Thursday, January 26, 2023

Drag Queen Story Hour Cancelled in Toulouse

 

In recent days, the city hall in Toulouse has canceled readings to children by drag queens at a local library.

Faced with the indignation of a local group and a collective of associations, on Tuesday, January 24, the city hall of Toulouse took the decision to cancel reading workshops for children that were supposed to be animated by drag queens in a library.

"This choice of programming - which has not given rise to any approval or endorsement from elected officials - may destabilize part of the public. This is obviously not the will of the community," explained the city hall of Toulouse, in a statement published on Tuesday.

While a small group presenting itself on Instagram as a "community youth movement Toulouse and rooted" and called "French Fury" had launched a petition to cancel the event, the Toulouse City Council has taken the decision "in a bid to appease" to reorient the reading initially scheduled for February 18 "to accommodate only a major audience."

On Twitter, the collective "La Manif pour tous" was also indignant against these readings. "PARENTS, WAKE UP! This reading workshop in a Toulouse library for 3-6-year-olds led by two drag-queens has nothing educational, playful or aesthetic," it wrote.

To make things extra dramatic, the municipality says in a statement, "Some reactions may lead to public disorder." At the time a petition to stop the activity was started by one of the associations but has since been deleted.

However, Jean-Luc Moudenc, the mayor of Toulouse, intends to ask the Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmain, "for the dissolution of the movement "French Fury", at the origin of the threats and the disturbance of public order."

The reading workshop was intended to "educate the young public about the difference, in a playful way," said city hall.

The Manif pour tous is the main group of associations behind the demonstrations and actions in opposition to the law opening marriage and adoption to same-sex couples in France.

Shanna Banana and Brandy Snap, two of the local drag queens have started a petition to make sure the events still take place that can be found here:

Liberté, égalité, fraternité - the national motto of France, we shall see.

Sunday, January 22, 2023

French Riviera Real Estate Options Six

 

Antibes is a beautiful area on the French Riviera between Nice and Cannes that has a pleasant old-world charm and consistently attracts visitors all year long while encompassing the sophistications that a small city has to offer. 
 
The history of Antibes goes back to the 5th century BC when it was used as a Greek colony due to it being a naturally protected port which also then made it an important trading center.
 
This way of life still stands today where Port Vauban is in full operation mooring some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts along the Quai de Milliardaires.

Next to the port is what is affectionately known as, “Old Town Antibes” an area still surrounded by many of its original fortified walls.
 
Seemingly anything one would need can be found by making your way along one of the many cobbled pedestrian streets and by browsing through any number of the outdoor public markets that sell everything from fresh food such as at the Provencal Market to other markets selling clothing and even antiques, plus there are some amazing bars, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.

There is also any number of sandy beaches close by with seaside restaurants to enjoy. In Antibes, you will quickly discover that many amenities are within walking distance.

Architecturally there is a mix of classic Belle Époque properties reminiscent of when the writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in the area and modern, contemporary style properties on the market all at a wide range of prices.

Here you will find is where people have their holiday homes or even more so in the past few years, people have decided to live in Antibes year-round.

Antibes quickly feels like home, the people are friendly and inviting, and there is a strong sense of community here. The following is just a small selection of properties currently available on the market.
 
Antibes France - 2,850,000 EUR


A 5-Bedroom contemporary villa on the market in Antibes.

Area: 343m²
10 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 1543m² 
 
Come and discover this superb and spacious villa that is 343m² in size, located in a peaceful and highly sought-after area of Antibes. Just a short walk from the beaches and the local shops and bakeries. 
 
Spread over 3 levels, the villa includes 5 bedrooms, each with a shower room or bathroom. The master bedroom has a bathtub, an Italian shower, and an integrated hammam. 
 
The spacious double living room is located on the main floor and gives access to a terrace overlooking a beautiful garden of more than 1500m ² that is south-west facing complete with a heated salt pool.

You can enjoy the terrace in summer and winter thanks to its outdoor heating system.
The property also has a large covered parking area for up to 10 vehicles.
 
 
Antibes France - 2,950,000 EUR


Area: 210 m2
6 room(s)
4 bedroom(s)
Land: 850 m2
 
Beautiful contemporary villa with high-quality fittings and finishes, a few minutes walk from the beaches of Juan-les-Pins.
 
It is sheltered from view and nestled in the heart of a luxuriant garden with tropical species and a heated mirror pool.
 
The interior offers beautiful volumes, a vast and luminous living room with fireplace, a convivial and very well equipped kitchen, 4 bedrooms, each with their shower or bath en suite, and an office.
 
Closed garage for 3 cars.


Antibes France - 3,200,000 EUR

 
Area: 234 m2
6 room(s)

4 bedroom(s)

Land: 1774 m2

This lovely family villa is located in one of the most desirable areas of Antibes, a privileged quiet, and residential neighborhood, close to shops and schools. This neo-Provençal villa has views of the sea, located in a beautifully landscaped complete with a superb pool area.

The villa has been entirely renovated with top-of-the-range home comforts. Including a spacious living room, a large fitted open kitchen opening onto the terrace and the swimming pool, a laundry room as well as 3 bedrooms and 2 shower rooms.

Upstairs, there is a beautiful master suite with a large terrace, dressing room, and bath/shower room, as well as a large office.

Numerous storage spaces, a technical room, a cellar, and a garage complete this exceptional property.

Antibes France - 3,250,000 EUR

Area: 247m²
7 room(s)
4 bedroom(s)
Land: 2638m²

This superb Belle Epoque villa is located close to the town center of Antibes and the beaches.

