From Cinecittà to the Victorine Studios: Three Icons, One Riviera Myth

 

In Nice, a new exhibition brings together Brigitte Bardot, Mylène Demongeot, and Michèle Mercier—three stars whose lives and careers became inseparable from the French Riviera’s golden age.

The French Riviera has always been more than a backdrop. It is a myth-making machine, a place where cinema, glamour, and freedom collided to create enduring legends. This summer in Nice, that mythology takes center stage once again with “The Little Darlings of the French Riviera,” a new exhibition devoted to Brigitte Bardot, Mylène Demongeot, and Michèle Mercier—three actresses whose destinies are forever intertwined with the Côte d’Azur.

Unveiled this past Saturday at the Lympia Departmental Cultural Center, the exhibition was opened by writer and curator Henry-Jean Servat, who frames the project as both a celebration and a reckoning. Running until April 12, 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to revisit a world of sun-soaked cinema, audacious femininity, and creative freedom—while acknowledging the distance between that era and today.

After previous tributes in Saint-Tropez and Villefranche-sur-Mer, Brigitte Bardot once again finds herself at the heart of a Riviera homage. But this time, she is not alone. Placed alongside Demongeot and Mercier, Bardot became part of a trio that collectively shaped the region’s cinematic identity—from international co-productions and Italian studios like Cinecittà to the legendary Victorine Studios in Nice.

Each woman represents a distinct facet of Riviera stardom. Bardot, the global symbol of liberated sensuality, transformed Saint-Tropez into an international icon. Mylène Demongeot, with her wit and cosmopolitan charm, bridged popular cinema and European sophistication. Michèle Mercier, immortalized by Angélique, embodied romantic adventure and historical fantasy, exporting a distinctly French glamour worldwide.

Described as an exhibition with “the allure of forbidden fruit and the scent of paradise lost,” The Little Darlings of the French Riviera does not indulge in simple nostalgia. Instead, it reflects on how these women navigated fame, desire, and public scrutiny at a time when the Riviera functioned as a laboratory for modern celebrity. Their images—sunlit, carefree, and endlessly reproduced—helped define an era, but also masked the personal costs of stardom.

Firmly rooted in the present, the exhibition invites a contemporary audience to reconsider what the Riviera represented then—and what it represents now. In revisiting these three careers side by side, it becomes clear that the French Riviera was not merely a setting, but an active force: shaping roles, amplifying mythologies, and projecting French cinema onto the world stage.

At Lympia, the past feels tantalizingly close. Not frozen in time, but alive—glimmering between memory and reality, just like the Riviera itself.

Princess Stéphanie Sets the Record Straight

 

Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has put an end to speculation about her future, firmly denying any plans to step back from public life. In an interview with Gala magazine, she clarified comments that had sparked rumors of retirement and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Recently promoted to Commander of the Order of Cultural Merit on November 18—an honor presented by her sister, Princess of Hanover, at the Prince’s Palace—Princess Stéphanie spoke candidly about her role and responsibilities. Marking World AIDS Day on December 1, the president of Fight Aids Monaco reflected on more than two decades of advocacy.

Founded in 2004, Fight Aids Monaco remains at the heart of her work. “I use my public profile to advance the fight against AIDS and to challenge the discrimination that still surrounds this disease,” she told Gala. “Without that visibility, my voice would not be heard in the same way.”

La Fleur du Cap: The Riviera Villa That Became David Niven’s Home

 

For anyone that has walked on the seaside trail from Beaulieu-sur-Mer along the rocky edge of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where the Mediterranean laps directly against stone terraces and the light seems permanently cinematic, stands a villa that quietly encapsulates more than a century of Riviera history.

Today known as La Fleur du Cap, the residence is best remembered as the long-time home of British actor David Niven, whose charm and wit were as much a part of the Côte d’Azur’s postwar glamour as the sea itself.

From Olive Groves to Belle Époque Retreat

The villa’s story begins in 1880, when Alfred Bounin, a Nice olive-oil merchant, purchased a small rocky promontory on the Cap-Ferrat shoreline. He built a modest waterfront house he named Lo Scoglietto—Italian for “the little rock.” Unlike the grand hillside villas of the era, this home embraced the sea directly, complete with a private landing point and bathing cabin connected by a narrow footbridge.

