Monaco Pride 2026: A Small Celebration With a Big Impact

 

Monaco Pride 2026 proved once again that the size of an event is no measure of its significance.

Now in its fifth year since launching in 2022, Monaco Pride continues to carve out its own identity. Unlike many Pride celebrations around the world, there is still no parade weaving through the streets of the Principality, no large-scale march, and no colourful procession stretching along the harbour.

Yet somehow, that feels entirely authentic.

Rather than trying to replicate larger international Pride events, Monaco has embraced a format that reflects the character and scale of the Principality itself. Monaco Pride has become an intimate yet influential gathering where government representatives, business leaders, community organizations and members of the LGBTQIA+ community come together to celebrate diversity while advancing meaningful conversations about equality.

This year’s event carried an even greater sense of optimism.

The evening’s panel brought together women who have each played an important role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in Monaco.

Laure Bernardi of Mon Arc-en-Ciel spoke about the association’s ongoing work to build a more inclusive and welcoming Principality, while Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo outlined the Government’s June 29 commitment to introducing civil union legislation. Completing the panel was Avocat-Défenseur Sarah Filippi, who has become a leading legal voice in the fight for marriage equality and continues to champion full legal recognition for same-sex couples in Monaco. 

And the always lovely Annette Anderson also spoke from the heart as to who the Mon Arc-en-Ciel are and why their work and fundraising is so important to the cause.

The announcements surrounding civil union legislation gave the evening an unmistakable sense of momentum. Throughout the room, there was genuine excitement and hope that years of patient advocacy are finally beginning to translate into meaningful legislative progress.

The message was simple. The LGBTQIA+ community is not asking for special treatment or additional rights beyond anyone else. It is asking for the same fundamental equality and legal recognition enjoyed by every other citizen.

Held in the spacious private reception venue above the new Stars of Monaco restaurant overlooking Port Hercule, the designated two-hour celebration quickly reached capacity. Guests from every corner of Monaco and the wider French Riviera gathered together, creating an atmosphere that was welcoming, relaxed and full of energy.

As the evening unfolded, conversations flowed freely, new friendships were formed, and the official programme naturally extended well beyond its scheduled finish.

Entertainment throughout the evening added another memorable dimension to the celebration. Local drag icon Manel Dalgo captivated the audience with spectacular performances, while an array of talented singers ensured the atmosphere remained vibrant from beginning to end.

Beyond the entertainment, however, the real achievement of Monaco Pride 2026 was the sense of community that filled the room. It demonstrated how meaningful progress often begins not through grand spectacles but through dialogue, visibility and the determination of dedicated individuals working together.

Much of that progress is owed to the tireless efforts of the Mon Arc-en-Ciel Association, whose years of advocacy have steadily helped move LGBTQIA+ equality further into Monaco’s public conversation. Their persistence is now beginning to produce tangible results, offering hope that civil unions may soon become a reality and that the journey toward full marriage equality will continue.

Monaco may host one of Europe’s smallest Pride celebrations, but once again it proved that its impact reaches far beyond the size of the Principality itself.

If Monaco Pride 2026 demonstrated anything, it is that genuine inclusion is built one conversation, one relationship and one legislative victory at a time. The future for Monaco’s LGBTQIA+ community has never looked brighter.

Photos courtesy of Frederic Nebinger and Sebastian Rocca

Trusted Relocation & Liaison Advisory Services, Built on First-Hand Experience

 

Few places in the world inspire dreams of a fresh start quite like the French Riviera. Every year, people take the first steps toward making that dream a reality. Some are retiring, others are searching for a slower pace of life, a second home, or simply a fresh beginning in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Yet relocating to France is about far more than buying a property or obtaining a visa. It’s about understanding the realities of everyday life, making informed decisions, and having someone local you can genuinely trust.

For many years, this has been a natural extension of my work alongside property sales, villa rentals, and writing about life on the Côte d’Azur. After seeing how often clients sought practical guidance beyond real estate, I decided to formalise that experience into a dedicated Relocation & Liaison Advisory service.

Having lived on the French Riviera for well over a decade—and having first discovered the region during annual visits from Canada beginning in 1990—I have experienced both the excitement and the challenges of building a life here. Those years have provided not only local knowledge but also an extensive network of trusted professionals across the region.

