Contre-Nature Edition 2 Charity Drag Show Returns

 

The spotlight is set to shine once again as Contre-Nature Edition 2, Nice’s annual charity drag show, returns for an evening of spectacular entertainment, creativity and community spirit.

Taking place at Les Folies d’Edmonde in Nice on June 28, this year’s event promises an unforgettable showcase featuring a mix of amateur and professional performers ready to captivate audiences with their talent, passion and flair.

 

For this second edition, organisers are embracing an exciting open mic format, creating a platform where emerging artists can share the stage with experienced performers.

From dazzling costumes and powerful performances to moments of laughter, emotion and celebration, Contre-Nature aims to highlight the diversity and vibrancy of the local drag community while providing a welcoming space for all.

 

More than just a night of entertainment, the event serves a vital charitable purpose. Funds raised through Contre-Nature Edition 2 will support the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur, a key community resource in Nice that provides support, information, social services and assistance to LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.

The centre also helps vulnerable members of the community, organises cultural and advocacy events, and serves as a hub for numerous LGBTQIA+ associations across the Côte d’Azur.

 

By combining the art of drag with fundraising and community engagement, Contre-Nature demonstrates the powerful role that performance can play in supporting inclusion, visibility and solidarity. At a time when community spaces and support services remain essential, events such as this help ensure that organisations like the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur can continue their important work throughout the region.

 

Whether you’re a dedicated supporter of drag culture or simply looking for a unique and meaningful night out in Nice, Contre-Nature Edition 2 offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate self-expression while contributing to a cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

 

For one night, the stage belongs to the performers, but the impact will be felt far beyond the spotlight.

 

Reserve your tickets now!

World-Renowned PAD Design Fair Chooses Saint-Tropez for Its Riviera Debut

 

Saint-Tropez is set to reinforce its position as one of the Mediterranean’s most influential cultural destinations this summer as the prestigious PAD Design Fair makes its highly anticipated debut in the iconic village.

Taking place from July 2 to July 5, 2026, PAD Saint-Tropez will transform the historic Maison Jean Despas on the legendary Place des Lices into a showcase of exceptional historical and contemporary design, bringing together some of the world’s leading galleries, collectors, architects, decorators, and design enthusiasts.

Supported by the City of Saint-Tropez, the inaugural event marks a significant milestone for PAD, which has established itself as the world’s premier fair dedicated to collectible design. Having enjoyed a successful presence in Paris for 28 years and London for 18 years, the fair’s arrival on the French Riviera reflects both Saint-Tropez’s growing cultural significance and the region’s appeal to an international audience with a passion for art, craftsmanship, and design excellence.

PAD has long distinguished itself through its rigorous curatorial standards and its unique ability to bridge historical masterpieces with contemporary innovation. The Saint-Tropez edition will continue that tradition, presenting an exclusive selection of approximately twenty leading French and international galleries specializing in collectible design and artists’ jewellery.

Among the first exhibitors announced are respected names from across Europe and beyond, including Julia Munoz Portuondo from Spain, Jacques Lacoste, Dutko, Elie Top, JAG, Opera Gallery, Stéphanie Coutas, Maison Parisienne, Gastou and Karry Berreby from France, Tristan Hoare from the United Kingdom, Bessa Pereira and Galeria da Estrela from Portugal, Veta Stefanidou Tsoukala from Greece, House of Today from Lebanon, and the internationally renowned Carpenters, which operates across France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The choice of Place des Lices as the event’s setting is particularly fitting. Widely regarded as the heart of Saint-Tropez, the famous square embodies the village’s blend of heritage, elegance, and international appeal. The Maison Jean Despas will provide a refined backdrop for a fair that has become synonymous with design excellence and collectible artistry. 

The event will open with a private inauguration on Thursday, July 2, before welcoming the public from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. Opening hours will run daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a gesture designed to strengthen ties with the local community, residents of the twelve communes of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez will enjoy free admission throughout the event upon presentation of proof of residency. Admission for the inauguration is set at €50 per person, while public access from July 3 to July 5 will be €20 per person.

