Dolly Party – Fête de la Musique 2025

 

The iconic Dolly Party returns to light up Nice on June 21, transforming Place du Pin into an exciting celebration of music, identity, and community. Organized by the Centre LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur in partnership with the City of Nice, this open-air music festival is a cornerstone of Pride and the Fête de la Musique.

What Is the Dolly Party?

Originally launched as the “Dolly Fête de la Musique,” this annual event has grown into a beloved Riviera tradition. Held on the summer solstice, it brings the streets to life with:

Electro & House DJ Sets – A stellar lineup including Nicolas Dermen, Ben Crafter, Jisse, FredSki, and Anna Crouse.

Immersive Visuals – Building façades transformed by projections from artist Moya, plus dazzling lighting and dancefloor energy.

Community Action – Info booths, free HIV/STI testing, vaccination services, and prevention outreach led by local associations.

Neighborhood Support – Surrounding bars, cafés, and restaurants join the festivities, with proceeds supporting the Centre’s vital advocacy work.

More Than a Party – A Celebration of Identity & Inclusion

 

Empowerment Through Festivity

Dolly is not just a celebration—it's a joyful act of resistance, a public affirmation of LGBTQIA+ visibility and pride.

An Inclusive, Safer Space

Everyone is welcome in this non-judgmental atmosphere. With controlled entry points and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, Dolly offers a space where all identities can feel safe, seen, and supported.

Support That Lasts Beyond the Night

Funds raised go directly toward the Centre’s year-round efforts—legal advocacy, health outreach, and support services for LGBTQIA+ individuals across the region.

Why It Matters

Visibility & Belonging
By taking over a central square, Dolly celebrates queer presence in the heart of the city—amplifying voices and strengthening community ties.

A Safer Gathering
Dolly is a carefully managed event with entry checks and supervision, ensuring safety while preserving freedom and joy.

Awareness in Action
Through partnerships with organizations like AIDES and ENIPSE, attendees can access essential health services in an engaging, accessible environment.

Fundraising for Impact
The event directly supports the LGBTQIA+ Centre’s work across the Côte d’Azur—combating discrimination, promoting public health, and building community resilience.

What to Expect in 2025

When: Saturday, June 21 | 18:00–00:00
Where: Place du Pin & Rue Bonaparte, Nice
Entry: Free and open to all | Secured access with bag checks
Atmosphere: An exhilarating mix of beats, lights, community, and care—bringing together the essence of Pride and music festival magic.

Beyond June – A Cultural Staple

Dolly isn’t just a once-a-year affair. On August 14, the beloved Dolly White Party takes over Place du Pin once again—this time with an all-white dress code, drag performances, striking visuals, and continued fundraising for LGBTQIA+ causes.

Nice itself is a city proud of its inclusive spirit. From beaches to bars like Le Glam, it remains a welcoming destination where events like Dolly play a vital role in strengthening LGBTQIA+ culture and connection.

In Summary

The Dolly Party is a living celebration—bold, inclusive, full of joy and purpose.

On June 21, music and solidarity will pulse through the streets of Nice. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, LGBTQIA+ or an ally, this is your invitation to dance, connect, and be part of something meaningful.

Bring your energy. Bring your heart. And celebrate a community that celebrates you.

From Expatriates to Jet-Setters: A Century of Americans on the French Riviera

 

With more and more North Americans coming to the region (including the LGBTQ community) either for a vacation, retirement, secondary home investment, or even a forever home. I thought it was important to give some background as to why that continues to this day.

For more than a century, the French Riviera—la Côte d’Azur—has seduced Americans with its blend of Mediterranean charm, sun-soaked leisure, and artistic spirit. From bohemian writers in the 1920s to modern retirees and tech nomads, Americans have woven themselves into the cultural and social tapestry of this legendary coastline. Here's a look at how that relationship has evolved over the decades.

