Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the second annual
Monaco Pride, and I have to say, it was one of the most memorable Pride
events I have ever experienced.
One could feel a
sense of optimism and comradery as everyone gathered in the main social
area of the hotel, set aside, especially for those of us in attendance.
Over 150 representatives of the State, including three National Council
members, public authorities such as the Department of External
Relations, the Directorate of Judicial Services, the Directorate of
National Education, Youth & Sports, the Office of the High
Commissioner for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms and the
French Ambassador to Monaco honored the event with their presence, along
with various business owners, volunteers, and the Monegasque community celebrating
the second edition of Monaco Pride on Thursday, June 1 at the Hotel
Novotel (the first Monaco Pride took place in June 2022 at
Stars'n'Bars).
Speakers included Gérald Mathieu, CEO of Barclays Private Bank Monaco,
Hervé Aeschbach, Fight Aids Association coordinator, Guillaume Rapin,
General Manager of Novotel Monaco, and the phenomenal Annette Anderson,
who in my opinion is the glue that keeps us all together.
Barclays Bank and Novotel have dynamic programs set in place to
encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace and their efforts
were greatly appreciated by all.
Speakers highlighted positive developments in Monaco for the LGTBQIA+
community, including the support of Princess Stéphanie and her family
for the Fight Aids association. Also mentioned was the participation of
the ASM Football Club, which in recent years has worn rainbow-decorated
shirts on the International Day Against Homophobia every May 17th.
In 2022, the European Commission Against Racism and Tolerance
(ECRI) asked Monaco to examine and eliminate unjustified differences in
rights between same-sex and opposite-sex couples. And although signs of
progress have been made, there is still more to do.
This
past April, the Commission organized a round table in Monaco to discuss
its recommendations with representatives of the Principality's
government and community.
All the speakers on Thursday evening agreed that diversity,
inclusion, and equal civil rights for all Monegasque workers were
essential elements of a growing economy and a healthy community.
This
Pride event is sponsored by Barclays Private Bank and the Fight Aids
Association. This year, during the month of June, the front façade of
Barclays Bank will be illuminated in rainbow colors to mark Pride Month.
With
positivity, we all look forward to what is yet to come by working
towards equality together and by presenting Monaco as a gay-friendly and
safe place for visitors.
Since the season of Summer is seemingly on the minds of everyone, we thought we’d feature some of our prime holiday villa rentals in the Cote d’Azur.
As mentioned in previous posts, the key to obtaining the vacation villa rental of your choice is to book as far ahead as possible since it is not unusual for people to book as early as six months to a year or more in advance.
Although many villa rentals are done on a weekly basis, we have noticed over the past years people are booking from one month to even three months so that they have a place to call home longer without packing up and moving to another property during the busy season.
With that being said, a beautiful villa can still be found for a week or two if that is all you require.
We have over 200 properties to choose from in the region, and we can easily introduce you to one of our other real estate and villa rental business partners.
The following is a general selection of villa rentals we have in the French Riviera.
Roquebrune Cap Martin
An exceptional hillside home nestled in Roquebrune Cap Martin with some of the most breathtaking sea views on the Riviera.
This newly built villa boasts a modern style with warm wood finishing that creates a truly unique atmosphere, perfect for any type of holiday.
Elegance, design, and architecture come together seamlessly in this villa, offering a perfect blend for an unforgettable experience. The villa comprises of five bedrooms, including the master bedroom which occupies the entire upper floor, providing panoramic sea views from every corner of the room.
Guest suites also offer stunning sea views and luxurious bathrooms.
The high-tech open-plan kitchen leads into a spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling bay windows, providing an unobstructed view of the sea. The main terrace is exceptional, featuring a pool and multiple spots for relaxation and dining, all surrounded by olive trees.
Below the main terrace, you'll find incredible gardens filled with citrus, olive, and almond trees, transporting you to another world of relaxation. With its incredible views, luxurious amenities, and inviting atmosphere, the villa is the perfect destination for your next holiday.
Cannes
A stunning sea view villa situated in the picturesque area of Cannes Croix des Gardes, offering contemporary accommodation for up to 12 guests with a total of 6 bedrooms.
From the moment you step into the villa, you'll be greeted with a sense of tranquillity and serenity, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing vacation.
The lounge area is stylishly designed and decorated, with large descending windows that fill the villa with natural light and panoramic views of the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
From the lounge and pool area, you can look out over the magnificent Lerins Islands and the Esterel Mountains beyond.
