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

One Night. One Stage. One Cause: Cabaret FAM Takes Over Monaco

 

Ready for an unforgettable night out that also makes a difference? On Monday, 16 December, the chic Marius Restaurant becomes Monaco’s most glamorous destination for a spectacular evening in support of Fight Aids Monaco, founded and led by Princess Stéphanie.

This is not just another show—Cabaret FAM is a full-scale immersive experience. Expect modern cabaret energy, close-up performance, and a venue transformed into an intimate lounge with atmospheric lighting, signature cocktails, and à la carte dining.

Taking centre stage is international transformist sensation Manel Dalgó, joined by two dancers for a one-of-a-kind performance that brings the artists right into the heart of the audience. No traditional stage. No distance. Just pure artistry and connection.

And the best part?

Tickets are just €40!

For over 20 years, the association has been a lifeline for those affected by HIV—providing support, awareness, care, and prevention efforts throughout the region. Your presence helps keep that mission alive. With 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting Fight Aids Monaco.

This is your chance to enjoy an evening of flair, fun, and philanthropy—all while supporting a cause that matters. A meaningful night that celebrates compassion, community, and inclusion

Cabaret FAM isn’t just entertainment. It’s entertainment with purpose.

Reserve your place, bring friends, and be part of an evening that makes a difference.

World AIDS Day 2025 with Fight AIDS Monaco

 

Living on the Côte d’Azur, you quickly discover that many of the familiar urban myths just don’t hold up. One of the biggest misconceptions is that behind all the glamour and prestige, there’s little room for empathy, compassion, or community.

The reality couldn’t be more different.

Take World AIDS Day, for example. Across the region, people are marking the day with sincerity and solidarity—honouring the memory of those we’ve lost, and supporting those who continue to fight.

Since the inception of the charity, many of us have been fortunate where we can to support the meaningful work of Fight AIDS Monaco. The organization plays a vital role in supporting those with HIV and AIDS while also honouring the memory of those lost, including through the creation of memorial quilts—carefully sewn by volunteers and dedicated supporters. Their efforts continue to embody compassion, remembrance, and community.

One of the largest gatherings of community members came together yesterday in support of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie’s charity, Fight AIDS Monaco, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The occasion included the unveiling of memorial quilts created by members of the charity to honour those who have lost their lives to AIDS, in observance of World AIDS Day.

 

Held at the Oceanographic Museum, the event welcomed Princess Stéphanie, her daughter Camille Gottlieb, and Monegasque dignitaries, as Fight AIDS Monaco presented its memorial quilts for the 14th consecutive year.

Both poignant and heartfelt, the quilts serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of AIDS. On Friday, the association presented 8 of its 14 meticulously crafted pieces, each requiring an average of 170 hours to complete.

 

 

The quilts, viewed as powerful symbols of hope, draw inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt movement that began in San Francisco in 1985. This global initiative honours those who have lost their lives to AIDS through handcrafted fabric panels. Christophe Glasser, Director of Fight AIDS Monaco, highlighted this important connection in his address.

Fight AIDS Monaco is a non-profit NGO founded by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie in July 2004. Confronted with the psychological, financial, and emotional challenges faced by people living with HIV—along with the discrimination many experience daily—Princess Stéphanie committed herself to supporting them in their fight for dignity, health, and inclusion.

As Princess Stéphanie has stated:
“I join all those who are fighting HIV in their own lives. I encourage everyone to be screened, to protect themselves, and to thank anyone who devotes their time and money to the mobilization against AIDS.”

Each year, this event is both a remembrance and a celebration of compassion. It honours those who have passed due to HIV/AIDS, while also reflecting the strength of a community united in support, awareness, and hope. This year’s World AIDS Day was no different.

Fight AIDS Monaco continues its mission through the dedication of its board members, a small but committed team of employees, and many volunteers, working alongside Princess Stéphanie to raise awareness, promote prevention, and fund vital services throughout Monaco. The organization is supported by a government grant as well as private donations.

To support their work or to donate, please contact Fight AIDS Monaco.

Photos credit: Monaco Matin

From Coast to Legend: The Making of the French Riviera and Monte Carlo

 

The Riviera—sunlit beaches, perfumed hillsides, pastel palaces—feels timeless. Yet its glamour was not inevitable. It was manufactured through ambition, tourism, art, real estate, and sometimes scandal. To really understand this coast, you have to look past postcards and myths and examine the people, politics, illusions and reinventions that shaped it. The best books on the subject trace that evolution in vivid detail—sometimes beautiful, sometimes harsh.

