Riviera Insider - May/June 2018

MONACO The grimaldis: a photographic family

ART & CULTURE open air soirées on the côte d’azur

CANNES cate blanchett presides at the film festival

SPORT grand Prix season: Monaco & Le castellet

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Legacies of weLL-being

VALBONNE A focus on this

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# 178 maY / June 2018 4,90 € The

english-language

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for

The

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2002

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Editorial

By PETRA HALL

During my 26 years as an editor-in-chief on the french Riviera, i have met so many exciting people that i’ve lost count. one of them is Patrick Poivre d’arvor, probably the most famous french journalist to date. PPDa, so is his nickname, was invited by the Monaco Press club to talk about his career in april (see page 88). for three decades, he was the face of the national TV evening news and sometimes a dreaded interviewer. giscard d’estaing, Mitterrand and sarkozy all know something about it, as well as Prince Rainier iii.

PPDa impressed me especially for one reason: he has never humoured politicians. on the contrary, when advisers and ministers asked him not to touch this or that – sensitive subjects – he would begin with these taboo questions. The reaction of the interviewee: “finally a real conversation without dodging words!”

The people behind the person in the chair, no doubt, nodded their heads.

Patrick Poivre d’arvor was not a man of uniform journalism pap. He shaped his reporting with

meticulous research, but also with empathy. nowadays nearly every medium – radio, television, social networks – provides us with the same regurgitated information. even worse, the race to be the first to publish breaking news means that many don’t properly check their facts. “what on earth changes if you publish a little later on?” said Poivre d’arvor. “at least it’s correct!” i share his opinion, and i also wanted to share these values with you, dear readers, before i officially say goodbye in the next issue of Riviera insider. for me, a new life is about to begin. all of us at Riviera insider wish you a wonderful spring time on the french Riviera,

THE TEAM

eLsa caRPenTeR

aiLa sTöckMann

caRoLe HébeRT

DoMiniQUe fReULon

bicH LecoURT

VincenT aRTUs

fRanÇoise MULLeR

PaTRice sainT-LegeR

25 years ago, Petra Hall (Riviera Press’ editor-inchief) founded the newspaper Riviera côte d’azur Zeitung in german, which was followed by The Riviera Times in 2003. These titles have now blossomed under the names Riviera insider and RivieraZeit into attractive, contemporary magazines. The goal from the beginning was to provide readers with exciting, informative and unique insights from the Mediterranean written by professional mother-tongue journalists. Petra Hall has become an institution in the south of france and Monaco's media landscape.

Elsa Carpenter (editor) joined the team in spring 2016 with fresh ideas and a modern vision for the magazine. Having worked as a journalist in the south of france for many years - some of you may recognise her name - she is deeply invested in the culture and lifestyle of the côte d’azur, and is keen to share her passion for the region with our readers.

Bich Lecourt (managing director) was born in antibes. since completing her PhD in economics, she has worked in sophia antipolis so is well-acquainted with the business ecosystem and atmosphere of the french Riviera. from architecture to interior design and décor, bich likes discovering new parts of the region and enjoying the quintessential côte d’azur lifestyle.

Aila Stöckmann (editor of RivieraZeit) has been divulging her passion for and her knowledge of the côte d’azur with our readers for more than ten years.

The german born mother-of-two loves the region, the sun, the beautiful landscape and – obviously – the german language magazine RivieraZeit.

Vincent Artus (art director) has a gift for transforming visions and ideas into reality. The niçois creative talent has as a penchant for clean lines and playing with white space for optimum effect and has brought a fresh, stylish look to our publication. The multi-talented creative is also a photographer and videographer.

Carole Hébert (secretary) is the heart and soul of the team. besides dealing with accounting, subscription management and reader concerns, this native of northern france has a knack with numbers and always ensures everything in the office is ticking over perfectly.

Françoise Muller (sales & marketing) is originally from Dijon, but has been living and working on the côte d'azur since 1993. for 14 years, she has thrived on her work in the communications and marketing industry, and is now a new and enthusiastic member of our team. Her hobbies include literature and sports.

Dominique Freulon (events & distribution), who was born in Paris and has been living on the côte d'azur for 15 years, puts maximum energy and dynamism into working in our marketing department. she is a true 'people person' and has always been an admirer of our magazines. Her hobbies are travelling in faraway countries and literature.

Patrice Saint-Léger (sales & marketing) has been working in the communications sector for more than ten years. after studying business administration and entrepreneurship, our cannes-born publicist discovered his passion in the advertising business – for its creativity and aesthetics. During his free time, his interests lie in sports and nature. maY / June 2018

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Issue #178 see MoRe, Do MoRe, know MoRe cover photo CATE BLANCHETT IN CANNES © Denis Makarenko

conTenTs

The Hotlist all about cannes & other news from the region

8 Health & Wellness an interview with Lumity Life founder Dr sara Palmer Hussey

14 Two women in grasse redefine cosmetics

18 Meditation: stop & breathe

20 Life after cancer: an interview with the president of La Ligue contre le cancer 06

22 The Holy Tree

30 Unknown Monaco: understanding the Monegasque health system

Cannes cate the great: australian icon blanchett to preside at the film festival

38 Valbonne Teeing off on the côte d’azur: a focus on Valbonne

44 art for hire: paintings, not books, line the walls the art Tisse library

46 critic Lewis Longman visits a local institution

48

The grimaldis: an archival exhibition at the Palais Princier

40

57 formula 1 in the principality: the one race all drivers dream of winning

58 Racing returns to the Paul Ricard ciruit in Le castellet

Gourmet Rampoldi: the rebirth of an icon

50 That certain Mediterranean something at Le comptoir 2 nicole

52 Yachting

below photo A SHOT FROM THE 1980 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX ON THE PAUL RICARD CIRCUIT IN LE CASTELLET © DPPI

Legends only at the grand Prix de Monaco Historique

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32 Monaco

Sport

Reporting from the Yacht club de Monaco: superyacht chefs in competition & the Monaco globe series

56

Lifestyle Tracing lost scents of perfume’s past

62 Art & Culture open air soirées on the côte d’azur

66 nicolas de staël en Provence

70 Business ikea confirmed for nice

76 air france: a more connected world

78 Events what’s on the agenda?

84 Community Meet the american club of the french Riviera

86 expat focus: the multitalented cindy egolf

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all aBouT cannes The great and good of the Silver Screen will return to the shores of the Côte d’azur between 8th and 19th May for the region’s most well-known red carpet: the Cannes Film Festival.

By ELSA CARPENTER

© Christophe Bouillon

In Competition 18 films with a global outlook: the 2018 competition selection (the potential winners of the Palme d’or) includes directors from around the world yet has incurred some criticism for its lack of gender diversity. in competition: 87-year-old frenchman Jean-Luc godard, whose 1965 film has been transformed into this year’s poster, appears in the list with video essay Le Livre d’image; american spike Lee’s blackkklansman, a drama about an african american who infiltrates a ku klux klan chapter; Polish-brit Pawel Pawlikowski recounts the tale of a cross-country romance during the cold war; american David Robert Mitchell presents a film noir, Under the silver Lake; italian Matteo garrone with an ‘urban western’ called Dogman; iranian asghar farhadi will open the festival with his thriller Todos Lo saben featuring spanish power couple Penelope cruz and Javier bardem; factory employees fight back in french stéphane brizé’s at war; Japanese Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s drama asako i & ii on doppelganger love; fellow Japenese director Hirokazu kore-eda’s shoplifters; another french offering by christophe Honoré called sorry angel; maY / June 2018

egyptian-austrian abu bakr shawky's Yomeddine about a middle-aged man raised in a leper colony; chinese Jia Zhang-ke’s ash is Purest white, the longest film in competition at two and a half hours; and south korean Lee chang-Dong’s buh-ning.

Just three female directors have made the list: french eva Husson’s tale of female kurdish fighters girls of the sun; Lebanese nadine Labaki’s capernaum; and italian alice Rohrwacher’s Lazzaro felice, a story about ‘a man living on the margins of society who travels through time’. Upon releasing the list of films, Director of the film festival Thierry frémaux admitted to the press, “There are not enough women directors but… our point of view is that the films are selected for their intrinsic qualities. There will never be a selection with a positive discrimination for women.” controversy hasn’t just surrounded the low number of female directors in the line-up. Two directors are currently leading with complex situations in their home countries: Jafar Panahi (Three faces) has been banned from leaving iran multiple times in recent years and kirill serebrennikov (Leto) has been under house arrest since 2010 over fraud charges. it has been reported that frémaux has asked both governments to reconsider their positions and permit the directors to attend.

The full list of films in the official selection can be found at: festival-cannes.com 

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Masters of the jury Sealed with a kiss Leading the charge at the 71st festival de film is australian actress and our cover star cate blanchett, who will be taking on the role of President of the Jury. we explore her dynamic career and personality on pages 38 and 39. french actor, director, screenwriter and producer édouard baer will act as Master of ceremonies.

Heading up the Un certain Regard jury is the enigmatic and academy award-winning benicio del Toro. in 2012, del Toro himself was part of the Un certain Regard selection for his directorial debut, el Yuma (one of the segments of 7 Days in Havana). french filmmaker bertrand bonello will chair the cinéfondation and short films jury. speaking of his role, bonello says, “what do we expect from young people, unknown filmmakers and early films? Let them shake us up, let them make us look at what we’re unable to see, let them enjoy the freedom, the sharpness, the recklessness and the daring that we sometimes no longer possess. The cinéfondation has been working for 20 years to make these voices heard and i’m extremely proud this year to be able to accompany them.”

Ursula Meier, the swiss filmmaker, will select the best first film presented in the official selection, the semaine de la critique and the Directors' fortnight. as President of the caméra d’or, Meier announce the winning film on the final day of the festival. she says, “a first film is the place of all possibilities, of all audacity, of all risk-taking, of all madness. what immense excitement and joy to discover all these films!” 

a 27-year-old freelance graphic designer and illustrator is behind this year’s official poster. in the piece, flore Maquin from Lyon – who has worked with the likes of Universal Pictures, Paramount, arte, esPn and the institut Lumière – uses a still shot by renowned photographer georges Pierre that was taken during the filming of JeanLuc godard’s 1965 film Pierrot le fou: a kiss between lead roles ferdinand griffon (Jean-Paul belmondo) and his ex-girlfriend Marianne Renoir (anna karina). The film was already influenced by the pop art style of the time, but is given new vibrance by Maquin.

The young french designer describes herself as a ‘passionate film buff’ and has created dozens of exciting alternative posters for cult films and series – fight club, Peaky blinders, scream, Pulp fiction, The birds… - which can be explored on her website: flore-maquin.com 

Cannes Classics 2001: a space odyssey, an ‘epic drama of adventure and exploration’, has been described as one of the greatest and most influential films of all times. in 2018, this 1968 classic by american director stanley kubrick (1928-1999) will celebrate its 50th anniversary. cannes classic has chosen to honour the ground-breaking film with a world premiere of a print made from the original camera negative on saturday 12th May. filmmaker and kubrick über fan christopher nolan (who collaborated with warner bros. Pictures throughout the mastering process) will introduce the legendary science fiction production during an evening that will also host kubrick’s family, including his long-time producing partner and brother-in-law Jan Harlan. “one of my earliest memories of cinema is seeing stanley kubrick’s 2001: a space odyssey at the Leicester square Theatre in London with my father,” says nolan. “The opportunity to be involved in recreating that experience for a new generation, and of introducing our new unrestored 70mm print of kubrick’s masterpiece in all its analogue glory at the festival de cannes, is an honour and a privilege.” 