Why Local Experience Matters

Relocating to another country is one of life’s biggest decisions.

Unfortunately, the growth of AI-generated relocation content and self-proclaimed relocation experts has made it increasingly difficult to separate genuine local experience from online marketing. Today, it is easy to find relocation guides written by people with very limited first-hand experience or consultations offered by individuals who have only recently arrived themselves while charging premium rates.

There is certainly more information available than ever before, but information alone does not replace years of living, working, and building relationships within a community.

My real estate and villa rental clients regularly tell me they feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online. Even after arriving in France, new questions continue to arise. Having someone established locally who understands both the practical realities and the lifestyle can make the entire process significantly easier.

How I Can Help

Every relocation is different. My role is to help you avoid costly mistakes, save valuable time, and make informed decisions based on genuine local knowledge rather than assumptions.

I can assist with:

• Choosing the right town or neighbourhood

• Understanding the differences between communities throughout the Riviera

• Rental strategies before purchasing a property

• Property searches and local market guidance

• Schools and family considerations

• Healthcare and everyday practicalities

• Banking and administrative processes

• Internet and utility providers

• Visa suggestions

• Reliable tradespeople and local service providers

• Notaries, architects and other professionals

• Lifestyle planning before your move

• Honest expectations about daily life on the Côte d’Azur

Having lived in different parts of the Riviera and experienced every type of property—from studio apartments to luxury villas—I understand that every town has its own character, rhythm, advantages, and compromises.

Many people initially believe they have found the perfect place after a vacation, only to discover later that another community would suit their lifestyle much better. The Riviera should never be rushed. My role is to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence so that your decision is based on how you want to live rather than how you spent a week’s vacation.

Practical Guidance Beyond Property

Relocating successfully is about much more than finding a home.

Over the years I have dealt with rental requirements, property purchases, internet providers, banks, insurance, architects, notaries, renovations, various tradespeople, villa and apartment management, and countless unexpected situations that inevitably arise when living abroad.

No question is too small. Sometimes clients simply need reassurance. Sometimes they need practical advice. Other times they need an introduction to the right professional.

If something falls outside my expertise, I won’t pretend otherwise. Instead, I will introduce you to one of the trusted professionals within my local network who can provide the specialist advice you need.

Built on Relationships

One of the greatest advantages I can offer is the network I have built throughout the Côte d’Azur.

I work with professionals and businesses that I know to be reliable, responsive, and reputable because I value my clients’ time and expect the same level of professionalism from everyone I recommend.

Those relationships have been developed over many years and are based on mutual trust, not online directories or paid referrals.

About Experience The French Riviera

In 2011, I began documenting life on the Côte d’Azur and since then have also worked with tourism organisations throughout the region, promoting local destinations, events, and practical visitor information. This is also around the time my passion for properties both old and new in the Riviera came into play.

Over time, my writing evolved beyond travel to focus on the people, communities, culture, and everyday experiences that make this region so special. The French Riviera has never been just about luxury property and yachts. It is a diverse, vibrant place where people from around the world build lives, businesses, and lasting friendships.

Through this work I have connected with clients across the globe, appeared on numerous podcasts discussing relocation, retirement, lifestyle, real estate, and even the LGBTQ+ community, and helped people discover whether life on the Côte d’Azur is truly right for them.

Many of my clients come from North America, and my Canadian background often provides an immediate point of connection. Having experienced international relocation myself, I understand both the practical challenges and the emotional aspects of starting over in another country.

A Personal Commitment

From my earliest visits to the French Riviera, I felt a strong connection to this remarkable region.

It has given me opportunities, friendships, and a life I could never have imagined. In return, I have always believed in representing the Côte d’Azur honestly—celebrating its extraordinary qualities while also being realistic about the practicalities of living here.

That same philosophy guides every client relationship.

My goal is never simply to help someone move to France. It is to help them decide whether this lifestyle genuinely fits their goals and, if it does, to make that transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Relocating to France should be exciting—not overwhelming. Life has a way of coming together here.

