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

www.rivieratimes.com Issue 139 - October 2013 2.50 e

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Saint Tropez Grande Braderie

Public concerns and political tensions regarding crimes on France's streets had already been growing for some months when yet another calamity struck.

The messy incident, which saw a teenage thief shot dead by a shop owner in the centre of Nice, has made headlines across the world and brought French public security policies into the firing line.

First the escalating problems in Marseille, then the consecutive robberies on Cannes' Croisette and a controversial proposal to shake up the country's penal system. Now the question of what constitutes legitimate self-defence has also been brought into play following the shooting of a robber as he fled the scene of a holdup in which he played a main role.

Shop owner Stephan Turk, 67, was supposedly attacked by two intruders who threatened him with a gun. As they ran, he says, "I shot twice at the tires [of the scooter] and then the passenger turned around with a gun and I shot a third time."

Interior Minister Manuel Valls told RTL that there was no easy solution to the case, saying, "He is unquestionably a victim, but at the same time, he killed someone. It is up to the judge to establish the facts."

But there are millions who believe otherwise...

Continued on page 4...

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Wine harvest Cuvée Monte Carlo

Gourmet Seborga elegance

Drama on the Côte Contemporary performances, reinterpreted classics and brand new scripts

Photo: J. B. Mondino

Law and disorder

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Eclectic French singer-songwriter Olivia Ruiz is set to electrify the stage at Cannes’ Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on 29th October

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t may be back to school and work, but the drop in temperature also marks the start of some scintillating cultural programmes as the Côte d’Azur’s creative institutions kick start their autumn and winter seasons. And for 2013/2014, audiences of every hue are simply spoilt for choice.

From the New Jazz Festival in Nice starting 1st October to the best of Australia and New Zealand’s cinema in Saint Tropez (14th to 20th October), via world-class opera and

classical music in Monaco, and a performance from folkpunk singer-songwriter Olivia Ruiz (pictured) electrifying the stage in Cannes on 29th October, the Riviera is the place to be for winter sun and culture.

This month alone offers a modern take on classical opera in Antibes, a vibrant ballet production on Marco Polo in Nice and an energetic Broadway Enchanté spectacle in Cannes. Later on, dance in all its varied forms features highly, for example at Cannes’

contemporary festival in November and December or during the Principality's Christmas season with JeanChristophe Maillot's much anticipated version of the Nutcracker Suite over the new year.

High on classical music fans agenda will be the Cannes PACA Regional Orchestra, which has a new artistic director, the awardwinning Wolfgang Dörner who opens his season with Mozart on 13th October and an evening dedicated to the

oboe on 25th October. The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra also has a new leader and lively line-up including a world premier and the introduction of ‘Musical Happy Hours ‘.

Meanwhile, Var capital Toulon’s Zenith has a varied agenda with multi-national appeal such as the Guinness fuelled alternative to Riverdance, Celtic Irish extravaganza in early December and melodic rock legends The Pat Travis band in mid November.

Also in this edition: Finance & Insurance We speak to experts in the industry about planning for the future, insuring yourself, your family and your property, life savings policies, and pension reform.

10 - 12 Real Estate Discover property in the Var. The spotlight is on La Garde Freinet this month.

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THE ORIGIN OF BEER Contact: T.A. DISTRIBUTION S.A.M. • Tel.: 00 377 93 50 97 67 office@ta-distribution.com • www.ta-distribution.com

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WELCOME OCTOBER 2013

Inside this edition:

Editorial

NEWS Political column ..........................................................................

News in brief ................................................................................

A new hospital hierarchy ..........................................................

4 4 5

SAINT TROPEZ British dominate at the polo ...................................................

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MONACO Sportel: the media playing field .............................................

From desert sand to streets of gold ......................................

Cuvée Monte Carlo ....................................................................

7 8 9

FINANCE & INSURANCE Power of wills ............................................................................... 10 Handling home insurance ....................................................... 11 Pension reform: too much or not enough? ......................... 12

BUSINESS Par excellence: Business Person of the Year .......................

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REAL ESTATE Property series: La Garde Freinet ........................................... 14 Putting a price on Picasso ........................................................ 14

RESTAURANT REVIEWS Elegance al fresco in Seborga ....................................................

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SEA CLOUD II A rendez-vous with The Riviera Times ........................................ 16-17

EVENTS Comprehensive events calendar ............................................

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ART & CULTURE The drama of the Côte ..............................................................

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LIFESTYLE Edith Piaf: the legend of the Little Sparrow ........................

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CLASSIFIED Listing everything from jobs to local businesses ..............

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SERVICES Your survival guide to living in France ..................................

Subscription forms for home delivery ..................................

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A fall for families, friends and foodies Autumn may have officially fallen, as well as some of the first few flakes of snow on the peaks of the Mercantour mountain range, but that hasn't stopped me enjoying the great outdoors of the Riviera. It is this time of the year that the region takes on a more humble atmosphere and with most of the tourists gone from the shores and towns, October is one of the last chances to profit from balmy afternoons in the hills and rural escapes before the eventual onslaught of colder climes.

With a summer of salads and light pastas plates behind me, I find myself hankering for something heartier. While a typical Sunday roast is difficult to come by, the Chambers of Commerce for the Var and the Alpes Maritimes have each released premier guides to authentic, fait-maison restaurants that serve dishes prepared with real passion. The online handbooks list establishments that have received the national label of honour, the 'Maître Restaurateur' title, which signifies a restaurant's conscientious daily use of fresh, local produce in its cooking.

I have tried the coast and am now starting on a weekend adventure into the more hilly terrain of the Riviera. From bistros in far flung communes and rural towns on the French side of the border to eateries in mountaintop villages in the rustic Italian region of Liguria, fall has given me an excuse to put aside the beaches and instead experience the provincial way of life that reigned in the years before all the glitz and glamour.

And to accompany a richer cuisine - both in ingredients and in quality - what else than a bottle of Provence wine?

The vineyards of the Mediterranean have, predominantly, had reported a much better harvest than that of 2012, a year that brought shock and severe storms, hail and rains.

Industry representatives have celebrated a return to more normal levels of crop haul, estimating that the 2013 vintage will produce around 170 million bottles of wine.

Monaco too has revelled in success thanks to its unique vineyard in the heart of the Principality.

Despite fears that the busy urban environment of the Place du Casino would impact the growth of the vines, their roots reportedly took to the terrain with fervour and look set to fulfil the quota of 150 bottles of red and the same of white.

At The Riviera Times we are raising a toast of congratulations to editor Cassandra Tanti and her partner following the welcoming of their daughter Sienna into the world.

For foodies, friends and families, this season looks set On maternity leave: to be a good one…

Cassandra Tanti Elsa Carpenter

The Riviera Times is published monthly and distributed at the following locations: Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Toulon-Hyères International Airport, to passengers boarding British Airways flights, on board Delta and Swiss Airlines, and at over 1,000 strategic points of distribution between Marseille and Genoa including international news stands, hotels, banks, golf clubs, schools, car rental agencies, consulates, international associations, and in most international doctors' practices. For subscriptions, please refer to page 23.

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NEWS

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FOR DAILY BREAKING NEWS

OCTOBER 2013

RIVIERA AND MONACO NEWS IN BRIEF BIOT INAUGURATED its Pierre Operto Sports Complex in early September. A football pitch with covered seating and changing rooms, two tennis courts, a multi-use indoor hall as well as offices and parking places make up the new sports ground in the commune.

MUCEM MUSEUM in Marseille has welcomed its millionth visitor since it opened its doors in June.

Celebrating the Mediterranean's ancient and existing civilisations, the museum is the first state funded establishment of its kind outside of Paris. Its President Bruno Suzzarelli says, "MuCEM is something Marseille can be proud of."

THE COSTA CONCORDIA cruise ship that ran aground off the coast of Italy has been salvaged in what the authorities have called the biggest and most expensive operation of its kind. Thirty-two people died when the 114,000 tonne ship hit a reef near the island of Giglio on 13th January 2012.

MAÎTRES RESTAURATEURS in the Alpes Maritimes have been categorised and listed in a new online culinary guidebook that has been launched by the department's Chamber of Commerce. Only 46 out of 6,500 restaurants made the final cut. Those found in the guide were awarded the prestigious title due to their dedication to using fresh, local produce and maintaining the highest standards.

Palais Princier

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Andrea Casiraghi married South American heiress and fashionista Tatiana Santo Domingo in an intimate ceremony at the Palais Princier in Monaco at the end of August. The couple, who live in Paris, have a young son, Sacha.

GRACE DE MONACO, Olivier Dahan’s biopic about the early married life of Grace Kelly in the Principality, has released its first sneak preview trailer.

The film depicts Monaco in the 1960s and the trials, tribulations and triumphs that Princess Grace experienced in the months and years after her wedding to Prince Rainier III. Nicole Kidman stars in the main role.

HUNTING SEASON has officially begun. Wild boars are on the top of hunters' lists but the national federation for the sport has earmarked the black grouse for a reprieve following a harsh winter and spring.

France has more than 8,000 registered hunters. Last year, wild boars caused 47 million euros worth of damage in France, and the Alpes Maritimes alone paid out more than 130,000 euros in compensation.

POLICE COMPLAINTS now has an online forum where citizens can note concerns.

While the form does not constitute an official or formal complaint, France's Inspectorate General of the National Police says the service has been created in the name of transparency and improving relations between the forces and the public.

Political Column

by Julian Nundy

The Riviera Times’ political commentator in Paris

City of Culture and Kalashnikovs

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hen Marseille started the year as the 2013 European Capital of Culture, the ambition was to stress the positive, as a spectacular new museum opened on the old port, and draw a line under a turbulent recent history of violent crime centred on small-time drug trafficking.

But, after 24 shooting deaths in broad daylight in 2012, this year is little different, with the figure reaching 15 by September. On the first Thursday of the month, two young men were gunned down with Sovietdesigned AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifles, one in Marseille itself and one in nearby La Ciotat. The victim in Marseille had a famous name: Adrien Anigo. His father, José Anigo, is the sporting director of the Olympique de Marseille football club where he has worked since first joining as a player in 1976.

The younger 30-year-old Anigo, shot at the wheel of a rented Renault Twingo, was due to go to trial in a few weeks for a series of armed robberies of jewellery stores.

He had already served three years in jail on remand, but his father said he had since led a quiet life running a brasserie.

A few days before, the local La Provence daily reported another incident: A patient in the city's Hôpital Nord, treated for a gunshot wound, had pulled out a gun and taken nurses hostage. The patient claimed he feared his assailants were coming to finish him off. Finally, he calmed down and, suffering only a superficial wound, was sent home. The staff decided not to lodge a formal complaint, La Provence said.

Manuel Valls, the interior minister, said the incident had been grossly exaggerated and that there had never been a hostage-taking. The Marseille hospitals authority countered that if the staff had decided not to complain it was out of fear of reprisals. Then, another hospital, the Hôpital de la Conception, said it too had suffered violence in August.

Three men, involved in an incident in which an 18-yearold youth died, turned up to have their own wounds

Ready, set, match Azur Arena Antibes opens with a game between France and Serbia

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Above top: Tony Parker leads the French national side in a game against Serbia. Above: The new stadium can be adapted to suit a variety of sports as well as having the potential to be a concert arena

tepping into a new age for sport, Antibes has finally unveiled its multipurpose and multimillion euro venue with an allstar basketball match that saw the French national side, led

by Tony Parker, take on Serbia's players. In the coming weeks, the town's official team, the Sharks, will also be bounding onto the court for a match on their home turf following an anxious wait since their promotion to League 1 last year. "Now I'm no longer a minister, I've got more time to enjoy a Sharks game," said mischievous Antibes Mayor Jean Leonetti at the launch.

While the venue is set to host some of the most prestigious national and international basketball tournaments, with space to hold 5,200 avid fans, it can also be transformed to suit an array of other sports.

Trampolining, gymnastics, badminton, boxing, handball and martial arts have all been allocated rooms and training facilities within this massive 13,600 sqm structure. It is even possible to host concerts and shows within its circular walls, with seating available

for almost 6,000 people, depending on the nature of the event.

The arena also adds spaces for press events, massage treatments, a club shop and doping control rooms to its glowing floor plan.

A deliberately futuristic look was chosen in the planning of the modern arena, explains one of the project's architects, Stefan Niese. "Positioned on the threshold of the Sophia Antipolis technology park, we wanted to match it to the surroundings," says Niese.

The location of the 28.3 million euro venue was also a strategic decision. Built on the Trois Moulins site on the

outskirts of Antibes, the sports arena benefits from quick access to the A8 motorway and the future route of the Sophia Antipolis bus and tram network. It is hoped the construction will also help urbanise the area and, according to the designers and backers, bring a new identity to its locale.

The arena is one of the first complexes of its kind to be awarded the High Quality Environmental standard certificate thanks to its low energy consumption rates and green use of natural elements through solar power and recycling of rainwater.

Elsa Carpenter

Home basketball side Sharks proudly make their mark on the new court

treated. One of the would-be patients then reportedly knifed a male nurse.

This led Samia Ghali, the Socialist senator for the city, to call for the army to patrol its hospitals, much as it already patrols railway stations and airports to head off terrorist attacks, arguing that only the army had the means to deal with arms of war such as the Kalashnikov.

For the politicians, the situation is double-edged.