The 1920s: The Lost Generation Finds the Riviera

The earliest wave of American migration to the French Riviera began in earnest during the 1920s, when a cohort of disillusioned, ambitious writers and artists fled Prohibition-era America and found refuge in France. Chief among them were members of the so-called “Lost Generation”: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. Drawn to the Riviera for its beauty and its freedoms, these expatriates made towns like Antibes, Cannes and Nice their creative sanctuaries.

Fitzgerald, in particular, immortalized the region in his novel Tender Is the Night, depicting the glittering but decaying lives of Americans abroad. The Côte d’Azur became a place for introspection and excess, a land where art mingled with jazz, gin, and Mediterranean light.

The 1940s–1950s: Postwar Glamour and the Hollywood Invasion

World War II temporarily dimmed the Riviera’s luster, but the postwar years brought a resurgence—this time with a Hollywood flair. The 1950s saw American movie stars such as Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, and Elizabeth Taylor flock to the region, helped in part by the rising glamour of the Cannes Film Festival. Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 cemented the connection between the French Riviera and American fantasy.

Simultaneously, American writers like James Baldwin found in the Riviera a quieter, more contemplative retreat. Baldwin lived for years in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hilltop village where he wrote and socialized with fellow artists, far from the racial tensions and constraints of the United States.

The 1960s–1980s: Counterculture, Wealth, and the Global Jet Set

The 1960s ushered in a new kind of American presence: the counter-cultural traveler. Hippies and beatniks arrived in droves, drawn to the Riviera’s artistic reputation and relaxed lifestyle. While Paris remained the intellectual capital, the South of France offered sunshine, sea, and a sense of bohemian freedom.

By the 1970s and 1980s, however, a different class of American began arriving: entrepreneurs, bankers, and heirs, part of the global jet set. Towns like Saint-Tropez transformed from quiet fishing villages into luxurious playgrounds. Americans invested in property, opened restaurants and clubs, and became part of the Riviera's wealthy elite.

The 1990s–2000s: Second Homes and Globalization

As globalization took hold, the Riviera became increasingly accessible. More direct flights, international business networks, and the rise of real estate investment drew another wave of Americans—this time not as wanderers or artists, but as vacation-home owners and retirees. From Saint Tropez to Menton, American retirees and professionals purchased villas, often using them as seasonal retreats.

Though integration into local culture varied, many Americans contributed to the region’s cosmopolitan vibe, bringing with them ideas about wellness, entrepreneurship, and international living.

The 2010s–Present: Tech Nomads and the Remote Work Boom

In the last decade, the profile of Americans moving to the French Riviera has shifted again. Fueled by the rise of remote work (with the appropriate paperwork in place) and the appeal of a slower-paced Mediterranean lifestyle, a younger generation of Tech nomads and freelancers is settling in cities like Nice and small towns along the coastline. Social media has added to the region’s allure, promoting a curated, sun-drenched vision of Riviera life that continues to enchant.

At the same time, longstanding American enclaves—expat groups, English-speaking bookstores, international schools—remain vital parts of the local ecosystem.

A Cultural Dialogue Across the Sea

Today, Americans on the French Riviera represent a rich blend of history, ambition, and adaptation. From writers and celebrities to retirees and remote workers, they’ve each brought something uniquely American while also absorbing the art de vivre of southern France.

The Riviera continues to enchant not just as a destination, but as a kind of mirror—reflecting back American dreams through the prism of breathtaking landscapes, café terraces, and endless blue horizons over the Mediterranean Sea

If you are considering coming this way, connect with us today.

The Monaco Open Air Cinema 2025 Season: A Summer of Cinema Under the Stars

 

Summer has arrived, and with it, the return of one of Monaco’s most enchanting traditions: the Monaco Open Air Cinema. Perched high above the sea on the Rock of Monaco, this beloved venue reopens this month, offering a unique cinematic experience under the stars that runs through September.

 What to Expect This Season

Dates & Schedule The 2025 season runs nightly from mid-June through early September. Doors open around 20:45, with films beginning by 21:30 and the main screening starting close to 22:00.