Design: © Flore Maquin / Photo: © Georges Pierre

3 Days in Cannes on the final three days of the film festival (17th to 19th May), cinema lovers between the ages of 18 and 28 are being invited to ‘discover the official selection before anyone else’. The three-day pass, which can be obtained on the festival’s website, permits access to the entire programme of films displayed during the event: competition, out of competition, special screenings, Un certain Regard, cannes classics, and cinéma de la Plage.

maY / June 2018

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Designing the cities of tomorrow french Prime Minister édouard Philippe and Minister of Higher education Research and innovation frédérique Vidal have lain the foundation stones of the institut Méditerranéen du Risque, de l'environnement et du Développement Durable (iMReDD) in the nice-Méridia district. The building should be ready to open in just over a year. if everything goes according to plan, starting in september 2019, around 500 students and 200 researchers as well as start-ups and other entrepreneurs will be taking up residence at the iMReDD. Thematically, the establishment will focus on building ‘smart territories’ (keywords: smart city). 

IMREDD TO OPEN IN 2019

Tourism in 2017 HIGHER FIGURES THAN EVER BEFORE

The year after the terrorist attack on the Promenade des anglais, and the côte d’azur has set a new tourism record. 5.8 million ‘stays’ were registered by the hospitality industry – equal to around 10 million nights – in 2017, an increase of 5% on the previous 12 months. almost every calendar month reported positive improvements on 2016.

The president of the comité Régional du Tourisme côte d’azur and the mayor of cannes, David Lisnard, attributes the rise to the committee’s promotional efforts and its 2.3 million euros of investments made possible by atout france, the department of the alpes-Maritimes, the Paca region and the french government: “The majority of foreign markets are growing, and the outlook [for 2018] is very good, with the emergence of new tourism markets in eastern europe and asia, zones in which we are strongly promoting the côte d'azur france brand.” 

The big dying A RISE IN CETACEAN DEATHS

nearly 130 dead dolphins and whales washed up on the french Mediterranean coast during 2017. only four times in the last 40 years have there been more recorded deaths of marine mammals within a 12-month period. for the french Riviera: 43 died in the Var, 21 in the alpesMaritimes.

Most local deaths were among striped dolphins – stenella coeruleoalba (pictured) – with a large majority of deaths being blamed on a virus. other animals were caught in fishing nets, became stranded or suffered from high numbers of parasites. sadly six individuals belonging to some of the largest marine mammal species in the Mediterranean were among the dead: four sperm whales and two fin whales. no general cause has been given for the unusually elevated rate of mortality (the annual average between Perpignan and Menton is 80), but the 127 deaths of 2017 are nevertheless well below the highest rate, which was recorded in 1990: 200 carcasses were counted. The french atlantic coast registered 800 cetacean deaths in 2017.  maY / June 2018

Monaco has renews its private law THE PRINCIPALITY BRINGS ITSELF IN LINE WITH EUROPEAN LEGISLATION

with Loi n°1448 on international private law, Monaco has aligned its own legislation with that of european law. in the case of inheritance, the right of last habitual residence, as provided for in the eU succession Regulation, now also applies in the principality. a choice of applicable law is also possible.  Source: kesTing & Partner (legal advice, tax consultations & audits).

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Construction

Charles & Camilla on the Côte d’Azur THE PRINCE OF WALES & DUCHESS OF CORNWALL HEAD TO NICE

The french Riviera is royally kicking off the summer season. between 7th and 9th May, Prince charles and his wife, camilla Parker bowles, will first visit nice and the Promenade des anglais in order to commemorate those affected by the July 2016 terror attack before attending a reception to celebrate the ‘longstanding links between nice and the Uk, including the fact that Her Majesty Queen Victoria regularly visited the city throughout her lifetime’.

Their Royal Highnesses will then travel to Lyon where they will jointly attend a Ve commemoration to mark 73 years since the end of the second world war in europe. Prince charles is expected at the inTeRPoL bureau to ‘highlight the Uk and france's role in international police cooperation’.

During their official visit, Prince charles is expected to emphasise the Uk and france's ‘commitment to counter terrorism and security, education and charitable enterprise. a communiqué from clarence House also notes that the future sovereign will respect france rich history in the areas of food and viticulture.

The couple will be heading to greece for two days following their visit to the south of france in a tour ‘undertaken at the request of the british government [to] highlight the Uk's strong bilateral ties with both countries’. 

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maY / June 2018

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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well-Being for all

By ELSA CARPENTER

n the words of the world Health organisation: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition applies to the health of each and every person alive on earth today – all 7.6 billion of us, according to the United nations.

During this year’s world Health Day, Director-general Dr. Tedros adhanom ghebreyesus called on the leaders of the nearly 200 states in which the world Health organisation operates to ‘live up to’ the sustainable Development goals pledges they made in 2015. These ambitious commitments included: an end to poverty in all its forms; clean water and sanitation for all; affordable and clean energy for all; quality education for all; gender equality for all; responsible consumption and production by all; good health and well-being for all. The common theme is clear: health in every aspect of life is something deserved by all.

“The world Health organisation’s work is about serving people, about serving humanity,” said Dr. ghebreyesus, who was elected for a five-year term in 2017 and is the first person from the african region to serve in the role.

“Most importantly, it's about fighting to ensure the health of people as a basic human right. i envision a world in which everyone can live healthy, productive lives, regardless of who they are or where they live.

These global commitments… offer a unique opportunity to address the social, economic and political determinants of health and improve the health and wellbeing of people everywhere. ‘Health for all’ must be the centre of gravity, because when people are healthy, their families, communities and countries benefit. we have a long way to go: about 400 million people – one out of

I

every 17 of the world's citizens – lack access to essential health services.”

The french government has reflected this view in its recently released Priorité Prevention plan. The publically available document lists 25 strategic areas in which the state will invest 400 million euros over the next five years. among the propositions: providing pregnant women with free vitamin b9 supplements in an effort to reduce spinal malformations in infants; introducing a nationwide health ‘process’ for children up to six years of age to avoid issues linked to social inequality; training at least 80% of the younger population in first aid (the figure currently stands at 20% for the entire population); giving funding to people who quit smoking and require the support of alternative such as nicotine patches (cigarettes are blamed for 73,000 deaths in france each year); eliminating Hepatitis c by 2025; organising routine cervical cancer screenings in addition to the existing programmes for bowel and breast cancer; establishing meaningful volunteer missions for lonely and isolated elderly people; and to better take into account the needs of disabled people.

“Prevention must become central to all actions aimed at improving the health of our citizens,” says french Prime Minister édouard Philippe. “Health promotion and prevention is the first focus of the government's 20182022 national Health strategy. our country is indeed lagging behind in this area. avoidable mortality is very high: we too often die too young in france. a real prevention policy could protect nearly 100,000 lives a year.

This is the reason why, for the first time in france, the entire government is engaged in a prevention plan that is not only a concept, but a reality for all of our citizens, regardless of age or condition.”  maY / June 2018

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more Than skin deep An approach to anti-ageing that’s about how you feel rather than how you look By ELSA CARPENTER With a young daughter to care for, the early mornings, long hours and late nights were weighing heavily on Doctor Sara Palmer Hussey. as she looked around for a responsive anti-ageing product to combat her dark circles, the Lumity Life creator realised something was missing from the market: an all-natural treatment that wouldn’t just fight signs of fatigue, but also revitalise her body inside and out. maY / June 2018

octor sara Palmer Hussey first noticed the effects of ageing when she was in her mid-30s. it wasn’t just the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but also a constant sluggishness and feeling of near complete exhaustion.

“My little girl was very young so i had my hands full with her,” says sara. “every day, i would wake up more tired than when i’d gone to bed. i was run down and catching every seasonal bug and cold that went round; my immune system was shot. it was getting to a point where i’d question myself: is this what it’ll be like from now on? a downhill road where i’ll need ten cups of coffee just to get through the day?” while researching anti-ageing products – sara holds a PhD in biology – she began noticing that all of the creams and supplements on the market were somewhat limited, targeting just one or two of the nine primary causes of ageing.

“There was a heavy focus on antioxidants,” she explains, “but that’s just one aspect. it’s like trying to stop the tide coming in by blocking one end of the beach: it’s going to happen anyway. Unless you’re going to address all factors, the effects will be relatively futile. i just couldn’t accept the hollow promises of the health and beauty industries, so decided to try and make something myself that i could share with friends.”

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at the top of her list were amino acids, which she describes as ‘game changers’ when it comes to tackling symptoms typical of ageing. she cites a study in which men in their 70s were given amino acids. as we age, it becomes considerably harder to maintain muscle mass, but these men were able to not only retain the mass, but also grow and further build on their muscle. “i wanted to focus on the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the human growth hormone,” sara continues. “HgH enables children to grow, but for adults, it helps with healing and repair. i’m a big believer in tuning in to the circadian rhythm of the body, which functions very differently according to the time of day. The hours we’re asleep, for example, are the body’s opportunities to repair all the damage we’ve accumulated during the day. That’s what ageing essentially is: the accumulation of damage.”

During their 30s, women experience a dip in HgH, particularly at night when it’s most crucial. amino acids are natural stimulators of the pituitary gland and were included in sara’s formula as a way of kick-starting HgH secretions. Lumity Life supplements are split in two: a day time softgel capsule (with vitamins c and e, selenium and zinc) while her night time line of supplements includes a trio of amino acids and is rich in omega 3s. she says the company saw ‘undeniable effects’ from the very first trials.

“My principle investor, Richard emanuel, agreed to finance a six month trial of the formula,” she says. “The results were overwhelming. of course, i had some expectations – improved energy, better mental clarity, clearer and brighter skin, a boosted immune system – but there were also a number of ‘collateral benefits’ that i just didn’t foresee. after one or two months, some of the women participating said their sleeping patterns had been transformed. far from restless nights and an endless pressing of the snooze button in the morning, subjects said they were getting to sleep much quicker and experiencing far less interruptions during the night.” according to the cambridge-educated scientist, HgH also rebalances other hormonal systems in the body, and a number of the women she was monitoring revealed that the Lumity supplement was having an influence on their standard struggles with menopause or PMs. “while it certainly wasn’t the case for all, some women said that their symptoms had totally disappeared. it was amazing to hear that we were having such a positive impact, and that these ladies were pretty much gaining a week every month, a week that they usually sat out. They were able to live their lives in a new and happier way.”

This was sara’s overall goal: to produce a supplement that focused on bettering how women felt inside rather than simply their outer appearance.

“Like so many modern women, i was drained,” she admits. “we take on so many commitments and are all juggling a million things. The instagram mom that’s juicing every morning and doing yoga on the beach just isn’t realistic. Real women might not have the most perfect healthy lifestyles, but we’re doing what we can and

“if YoU woULDn’T wanT an ingReDienT insiDe YoUR boDY, wHY woULD YoU PUT iT on YoUR skin?”

SAYS DR SARA PALMER HUSSEY, PICTURED TO THE LEFT

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i wanted Lumity to be a product that would simplify things and make the quest for better health attainable.

Taking the supplements is an easy daily commitment, but they can have a huge effect on the body. Rather than just surviving the day, women are thriving. Lumity, i hope, is an encouraging brand that supports and celebrates women and enables them to make healthier choices in other parts of their lives too.” after launching the capsules over three years ago, sara and her team released a facial oil at the end of 2017. it was met with massive success and even sold out in many of the department stores where Lumity is stocked in the Uk and Us, such as Harrods and bloomingdales.

The formula, both chemically and commercially, is similar to the capsules: to create a product that could respond to all concerns, but this time, focusing purely on the skin. “i started with a blank page for the oil,” says sara, “but i knew for sure that i wanted it to be 100% natural.

This proved more of a problem that anticipated as most manufacturers have a base formula that they allow you to add to, whether that’s with ingredients or perfumes. i didn’t want any synthetic emulsifiers or preservatives in the oil. i’ve always thought that if you wouldn’t want an ingredient inside you, why would you put it on your skin?”