Over time, the house was gradually expanded, evolving from a simple seaside retreat into a refined Belle Époque villa that mirrored the rising prestige of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat itself.

 

A Magnet for High Society and Royalty

By the early 20th century, Lo Scoglietto had become a coveted address among Europe’s elite. In the 1920s, it was rented by Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough, one of the most famous—and famously reluctant—American heiresses to marry into British aristocracy.

Its reputation only grew. In the 1950s, the villa served as a temporary residence for King Leopold III of Belgium shortly before his abdication, reinforcing its status as a discreet haven for royalty seeking privacy on the Riviera.

Hollywood Arrives on the Cap

The villa’s cinematic chapter began in earnest in 1956, when Charlie Chaplin spent a summer there with his family. Photographs from the period show the silent-film legend enjoying the rocky shoreline and relaxed pace of Cap-Ferrat life—a striking contrast to the global fame he carried with him.

David Niven’s Riviera Years

The most defining era of the villa began in the early 1960s, when David Niven acquired the property. By then, Niven was one of Britain’s most beloved screen actors, known for his impeccable manners, dry humor, and an Academy Award–winning performance in Separate Tables.

Niven would live at the villa for over two decades, making it his primary European home. Far from retreating from society, he became an integral part of local life—walking into the village, playing pétanque, frequenting cafés, and entertaining friends that included actors, aristocrats, and figures from nearby Monaco.

The villa also made a rare on-screen appearance in 1983, when scenes from Trail of the Pink Panther were filmed there. The film became one of Niven’s final screen roles, permanently linking the house to his cinematic legacy.

A Lasting Tribute

Following Niven’s death in 1983, the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat honored him by naming the small square in front of the villa Place David Niven—a rare tribute that reflects how deeply he was appreciated not just as a star, but as a neighbor.

In later years, the property was carefully restored and expanded while remaining a private residence. Though its footprint has grown, the villa has retained its defining relationship with the sea—still appearing to rise directly from the Mediterranean.

In subsequent years, the villa was restored and expanded. In the late 20th century it was acquired by Ana Tzarev and Robert Chandler and lovingly maintained as a private residence.

Today, La Fleur du Cap stands as a discreet landmark of Riviera history: a house shaped by merchants, royalty, silent-film legends, and one of Britain’s most effortlessly elegant actors.

France Moves to Simplify Residency: Automatic Renewal for Long-Term Carte de Séjour Holders

 

For many foreigners living in France, few things inspire as much low-level dread as the residency renewal cycle. The appointments are booked months in advance, the prefecture paperwork, the uncertainty of waiting—sometimes for weeks or even months—just to receive a new card. That ritual may soon become a thing of the past for a large group of residents.

The French parliament has passed a bill that would make the renewal of long-term cartes de séjour automatic, a reform widely seen as a practical and long-overdue modernization of France’s immigration administration.

What’s changing?

Under the new legislation, foreigners who already hold long-term residency permits—such as multi-year or long-term cartes de séjour—will no longer be required to repeatedly prove their eligibility each time their card expires, provided their situation has not changed.

In practical terms, this means:

• No more routine renewal appointments for eligible long-term residents

• No repeated submission of the same documents year after year

• No risk of falling out of legal status due to administrative delays

The reform recognizes a simple reality: if someone has lived legally in France for many years, paid taxes, worked or retired legally, and complied with residency rules, forcing them through the same bureaucratic loop serves little purpose.

Who benefits most?

The biggest winners are long-term foreign residents who are already well integrated into French life, including:

• Retirees who renew the same permit again and again

• Professionals on long-term contracts

• Family members of French citizens or permanent residents

• Foreigners who have lived in France continuously for many years

For these groups, the change removes one of the most persistent sources of stress associated with life in France: administrative uncertainty.

Why now?

French prefectures have been under enormous strain in recent years. Backlogs, staff shortages, and the digitization of procedures—often unevenly implemented—have made residency renewals increasingly slow and frustrating.

By making renewals automatic for long-term residents, the government aims to:

• Reduce pressure on prefectures

• Free up administrative resources for first-time applicants and complex cases

• Bring France more in line with other European countries that already treat long-term residency as stable status rather than a recurring test

In short, it’s a move toward efficiency—and common sense.