The living room opens onto a spacious terrace, perfect for outdoor dining, and overlooking the glistening endless swimming pool (adjustable current to swim against). The pool can be heated and treated with salt, ensuring that guests can enjoy a refreshing swim all year round.
The villa is nestled in a quiet residential area, providing a peaceful and private setting for guests to enjoy. The villa is only a short five-minute drive away from the bustling city center of Cannes, where guests can explore the vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, high-end shops, and a range of exciting activities.
In addition, there is a terrace with a barbecue, summer dining area, summer lounge area, sunbeds, chlorine swimming pool (9X2) 3 parking places.
Cannes - Sainte Marguerite Island
A truly memorable holiday villa rental experience as part of a private island in Cannes.
12 bedroom(s)
24 sleeping(s)
Land: 1.5ha
Located on the picturesque Sainte Marguerite island, this 12-bedroom property offers the ultimate luxurious escape.
As the only property on the island, guests can revel in complete exclusivity and indulge in the opulent amenities that the villa offers. This exceptional property is fully staffed with a chef, butler maid service, and concierge service as well as offering a helipad, and direct access to the sea via its own private beach.
The interiors of the seven separate buildings, including a Governer's House, a turreted fortress tower with a roof terrace, three quaint cottages, a guest house, and a pool house, have been carefully restored with sustainable materials, creating a perfect balance between luxury and eco-friendliness.
The white walls and high ceilings, combined with plush furnishings, modern artworks, and state-of-the-art decor, exude elegance and sophistication.
The villa offers twelve well-appointed bedrooms, each with en-suite or private facilities, balcony, or terrace access, and can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests, making it perfect for large groups.
With its exquisite grounds, luxurious amenities, and unparalleled exclusivity, this property is the perfect destination for a memorable and indulgent getaway.
In the heart of one of the most popular areas of Mougins, located in a quiet and green environment, this magnificent property of 550 m2 offers very spacious rooms, a top-of-the-range kitchen with wall-mounted wine cellar, a spacious living room, 5 en suite bedrooms with walk-in closet and marble bathroom.
There is also a gym with a hammam and sauna, a cinema room, a caretaker's apartment, and a large garage.
The fully landscaped 2,800 m2 garden features a heated swimming pool (15 x 4m), a beautiful terrace, and a 5-hole golf green.
This recently built contemporary property extends over 3 levels and enjoys panoramic views of the Mougins skyline down towards the sea.
Includes:
5 bedrooms including 2 VIP suites 3 large luxurious suites
6 bathrooms
1 independent studio
1 gourmet kitchen
1 wine and champagne cellar
1 summer kitchen
1 wellness spa with sauna and hammam
1 state-of-the-art fitness center
1 Dolby Atmos 4K cinema
Garage for 8 cars
Home Tech System
Bower and Wilkins sound system in all rooms
Heated infinity pool
Elevator for 8 people
Outdoor lounge area
Pool House
Golf putting 7 holes 90 m²
Minotti and Poliform furniture and decoration
Magnificent water’s edge villa enjoying private access to the sea located on the Cap d'Antibes, only a few minutes walk to the town center of Antibes and beaches.
With stunning views of the old town of Antibes and Salis Bay, this property has 5 en suite bedrooms, an independent apartment with 2 bedrooms for the staff, and an extra bedroom on the top floor.
A triple reception room of approx.100 sqm opens onto a large terrace facing the sea and the swimming pool which can be heated. This exceptional property has a beautiful garden of approx. 1 650 sqm; at the end of the garden, a small gate leads to the sea.
As a local, one could sense something special was taking place over the past couple of years or so at Castel Plage, one of the most popular private beach locations in the French Riviera.
For
those that may not know, the longstanding, LGBTQ-friendly Castel Plage
is neatly tucked away at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, just
steps from historic Vieux Nice.
Suspicions were confirmed when work started to take place next to Castel
Plage where once was Bains de la Police, a small swimming area that was
once reserved only for the local police after World War ll. This area
was given to local police in 1947 for their heroism during the
liberation of Nice during the Second World War. It was managed on a
voluntary basis and became a popular spot for brave swimmers who dove
from the platforms into the sea.
Unfortunately in November 2014, waves from a massive storm damaged the
footbridge connecting the old blockhouse to the beach. This happened
just as the Prefecture was about to renew the authorization for
occupation, and despite efforts from the Policemen’s Association, the
site was not repaired enough to be considered safe.
Demolition of the platforms came next in 2017, and it seemed it may be the end of this historic site.
That is until Castel Plage took an interest in the neighboring site,
and business-wise, it just made sense to undertake the renovation
project, revitalize the area, and provide it as a natural extension of
its current brand.