The final product contains eight essential oils (including: vetiver, elemi, yuzu and Manuka), 10 plant extracts (such as: goji berry, ginkgo biloba, cranberry and blueberry) and 14 plant oils (the likes of: passionflower seed, baobab seed, argan and sesame). each ingredient has been carefully chosen for the benefits it brings to the oil, which sara says is suitable for all skin types: “The idea that oily skin and dry skin have different needs is almost brainwashing by the beauty and wellness producers. skin is skin and any symptoms we notice – redness, dryness, oiliness – are all markers that something is out of balance. Personalisation is a bit gimmicky as body – and skin – function is less individual than we like to think. we all work in the same way and our skin renews itself according to the same process. at the same time, the body is much more intelligent than any scientist; it’s simply impossible to recreate in the lab all the abilities of our skin. My approach is to support the body rather than correct, by strengthening the body’s tendency towards optimum health. when the body is well-nourished and functioning optimally, it’s far better at healing any issues than we can imagine. ” Living in the côte d’azur, sara is well-acquainted with the sun and its potential damage, but is still suspicious of many standard sun creams. “we actually don’t get enough exposure to the sun these days,” she says. “so many people have a deficiency of vitamin D. chemical sun filters in shopbought products are likely part of the problem, and even though i do use them myself occasionally, i’m always quick to wash them off as soon as i can. i’ve tried to integrate ingredients with naturally occurring UV protection into the facial oil. green coffee seed oil maY / June 2018

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is one, as the seed has evolved to protect itself against the UV rays it’s exposed to in high altitudes. buriti, carrot seed… There are numerous natural oils that will have a sPf ranging from 10 to 40, but as they can’t be measured consistently, i’m unable to include that information on the labelling.” sara is currently working on a cleanser that she hopes will replace the need for products like harsh make-up removers and exfoliators.

“The idea of a bathroom cupboard full of different products for a hundred different things is stifling for me,” she says. “i just want two or three products that can do everything i need. i hate to say it, but many products on the market aren’t sufficiently tested over time and could be doing more harm than good. The skin isn’t supposed to react upon application: irritation and inflammation are a sign of damage, even if the manufacturer is telling you otherwise. The idea that skin renewal is quicker following treatments such as a chemical peel is concerning. The skin does mobilise a healing reaction, but this is a result of a reaction to aggressive chemicals, not rejuvenated skin.” sara’s holistic approach and all-natural products have won her lieges of fans and followers on both sides of the atlantic: “what i love about the Lumity brand is that it seems to resonate with all kinds of women. we’ve received substantial reviews from not only the regular women like me that i wanted to target, but also the a List.”

Yasmin Le bon, cheryl cole, Jennifer Lawrence, Rebecca adlington, kate Moss, Mel c, Helena christensen… The roll-call of high-profile celebrities endorsing her brand gratuitously has doubtless had an enormous and positive effect on the rise of Lumity, but all has been earned: “if the product wasn’t any good, we wouldn’t have had the level of success we’ve experienced in the last few years!” originally from sutton coldfield in the Midlands, sara has been living in Monaco for three and a half years now, encouraged to move here by the main investor in Lumity, who resides in the region. “i actually lived here 12 years ago,” she says, “and i remember thinking what a wonderful place it would be to have children. for most people, the idea of living in Monaco means that you must be sitting on a yacht and drinking champagne all the time, but it couldn’t be less like the truth. My life here is so much maY / June 2018

“THe boDY is MUcH MoRe inTeLLigenT THan anY scienTisT; iT’s siMPLY iMPossibLe To RecReaTe in THe Lab aLL THe abiLiTies of oUR skin.”

simpler than it was in London. when i pick my daughter up from school, we can go straight down to the beach. i don’t own a car and only have a small apartment. everything feels so manageable!”

Living by the sea and under the warm glow of the sun has also had a welcome effect on sara, who inherited an appreciation for the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture through her spanish mother.

“There’s simply a different way of thinking here regarding health and ageing,” she explains. “My mum, for example, would never go on a diet! The general approach to eating is a lot healthier than that of the Uk, where it can sometimes be easier to eat unhealthily than have a good, balanced diet. french women don’t suffer in the gym either – sport and exercise is done at a more natural pace, which is obviously better for your body.” she believes public perceptions of ageing, particularly among the female population, are more positive too, arguing: “women here are valued whatever age they are and, on the whole, french women seem to have less of an issue with getting older than their british counterparts, who are probably more influenced by the unrealistic Hollywood view of ageing.” and while the french ability to ‘switch off’ come 5pm is lamented by many an expat, sara has come to respect it.

“Mediterraneans know when to rest,” she says. “so many of us anglophones put that much into our work and careers, it can be difficult to turn off in the evenings or even at the weekend. i’m guilty of it too. we all feel like our work is so important and act as if we’re in the emergency services, toiling as if someone’s life depends on it! Technology is only going to worsen this situation in the future and i think the sooner we realise that we really do need downtime the better.” 

Marie-Christine,

In Provence • www.aumerade.com Please drink responsibly. Consume in moderation.

© Crédit photo Hervé Fabre

The true nature of rosé

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poison-free cosmeTics Two women develop high quality organic alternatives in Grasse

By AILA STÖCKMANN

 Top photo THE OFFICINÉA RANGE FROM THE GRASSE START-UP © D.R.  Main photo CLAIRE GAGLIOLO (LEFT) & CANDICE COLIN © D.R.

maY / June 2018

a face cream here, a shower gel there: every day, more than 100 substances end up on our skin, but by no means are all of them beneficial. Claire Gagliolo and Candice Colin are determined to offer real – and healthier – alternatives. They are on the verge of registering their first patent in the field of cell regeneration and have launched a beauty app to inspire users to make better informed decisions.

usiness partners claire gagliolo and candice colin have had enough of the potentially dangerous levels of chemicals that have infiltrated our daily lives. be it in our diets, in the plastics we use, in our furniture or even in our cosmetics… “we’re literally swimming in a chemical soup!” says candice from her office in grasse.

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a single substance is not necessarily a hazard on its own she explains, but a mixture of chemicals can become too potent and culminate in dangerously highly concentrations of chemicals, the long-term effects of which are often unexplored. it has, however, long been proven that the chemical substances that humans are exposed to can confuse the hormonal balance, which can have a whole range of implications, from cancerous diseases and infertility to the early onset of puberty.

Together with claire, a pharmaceutical doctor who has additional training as a beautician, candice knows she can’t save the world, but can offer an alternative. Under the name of officinéa, the duo has launched a 12-part collection of cell-regenerating creams and beauty products that contain zero petrochemicals, pesticides, lead or allergens. Their creations are uncompromisingly organic and ‘poison-free’, yet are highly effective and have even placed as the best in all categories of the independent Meilleurs cosmétiques guide. since the pair began working together, they have won dozens of awards. claire has been researching cosmetic ingredients for more than 20 years. Those used in officinéa products are not only of an organic nature, but have also been obtained in an ecological way. “one of the criteria of ‘green chemistry’ is that the products are biodegradable and renewable,” she explains, “and that their impact on the environment is low. we work without any chemical substances to

CLEAN BEAUTY: BEHIND THE APP

What ingredients are actually in our cosmetics?

How can we distinguish what might be harmful among all those scientific and confusing names?

These questions inspired Officinéa business partners Candice Colin and Claire Gagliolo to create smartphone app Clean Beauty.

To use the app, download and open it then select analyse. Take a photo of the ingredient list of any beauty product and in a very short time, the app will reveal an analysis of the substances and allergens it considers to be potentially damaging. The app is supplemented by a glossary with details on some 800 ingredients.

“We deliver pure information,” explains Candice.

“We don’t know the product behind the ingredients and what the user then does with that information is entirely up to them!”

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achieve not only health-inspiring products, but also efficient ones.”

Her colleague candice comes from a marketing backdrop and knows how the ‘big, wide corporate world’ works. she was looking for a field of activity in which to restart her career after returning from Moscow to her second home in grasse. Her partnership with claire, which is now in its fourth year, was solidified after her friend created a cream for candice’s cold-damaged skin. it was a revelation, she says, and is today the brand’s flagship product: the baume Ultra-Riche. with all their transparency, we can’t help but ask: Do these anti-aging, hydrating and revitalising creams actually work? “everything slows in old age,” says claire. “cells renew themselves much more slowly as we get older, and the connective tissues, fibres, collagen and elastin work less efficiently. all this leads to genetically programmed aging, but there are also environmental factors such as stress, poor nutrition, smoking, lack of exercise… cosmetics can’t do all the work themselves, but they can certainly help slow down the process.”

The two frenchwomen are based in grasse’s centre for start-ups: the innovagrasse. it’s an ideal environment for the pair and their four employees. officinéa’s laboratory is found in the basement of the former perfumery and is part of the chemistry department of the University of nice-sophia antipolis.

“Local knowledge is very important to us,” says claire, “and, of course, our perfumers are based here in grasse.” but their time at the incubator is coming to an end and in June they will move to the southern edge of the city to the recently opened complex grasse bioTech. There they’ll have their own laboratory.

Their latest concept is an app for smartphones that they have developed and launched free-of-charge to the user. Taking inspiration for the ethos of their work, clean beauty helps identify potentially harmful substances in beauty products and cosmetics of all kinds.

The response they’ve received regarding the app has confirmed their stance: people are interested and conscious. even manufactures have been in touch with the businesswomen: “it proves that it’s having an effect,” says candice.

There are also positive things to report from the research department. amid their constant search for new, eco-friendly and effective ingredients, officinéa’s scientists have discovered a cell-regenerating plant extract that they are about to patent. They continue to work on other products, particularly serums for certain skin types. an eternal theme remains market presence. officinéa products are sold online via the website and in a growing number of pharmacies in the alpes-Maritimes and the Var. This latter outlet is a laborious task: each pharmacy must be contacted personally and convinced of the value of their (not so cheap) products.  maY / June 2018

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sTop & BreaThe Meditation: fashion or key to a fuller life?

By AILA STÖCKMANN

e are all guilty of it: rushing through our days, acting on autopilot, reaching for our phones the second we have a free moment… Multitasking has become a part of our day-to-day. so how can we explain the popularity phenomenon of meditation?

To meditate is to halt the rush, to rest the mind and to become calm and relaxed. Research has shown that meditation not only increases the ability to concentrate, but also lowers the stress hormone cortisol, and can act as an anti-inflammatory as well as antidepressant. Meditation may even slow the effects of anti-aging on a cellular level and increase social intelligence, leading to better interactions between ourselves and others.

“Life becomes more intense through meditation,” says katja Meyer-Rachner, pictured below and a teacher of meditation introductory courses and MbsR (mindfulness-based stress reduction) in the sophia antipolis area. every Thursday lunch break, katja meets with a group of local employees and leads them through a 60-minute session. The process is always the same: a moment of silence to encourage the mind to leave the office environment and enter the ‘here and now’ followed by a round in which everyone says how they

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are doing and how their last week has been.

Most use weather metaphors to explain their mood. from there, the group embark on three meditation sequences of about 10 minutes, which katja introduces and closes with a gong. They begin with meditation in a classic sitting position, using pillows or a stool to find a comfortable position. katja helps them concentrate first on their breathing, later on body sensations and finally on outside noise.

“These techniques represent formal practice,” she explains. informal practice includes exercises that can be integrated into everyday life, such as using your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth or even take notes.

The second phrase is on foot – walking meditation – which can be easier for those who struggle to sit still. silently and slowly, under the quiet guidance of their calming germannative teacher, the students move one after another around the room. The mind is deliberately directed to the present: feeling the sensations of walking barefoot on the ground.

During the final sequence, that takes place in complete silence, katja reads aloud three contemplations with which the meditators can mentally engage over the following minutes. all exercises are centred on mindfulness, katja explains, being in the present and being open to everything that happens without judgment.

The mother-of-two and director of an electronics company in sophia antipolis, who has lived in france for the last 20 years, has developed her experience and qualifications as a teacher for the past decade. How has meditation affected her personally?

