LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center Hosts Fall Kickoff Event in Nice

 

The LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center is ringing in the new season with its annual fall kickoff event, taking place on Sunday, September 14 at 5 p.m. at the Center on rue Cathy Richeux in Nice.

The evening will feature a presentation of the association’s upcoming activities, a special exhibition, speeches, music, and of course, a convivial apéritif to bring the community together.

Admission is free and open to all, making it a perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate, and discover the wonderful programs the Center has planned for the months ahead.

The White Lotus Rumored to Set Season 4 in France

 

Word is that creator Mike White and HBO have set their sights on France as the backdrop for the highly anticipated fourth season of The White Lotus, the Emmy-winning murder-mystery dramedy.

Thanks to HBO’s ongoing partnership with the Four Seasons hotel chain—which doubles as the fictional White Lotus resorts—speculation has zeroed in on the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Perched dramatically on the tip of the peninsula, the Riviera landmark has long drawn Hollywood’s elite, with Cannes and Monaco just a stone’s throw away.

Still, nothing is locked in. Much like Season 3 in Thailand, which combined the Four Seasons Koh Samui with three other resorts, Season 4 is expected to feature multiple hotels. Whether a French Four Seasons property will anchor the story remains to be seen. Fueling the Riviera buzz, White was recently spotted staying at Nice’s historic Hotel Negresco, a Belle Époque treasure that echoes the grandeur of Cap-Ferrat.

France offers three Four Seasons options: the Cap-Ferrat on the Riviera, the alpine retreat in Megève, and the glamorous Hotel George V in Paris. Each presents a unique tone—Cap-Ferrat aligns with the beachside luxury of Seasons 1–3 (Hawaii, Italy, Thailand), Megève could deliver a snowy twist, and Paris would plunge the series into an urban, romantic setting. But White has admitted to hating the cold, which makes Megève a risky choice, especially if production starts before late spring.

At the close of Season 3, White teased a shift in direction: “For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of vernacular rocks, but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”

Location scouting was originally planned for spring but postponed to summer, as White took a breather after wrapping Season 3. With the show’s most recent installment scoring 23 Emmy nominations, expectations are sky-high.

Locals on the Côte d’Azur, meanwhile, are divided. Some welcome the global spotlight and economic boost, while others fear that a Riviera-set season could unleash another wave of overtourism. I personally think this region is a most beautiful and intriguing location option along with its history that helped make it what it is today.

Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: Tradition Meets Innovation in a Landmark 48th Edition Jameson Farn

 

From September 9 to 14, 2025, Cannes will once again transform into the world capital of yachting as it welcomes the 48th edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival. With more than 710 boats expected, including nearly 150 world premieres, and 670 exhibitors confirmed, the event cements its reputation as Europe’s largest in-water boat show.

Preparations are in full swing between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, where pontoons and exhibition spaces are rapidly taking shape. “We can’t wait to welcome back exhibitors and visitors. The setup is progressing perfectly thanks to the invaluable support of our partners and service providers,” says Sylvie Ernoult, Show Director, adding: “As every year, the Cannes Yachting Festival opens the season by showcasing an exceptional lineup.”

The 2025 edition maintains the sectorized layout introduced in recent years, ensuring an optimized visitor experience. The Vieux Port will host around 360 new motorboats, ranging from 12 to 45 meters, alongside the Power Cat Village, the Tenders and Motorists areas, and the Equipment Village. Over at Port Canto, visitors will find 125 brand-new sailboats, the Power Boat Marina with 180 vessels under 13 meters, a dedicated water toys zone, and a brokerage area showcasing 45 pre-owned yachts from 25 to 55 meters.

Building on the success of 2024—which drew over 55,000 visitors from 130 countries—the 2025 show underscores the industry’s strong momentum. Once again, the “Innovation Route” will spotlight eco-efficient solutions, with forty pioneering projects selected by a jury of experts. Four standout innovations will receive awards during the show’s opening, recognizing advancements in sustainable technology, alternative energy, and the sailing experience.

Beyond its dazzling fleet displays, the Cannes Yachting Festival remains a major economic driver for the French Riviera and a global showcase of Côte d’Azur expertise. Cannes itself was named “World’s Best Destination for Festivals and Events” for the third consecutive year at the 2024 World Travel Awards, reaffirming its unrivaled ability to attract and unite the world’s leading players in the nautical sector.

A Rising Tide: Why More Americans Are Moving to the French Riviera

 

Since the recent U.S. elections, the French Riviera has seen a noticeable increase not only in American visitors but also in U.S. citizens becoming homeowners in the region. What was once a coveted holiday destination is now increasingly viewed as a permanent lifestyle choice, or secondary home ownership (especially for those of us within the LGBTQ+ community) with Americans and Canadians alike drawn to the Côte d’Azur’s blend of luxury, culture, and quality of life.

Recent tourism data highlights this trend: international travelers spend significantly more than French tourists when vacationing in the Riviera — about €120 per day compared to €75. This spending power, combined with an appetite for real estate, is shaping the Riviera’s property market and reinforcing its status as a global lifestyle hub.

Why the French Riviera Appeals to North Americans

1. Direct connections from the U.S. and Canada

In recent years, major airlines have introduced direct flights from New York, Atlanta, Montreal, and Toronto to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. This has made the Riviera more accessible than ever before, reducing travel time and making both seasonal visits and long-term stays more convenient.

2. A lifestyle unlike anywhere else

The French Riviera offers a rare balance: Mediterranean charm mixed with an international, cosmopolitan community. Residents enjoy world-renowned gastronomy, art, and cultural events alongside year-round leisure activities such as sailing, hiking, skiing in the nearby Alps, and exploring Provence’s vineyards.

3. Cost of living and healthcare advantages

Compared to many U.S. metropolitan areas, the cost of living in the Riviera can be surprisingly favorable — particularly when it comes to healthcare, education, and day-to-day expenses. France’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and significantly more affordable than in the U.S., offering an added incentive for retirees and families.

4. Strong real estate value and investment potential

The Riviera’s property market is considered one of the most stable in Europe. With limited land availability along the coast and consistent global demand, real estate here is viewed as both a lifestyle purchase and a long-term investment. Legacy properties, in particular, hold strong appeal for families looking to secure wealth across generations.

5. A sense of safety and stability

Many North Americans cite political divisions and social uncertainties back home as a reason for seeking out more stable environments abroad. France — and the Riviera in particular — offers not only personal safety but also a slower, more balanced pace of life, which is increasingly valued in a fast-changing world.

6. Education and international opportunities

The Côte d’Azur is home to highly regarded international schools and universities, making it attractive to families with children. Additionally, its proximity to Monaco and other European business hubs provides unique professional and networking opportunities.

7. Climate and well-being

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters, and fresh Mediterranean air, the Riviera offers an outdoor-oriented lifestyle that promotes health and well-being. This climate is particularly attractive to North Americans escaping harsher winters or humid summers.

The Growing American Footprint

The influx of Americans and Canadians is reshaping local communities, with English increasingly heard in Riviera cafés, galleries, and real estate offices. For many, the decision to move is not just about property or investment but about embracing a new way of life — one that prioritizes culture, health, and balance.

As this trend accelerates, the French Riviera is cementing its reputation not just as Europe’s playground for the elite but as a thriving, international enclave where North Americans are planting deeper roots than ever before.

If you are considering a move to the region, as a Canadian, I speak your language and can relay personal experiences and guidance. Let’s connect.