What this does not mean

Automatic renewal does not mean a free-for-all. Authorities will still retain the right to review or revoke residency permits in cases involving:

• Serious criminal convictions

• Fraud or misrepresentation

• Loss of eligibility (such as prolonged absence from France)

The reform is about eliminating unnecessary repetition, not removing oversight entirely.

A small change with a big impact

For foreigners who have built their lives in France, this reform is more than administrative housekeeping—it’s a signal of trust and recognition. It acknowledges that long-term residents are not temporary guests endlessly on probation, but stable members of French society.

If fully implemented as intended, automatic renewal of long-term cartes de séjour could quietly become one of the most popular quality-of-life reforms for foreigners in France in years—saving time, reducing stress, and letting people focus on living their lives rather than managing paperwork.

The text will now move on to the Senate for review.

Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc in Nice: Faith, Modernity, and a Bold Architectural Vision

 

Rising above the Fuon-Cauda district of Nice, the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc is one of the French Riviera’s most distinctive and unconventional religious buildings. Starkly white, unapologetically modern, and instantly recognizable, the church stands as a powerful example of how early 20th-century architecture reimagined sacred space. Both admired and debated since its construction, it remains a landmark that challenges expectations of what a church should look like.

The origins of Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc reflect the upheavals of its time. Construction began in 1914, led by local architect Louis Castel, who completed the foundations and crypt before the outbreak of World War I abruptly halted progress. The project remained unfinished for more than a decade. Work resumed in 1926 under Parisian architect Jacques Droz, later joined by René Lebel, and the church’s main structure was completed in 1933. Despite this, the building was not formally consecrated until 1965, underscoring the long and complicated journey from conception to full ecclesiastical recognition.

Architecturally, Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc is unlike any other church in Nice. Built almost entirely of reinforced concrete, a material still considered daring at the time, the structure embraces modern engineering rather than concealing it. Its defining feature is a series of oval and ellipsoidal domes — three large ovoid domes supported by eight smaller ones — that create a sense of fluidity and movement both inside and out. The forms appear almost organic, as if sculpted rather than constructed.

Perhaps the most striking external element is the campanile, rising to approximately 65 metres. Tall, slender, and angular, it contrasts sharply with the softness of the domes below. Often likened to a giant candle, the tower serves as a symbolic beacon of light and faith visible from across the surrounding neighborhoods.

The church’s brilliant white exterior once earned it the affectionate local nickname “la Meringue.” While the color and form initially provoked skepticism and even mockery, time has softened opinions. Today, the building is widely recognized as an important work of Art Deco and Art Nouveau–influenced modernism, blending decorative elegance with structural innovation.

Stepping inside reveals an entirely different atmosphere. The expansive curved surfaces of the interior are animated by frescoes created by Russian artist Eugène Klementieff, covering roughly 95 square metres. These murals draw from Cubism, Byzantine iconography, and early Italian Renaissance traditions, resulting in a vibrant visual language that contrasts with the austere geometry of the concrete shell. Color, movement, and spirituality coexist in a space that feels both monumental and intimate.

Beyond its religious function, Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc has long served the broader community. The lower levels once housed the cinéma Jeanne d’Arc, reflecting a period when churches were envisioned as social and cultural centers as well as places of worship. In more recent years, parts of the building, including the crypts, have been repurposed into a Centre d’Art Sacré, preserving religious artifacts, historic books, liturgical garments, and archival materials that trace the spiritual heritage of Nice and the surrounding region.

Official recognition has cemented the church’s importance. In 1992, it was designated a Monument Historique, and it also carries the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label, acknowledging its value as an outstanding example of modern architectural heritage.

From controversy to conservation, the Église Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc has followed an unconventional path. Once criticized for defying tradition, it is now celebrated as a bold expression of faith shaped by its era’s artistic and technological ambitions. Still an active parish church today, it stands slightly apart from Nice’s better-known landmarks, rewarding those who venture beyond the familiar routes with a powerful reminder that sacred architecture can be as daring and forward-looking as any modern masterpiece.