“My sense of time has changed,” she says.

“The days no longer rattle away when one’s attention is in the here and now. My experiences feel deeper and i’ve learned to enjoy my tasks more, even washing the dishes. i live more clearly and know more clearly what it is i want and don’t want. i am both happy and sad with full force, accepting that things are always changing and facing that fact with no animosity. everyone can meditate, and everyone should.” according to google’s former meditation guru chade-Meng Tan, practising meditation just 10 to 20 minutes per day can lead to significant positive changes in just a matter of weeks. if the concept seems daunting, katja suggests using food as a basis. consider your meal in total silence for the first three minutes. what does it look like? who helped get all ingredients onto your plate? after tasting, what is the consistency? How does it taste? Your meal should be enjoyed peacefully and slowly chewed. one positive side effect, at least, is that you’ll probably eat less. 

MEDITATION: ADVICE FROM ANAHATAFLOW everything in creation is always evolving: this is the nature of life. Some things appear to be moving very slowly, others much faster. We are surrounded by an infinite amount of treasures, but because the scope of our attention is very limited, we mostly are only aware of a fraction of it. With regular meditation, we are able to expand this awareness.

Where intention goes, energy flows, and complete new dimensions arises. Present moment awareness makes the experience whole.

There are seven different levels of consciousness, each with its own physiological functioning and quality of experience. experiences exist in space and time, and are localised events, but the real you, the one who is having the experience, is non-local. Meditation is a spiritual journey with the enfoldment of Higher States of Consciousness as a natural consequence. Primordial Sound Meditation gives you direct experience of your soul: who you really are, the thinker of your thoughts. if you create each day the space to sit still and follow the natural flow of your breath with your eyes closed, observing inward, you are automatically elevated into these Higher States of Consciousness. as you evolve, your awareness opens to the infinite storehouse of wonder and magic.

Knowledge and experience goes hand in hand. Knowledge without direct experience is just an intellectual exercise. experience without correct understanding can sometimes create confusion and doubt. With regular meditation, we are able to have experiences and connect with the knowledge that goes along with them. anahataflow.com

TASTER COURSES &MBSR On 16th June, Katja Meyer-rachner will be offering a two-hour taster course on formal meditation (registration required, contribution €25). Her eightweek MBSr courses start on 16th May (every Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 12pm or 6.30pm to 9pm).

On 24th June, she is organising a dedicated mindfulness day from 10am to 4pm. For more information: mindfulandmore.org

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life afTer cancer The road to recovery with La Ligue By ELSA CARPENTER For decades, funds raised in the name of fighting cancer have gone towards research and awareness campaigns. it’s great work – just look at the advancements made in treatment and increasing survival rates – but the battle doesn’t stop there.

a Ligue contre le cancer (or the League against cancer) was established exactly 100 years ago. it’s the oldest national cancer association in france, but was originally launched under the name La Ligue francoanglo-américaine as an initiative present in all three states. within a decade, it had become a solely french entity (the Uk and Us both went on to create similar structures), yet even at the start, in 1918, the three objectives of La Ligue were clearly defined.

The association’s founder was Justin godart, a working class man from Lyon who became Minister of Health in the french government. He was a pioneer in terms of his attitude towards cancer, its treatment, sufferers and causes. in addition to his commitment to research, he was a deep believer in healthy living and made prevention (and awareness of how to reduce the risks of developing cancer) one of his core objectives. but what made him particularly special was his approach to those who had been given a cancer diagnosis. He wanted to help them on an emotional level. “even now, money raised in the fight against cancer is often put towards research and screening campaigns,” explains the current president of the alpes-Maritimes division of La Ligue, Professor Maurice schneider. “They are very valid, but miss out the human element. La Ligue’s founder Justin godart, who was a lawyer by trade, once

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“THe iMPoRTance of HUMan waRMTH anD engageMenT can’T be UnDeResTiMaTeD,” SAYS PROFESSOR MAURICE SCHNEIDER, THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THE ALPESMARITIMES DIVISION OF LA LIGUE AND PICTURED ABOVE

said, ‘[cancer sufferers] will die or they will live again.’ He was a precursor in understanding the importance of rehabilitating people.”

La Ligue is present across all of france, including the french-administered territories outside the european continent, such as guadeloupe, Réunion and Martinique. each département has its own branch and is entirely responsible for the funds raised within its borders. what is raised in the alpes-Maritimes goes towards projects exclusively in the alpes-Maritimes. The 06 division, which is one of the most prolific within the association, was the first in the country to open a dedicated espace Ligue centre back in 2007. “our two centres, in nice and now in antibes, help with a range of problems cancer sufferers and survivors face,” continues Professor schneider. “once a victim has travelled the road from first doctor’s appointment to diagnosis, hospital trips and operations, and finally treatment, what happens next? for many, there’s a sense of abandonment as they are left to deal with the fallout. we want people to know that we’re here for them at every stage, but particularly during the dark hours and the time it takes to get their lives back on track.” an espace Ligue provides support and encouragement in the form of: therapists to counsel psychological trauma; nutritionists to advise on improving diet; beauty technicians to teach women new ways of applying their makeup following surgeries or styling headwear after hair loss; fitness instructors to build strength and muscle mass… The overall goal is to help people get back into society and battle against all the ills they have suffered. around 4,000 visits are made each year across both centres. “when i was a doctor, my time was focused on illnesses,” says Professor schneider. “now it’s on ill people, and the shift has had a marked effect on me personally.

The importance of human warmth and engagement can’t be underestimated. beyond all of the different types of assistance we provide, i think it’s the moral support that is most appreciated.” when a cancer diagnosis is made, life stops. The constant appointments and arduous treatments can make a normal working life near impossible. one of La Ligue’s recent drives has been to work with job seekers, employers and staff in both the public and private sectors, coaching them on how to approach cancer in the workplace, from diagnosis to prolonged absences and the eventual return to work. “for those who haven’t been through it, the number of problems that a survivor faces is unfathomable. cancer affects almost every part of life. The dental work required after chemotherapy, for example, just isn’t talked about, but can be an enormous cost,” continues Professor schneider, with obvious empathy. “we created a commission that meets each week to review dossiers submitted by individuals and their families, and award financial support packages. every year, we validate around 250 applications for help with day-to-day living needs, medical payments, care support worker fees and funeral costs.”

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La Ligue also plays a part on the national political stage and was fundamental in the passing of the Droit de l’oubli (the right to be forgotten) three years ago. applicable to a whole array of circumstances, the law is particularly relevant to cancer survivors who previously found it difficult to obtain insurance or bank loans due to their past diagnosis. Then-president françois Hollande signed the document in the Paris headquarters of Ligue to honour the hard work of the association to get the legislation through parliament.

La Ligue in the alpes-Maritimes raises around €1 million each year. nationally, the association donates around €40 million to cancer research, the leading provider of funds after the french state (which gives €120 million). of the 100 staff members in the 06 post code, just nine are salaried employees, with the remainder giving their time freely. “in addition to all of our beloved donors and volunteers, i would like to particularly thank cogs for cancer, who recently gave us a cheque for nearly €100,000, as well as Mimosa Matters, who have contributed some €220,000 in the last four years,” says the professor. “Juliette clarkin from Mimosa sits on our board and is a very welcome member of our team. i can’t say enough good things about these two anglophone groups, who give plentifully and generously to an association outside of their home countries. i find it extremely touching.” 

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SUPPORT LA LIGUE CONTRE LE CANCER right now, 8,000 people – adults and children – are living with cancer in the alpes-Maritimes. across France, there is a cancer diagnosis every two minutes and a death every four. it’s the country’s biggest killer.

To make a donation to La Ligue or find out how you can get involved with the association, full details are available on the website: ligue-cancer.net/cd06

maY / June 2018

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pink riBBon Promoting breast cancer awareness & early detection Fresh from a visit to New York at the invitation of the United Nations, Natasha Frost-Savio speaks to riviera insider editor elsa Carpenter about her nonprofit organisation and changing the stigma surrounding screening.

atasha frost-savio has resided on the côte d’azur since she was five years old, when her mother moved the family over from London. she currently lives with her one-year-old son and husband in Monaco, and co-runs the blue coast brewing company in nice, but accredits her time spent studying in the Us with opening her eyes to the work done by volunteers and charities like Pink Ribbon to promote breast cancer awareness. “when i returned to Monaco, i realised that there wasn’t anything similar here,” she says. “so many of us have been affected by breast cancer and, in 2011, i decided to launch Pink Ribbon Monaco to help improve awareness of screening methods within the principality.”

The Monegasque government has been running awareness campaigns and screening programmes since the early 1990s for breast cancer, but until 2013, 40% of the population eligible for free testing was still failing to take advantage of the service. natasha believes this was down to a lack of information available to the public.

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“since our first events and the government’s investments into the centre de sénologie at the centre Hospitalier Princesse grace in 2013, regular attendance figures (bi-annual visits) have increased to 80%,” she continues. “it’s one of the highest rates in the world. The government has been delighted with our participation in its efforts: we have the voice and it has the means!

Monaco’s hospital has one of the most advanced detection machines in the world, with perhaps one of the lowest levels of radiation. what we need to do is make that next step and get more women coming in through the door. Unfortunately some people still don’t know where they can go to be screened, others associate going to the hospital with bad news and there are many who say they just don’t have the time to go. This is what i want to fight against with our campaigns. Medical institutions aren’t just places to cure the sick; they’re also there to prevent you from getting sick!” for the last seven years, natasha and her team of fellow volunteers have organised events throughout the year aimed at highlighting breast cancer, its prevention and detection. every october, the organisation lights up famous monuments and buildings around the principality in the cause’s signature pink, such as the Palais Princier, the casino de Monte-carlo and the Hôtel Métropole. other events include the Pink Ribbon March (over 150 people took part in the recent event, which takes place alongside the Monaco Run, despite the pouring rain) and, in the past, poker nights and stand-up paddle boarding events. “we had women attending the paddle boarding day who had never even thought of giving it a go,” she says. “for those who had undergone reconstructive surgery or mastectomies, it turned out to be an excellent activity for rebuilding muscle as well as confidence and spirit. we also hosted the first ever gathering of healingfocused professionals in Monaco, with nutritionists, yoga teachers, meditation classes…

People could come and spend a day learning about different methods and approaches to healing.” in early March, natasha attended the any girl can awards evening in new York city, which was co-organised by Monaco, Jamaica and the United nations Population fund, during which she gave a speech about the strength of the principality’s services with regards to breast cancer. Honoured on the evening was Jamaican athlete novlene williams-Mills, who achieved a bronze medal at the 2012 olympics in London despite having been diagnosed with breast cancer just months before. following a mastectomy and a subsequent operation in 2013, novlene returned to the competitive stage, saying she would run ‘for all breast cancer sur-

MEMBERS OF THE 2018 PINK RIBBON MARCH © Ed Wright

vivors out there’. she later achieved a world record and gold medal at the commonwealth games in glasgow (2014), gold at the world championships in beijing (2015) and silver at the Rio de Janeiro olympics (2016) among many other sporting accolades. “novlene’s achievements and positive attitude was incredibly inspiring,” says natasha, who hopes to launch an awards ceremony in her honour in Monaco. “i would like to organise an event where people can put forward breast cancer survivors who make you think: ‘wow.

This woman has really blown me away.’ novlene is the standard for women with breast cancer. she has shown that you have to fight, no matter what.” natasha runs Pink Ribbon Monaco totally independently from Pink Ribbon inc.: “i wanted to consciously move away from all the superfluous stuff,” she says. “we – myself and the volunteers who help me – take nothing for ourselves. all contributions and donations go towards paying for our campaigns and events. i’m hoping to get funding in the future so we can continue building and pushing for better public awareness.” 

