’ Volume 22, Issue 4, 2010) tells us that the US media is more likely to cover terrorist attacks with US victims. The same media is also more likely to cover disasters in wealthier countries.

You also need to take into account two things about how news outlets set their agendas: “News” is by its own definition something that’s particularly unusual. There’s a journalism truism that “dog bites man” is not a story, but “man bites dog” is. It’s not a judgment on whether dog bites matter; it’s a judgment about what we find surprising.

Therefore, one reason Paris drew so much international attention was that France doesn’t experience nearly as much terrorism as countries such as Lebanon or Kenya (Lebanon had more than 200 terrorist attacks in 2014, killing 114 people. Kenya had more than 100 attacks, resulting in more than 300 deaths.) In France in 2014, one person died as a result of terrorism (although of course this year has been markedly more violent than last year, with Charlie Hebdo and the train attack).

Secondly, news outlets cater to their consumers, and they are particularly interested in events that might affect them personally: According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, France is the most visited country in the world. At least 25 foreigners died in the Paris attacks. So there was also the ‘it could happen to me’ factor, not just for those living in France but also for people all around the globe.

Finally, the Paris terror attacks drew massive international attention because it suggests a worrying new outward turn for the Islamic State, which previously focused on Syria and Iraq.

I think it’s very healthy to scrutinize the media and question their agendas (dare I mention ‘Fox News’ and Rupert Murdoch here…) But let’s be clear, any innocent loss of life is tragic, and to descend into debate over the specific issue of equating column inches to ‘value’ is heartless.

RIVIERA REFLECTS ON PARIS TERROR ATTACKS

COMMENTARY BY SARAH HARVEY

VALBONNE SHRINE

for Paris victims

O

n Monday 15 November, a minute’s silence was held at war memorials and in front of town halls around the country, including in Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Toulon, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Brignoles and in Monaco. The previous day, similar events had taken place in Vence, Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Valbonne.

Local igureheads were swit to express their shock at the events of Friday 13 December. Mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, encouraged citizens to be strong in the face of the tragedy. “Our anger, our emotions and our disgust should not outweigh the need to be calm, strong, determined. We feel fear and frustration at not being able to do more about directly combating these barbaric actions, which are cowardly and repugnant.

We need to be masters of our communities; united, strong, energetic and organised…

“On behalf of the city of Cannes, I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and our ardent support for Parisians. Let us be united. Let us be strong.

Long live Cannes, long live Paris, long live our country, France.”

Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, was quick to reassure the public over security in Nice, which has a high number of tourists and the second busiest airport in France ater Paris.

“In Nice, security is a priority!” he said “We have strengthened the canine brigade that I created in 2010, as I committed myself to increasing the safety of Nice, expanding our human and canine workforce and increasing patrols.

“With all the security arrangements put in place in the city of Nice, we are the number one Municipal Police in France in terms of staf and the best video-protected city in France with nearly 1,250 cameras on the streets and on the Urban tram network, connected directly to the Control Centre.”

In addition, Prince Albert II of Monaco wrote an open letter to François Hollande, President of France: “Mister President, The attacks that have struck the heart of Paris are beyond comprehension. My country shares the grief and horror of our friend, France, bruised by these terrorist crimes. With respect and immense empathy, we bow our heads to the memory of so many victims and the unfathomable grief of their families.

“Our thoughts also go out to all the people wounded by these savage acts. In my name, my family’s name, and the people of Monaco, I want to assure you of our deep and sincere solidarity, in union with all those who campaign against the terrorist scourge.

Alongside the French Republic, we know terror will not prevail.”

DECEMBER

CÔTE D’AZUR HOMES RAIDED In the wake of the terrorist atrocity in Paris and subsequent police raids in the capital’s Saint-Denis suburb and in Belgium, a number of operations, under the nationwide State of Emergency, also took place on the French Riviera.

At the time we went to press,12 houses had been raided by police (five in Nice, two in Valbonne, three in Drap and two in La Trinité). Six people were formally questioned by police - four in Drap, one in La Trinité and one in Nice. Two places of worship were searched and shut down in Drap and Beasoleil. In addition, one individual has been banned from assembling public meetings. A fast food outlet in Nice was also shut down.