Monte-Carlo Monopoly Hits the Jackpot

 

Monaco has long been a playground for the glamorous, the lucky, and the strategically ambitious—and now, it has its own Monopoly board to prove it. The newly released Monte-Carlo Monopoly has quickly become an instant hit, delighting collectors, tourists, and board-game enthusiasts alike with its lavish tribute to the Principality’s most iconic landmarks, led by the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the legendary Hôtel de Paris.

Unlike traditional editions of the game, this version feels less like a rainy-day pastime and more like a miniature tour of Monaco’s golden square. The board replaces familiar streets with legendary addresses, transforming players into Riviera power brokers as they trade, build, and scheme their way across Monte-Carlo’s most prestigious real estate.

At the pinnacle of the board sit the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris, occupying the most coveted properties—an unmistakable nod to their real-world status. Landing on either is as financially perilous in the game as it can be exhilarating in real life, with eye-watering rents that mirror the exclusivity and prestige of these historic institutions. For many players, owning them is less about winning and more about bragging rights.

The attention to detail has been a major driver of the game’s success. From the elegant typography inspired by Belle Époque architecture to custom playing pieces reflecting Monaco’s luxury culture, Monte-Carlo Monopoly feels purpose-built rather than rebranded. Even the Chance and Community Chest cards have been cleverly localized, swapping generic mishaps for Riviera-themed twists—think yacht repairs, gala invitations, and unexpected casino winnings.

Collectors have been particularly quick to snap up the game. Limited initial availability and its strong visual appeal have made it a popular souvenir among visitors, many of whom see it as a stylish keepsake of their time in the Principality rather than just a board game. For locals, it’s a playful celebration of Monte-Carlo’s global image—luxury distilled into cardboard and dice.

The inclusion of the Casino and Hôtel de Paris has also struck a cultural chord. Both landmarks are more than buildings; they are symbols of Monaco’s identity, history, and economic engine. Their starring roles on the board reinforce how deeply entwined glamour, tourism, and chance are with the city’s story.

Early sales suggest Monte-Carlo Monopoly is already on track to become one of the most successful city-themed editions of the game. Its appeal lies in balancing nostalgia with aspiration—inviting players not just to pass “Go,” but to imagine themselves as temporary residents of a world where fortunes rise and fall beneath crystal chandeliers and palm-lined terraces.

In a place defined by high stakes and high style, it seems only fitting that Monte-Carlo has turned Monopoly into a game worthy of its name.

With limited availability, the game is sold at the Monte-Carlo Casino Boutique in the Casino Atrium and at the Monte-Carlo Drugstore, and is also available to order via retail@sbm.mc.

The Château de Madrid: A Riviera Castle Built on Fantasy, Light, and Forgotten Glamour

 

Perched high on the Saint-Michel plateau above Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the Château de Madrid is one of those Riviera landmarks that feels half-real, half-myth. It looks like a medieval fortress, yet it was born in 1931. It seems ancient, yet its story is firmly tied to the modern age of luxury tourism. And though many people admire it from afar, few know the strange and shimmering history behind its stone façade.

To understand the Château de Madrid, you have to return to a moment when the French Riviera was reinventing itself—when imagination, extravagance, and sunlight were the region’s unofficial currencies.

A Region Dreaming in Grand Hotels

At the turn of the 20th century, the Côte d’Azur was becoming Europe’s most fashionable playground. Aristocrats wintered here. Writers chased the light. Royalty mingled with millionaires. And everywhere—from Cannes to Menton—grand hotels sprung up like opulent mirages.

Several dazzling hotel projects were drawn up, some ambitious enough to rival the Carlton in Cannes or the Le Negresco in Nice. But one by one, these Riviera fantasies were abandoned, their blueprints left to gather dust.

Then, finally, one dream became reality.

1931: The Château de Madrid Rises

Completed in 1931, the Château de Madrid was deliberately theatrical—a pastiche medieval castle designed to charm, impress, and indulge the romantic fantasies of its guests. With crenellated towers, stone walls, and dramatic vistas in every direction, it traded historical accuracy for atmosphere.

From its terraces, visitors could take in both the Beaulieu harbor and the deep, luminous curve of the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula—views so expansive they seemed painted onto the horizon.