SCREENING IN THE CÔTE D’AZUR & MONACO There are nearly 130 locations in the alpes-Maritimes alone where women can go for breast cancer screening: hospitals, private clinics and non-profit establishments such as the Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer for the PaCa region in Nice (Centre antoine Lacassagne). in the var, the local government has collaborated with iSiS83 for over two decades to provide dépistage or screening services. For residents in and around Monaco, the best clinic can be found at the Princess Grace Hospital (Centre Monégasque de Dépistage in Pavillon Louis ii).

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alternatives to surgery Sufferers of chronic back pain could better benefit from minimally invasive procedures How does the narrowing of the spinal canal make itself felt?

Patients complain of pain in the lower part of the lumbar spine. This worsens when standing or walking, and can often spread to the buttocks or legs. Those affected can only walk a few hundred metres and then have to rest or sit down. it’s for this reason that spinal stenosis is often described as ‘window shopper’s syndrome’.

ith an ageing population and increased levels of stress in work and everyday life, spinal stenosis (the narrowing of the spinal canal) is now a common ailment. in the past, surgery was often used to treat this type of back pain. Dr. Reinhard schneiderhan, a spine specialist, orthopaedic surgeon and chief physician at the Dr. schneiderhan & kollegen clinic in Taufkirchen on the outskirts of Munich, believes that too many operations are being carried out on the spine. He tells Riviera insider of the latest treatments that can offer a healthier and less intrusive alternative.

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Is an operation necessary in such severe cases? in recent years, minimally invasive procedures such as video catheters have become more important in the treatment of spinal canal narrowing. we are able to achieve very good results with less effort and risk for patients. This is of particular benefit to patients with an operating history. Major spinal operations can often be avoided today.

How is the treatment performed with a video catheter? a video catheter provides us with a direct view that enables us to examine, treat and remove constrictions and inflammations in the spinal canal as well as adhesions and

scar tissue. we insert the 1.4 mm catheter through the sacrum into the spinal canal. we guide it to the painful point and inject highly effective drugs that remove the adhesions and scar tissue, calm pain and shrink disruptive tissue.

What do you recommend to patients who have suffered pain for a long time? certainly the most important point is to not give up hope. no one should have to live with back pain. even when an operation is unavoidable, it can be carried out using low-impact, modern techniques. Muscles, ligaments and tendons no longer have to be severed by an endoscope, for example. This means that a patient recovers very quickly from such an intervention and experiences a marked improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. schneiderhan & kollegen clinic 2 eschenstrasse 82024 München-Taufkirchen germany +49 (0)89 / 614510-0 orthopaede.com welcome@orthopaede.com

After 30 years as Psychotherapist in Switzerland I continue my work in Diano Marina, Italy Detailed information:

Languages: English & German

www.douglaspuccini.ch - www.centromedicodeadiana.it Contact by telephone: +39 331 802 9068

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THe ViLLa boRgHese & THe naPoLeons A HIDDEN TREASURE IN THE HILLS OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR Sandton Hôtel & Résidence is situated on the Domaine Cocagne, a secluded private estate, nestled amidst the sun-drenched hills of Cagnes-sur-Mer. The Domaine Cocagne is an ideal base camp for excursions to Nice, Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Monaco and Cap d’Antibes.

With an atmosphere conveying a sense of unpretentious luxury, the Domaine Cocagne oýers a diversity of comfortable accommodation, a heated outdoor pool with stunning views and an open kitchen oýering outstanding cuisine.

Our restaurant serves French cuisine and international classics, prepared by our chef with local ingredients and adapted to your taste.

+33 (0)492 135 777

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| cagnes@sandton.eu | www.sandton.eu/cagnes

between the gorges du Verdon and the lavender fields of Provence, the fourstar Hotel Villa borghese in gréoux-Les-bains, alpes-de-Haute-Provence, makes for an ideal retreat during busy summer months on the coast. The establishment takes its name from none other than napoleon’s beloved sister Pauline who married Prince camillo borghese (of sulmona and of Rossano). while her husband rose to prominence during his brother-in-law’s empire, Pauline spent much of her time in the south of france – particularly in gréoux-Les-bains – where she would prend les eaux.

Today’s Villa borghese, which is the sister address of the Hotel windsor in nice, offers a comprehensive range of fitness and beauty treatments at its Mer & nature wellness centre, which it runs alongside a gourmet restaurant named after its muse: La Table de Pauline. 

A contemporary interior where works of art and colors are mixed. A terrace between vegetation and panoramic view on the swimming-pool and olive trees. The restaurant Au Jardin de la Vague invites you everyday to an exceptionnal culinary journey.

Maître Restaurateur and Disciples d’Escoffier, Akhara

Chay has learnt with the most famous Chefs : Ghislaine Arabian, Alain Ducasse or Eric Provost to name but a few.

Au Jardin de la Vague, Akhara, Ludovic, Jeremy and their teams imerge you in a creative culinary cuisine, sprinkled with Asian flavours.

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an organic universe Bio & Co. in Vallauris f certified organic produce has seen an upturn in consumer interest in recent years, nowhere is it more centre stage than at the bio & co. store in Vallauris, which opened its doors a little over a year ago. from fresh fruit and vegetables – largely sourced within the Paca region – to grains, dry stores, wine, household cleaning products and cosmetics, the fully bio brand has been a pioneer in the organic industry for almost 20 years. “our founders, Martine and naji achy, have been involved with organic produce for the last three decades,” explains bio & co. general director eric beroud, “and came respectively from human resources and chefing backgrounds. You can see these roots in the ethos of each of our stores (aix-en-Provence, Toulon, bouc-bel-air, Marseille, Vallauris and aubagne, which opened in mid-april). we work on a very human scale and with a great respect for the products we sell. Many of us, myself included, came to the company from grande distribution – mass retail – and are rediscovering the pleasures of working within a small team, even if there are over 100 of us!”

The independent retailer officially opened its first store, in the aix neighbourhood of Les Milles, in 2000. The Vallauris store was launched in 2017 and is one of the largest at 1,300m2. it contains a grocery shop, butcher’s counter, cosmetic and health area, and a bistro-restaurant that serves lunches between 12pm and 4.30pm from Monday to saturday. in total, there are over 12,000 individual products, with many leading, certified organic brands among them from france and abroad. in the future, eric hopes to develop the traiteur aspect of the store and branch out into fish. The company is also testing out an online ‘click and collect’ service. even this will stay on a human level; eric doesn’t want to become a faceless organisation and says that staff will be positioned at the collect point to keep clients with any queries and questions. being able to respond correctly and efficiently to all organic-related issues is paramount to bio & co., which invests heavily in training for its employees. “we aim to maintain 1,000 hours of training each year,” explains eric, “so an average of 10 hours for each staff member. we also have specialists on-site, such as our nutritionist in Vallauris, who helps both clients and employees!”  bioandco.bio

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valmonT in The var Terre Blanche announces new partnership erre blanche, the award-winning hotel and golf resort in the heart of the Var, welcomed this spring the iconic swiss beauty and wellness brand Valmont to its innovative 35,000m2 spa space. seven new treatments are now available, including one exclusivity – a facial Treatment Terre blanche by Valmont – at the five-star establishment, which was voted the world’s best Luxury golf and spa Resort as well as western europe’s best Luxury Hideaway spa at the 2017 world Luxury spa awards.

Renowned for its unique butterfly motion – a series of effleurage strokes that target precise areas of the chest, neck and face – Valmont’s treatments help boost microcirculation and ‘promotes lymphatic exchanges to allow for the elimination of toxins and make the skin more receptive to treatment’. The signature and high-end facial treatment (€245 for 90 minutes) incorporates a double skin cleanse, double massage and double mask to restore radiance and rejuvenate the skin. Hydrated and revitalised, the skin will regain softness and brightness. other treatments that fans of Valmont will recognise: Hydration Ritual: source of bisses (€185 for 60 minutes or €225 for 90 minutes); energy Ritual: Vitality of the glaciers (€185 for 60 minutes); anti-wrinkle & firmness Ritual: Peaks of firmness (€185 for 60 minutes or €225 for 90 minutes); elixir des glaciers: Reflection on a frozen Lake (€90 for 45 minutes); and Hair Repair: strength of the solano (€135 for 60 minues). The Vitality of the glaciers facial, the brand’s first ever treatment that dates to 1985, has also been incorporated into a two-day escape package by Terre blanche: the Harmony Retreat, designed to ‘balance the body and mind’. fitness – pilates, yoga or fit form – is paired with a range of beauty treatments and a detox menu served in the resort’s infusion tea room.  for bookings and reservations: terre-blanche.com

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maY / June 2018

Bordering VERDON in GREOUX LES BAINS

LANDSCAPED GARDEN WITH HEATED POOL SPA WITH BENEFICIAL TARIFFS LIGHT LUNCHTIME GASTRONOMY INSIDE OR ON THE TERRACE EVENING CUISINE AT LA TABLE DE PAULINE Av.des Thermes / 04800 Gréoux-Les-Bains Tel: 04 92 78 00 91 / villa.borghese@orange.fr www.hotel-villaborghese.com

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The holY Tree

Holistic treatments inspired by worldwide travels

By ELSA CARPENTER

in the shade of a magnificent, 200-year-old parasol pine, French former triathlete Laetitia Duhamel practises an all-inclusive, therapeutic approach to wellness. very aspect of The Holy Tree, a massage and treatment space found at the old course golf club in Mandelieu, is deeply rooted in nature. in the heart of the salle, the trunk of the parasol pine, which is just one of only a handful still alive in the region and measures over one and a half metres in diameter, extends upwards through the ceiling, its branches and foliage visible through a cleverly placed skylight just above the massage table. back in the room and a panorama of greenery and rustic materials surrounds you on all sides.

30-year-old Laetitia Duhamel launched her wellness concept – a blend of massage and treatments, lifestyle coaching, nutritional advice and fitness classes – in september last year. originally from the north of Paris, the former competitive-level triathlete had been in business with her institut du Massage balinais since 2013 (when an injury brought an end to her sporting career), but de-

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Left photo FORMER TRIATHLETE LAETITIA DUHAMEL © D.R. Right photo THE TRUNK OF A 200-YEAROLD PARASOL PINE IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE SPACE © D.R.

maY / June 2018

cided to leave it all behind and travel the world in 2015. each of the destinations she visited taught her something different: in australia she met with instagram-famous fitness gurus such as kayla itsines and trained in sports massage, she learned the secrets of volcanic ingredients in Hawaii, encountered shamans and sages, and launched a travel and lifestyle blog that helped her get her brand off the ground when she returned. “i met the Princess of Ubud who invited me to the palace and took me around the local markets while i was in bali,” she says. “she taught me various skills that i’ve integrated into my own style of massage. when i got back to france, a friend introduced me to the francoJapanese shiatsu association in Paris. in total, i have trained in techniques from eight cultures around the globe: asia, oceania, the Us, Latin america… all of these experiences have in some way influenced my style. i no longer try to recreate balinese or Japanese massage. i’m trying to present something unique and wholesome that brings fitness, massage, cuisine and even psychology together.” when Laetitia first arrived in the south of france in the months following her return, she was in the employment of a scottish-irish family that resided in the region. four hours a day were dedicated to their wellness needs, ranging from massage to sports, while her remaining ‘free time’ allowed her to start building a client base. Laetitia freely admits that it remains small, but she likes it that way. “i’m not so interested in people who are just going along with the times and see wellness as a trend. i prefer to get to know my clients and their lifestyles on a deeper level so that i can truly understand their needs. i would much rather work with people who want to make meaningful change rather than the superficial. i’m an advocate for beauty from the inside out, and healing from the inside out.” alongside her regular clients, Laetitia is always available for clients of the golf club (a course designed by the legendary Harry colt). Members receive 15% off her treatments and she’s even developed a specialist golfer’s massage to combat the stresses of the sport: €80 for 45 minutes. “a great number of my clients are expats,” she continues, in fluent english. “There seems to be so much open-mindedness towards holistic and alternative treatments among the international community.” all of the ingredients and products she uses have been carefully selected for their ethical and environmentallyfriendly attributes. she treats Riviera insider to a cleansing exfoliation (Rituel signature: €210 for two hours and 15 minutes) and reviving massage (Massage signature: €95 for an hour), which both utilise seasonal produce of spring in the french Riviera: grapefruit, lemon and mimosa. Her approach is intuitive and connective – “we work together to accurately define your massage…” – and with ingredients such as aloe vera, kiwifruit and roucou oil, many of her treatments are entirely vegan. The recipes are always changing: “bali taught me to take inspiration from what was around me.”  laetitiaduhamel.com

UNKNOWN MONACO: THE HEALTH SYSTEM

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“digiTalisaTion is The fuTure” Healthcare investments represent 8% of Monaco’s state budget

Who is entitled to treatment in Monaco?