The central Nice snack bar, ‘La Nosra’, in Rue Assalit, was searched by a large number of police on 19 November amidst suspicions of extremist activities. The owner, N. Hilmi, clashed with the authorities in March when the mayor refused to allow him to marry his bride - according to local French newspaper, Nice-Matin, this was “not just because the bride was presented in niqab: he actually had doubts about the sincerity of consent”. The couple subsequently filed complaints. A few weeks prior to this, the Nice prosecutor handed Hilmi and his partner Issam a six month suspended sentence following a violent spat with a Tunisian-born baker, who had been accused by the pair of being a “bad Muslim”.

There have also been suggestions that the snack bar’s name, La Nosra, refers to the ‘Front al-Nosra’ (‘Al-Nusra Front’ in English), which is also known as ‘al-Qaeda in Syria’. The snack bar has been shut down by the authorities indefinitely.

In the meantime, wild rumours were also circulating via text message and on social media networks about supposed ‘planned attacks’ at shopping centres including Nice Etoile, Polygone Riviera and Cap3000. “The following information was given by a policeman friend: avoid the Polygon and Cap3000 and Nice Etoile now. A raid has revealed plans for these high risk sites at the homes of high-surveillance individuals...”

The message said in French.

While customers’ bags were being inspected by security guards at all three locations, the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture strongly denied the claims, criticizing the ‘hysteria’.

2015

S

hrines to the victims of the Paris attacks have sprung up in many towns and villages, including a particularly poignant one in the commune of Valbonne Sophia-Antipolis. Residents gathered on 15 November to pay their respects to those who died in the capital city, bringing candles, the Tricolure, posters and personal messages.

The village, which has a high number of expat residents from around the world, turned out for the ceremony organised at the Town Hall between 6pm and 7pm.

Candles, tealights and red roses were placed at the scene, along with the French flag.

One of the most poignant home-made posters included one with the words ‘Valbonne’ and ‘Paris’ with the Eiffel tower peace symbol by London-based French graphic designer Jean Jullien (which went viral around the world) in a teardrop.

An olive branch (an ancient sign of peace) was also attached to the poster.

A high number of children were amongst those attending the remembrance ceremony. The youngsters wrote personal messages and helped light candles.

A Swedish parent, who lives in Valbonne, told us: “It’s difficult to know what to tell the children. Of course, they will find out, so we can’t keep it from them, the news is everywhere. So we tried to explain it to them as best we could. One of our son’s seven year old friends phoned him up from Sweden to see if he was OK. He knows we are a long way from Paris, but he wanted to check...The children know, even if they don’t completely understand...”

HEADLINES 21

LEADING YACHTSMAN wins Stelios Award

MONACO NATIONAL FAIR Principality decked in red and white THIS YEAR’S FÊTE NATIONAL DE MONACO ON 19 NOVEMBER was a bit more somber than in previous years. Although the principality was decked out in red and white flags, the ‘party atmosphere’ was toned down in light of recent events in Paris. In remembrance for the victims of the terrorist attacks, a minute of silence was held at the start of the ceremony and the traditional ireworks display was cancelled. Nonetheless, crowds lined the courtyard outside for a glimpse of the Royal Family and to watch the parade.

Elegant as ever, Princess Charlene was decked out in plum and the family’s newest member, Beatrice Borromeo, dazzled in a simple black and beige suit and pillbox hat. The highlight for many was a glimpse of the royal twins, who haven’t been seen publically since August. Almost a year old, the twins were held by their smiling parents as the marching band entertained all present with lively music.

Most of the ceremony was under a layer of clouds, but the sun broke through just in time for the arival of the royal twins. Only a month shy of their irst birthdays, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques brought cheers from the crowds below.

he Royal twins, who hadn’t been seen in public for several months, are pictured here with their doting parents, waving to the crowd

REGIONAL ELECTIONS Underway in PACA

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BETWEEN 6 AND 13 DECEMBER, PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING TO THE POLLS TO SELECT the 123 candidates of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur conseil régional.

The let has a majority in the region since 1998, under the chairmanshipof the Socialist, Michel Vauzelle, who is not standing for a fourth mandate.

While the only expats elegible to vote are those who hold French passports, no doubt many of us are watching with interest to see the outcome. At the time of going to press, it appeared that the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi (Republican), had been overtaken in popularity by the grand-daughter of former National Front leader, Jean-Marie-Le Pen, Marion Maréchal-Le Pen (National Front) as the hottest-tipped candidate to win. “Marion” as she has been calling herself in her electoral pamphlets was selected by her grandfather to take over from him ater he was forced to withdraw from the election race, having made some controversial remarks about Nazi gas chambers and describing a rival as an ‘immigrant’.

