The Rising Tech Industry in the Côte d'Azur and Monaco

In my world of luxury real estate, I've noticed a growing trend over the past few years — and even more so now with what’s being called the “Trump Effect.” More and more clients seeking a new life in France are not only interested in the lifestyle, but are also curious about the local tech industry, with some people wondering if it could offer opportunities to extend their careers here.

As someone who has always been fascinated by new technology, I’m happy to share that the tech community across the region is not only thriving but continuing to grow and innovate.

The Côte d'Azur, often synonymous with glamour, luxury, and breathtaking Mediterranean views, is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation: it’s becoming a significant hub for technology and innovation. Alongside its traditional reputation as a playground for the wealthy, the region — especially with Monaco at its core — is now positioning itself as a serious contender in Europe’s growing tech landscape.

A Shift from Tourism to Technology

For decades, the Côte d'Azur’s economy has relied heavily on tourism, real estate, and luxury services. Cities like Nice, Cannes, and Antibes have attracted millions annually, but local leaders realized the importance of diversifying their economy to ensure long-term sustainability. Over the last 20 years, strategic investments have been made to develop tech parks, support startups, and lure major international companies to set up local operations.

The Sophia Antipolis technology park, often called the "French Silicon Valley," exemplifies this vision. Founded in the 1970s between Antibes and Valbonne, it is now home to more than 2,500 companies across IT, biotech, and cleantech sectors, employing over 38,000 people from around the globe.

Monaco: A Digital Pioneer in a Tiny Package

Monaco, though tiny at just over 2 square kilometers, is punching far above its weight in tech innovation. Under the leadership of Prince Albert II, the principality has embraced a forward-looking digital strategy. The Extended Monaco program launched in 2019, aims to turn Monaco into a "Smart Principality," leveraging digital technology across governance, healthcare, education, and the economy.

Key highlights include:

• 5G Nationwide Coverage: Monaco was the first country in the world to achieve complete 5G coverage in 2019.

• E-Government Services: Almost all administrative services are now accessible online, improving efficiency for citizens and businesses alike.

• Green Tech Focus: With sustainability at its core, Monaco is promoting green technologies, from electric vehicle infrastructure to energy-efficient urban planning.

Additionally, Monaco is positioning itself as a safe haven for fintech, proptech, and cybersecurity companies, benefiting from its strong political stability, high-net-worth resident base, and robust financial services sector.

        Key Sectors and Emerging Trends

The Côte d'Azur and Monaco are seeing a tech boom in several specific areas:

• Artificial Intelligence: With initiatives like the Côte d'Azur AI Cluster, there’s a focus on machine learning research and practical AI applications, particularly in healthcare and smart cities.

• Maritime Technology: Given the region’s close ties to the sea, startups and established firms are developing innovations in yacht tech, sustainable marine travel, and ocean conservation technologies.

• Biotechnology: Building on a strong healthcare infrastructure, biotech research, particularly in genomics and personalized medicine, is growing rapidly.

• Cybersecurity: Monaco, in particular, is investing heavily in cybersecurity, recognizing the critical importance of digital safety in the age of online financial services and smart city infrastructures.
  

  The Startup Scene: Young, International, and Growing

  A new generation of entrepreneurs is finding the Côte d'Azur irresistible — not only for its lifestyle but also for its growing support ecosystem. Numerous incubators and accelerators have sprung up, including:

• Le Village by CA in Sophia Antipolis

• MonacoTech, the principality’s startup incubator, which has supported startups in sectors from blockchain to healthtech

Events like Innovative City in Nice and Monaco Business bring together international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, further energizing the local tech community.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its growth, the region faces challenges.Competition with larger European hubs like Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona is fierce.

However, the unique combination of a high quality of life, strong governmental support, excellent infrastructure, and a growing international talent pool gives the Côte d'Azur and Monaco a distinctive advantage. Moreover, the region’s focus on sustainable, green innovation fits perfectly with global megatrends toward responsible tech development.

The Future

The Côte d'Azur and Monaco are not looking to replicate Silicon Valley; they are crafting their own model — one that marries technological excellence with a Mediterranean way of life. As smart cities evolve, digital health expands, and green tech becomes paramount, expect the French Riviera not just to shine for its beauty, but also for its brains.

In the coming decade, the Côte d'Azur may very well become Europe’s brightest tech jewel

Where Do Gays Retire Podcast

Retire in Style: Why Nice, France is the Ultimate LGBTQ Destination With Jameson Farn

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mark Goldstein, the host of the Where Do Gays Retire? podcast.

I connected with Mark after seeing his post in a local Facebook group, where he was looking to speak with LGBTQ+ expats living in France.

We instantly clicked, and I was thrilled to share my journey of relocating from Canada to the French Riviera all those years ago.