Whether you are exploring the idea, planning your move, searching for property, or simply looking for honest local advice, I would be delighted to help.

The process begins with a relaxed 30-minute introductory conversation where we discuss your plans, answer your questions, and determine whether I am the right person to assist you. If I’m not, I’ll happily introduce you to someone who is.

There is never any pressure to continue. Some people need ongoing guidance throughout their relocation, while others simply benefit from a conversation that provides clarity and direction.

Bring your questions. Take notes. Don’t hold back.

Honest conversations lead to better decisions.

I look forward to helping you discover whether the Côte d’Azur could become your next home—just as it became mine.

Contact: Info@experiencethefrenchriviera.com

Why More People Are Choosing a New Life on the Côte d'Azur

 

For many people, the dream of living on the French Riviera never truly disappears. It lingers quietly in the background after a memorable vacation, a walk along the Mediterranean, or an afternoon spent in a village square wondering what life would be like if every day felt just a little slower.

Since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted across France, that dream has become a reality for a growing number of people. Interest in relocating to the Côte d’Azur has remained remarkably strong, with individuals, couples and families from around the world continuing to explore the possibility of building a new life in one of Europe’s most desirable regions.

The attraction is easy to understand. Long summers filled with sunshine, beaches, sailing, hiking, world-class restaurants, vibrant markets and cultural festivals are balanced by surprisingly mild winters that still offer blue skies and countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Riviera isn’t simply a vacation destination—it is a lifestyle.

Coming originally from Vancouver, Canada, I naturally found that many of my real estate and villa rental clients came from North America. We often share similar expectations, lifestyles and ways of communicating, making the transition into life in France that much easier. Over the years I have had the privilege of helping people from many different backgrounds discover that the move they once only talked about over dinner eventually became their everyday reality.

Every summer tells a familiar story in my work and it’s endlessly intriguing.

Some clients are already comfortably settled into their seasonal villa rentals, enjoying long lunches overlooking the sea while exploring different towns before making long-term decisions. Others are collecting the keys to homes they purchased during the winter months after completing the French notary process. Some have found their forever home, while others have purchased a second residence or a future retirement property.

At the same time, every week brings new arrivals eager to begin exploring the region, visiting neighbourhoods, meeting local professionals and discovering which community feels most like home.

What continues to surprise many people is just how diverse today’s buyers and renters are.

The typical client is no longer limited to retirees. Today they range from professionals in their mid-thirties to entrepreneurs, business owners, and families seeking a healthier balance between career and quality of life. They arrive with different budgets, different professions and different reasons for moving, but they all share one thing in common: a desire to create a better lifestyle.

The Côte d’Azur has always attracted dreamers.

Fortunately, it also rewards those who approach the process with patience and realism.

France has its own systems, procedures and traditions. Trying to rush through them or skip important steps rarely ends well. The country has a remarkable ability to gently insist that things be done properly. While this can sometimes test the patience of newcomers, it is also part of what makes life here function as it does.

The most successful relocations are usually made by people who begin with honest expectations.

The Riviera has a way of rewarding patience.

Life here simply isn’t designed to be rushed. It doesn’t operate on a 24-hour convenience-store schedule where everything happens instantly. If you’ve spent years living at full speed, you may discover that the Riviera quietly teaches you something you’ve long forgotten: slowing down can actually move you further ahead.

Sometimes life changes direction unexpectedly.

The location you thought you wanted no longer feels right. A chance conversation introduces you to a village you had never considered. A temporary rental becomes the stepping stone toward something even better.

Often, those unplanned moments become the ones people later describe as the best decisions they never intended to make.

Another lesson newcomers quickly discover is that relationships matter.

French culture places tremendous value on courtesy and personal connection. Something as simple as saying “Bonjour” when entering a shop isn’t merely polite—it is a sign of respect. Good manners, patience and genuine conversation remain important parts of everyday life.

This isn’t about formality or pretension.

It’s about recognising that people appreciate kindness, calmness and taking the time to acknowledge one another. Those small moments often open far more doors than people expect.

The same principle applies to making friends.

Technology keeps us connected, but emails and WhatsApp messages rarely replace genuine human interaction. If someone invites you for coffee, lunch or an afternoon drink, accept the invitation whenever you can. Relationships in France are built face-to-face, one conversation at a time.