With a conservative mayor of the city blaming the Socialist government and vice versa, security will be the major issue at next year's municipal elections. One opinion poll in September gave the conservative UMP party 31 per cent of voting intentions in Marseille, with 21 per cent for the Socialists, while the far right, anti-immigration National Front was credited with a huge 25 per cent.

In the meantime, a 2011 interview by the weekly Journal du Dimanche with the elder Anigo resurfaced. With some prescience, he had said, "Marseille is a city that eats its children."

Continued from front page...

With thousands of people demonstrating their support for Turk on a Facebook page dedicated to his case, others have used the site to express their dissatisfaction with the French justice system.

Valls has refuted claims that the 'lax' attitude of the Socialist government towards crime had anything to do with the rising levels of burglaries and holdups in the last year.

When Justice Minister Christiane Taubira revealed plans to create a law allowing prisoners with sentences under five years to serve their time outside of jail in August, Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi launched a petition.

"To release criminals who trespass on the law is serious," he said. "What kind of message is the Justice Minister sending?"

Mass protests in Nice revealed that shop owners are facing fear on both sides. They are concerned about the increase in attacks, but also fear reprisal if they act.

"The French people no longer believe in the criminal and justice system," said Estrosi. "It is unacceptable that, due to the government's inability to stop the violence, citizens are being forced to take it upon themselves to act… I call on the government to act rapidly and firmly in favour of shopkeepers."

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NEWS

OCTOBER 2013

A new hospital hierarchy

High scoring hospitals in the Alpes Maritimes

Where to choose? Le Point releases new national rankings for French hospitals and clinics

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ver a decade on from the World Health Organisation's rankings that put the French health service in first place worldwide, the system has lost none of its pride and esteem. Modern, clean and innovative, France spends around 3,800 euros per capita on health care each year, putting it in 10th position globally, and is a constant investor in new treatments and technologies.

Daily newspaper Le Point has, like every year, released its take on the standard of the country's healthcare establishments and while the Riviera doesn't feature heavily at the top of the spectrum, it has proved itself to be a hit with an international clientele.

Brits in second place According to the report, nonresident foreigners made more than 60,000 hospital stays in French hospitals during 2011. Close neighbour Belgium accounts for almost 12 per cent of these patients, but the British are the second biggest international users of French healthcare, constituting 9.4 per cent.

Antibes' Centre Hospitalier and Nice's Antoine-Lacas-

The Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region’s hospitals and clinics perform well in specialised categories

sagne Hôpitaux Pédiatriques receive some of the heaviest foreign footfall in the south of France from British tourists, while Menton's and Cannes' respective centres hospitaliers are more the choice of Italian patients.

Just over half of all nonresident admittance is from the European Union, but countries such as Algeria,

Morocco and Tunisia are not far behind in numbers, particularly along the Mediterranean coastline.

While medical tourism is a contributing factor, less than one in 10 patients goes to a private hospital or clinic, with 93 per cent choosing to go to a public establishment.

For well over a third of foreigners, however, a trip to a

French hospital only comes about as a result of an accident or in an emergency.

In some cases, like the Alps, the statistics can be pinpointed to specific causes, for example skiing, but in other regions it is less clear.

According to Le Point, Nice, Cannes and Saint Tropez see large numbers of patients admitted with cardiac issues

and injuries following falls.

Broken bones and heart problems rank respectively second and third in the newspaper's top 10 reasons why foreigners are admitted to hospital, following chemotherapy and radio-therapy.

Nice tops PACA region In 16th place, the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice was the highest ranking hospital in the PACA region, followed by Marseille's Saint Joseph and Timone hospitals in 33rd and 34th positions respectively.

While unable to compete with the elite establishments of Lille and Toulouse, the region's outlets did measure up in the more specialised categories.

From intricate eye surgeries and cataract treatments to carpal tunnel syndrome and hip and knee replacements, both public and private clinics in the south of France proved themselves worthy of Le Point's impeccable scoring standards.

See above right for a list of the highest scoring establishments and their respective specialised categories in the Alpes Maritimes and the Var. Elsa Carpenter

CHU de Nice, Nice: surgeries on shoulders, nose and sinuses, stomach, oesophagus, gall bladders, colon, intestines, obesity, lung cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, A&E, neurology, tropical diseases.

Institut universitaire de la face et du cou, Nice: ENT cancers and parathyroid glands.

Espérance de Mougins clinic, Mougins: prostate adenoma.

Polyclinique Saint Jean, Cagnes sur Mer: vertebral column surgery.

High scoring hospitals in the Var Polyclinique des Fleurs, Ollioules: surgeries on arteries, myocardium and pacemakers.

Saint Vincent clinic, Toulon: glaucoma, cataracts, retina surgery.

Hôpital Renée Sabran, Hyères: hip replacement, knee replacement, foot and ankle surgery.

Saint Jean clinic, Toulon: hand surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, kidney stones.

Hôpital intercommunal Toulon La Seyne: ENT cancers, diabetes, epilepsy, pneumology, hip replacements.

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SAINT TROPEZ

www.rivieratimes.com

FOR SAINT TROPEZ NEWS

OCTOBER 2013

Antipodes film festival returns Explore the cultures of Australia and New Zealand from the comfort of a cinema seat

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aint Tropez was the backdrop of art and creativity long before Brigitte Bardot put it on the movie map with And God created Women. Now the seaside haven provides the setting for a new culture of cinematography with the annual CinĂŠma des Antipodes, a festival that explores the rich and diverse world of cinema from Australia and New Zealand.

Born from a desire to share and experience the mesh of genres that have developed in these two far-flung nations, the Antipodes cinema festival is now in its 15th year. The week-long celebration of the antipodal silver screen will run from 14th to 20th October in Saint Tropez's Place des Lices and this year will also shine a light on productions from Indonesia.

Opening the 2013 event is Drift, an Australian piece from Morgan O'Neill and Ben Nott that stars a former guest at the festival, Sam Worthington.

Big waves and troubles for the Kelly brothers in Drift, starring Sam Worthington

Two brothers move from Sydney to rural Margaret River and embark on a journey that will see them challenge the biggest waves as well as small town conservatism. It may look like an Ozzie surfing paradise, but betrayal, corruption and addictions create a powerful narrative in which

the Kellys must strive to survive.

Six films from both Australia and New Zealand will compete in the main competition and are a blend of humour, drama, political and musical, that demonstrate the abundance of talent and imagination flourishing

on the other side of the world.

Nadia Tass' Australian and U.S. financed Fatal Honeymoon will close the festival.

Presented by the director herself, with a question and answer session scheduled after the credits, the movie is an intense and compelling story based on real-life events.

Switching suddenly from married bliss and a dreamlike honeymoon to death for one and a nightmare for the other, Tina and Gabe's tragedy is deeply moving and rich in characters and plot.

Also in the line-up find categories for junior filmmakers, short films and documentaries, as well as unusual exhibitions and entertainment.

Aside from the opening and closing sessions, the public is welcome to attend and participate in the screenings and even vote for the winner.

For more information: festivaldesantipodes.org.

Elsa Carpenter

Handbags at dawn F October means one thing for shoppers in Saint Tropez...

ar more than a simple sale, the Grande Braderie of Saint Tropez has more of a festival feel to it as thousands flock to the streets of the CitĂŠ du Bailli for four days of shopping frenzy from 25th to 28th October. Held at the end of October every year, the event is a veritable haven for shopaholics and designer bargain hunters alike with cut prices and reductions on items in almost every store of the town.

It really is handbags at dawn for most, with many eager shoppers heading into Saint Tropez to take a morning espresso and breakfast pastry before the big event. Doors open at 9am for the vast majority of stores, but you

may come across collections of street stalls ready for business even earlier.

Whether you're luxury labels inclined or simply on the look out for a nifty buy, there is an assortment of reduced prices on everything from handbags and jewellery to shoes and clothing. Much of the stock on sale belongs to the summer season, so keep an eye out for timeless and classic pieces that will last you into next year.

Branded goods get the best discounts, with up to 90 per cent off in some outlets. There are a few exceptions to the Grande Braderie extravaganza, as the more prestigious fashion houses such as Dior and Louis Vuitton tend not to

participate in the sales.

In addition to the chic boutiques, Saint Tropez's Place des Lices will also be a hive of activity thanks to a law that says 10 per cent of the commercial participants must be street vendors. These stalls are often brimming with locally made items and are a

The winners celebrated with buckets of champagne and the Open du Soleil trophy

British dominate at the Polo An all-English final at the Open du Soleil

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orses and polo players pounded the fields at the glamourous Polo Club Saint Tropez in Gassin over ten days of intense matches.

The Open du Soleil tournament welcomed six teams to its grassy arena, but it would be two English sides who would ultimately face each other in the final.

As spectators enjoyed the elegant surroundings of the country club, Dark Ice and Ferne Park battled it out under the sweltering summer sun.

Led by Helen Goddard-Watts,

Dark Ice narrowly beat their compatriot competitors in a match that ended 6-5.

French team Paprec, under the guidance of Claude Solarz, also made it on to the podium in a respectable third place, having faced off another English side, Sezz, in the semi-finals.

Prizes at the event included Pommery champagne, vouchers to the prestigious La RĂŠserve hotel and spa, Heli Air Monaco helicopter trips and items from Victome A. and Love Polo.

chance to find authentic, unique pieces that no one else has.

The Saint Tropez Grande Braderie is an international attraction, with shoppers from across not just France, but from all over the world too.

Elsa Carpenter The final saw Dark Ice victorious in a match that ended 6-5 against Ferne Park

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The media playing field Pushing the sports media industry’s potential to the max at Sportel Since its inception more than two decades ago, Sportel has developed and evolved side-by-side with the global sports market. Beginning with the power of television, Sportel has since been there to tentatively guide the industry into the digital age by bringing professionals from across sports media together in a truly international environment. The Riviera Times talks to Director Amparo Di Fede about the upcoming edition and the future of Sportel and the industry.

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rom 14th to 17th October, the international sports media elite will descend on the Principality’s Grimaldi Forum for four days of intense and enlightening conferences and networking events.

The pioneering Sportel convention is first and foremost an opportunity for players in the industry to engage with key business leaders, global associations, marketing agencies and software companies that are all pushing the boundaries of sports coverage.

"In the beginning, our goal was to bring together the industry’s decision makers," says Sportel Director Amparo

Di Fede, "but now it has changed and commercial opportunities are opening up [for participants] as technological providers and experts attend."

For many visitors, the convention represents a chance to gain the latest industry knowledge and to discuss contemporary issues that are changing the game of sports media. "This year is particularly focused on new media outlets, innovative technologies and the future," explains Di Fede.

According to the director, who has been involved in Sportel for more than 15 years and has headed the event for the majority of the time, the influx of new media platforms

and outlets has had a profound impact on the way the industry works. She says the expansion of multiscreen viewing, such as on smartphones, tablets, iPads and on the Internet, has been integrated into the philosophy and goals of Sportel, as well as into its events programme.

Organised around a series of conferences and networking opportunities, Sportel brings in high-ranking names to speak at the event. This year will see the head of digital media at A.S. Roma, Shergul Arshad, BBC sports presenter James Pearce and head of media at Manchester United, David Sternberg, among other prestigious faces, lead discussions and debates on a variety of topics that affect today's sports media industry.

From Next Generation Event Broadcasting that considers the broadcaster's roles and how to add value to commercial partners and consumers experiences to

Magical music season ahead Happy Hour concept added to the programme for 2013/14

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he man who guided the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra after the tragic death of its previous artistic director, Yakov Kreizberg, now has his feet firmly under the conductor's music stand as its new Artistic and Musical Director.

Italian composer and conductor Gianluigi Gelmetti, appointed after a ten-month stint as chef référent, is behind an eclectic, varied 2013/14 season that combines the full orchestral symphony concerts of the Grande Saison with spiritual concerts in Saint Charles Church, Jeune Public events for a younger audience, outdoor concerts in the Palace courtyard and a new chamber music concept - the Musical Happy Hour. The latter will be held in the Troparium of the Auditorium Rainier III, with its lovely view of the harbour and bar where the audience can enjoy an aperitif with the musicians after the concert.

In addition to its touring programme (invitations from Israel, Azerbaijan, Germany, Spain, Italy, U.S., South America and China), and commitments to accompanying the Opéra de Monte

Carlo's performances, the orchestra remains firmly engaged with all its local audiences.

Highlights for this year's Grand Saison (starting 6pm in the Auditorium Rainier III)

Italian Gianluigi Gelmetti has his feet firmly under the conductor’s stand as Artistic and Musical Director

include Ravel's concerto in G Major for piano and orchestra and Shostakovich's Leningrad symphony No. 7 in C major (13/10); three Ravel pieces followed by Berlioz's Symphonie Fanastique Opus 14 (03/11); and the concert version of Donizetti's opera La Favorita (12/12 and 15/12).

The OPMC also has three concerts in the Salle Garnier (10/11, 22/02/14 and 05/04/14), free entry to spiritual concerts in Saint Charles Church

(20/10) and a Christmas concert on 22/12 at 4pm; and Musical Happy Hours in the Rainier III Auditorium at 6.30pm (03/10, 31/10, 10/12 and 09/01/14). The orchestra’s popular Jeune Public concerts include film themes such as Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, and George Gershwin's An American in Paris.

An extra special event and "world premier" here will be Betsy Jolas' La Maison qui Chante (30/11), described as a puppet opera co-produced by the OPMC, the Opèra de Monte Carlo and SO.GE.DA as part of the annual MANCA Festival.

