A Nostalgic Journey Along the Mediterranean: The Espresso Riviera Returns

 

Step aboard the Espresso Riviera and embark on a timeless voyage under star-studded skies and along the dazzling Mediterranean coast.

This summer, the legendary train revives the golden era of luxury travel, offering an elegant new escape from Rome starting July 2025.

Following its celebrated debut on the Nice–Milan route in 2024, the Espresso Riviera is expanding its magical itinerary. Now connecting Rome and Marseille, the route includes a glamorous new stop: Monaco.

A Seasonal Journey of Elegance

Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani—a Trenitalia subsidiary—the Espresso Riviera will run every weekend from July 4 to August 30, 2025. Departing Rome on Friday evenings, the train arrives in Monaco-Monte Carlo on Saturday before continuing to Marseille. The return trip departs Saturday evening, arriving in Rome on Sunday morning.

From Nighttime Luxury to Daylight Discovery

Your journey begins with an overnight experience from Rome to Genoa, where travelers can choose between the refined intimacy of single or double sleeping cars, or the shared comfort of four-berth couchette compartments—perfect for families and friends.

After sunrise in Genoa, the train transforms into a daytime configuration, offering sweeping coastal views. Passengers may relax in a private salottino, enjoy the comfort of first class, or opt for the convenience of second class seating.

A Scenic Route Like No Other

Winding its way along the Mediterranean, the Espresso Riviera offers an unforgettable itinerary. In Italy, the train stops at Savona, Alassio, Sanremo, and Ventimiglia before entering France, calling at Menton, Monaco-Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, Toulon, and finally Marseille.

Through panoramic windows, passengers can rediscover the beauty of the Mediterranean coast—a graceful and relaxing alternative to flying or driving.

An Onboard Lifestyle to Savor

Culinary excellence is part of the experience. A dedicated dining car and bar serve up regional dishes, morning espresso, and evening aperitifs, creating a rhythm of indulgence from departure to arrival.

To ensure a peaceful night’s rest, a trained onboard staff is available in each car throughout the night, offering discreet service and enhancing the sense of security and comfort.

Tickets, Pricing, and Booking

Daytime fares begin at just €48 in second class. Nighttime couchettes are available from approximately €100, while sleeping compartments range from €150 to €200, with meals included.

Reservations open on May 24, 2025, and can be made via the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website, by email at info@fstrenituristici.it, or by calling +39 337 1481776. As this enchanting seasonal route is expected to be in high demand, early booking is strongly recommended.

Breaking Boundaries: “The Little Sister” Triumphs at the Queer Palm 2025 in Cannes

 

The Queer Palm 2025 lit up the Cannes Film Festival with a powerful celebration of queer storytelling, awarding The Little Sister (La Petite Dernière) by Hafsia Herzi the coveted prize. This moving French-German drama, adapted from Fatima Daas’s acclaimed novel The Last One, follows a young woman from an Algerian immigrant family in Paris as she confronts her sexual identity in the face of deep-rooted cultural and religious expectations.

Newcomer Nadia Melliti captivated audiences with her portrayal of the conflicted lead, earning the Best Actress award alongside the film’s Queer Palm win. The film’s deeply personal and politically resonant narrative struck a chord with the jury and festival goers alike.

In the short film category, Italian filmmaker Sandra Lazzarini took home the Queer Palm for Bianca, a poetic and intimate portrait of an elderly woman that redefines the gaze on female beauty, aging, and desire. The short stood out for its quiet strength and visual grace, embodying the spirit of queer cinema beyond stereotypes.

As the Queer Palm marks its 15th anniversary, the 2025 edition reaffirmed its mission to spotlight bold, inclusive storytelling from around the world. Founded in 2010, the award continues to honor films across Cannes selections that challenge gender norms, explore LGBTQIA+ experiences, and expand the boundaries of cinema.

 

This year’s winners didn’t just reflect diversity—they redefined it.

Cannes 2025: Power Outages, Political Thrillers, and Global Triumphs Light Up the Croisette

 

The 78th Cannes Film Festival wrapped up on May 24, 2025, overcoming a regional power outage in the Alpes-Maritimes to deliver a dazzling celebration of international cinema. Despite the literal blackout, the spotlight remained firmly on a diverse and fearless lineup of films that reaffirmed Cannes as a global stage for boundary-pushing storytelling.

Top Honors: A Political Thriller Takes Center Stage

• Palme d'Or: It Was Just an Accident – Iranian director Jafar Panahi stunned audiences with this clandestinely made political thriller, a bold reflection of his ongoing struggles against censorship. The film’s critical acclaim and powerful message made it a defining winner.
  