What makes the principality’s health system different from others in Europe and around the world? How is it preparing for the future?

Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco’s Minister of Health and Social affairs, explains all to editor-in-chief Petra Hall from his office on the rock.

maY / June 2018

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ather than being the small, superficial state that some still think it is, the 53,000-strong workforce in Monaco makes it one of the most important and developed economic engines in the region. every year, the number of people choosing to be treated here (instead of in france) grows steadily, but why? “its friendly service where staff members have time for each and every patient, the latest generation of medical equipment, and our excellent doctors are probably the main reasons,” explains 56-year-old Monegasque Didier gamerdinger. “our patients appreciate the warm welcome and individual care offered. we’ve made this a priority. a hospital isn’t a factory with assembly line-style operations where it’s important to make quick sales. we place immense importance on the ‘human relationship’: there has to be time to answer a patient’s questions and to help them and their family.”

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So who has the right to treatment in Monaco? “apart from the Monegasque and Monaco residents, people living in the alpes-Maritimes and belonging to the french social system are entitled to health care in the principality through an agreement with france. This also applies to italian citizens who work here. However, if someone lives in the Var, for example, the patient will require written confirmation from their doctor that they are better off being treated in Monaco for specific reasons.”

But what if you aren’t part of the French or Monegasque social systems?

“Then private insurance is necessary,” explains gamerdinger, a passionate fan of the Monte-carlo ballet and an avid sailor. “suppose a british pensioner comes to Monaco for treatment. This would require additional insurance, compared to the nHs bearing the cost if they were treated in their home country.”

Are there any areas in which the Monegasque healthcare system is particularly strong? “its strengths lie, above all, in oncology, radiology, and heart and sports medicine. The centre Hospi-

“Monaco is aboUT THe siZe of cannes, bUT we aRe aLso a sTaTe. as a ResULT, THe LeVeL of inVesTMenT in THe sTRUcTURe of oUR HeaLTHcaRe sYsTeM is ManY TiMes gReaTeR THan THaT of a ciTY.”

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talier Princesse-grace, for example, has two stateof-the-art radiotherapy devices. Typically, radiotherapy destroys healthy cells as well as those that are cancerous. our machines, on the other hand, are equipped with a technology that works to a fraction of a millimetre, which makes them extremely precise and able to drastically limit the destruction of healthy cells,” he continues. “Unless one of the machines is temporarily out of order for technical reasons, there are no waiting times for patients requiring their , as far as i know. our doctors are also increasingly specialised in interventional radiology, where X-rays and procedures are performed simultaneously and with the utmost precision. This procedure is much gentler for the patient, who can recover quicker following the procedure.” gamerdinger, who has led the Health and social affairs Ministry since June 2017, adds, “Monaco is about the size of cannes, but we are also a state. as a result, the level of investment in the structure of our healthcare system is many times greater than that of a city.”

Within such a small environment, is it difficult to find competent professionals of a high standard? “we have no problems there!” he enthuses. “The working conditions are very good and the excellent standard of our technical equipment – at the Princess grace Hospital, cardiothoracic center and the iM2s (Medical and surgical orthopedic institute), for example – make Monaco very attractive to luminaries and pioneers.” even on the international stage, Monaco's health care system is outstanding, but that's not enough for gamerdinger. He’s currently working on an ambitious project regarding electronic health, namely the digitalisation of all patient data and their secure storage, to which patients as well as their physicians will have access with the help of a password. although this structure is already a reality in places like the Us, Monaco is to become the avant-garde. “currently, every practice and clinic stores this data within its own structure, which means a considerable amount of work,” gamerdinger explains. “My suggestion of a digital network has been met with great interest so far, as it would facilitate medical work. The exchange of expertise between physicians around the world would also be promoted. no matter where you are: you can always access your own medical record. instead keeping them on a cD or in files at home, any given patient can store them on their own mobile phone. it transfers the responsibility to the patient.”

He’s convinced that this is the direction Monaco, and the world, must go: “Digitalisation in the healthcare sector is not abstract and will increasingly accompany medicine. it’s the future and, in part, the present.”  maY / June 2018

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UNKNOWN MONACO: THE HEALTH SYSTEM

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a BreakThrough in 3d ulTrasound diagnosTics The work of the Princess Grace Hospital’s Doctor Bernard Benoit impresses the world with leading gynaecologists describing Doctor bernard benoit’s work as ‘the Rolls Royve of all known ultrasound techniques, even leading Us specialists had to admit: “we have not yet achieved this quality of unborn ultrasound in the womb.” from the national geographic to the Telegraph, media and press around the world reported on the importance of his advances. based in the centre Hospitalier Princesse-grace since 1997, benoit is solely responsible for ultrasound imaging of unborn babies. Thanks to his sophisticated techniques, he is now able to detect foetal malformations as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Thus far, parents to be have had to content themselves with two-dimensional images and a heartbeat, but now benoit can produce 3D scans in colour that are invaluable for diagnostics. for children, his developments can be lifesaving as the choice of the maternity clinic can be made in advance and adjusted accordingly. from the sixth month, parents are able to clearly recognise the face of their baby. benoit’s 3D images are extremely detailed, with colours, shadows, reflections and even illumination of skin texture. He has also worked on a 4D version that allows the smile and tender movements of the foetus to be experienced in real time. benoit is now collaborating with ge to further his medical work.  1

Photo 1 MONACO CARDIOTHORACIC CENTRE © Palomba Robert Photo 2 & 3 THE FUTURE PRINCESS GRACE HOSPITAL © D.R. maY / June 2018

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friends of The hospiTal The Fondation des Amis du CHPG in 2013, the fondation des amis du cHPg (the friends of the Princess grace Hospital foundation) was founded in Monaco under the presidency of Princess caroline of Hannover. The aim is to use donations to finance the acquisition of new medical equipment and expertise. so far, 10 different departments of the cHPg have benefited from the funds, the total amount of which will amount to two million euros by 2020. in parallel, the government has committed to contribute the same amount as the donations received. for further information: roger.shine@chpg.mc (english) and michel.hamon@chpg.mc (french). 

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3

The Basics The princess grace hospital is situated in the hills of the principality and is the only public hospital in Monaco. it has remained on the same site since it first opened in 1902 and has been refitted over the years with the latest in medical equipment. it provides a 24hour public service of diagnosis, treatment, training, teaching, prevention and education. its mission is to ‘respect each patient’s individuality’. The hospital offers an extensive range of health services, including: accident and emergency, bowel cancer screening, cardiology, dermatology, general and digestive surgery, hepato-gastroenterology, paediatrics, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, urology and respiratory medicine. in recent years, Prince albert ii approved the building of a new Princess grace Hospital and work began on the site in late 2014. Most of the facilities will be operational by 2022.

The monaco institute of sports medicine and surgery (im2s) is located above Port Hercules.

Despite its name, it is not restricted to patients who play competitive sport. inaugurated in 2006, the iM26 offers tailor-made medical and surgical treatment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and prevention advice for athletes to optimise performance. working in conjunction with the Princess grace Hospital, the

orthopaedics and Traumatology Department has developed particular expertise in prosthetic surgery of the hips and knees, and in shoulder surgery. The iM2s aims to be a centre for cutting-edge treatment at the forefront of orthopaedic surgery. it also has a trauma unit and a paediatric orthopaedic unit where children over five are treated for wounds, fractures, malformations, growth problems etc. Meanwhile, a vein surgery unit complements the bone and joint surgery.

The monaco cardio-Thoracic centre specialises in cardiovascular and thoracic conditions. its 23 rooms overlook the sea, the Rock of Monaco or the gardens and fall into the following categories: comfort, Private or Room with a suite (each inspired by contemporary designers). whatever type of room, all patients benefit from the same high levels of comfort and safety. in addition to the centre’s permanent medical team, 10 to 20% of treatment is carried out by international medical consultants. for example, in the field of paediatric cardiac surgery, participating doctors come in from new York, Paris and London.

The majority of patients are covered either by the french or Monegasque social security systems, or by private insurance policies. 

Patients are admitted to hospital either through the emergency department or by a referral from their doctor. People living in the alpes-Maritimes department are covered by their health insurance and must show their viTaLe health card. People who live in France, but outside of the alpes-Maritimes, must get prior agreement from their doctor and are only covered in an emergency.

For private insurance, you must have prior approval from your insurance company for coverage of all the actual costs for the expected duration. You must pay all the costs as initially planned by your doctor, except in the case of an urgent admission. maY / June 2018

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a photographic family Archival exhibition: the Grimaldis at home For a family as famous as the Grimaldi, photocalls and portrait shots are the norm. Far rarer, however, is seeing its members on the other side of the lens.

By ELSA CARPENTER

Top photo PRINCESS GRACE WITH HER ROLLEIFLEX IN THE 1950S © Archives of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco Left photo PRINCE RAINIER III OF MONACO PHOTOGRAPHS PRINCESS GRACE, PRINCE ALBERT AND PRINCESS CAROLINE IN 1965 © Georges Lukomski / DR – Archives of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

young Prince albert tinkering with his Rolleiflex end of the 1960s, Prince Rainier iii lovingly taking a photo of his family on the principality’s national Day of 1965, Prince albert i capturing the gardens of the Villa adriana in Tivoli in 1910, or even Princess grace posing proudly with her camera during the 1950s… organised as part of the inaugural PhotoMonaco event, which took place in early april, the Princely family is allowing the public to gain a new insight into its private life and history. from the early days of photography, Prince albert i was keen to master the art, something this man of culture has passed down through the generations. Prince albert ii – his great great grandson – continues a commitment to the arts today, and in particular photography, with his patronage of PhotoMonaco.

The archival Photo exhibition will run until october 2018 at the state apartments of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. it is open every day from 10am to 6pm (extended hours during July and august to 7pm) and entrance costs €8 for adults.  photomonaco2018.com

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The united states in monaco Jamie McCourt named Ambassador uccessful american business woman Jamie Mccourt officially presented her credentials as to Prince albert ii of Monaco in March following a similar procedure to become the Us ambassador with french president emmanuel Macron at the end of 2017.

The baltimore native now represents the Us in both states, after the withdrawal of her nomination to be the ambassador in belgium by Us president Donald Trump last summer.

The former co-owner of the famous L.a.

Dodgers baseball club, she became the highest ranking woman in Major League

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baseball, first as Vice President of the Dodgers in 2004, then as President (2005) and finally ceo (2009) of the club prior to her divorce.

Mccourt has an impressive résumé. she was previously a lawyer in international and securities law in new York, as well as in corporate, real estate and family law in boston. she then spent ten years as Vice President and general counsel of Mccourt co., a family real estate development company based in boston. she has a degree in french from georgetown University, a law degree at the University of Maryland, and an Mba from MiT sloan school of Management. Mccourt spent part of her studies in the french capital and aix-en-Provence, obtaining a diploma from the famous sorbonne. she has now been confirmed by the Us senate as ambassador extraordinary and

Centre three: Simon Hankinson, Consul General of the United States of America in Monaco; Prince Albert II of Monaco; Jamie McCourt, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America © Government Communication Department/Manuel Vitali

Plenipotentiary of the Us to the french Republic and the Principality of Monaco, following a formal dinner hosted by Prince albert at the residence of the Monegasque Minister of state.