For next year's 30th anniversary celebrations of the Printemps des Arts festival, there will be two major concerts: Scriabine's La Poème de l'Extase, Opus 54 and Prométhée ou le Poème du feu, Opus 60 in the Grimaldi Forum (23/03/14) and an evening dedicated to Joseph’s Haydn's The Clock symphony No. 101 in D major, concerto for harpsichord No. 11 in D major, and the London symphony No. 104 in D major in the Salle Garnier.

For the full programme see the website at: opmc.mc.

Monetising Social Media, which questions how to boost engagement and revenue, the sessions will provide a rich insight into the rapidly changing media world.

One of the event highlights is the Golden Podium Awards for the best sports images of the year, which is free to attend for the public as well as participants at Sportel. Presided by Prince Albert II, a jury of well known and respected figures in the sport and media industries will select the winners in seven categories during Sportel.

The prestigious panel of five judges includes Marion Bartoli, the 2013 women's winner of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, Claudia Bokel, the chair of the IOC Athletes' Commission, and Juha Kankkunen, former fourtime world rally champion.

Over the years, Sportel has established itself as the go-to destination, attracting almost 1,000 companies from 75 countries in 2012. Europe is

Director of the event Amparo Di Fede has held the reins of Sportel for 12 years

the predominant market, with 70 per cent of attendees, but North American and the Middle East and Asia are growing in numbers, lured here by the possibilty of meeting the "crème de la crème" of the industry, says Di Fede.

Whether you are launching a brand, hoping to create an identity for yourself in the business, or even aiming to broaden your network and horizons, Sportel is an arena for communication and the possibilities are endless.

Elsa Carpenter

YCM sets a date

The countdown for the opening of the new clubhouse is on

Taking pride of place on Quai Louis II,the new clubhouse will cement Monaco’s standing as world number one for yachting

M

onaco Yacht Club's general manager Bernard d'Alessandri has revealed that the new clubhouse will open its doors on 20th June 2014. The sleek, glass fronted building is still in its construction stages, but there is a light on the horizon for this sublime feat of design and engineering. The grand launch is expected to take place at the exclusive annual summer cocktail event for members.

Described by the Monegasque yacht club as being "as slender as the liners which used to cruise between England and America in the early 20th century", the

thoroughly modern structure is set to spearhead the club into the 21st century.

Designed by Sir Norman Foster in collaboration with the Monaco-born architect Alexandre Giraldi, the final product will be a blend between innovative design and the Principality's deeprooted connection with the sea. Taking up a new address on Quai Louis II, an extension of Quai des États Unis, it is a streamlined version of the existing property and is heavily influenced by the aesthetics of a slender cruise liner or yacht.

The interior of the development is just as impressive as

its exterior, boasting exceptional facilities that include an exhibition gallery, ballroom, library, fitness suite and rooms for guests on stopovers in Port Hercule. A glamourous roof-top swimming pool and terrace assures the new clubhouse's position as a centre for socialising, commerce and sailing.

Ambitious and symbolic, it will be a "superb showcase for Monaco in the third millennium", says the club. For a nation so intricately entwined in yachting, both past and present, the venue will cement its status - world number one.

Elsa Carpenter

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OCTOBER 2013

Oktoberfest!

The Principality flies the Bavarian colours

Enter the world of Bavaria through the specially decorated marquee on the terrace of the Café de Paris

G

ermany's ultra-famous Oktoberfest is under way in the heart of the Principality. Welcomed back for its eighth year, the Monaco edition of the popular beer festival is a sophisticated take on an event that has achieved worldwide acclaim. With premium beers from the

oldest brewery on earth, the Bavarian state brewery Weihenstephan, and a superbly decorated marquee on the terrace of the Café de Paris, Oktoberfest continues until 8th October and is a chance to indulge in some hearty eating, dancing and drinking.

The quintessential cry of

"O'Zapft is!" will launch the celebrations each night and guests can dine on countless culinary specialities imported from Bavaria.

Music and entertainment will be provided throughout the duration of the event.

For more information, please call: +377 98 06 36 36.

Coupling sport and peace Unanimous success for Monaco proposal at the United Nations

T

here were smiles all round as the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution put forward by Monaco to esta-

blish an International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The day will be celebrated each year on 6th April and is a truly historic decision as among the many

international days proclaimed by the UN, none focus on sport. This was an omission highlighted at the 3rd International Forum on Sport at the Service of Peace and Development held in June .

Monaco resident and world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic and International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge were present at the announcement.

In his speech to the assembly, Rogge said, "We are particularly grateful to the UN Group of Friends of Sport for

L-R: Jacques Rogge, President of the UN General Assembly Vuk Jéremic and Novak Djokovic at the event

Development and Peace, cochaired by Monaco and Tunisia, for their support of this initiative." He also noted and commended the key role played by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the decision. Ki-moon is a strong advocate for using sport to foster development and peace.

Tennis star Djokovic said, "Sport has unique convening power," adding, "When an athlete speaks out, she or he reaches a large audience and this is a big responsibility."

The Serbian pro is a UNICEF ambassador and also runs his own foundation for underprivileged children in his home nation.

Claire Lathbury

Close protection services: surveillance, intelligence, preparation, the rules apply here as much as anywhere

From desert sand to streets of gold The principles are the same no matter where you are

M

onaco's grand boulevards and marina promenades may not actually be paved in gold, but they are still a world away from the tough, barren plains of Iraq and the trials of the French Foreign Legion that taught many of ALGIZ's team their trade. Yet despite the obvious differences between the luxury of the Principality and hardships of the Middle East, Director of Operations Gary Robinson says that when it comes to security and protection, the job is the same regardless the location.

"I met [owners of ALGIZ] Sascha Kunkel and Bernd Burger in the French Foreign Legion and served in the same regiment as Sascha did at the time," says Robinson, who left the force in early 2003. He did a brief stint working in private security between Paris and London before leaving it all behind to head to Iraq for three months like his former colleagues Kunkel and Burger as well as countless other private security professionals.

While ALGIZ bosses Kunkel and Burger returned to Europe and later started the company, what Robinson had planned to be a 12-week experience stretched into nine years in the deserts and cities of Iraq. During his time out in the Middle East, ALGIZ was growing within the international sphere of security, first headquartered in Germany and then in Monaco.

The team has expanded not only in the Principality, where there are around 20 permanent employees, but also worldwide with a network of 70 staff.

Following an offer from his

longtime comrade Kunkel, is even keeping tabs on the Robinson joined the firm a reputations of the clients year ago and now heads up through a vast web of intel the 24-hour operations office. and sources.

Attempted assassination, While the British tough guy admits that Monaco is "a espionage, kidnapping - the different kind of world", he people who turn to the argues that it all comes down capable hands of ALGIZ have to the same thing. "They drive a range of problems they need solved. "Many cusMercedes' and wear “Here it is tomers come to us suits here while it Mercedes' with a Mission was SUVs and body and suits, Impossible scenario armour over there.

Security is security there it was in their heads," says and the principles of SUVs and co-owner Kunkel. close protection body armour" "Then we've got to tell them that it isn't don't change," he says. "Surveillance, intel- really like what they see on TV. ligence, preparation - they We're not going to insert apply just as much here as in microchips under anyone's skin to locate them!"

Iraq."

What they will do, however, From personal safety and surveillance of private prop- is get the job done to the erty to transporting expensive most meticulous of stanjewellery or watches and dards. Robinson speaks maritime protection, ALGIZ's highly of his employers, portfolio of services crosses saying, "They know how to do every sector of security it right here."

Katharina Kregel required within the borders of Elsa Carpenter the Principality. The company

Monaco is a world away from the places where many of the team previously worked

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MONACO OCTOBER 2013

SBM thinks positive Cuvée Monte Carlo C A The group receives shareholder support at General Assembly

mid consecutive losses and a drop in equity over the last few years, Société des Bains de Mer was able to announce a slightly more positive financial report to stakeholders at the General Assembly for Shareholders in late September. The group also unveiled a three-point plan at the meeting in the Sporting d'Hiver building, which will see SBM streamline its assets, push forward with investments and boost its gaming sector.

"Despite a continuously difficult economic situation, particularly for countries in the west of Europe, the group has achieved the best turnover of the last five years," said SBM. July and August bolstered revenues with an increase of nine per cent on last year's season. The group reported positive growth in all areas of the company and overall turnover rose by 24 per cent in the first trimester of the 2013/14 fiscal year to 144.4 million euros compared to 116.3 million euros last year.

However, SBM has still been unable to translate its operating losses into profits.

With this in mind, the group chose the shareholder meeting as an arena to propose changes in three key fields.

Newly appointed Director of Casinos, British-born John Galvani, will lead the group's establishment into a period of renewal and rebranding.

"Faced with economic turmoil that modifies the needs of our regular clientele, the international experience of John Galvani in countries of both Mediterranean and Anglo-Saxon culture will be an asset for establishing the main thrusts of rehabilitation and development in this sector," said SBM at the time

of his appointment. The group has finally revealed what exactly that will entail and it appears to be looking east for inspiration.

From Russia and Eastern Europe to Turkey and the Middle East, SBM has defined a clear bracket that it hopes to attract. SBM says it will adapt to the wishes and expectations of its clients by integrating a more "aggressive commercial approach" specifically targeting the wealthy market.

SBM will also push ahead with its largest investment projects - the renovations at the Hôtel de Paris and its real estate and commercial designs for the Place du Casino district.

Streamlining its cost structure and assets will play a major role in SBM's attempts to cut back on operational outgoings. The selling off of some 400,000 shares in Wynn Resorts Ltd is expected to contribute some 32.9 million euros to the annual financial report of 2013/14.

Elsa Carpenter

Miss & Mister Bikini

Monaco's best beach bodies stalk the catwalk at Stars ‘n’ Bars

T

he best beach bodies from Monaco, France, Belgium and Switzerland were out in force this September as dozens of models took to the catwalk at Stars 'n' Bars. Organised by Graine de Mode as part of Monaco's first fashion week and the SWIMONTECARLO show, a jury of Enjoy Models director Olivier Liottard,

photographer Alexandre Dalivoust, and Graine de Mode co-founders Anne Davené-Vantalon and Marie Michaud watched a collection of sunkissed and sculpted models strut along the outdoor catwalk. The winners were Lorna Couriol, a 21-yearold from Nice, and Quentin Emery, also 21, from Paris.

2 1) Women’s winner Lorna Couriol strikes a pose for photographers.

2) For the male entrants, the catwalk was a chance to show off polished abs and a summer tan.

3) Blonde ambition on the runway for one contestant. 4) Winners Lorna Couriol and Quentin Emery, 21, Paris, with organisers Anne Davené-Vantalon (second from left) and Marie Michaud.

1

3

4

SBM harvests its unique crop of urban grapevines

elebrities, royalty, flash cars… Monaco's Place du Casino has seen many sights in its history, but perhaps never a vineyard.

For four months this summer, the golden square of the Principality was transformed by the greenery of several hundred grapevines and a miniature vineyard destined for bottles of a unique cuvée: Monte Carlo's own.

Under dawn skies, a dozen pickers headed for the circle of crops that were planted by Société des Bains de Mer during the summer. The ephemeral vineyard was part of the organisation's year-long celebrations of its 150th anniversary and was undoubtedly the first plot of its kind to ever enter the bustling urban heart of Monaco that is Place du Casino.

"Fundamentally, the vines were planted as part of an event. They have adapted to the terrain far better then we ever imagined," SBM's head cellarman Gennaro Iorio told the press. "Despite what we thought about the atmosphere being too urban and polluted, many of the vines have flourished in the marine air and the grapes are superb."

Enough for 300 bottles A total of 250 vines were planted and from them came an estimated 350 kilograms of fruit. Despite covering a parcel of land smaller than 1,000 sqm, there was still a plethora of prestigious branches of vines such as Black Muscat, Cardinal, Muscat bleu and Chasselas de Fontainebleau, to name some that were among the leaves of the vineyard. With a blend of grapes in the bag, it is hoped there will be an ample enough supply to create 300 bottles,

Never before seen: Monaco’s signature square flourished as a vineyard

half of them white and half red.

The number is important as it ties in with SBM's theme of 2013. Over the last few months, wine lovers and connoisseurs alike have had the chance to sample a selection of wines from the prestigious cellars of the company thanks to the ongoing 150 years, 150 days, 150 wines initiative.

But those eager to taste the fruits of SBM's labours will have to wait a while longer before they get their lips around a glass of vin monégasque. The harvest is now set to be processed at the

Domaine du Château de Crémat in the Bellet appellation near Nice, where the grapes will go through the various stages of vinification before they are bottled up.

Ready next year The truly unique wine is expected to arrive on tables sometime next year.

While there is no way of telling if this Made in Monaco wine will be a delectable delight or not, SBM will surely be hoping to avoid any sour grapes and instead be raising a glass in a toast to Monaco's exclusive vintage.

Elsa Carpenter

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Power of wills

Navigating the labyrinth of cross-border succession Writing a will is a complex process regardless of which country and under which laws the testator chooses to follow.

Deciding who gets what and when is often the easy part.

Abiding by strict succession and inheritance laws is complicated enough, but throw in overseas legislation and foreign jurisdiction and you may find that what you thought was a signed and sealed deal is in fact quite the opposite.

E

very year in the European Union, around half a million cross-border successions take place.