The hotel was expanded several times, modified to follow shifting tastes, and updated to meet the expectations of wealthier and more cosmopolitan travelers. But even as it evolved, it never lost its whimsical soul.

Guests Drawn to Sunlight, Solitude, and Secrets

While the Château de Madrid never reached the fame of the Riviera’s grandest hotels, it attracted a quiet and intriguing clientele—people who preferred discretion over glitter.

 The Incognito Novelist

In the 1930s, a well-known English novelist stayed at the Château under a pseudonym. He claimed the view from his suite made the Mediterranean look “as if it were listening,” and he drafted an entire chapter of a future bestseller from the terrace overlooking Cap-Ferrat.

The Escaping Heiresses

In the 1950s, two scandal-struck American heiresses fled New York society and hid at the Château for nearly a month. Staff recalled hearing them dancing barefoot late into the night, gramophone echoing down the stone corridors—determined to forget the headlines waiting for them back home.

The Painters Who Chased the Light

Several painters, attracted by the region’s unparalleled winter luminosity, set up small temporary studios inside the hotel.

These stories—half-whispered, half-documented—give the Château de Madrid the air of a place that kept its guests’ secrets safe.

Architectural Curiosities and Hidden Corners

 

The Château de Madrid also belongs to a unique architectural tradition on the French Riviera: buildings designed not simply to function, but to astonish. Like Villa Kérylos or the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, it blurs the line between art, and spectacle.

Secret Internal Stairways

The hotel contained several narrow service staircases, built so staff could move unseen. One hidden passage connected directly from the upper floors to a private garden terrace. Another is rumored—though never confirmed—to have once led toward a villa farther down the hill.

Vaulted Stone Cellars

Beneath the Château lie vaulted storage rooms shaped like medieval armories. During World War II, these cellars sheltered local families during air raids, quietly echoing the building’s “castle” identity.

From Grand Hotel to Private Residence

Over the decades, changing travel habits reshaped the Riviera, and the Château eventually retired from life as a hotel. It was converted into a private residence, its towers and terraces now quiet, its corridors no longer echoing with gramophones or typewriters or whispered dramas.

Yet the building endures—an elegant sentinel watching over two harbors, a reminder of a time when imagination ruled architecture and the Riviera treated fantasy as a design principle.

The Château de Madrid stands today as a tribute to what the region once dreamed of becoming—and to the people who came searching for light, reinvention, or simply a place to disappear for a while.

Princess Charlene Brings Christmas Spectacular to Monaco

 

Monaco will set the stage for a dazzling Christmas production at the Fontvieille Big Top on 22nd and 23rd December, with all proceeds going to charities supported by Princess Charlene, who serves as the event’s High Patron.

Monaco Under the Stars was conceived after a meeting between Princess Charlene and Hassan El Hajjami, the internationally acclaimed choreographer and former artistic director at Cirque du Soleil. The Princess launched the initiative with the goal of giving children a magical, dream-inspired experience for the holiday season.

Created by Compagnie HASPOP and directed by El Hajjami—known globally as Haspop—the show blends hip-hop dance, visual poetry and contemporary storytelling in a fantastical world brought to life by international performers. The narrative follows young Elliott, led by a mysterious music box, on an enchanting journey through time as Monaco glows with festive magic. The production delivers a timeless message of generosity and unity, making it a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.

All proceeds support Princess Charlene’s charitable causes

All ticket revenue will be shared between two organisations close to Princess Charlene. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, dedicated to drowning prevention, education through sport and child protection, will receive half. The remaining proceeds will support the Animal Protection Society of Monaco, where the Princess serves as President.

International dance star brings unique vision

Hassan El Hajjami, a leading figure in contemporary performance art, has left his mark on the world’s major stages. A standout performer in Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles LOVE show and a finalist on America’s Got Talent, he later became a choreographer for Star Academy and spent over 15 years as artistic director at Cirque du Soleil. In 2020, he founded Compagnie HASPOP | Cirque du Grand Lyon, now known for its innovative shows worldwide.

His signature style—merging urban dance with contemporary circus arts—gives Monaco Under the Stars a vibrant, modern identity that remains accessible to audiences of all ages.