The Riviera’s Reinvention: From Remote Coast to Elite Playground

For most of history, the Riviera was not chic at all—just quiet fishing villages and rugged hills. That changed rapidly from the 19ᵗʰ century onward. In 1887, Stephen Liégeard coined the term “Côte d’Azur,” giving the region a new identity. Rail links to Nice (from 1864) brought seasonal visitors and the wealthy elite, triggering a transformation that replaced modest homes with grand hotels, villas and spas. The Riviera became a hybrid of nature, luxury, and culture—its image built as much by artists and writers as by climate.

The coastline didn’t simply become glamorous—it was engineered into a global symbol of wealth and beauty.

Monte Carlo: A Legend Built on Gambling, Spectacle, and Strategy

Monte Carlo is the Riviera’s boldest experiment in place-making. When Monaco legalized gambling in 1855, it was a desperate attempt to survive economically. Entrepreneur François Blanc secured the concession in 1858 and created the casino-resort model that turned a tiny, poor principality into a luxury destination. Marketing, rail access, “aristocratic tourism,” and spectacle transformed Monte Carlo into a playground for royalty, financiers, adventurers and social climbers.

Its history—ambition, profit, scandal and risk—is not accidental. It was constructed.

Why “History + Scandal” Books Reveal the Riviera’s Real Story

The Riviera is often sold as leisure and beauty. The best history-driven books tear that image open—showing the deeper dynamics of power, culture, travel, art, inequality and reinvention.

Here are standout titles:

Recommended Reads

• Making Monte Carlo: A History of Speculation and Spectacle

The definitive history of Monaco’s transformation—from gambling legalization to casino culture, wealth creation, publicity and the darker side of glamour and corruption.

• The French Riviera: A Cultural History

A sweeping overview of how the region evolved from villages to aristocratic resort to modern cosmopolitan hub—a study of tourism, migration and cultural identity.

• The Hidden Riviera: Exploring Southeastern France

A counter-narrative that reveals overlooked histories, social tensions and the realities behind the glamour.

• Secret French Riviera

Investigates hidden stories, inequality and the underbelly behind the postcard.

• The French Riviera and Its Artists

Focuses on the artistic and bohemian side—painters, writers and artistic colonies that helped define the region’s myth.

 • Monte Carlo (Assouline)

A lavish visual history of Monte Carlo’s evolving identity and self-presentation.

• The French Riviera in the 1920’s (Assouline)

A photobiography of the Riviera’s most iconic decade—artists, society, and the shadow of approaching war.

What These Books Reveal

Across the Riviera and Monaco, similar themes appear:

• The coast wasn’t born glamorous—it was built through speculation, architecture, tourism and branding.

• Luxury often masked social inequality, labor struggles and disruption of older ways of life.

• Myths mattered. Art, literature and imagery helped sell a dream of escape and wealth.

• Monte Carlo and the Riviera became icons because people engineered them to be legends.

Why This Matters—Especially If You Live Here

Living or traveling here means walking among that history. The Riviera is beautiful—but it’s also layered with ambition, creativity, risk, social change and reinvention. These books deepen your view of the region: villas, boulevards, festivals and casinos become not just scenery, but cultural artifacts.

In the End: A Coast Built on Stories

The Riviera and Monte Carlo may look like eternal postcards, but their history is far more complex: a living blend of glamour and strategy, culture and commerce, art and illusion. These books go beyond tourism—they explain how myths are constructed, sold and sustained.

If you want to understand the Riviera not just as a landscape but as a legend in motion, these titles are the perfect place to start.

Christmas 2025 in Monaco: A Season of Lights, Elegance and Winter Magic

 

Every winter, Monaco becomes one of the most enchanting holiday destinations on the Riviera, and Christmas 2025 promises to be no exception. The festive season officially begins on 29 November 2025, when the Christmas lights illuminate Monte-Carlo and the surrounding streets.

The centrepiece of the celebrations is Place du Casino. A magnificent Christmas tree—soaring more than 20 metres high—rises before the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, surrounded by themed decorations and festive displays. At night, the Casino’s façade becomes the stage for spectacular sound-and-light shows, adding a magical glow to the heart of the Principality.

The Christmas Village at Port Hercule

One of Monaco’s most popular traditions returns in 2025: the Christmas Village at Port Hercule. Running from 5 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, it stretches along the waterfront at Quai Albert I.