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caTe The greaT Australian icon Blanchett to preside at Cannes

By ELSA CARPENTER

Hollywood heroine Katharine Hepburn, a fairy tale villain, music legend Bob Dylan, elven beauty Galadriel, two queens of england and a consummate champion of women… is there a role she hasn’t played?

Photo CATE BLANCHETT PICTURED AT THE SICARIO PREMIERE IN CANNES © Featureflash Photo Agency

t a time when the global film industry is struggling with widespread claims of sexual harassment and assault, the cannes film festival could be poised to face the issue head on. cate blanchett, a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement and one of almost 400 influential women from the entertainment business to launch the Time’s Up initiative, has been appointed President of the Jury for the 71st edition, which will take place between 8th and 19th May. The australian actress and two-time academy award winner – among many other accolades – will be the twelfth woman to take on the role. she joins a prestigious list of female presidents that includes gone with the wind’s olivia de Havilland (1965), sophia Loren (1966), ingrid bergman of casablanca (1973), Jeanne Moreau (1995), isabelle Huppert (2009) and, most recently, new Zealand’s Jane campion in 2014, who is the only woman to ever win the prestigious Palme d'or (for The Piano in 1993).

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at 48, blanchett’s acting career spans nearly three decades and an exceptionally diverse range of genres and roles. after several stage performances and film appearances, her first high-profile, international part was as Queen elizabeth i in shekhar kapur’s 1998 film elizabeth. she would later reprise the role in the sequel elizabeth: The golden age in 2007 and become the only actress to receive academy award nominations for portraying the same character in two films. in another piece of silver screen trivia, in 2004, she won her first oscar for best supporting actress in Martin scorsese’s The aviator, in which she played katharine Hepburn. it was the first time that an actress won an academy award for depicting another oscar-winning actress. Her second academy award came in 2014 for best actress for her role in woody allen’s blue Jasmine. she has worked with an astounding array of top quality directors – Peter Jackson, David fincher, alejandro gonzález iñárritu, wes anderson, steven spielberg, Ridley scott and sally Potter to name just a few – and is

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Summer 2018 in Cannes Palais des Festivals

STING

th

© Gilles Traverso

th July st & 29 st 1 14 h , 2 th & 24th Augu 7t , 15

© Eric Ryan Anderson

th ly 10 Ju

th ly 26 Ju

© Marc Montplaisir

FESTIVAL D’ART PYROTECHNIQUE

BALLETS JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL y st 31 Jul

© Mary McCartney

credited in 69 productions (according to iMDb), many among them some of the most critically acclaimed english-language productions of the last quarter century. “i have been to cannes in many guises over the years as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the gala-sphere and in competition,” said blanchett as her jury presidency was announced, “but never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbours. i am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury. This festival plays a pivotal role in bringing the world together to celebrate story; that strange and vital endeavour that all peoples share, understand and crave.” in a joint statement, festival president Pierre Lescure and general delegate Thierry frémaux disclosed, “we are delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage. our conversations [from autumn 2017] tell us she will be a committed President, a passionate woman and a big-hearted spectator.”

Tall, blonde and beautiful, blanchett is an undoubtedly attractive woman, but she is certainly more than just that. alongside her “i HaVe been To considerable cinematic achievements and numerous philanthropic activities, such as cannes in ManY her role as goodwill ambassador for the gUises oVeR THe United nations High commissioner for ReYeaRs as an fugees, she has also been a long-time acTRess, champion of women and women’s rights PRoDUceR, in in the film industry and in the wider world.

THe as news of sexual abuse allegations MaRkeTPLace, against producer Harvey weinstein broke THe gaLain the october of last year, blanchett releasPHeRe anD in sed a statement saying, “any man in a pocoMPeTiTion, sition of power or authority who thinks it is his prerogative to threaten, intimidate or bUT neVeR sexually assault any woman he encounsoLeLY foR THe ters or works alongside needs to be called sHeeR PLeasURe to account. it is never easy for a woman to of waTcHing come forward in such situations and i THe coRnUcoPia wholeheartedly support those who have.” of fiLMs THis since then, she has joined with hundreds gReaT fesTiVaL of other leading women in the film and enHaRboURs” – tertainment industries to launch the Time’s CATE BLANCHETT Up movement, which describes itself as ‘a unified call for change from women in entertainment for women everywhere’. in addition to its efforts to wipe out abuse, the group has established a Legal Defense fund to support victims with legal and public relations costs as they pursue legal action against their abusers. in late 2017, Lescure, who has been president of the event since 2014, hinted that cannes would be addressing the topic: “following the 70th anniversary edition, the festival is beginning a new period in its history. we intend to renew the principles of our organisation as much as possible, while continuing to question the cinema of our age and to be present through its upheavals.” after numerous film personalities dressed in black for the golden globes in January (which was resurrected for the british bafTas in february), how exactly the festival de film will tackle the scandal remains to be seen in May. while Vanity fair journalist Yohana Desta noted that ‘any high-profile ceremony that fails to acknowledge it will likely face heavy criticism’, supporters of the cannes film festival can be relatively confident that, with a President of the Jury as proud and outspoken as blanchett, it will not disappoint. 

cannes

BETH DITTO + HYPHEN HYPHEN www.palaisdesfestivals.com

Usual sales points & ticket office at the Palais des Festivals 04 92 98 62 77 A #MAIRIEDECANNES EVENT - BY PALAIS DES FESTIVALS ET DES CONGRES

maY / June 2018

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maY / June 2018

VALBONNE

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A focus on

valBonne What isn’t there to like about valbonne? a picturesque and historic village centre whose townhouse-architecture and church date back almost 500 years, strong employment levels and prospects, bountiful sports facilities, a rich cultural programme, and a vibrant gourmet scene (including a new Michelin starred-restaurant: Lou Cigalon)… it seems to have all the ingredients for healthy and modern living.

next issue → in the July/august edition of Riviera insider, we will be exploring the east of the alpes-Maritimes where a new network of communes – similar to the communauté d'agglomération de sophia antipolis – is emerging among towns such as Menton, sospel, Roquebrune cap Martin and Tende.

© Palomba Robert maY / June 2018

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VALBONNE

communiTY spiriT

Main photo BOUCHRA LASSOUED HEADS UP THE DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR CULTURE, LOCAL EVENTS, COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL LIFE © D.R.

Top left photo PARC DES BOUILLIDES, ONE OF THE MANY GREEN SPACES IN VALBONNE © D.R.

below left photo FOR A TOWN WITH A SMALL POPULATION, THERE’S CERTAINLY PLENTY GOING ON © D.R.

maY / June 2018

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Whatever day of the week you choose, a visit to valbonne will always be accompanied by cheerful chatter in any number of languages. it’s one of the most diverse towns in the south of France and perhaps the best example of how a place can embrace the brave new world of multiculturalism, but still remain loyal to its history.

By ELSA CARPENTER

ith more than 12% of residents coming from outside of france – a diversity thanks in large part to the sophia antipolis technology and business park – Valbonne has had to adapt many aspects of its day-to-day to an increasingly foreign population. and willingly so! bouchra Lassoued is now in her second mandate at the Valbonne mairie, where she heads up the departments responsible for culture, local events, community and international life. although she was born just down the road in antibes, bouchra is deeply attached to Valbonne and, during our meeting at her office in the town hall, admits: “i will never leave here, why would i?!”

Her parents moved to Valbonne when she was three years old and she attended the ciV (centre international de Valbonne), a school she ‘can’t speak highly enough about’. for the 37-year-old mother-of-one, the school represents all that is good about Valbonne. “it’s an excellent school that’s full of different people from different backgrounds,” she says with passion. “all of our schools in Valbonne, from the primaire to the collège and lycée, offer multi-lingual learning. english, italian, chinese, Russian… our children have access to a width breadth of languages and are part of an incredibly rich, in terms of nationality, student population. i liked the spanish classes and trained as a spanish teacher before i was elected in 2008.”

The population of Valbonne is currently estimated at 14,000 (the results of the most recent census in early 2018 are yet to come out). There are more than 150 active associations in the town, which represent more than 14,000 members. Yes, more than the recorded population. “almost all of the population are in some way involved with voluntary and community-based actions,” says bouchra. “it’s a figure i’m personally very proud of and i’m particularly encouraged by the level of involvement from our international residents. at the sevens academy (rugby), for example, more than half of the players are british. our anglophone residents have helped set up english-language and original version movie nights at the cinema de l’alma as well as theatrical performances. for the last three years, more and more people have been flocking to our gaelic football club, the azur gaels. some of the players have made it on to the national

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“wHaT VaLbonne Has Done weLL is To bLenD HeRiTage – PaTRiMoine – wiTH MoDeRniTY anD aLso aUTHenTiciTY.”

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french team! at the other end of the scale, a group of international friends meet up on our boules courts every week. i saw them only the other morning. it’s warming to see different nationalities coming together.”

The town provides €750,000 in funding for its associations each year. for those interested, applications for support from your adopted town can be made on the website of your Prefecture, under conditions.

Valbonne has also reached out to one foreign community that has a more historical connection to the town.

Towards the end of the 19th and start of the 20th centuries, several families from Marti in Tuscany made the long journey – on foot – to Valbonne where they settled.

The two towns are now officially twinned and every year, representatives head back to Marti, which is located between Livorno and florence. “what Valbonne has done well is to blend heritage – patrimoine – with modernity and also authenticity,” bouchra continues. “our town centre is almost 500 years old, a birthday we’ll be celebrating in 2019. it’s actually a double anniversaire: sophia antipolis is turning 50! There’ll be things going on all through the year. we’re hoping that the public will get involved too and suggest ideas for events: pottery making like back in the old days, art classes, chariot racing, historical re-enactments…”

Many of Valbonne’s town hall-organised festivals and events take place out in the streets and are free to attend.

“The summer season officially begins for us on 21st June with the fête de la Musique; france’s family favourite street music festival,” she explains.

“Then we’ve got the fête de saint Jean on 24th June, which is a traditional Provençal event during which residents parade through the town with torches. everyone jumps over a big bonfire at the end of the night! one of the biggest events of the year in our Rue(Z) & Vous street festival in early July. we’re still in the process of putting together the programme, but expect class acrobatic acts, talented dancers and aerial artists. it’s spectacular.” on the more unusual side is the fête de la saint Roch, which takes place in mid-august. amid plates of paella and aïoli, folk dancing, a public ball and visits to the town’s communal vineyard, pet owners can actually have their furry companions blessed at the 17th century chapel: the bénédiction des animaux! and keen to impress its anglophone community, Halloween has been warmly embraced by the Valbonnais, who decorate their shops and entertain fancy-dressers of all ages on 31st october each year. christmas is yet another special occasion and the town hosts month-long celebrations, from traditional masses to food and hot wine in the Place des arcades, carol singing and visits to santa claus’ grotto for children. for a relatively small population, there is certainly plenty going on.

“The mairie’s policy is to build a better society and strong community,” she continues, “with events, associations and activities that everyone can get involved with, no matter how old they are or where they come from.” maY / June 2018

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MICHAEL MOLLOY

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teeing off on the Côte d’azur:

valBonne an irish iT professional who spent several years working in Sophia antipolis, Michael learned his French at the local rugby club and got his golfing fix by joining the office golf society. During his time in the region, he has played many of southern France’s finest courses.

although not known as a top destination for golf enthusiasts, the valbonne area does have a number of excellent courses in close proximity. You may struggle to find that elusive twilight green fee bargain, but that’s not the point…

You’re on the Côte d’azur! Pull out your khaki shorts and some sunscreen, and pony up for some tremendous golf! if all else fails, there’s a good chance you can finish your round on that sun drenched terrace with a well-deserved Grand Chose, the non-alcoholic and ultra-refreshing version of an arnold Palmer.

opio-valBonne opio-Valbonne is a full length 18-hole course where you could lose quite a lot of balls! Tracking its narrow fairways through tranquil forestry, this course will break the heart of all but the straightest hitters. it has some blind tee shots, and you’ll need your yardage book to gamble on the dog-legs. Like most courses in the area, there’s an excellently situated terrace overlooking the ninth green, and for Valbonne dwellers, it’s hard to beat spending an hour at the secluded driving range and putting green.