Unseen by the public, a full working kitchen has been carved into the
rocks, while dining areas on two levels will give customers the feeling
of being on the water, making it ideal for both Instagram photos and
romantic dinners. In addition, touches from the old days have been
retained, like the old footbridge, which has been recreated to withstand
bad weather, with that came many safety and technical issues to
undertake.
“We had to make a ventilation duct which was quite
complex, given that we had to drill through the rock 12 meters high. It
was a real achievement,” Ali Abdelhafidh, the manager of the
establishment, told France 3.
Bains de la Police, which is set to open this May, involved months of work and hundreds of thousands in costs.
The menu will consist mostly of seafood. “It’s going to be a lot around
Mediterranean fish,” said Abdelhafidh. “We’re going to have a menu with
oysters, sashimi, and whole fish. Obviously, we’ll do a little catering
for the people who don’t like seafood, but it will be predominantly
Mediterranean.”
Fish dishes will start at €32 and starters will come in at €22. The
view, on the other hand, will be free and definitely worth the memorable
visit for both locals and those visiting the Cote d’Azur.
The month of May brings with it the Nice Rainbow Festival from May 17th to May 21st, 2023.
As
a connection with International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and
Transphobia, the LGBTQIA of the Côte d’Azur in Nice is offering numerous
fun and educational events over those days to promote the values of
inclusiveness, respect, and diversity with the help and guidance of
various local associations and businesses committed against
discrimination and human rights.
This International Day on May 17th refers to the decision made by WHO
(World Health Organization), to not consider those of us in the LGBTQ
community as having a mental illness because of who we are around the
globe.
The LGBTQIA Centre is an association that for more than 10 years has
been receiving visitors with questions about their sexual orientation
and gender identity, and accompanies and guides LGBTQIA people and their
loved ones in their access to rights, health, discrimination,
rejection, violence, or assault.
The popularity of the LGBTQIA Côte
d’Azur Centre brings people together and helps those with concerns
discover a normal way of life for themselves and carries the demands
that advance respect, solidarity, and equality in France.
Over these following days, a number of events will take place, with the
main event happening on Saturday, May 20th at the Nice Rainbow Village
at Jardin Albert 1er in Nice.
This is a free event, and open to everyone will offering a sense of
belonging in a playful environment. There will be round table
discussions, workshops, drag queen shows, dance, and sports activities
in a carnival type of atmosphere brought to you by a number of highly
regarded local associations and businesses.
Check the LGBTQIA Côte d’Azur Centre Facebook page for more event listings as they become available.
The selection of films has just been announced for the upcoming Queer Palm as part of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year.
Along
with that, as part of the jury this year there will be Catherine
Corsini, Justine Triet, and Monia Chorki with the fabulously talented
Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame as President of the
Jury.
For Queer Palm
2023, there will be 11 feature films and 7 short film formats. Notably
already, Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet, and The Return, a new film
by Catherine Corsini (who was the president of the Queer Palm jury in
2022) about a mother and her two daughters who experience their first
emotions during a vacation in Corsica.
Attention will also be geared towards, The Idol, the new series -
presented out of competition at the festival - by Sam Levinson, the
creator of the series Euphoria.
As
a reminder, the last Queer Palm was awarded in 2022 to Joyland, the
sublime Pakistani film by Saim Sadiq about the romance between a man in
the midst of questioning and a transgender dancer. This year's jury is
composed of the versatile John Cameron Michell (Shortbus), director and
actress Isabel Sandoval (Brooklyn Secret), actress Louise Chevillotte (À
mon seul désir), Belgian filmmaker Zeno Graton (Le Paradis, in theaters
May 10) and critic Cédric Succivalli.
See you on May 16th for the opening of the Cannes Film Festival!
Here is the full list of films (in French) for the Queer Palm 2023:
This weekend, from May 5th to 7th, the second edition of the
LGB Fest will be a 100% female musical event featuring twelve female
artists who are either locally known in the region or have a degree of
international fame.
Additionally to the concerts taking place, there will also be a number of events over the three days to enjoy.
In a world seemingly dominated by men in the music industry, LGB Fest
is doing its best to bring awareness of new artists and also shine a
stronger light and balance to showcase what these talented women can
accomplish.
An array of musical styles will be represented from rnb to house, techno, neo-soul, progressive rock, dance…you name it.
For the Friday opening, you can find Lazuli, Enchantee Julia, Siloh, and Roxie.
On May 6, Alys LF (Venus Club), Globale Industrial Culture, and Helena Hauff.
The weekend entertainment ends on Sunday with Vanille, PÖ Olympe4000, and Vicky R.