For Saint-Tropez, the arrival of PAD represents far more than another summer event. It signals the growing recognition of the destination as a serious cultural hub capable of attracting world-class exhibitions and international creative talent.

For visitors and residents alike, PAD Saint-Tropez promises four days of exceptional design, artistic discovery, and a rare opportunity to engage with some of the most influential galleries shaping the global collectible design market today.

Further information is available from PAD Saint-Tropez Official Website.

Summer Screens by the Sea: Cannes Brings Open-Air Cinema to Every Corner of the City

 

There are few pleasures more synonymous with a Mediterranean summer than watching a film beneath the stars. This July and August, Cannes once again embraces that tradition as Ciné Quartier returns with a programme of free outdoor screenings set against some of the city’s most picturesque locations.

Organised by the City of Cannes in partnership with Cannes Cinéma, the popular event transforms neighbourhood squares, waterfront promenades and cultural venues into open-air cinemas, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy recent releases, family favourites and even a world-class opera performance in a uniquely Riviera setting.

The 2026 edition marks an expansion of the programme, bringing screenings to several new venues across the city. While Place Paul Roubaud in Cannes La Bocca remains a familiar stop on the calendar, film lovers can also enjoy screenings at the Médiathèque Noailles, the scenic Square de Verdun on Pointe Croisette, the Esplanade Pantiero overlooking the Mediterranean and the historic Place de la Castre in Le Suquet.

The season opens on 6 July at the Médiathèque Noailles with Plus Fort Que Moi (I Swear), an inspiring British drama based on the life of John Davidson and his journey living with Tourette Syndrome. The moving biographical film stars Robert Aramayo alongside acclaimed actors Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan.

On 13 July, audiences gathering at Square de Verdun will be treated to Juste une Illusion, a nostalgic French comedy-drama set in the suburbs of Paris during the 1980s. Directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, the film offers a touching coming-of-age story filled with humour and warmth.

Families and younger moviegoers can look forward to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on 20 July at Place Paul Roubaud. Inspired by Nintendo’s beloved gaming universe, the animated adventure takes audiences on an interstellar journey packed with action, imagination and colourful characters.

One of the summer’s most anticipated screenings arrives on 27 July at the Esplanade Pantiero with Project Hail Mary. Starring Ryan Gosling, the science-fiction epic follows a lone astronaut tasked with saving humanity after a mysterious threat begins draining the sun’s energy. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Andy Weir, the film combines suspense, humour and spectacular visual storytelling.

Basketball fans may be especially interested in Le Rêve Américain, screening on 3 August at Square de Verdun. Based on a remarkable true story, the film chronicles the unlikely rise of two French friends who overcome enormous obstacles to become influential figures in the world of professional basketball and the NBA.

The programme continues on 10 August with Marsupilami, a family adventure directed by Philippe Lacheau. Combining comedy, action and plenty of heart, the film follows a courier who unexpectedly becomes the protector of a rare baby Marsupilami pursued by determined hunters.

Dinosaurs return to the big screen on 17 August with Jurassic World: Renaissance, screening at the Médiathèque Noailles. Led by Scarlett Johansson, the latest chapter in the Jurassic saga takes audiences back to the infamous island research facility where the original story began, blending high-stakes adventure with cutting-edge science fiction.

The season concludes on 27 August in the historic setting of Place de la Castre with a special open-air presentation of Puccini’s La Bohème. Conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and performed by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Paris National Opera, the production offers a fittingly grand finale to the summer programme.

Beyond the films themselves, the appeal of Ciné Quartier lies in its atmosphere. Whether seated beneath the palm trees along the Croisette, enjoying the sea breeze from Pantiero, or discovering a neighbourhood venue for the first time, audiences can experience cinema in a way that feels distinctly Cannes. The combination of culture, community and warm summer evenings continues to make the event one of the highlights of the city’s seasonal calendar.