Estimated to be worth 120 billion euros annually, this type of transaction is becoming a more frequent occurrence thanks to progressive globalisation trends and freer migration patterns.

But will writing for persons living and owning property abroad continues to be a convoluted state of affairs and there simply isn't a one-sizefits-all solution.

Working out what laws apply to a will currently lies on a person’s place of habitual residence and where they are domiciled at death. For a British person living in the U.K. but owning property in France, only the assets on French soil will be subject to French laws, but for a British person living in France, all of their worldwide assets, exempting property in other

countries, will be governed by French legislation.

Choosing whether or not to have a will in your adoptive nation as well as in your native country is a personal choice and depends on the complexity of your situation.

However, ensuring that your assets are sufficiently protected is no menial task and will writing really should be approached with absolute delicacy and care.

"We always recommend that clients with property in another country take out an additional will," says Nicola Goldsmith, a senior adviser from Blevins Franks. "Translating and notarising an English will in France is time consuming. You risk your will being struck down if it doesn't comply with French law."

Sharing the wealth The laws governing succession rights in England and Wales vary significantly to those in France. The stringent French succession laws that,

according to Goldsmith, "like to see things passed down the bloodline" are a sharp contrast to the relative testamentary freedom given to testators in the U.K. In a British will, the testator can give away their assets to whomever they wish while in France it is simply not the case.

In France, a testator's estate is divided up into the réserve légale - reserved portion - and the quotité disponible - disposable portion. These are nondebatable lots and, regardless of the wishes of a testator, cannot be avoided.

Children are prioritised under this 'Napoleonic' code and the reserved portion goes exclusively to them. For one child, half of the property and assets is automatically theirs, with the other 50 per cent going into the disposable portion. For two children, the réserve légale is two thirds of the will, and for three or more children, three quarters of the estate goes into the reserved portion. A spouse is currently only able to access the left over quotité disponible unless there are no children.

Battle on two fronts Many testators draw up an extra foreign will thinking that they'll be protected on two

Always seek professional advice: having two separate wills can create more problems than solutions if the documents are not drafted together

fronts. But probate issues arise when the documents clash and cancel out the effectiveness of each other, despite the validity of the will in its respective country.

"If you decide to take out two or more wills, they must be cross-referenced," says Goldsmith, who explains that drafting of multiple wills must be done in a way to compliment both wills and allow them to work fluidly together.

Attempting to override the French forced heirship in a British will, will have an inoperative effect on the outcome of dividing up assets and could compromise the validity of the British written document.

"In order to get clarity in this very confusing area, you must seek professional advice,” says

independent financial adviser Mike Lorimer, “a French tax lawyer for your French assets and a U.K. lawyer for your U.K. assets if you are British."

Null and void From August 2015, the system changes as the EU's Brussels VI regulations are put in place.

Rob Kay, a senior partner at Blevins Franks, says the changes "aim to simplify the rules related to cross-border inheritance" and "address the diversity [of laws] in the EU".

"Today's system will be defunct," says Goldsmith, "as the law of habitual residence will no longer strictly apply and instead the law of nationality can be written into your will instead."

Expatriates will be able to opt out of the laws of their adopted country and choose

the laws of their nationality instead.

While the U.K. hasn't signed the agreement - a move Goldsmith believes is because "the U.K. doesn't want anyone dictating where you can leave your assets” - British nationals living in France will still be able to benefit from the system by electing that their assets are governed by U.K. succession laws rather than their stuffy French equivalent.

"When the European Union's Brussels VI regulations come into force, it will make the situation much easier to understand, but be prepared in the meantime just in case," says Lorimer.

Beware tax issues It is important to note that while Brussels VI will allow British expatriates to freely divvy up their estate, even on French soil, it won't change their tax position. Under French tax law, transactions between the testator and their spouse are tax-free while children must pay succession tax if the amount inherited is equivalent to more than 100,000 euros. For parties who receive part or all of the quotité disponible, the allowances are lower and the taxes higher so it is therefore imperative to consider your tax position before deciding the nature of your will.

Note: Testators should always seek professional and personalised advice. Legal points in this article have been summarised.

Elsa Carpenter

Rainy days ahead

France considers changes to its life savings policies

E

xceptionally favourable tax concessions have made Assurance Vie policies a firm favourite when it comes to saving in France.

Almost 1.5 trillion euros are invested in its schemes and the figure continues to grow by around five per cent each year. But its pedestal has been rocked in recent months following the release of a report that recommended reforms within the contract that could see tax-free allowances lowered and the length of time a policy needs to be held before it qualifies for exemption increased.

An eye on the tax gains The government-commissioned Dynamiser l'Epargne Financière des Ménages report has looked into ways in which the Assurance Vie format could be adapted to better benefit financial investment and the French economy. As the contracts provide substantial tax breaks for policyholders, they by nature reduce the potential pool of money that could pass through France's tax system if it was freed up or used differently.

The changes recommended in the report are set to be considered when the govern-

ment drafts its 2014 Finance Bill and, if implemented, could significantly alter the face of France's life savings market.

How does an Assurance Vie work?

Funds and interest within an Assurance Vie program are taxfree when they remain inside.

When a withdrawal takes place, only the growth element of the sum is taxed. The tax rates for withdrawals are based on a sliding scale, which depend on how long the contract has existed, and policyholders can choose whether they are taxed according to income tax rates or at specially proscribed fixed rates.

Aside from social charges, the fixed rate for a policy held for up to four years is 35 per cent and for up to eight years is 15 per cent. From the ninth year onwards, policyholders benefit from tax-free withdrawals of 4,600 euros for individuals while couples can access 9,200 euros before tax.

How withdrawals are dealt with is related to the date that the contract was taken out, regardless of any extra investments or premiums.

Assurance Vie packages also

constitute beneficial ways of inheriting wealth as they are exempt from tax up to 152,000 euros per beneficiary.

What could change?

Advisers in the report recommended increasing the length of time that a policy must be held before it reaches the tax-free tier of nine years to 10 or 12 years. Additionally, holders of policies younger than four years will be forced to withdraw at income tax scales rather than the present fixed rates.

The tax treatment of savings could also undergo reform, with the report suggesting that when top-ups are made to the account, the date from which withdrawals are made reverts back to zero rather than the date on which the contract was first taken out.

The final change recommended is reducing the tax-free limits of savings when it comes to inheritance tax by a staggering 50 per cent to 100,000 euros.

There is no indication as yet whether or not the changes will be accepted but, if passed, the rainy days that policyholders are saving for will certainly begin to look a little gloomier.

Elsa Carpenter

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FINANCE & INSURANCE OCTOBER 2013

Handling home insurance

Top priorities when insuring holiday homes · Estimations: Do not underestimate the value of your second home and its contents. You may be faced with a much lower payout from insurers if they decide to apply a condition of average to your claim. A qualified surveyor can support you in finding an accurate evaluation. · Maintenance: Keep your home in good condition.

Damage caused by poor upkeep may not be covered by insurers, so even if you are not at the property, do not leave repairs unattended get them fixed. · Possessions: Add expensive items to your 'away from home' cover on your principal residence or your travel insurance. Be realistic with the value of possessions that remain at your holiday home while you are absent and include contents cover in your insurance. Owners who rent out their property should encourage guests to take out their own insurance in order to avoid being hit with secondhand costs. · Security: It is important to exercise the same level of security in your holiday home as in your main residence.

Leaving a key under the mat could seriously compromise your success in making a

claim. Give explicit details regarding all the security systems, locks, alarms and surveillance. · Guests: They may deny causing any loss or damage to your property even if you are certain they are at fault, leading to you paying out or adding extra fees to your insurance. To limit these situations, check the property thoroughly before and after their stay and write up a detailed agreement for guests to sign before their booking goes through. · Timing: Many insurers have a two-day time limit on making a claim, creating difficulties if you notice damage outside of the stipulated 48 hours. While you are not there, ask friends or neighbours to check the property periodically to ensure that damage does not go unnoticed. · Communication: Touch base with your insurer every time you make changes or update the property. Insurers will be reluctant to accept claims regarding things that aren’t explicitly included in your policy. Your insurer may automatically renew your account when it runs out if you do not cancel it in writing via a lettre recommandée.

Know your rights whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant

I

n France, owners and tenants should subscribe to an insurance contract that will cover them and your belongings in the event of a natural disaster or even if you forget to turn the tap off.

Homeowners and landlords If you own and live in your property, you are not required to be insured. However, it is advisable that you are, especially if your property is in a co-ownership building as you can be held liable for damage caused through negligent maintenance of your property or a fault in construction that you created.

An assurance habitation multirisque will cover you and your civil responsibilities should you or your dependents cause damage. While this is the best type of cover, you should check the list of options and exclusions. Remember, the Riviera is an earthquake zone and although it’s unlikely, you want that box ticked. Also, check the insurance policy taken out by the Syndic on behalf of the Owner's Trust. You may already be covered for certain risks.

If you own but rent to a tenant, you are not obliged to insure the property, but your civil responsibility is liable for third party damage due to

Be sure that you’re insured Good advice needn’t be expensive, but bad advice can be costly

ADVERTORIAL

M

oving to the south of France for work or to enjoy your retirement? Whatever your reasons are for relocation, it is vital to have sufficient health insurance that will cover you in case of an accident or illness.

Whether you have recently moved to the Riviera or have been living here for many years as an expatriate, the social security and health insurance that you benefited from in your home country will almost certainly be different from the options available here.

With a sense of adventure and curiosity about the place you now call home, it is all too easy to forget about humdrum matters such as finding the right insurance to cover your new situation.

But what happens if you have an accident or become seriously ill from one day to the next? It is essential to be prepared in case problems arise, so start by having adequate insurance coverage.

Good advice does not have to be expensive, but bad advice can be costly. Changing your insurance depends on age, nationality and medical history, and can lead to loss of existing add-on insurance and

much higher premiums.

These factors can even make you 'uninsurable' in your new country of residence. Often it is the compulsory health check that decides if and under which terms a new policy can be taken out.

Do not let it get to this stage. Instead, speak to qualified specialists before you buy into conditions that may not fully cover you.

An international health insurance plan offers advantages over local providers Many international health insurance plans offer comprehensive, global and private insurance coverage for illness and accidents.

As a policyholder, you can enjoy unlimited insurance coverage regardless of your profession, recreational activities and sports, and even in circumstances that are beyond your control. You are always fully covered. This type of plan covers inpatient and outpatient services up to 100 per cent depending on the chosen policy.

In addition, our products guarantee a lifelong insurance, cover of chronic problems and conditions, free choice of doctors and hospitals, as well

as insurance for those up to the age of 70, with some individualised packages covering you up to the age of 99.

Planning for the future When you emigrate, the reliable coverage for temporary or permanent disability in your home country and the provisions you would get from your retirement fund must be newly covered.

This is essential and not least because of the legal requirements in your new or former home country that can significantly change your situation. Only with the right insurance are you and your family carefree to look forward to the future.

ASN, Advisory Services Network AG - we are on your side We understand the issues you face when moving abroad and this is why people from the worldwide expatriate community rely on our advice and support. We can find the perfect insurance solution for you, so contact us today!

Lucien Héritier Head of Insurance Support ASN, Advisory Services Network AG, Zurich, Switzerland +41 43 399 89 89 info@asn.ch

maintenance and construction. One of the third parties may be the tenant. Your civil responsibility may be covered by your own house insurance, but the scope is limited. You may insist that the tenant take out insurance as a condition of the rental agreement as they are not obliged to do so.

Remember, if your uninsured tenant causes damage to a neighbour's property, you could still be liable.

There are different ways to insure properties, but the simplest way is for the homeowner to take out a full nonoccupant multirisque policy as it will cover damage caused by the tenant. This is practical if you rent short term and have gaps between tenants. Also, you may consider a Universal Rental Risk cover, which will cover you if your tenant does not pay his rent.

Tenants Tenants are only legally obliged to take out home insurance if renting an unfurnished apartment. However, you may find that your landlord will not sign the contract if you do not show proof of insurance for a furnished apartment.

In every case, you will be best covered by a multirisque home insurance. This will

cover your contents and may cover your civil liability as well as all the basic building damage guarantees. Check for the 'franchise' or excess.

Where to find insurance?

An insurance broker carries policies for many different companies and it is in his interest to sign you up for the best deal. However, most tenants may find that their cover is similar in most cases and can forego the broker's commission by looking elsewhere. Some insurers have agencies, but the agent often works on commission. You may consider a super market chain or bank.

What if something happens?

The first thing to do is secure yourself, your family and your premises if possible. In an emergency, call 112.

If it is not an emergency, such as a water leak, identify the cause.

Call your landlord and explain the situation. He may take on the responsibility. Call your neighbour if the damage is ongoing. Call your insurer if your property is damaged.

They will ask if you have signed a constat à l'amiable with

the party who caused the damage. If you have not, print a constat from the Internet or ask an insurance agent as this document should be sent to the insurers of both parties.

Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. For serious damage, you may consider engaging a huissier de justice or bailiff to take account of the full damage.

Act swiftly with insurers. Try and make a claim within 48 hours.

Andrew Denison Mon Ami Andy +33 (0)4 83 50 84 78 monamiandy.com

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Same-sex couples get equal status Gay marriage law changes legal stature

T

French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault pledges “structural reform”that will balance the country’s pension books by 2020

Pension reform: too much or not enough?