Performance details

The 60-minute show is suitable for children aged three and up. Three performances will take place at the Fontvieille Big Top:

• 22 December at 4pm

• 23 December at 11am

• 23 December at 4pm

North American vs France Real Estate

 

For many of our North American real estate clients, the biggest misunderstanding they bring to France is assuming the MLS system exists here. It doesn’t. In the U.S., you open a platform, see every listing, track days on market, request viewings, and information flows seamlessly.

In France, you step into a landscape with no central database. Listings overlap, disappear, reappear, or remain exclusive to a single agency. Transparency is limited, and exclusivity is fiercely protected.

So if you’re an American buyer expecting MLS-style clarity, prepare for frustration. You can bring your purchasing power—just not your data culture.

Last year, Americans purchased nearly €1 billion worth of French property, representing roughly 8–10% of all foreign acquisitions and making them the largest non-European buyer group. That’s extraordinary considering how complex the process is here.

And while overall transaction volumes dipped, U.S. demand certainly didn’t. It has grown by about 5% year-on-year since 2021 and, as we predicted, accelerated further following the election. The reasons are consistent: politics, currency, certainty, and lifestyle.

Even as the dollar softens, French real estate maintains its appeal as a stable asset—and lifestyle, not speculation, remains the driving force, especially among our clients.

When French buyers step back, North Americans quietly keep the market moving.

Now, for the agents already working in France, this is the part worth hearing: we don’t view agencies as competitors—only as potential collaborators.

American clients expect frequent communication, transparent reporting, and branding that feels truly global. They won’t tolerate “call back after lunch or contact us when you arrive in France.” strange office hours or a listing with one poorly lit photo. When a U.S.-level service standard enters a market, it resets expectations. We’ve seen this clearly across the French Riviera over the last decade.

If your agency isn’t communicating in English, explaining transaction costs upfront, or presenting listings with proper digital staging, that gap widens fast.

Being Canadian myself, I understand exactly what North American clients expect: clarity, responsiveness, and consistent service. When agencies fail to provide that, I avoid working with them—because if the process frustrates me, it will absolutely frustrate my clients.

Ultimately, France and America view property through two very different lenses. For the French, real estate is something to preserve and steward. For Americans, it’s a form of freedom—a tool for designing a different kind of life. When those two mindsets meet, markets shift, standards rise, and the entire landscape evolves.

And right now, despite price corrections and fewer transactions, this is one of the most interesting moments in a generation to be working in French real estate. Look beyond the headlines and you’ll see a new kind of demand emerging—strategic, intentional, and refreshingly honest.

Now is the perfect time of year to begin searching for your primary, secondary, or retirement property. As the Côte d’Azur settles into its quieter season, the region returns to the locals—making it an ideal moment to explore neighbourhoods and view properties without the summer rush.

With the Christmas season upon us, many of our clients are already planning visits and scouting trips for the start of the new year, taking their next step toward life on the Riviera.

Feel free to get in touch and start the journey with us.

France and the Shared Economy: A North American Perspective on Collaboration

 

When I first visited France—more specifically the French Riviera—in 1990, one of the immediate things that struck me was how businesses operated. The culture was unmistakably different, and nowhere was this more evident than in real estate.

A Fragmented Market: How French Real Estate Worked in the 1990s

Back then, real estate in France functioned in a far more fragmented, protective, and independent environment than what most North Americans are accustomed to. Collaboration did exist, but it was limited, reserved, and nowhere near the structured cooperation found in the United States or Canada.

Most agencies were small, locally run, often family businesses. Each agency guarded its own portfolio of listings, treating them as proprietary assets. Sharing meant risking a lost client or splitting commissions—two things many agencies had no interest in doing.

Daily Life, Bureaucracy, and the Early Observations

Years later, after moving permanently to the region, the pattern became even clearer. The feedback I frequently heard—from both locals and visitors—was often about how long day-to-day tasks took. Bureaucracy, confusion, or sometimes simply being brushed off because someone didn’t understand your request were recurring themes.

I experienced it firsthand through the few villa rental listings I handled early on while trying to get things done for clients. Concierge services existed, and many still do, but those early years were eye-opening. A surprising number of individuals in that space were more interested in image than service—social climbers with few real connections, charging excessive fees or inventing steep commissions. Sociologically interesting to observe, yes—but not sustainable. Many disappeared as quickly as they arrived.