Networking here often happens naturally rather than formally.

Sit beside someone at a café. Strike up a conversation at a wine bar. Meet friends of friends over dinner. Before long you’ll discover that people from virtually every corner of the world have chosen this same stretch of coastline to begin their own new chapter.

Many arrived knowing no one. Including myself so you are never alone in this feeling and understanding.

Today these same people couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

Relocating to France is never simply about purchasing or renting a property. It is about building a new life, embracing a different pace, respecting another culture and allowing yourself to grow alongside it. Comparing how you lived in your homeland to what you expect in another country slowly leads to anguish and heartache.

For those willing to approach the journey with patience, curiosity and an open mind, the rewards often extend far beyond the beautiful scenery.

The French Riviera continues to inspire people for a reason.

It offers more than spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

It offers the possibility of becoming the place where your next chapter truly begins.

Free Open-Air Cinema Returns to Nice with Four Unforgettable Summer Film Nights

 

Summer evenings in Nice are once again set to come alive under the stars as the Cinémathèque de Nice brings back its much-loved Cinéma En Plein Air programme. This annual tradition transforms the Port of Nice into an open-air movie theatre, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy classic cinema in one of the city’s most picturesque settings.

Taking place on four Wednesday evenings between 22 July and 26 August 2026, each free screening begins at 9:30 pm, offering audiences the opportunity to experience iconic films in the warm Mediterranean night air. Although this year’s programme features fewer screenings than previous editions, the carefully selected line-up showcases timeless classics and acclaimed international cinema that promise to appeal to a wide range of film lovers.

Nearly Fifty Years of Celebrating Cinema

Established in 1976 by Odile Chapel with the support of legendary film preservation pioneer Henri Langlois, the Cinémathèque de Nice has become one of the city’s most respected cultural institutions. Its inauguration, attended by actor and filmmaker Dennis Hopper, marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to preserving and sharing the art of cinema.

Originally affiliated with the Cinémathèque Française, the organisation became a municipal institution in 1991 and has been under the direction of Maryam Rousta-Giroud since 2021. Today it presents almost 400 films annually, welcomes approximately 50,000 visitors, and regularly hosts directors, actors, critics, and historians for special presentations and discussions celebrating the history of film.

2026 Open-Air Screening Programme

Wednesday, 22 July

To Catch a Thief (La Main au Collet)

The season opens with Alfred Hitchcock’s glamorous Riviera classic starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant. Filmed in Nice and at the famous Victorine Studios, the film remains one of the most recognisable cinematic tributes to the French Riviera. This special screening also commemorates the 70th anniversary of the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Wednesday, 29 July

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Les Hommes préfèrent les Blondes)

Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell headline this sparkling musical comedy filled with romance, comedy, unforgettable musical numbers, and luxurious ocean-liner glamour. Their journey to France creates a whirlwind of mistaken identities, wealthy admirers, and light-hearted adventure that has delighted audiences for generations.

Wednesday, 19 August

Persepolis

Based on the internationally acclaimed graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, this award-winning animated film tells the deeply personal story of a young girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution before being sent to Vienna to begin a new life. Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and the César Award for Best First Feature, Persepolis is both moving and thought-provoking.

This screening will be presented in French without subtitles.

Wednesday, 26 August

L’Homme de Rio

The series concludes with an exhilarating French adventure starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac. When an archaeological treasure is stolen and his fiancée is kidnapped, an ordinary soldier is drawn into an extraordinary chase that stretches from Paris to the Amazon rainforest. Packed with humour, action, and breathtaking locations, L’Homme de Rio remains one of France’s most entertaining adventure films.

Whether you’re discovering these classics for the first time or revisiting old favourites, the Cinémathèque de Nice’s open-air cinema offers one of the city’s most enjoyable summer experiences. With free admission, a spectacular waterfront setting, and an outstanding selection of films, it is the perfect way to spend a warm evening on the French Riviera.

LOCATION DETAILS

Cinémathèque de Nice – Cinéma en plein air
Esplanade de la Douane
Port Lympia in Nice.