You will be charmed by its high ceilings, its brightness, and it's quality materials.

The home consists of a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an office. This property offers 4 bedrooms in total.

On the ground floor, there is also an apartment with independent access, several storage rooms, a laundry room, and the possibility to install a wine cellar.

Three openings give access to the nicely planted garden of 2638 m2.

The swimming pool and the pergola invite you to spend good moments with family and/or friends.

A covered garage and several parking spaces complete this property.


If you happen to see a property you would like more information about or have something more specific in mind you are seeking, feel free to connect with us.

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Rainbow Bar in Nice

Near the beginning of last summer, a new and fabulous LGBTQ+ cocktail bar opened up in what is known affectionately by the locals as ‘le petit Marais' of Nice.

Situated at 9 Rue Bonaparte, and adding even more color and light to this special part of the city, Rainbow Bar quickly became a favorite by those not only living in Nice but also visitors alike.

This attitude-free zone brings people together from every walk of life, whether it is to hang out with friends for an after-work apéro and tapas, or as part of a night out on the town to catch a drag show, to check your vocal range by singing a few bars of a song on karaoke night, or even just on your own where you can take in the ambiance, people watch and easily make new friends.

Rainbow Bar isn’t a huge establishment, but that just means more fun can be had with everyone being in close quarters with each other. The business is well laid out so that you can watch the world go by from the terrace, or get to know someone better on a date in a cozy corner at the back.


An array of vibrant, tasty, reasonably priced cocktails concocted by the friendly staff are available or feel free to ask for your regular drink of choice.

With new establishments, especially those in the LGBTQ world, it can be hard to know if a place will really take off, but if this past summer was any indication Rainbow Bar has certainly had a tremendous start and continues to do well.

Photo credit: Rainbow Bar

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

French Riviera Real Estate Options Five

This month to change things up, we thought we would showcase some properties in the region that are yet to be completed and on the market.

It can be rare to find these properties as they tend to quickly get purchased so that a new owner can take over and proceed with their own desired designed details both inside and out.

Another reason they can be a great property investment is the price can sometimes be more strongly negotiated depending on factors such as; what work needs to be completed, location, and possibly varying owner circumstances.

If any of the property options below are of interest to you or you have a specific property idea and location in mind, please feel free to connect with us as we also have off-market real estate opportunities available besides anything public.

Beausoleil France - Price Upon Application


An extraordinary property is under development in Beausoleil with a southern exposure and Mediterranean Sea view, only 340 meters from the border with the Principality of Monaco in an area formerly referred to as “Upper Monte-Carlo”.

The villa is under construction and just waiting for the new owners to choose how to customize it.

There are a number of possibilities for the sale:

The Villa is sold finished to a high specification at a price defined at the time of purchase.

The Villa is sold with maximum freedom of choice by the owner of materials, subdivisions, installations, etc. with a price to be defined according to the choices made by the client.

The Villa is sold in the current state of works with a defined price and the owner can customize and finish it with total autonomy.

The structure is on three levels connected by an internal elevator, full southern exposure, Monaco, and sea view, made of reinforced concrete.

The total building is 643 sq m inserted into a property of more than 1,600 sq m of terraced land with large flat parts.

The property is accessed via a sloping ramp enclosed by a marine steel driveway door (from a second door, there is access to an uncovered parking space that leads to the main and secondary (main floor) entrances made with biometric armored doors and to the car lift that allows access to the 149 sq m interior garage suitable for 8/10 vehicles.

From the garage, there is access to the semi-basement floor of 224 sq m interior divided into several rooms of various sizes that can be used for any residential use.

Cap d'Antibes France - 4,300,000 EUR


Contemporary villa to be completed.

Area: 360.01m²

6 bedroom(s)

Land: 1265m²

On the west side of the Cap d'Antibes, in the heart of a prestigious estate and close to the beaches and the port Gallice, this contemporary villa to be completed is positioned on a beautiful flat plot of 1265 m². (structural works done)

The layout of the villa offers 3 levels served by an elevator.

On the first level, a double living room has large bay windows opening onto the garden, a large fitted kitchen, and a dining room.

Upstairs, the 4 sublime en-suite bedrooms have access to a 160 m² solarium with sea views.

The lower level consists of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a sauna.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer France - Price Upon Application


Behind a private, gated domaine, this front-line property project of 337 m2 in progress can be purchased as is and has expansive lounge and dining areas along with 4 bedrooms. Plus a basement of 300 m2 offers more possibilities.

The plot of 2072 m2 offers plenty of opportunities on the flat land with a swimming pool.

The property is within walking distance of all the shops, the marina with its restaurants, and the beach.

Tourrettes France - 6,742,000 EUR

 

Situated within Domaine de Terre Blanche and its world-famous golf courses. This property is waiting for the ideal client to complete the project to their own specific requirements.

This property contains

Villa of 855 m2 with an open floor plan.

- Condition "shell and core" (under the finish).

- The highest quality of construction and materials.

- Project of interior design.

- Best panoramic view.

- Quiet and privacy.

- All necessary infrastructure.

- No easements or restrictions.

Garden - Landscaping, and gardening.

- Automatic watering.

Area of 10000 m2

- One of the largest,

central views.

- Maximum silence and privacy.

- On high ground.

- Correct site shape.

- Fully fenced in.

- No easements or restrictions.

- Driveways established.

- All necessary connections and underground facilities (including

underground sewage tank). 

 

Connect with us for more details on any of these properties.