French government faces criticism from all angles

T

he French government was met with renewed criticism and resentment when it announced its pension reform proposals at the end of August. But while unions were up in arms regarding plans to increase the contribution period and taxes and contributions themselves, commentators disparaged the reform as being a modest solution to a much bigger problem.

Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault describes the reforms as "a structural reform that will assure the future of the pension system" and will save the country 7.3 billion euros by 2020. Under the new plans, due to go before parliament some time this month, workers' contribution period will be extended from 41.5 years to 43 years by 2035. In 2014, both employees and their employers will have to pay 0.15 per cent more towards the pension scheme and 0.05 per cent for the following three years.

Union members and workers took to the streets in their thousands in September amid nationwide strikes against the reform motion.

Previous attempts to balance the books of France's debtridden pension structure, such as in 1995 and 2010, were also met with opposition, but even the formidable CGT union was forced to admit this time that the number of demonstrators has fallen.

Still anxious but less so An interactive study by the CSA in collaboration with French newspaper L'Humanité organised in the days following the reform announcement has revealed that eight out of 10 French people are indeed concerned about their retirement. But while a third said they were "very worried", the number has now fallen by more than 15 per cent since May 2013.

In addition to the (weaker than expected) opposition from the working population,

the government has also suffered criticism from the European Commission, which recommended a much more radical approach to reform in the months before the plans were made public.

Touching on areas like increasing the age limit for retirement, a review of France's controversial special allowances schemes and avoiding extra taxes, the European Commission's suggestions took a harder line on tackling France's ailing system.

Rebuking the Brussels-led pressure in an interview with Reuters, Minister of Social Affairs Marisol Touraine said, "The government has not made this reform to satisfy the European Commission.”

Ayrault also responded to the plans’ critics, saying that the reform is in line with the longer life expectancy of the French population and that the effects of the changes will be felt equally by everyone in France.

Elsa Carpenter

he legalisation of samesex marriage and adoption in France has brought about significant changes for the gay community.

Under the new law, homosexual couples now have the same rights and privileges as their heterosexual counterparts. But what exactly has changed?

Labour law At work, same-sex spouses will be entitled to leaves of absence for family reasons. If employers permit special advantages for heterosexual married couples, it will have to treat same-sex couples equally and provide the same benefits for them.

Spouses in a gay marriage will also be able to choose the 'collaborating spouse' status, a title already provided to heterosexual husbands and wives.

Social security The French social security system now automatically considers same-sex spouses

as the beneficiary and will benefit from exactly the same advantages regarding complementary health insurance as heterosexual couples.

In the event of the death of a same-sex spouse, the surviving spouse will receive the relevant pension.

Income tax The tax treatment and position of homosexual couples is now aligned with that of heterosexual couples.

Property rights Same-sex spouses now have the right to choose between the different existing matrimonial regimes and marriage contracts.

Also, in the event of death, the surviving spouse will not have to pay or be subject to inheritance tax.

Over the next few months, adaptation measures will be taken in various fields.

Jean-Philippe Gioanni Chartered Accountant Cannes

Guide to French insurance Home insurance assurance habitation This is a legal must whether you are a property owner or tenant. It is available from banks, private insurers and even supermarkets. It covers you against damage.

Health insurance assurance santé Not all health care is covered by the French system and sometimes reimbursement is only partial. When buying a mutuelle, be realistic.

It is worth paying more in the long run than having to shell out large amounts if you are not fully protected.

School insurance assurance scolaire All children must be covered against injury or death while at school. Costs are around 15 euros annually.

Life insurance assurance décès Don’t confuse the French assurance vie with life insurance. Full life insurance is sometimes provided by employers. It can protect you in the event of temporary or longterm disability.

Jyske Bank and its inner catfish What it means to be ‘the catfish in the tank’

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hen entering a Jyske Bank branch in Denmark, you will immediately notice a set of gleaming white teeth and two large shining eyes - and we are not referring to your account manager. Instead we are referring to a weird fish synonymous with Jyske Bank, the catfish.

The story of the catfish and Jyske Bank goes way back to 1982 when, comparing Jyske Bank to other Danish banks, the popular Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten called it 'the catfish in the tank'.

To be the catfish in the tank is a Danish figure of speech referring to a person who, by thinking innovatively or acting in an unorthodox way, causes a stir. And that is exactly what Jyske Bank is doing - and what we did in 1982.

At that time, we were the upstart and maybe also the new and naughty boy on the block. We were a small bank from Silkeborg that was not afraid of challenging the big banks in Copenhagen.

To do that we had to think

The catfish has been a symbolic figure for Jyske Bank since its early days

Danish values. Our Danish values really become evident in our advisers' and account managers' informal behaviour and openness - characteristics that are deeply embedded in our DNA and our way of thinking. Therefore, we really do mean it when we say, "Make a difference".

We hope you feel that. Should we forget our 'inner catfish', we hope you will give us a shout…

JYSKE BANK (France) 53, rue d’Antibes 06400 Cannes Tel: 04 93 39 39 00 info@jyskebank.fr www.jyskebank.fr

ADVERTORIAL

innovatively about products, strategies and communication, otherwise we would be just another bank. For instance, Jyske Bank chose not to offer any kind of personal bonus scheme to its employees from the very beginning and also you will find that we have a personal approach to advice. Your requirements, needs and dreams will always be pivotal.

A Danish bank in Europe Not only in Denmark does Jyske Bank stand out as a different bank. Ever since its first international units opened back in the 1980s, Jyske Bank has stood out as a modern European bank with

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13 FOR BUSINESS NEWS

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BUSINESS OCTOBER 2013

Par excellence

Riviera Business Person of the Year awards champion entrepreneurship and management

W

ith the Business Person of the Year award ceremony just two months away, October is your last chance to nominate leading company heads and innovative entrepreneurs.

Proudly sponsored by The Riviera Times, the event is gaining momentum after the Riviera Business Club announced its revival this year and is expanding its perspective with a new category joining the ranks.

On 5th December, two eminent business leaders will be respectively crowned Business Person of the Year and Best Start Up of the Year and awarded the prestigious Crystal Caviar trophy at the Marriott Riviera La Porte de Monaco. A panel of experienced judges will make the

The winners’ emblematic Crystal Caviar trophy is valued at 4,000 euros

final selection from the entries received, considering professional merit and expertise.

"Nominations should be

made by a person not actively involved with the company," says George Kasiliyake.

To qualify for the Business Person of the Year prize, candidates should have been at the head of a company registered and operating on the Côte d'Azur for a minimum of three years. Business Start Up nominees should have been the sole director of a company, also registered and operating on the Riviera for at least one year since 1st January 2013.

The ceremony will take the form of a sumptuous gala evening complete with champagne cocktails, entertainment from Colette & Co., guest speakers and the grand finale for announcing the winners.

Please use the form below to nominate your deserving candidate. The closing date for entries is 31st October.

Deals to be had and names to be made W

Superyacht Distribution plays a vital role at events and trade shows

orking closely with its clients and their target markets to ensure that the right publication features at relevant events and trade shows on the Riviera, Superyacht Distribution prides itself on its omnipresence. It is an approach to business that has significantly increased in demand over the last two years. "This is probably due to the financial crisis," says Sarah Morton from Superyacht Distribution. "Previously a magazine or newspaper would print large numbers of copies and blast everywhere.

Now they print less but place those copies in extremely well targeted areas, hitting the right reader."

While the company supplies distribution services year round, Sarah explains that summer is by far the busiest season in the calendar for Superyacht Distribution. "The kick off time is the Cannes Film Festival, where we work with international film titles such as Empire magazine, who want to be visible on a daily basis in the main hotels and establishments," she says.

"For publication like this,

Cannes is one of the biggest events of the year and we appreciate that for our clients."

While it is the glamourous dresses and glossy manes that are shown in the media, Sarah says there is another aspect to the event that makes the company's presence at shows vitally important.

"Behind all the bling, there are business deals to be had, new names to be made in the industry and key decision makers hanging around. One of those people picking up a publication and reading about something different can make a massive difference. Daily placement ensuring good positions on stands and in hotels along the Croisette is what the publications requires," she says. "A lot of 4am starts and our good working relationships make this happen.

After Cannes comes the Monaco Grand Prix, which Sarah says brings a different readership - the every day reader. "Monaco Grand Prix is a dream event for racing fanatics, but many don't stay in Monaco and just come for

the practice and race day. A mass distribution involving a team of distributors is needed to achieve maximum potential," say Sarah.

The hotter summer months are filled with events such as Top Marques, Antibes Yacht Show and MIPEM in Cannes, while the end of the season takes Superyacht Distribution back to where it started with two iconic boat shows: Cannes and Monaco.

“Cannes Boat Show has a calm atmosphere and it is easy to distribute at. Monaco Yacht Show is a different game," says Sarah. "It is four intense days and it is what the Cannes Film Festival is to film buffs, but for the superyacht industry and everyone wants to be a part of it."

A long time partner of The Riviera Times, the company has continued expanding and developing its visibility in the market since its inception almost a decade ago.

According to Sarah, “We pride ourselves on placing publications at every key event on the Riviera.

Superyacht Distribution superyacht-distribution.com +33 (0) 6 89 123 570

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REAL ESTATE

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FOR PROPERTY NEWS

OCTOBER 2013

Property series: La Garde Freinet Celebrate a Provençal purchase by popping a local cork village, standing guard over the valley of ash trees - frênes that fill the plain below.

Among the boughs of ash, you will find cork, oaks and chestnuts too. In the 19th century the village prospered and grew with the explosion

E Bertrand TDR

of the cork industry. By 1872, more than 660 cork makers or bouchonniers lived among a population of 2,600. The districts of Les Aires and the Place Neuve were added to the winding lanes of the old village and remain integral parts of La Garde Freinet today.

There are two principal property sectors, in La Garde Freinet itself and nearby hamlets, and homes in the surrounding countryside, says Corinne Navenot at Home Sweet Home Immobilier. In the village you find both old terraced houses and apartments in converted buildings.

If you are DIY-inclined, you can still find properties in need of work. Navenot recently sold a two-bedroom 50 sqm apartment in need of renovation for 140,000 euros.

But if you prefer to walk

South-facing stone bastide in eight hectares of land worth two million euros

E Bertrand TDR

I

n the heart of the Massif des Maures lies the commune of La Garde Freinet. Positioned at the summit of a hill, its inhabitants are known as the Gardois; a name that comes from the position of the

In the heart of the Maures Massif lies La Garde Freinet and its eponymous forest. Photo: E Bertrand TDR

right in and feel at home, a one-bedroom apartment with mountain views is on the market at 184,000 euros while a three-bedroom village house in "perfect" condition sold recently for 230,000 euros. Terraced homes from the 1800s, with five rooms on three levels, could be yours for 260,000 euros. Smaller properties are also easy to come across and a recent sale of a 37sqm one-bedroom apart-

Les Colombières in sealed bid auction

F

A blend of luxe and sensuality

Artist's Mougins home goes on sale for 166 million euros

of terrain, its glamourous gardens were designed and perfected by eminent 20th century landscaper Ferdinand Bac and are today recognised as a historic monument.

Offering sublime views of the Bay of Menton below as well as panoramic vistas of the French and Italian Rivieras, the property is poised to make history with its sale.

For the first time on European soil, international luxury realty agency Sotheby's has decided to organise a sealed bid auction.

While in the U.S. this kind of sale has become a frequent occurrence, particularly within the high-end market, the process will be a first for Sotheby’s Europe-based

A Its grade 1 protected gardens feature patios, bridges, fountains and lush terrain

Contact Thomas Nielsen Camille Marne

Its sumptuous interior, recently renovated to fit the demands of modern living, is matched only by the dramatic setting of the estate.

The reserve price has been set at 9.9 million euros, but the firm says bidding will initially begin at 22 million euros.

Elsa Carpenter

offices. Potential buyers have until 30th November this year to place their bids and until then the Côte d'Azur branch of the real estate agency will allow suitors to visit and examine the iconic home.

Les Colombières has been described as a work of art and a masterpiece of architectural and aesthetic design.

M O R T G A G E Financial Institution

en ok p S

G, F DK E, S, N

RFP - RIVIERA FINANCIAL PLANNING SARL

New York real estate agency has put Picasso's final resting place on the market for a cool 166 million euros.

Renamed L'Antre du Minotaure in homage to the 20th century artist's fascination with Ancient Greece's mythical beast, the sprawling Mougins mansion has also undergone significant renovations at the hands of its Belgian art dealer owner since its purchase in 2008.

The emblematic Provencestyle villa is grandiose in its architecture and layout. An estimated 10 bathrooms, eight bedrooms, living rooms, dining halls, art studios, separate guest houses, swim-

ming pools and a tennis court are just some of the features found within its historic walls.

Following the trend of iconic buildings transformed from quirky to minimalist, more art gallery than living space, Picasso's former home and studio is now a more modern take on its original blueprints. Even the name has changed!

Not much is known about the previous purchase of the villa, but the unnamed seller, who reportedly bought the retreat for between 10 and 12 million euros five years ago, stands to make a tenfold profit on his investment if the sky-high asking price is accepted.

Elsa Carpenter

C O N D I T I O N S

Tel / Fax. Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 39 00 Fax: +33 (0)4 93 39 39 02 Email:info@jyskebank.fr www.jbpb.fr

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

M O R T G A G E Financial Institution

Route de la Court, and the Miremer quarter.