Practical Information

Admission to all screenings is free, subject to available seating. Gates open one hour before each screening and all events remain weather dependent. While most screenings are suitable for a general audience, some films may not be appropriate for younger children.

For additional information, visitors can contact the Cannes Town Hall on +33 (0)4 97 06 40 83 or visit the official website of Cannes Cinéma.

American F1 Fever Fuels Monaco's Luxury Boom as SBM Delivers Record-Breaking Year

 

The growing American fascination with Formula 1 is rapidly reshaping Monaco’s tourism landscape, and few companies are benefiting more than the Principality’s hospitality giant, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.

 

Fresh from a Formula 1 weekend that once again transformed Monaco into the centre of the sporting and luxury world, SBM has announced the strongest financial performance in its history.

The group generated a record €861.6 million in revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year and highlighting the continued global appeal of Monaco’s high-end tourism and entertainment sector.

 

For a business such as ours that serves a predominantly North American audience, the figures are hardly surprising. Formula 1’s explosive growth in the United States has brought a new generation of affluent American visitors to Monaco, many of whom are discovering the Principality for the first time through the sport. That trend is now becoming visible across hotels, casinos, restaurants and luxury experiences throughout SBM’s portfolio.

 

Speaking during the presentation of the annual results, SBM President-Delegate Stéphane Valeri described the year as a historic milestone for the group. Growth was recorded across every division, from hospitality and gaming to real estate and dining, reflecting strong demand throughout Monaco’s luxury sector.

 

One of the most notable developments is the changing profile of SBM’s clientele. North American visitors, alongside guests from the Middle East, have emerged as some of the group’s most important customers.

At the same time, the average age of visitors continues to decline, indicating that Monaco is attracting a younger and more internationally diverse luxury audience than in previous decades.

 

Formula 1 remains a major driver behind this evolution. While financial regulations limited detailed discussion of the most recent Monaco Grand Prix, Valeri confirmed that the event delivered exceptional results across SBM’s operations. According to the group, revenues during Grand Prix weekend can reach six or seven times normal daily levels.

 

The increasing presence of wealthy American visitors has been particularly significant. Formula 1’s expansion under the ownership of Liberty Media has dramatically broadened the sport’s appeal in the United States, transforming races such as Monaco into must-attend events for a growing number of high-net-worth travellers.

 

SBM’s hotel division generated €443.1 million in revenue, an increase of 11 percent. Higher room rates, combined with renovations at the legendary Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, contributed significantly to the gains. Food and beverage operations also enjoyed a strong year, boosted by new concepts including the Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo tea room and the continued success of Marlow at Mareterra.

 

The casino business delivered the most dramatic growth. Revenue climbed 20 percent to €259.6 million, driven by increased gaming activity, stronger table game performance and higher slot machine volumes. Meanwhile, SBM’s property portfolio continued to generate reliable returns, with rental revenues rising to €156.5 million and residential occupancy remaining close to full capacity.

 

Operating profit reached €86.6 million while net profit increased to €112.9 million. The group closed the financial year with a strong balance sheet, including net positive cash reserves of €158.8 million and shareholder equity approaching €1.7 billion.

 

Investment also remained a priority. SBM spent nearly €177 million on development and renovation projects, including upgrades to its flagship hotels and work on the Monte-Carlo One project in Courchevel. New openings continue to strengthen the group’s offering, including Gustave at Hôtel Hermitage, while the return of La Vigie under chef Simone Zanoni and the refurbishment of La Rascasse are expected to further enhance Monaco’s appeal.

 

The figures paint a clear picture of a destination that continues to evolve. While Monaco’s reputation has long been built on European glamour, the latest results suggest the Principality is increasingly becoming a playground for a younger, more international and notably more American luxury clientele.

As Formula 1’s popularity continues to soar across North America, Monaco appears well positioned to remain one of the sport’s most coveted destinations—and one of its biggest financial winners.