Learning the Landscape—and Seeing an Opportunity

Coming from North America, I was accustomed to a “shared economy” mindset where collaboration serves the long game and benefits everyone involved. That idea stayed with me. So I decided to introduce the concept here—slowly, carefully, and with plenty of patience.

It wasn’t easy. Many individuals and businesses struggled to grasp the idea at first. Some even thought it was a scam. But my long-term observation of the region had revealed something important: when France—and particularly the Côte d’Azur—thrives, everyone feels it. But in times of recession, the impact is immediately visible, even walking through a city such as Nice. Tourism drops, businesses strain, and the city’s energy changes.

That contrast reinforced my belief that collaboration wasn’t just helpful—it was necessary.

Building a Culture of Collaboration

So I pushed forward. During the quiet winter months, I would approach businesses and explain how partnerships could serve them—especially by anticipating what North Americans and other international visitors might want or need during their stay or relocation.

I also emphasized social media and cross-promotion. Visibility matters now more than ever, and once people see something they like, they expect immediate access to information.

My passion for the region has always guided me. In my early days of writing about the area—its experiences, events, and history—the first places I turned to were the local tourism agencies. I shared their press releases, news, and announcements, and many of those partnerships remain strong to this day.

From those early connections, new collaborations formed naturally.

Becoming a “Liaison Advisor”

In my first year or two, people began calling me a Liaison Advisor. It seemed to come naturally to direct clients to the right businesses or individuals for virtually anything they needed—no matter how unusual. Just last week I was asked where to get Botox, where to buy mattresses, how to navigate the health-care system, where to get keys cut and how to secure insurance for specialty windows.

Being so immersed in the region, I tend to know exactly who to call. Some have even suggested I should charge for this service—maybe one day.

Real Estate and Villa Rentals: My Core Focus

My main focus remains villa rentals and luxury real estate sales—both of which tend to come with additional questions and logistical needs. And I’m happy to help wherever I can.

When Experience The French Riviera launched nearly 15 years ago, my first priority was forming strong relationships with real estate agencies. Beyond my own listings, I wanted a curated collection of excellent properties across the region, tailored to different tastes and budgets.

I’ve been fortunate to partner with a tight, select group of top agencies who understand my client base—or are willing to learn. They share my values of transparency, communication, and proactive service.

Protecting Clients—and Raising Standards

I often hear from clients frustrated by certain agencies that refuse to provide information until the client physically arrives in France. While I understand the concern about unserious inquiries—there are plenty of “online dreamers”—withholding information doesn’t help serious buyers plan properly and just asking a few more questions can go a long way.

My advice to clients is always the same:

If you see a property you like, or are in search of a specific one tell me. I’ll do the search and obtain the details and arrange the viewing for when you arrive.Chances are, I know the agency, the agents, or even the property’s history well enough to move things forward quickly.

I am protective of both my clients and the agency partners I work with. That trust is essential.

Here to Help

So, if you’re planning a summer villa rental or exploring the idea of purchasing property in France, I’m here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Let me take on the tasks, open the right doors, and connect you with the people who will make your experience easier.

Because when collaboration works, everyone benefits—and on the Côte d’Azur, it makes all the difference.

European Gay Ski Week 2026 in Val Thorens: A High-Altitude Celebration of Pride, Snow, and Music

 

From March 21 to 28, 2026, the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ winter sports festival — European Gay Ski Week (EGSW) — returns to the French Alps, transforming Val Thorens into a vibrant, snow-covered hub of music, inclusivity, and alpine adventure.

Each year, thousands of guests from across Europe and beyond converge on this iconic ski resort for a week that seamlessly blends outdoor thrills with unforgettable nightlife.

Val Thorens: The Highest and Most Iconic Alpine Playground

Set at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and part of the legendary Les 3 Vallées, the largest connected ski area in the world. Its altitude guarantees excellent snow conditions well into spring, making late-March the perfect time for a large-scale winter festival.

Beginners, casual skiers, and seasoned experts will all find terrain to enjoy: from wide, gentle blue pistes to steep, exhilarating descents. With interconnected access to Méribel and Courchevel, guests can explore hundreds of kilometres of pistes before returning to a festive après-ski atmosphere.