Mark created Where Do Gays Retire?—originally as a Facebook group—as a space for retirees and soon-to-be retirees to exchange real-life insights, both the highs and the lows, about taking the leap into a new country or settling down in a long-loved destination.

As Mark states on the Where Do Gays Retire website: We do our best to bring you the best information and experience from people who live in desirable LGBTQ+ locations.

Listen to our guests talk about the cost of living, healthcare, crime and safety, healthcare and more.

The world is our home. We have no boundaries. Find a place that’s safe and affordable to you.

We are always looking for guest speakers! If you live in an LGBTQ+ friendly town or city, please contact me for further information! We need to give our community the best choices to retire.

By the time our chat rolled around, I’ll admit—it had been a long, unexpected, and pretty hectic day (so forgive the lighting and camera angle!). But with Mark’s calm and thoughtful presence, he quickly brought a fresh energy to our conversation. As always, the Côte d’Azur worked its magic too—this region continues to inspire me, and I hope it can do the same for others.

The Côte d’Azur is truly a gem—warm, inspiring, and especially welcoming to those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.

If you're curious to connect further, be sure to check out Mark’s new platform as well!

And a heartfelt Merci to Mark for the wonderful podcast interview!

78th Festival de Cannes Poster Unveiled

 

The Cannes Film Festival unveiled its official poster for the 78th edition, paying homage to Claude Lelouch’s 1966 Palme d’Or-winning film, A Man and a Woman. Designed by the creative studio Hartland Villa, the poster features a poignant embrace between the film's stars, Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant, encapsulating the timeless romance that captivated audiences nearly six decades ago.

This year’s poster continues Cannes’ tradition of honoring cinematic milestones, following previous tributes to auteurs like Akira Kurosawa and Peter Weir. By spotlighting A Man and a Woman, the festival not only celebrates a defining moment in French cinema but also underscores its enduring commitment to films that explore human connection and emotional depth.​

The 78th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 13 to 24, 2025, with French actress Juliette Binoche presiding over the main competition jury. The festival will open with the film Bye Bye, and the Honorary Palme d'Or will be awarded to Robert De Niro during the opening ceremony .​

The official poster is available for purchase through the Festival de Cannes online boutique.

New Census Reveals Monaco Is Home to 145 Nationalities

 

There has always been rumours both locally and abroad that Monaco is made of mainly wealthy individuals from Russia and Dubai, but a recently released census has quashed all those assumptions.

This new census sheds fresh light on the extraordinary diversity of the Principality of Monaco, revealing that this tiny yet iconic country is now home to citizens of 145 nationalities.

This data not only highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the world's second-smallest country but also offers intriguing insights into the gender and age distribution of its population.

A Global Microcosm

Despite its modest area of just over 2 square kilometers, Monaco boasts an international population that rivals those of major metropolises. According to the new census, the resident population includes people from every continent, with the most represented nationalities being:

• French: 28.4%

• Monegasque (native citizens): 21.5%

• Italian: 18.1%

• British: 7.5%

• Belgian: 2.9%

• Swiss: 2.5%

• German: 2.1%

• American: 1.8%

• Russian: 1.7%

• Other nationalities (135 in total): 13.5%

These "other nationalities" span from neighboring European countries to residents from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania — further reinforcing Monaco’s role as a truly global crossroads.

Gender Breakdown

The census data also shows a near-even gender balance, with a slight majority of female residents:

• Women: 52.3%

• Men: 47.7%

This distribution reflects broader European demographic trends, particularly in older populations, where women typically have a higher life expectancy.

Age Demographics

Monaco’s population is not only diverse but also skews older, a testament to its high standard of living and healthcare. The census reveals the following age structure:

• 0–14 years: 12.1%

• 15–24 years: 9.5%

• 25–54 years: 40.6%

• 55–64 years: 15.3%

• 65 years and over: 22.5%

The largest demographic, adults between 25 and 54, forms the backbone of Monaco’s active workforce, while nearly a quarter of residents are 65 or older, underscoring the principality’s appeal as a retirement haven.

A Principality of Inclusion

Officials from Monaco’s Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) remarked that the results of this census highlight the Principality’s status as a welcoming and harmonious society.

“This level of international representation is rare in such a small country,” said an IMSEE spokesperson. “Monaco is a model of multicultural coexistence.”

Looking Ahead

With its remarkable blend of cultures, languages, and generations, Monaco continues to stand out not only for its luxury and lifestyle but for its human tapestry. Policymakers and city planners are already looking to the future, exploring how to adapt services and infrastructure to this evolving demographic landscape.

From global citizens to native Monegasques, the principality is proving that even in the smallest of places, diversity can thrive.