Visitors will find wooden chalets selling festive treats, local products and gifts, along with a charming winter fair atmosphere. Attractions include a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and other seasonal rides. The Sports Village adds even more excitement with zip lines, obstacle courses and climbing activities.

Entertainment is central to the village, with live performances, musicians, festive characters and children’s workshops scheduled throughout the season.

Festive Dining and Seasonal Indulgence

Christmas in Monaco is also a culinary celebration. Major hotels and restaurants across the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer properties—such as the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort—celebrate with lavish Christmas decorations and festive dining experiences.

Seasonal menus, gourmet pastries, Christmas teas and special holiday meals enrich the festive atmosphere and offer visitors the chance to enjoy the Principality’s renowned gastronomy. Throughout December, pop-ups and seasonal chalets serve sweets and hot drinks, making the portside strolls warm, cozy and indulgent.

The Monte-Carlo Christmas Ball

Christmas in Monaco also brings with it one of the most glamorous social events of the season: the Monte-Carlo Christmas Ball. In 2025, the Ball celebrates its 20th anniversary and is held on 12 December at the historic Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The evening combines high society glamour with charity fundraising, making it a signature Monaco tradition.

A Monaco Christmas Like No Other

During Christmas 2025, Monaco offers far more than just stunning decorations. It creates a complete holiday world: a destination where gourmet dining meets seaside charm, where children and adults alike enjoy festive entertainment, and where every corner of the city participates in the celebration.

Whether wandering through the dazzling lights of Place du Casino, exploring the Christmas Village, or enjoying a festive meal in one of Monaco’s iconic hotels, the Principality brings its signature elegance and creativity to the holiday season—making it one of the most magical places to experience Christmas.

Christmas Magic on the French Riviera: Key Village Dates for Winter 2025–2026

 

As the holiday season approaches, the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) lights up in a warm and festive glow. Charming Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and plenty of seasonal events make this a magical place to celebrate. Here’s a guide to the top Christmas villages on the Riviera — including Nice, Antibes, Menton, Cannes, Grasse, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, and Saint-Tropez.

Where & When to Celebrate Christmas on the Riviera

Menton

• Dates: December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026.

• Where: Mail du Bastion & Esplanade Francis-Palmero.
  

• What to See:

  • About 35 wooden chalets filled with artisan gifts and gourmet delights.

  • A patinoire (ice rink), merry-go-rounds, and a festive “forest” of Christmas trees to choose for your home.

  • Daily family entertainment: shows, parades, and Santa’s mailbox from December 5 to 19.

  • Illuminations and a “Way of the Nativity Scenes” running all season.
    

• Opening Hours:

  • From Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 to 19:00

  • On Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 to 22:00
    

• Extra Magic: On December 5, the Christmas celebrations kick off with an inauguration at the Mail du Bastion starting around 18:00.

Cannes

• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 for the main Christmas Village.

• Location: The village is set up on the Allées de la Liberté and Cours Félix Faure.
  

• What’s Happening:

  • About 60 chalets of artisans and creators, beautifully lit for the season.

  • A 350 m² ice rink, with sessions for all ages.

  • Children’s workshops on Wednesdays (3, 10, 17 December), and on weekends + daily from December 20 to January 4.

  • Storytelling & Christmas Tales: daily at 15:30 & 17:30.

  • Santa’s Chalet:

    • Inauguration: 28 November, 17:30–20:30.

    • Weekends of December 6–7 and 13–14: 14:30–18:30.

    • Every day from December 20 to 24: 14:30–18:30.

  • Musical Evenings (“Jeudis Musicaux”): Thursdays 4, 11, 18 December, 18:30–19:30, with gospel, fanfares, and concert-style performances.

  • Light Parade: On December 23, a magical illuminated parade starts around 17:30, traveling through several central streets.

  • New Year’s Fireworks: There will be a fireworks show on 31 December at midnight over the bay of Cannes.
    

• Opening Hours for Christmas Village:

  • Sunday–Thursday: 11:00–21:00

  • Friday & Saturday: 11:00–22:00
    

• Other Activities:

  • In Cannes La Bocca (Avenue Pierre Sémard), from December 20 to 24: a “Gourmet Workshop” where kids can make sweet Christmas treats, enjoy stories, and meet Santa & Mrs. Claus.

  • At the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, there’s a “Jardin Enchanté” (Enchanted Garden) from 21 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, featuring a skating rink and gospel concerts.

A Broader Riviera Christmas Tour

Here’s how these new additions (Menton, Cannes) fit in the larger Riviera holiday picture:

• Nice: The traditional Christmas Village in Jardin Albert 1er / Place Masséna remains a centerpiece for festive crafts, food, and entertainment.