This LGBTQ+-friendly event will also be eco-friendly and with activities
between and during the shows such as workshops, games, artisans, et al.
Doors open on Friday at 8:30 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm.
Further information can be found here on Instagram.
Nice has recently been rated as one of the top regional capitals in France to celebrate the most “marriages for all”.
The municipality is pleased to announce that Nice is "the example in (its) fight against homophobia".
More than 700 LGBTQ marriages have been celebrated in Nice in the past
ten years, for a total of 70,000 in France. As soon as same-sex
marriages became legal in the country, Nice, the capital of the
Alpes-Maritimes became one of the French cities that celebrate the most
marriages.
In 2013, 6% of these unions were performed in Nice, the second city
after Paris, a few months after the law was passed in Parliament. Nearly
one marriage in 10 in Nice in 2015 was from the LGBTQ community.
Before
the law came into effect in France, the mayor of Nice, Christian
Estrosi (UMP), seemed on the fence about the subject. In Nice-Matin
(13/01/13) he had "confirmed his opposition to the opening of marriage
for homosexuals". As a deputy, he had even voted against it. Four months
later, he said he was now "delighted" to be one of the first mayors to
celebrate the legality of same-sex marriage in France.
Since the early 1990s, the city of Nice, along with other cities up
and down the regional coastline has slowly come to realize the
importance of the LGBTQ community. This in many ways has been
spearheaded because of the large tourism boards, realizing how strong of
an impact our money can be anywhere we travel in the world.
With Nice being one of the top-rated places in France to get married
as members of the LGBTQ community, it signals this to be a safe
destination and acceptance as a whole, all the while feeling very second
nature in our lives.
If there is one thing that is synonymous with Monaco, it’s luxury cars.
So it’s no surprise that Bugatti just unveiled their new showroom at Racasse, one of Formula 1’s most famous corners in Monaco.
“Bugatti is a natural fit for the Principality of Monaco, delivering the unparalleled prestige, excellence, and timeless luxury that the clientele of this region expects,” Bugatti Automobiles managing director Hendrik Malinowski said.
“We are delighted to open our new home in Monaco; these are the very streets that Bugatti made history many years ago and we couldn’t imagine a better place to pay homage to our extraordinary heritage and connection to Monaco.”
Bugatti is operating the dealership with Segond Automobiles, which has been in Monaco for more than 35 years. The new showroom also features a maintenance and servicing facility that is also overseen by Segond Automobiles housing a team of specialized technicians that have been trained by Bugatti in Molsheim, France.
“The Bugatti Monaco showroom is in one of the most desirable European venues and is situated in one of the most iconic areas of the city,” said the managing director of Segond Automobiles Group, Stephane Colmart. “It is the ideal location from which to welcome customers into the world of Bugatti, a brand renowned for its racing successes and its world-leading craftsmanship. We are immeasurably proud to be part of the Bugatti network, with both the showroom and the after-sales center, and are really excited to welcome guests to offer them the ultimate in design, convenience, and luxury.”
For those with a passion for both architecture and the world of luxury fashion, the world-renowned brand Louis Vuitton just released their latest campaign featuring the American actress and singer Zendaya as the newest ambassador for the company with the first photo shoot completed at the intriguing and historic Eileen Gray’s E-1027 villa in Roquebrune Cap Martin.
Once left to ruin, over a decade ago, a team was set in place to bring this most marvelous seaside property back to life and in step as close as possible to the original idea of the villa dreamed up by Eileen Gray.
Now known as a local treasure, one can visit E-1027 Cap Moderne which was designed between 1926 to 1929 to see and experience Eileen’s vision and how the property was built to live both simply and comfortably while also used as a work/invention studio capturing the famous light of the French Riviera.
With the youthful elegance of Zendaya on board in this new Louis Vuitton campaign, a new generation will now also discover more about the talents of the Irish artist and architect, Eileen Gray.
In this campaign, Zendaya is showcasing the brand’s bestselling Capucines handbag that was launched in 2013. According to Louis Vuitton, “Personifying the dreamy energy of the Côte d’Azur, the new House Ambassador brings a playful vibrancy to the Capucines campaign, exuding a bold, feminine allure emblematic of the Maison’s signature collection.”
The photographs for the campaign were taken by the famous Mert Alas and Marcus Pigott team, and feature Zendaya in monochromatic black and white outfits posing with the handbags in a variety of glorious colors.
In a behind-the-scenes video published by Louis Vuitton, the actress describes how she felt about the iconic villa after its revitalization renovation in recent years.