A Premier Outdoor Experience

• Europe’s largest open-air screen (200–220 m²) provides a crystal-clear view.

• 500 cushioned seats, plus lounge chairs and standing areas, offer comfort and flexibility.

• A relaxed seaside setting, complete with popcorn, hot dogs, wine, and beer, makes every night feel like a festival.

• Leashed dogs are welcome, adding to the venue’s casual, friendly vibe.

• Films are shown in original language with French subtitles, with occasional French-language features subtitled in English.

  
  Tickets & Entry

• Admission: €12 for adults, €10–11.50 for students (varies slightly).

• Booking: Tickets are sold on-site only—there is no advance booking. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure the best seats.
  
  

  
  Summer Highlights

The 2025 lineup blends blockbuster action, family fun, and critically acclaimed features. Some highlights include:

• Action & Thrillers: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, F1, and Ballerina

• Animated & Family Films: Lilo & Stitch, Vacances forcées

• Fan Favorites & Sagas: Anticipated returns of Oppenheimer, Barbie, and Indiana Jones

• Special Events: A rare screening of The Count of Monte-Cristo (in French with English subtitles)

        Location & Contact

• Address: Terrasses du Parking des Pêcheurs, Avenue de la Quarantaine, Monaco (top level of the Chemin des Pêcheurs car park, level 2 exit)

• Info: Tickets and nightly lineup details are available on-site or by calling +377 93 25 86 80

  
  Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

  A Legendary Setting Nestled beneath the pine trees and framed by sweeping sea views and Monaco’s ancient cliffside, the cinema creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
  

  Comfort & Quality Cushioned seats, personal tables, and modern sound systems ensure the experience is both cozy and immersive.
  

  A True Monaco Tradition Running since 1948, this cinema is a cultural fixture and an essential part of summer in the Principality.

  Tips for a Perfect Evening

• Arrive early (by 20:30) to pick your seat and enjoy the ambiance.

• Dress in layers, as evening sea breezes can be cool.

• Visit the snack bar early—lines can build up quickly.

• Bring a blanket or jacket for added warmth and comfort.
  

Monaco’s Open Air Cinema is back—offering movie magic beneath the stars, all summer long. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, don’t miss this unforgettable blend of film, sea, and starlight.

Nice Holds Strong in the French Real Estate Market

 

While property prices are falling in many parts of France, Nice continues to stand out as a resilient and attractive market. In fact, prices in the city are stabilizing, and certain districts are becoming increasingly sought-after. Rue de France remains a highly desirable location, while neighborhoods like Riquier and Saint-Roch are emerging as promising investment areas.

With its exceptional climate, central location, relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, numerous amenities and stunning landscapes, Nice continues to charm buyers. The city’s expansive and picturesque seafront draws in new expats and affluent retirees, many of whom are in search of second homes on the Côte d’Azur. These buyers play a major role in supporting the local real estate market.

Currently, the average price per square metre in Nice stands at €4,785, driven by strong demand both locally and internationally. Smaller properties are particularly popular, making studio apartments especially hard to come by. Apartments in general average around €5,130 per square metre, while houses on the city’s outskirts fetch about €5,596.

However, prices vary significantly depending on the exact location. The so-called "Golden Square"—a central area between the Promenade des Anglais and Boulevard Victor Hugo—commands some of the highest prices in the city, with apartments in Belle Époque buildings selling for an average of €7,706 per square metre.

Other high-demand areas include Rue de France (€7,069/m²) and Mont Boron (€7,058/m²), a prestigious hilltop district to the east of Nice known for its breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere. In some parts of Mont Boron, prices can soar beyond €11,500 per square metre, reflecting the area’s exclusivity.

In these premium neighborhoods, market regulators are anticipating a potential cap on further price increases. Conversely, districts such as Riquier and Saint-Roch are expected to see modest price growth, supported by ongoing residential development projects. Overall, property prices in Nice could rise by approximately 2% by 2026, although this will depend on broader economic conditions.

Seeking a property in Nice? Connect with us today.