• Antibes & Juan-les-Pins: With wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, a small train, an ice rink, and more — ideal for family outings.

• Menton: Provides a more intimate, charming feel with its own forest of Christmas trees, skating, and local artisans.

• Cannes: Offers a sophisticated and varied Christmas experience — artisan chalets, a large ice rink, musical performances, a parade, and even a hotel garden spectacle.

• Grasse / Pays de Grasse: Light festivals, Christmas markets in smaller villages, and artistic workshops.

• Saint-Laurent-du-Var: A cozy park transformed into a winter wonderland — rides, chalet, ice rink.

• Saint-Tropez: Idyllic harbor illuminations, a “Christmas farm,” sea-arriving Santa, and a festive gondola-like ride.

Why These Christmas Villages Are Special

• Mediterranean Flair: Unlike alpine Christmas markets, the Riviera combines traditional wooden chalets with palm-tree-lined streets and a mild winter climate.

• Family Delight: Whether it’s skating, meeting Santa, horse-drawn carriages, or creative workshops, these markets are very kid-friendly.

• Craftsmanship Meets Local Flavor: Many chalets showcase Provençal artisans, gourmet food, and regional specialties.

• Photogenic Charm: From the harbor in Cannes to the bastion in Menton, the Riviera’s Christmas décor is sublime for evening strolls and holiday photos.

Practical Tips for Visitors

1. Check Local Schedules: Times and events vary a lot — particularly for parades, workshops, and ice rink sessions.

2. Use Public Transit: Parking can be difficult in town centers, especially on weekends in December.

3. Dress in Layers: Even though it’s warmer than in mountain regions, nights can be chilly by the coast.

4. Plan Around Weekends: The biggest shows, parades, and fireworks often happen on weekends — book ahead if you’re staying locally.

Final Thoughts

Christmas 2025 on the French Riviera is shaping up to be an enchanting mix of tradition and elegance. Whether you stroll through Menton’s charming chalets, skate on Cannes’s ice rink, or enjoy a parade under the Riviera sky, this holiday season promises something magical for everyone.

Le Croque Bedaine Nice: A Warm, Inclusive Spot in the Heart of the City

 

In a city known for its lively café culture and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, Le Croque Bedaine has carved out a special place for itself. Located just steps from the buzz of central Nice, this popular beer-and-croque bar has become a favorite among locals, visitors, and anyone looking for a casual, friendly place to unwind.

A Cozy Concept With a Gourmet Twist

Le Croque Bedaine’s charm lies in its simple yet irresistible concept: generous, gourmet croques paired with a curated selection of beers. Comforting, unfussy, and delicious, their signature croque-monsieur–style creations come in inventive varieties—from truffle-infused recipes to cheese-rich specialties—making it a go-to stop for food lovers who want quality without the formality.

Guests consistently praise the warm ambiance, attentive staff, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease, whether you’re dropping in for a casual lunch, meeting friends after work, or settling in for a full evening.

A Welcoming, Inclusive Environment

One of Le Croque Bedaine’s defining strengths is its genuinely welcoming spirit. Visitors highlight the friendly service, positive energy, and comfortable setting—an approach that makes the bar feel open and accessible to everyone.

While the establishment does not market itself as a gay bar, it has organically become known as LGBT-friendly, appealing to many within Nice’s diverse LGBTQ community who value laid-back, inclusive spaces. The emphasis on conviviality, kindness, and making guests feel “at home” creates an atmosphere where people of all backgrounds can enjoy themselves freely.

Accessible facilities also enhance its inclusive reputation, making the venue accommodating not only socially but physically as well.

A Neighborhood Favorite With Community Vibes

Le Croque Bedaine is loved not only for its food but also for its community-minded spirit. The venue is equipped for private events, casual gatherings, and group celebrations, adding versatility to its charm. Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable, friendly hangout or a visitor eager to sample Nice’s easygoing food scene, the bar offers an experience that is both satisfying and authentically warm.

A Place Where Everyone Feels at Home

Nice has no shortage of good restaurants, but few combine comfort food, great beer, and genuine hospitality quite like Le Croque Bedaine. Its LGBT-friendly reputation, inclusive vibe, and consistently kind service make it a standout destination for anyone seeking a relaxed, enjoyable spot with heart.

In a city built on sunshine and openness, Le Croque Bedaine fits right in—serving great food, good energy, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

Photo Credit: Le Croque Bedaine