Regional councilors are elected for six years via two rounds of ballots.

DECEMBER

2015

PROMINENT TETRAPLEGIC YACHTSMAN, GEOFF HOLT MBE, AND HIS BUSINESS, WETWHEELS, WON THE PRESTIGIOUS STELIOS AWARD for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2015: chosen personally by easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The WetWheels founder, who wins £50,000 for his company, was paralysed in a swimming accident in 1984. We featured the Briton in the September edition of our magazine, as he annouced plans at the Yacht Club de Monaco for the ‘Accessible Oceans’ round the world sailing project.

In 1995 Geof became the inaugural chairman of British sailing charity, RYA Sailability, a role he held for six years. In 2007 he became the irst paralysed person to sail single-handed around Great Britain and in 2009 he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean unassisted. 2017 will see him take on his biggest sailing challenge yet, as he plans to sail around the world.

“I am deeply honoured to have been chosen

by Sir Stelios and the award will really give us the chance to expand our services for disabled people,” said Geof. “Over the years I have witnessed thousands of disabled people of all ages enjoy our boats and services. It doesn’t matter if that is on a sail boat or a motor boat; it is being on the water that makes the diference.”

NEWS 22

BECKHAM’S RIVIERA RETREAT on the market Photo: Gaetan Luci/Palais Princier

MONACO WELCOMES A ‘CYBORG’

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arthuman,partmachine,NeilHarbisson is the world’s first Cyborg. With his machine-aided sense, this contemporary artist has been astonishing the worlds of art and science alike. On a recent visit to Monaco, Harbisson was presented with the Futurum Award

by Prince Albert II. The Association Futurum recognises significant contributions to the future of art and science. He was also invited as a guest of the Monaco Press Club, where he fascinated the audience with his story.

The son of Irish and Spanish parents, Harbisson was born in Ireland but grew up in Catalonia. Since birth, he suffered from achromatopsia, an extreme form of colour blindness, where he could only see in grey-scale. Now, with a ‘cyber eye’ antenna implanted in his skull, he is able to perceive more than the human eye, including infrared and ultraviolet colours. The ‘Eyeborg,’ which Harbisson helped create with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, captures colours with a camera and converts them into musical notes.

Though Harbisson is still unable to see colour, he can hear it. “For me, orange rings ‘fa’, yellow rings ‘sol’, and turquoise rings ‘si,’” he explained. From this he has created musical performances from pictures and colourful works of art by converting sound to picture. He also creates ‘portraits’ of people by the sound of their voice and the different colours of their skin. While in Monaco, Harbisson created such portraits for both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

Harbissonwantsto‘helphumansbecomecyborgs.’

After being fitted with the Eyeborg device in 2009, he said he feels: “united to cybernetics both physically and physiologically.” In 2010, he founded Cyborg Foundationto“helppeoplefindnewsenses”andto defend cyborg rights. He has donated ‘Eyeborgs’ to the blind and helps colour-blind children recognize colours through sound.

Cybernetics is not only for people with disabilities.

Harbisson feels that everyone should experience increased senses. “It’s a new way of experiencing life and makes reality deeper.” NR

Life in the French Riviera, in English Everything you need to know about living in or moving to the Côte d’Azur

riviera.angloinfo.com

DECEMBER

THE STUNNING RETREAT OF DAVID AND VICTORIA BECKHAM, TUCKED AWAY IN THE VAR, HAS BEEN PUT ON THE MARKET FOR $4.2 MILLION. Posh and Becks’ have owned the gorgeous property, Domaine Saint-Vincent in Bargemon, for 12 years.

The celebrity pair bought the 19th Century mansion, sprawled across 80 hectares of land, in 2003 for $2.1 million; by now it has doubled in value.

The house includes six bedrooms, which were perfect for Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 10, and Harper, 4.

However, the couple said they don’t use it enough, so have decided to put the luxury pad on the market.

A source told the UK’s Mail Online: “They are never there. When the kids were smaller, they used to come oten but now they are never in France during the school holidays.”

The newspaper also reported a local rumor that the area is haunted by the ghost of a former owner, Leslie Duck, a EU diplomat who committed suicide in the house...