• Grand Prix: Sentimental Value – Norwegian director Joachim Trier delivered a tender, emotionally resonant family drama that captured the jury’s hearts.
  

• Jury Prize (shared):
  

  • Sirât by Spanish auteur Oliver Laxe
    

  • Sound of Falling by German director Mascha Schilinski
    

Artistry Rewarded: Standout Individual Achievements

• Best Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho (The Secret Agent) – This Brazilian political thriller set during a military dictatorship impressed with its suspenseful direction and historical depth.
  

• Best Actor: Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) – Moura delivered a haunting performance as a teacher caught in a web of resistance and repression.
  

• Best Actress: Nadia Melliti (The Little Sister) – A breakout performance from Melliti as a young woman exploring identity and belonging in Paris.
  

• Best Screenplay: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Young Mothers) – The Belgian brothers continued their tradition of socially charged narratives with their moving screenplay.

Special Prize: Bi Gan (Resurrection) – The Chinese filmmaker was recognized for his experimental storytelling and poetic visuals.

New Voices, New Visions

• Caméra d'Or (Best First Feature): The President’s Cake by Hassan Hadi (Iraq) – A powerful debut film that signals a bold new voice in world cinema.
  

• Short Film Palme d'Or: I'm Glad You're Dead Now by Tawfeek Barhom (Palestine) – A gripping short that left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

Un Certain Regard: Bold and Beautiful Cinema

This Cannes sidebar continued to highlight daring and original storytelling:

• Prize Winner: The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo by Diego Céspedes (Chile)
  

• Jury Prize: A Poet by Simón Mesa Soto (Colombia)
  

• Best Director: Arab & Tarzan Nasser for Once Upon a Time in Gaza
  

• Best Actor: Frank Dillane in Urchin
  

• Best Actress: Cleo Diára in I Only Rest in the Storm
  

• Best Screenplay: Harry Lighton for Pillion

Legends Honored

Cannes paid tribute to two titans of cinema:

• Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington received Honorary Palme d'Ors for their decades of unforgettable performances and cultural influence.

A Festival to Remember

 

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival proved that even in darkness, cinema shines brighter than ever. From subversive political dramas to stirring personal tales, this year’s lineup celebrated storytelling at its most fearless and global. Cannes once again cemented its place as the heart of world cinema—where art resists, heals, and endures.

Toulon Pride 2025: A Celebration of Love, Unity, and Equality

 

Toulon is gearing up for a powerful and joyful display of solidarity with its LGBTQIA+ community as the 2025 Marche des Fiertés (Pride March) returns on Saturday, June 14. Organized by the Collectif Fiertés Toulon (CFT), this annual event stands as a proud symbol of the city’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and equal rights for all.

A Day to March with Pride

The march kicks off at 12:00 PM and continues into the evening until 8:00 PM, filling the streets of Toulon with vibrant colors, music, and an infectious spirit of celebration. Following last year’s turnout of around 3,000 participants, this year’s event is expected to draw even more supporters from across the region and beyond.

More than a festive gathering, the Pride March is a moment of visibility and advocacy—an invitation for everyone to stand together in support of LGBTQIA+ rights. People of all ages, backgrounds, and identities are welcome to join in this celebration of resilience, love, and community.

Quinzaine des Fiertés: Two Weeks of Pride

Leading up to the main event is the Quinzaine des Fiertés (Fortnight of Pride), a two-week program brimming with events curated by the CFT. From cultural exhibitions and film screenings to interactive workshops and public discussions, the Quinzaine is designed to spark dialogue, promote awareness, and bring people together through shared values of inclusion and respect.

Get Involved: Creativity and Community

As part of its commitment to community involvement, the CFT has launched a public contest to design the official 2025 Pride poster. Local artists and supporters are invited to submit their creative interpretations, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and representation at the heart of Pride.

Supporters can also become members of the CFT for just €10 per year, helping fund the Pride March and related events while affirming their support for LGBTQIA+ rights in Toulon and the broader Var region.

Be Part of the Movement

Whether you're a lifelong Toulonnais or visiting the beautiful Var coast, Toulon Pride 2025 offers an opportunity to stand in solidarity, celebrate love in all its forms, and march for a future rooted in equality.

Save the date: June 14, 2025. Let's make it a day to remember.

For the latest updates, event details, or to get involved, visit the official site of the Collectif Fiertés Toulon.