“The Cap Moderne is just stunning and absolutely beautiful to look at. When you shoot in places that are cinematic and beautiful and have their own character and interest and history, it’s really special,” says the 26-year-old. “I think every time you look at it, you find something new. And then when the light is coming in, it creates all these beautiful shadows and shapes on the wall. It’s a dream because it makes the picture that much more interesting.”
Zendaya started her career as a child model, before moving into the world of Disney and then movies, where she debuted in The Greatest Showman. Additionally, she became the youngest-ever recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actress for her role as a drug-addicted teen in the HBO series Euphoria.
For those seeking a property offering a calmer lifestyle in the Cote d’Azur region of France, we have the prime location for you.
Châteauneuf-Grasse is an absolutely charming, historic area that offers a real community feeling and is very LGBTQ-friendly. Situated just 4 km from the perfume capital of Grasse and 21 km from Cannes, this area is close enough to all local amenities yet offers quieter, more expansive properties to relax and retreat. Basically, here you will get more bang for your buck.
Châteauneuf-Grasse – 1,890,000 EUR
Provencal style villa with panoramic views on the market.
Area: 200m²
5 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 1ha
Peacefully located on a hilltop boasting spectacular views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea, this charming south-facing Provencal style villa invites you to enjoy the unique countryside lifestyle.
This beautiful home offers a bright, comfortable, and functional living space, ideal for year around or as a holiday home.
Set on two floors, the villa offers an entrance, spacious reception room with a fireplace, dining room with a fireplace, modern fully fitted eat-in kitchen opening onto a patio with a cozy outdoor fireplace, 5 bedrooms including the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a study, cellar, and workshop.
On exceptional grounds of more than one hectare with olive trees, stone walls, and Mediterranean essences, a stunning infinity pool where you can admire the panoramic view to the sea, several terraces, sitting places, and patios, ideal for receptions and entertaining friends and family, complete this property.
Châteauneuf-Grasse – 2,980,000 EUR
Country estate with panoramic views on the market.
Area: 390m²
7 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 3600m²
Surrounded by spectacular views this authentic Provencal style property invites you to enjoy the classic Côte d’Azur lifestyle. Peacefully set at the top of the hills of the Grasse countryside, in the heart of a Mediterranean garden with olive trees and a stunning infinity edge swimming pool with sundeck and large terraces, it is the idyllic place to gather family and friends.
Spacious, bright interiors, flooded with natural light through the large bay windows, with all rooms leading onto the exteriors; garden, swimming pool, and terraces.
Expansive entrance hall, lounge, reception room with fireplace, fully-fitted large kitchen leading to a covered terrace with barbecue.
Dining room, master suite with dressing room, library, private terrace, three additional bedrooms, fitness room, sauna, laundry room, double carport. Cellar and wine cellar.
Located in a high-end residential neighborhood within walking distance of the village of Châteauneuf, the shops, and the tennis club, yet being only 30 minutes from Cannes and 10min from Valbonne village.
Châteauneuf-Grasse – 9,975,000 EUR
An exceptional traditional villa on the market with panoramic views.
Area: 625m² 10 room(s)
6 bedroom(s)
Land: 1ha
This magnificent traditionally built property is located on the countryside hilltops overlooking the countryside towards Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea.
The spacious private grounds and gardens offer an invaluable amount of privacy whilst remaining within walking distance of the historic village of Chateauneuf Grasse.
As you enter through the front door of the home you will first be greeted by its elegant staircase and open-plan design.
The ground floor presents us with an open-plan living area, consisting of a spacious lounge with a cozy fireplace, a bespoke library, and a formal dining room leading to a kitchen.
The traditionally designed kitchen has copious amounts of space as well as an informal dining area.
Downstairs there is an air quality regulated wine cellar and renovated suite ready to be converted into a cinema room.
On the first floor, we see the incredible master suite featuring separate his and hers dressing rooms with separate bathrooms, complete with a sauna and jacuzzi – with an additional room to be used as a gym or second bedroom and a study.
The property also has another 5 large double bedrooms and 3 marble-finished bathrooms.
The surrounding gardens feature over 100 mature olive trees and well-manicured lawns and vegetation.
Additionally, the perimeter of this 2.5-acre plot has been walled for additional privacy and security.
The new owners of this villa can enjoy the large 24-meter infinity swimming pool.
The villa has been finished off with a large 3-space car garage with an additional two-room storage area, and a separate cottage and car park for the caretaker’s accommodation – complete with its own living space, kitchen, and bathroom.
For more information on these properties or any other locations in the Cote d'Azur, please connect with us here.