Whilst we wouldn’t like to speculate, it’s a beautiful property, featuring a black marble kitchen, 30t swimming pool, and a new £1.3m poolhouse, complete with a triple shower room, indoor BBQ, chill-out lounge and surround sound system.

It is also bordered by the Canjuers military base, which helps add to its privacy.

Victoria and David recently spent €37 million on a house in the Cotswolds, United Kingdom, but also own a property in West London. They sold their home in Madrid this summer ater eight years on the market.

MONACO ART SCANDAL Art dealer faces criminal trial MONACO COURT OF APPEALS HAS REJECTED YVES BOUVIER’S REQUEST TO DISMISS HIS CASE. The Swiss art dealer was arrested in February on criminal charges of fraud and complicity in money laundering.

He is suspected of swindling up to a billion euros from Russian billionaire and AS Monaco football club owner, Dmitry Rybolovlev. Over the last decade, Rybolovlev paid two billion euros for 37 art masterpieces, including works

by Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Rothko, Gauguin, Matisse, and Rodin. If found guilty, Bouvier faces up to five years in

2015

prison for fraud and 10 years for complicity in money laundering. He denies all charges.

CHRISTMAS EXCITEMENT at the Metropole

THE METROPOLE SHOPPING CENTRE IN MONACO HAS A VERY SPECIAL GUEST IN RESIDENCE - Father Christmas himself is on hand to greet children and adults, and to pose for souvenir photos, between now and December 24 (paid service).

And throughout the month of December, right up until Christmas Eve, kids will be able to come and post their letters to Santa at Level 2 the Metropole Shopping Centre. In partnership with Monegasque Post, children will receive a response from Santa within 72 hours!

On Level 1, a Christmas workshop for kids is available every day on request, from 19 December to 24 December.

In addition to all of this, as part of the ‘Les Sapins d’Action Innocence’ programme a fir Christmas tree will be up for auction.

Special Christmas and New Year opening hours: Sunday, 6 December from 11am to 7pm, Sunday, December 13 from 11am to 7pm, Sunday, December 20 from 11am to 7pm, Sunday, December 27 from 11am to 7pm, Sunday, January 3 from 11am to 7pm.

SOCIETY 23

Vitamin Vodka launched in Monaco

Glittering party at Modjo

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T

he world’s irst organic and vitamin-infused premium vodka was launched on 6 November at Modjo Monaco, Port Fontvieille, with a luxury Experiencia Caviar degustation. Guests at the launch party, organized in association with Club Vivanova social and business networking club, were served the Vitamin Vodka neat, followed by a Bond Martini and inally in a classic Vodka Sour, accompanied by Black Adamas Caviar.

Founder of Club Vivanova and Vitamin Vodka European Business Manager, Bradley Mitton, said: “The launch of this unique vodka was a great success; the food-pairing of the vodka with black caviar was outstanding, as was the mixology used in the cocktails, and it was inspirational to host such an enjoyable evening with an wonderful group of VIPs, club members and guests.”

Event partner and Club Vivanova member Excell Cars showcased a selection of luxury cars that had been professionally detailed in their Nice garage. There was also a tombola for a free full-valet and Vitamin Vodka ofered two free tickets to the Monaco International Clubbing Show at a VIP table with limousine pick-up at 11pm ater the vodka event.

DECEMBER

2015

very hour 40 people drown worldwide. Of these, more than half are aged below 25 and a particularly high number of victims are children under five: Shocking figures from the World Health Organization, which underlines the reason for setting up the Princess Charlene Foundation. It was launched in December 2012 with the key purpose of reducing the global number of deaths by drowning.

Under the direction of the Princess of Monaco, many more programmes have been launched and charity events have also helped to raise funds for the humanitarian projects. Recently, the Hôtel de Paris hosted the glamorous “Africa on the Rock” gala, organised by the AMREF Flying Doctors in partnership with the ‘Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco’, aimed at helping to improve the health of women and children in Africa.

The ‘soiree’ was held under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. Anne Gravoin (wife of French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls), and Nelson Mandela’s widow, Graça Machel, were also at the launch of the International AMREF campaign, named “Stand Up for African Mothers”. Its goal is to train 15,000 African midwives in order to help reduce the mortality rate of mothers and newborns in the Saharan region.

