Concierge Services in the Age of Social Media on the French Riviera

 

An observation…

The French Riviera has always been home to a wide range of concierge services, designed to help visitors discover the best the region has to offer with guidance from local insiders. Many of these services are reliable and well-established. But just as often, others appear suddenly at the start of high season—only to vanish midway through or as soon as summer ends.

This past season, in conversations with agencies and local acquaintances, we noticed an unusually high number of individuals—mainly on social media—offering “luxury lifestyle” experiences. You’ve likely seen the type: Instagram accounts promising exclusive parties or access, with nothing more than a Gmail address or WhatsApp number for contact. Often, these accounts recycle other people’s videos, pass them off as their own, and make promises of insider access they don’t actually have.

They hide behind names like PartySaintTropez, PartyCannes, PartyMonaco, or ConciergeCannes. At first glance, they may look legitimate and are entertaining to watch—until you dig deeper. The reality is that these “companies” often scramble to contact actual agencies like ours, desperately trying to secure last-minute villa rentals requests, event tickets, or restaurant reservations. They expect everything for free or at hugely discounted rates, while charging their clients triple the real cost. Many refuse to sign legal contracts, aren’t based locally, and in some cases, become aggressive or threatening when pressed.

With the Monaco Yacht Show this week, the trend has flared up again. We’ve seen a flood of messages from so-called companies in Spain and the UK claiming they can introduce us to “industry elites” for an eye-watering fee. Yet the show takes place right in our backyard, and we’ve built trusted relationships in yachting and events for more than a decade. Tickets can also be purchased directly from the Monaco Yacht Show website, and parties remain a matter of knowing the right people and what you bring to the table—not inflated offers from middlemen.

We understand the fascination with the glamor and glitter of Monaco and the Côte d’Azur. From the outside, it can all seem instantly attainable, especially on social media. But the truth is: trust and reputation are everything here. Locals know this, and relationships are built face-to-face, over time.

When we launched Experience The French Riviera more than a decade ago, we did so with the shared economy in mind—a fresh concept at the time. Today, our focus remains on ensuring visitors enjoy the region authentically, without falling prey to scams or unnecessary markups. We’ve become protective of travelers who deserve real experiences, not hollow promises.

So, if you’re tempted by flashy social media accounts or self-proclaimed “insiders,” take a step back. Ask the right questions. Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

In the Riviera, exclusivity isn’t bought at a premium from strangers online—it’s earned through hard work, trust, and genuine connections. Or, as the saying goes: shop local for peace of mind.