There is building land available, but be warned that local regulations make building or extending properties outside the village difficult without the agreement of the fire brigade. A 2,500 sqm plot is on the market for 250,000 euros while another of 5,000 sqm for 320,000 euros is also in the listings.

Carolyn Reynier

Price of Picasso

History in the making lorentine in architecture with frescos and stained glass windows inspired by the cultures of the Mediterranean basin adorning its walls, Les Colombières in Menton is a truly unique and precious piece of real estate.

Covering over three hectares

ment with garden, cellar and parking space in a residence with pool was concluded at 120,000 euros.

Properties situated on the south-facing slope with sea views, less wind and benefiting from the quickest access to the coast are the most expensive, but some areas around the village also have residences with coastal vistas, for example the Chemin du Val d'Aubert,

B R O K E R S

Contact

en ok p S

Mike Lorimer

E

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

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

Yves Derrien

E F D

Tel: +33 (0)4 93 00 11 71 info@rfp.fr www.rfp.fr

Real estate financing in France provided by European banks and unit-linked life insurance from a range of European insurance companies. Specialist international financial advice, from a qualified IFA, regarding relocation from anywhere in Europe to Switzerland, France or Monaco.

Tel / Fax.

Description

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RESTAURANT REVIEWS OCTOBER 2013

Elegance al fresco Seborga has always been worth a visit, but now there’s one more reason to go...

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his is exactly what the Principality of Seborga has been missing - a refined restaurant with superb views from one principality to another, high above the coastline of the Italian Riviera.

What Marcellino's represents is not only a place for quality dining, but also a meeting spot for residents and visitors of the picturesque principato in the mountains above the town of Bordighera.

Elegant yet rustic, the

restaurant offers a wonderful terrace, cosy ambience and, more unusually, a distinct international touch.

Every Sunday from 4pm, a traditional English afternoon tea takes over the ristorante, complete with freshly baked scones filled with clotted cream and strawberry jam, delicate pastries, muffins, cupcakes and the old favourite finger sandwiches. It has proved undeniably popular with guests who hop across the border from the

The wonderfully light antipasti di pesce appetizer platter at Marcellino’s

Côte d'Azur to Seborga to lunch in its Italian surroundings.

From 4th to 6th October, Marcellino's becomes a Bavarian bistro to tie in with the renowned Oktoberfest celebrations, with plenty of traditional ingredients and dishes, and, of course, beer on tap!

With Vincenzo Cianni, a Calabrian chef, in the kitchen, the menu is aligned with the Mediterranean style and specialises in seafood. Using vegetables grown locally and organically by farmers in the region, Marcellino's sticks by a motto of only procuring produce from "less than one kilometre away". For over four decades, Vincenzo has worked on the Riviera and he knows perfectly where to find the freshest fish. "The price is secondary," he says. "What matters is the quality."

And so our meal begins.

Starting with a light appetizer platter of antipasti di pesce (15 euros), we go on to the restaurant's risotto ai frutti di mare (30 euros for two people), which is a delicious hit. Main courses include pescato alla ligure (16 euros) - freshly caught fish from the region -

Northern delights Savoury Breton cuisine with a fruity flair

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t may be situated in Cannes' trendy Carré d'Or quartier, but Solidor is doing all it can to stand out from the chic yet 'characterless' restaurants that line the streets. Bursting with flavours, savoury and sweet, the Breton owners of Solidor have brought their down-to-earth cuisine with them, although they have had to sacrifice the cheaper prices of northern France.

Sabrina Cremona and her

husband have blended the rustic ingredients of their native region with the fresh, light produce of the south of France to create a menu that is semi-gastronomic in style, uncompromising in flavour and a delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

There is a small but succulent range of house specialities and a three-course menu for 29 euros. I recommend the salmon tartare with mango as an entrée,

A delicious seabass fillet with citrus infused potato and garnished with red berries

followed by a delicious steak in a port sauce with seasonal vegetables and a fruit dessert adorned in red berries.

Alternatively, try the gambas flambées with a fiery whiskey

Incredible mountaintop views from one principality to another

and a tender beef steak (18 euros).

Among the sumptuous selection of delectable desserts (six euros each), we find panna cotta or tortino caldo al gianduja - warm hazelnut tart.

A bottle of local red Rossese or light white Müller Thurgau wine is offered at a respectable 18 euros.

The menu follows the seasons, reflecting the desire of Marcellino's to only serve the freshest produce. As we reach autumn, there are often porcini mushrooms to be tasted. tang and poached pears accompanied by a salty crème caramel or the lightly seasoned grilled seabass fillet with citrus infused mashed potato and currants.

Much of the menu is dedicated to inventive crepes and galettes, which have two pages each. The Saint Jacques scallops with leek fondue and a sprinkling of champagne in the savoury section is a particular highlight. Drinks can be on the expensive side, but the warm ambience that radiates from Solidor is a refreshing change to other eateries in the district.

Ira Söehnge-Camous

"We do not have an endless list of dishes," says the chef. "It is important to us that everything is fresh."

Marcellino's is located at the entrance to the Principality of Seborga and is open daily from 8am for breakfast to late into the evening, apart from Mondays, and the bar is perfect for a provincial nightcap.

A trip to Seborga has always been worthwhile, but now there is one more reason...

Only the freshest for chef Vincenzo Cianni

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 for eating out.

LE PETIT GRILLON Find true, rural home cooking in the heart of Saint Jeannet. Facing the village butcher, the quaint 20-seat restaurant is popular with locals, tourists and walkers who all enjoy the relaxed Provincial ambience and simple but delectable offers chez Thérèse.

The dishes prepared by owner and chef Thérèse at Le Petit Grillon are lovingly prepared tried and tested timeless recipes that have lost none of their gusto over the years. Classics such as escalope à la venitienne, duck and mushroom risotto, and beef steaks are complimented by several house specialities like the chef's generous Italian tart with beef, pistachio, sun-dried tomatoes, rich olive oil, pine nut and a balsamic dressing.

A delicious pistachio risotto, grilled seafood and daily

TABLE D’EXCEPTION

GRANDE TABLE

prepared desserts make this restaurant a charming and 'true to its roots' address.

With local wines on the menu too, the Saint Jeannet de Georges and a Denis Rasse from neighbouring Collet de Mouré vineyard, diners would be hard put to find a more truly authentic experience.

During balmy nights, tables are set out around a little fountain. For Saint Jeannet, Le Petit Grillon is not only in the heart of the village, it is its heart.

Le Petit Grillon is open from Tuesday through to Sunday throughout the day.

Parking can be found 100 metres away in the village.

SAINT JEANNET 13 Rue du Planestel Alpes Maritimes Tel: 04 93 59 89 57 lepetitgrillon06@gmail.com

TABLE DE QUALITÉ

COUP DE COEUR

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1) The majestic Sea Cloud II is one of the most exclusive sailing boats in the world. After Nice, it travelled to Elba the same day 2) Publisher Petra Hall met the guests at the gangway, pictured here with Director of Centre de Presse Monaco François Chantrait 3) Véronique Bürki-Despont has been the director of communications at Monaco’s Société des Bains de Mer for just over a year 4) Véronique de Lavenne came over from the Principality of Monaco where she heads the Marlborough Gallery of Modern Art. Until 29th November, the works of David Rodriguez Caballero will be displayed here 5) The captain of the Sea Cloud II and Petra Hall welcomed the guests into the vessel’s elegant lounge.

6) Béatrice and Michèle Tournadre from KBL Monaco Private Bankers wanted to stay on board for the next adventure of the Sea Cloud II 7) When business partners become good friends: sailing legend Herbert Dahm and Petra Hall 8) The director of SAP Labs France, based in Sophia Antipolis, chatted with Valérie Armorison from Banque Populaire Côte d’Azur 9) Happy about the success of the event: Vice President for Sea Cloud Cruises Anja Ringel (left) and Sea Cloud II expert Antje Bosse 10) François Chantrait spoke with Nathalie Gamory-Dubourdeau from Monaco Real Estates

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s on the Sea Cloud II:

a special ‘thank you’ to our partners It was an unforgettable day, blessed by beautiful sunshine in the port of Nice, and was truly poignant for all.

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he Sea Cloud II is unlike virtually any other vessel on the seas, combining the timeless elegance of the Windjammer of the past with the luxurious comfort and modernities of today’s cruise ships. Its exclusivity and prestige made it the perfect location for The Riviera Times and the Riviera Côte d’Azur Zeitung to extend a hand of thanks to our long-term partners and ad-

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vertisers for their wonderful loyalty to our newspapers.

For those who could not be there to share the moment with us at the time, we express here our gratitude for their support. As Sea Cloud II expert Antje Bosse aptly said in her speech on board the boat, “Your magazines and our ship have one thing in common: opening horizons and bringing together special people.”

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11) Nancy Baum represented Pantaenius as Director Michael Kurtz was sadly unable to join us himself because of a business trip 12) Michael Graf told Petra Hall about his exciting business, Black Pearl, in Monaco 13) Lawyer Stefan Kesting from Kesting & Partners operates between France and Germany 14) Here come the girls: Petra Benzing, our friendly marketing director, Véronique Bürki-Despont, Béatrice and Michèle Tournadre, and Véronique de Lavenne 15) Shop talk among professionals: Joachim Strautmann from Banque Edmond de Rothschild and Peeter T. Hart from ABN Amro Bank 16) Bjarni Breidfjord from Luxuria, pictured with James Pouliot, found the perfect place for his copy of The Riviera Times 17 ) Experts in luxury real estate Andrea Gerresheim and Aurélie Thomas from Michaël Zingraf 18) Bernd Poensgen represented renowned kitchen company Siematic 19) Despite a long trip from the Var, Anne and Dr. Karl Ralph Jennessen were able to join us. Dr. Jennessen is part of the team at the International Medical Center of Provence in Tourrettes 20) Lufthansa and British Airways met at sea: BA Nice Côte d’Azur and Marseille airports manager Stéphane Ranson (l.) with Pierre Bogdanovic, manager for Lufthansa in Nice and Bastia 21) RFP financial adviser Yves Derrien, Jesper Bitsch from Jyske Bank Private Banking in Cannes and Peeter T. Hart of ABN Amro Bank in Valbonne (left to right) with Petra Hall 22) German entrepreneur Daniela Inhofer with friend Sonja Pilstl and independent financial adviser Mike Lorimer

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EVENTS

www.rivieratimes.com

DAILY UPDATED CALENDAR

OCTOBER 2013

01 Tue Oct Comedy. France’s oldest comedy festival, Boeuf Théâtre, brings together new talent and professionals. Until 05/10. All day. Various locations. 7 euros. Info: boeuftheatre.fr Antibes (M) Festival. German festival Oktoberfest comes to Monaco, with plenty of conviviality, joviality and beer .

Until 08/10. All day. Café de Paris. 15 euros. Info: +377 98 06 76 23 Monaco (P) Concert. The launch night of the New Jazz festival welcomes renowned pianist and composer Jean-Pierre Como who will perform songs from his latest album ‘Bolero’.

8.30pm. B. Spot. 18 euros.

Info: newjazzfestival.fr Nice (N)

02 Wed Sailing. The Generali Solo 2013 brings four days of traditional sailing to the Côte d’Azur. Until 06/10. All day.

Portside. Free. Info: generalisolo.com Beaulieu (O) 05 Sat Festival. The Gondwana Mediterranean Plant Festival pays homage to the plantlife

that first inhabited our planet around 200 million years ago and still exists today. Until 06/10. All day. Domaine du Rayol. 7 euros. Info: domaine durayol.org Rayol Canadel sur Mer (F)

Sport. French Football Championship of Ligue 1 with Monaco v St Etienne. 5pm.

Stade Louis II. Info: +377 92 05 74 73 Monaco (P) Concert. Renowned saxophone player Chris Potter performs at the New Jazz festival. 8.30pm. Salle Grappelli Cedac. 17 euros. Info: newjazzfestival.fr Nice (N)

06 Sun Festival. This flower festival is a feast for all the senses, with stalls, exhibitions, parades and more. All morning. Town centre. Free. Info: tourismesaintlaurentduvar.com Saint Laurent du Var (M)

Festival. Pianist Nicolas Angelich and violin musician Renaud Capuçon perform a unique piano concert as part of the 30th edition of Les Heures Musicales. 8.45pm.

Eglise Sainte Marie Madeleine. 30 euros. Info: biot.fr Biot (M)

07 Mon Trade show. MIPCOM, an event for television, film, cable and satellite programmes, brings a touch of A List back to this red carpet destination. Until 10/10. All day. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.

From 350 euros. Info: mipcom.com Cannes (L) Concert. 12-year-old Roman Rechetkine plays a violin recital. 8pm. Théâtre des Variétés. 5 euros. Info: 06 03 44 20 66 Monaco (P) Concert. Musician Raul Midon performs his popular swing jazz melodies at the New Jazz festival. 8.30pm.

Théâtre Lino Ventura. 25 euros. Info: newjazzfestival.fr

17 Thu Concert. Swedish artist Carla Bley performs a lively concert, along with jazz musicians Steve Swallow and Andy Sheppard. 8.30pm. Salle Grappelli Cedac. 17 euros.

Info: newjazzfestival.fr Nice (N) 18 Fri Concert. Angela May gives a one-off concert, with rhythms and melodies from her native Madagasca. Proceeds with go to the 'Children of the World' association. 8.30pm. Espace Culturel Altitude 500. 6 euros.