Photos: David Nivière / Sipa Press / Palais Princier

“Once upon a time…”

A magical Oktoberfest of Oktoberfest’s incarnation in Monaco, Prince Albert II has always had the honour of tapping the first keg. And he did it in record time - no wonder, since it was his tenth attempt since 2005! As per tradition, the beaming Prince then declared “O’zapft is!” to the delight of the audience.

And then it began, probably the most atmospheric Oktoberfest in Monaco! No sooner had the 425 guests been seated then they had to jump back up again. Because the band, “Echt Guat” encouraged everybody to sing along, sway, dance and wave their napkins. Prince Albert, who brought his nephews, Andrea and Pierre, was one of the first to join in the fun, and repeatedly stepped back onto the dance floor, where he remained until well after midnight. Likewise, the rest of the guests were fully committed to dancing the night away at one of the most magical Oktoberfests around.

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© Palomba Photo / TA Distribution

t was like something from a fairy tale: The antique carriage carrying Prince Albert, led by six black steeds, processed through the illuminated Casino Square in Monaco. It was followed by the musicians from the traditional Bavarian village Freising band. In the enthralled crowd, a French woman whispered in her husband’s ear: “It’s like Christmas, because it really gives you goose bumps.”

However, it was not Christmas, but the inauguration of the tenth Oktoberfest in Monaco, which has been organized by the German-Italian entrepreneur, Tonio Arcaini, with his company TA Distribution, the Weihenstephaner brewery, and the Société de Bains de Mer since 2005. Arcaini, together with his wife, Rebecca, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, all emerged from the carriage on arrival at the Café de Paris, and then proceeded to the barrel which was installed in front of the entrance. Since the beginning

Agnès Falco, Secretary General of the ‘Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco’; Prince Albert II of Monaco; Nicolas Merindol, President of AMREF’s Executive Board; Esther Madudu, an AMREF-trained midwife from Uganda; former minister Jean-Louis Borloo and TV presenter Béatrice Schoënberg.

WE RECOMMEND 24

G A R DE N I NG T I P S

ZEST FOR CITRUS TREES

Unique git ideas created by expat designers

Why we should all grow ‘agrumes’ in our gardens

Delightful stocking-illers crated by expat talent! Let to right: Wall clock by Design EB; earrings and wrist cuff by Le Petit Coquin. Below: One of the paintings by Julian Merrow-Smith featured in Postcard from Provence.

B

efore the days of the ubiquitous availability of everything, citrus fruits were quite rare. I don’t know about you, but during my childhood and youth in the 70’s and 80’s, citrus fruits were only available during wintertime, which is when they are at their ripest. Today this simple joy of having something that is not always available, but only comes to us at Christmas time, has vanished.

Anyway, for those of you who are reading this in northerly climes, citrus fruits will still symbolise the warmth of the southern sun.

With their bright colours, as we pour them into fruit bowls in our winter kitchens they are a reminder of the warm season.

So if citrus trees bear these ‘hesperidium’ we love so much, why is it then, that so many second home owners on the Med don’t cultivate them in their gardens? Is it because they don’t spend the Christmas period at their Riviera homes? Is it because they aren’t interested in them during the summer, when their green fruits are maturing? Or is it because we think of them as hard to keep, delicate and high-maintenance?

Whatever the reason - plant them! There’s not much you can do wrong, as long as they are watered well during summer and don’t get waterlogged during winter! On the Côte d’Azur most varieties will thrive outside, but steer away from lemons, they are too frost-sensitive.

Many varieties can weather some frost, which is why you should give them a chance in your northern garden too, even outside. With their glossy leaves of intense green, they are perfect for trimming into round or oval shapes, and look classic if you choose square wooden French citrus planters. Give them a very light and fairly cold spot during winter. With a little luck you will enjoy some fruit next year! And if you don’t get any fruit? Hey ho; nothing compares to the beautiful smell of citrus flowers, for humans and bees alike. Happy Christmas!

Sabine Sophy

www.greenparrotgardens.com

S

wedish designer Elisabeth Borgencrona’s company, Design EB, is one of the hottest recent arrivals on the Riviera. The Nice-based artisan creates jewellery and products which reflect simple, Scandinavian forms. The creations are oten inspired by classic shapes, such as this French wall clock, then stripped down and re-imagined in contemporary materials.

www.designeb.se

British artist, Julian Merrow-Smith, followed the changing seasons in his adopted home, Provence, by doing one painting per day since 2005 and publishing them online. By 2009 he had completed over 1,300 paintings and had a following of thousands around the world. Five years of his work is distilled into one year for the book, Postcard from Provence, which depicts landscapes, seasonal produce, pottery and ‘objets trouvés.