The Event: The Largest LGBTQIA+ Winter Festival in Europe

European Gay Ski Week is more than a holiday — it is a full cultural experience. Known as Europe’s premier LGBTQIA+ ski week, the event combines sport, nightlife, art, and community into a single immersive celebration of diversity.

The 2026 edition promises:

• Over 70 hours of live music, featuring international DJs, vocalists, and performers.

• 16 themed parties and late-night events, hosted across clubs, après-ski bars, and pop-up venues.

• Seven nights of cabaret, including drag performances, comedy, live shows, and immersive entertainment.

• A spectacular open-air après-ski every afternoon, complete with giant screens, dancers, and DJ sets on the rooftop terrace in the heart of the village.

This dynamic schedule ensures each day transitions seamlessly from mountain adventure to evening spectacle.

A Festival Built on Inclusivity and Community

A defining strength of EGSW is its atmosphere of openness and acceptance. The event attracts a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ travelers and allies from across the world, creating an international community where everyone can feel free and celebrated.

Val Thorens fully embraces the festival, offering a warm welcome to all guests and helping ensure a safe, inclusive environment throughout the week.

Packages and Accessibility

EGSW offers flexible packages covering accommodation, lift passes, and event passes, with options suited to different budgets. Guests can choose from:

• Affordable studio apartments

• Modern residence-style accommodations

• Premium chalets and hotels for those wanting luxury touches

Packages typically begin at competitive rates, making the event accessible to a wide range of participants while still offering high-quality services.

Why Attend European Gay Ski Week 2026?

Whether you are a passionate skier, a nightlife enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a week of joyful community in a breathtaking alpine setting, EGSW offers an experience unlike any other:

• World-class skiing in a snow-sure resort

• A full week of entertainment and culture

• An inclusive atmosphere celebrating diversity

• Opportunities to meet new people from around the globe

• Unforgettable après-ski and nightlife

This is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of identity, visibility, and connection at the top of Europe’s most spectacular mountains.

A Week to Remember

European Gay Ski Week 2026 promises to be one of the standout LGBTQIA+ events of the year. With its perfect mix of adventure and celebration, hosted in the unparalleled setting of Val Thorens, it offers a high-altitude escape where snow, music, and community come together in a week of pure alpine magic.

New Rapid Testing Centre Opens at Fight Aids Monaco

 

Fight Aids Monaco has expanded its prevention efforts with the launch of a weekly rapid testing service at its headquarters, unveiled earlier this week to mark World AIDS Day. Every Tuesday morning, the centre now provides free and confidential screening for HIV, hepatitis B and C, as well as other sexually transmitted infections.

Using rapid diagnostic tests, results are available within 30 minutes, with complete anonymity assured. The initiative is designed to reach individuals who may feel uncomfortable or hesitant about visiting traditional screening facilities.

“We wanted to create a space for people who are still afraid of others’ judgement, of walking into a screening centre,” said Princess Stéphanie. “At Fight Aids Monaco, the environment is more reassuring, with teams trained to support visitors before, during and after testing. Whether the result is positive or negative, having clear information is essential.”

 

Princess Stéphanie emphasised that the new service complements existing screening options at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, offering an additional, more discreet pathway for those seeking support.

While effective tools to combat HIV continue to advance, testing and awareness remain critical. UNAIDS reported approximately 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2023, with rising rates among younger people—a trend the Princess cited as a reminder of the work still to be done.

“We’ve already used rapid tests in community outreach programmes,” she added. “Establishing this service within our own premises is both important and a recognition of what we’ve been doing for years.”

Founded in 2004, Fight Aids Monaco integrates education, prevention, medical assistance and social support. The newly opened testing centre represents the latest step in that mission, breaking down barriers of stigma, cost and delay that often discourage people from getting tested.

The service is available every Tuesday morning at Fight Aids Monaco’s headquarters, La Villa Pasteur, 15 boulevard Charles III, offering free, confidential, and accessible screening for all.

People wishing to take a test can now book an appointment online or by phone at 97 70 67 97, in order to benefit from a personalized and optimal welcome.

Photo credits: Frédéric Nébinger