Info: grasse.fr Grasse (L) Comedy. Once described as the French Prince of Black Comedy, Gaspard Proust’s humourous set should be taken not too seriously and with a big pinch of salt.

8.30pm. Anthéa Théâtre. Info: anthea-antibes.fr Antibes (M)

Nice (N)

10 Thu Theatre. The classic Barber of Seville opera returns to the stage. Until 11/10. 8.30pm.

Anthéa Théâtre. Info: antheaantibes.fr Antibes (N) 11 Fri Concert. Singer Virginie Hazaers plays her latest creations, a romantic blend of piano ballads and lyrical

Scottish artist Jack Vettriano is holding a retrospective exhibition in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. The show will include pieces inspired by the artist’s time in the Riviera. Info: jackvettriano.com

French songs. 8.30pm. Espace Culturel Altitude 500. 6 euros.

Info: grasse.fr Grasse (L)

Eye on film with James Luxford DIANA (2ND OCTOBER) The screen portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales (Naomi Watts), following the global icon in the last two years of her life before her tragic death in Paris. The film's central plot focuses on her secret affair with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews) and the pressures of loving someone in the public eye. A truly dreadful film, clunky dialogue and a sensationalist plot mean this is a film that has missed the mark- and the point- wildly. While Watts is believable in such a recognisable role, it's all in vain when everything around her is so amateur.

STAR RATING: * THIS IS THE END (9TH OCTOBER) A group of stars including James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Jay Baruchel play fictionalised versions of themselves facing the apocalypse as judgement day comes to Hollywood. The group must overcome their large egos and dwindling

the elite racing planes in a round the world race comes true, and he must defy the odds to compete with the best. A spin-off of Disney/ Pixar's "Cars", but animated by Disney alone with no involvement from the "Toy Story" studio, the story is wellmeaning and will be entertaining for young children, but compared even to "Cars" this is a rather mundane effort.

STAR RATING: ** An all-star cast in Seth Rogen’s apocalyptic ‘This Is the End’

resources to try and survive.

An incredibly silly comedy with a lot of low brow gags packed in. Overall, however, it's good fun thanks to the charm of the leads and the willingness of stars such like Emma Watson and Rihanna to send themselves up in genuinely funny cameos.

being the world's fastest racer like his heroes in motor racing. It's an odd concept, but an intriguing one, so it's a little disappointing that this film doesn't really do anything to stand apart from the crowd.

Still, an entertaining ride that younger children in particular will absolutely adore.

STAR RATING: ***

STAR RATING: ***

TURBO (16TH OCTOBER) An off-beat, animated family film about a garden snail (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) who dreams of

PLANES (22ND OCTOBER) Another animated film spin-off following a crop duster plane (voiced by Dane Cook) who's dream of joining

Concert. Habib Koité from Mali and American bluesman Eric Bibb have just released their first album together, ‘Brothers in Bamako’, and will perform a selection of their new releases at the New Jazz festival. 8.30pm. Salle Grappelli Cedac. 17 euros. Info: newjazzfestival.fr Nice (N)

12 Sat Theatre. A production for the whole family. Ubu is a mixture of comedy and theatre. 9pm.

Anthéa Théâtre. Info: antheaantibes.fr Antibes (N) 13 Sun Concert. The Cannes Regional Orchestra performs iconic classical pieces from the likes of Mozart and Brahms. 4.30 pm. Théâtre Croisette. Info: orchestrecannes.com Cannes (L)

ORIGINAL VERSION CINEMAS 14 Mon Antibes - Le Casino Cannes - Les Arcades, Studio 13 Le Cannet - Le Cannet Toiles Mandelieu-La-Napoule - Salle Léonard de Vinci Nice - Cinéma Mercury, Cinéma Rialto, Cinémathèque, PathéMasséna Valbonne - Les Visiteurs du Soir Draguignan - Eldorado 3, 4 & 5 Fréjus - Cinéma Le Vox Montauroux - Maison Pour Tous Ste-Maxime - Le Pagnol Toulon - Cinéma Le Royal, Pathé Liberté Monaco - Cinema Sporting

Festival. Compositions from Bach are revived by pianist Thierry Escaich and accordion musician Richard Galliano at Les Heures Musicales.

8.45pm. Eglise Sainte Marie Madeleine. 30 euros. Info: biot.fr Biot (M)

16 Wed Theatre. A production for the whole family. Ubu is a mixture of comedy and theatre. 9pm.

Anthéa Théâtre. Info: antheaantibes.fr Antibes (N)

19 Sat Trade show. Art and wine comes together for a very enjoyable trade show. Until 20/10. All day. Place Général Bertrand. 3 euros. Info: theoule-sur-mer.org Théoule sur Mer (K)

Festival. Foodies will love these two days of gastronomy, attended for world class chefs from nearby establishments. Until 20/10.

All day. Place Figuiera. Free.

Info: eze-tourisme.com Eze (O)

22 Tue Festival. Singer Nathalie Stuzzman relives the works of Schubert, Debussy and Wagner, supported by pianist Inger Sodergren at Les Heures Musicales. 8.45pm. Eglise Sainte Marie Made-leine. 30 euros. Info: biot.fr Biot (M) 23 Wed Concert. The Low Budget Men perform a charity concert, with all proceeds from CD, DVD and t-shirt sales going to the 20,000 vies association. 8pm. Stars ‘n’ Bars. Free. Info: lowbudget men.com Monaco (P)

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19 DAILY UPDATED CALENDAR

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EVENTS OCTOBER 2013

24 Thu Concert. Maurane is on tour for her ‘Fais-moi un swing’ show. 8.30 pm. Palais de la Mediterranée. 39 euros. Info: lecridelamarmotte.com Until 27/10 Art exhibition. This extraordinary exhibition, Le Nu en Liberté, has over a hundred rare works and is an Monaco (P) exploration of the recurring theme of nudity in famous artist Picasso’s work. La 25 Fri Concert. The Cannes Reg- Malmaison. Info: cannes.com ional Orchestra plays the Cannes (L) works of Schubert and Strauss. 8.30 pm. Théâtre Until 31/10 Croisette. Info: orchestre- Art exhibition. Collective cannes.com Cannes (L) show of paintings by Theatre. Famous French Palumbo. Maison de l'Améractors Thierry Lermitte and ique Latine. Info: +377 93 25 Patrick Timsit are reunited. 17 51 Monaco (P) The play tells the story of two friends, a Jewish-American Until 03/11 and a German, during the Art exhibition. In association 1930s as Nazi ideology casts a with the Emile Hugues shadow over their Foundation, Vence has relationship. Until 26/10. 8.30 organised a spectacular pm. Palais de la Mediterranée. exhibition by Marc Chagall 39 euros. Info: lecridela- that will display many of the marmotte.com Nice (N) paintings he completed while Festival. Pianist Anne Quef- living in the hilltop retreat and felec performs at Les Heures explores his connection with Musicales. 8.45pm. Eglise the town. Château de Sainte Marie Madeleine. 30 Villeneuve. Info: musee euros. Info: biot.fr Biot (M) devence.com Vence (M) Nice (N)

Show. 'La vénus au phacochère' from Christian Siméon with Alexandra Lamy.

9pm. Théâtre Princesse Grace.

Until 03/11 Art exhibition. Le Nu, de Gauguin à Bonnard. Ève, Icône de la Modernité. Art featuring nudity from 1880 to 1950. Matisse, Dufy, Picasso, Arp, Giacometti and Chagall.

Grasse (L) Musée Bonnard. Info: 04 93 94 Festival. The 25th Quatuors à 06 06 Le Cannet (L) Cordes en Pays de Provence welcomes musicians and Until 11/11 quartets from around the Art exhibition. Painting and world. A celebration of the philosophy come together at bohemia style. Until 02/11. Les Aventures de la Vérité Various times, locations and exhibition. Curator Bernardprices. Info: quatuors- Henri Lévy juxtaposes new enpaysdefayence.com and old, French and foreign.

Fayence (J) Fondation Maeght. Info: fondation-maeght.com 30 Wed Saint Paul de Vence (M) Festival. Les Heures Musicales sees pianist Boris From 03/10 until 29/11 Berezovsky perform the works Sculpture exhibition. Curvaof Liszt, Debussy and Ligeti. ceous sculptures made of 8.45pm. Eglise Sainte Marie aluminium and brass from Madeleine. 30 euros. Info: David Rodriguez Caballero. biot.fr Biot (M) Marlborough Gallery of

Modern Art. Info: 377 97 70 25 50 Monaco (P)

Until 31/12 Tour. Guided tours of the catacombs. Also explore the intricate fish ponds and ancient aqueducts. Wednesdays from 2pm until 3.30pm. Museé Archéologique. Info: 04 94 52 15 78

05 Sat Oct Market. Antiques and healthy food. All day. Also 6/10 and 2 to 3/11. Via Paleocapa.

the Club Alpino Intaliano.

8.30pm. Teatro Carlo Felice.

Savona (I)

06 Sun Concert. Chamber Choir and flute quartet, Percorsi Sonori.

5pm. Oratorio Santa Caterina.

17 Thu Concert. Il violino Mendelssohn e de Sarasate.

Symphony orchestra with G. Hozzsu-Legocki on violin.

5pm. Theatre al Casino.

Finale Ligure (G)

Sanremo (B)

Genoa (N)

Percorsi Sonori. Quartet Omaggio a Morricone. Pieces from Morricone and Rota.

5pm. Santa Caterina.

Finale Ligure (G)

21 Mon Concert. Chamber choir and music from the Soloists of Stuttgart. Giovine Orchestra of Genoa also perform. 8.30pm.

Teatro Carlo Felice. Genoa (N)

Fréjus (J)

23 Wed Tour. Guided tours of the Hanbury Garden. Il Giardino che vive. 10am. Info: cooperativa-omnia.com

Until 15/01/14 Ceramic exhibition. Five original pottery pieces by Picasso are on temporary loan from the Museum of Ceramics in Barcelona. Spanning themes of bullfighting, animals and portraits, this a complex yet stunning collection of ceramics, with vases, dinner sets and sculptures. Musée Picasso.

Info: antibes-juanlespins.com

Ventimiglia (A)

26 Sat Market. Craftsmen and artisans display their wares.

Old town. Allday. Also 27/10.

Ibissola Marina (K)

27 Sun Festival. Religious celebrations for the Santo Simone. Food, msuic and dancing. 2.30pm. San Simone.

Antibes (M)

San Bartolomeo al Mare (E)

26 Sat Concert. Local rock band Tchapakan perform their latest songs, a mix of “rock and roof's” as they call them. 8.30 pm. Espace Culturel Altitude 500. 6 euros. Info: grasse.fr

Next year, the Australian Dance Theatre group will be performing in Antibes’ new theatre, Anthéa. Vibrant and innovative, their new act - Proximity - uses modern technologies to create a unique show. 28th and 29th March 2014. Info: anthea-antibes.fr

09 Wed Rally. Tour of Sanremo through the countryside. All day. Until 12/10. Sanremo (B) 11 Fri Sport. Show jumping at the Derby dei Fiori. Competition CSI 2 Stars. All day. Until 13/09.

Sanremo (B) From 28th October until 3rd November, a collection of photographs by Serge Streibel and paintings from Flocy Abguillerm will be displayed at the Office du Tourisme in Cannes.

Opening hours at 9am to 7pm in October and 10am until 7pm in November. Info: 06 60 21 31 04.

Our events calendar is updated daily!

To ensure you don’t miss any of the exciting events happening on the Riviera this month, scan the QR Code on the left and be directed instantly to our website. It’s that easy!

www.rivieratimes.com

12 Sat Festival. I chostri di Colombo, in memory of famous Christopher Columbus. A historical parade with costumes. 5.30pm. Old town.

Genoa (N)

13 Sun Festival. Specialities of chestnuts and mushrooms.

12pm.

Osiglia (F) Market. Mixed market, with stalls of all kinds. 9am. Corso Europa.

Loano (F) 14 Mon Concert. Choir of Santo Giovino and the Orchestra of Genoa join together to mark the 150th year anniversary of

19 Sat Market. Creative pieces at the mercatino creattivo. Allday.

Also 16/11. Piazza Cassini and Piazza Nota.

Sanremo (B) 20 Sun Concert. Chamber choir,

30 Wed Tour. Guided tour marking the 500th anniversary of Pope Julius II. 4pm. Also 06/11.

Palazzo Pozobonelli. Savona (I) 31 Thu Festival. Enjoy Halloween in the spooky, ancient surroundings of Murialdo.

With food and entertainment.

Allday. Piano. Murialdo (F) Show. Telecamere su… Verdi.

3.30pm. Teatro Chiabrera in Piazza Dias.

Savona (I)

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ART & CULTURE

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OCTOBER 2013

The drama of the Côte...

The Riviera is synonymous with the arts. The seats of its theatres and opera houses were once the thrones of the social elite and aristocracy who flocked to the cultured shores of the Côte d'Azur to watch world-renowned ballerinas, singers and actors conquer the stage. Over the years, the clientele has diversified, and so has the selection of creative delights. Contemporary performances, reinterpreted classics, brand new scripts and faithfully authentic ones, somewhere there is a ticket with your name on it.

W

hether it is a case of donning pearls, gowns and three-piece suits or simply picking up some popcorn, there is a wealth of events and shows on October's cultural calendar.