F

rom the small hilltop village of Lacoste, Irish designer Ruth Ribeaucourt creates intricate and elegant jewellery using lace, threads, beads and Swarovski crystals. During one Christmas with her French husband’s family, Ruth came across a box of antique ribbon echantillons created over 120 years ago in the family’s silk factory, Les Freres Faure (now operating as Julien Faure). Ruth was inspired by these miniature works of art to create these unique handmade jewellery pieces, blending the past with contemporary touches.

www.lepetitcoquin.ie

www.shiftinglight.com

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.

Jacques Gantié’s RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

DEI PESCATORI  DA ANTONIO

Among the rows of seaside tables on the Ligurian Riviera, this is a model family restaurant. At Dei Pescatori, or ‘Da Antonio’ as it is known for its creator, the regulars have complete trust in the quality of the freshly caught seafood. Aside from the locally sourced ingredients, Stella and Sergio, the mother and son team, expertly prepare classic regional dishes and their own flavourful creations: octopus salad, stufed squid with squid ink, mixed seafood antipasto, delicious turbot with artichokes, and maccheroncini with calamari. Their discreet wine list (from € 13) highlights the local terroir with Vermentino and Pigato. Prices are reasonable and Sergio’s sister, Barbara, provides a warm and smiling welcome.

DECEMBER

Dei Pescatori – Da Antonio, in Vallecrosia, between Ventimiglia and Bordighiera.

31 LUNGOMARE MARCONI 18019 TEL: +39 0184 29 23 01

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2015

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COMMUNITY/CLASSIFIEDS 26 INTERIOR DESIGN

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK THE PWN MENTORING PROGRAMME’S PURPOSE IS TO INCREASE AND ENHANCE OUR MEMBERS’ PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS and satisfaction. It helps network members-mentees to define their professional goals. By pairing them with mentors who can offer the advice, experience and knowledge that their particular challenges require, the Mentoring Programme aims to increase mentees’ opportunities to achieving these goals.

Mentoring is a voluntary, developmental partnership through which a more experienced person (the mentor) shares her knowledge and skills to support someone else (the mentee) in achieving her career objectives.

Both mentor and mentee jointly define the mentoring goals, and the processes to achieve these.

Taking part in the PWN Nice Mentoring programme as a mentor or mentee, or both, is a wonderful opportunity for professional and personal growth.

As a mentee you meet once a month (1 – 1.5 hours) with a person that is fully dedicated to helping you develop and helping you with your challenges. For free, because you are a PWN member… As a mentor, you have the opportunity to learn and get new ideas from your mentee and refresh your own skills. Both are rewarding experiences.

Don’t be shy to sign up to be a mentor, we all have some experience that is of interest to someone else. Being both mentee and mentor at the same time is definitely a learning experience.

If you would like to participate, email Valerie (mentoring@pwnnice.net) by Tuesday 15 December.

www.pwnnice.net

INTERNATIONS

IT WAS A WONDERFUL EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT ON 6 NOVEMEBER for the Internations expat gathering at the fabulous Shapko jazz nightclub. Foreigners and locals alike soaked up the seductive ambiance ; the highlight was a live music performance by Joe Hurt, a world famous jazz pianist, who is back for a short time from Chicago. Many people in the community know Joe , described by organisers as a “highly entertaining and a wonderful musician.”

The live jazz music then continued, into the night with Pierre Marcus getting feverybody’s eet tapping.

It was followed up by a social meetup on 20 November in the centre of Nice at “Brasserie Le Sud”.

Guests networked with old and new friends alike at the welcoming restaurant-bar overlooking the gardens and fountains of Nice’s “Coulee Verte”.

Please visit www.internations.org for details of December’s exciting Internations happenings in Nice.

Internations is an international social and business networking group.

SPORT S

Sale - Golf membership of Royal Mougins Golf Club

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s.fraisse@riviera-press.fr

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2. Include full access to the course, driving range, putting green, and the clubhouse.

3. Golf course: 18 holes, Par 71, classified in the Rolex Guide Top 1000 golf courses.

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2015

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