Right across the Côte d'Azur, actors are slipping into the wings and musicians' are taking up their instruments and heading for the orchestral pits as the region begins its autumn-winter season.

Cannes Bringing energy and gusto to the Théâtre Croisette for one night only on Saturday 5th October is Jean-Luc Tardieu's Broadway Enchanté.

The multitalented five star cast flit between instruments to recreate the richness of the

American Broadway phenomenon. Singer/dancer Isabelle Georges leads the production in vibrant outfits and a humourous style. Frederik Steenbrink supplies an additional voice and piano accompaniment, with Jérôme Sarfati on bass and piano, Edouard Pennes on the guitar as well as double bass, and David Grébil completing the diminutive but brilliantly adept orchestra on jazz drums.

Organised by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, tickets are 22 euros (15 euros with a subscription).

From the Palais also comes the dark and theatrical play Fratricide on Saturday 26th October. Directed and written

by Delphine de Malherbe, the production tells the story of

two brothers who come together after two decades of self-induced separation in a lawyer's office to hear the reading of their father's will.

With childhood rivalries and resentments rekindled, it is a Western-style duel without the guns, but not without the hate. Tickets begin at 30 euros (20 euros with a subscription).

Antibes The recently inaugurated Anthéa Théâtre in Antibes is breathing new life into the cult opera, The Barber of Seville, on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th October. Using the original

Jaussein

Where to go and what to see in the region’s theatres this month

The luxurious interior and grandiose architecture of the Opéra de Nice have made the venue a figurehead for the Côte d’Azur

score from Gioacchino Rossini, Le Barbier de Séville transports the audience back to 17th century Spain and the story of Rosina, a girl beloved by a wealthy Count. In order to ensure she loves him for himself and not his money, Count Almaviva enlists the help of a former servantturned-barber to win her disguised as a poor college student. Directed by Michiel Dijkema, with Marc Piollet conducting, this is a chance to experience a timeless classic in a fresh, modern location.

Tickets only 45 euros.

Monaco Anthéa Théâtre in Antibes breathes new life into cult From Thursday opera The Barber of Seville from Gioacchino Rossini 24th to Sunday

27th October, the Opéra de Monte Carlo is organising opulent soirées where guests can enjoy two one-act productions from Gian Carlo Menotti.

His premier success Amelia al ballo, an opera buffa that first came to the Principality in 1994, recounts the tale of a young Italian socialite eager to attend the first ball of the season, but who faces difficulties when her husband uncovers her secret lover.

English speakers can relax to the sound of their native tongue with Menotti's The Telephone comic opera. Written in 1947, the opera is steeped in conventions of the time, but still resonates with today's technology-obsessed culture.

Arriving with a marriage proposal on his tongue and a ring in his pocket, Ben finds his sweetheart inexplicably

hooked to her telephone.

Frustrated with being unable to communicate his desires in person, Ben tries a different tack. Placido Domingo directs both shows for the first time.

Nice Ballet twirls to centre stage at the Opéra de Nice, with the Marco Polo production taking place on numerous nights between Friday the 4th and Sunday 13th October. Luciano Cannito's choreography propels spectators through Venetian explorer Marco Polo's famous voyages along the Silk Road. With its sumptuous vivacity, oriental dance and abundance of intricate characters, the ballet captures Polo's spirit and unique adventures. Music from Marco Schiavoni. Tickets begin at eight euros.

Elsa Carpenter

Riviera inspiration

Scottish artist Jack Vettriano unites his most famous works ication of his In its entirety, the exhibition s u r r o u n d i n g s . brings together Vettriano’s Drawing on the most celebrated works from Nice location and public and private collections an invitation to such as ‘The Singing Butler’ produce a unique and ‘Dance me to the end of exhibition to mark Love’ as well as never-beforethe centenary of seen canvases, on show for the Yacht Club de the very first time.

Monaco's flagship For more information, yacht, Tuiga, Vett- please visit jackvettriano.com. riano has created a Elsa Carpenter simple yet elegant series of paintings that reflect the effortlessly chic ambiance of the south The ultimate image of glamour and sophistication at the Yacht Club de of France.

Monaco with Jack Vettriano’s ‘Sunshine and Champagne’ While a little furAmong the 100 paintings ther afield, the artist’s ooking back on two decades of his creative found on the walls of the collection pieces that career, Scottish painter Kelvingrove Art Gallery & feature the 1930s Jack Vettriano is exhibiting a Museum discover a selection Milan trams are retrospective collection of his of Riviera-inspired pieces that another throwback to works this winter in Glasgow. hail from the artist's time the glorious age of the early 20th century.

Already open to the public spent on the Côte d'Azur.

Fife-native Vettriano has Fashions of the time and running until 23rd February 2014, the exhibition had a studio and apartment in and vintage hues are is anticipating a blend of local Nice since 2004 and has spent brought to life by and international guests several years in the region, Vettriano’s skilled thanks to Vettriano's prolific putting down on canvases the hand and contem‘The Look of Love?’ by Jack Vettriano retro glamour and sophist- porary flair. global fan base.

L

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LIFESTYLE OCTOBER 2013

The legend of the Little Sparrow On 10th October 1963, France's original diva breathed her last. Edith Piaf, a woman born on the rough and dirty streets of an untamable Paris in the early 20th century, had come from the most humble beginnings to the world stage.

Mysterious and enigmatic in life and in death, in the five decades since she died, it has been largely believed and accepted that this great songstress spent her last moments in her native Paris. But time has unravelled the truth…

F

ar from the chic boulevards and famous theatres of the French capital, at twilight in early October 1963, an ambulance trundles up the road to a baroque-style villa in Plascassier, Grasse. It slips away as quietly as it has come.

The next day, radios across France awake the public with the tragic news that its icon of the era has died… in Paris.

It appears that the medical documents were falsified in the wake of Edith Piaf's death.

According to the death certificate, the artist officially died at 8am on 11th October 1963 in her apartment on Boulevard Lannes in Paris' 16th arrondissement.

But how does that match up with the stories of her passing at noon the previous

day some 900 kilometres away in the south of France?

The manipulation of facts went completely unnoticed at the time. While the singer had been teetering on the edge of death for some weeks, apparently slipping in and out of consciousness as cancer took over, it still came as a great shock to her friends and fans when she died.

On arrival in Paris in the early hours of the morning the day after she died on the Riviera, her body was laid out for people to pay tribute to the voice of France. Away on tour at the time of her death, her second husband, Théo Sarapo, a man 20 years her junior, only discovered that his 47-year-old wife had died when she didn't answer the telephone "It is what she would have

wanted," said her secretary, Danielle Bonel. For many, it seemed obvious that no matter how ill or how weak Edith Piaf became, she would have made it back to her beloved Paris. Indeed she did, although not in life.

At the beginning of the year, the 'little sparrow', a nickname that Edith Piaf picked up in her early years singing in Paris' shabby, shady clubs and pubs, had made her last ever performance.

Bobino, a famous nightlife spot on the city's Rue de la Gaïté, welcomed the diminutive star on 21st February and it was clear to all at that point that her hard-living ways had caught up with her.

Edith Piaf, born Edith Giovanna Gassion in 1915, had a difficult start in life when her mother abandoned her as a newborn, leaving her in the hands of a disinterested father who would also soon leave her to her fate. Around the time of her first birthday, she was packed off to her paternal grandmother, a “Madame” who ran a brothel in northern France.

Screenshot from La Vie en Rose

Five decades on, the truth about Piaf’s death comes to light

Marion Cotillard played fabled songstress Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose (2007), winning countless awards for her performance

Edith Piaf spent several years in the care of the various working girls who frequented her grandmother's salon before taking off with her father, now a soldier-turnedacrobat. Legend has it that it was at this point in 14-yearold Piaf's life that she first sang in public.

It would prove to be a lifechanging moment for the young, lonely and desperately poor woman. Within a few short years, she was performing at different spots around the streets of Paris, had made a best friend in her supposed half-sister Simone Berteaut, and found love with Louis

Dupont, with whom she would later have a child.

But while she had discovered her talent, Edith Piaf would continue to struggle against the conventions and challenges of living life as a musician. Her infant daughter died of meningitis the same year that she was finally discovered and given a chance to prove her talents as a singer.

From 1935, Edith Piaf's career took off and she was touring the world within a decade. Her signature and timeless record La Vie en Rose marked a new era for the star, but would also see her go

down in history, with a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 1998.

Countless prestigious friends and a wealth of high-profile lovers, including boxer Marcel Cerdan who was killed in a dramatic airplane crash, and two husbands, Edith Piaf lived a fast and frivolous life. But by the time that she was entering the last five years of her life, Edith Piaf's body was wrecked by illness and addiction.

Liver cancer sealed her fate and her last words were reportedly, "Every damn fool thing you do in this life, you pay for." She continued to entertain visitors throughout her quieter days, first in a luxurious mansion on Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and later in the Grasse retreat, but gradually faded from the limelight before finally succumbing to the disease.

An icon, a legend and a beacon for her war-ridden nation, Edith Piaf remains an emblematic figure of France and is far from forgotten.

Rolf Liffers Elsa Carpenter

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CLASSIFIEDS

www.rivieratimes.com

OCTOBER 2013

CONSTRUCTION

MARRIAGE

BOOKS

THE RIVIERA TIMES is looking for motivated editorial and marketing interns, with placements of two months to one year available. Duties include writing news stories for the website and monthly news-paper.

Applicants must be enrolled on a university course. Excellent writing skills are vital, experience in journalism is preferable, and a strong level of French: writing, reading, listening, speaking.

Interested students should please send a cover letter, C.V. and examples of their writing to: rivieratimes@mediterra.com

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23 FOR USEFUL INFORMATION

www.rivieratimes.com

SERVICES OCTOBER 2013

Life support Your survival guide to living in France Dear Andy, I have been an auto entrepreneur for a while now and still no Carte Vitale! Can you give me any suggestions?

Working Wanderer in Nice Hi Working Wanderer, Your situation is a common one. It is very important to remember that it is up to you to request the Carte Vitale and not the government.

What you have to do first is take a look at your last statement from the RSI (Régime Social des Indépendants). This can either be your last declaration form or your summary of accounts. On the left hand side of the form you will have your social security number the NNI. Now, depending on how far along in the system you are, this will either be a temporary or permanent number. You are fully covered in terms of your healthcare reimbursements if you only have a temporary number, but can only request a Carte Vitale if you have a permanent one. If you are unsure whether your number is temporary or permanent, your local RSI office will be able to help.

Next, you have to request a Carte Vitale in writing and in French. Send a letter to your

local RSI as well as to your local ‘Caisse’ (RAM, Mutuelle de Soleil, etc). What is important here is that you not only write a clear letter requesting a Carte Vitale, but also include the necessary paperwork. You should send with it all of the following; if you leave anything out they will send back your request, uncompleted: -Photocopy of your passport -Photocopy of your long form birth certificate -Photocopy of your long form birth certificate translated -Photocopy of your last RSI statement -A RIB from your bank.

Send everything registered mail and wait six to eight weeks for a green form in the mail. This form will not be your Carte Vitale, but will come from the Carte Vitale central office. On it you will have to attach a photo of yourself as well as a photocopy of your passport and send it back in the envelope provided. Your Carte Vitale will arrive in your mailbox three to four weeks later.

Andrew Denison Mon Ami Andy Rue Lascaris, Nice Port Tel: 04 83 50 84 78 jennifer@monamiandy.com

Publishing Director Petra Hall hall@mediterra.com

A

utumn has arrived in the south of France and the International Club of the Riviera is launching its autumn/winter season with two very different and diverse events.

The first will be our annual English Theatre production on 5th October at the Jazz Comedie Club, 8 Rue Scaliero, Nice, starting at 7.30pm.

After our highly successful production last year when we had the Heywood Society of Cambridge University with T.S. Eliott's The Cocktail Party, this year we follow it up with an Irish production from the Sandyford Little Theatre Company entitled The Last Romance.

Directed by Moira Walsh with live opera music, the tickets cost 15 euros and reservations can be made on our website.

It is a not-to-be-missed production with all proceeds going to our Theme Charity.

This will be followed by our 5th annual Texas Scramble Golf Tournament at the Victoria Golf Club, Valbonne, 12th October.

Sponsored this year by Club

Vivanova (clubvivanova.com) and Mitton International Wines, this event has always been one of the highlights of the autumn programme of the ICR and has always been very popular and well attended.

It is open to members of all clubs and associations on the Riviera as well as other interested golf enthusiasts and will end with a lunch and award ceremony at the clubhouse.

Entries close on 10th October or after the first 24 entries are received, whichever comes first! Price per person, including green fees and three-course lunch with wine, is only 68 euros.

Remember, even if you are not a golfer you can

participate in the lunch and awards ceremony for 35 euros, including aperitif, lunch, wine and ceremony).

We have fun activities planned throughout the morning to keep spouses and guests occupied while the tournament is on and a great time is assured for everyone present!

For more details of the above and other future events, or to join one of the most active and multicultural social and business clubs on the Riviera, please get in touch: internationalclub.fr +33 (0)4 93 72 11 89 06 21 20 60 10 info@internationalclub.fr

Editor Cassandra Tanti rivieratimes@mediterra.com

Assistant Editor Elsa Carpenter Contributors Julian Nundy, Carolyn Reynier, Aila Stöckmann, Katharina Kregel, Andrew Denison Rolf Liffers, Claire Lathbury

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