Stats: 18 holes | 5698m | Par 72 | 5 minutes from Valbonne village

chateau-begude.com

golf de BioT biot is a mostly flat course of well under 5000 yards, whose best selling point is the low green fees. There’s generally a competitive twilight fee and the riverside terrace is a good spot for a post-match cold drink. The course is not haute de gamme, but at Par 69, it might be your best chance to break 80 on the côte d’azur!

There are a number of pretty tight holes where you might prefer to tee off with an iron, but if renting a set of clubs, don’t expect the latest TaylorMades.

Stats 18 holes | 4511m | Par 69 | 20 minutes from Valbonne village

golfdebiot.fr maY / June 2018

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le provençal Le Provençal is a nine-hole course in the middle of sophia antipolis’ iT business park. it’s a narrow, well-forested course that will challenge your accuracy off the tee. The signature dog-leg fifth hole tee box has a stunning view too. There’s also a reasonably-priced fivehole pitch and putt course as well as a bustling restaurant for lunch goers. for those working nearby, the driving range can be an oasis of calm before taking on the typical traffic at evening time. occasional twilight deals are available.

Stats 9 holes | 2800m | Par 35 | 15 minutes from Valbonne village

leprovencalgolf.com

grande BasTide a relatively open championship length course that has recently begun to offer more competitive green fee rates, grande bastide has less tree coverage compared to other local courses so you can record some good scores here without losing too many balls. although not quite as undulating as other Provençal sites, some wellplaced cypress trees will challenge your driving accuracy… on the fifteenth, only the brave will hit a driver off the tee!

Stats 18 holes | 5929m | Par 72 | 8 minutes from Valbonne village

opengolfclub.com/grandebastide

sainT donaT one of my favourite courses in the area! Robert Trent Jones Jr’s use of natural undulations here gives you the best chance to act out your Us Masters fantasy with some blind horizon shots, dog-legs and water carries. This championship length course is lined with some beautiful, well-placed firs and pines, and the elevated tee on the fifteenth is a good spot to stage the climax of your four-ball.

There’s also a driving range and nine-hole pitch and putt course.

Stats 18 holes | 6031m | Par 71 | 15 minutes from Valbonne village

golfsaintdonat.com

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Paintings, not books, line the walls the Art Tisse library Beautiful contemporary art and intriguing abstract creations from an international spectrum of artists for just €20 a month: we’re sold on the concept, but just which do we choose first?

By ELSA CARPENTER

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 Photo 1

MICHELLE COURBIS & PATRICIA CIVEL OF ART TISSE © D.R.  Photo 2

ANNETTE VON BORSTEL’S LA ROULADE © D.R.  Photo 3

TINA DE RUBIA’S ENFANTS RIRES © D.R.  Photo 4

SYLVIE CARTER’S WHITE PEONIES © D.R.  Photo 5

CATHERINE MONMARSON’S LEGATO JAUNE ET BLEU © D.R. maY / June 2018

n the heart of old town Valbonne, an unassuming corner house is home to an astounding collection of art from 80 artists across the region – and some from further afield. The art Tisse artothèque, which was launched 15 years ago by Patricia civel, models itself on that french town essential: the mediathèque, a multimedia library open to the public. “clients come in and look through the works or see the complete catalogue on our website,” says Michelle courbis, who has worked here alongside its founder for the past six years. “Then they can rent whatever catches their eye for €20 each a month!”

Minutes after we arrive at 14 Rue de la fontaine, a couple – Madame and Monsieur Jeune – come through the door with two paintings they’ve had for the last 30 days. one is a lovely acrylic depiction of white peonies tinged with pink in full bloom by sylvie carter, an artist who grew up in the south of france, but is now based in canada. “we always pick two paintings,” says Madame as her husband admires a mixed medium, fantasy-like piece by the Valbonne-based Tina de Rubia, “one big and one small for the wall spaces we have in the house!”

The couple has been a regular fixture at art Tisse for the last decade and says that their home is known as something of an art gallery among friends, who often admire – and sometimes critique – their choices. “our concept allows clients to ‘test out’ artworks against the décor and ambience of their property,” explains Michelle. “The goal is that the client falls in love with a piece and buys it!” art Tisse works with around 100 private individuals – “Plenty of people coming in are foreign second home owners looking to furnish their property,” says Patricia, “as well as companies from across the region and nearby sophia antipolis.”

The artothèque takes a 20% commission on the sale of each tableau and can be an invaluable help to artists who don’t know how to do their own marketing, although Michelle admits that the advent of social media and networks like instagram is fast changing art Tisse’s role as an intermediary between creator and client. The association also charges its artists €40 a year to be a part of the artothèque, but even with a number of regular patrons, these amounts alone are understandably not enough to keep the library going. with the support of Valbonne’s town hall, Patricia and Michelle organise professionally-taught classes for adults and in schools as well as a diverse range of exhibitions. “we’re actually based in the building that was home to the old mairie, which is still the owner and provides us with our current spaces: the library downstairs and the salle upstairs, where we host exhibitions between May and september. in the salle saint esprit of the mairie, we run major events almost all year-round,” explains Patricia. in early May, she will present her recently published

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THe goaL is THaT THe cLienT faLLs in LoVe wiTH a Piece anD bUYs iT!”

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coming months, with painters and sculptors that are yet to be publically announced. in 2019, however, Patricia says locals and visitors to Valbonne alike can look forward to a large cultural and artistic exhibition commemorating the 500 years of official existence and the 50th birthday of the sophia antipolis business and technology hub. of the 600-strong portfolio of artistic pieces held by the association, Patricia says that many of the works are in an abstract style: “we don’t have much figurative art, but those we do have are of a very high quality, such as english artist Joanna Painter, whose tableaux are almost of a photographic quality.” flagship artists for art Tisse include: the internationally-renowned Moya, who has worked with Patricia from the start; niçois artist known as Moustache bleue; painter catherine Monmarson (who most often portrays the nude female form) and her ceramicist husband noël; the colourful norwegian anne baevreespeli; antibes-based, but german in origin annette Von borstel, whose fresh, azure blue and sandy-hued acrylic works herald summer memories of days on the beaches of the marina town; newcomer to the library and Russian painter Tatiana Yastrebova; and Valbonne-born eccentric igor Marceau, who Patricia fondly calls the town’s own Van gogh for his brilliantly coloured canvases. other artists on the books include graduates and sometimes students of the Villa arson, an elite school and museum for contemporary art in nice. “one of the main factors in choosing which artists we take on – and we have to be selective as we don’t have much space – is that they have a definitive and personal style that you can identify in each piece they produce,” says Patricia. “You won’t find any of those typical Provençal landscapes here! it also has to be a style that we like and brings us pleasure. Michelle and i are, after all, the ambassadors of our artists!” 

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book albert Pourcel: Le chasseur alpin aux ailes brisées (the alpine Hunter with broken wings). The alpine Hunters were an elite mountain infantry force belonging to the french army. Valbonne native Pourcel was a part of the 32nd and 46th battalions during wwi before he was died during in an accident in 1918. in her book, she retells his story with the help of his campaign report book and a precious album containing photographs taken on the frontline. an affiliated exhibition will be taking place between 8th and 27th May, with events planned for saturday 19th May, the 100th anniversary of the death of Pourcel.

Major summer exhibitions are to be expected in the maY / June 2018

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LEWIS LONGMAN

Originally from sleepy Suffolk, Lewis Longman moved to Cannes three years ago in the search of something meaningful to fill the predictable void of post-graduate life. Between the ubiquitous palm trees of the sunsoaked Côte d’azur and the terraces of its numerous restaurants, he thinks he has found that something...

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seTTing down new rooTs arious wine bottles line the stone wall, the fridges brimming full with a plethora of interesting bottled beers. irish flags hang from the beams of the ceiling and a collection of board games sits next to the popcorn machine marked ‘serve Yourself’. it is hard to put your finger on exactly what Roots in Valbonne is. i visited on a wednesday night – an open mic night hosting irish singer-songwriter avi – and with a glass of red wine in hand, feasted on a brilliant charcuterie and cheese board (€10). surrounded by friends and strangers alike, i couldn’t help but feel we were in someone’s living room simply enjoying good company, drinks and music.

Hannah french, who runs the bar with her english husband Jan, tells us what this quaint but buzzing, little place is really all about.

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where are you originally from and what brought you to valbonne? originally from ireland, i ended up in Lyon on my erasmus year many moons ago. i extended my nine-month stay by eight years, and fell completely in love with Lyon and france. Just as i planned to leave the country, i fell in love again (a passionate one, i am!) with my now husband Jan, who was based down here in Valbonne. Hence my arrival on the côte d'azur. Loved up and fancy free! irish pub, wine bar, a cosy local… roots seems to tick all of the boxes. how would you define it? i had been running bars for others for years and my dream was always to create my own bar. Roots is simply an expression of the kind of place i would like to sit down and have a pint in! it has me written all over it, from my taste in music to my haphazard, creative décor. My husband Jan – the real beer genius, an ex-brewer and general, all-round legend (i’m not biased…) – has given Roots its sophisticated product choice. He knows his stuff and has helped Roots become a pioneer in product choices on the french Riviera. where does the name roots come from? it’s the idea of going back to basics. we work with the traditional ales, crafty iPas , funky belgian beers… all things weird and wonderful, whilst trying to avoid the mass produced brands that often dominate the taps in bars around france. we want to bring people back to the ‘roots’ of partaking in a brew! we also feel that this is that place where you can reconnect with your roots, as everyone feels at home. and finally, Jan and i have chosen the lovely village of Valbonne to plant our roots and make a home. we are very blessed to be living here. valbonne has a large expat community. is this reflected in your clientele or is there a mix? our clientele is a lovely and random mix of locals, expats and tourists, which varies from season to season. one thing is for sure, it's a place where everyone mingles and the crowd becomes one. There are no barriers of culture or communication: our language is booze, banter, music and smiles!

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lunch in The square

You have a massive selection of wines and beers. what are your personal recommendations? it’s really hard for me to pick a favourite, but i’m rather proud of our guinness. i would even have allowed my connoisseur of a grandfather to have a pint of our black stuff and bet he would rate it well, god rest him! My friends and colleagues will tell you our supply of Liefmans kriek cherry beer never lasts long as i have a fierce penchant for it! wine wise, in the winter over a game of chess in the candlelit bar, i would go for a nice deep red. Maybe a saintemilion. once the sun is shining, who wouldn't want to hit the terrace with one of our big, icy buckets of rosé? what do you think roots offers that other places in the area do not? how would you sum up roots in three words? i’d like to think that we offer service with a genuine smile, an irish touch of cheer and that sense of ‘craic’, which is contagious. Roots is cool, cosy, happy! 

n a sunday afternoon, the Place des arcades is hubbub of activity with chairs, tables and the noise of hungry diners filling the air in the old village square.

Le café des arcades is the epicentre of this commotion. with clouds ominously floating above, we decided to eat indoors, neglecting the busy terrace.

The restaurant itself is a fantastic fusion of modern and old. while old black and white photos hang on the walls beneath the beams and stone ceiling, the interior is otherwise modern and fresh – as is the food. while the extensive menu serves up typical french classics as well as pasta and pizza, the daily lunch menu is the best bet to get something different. The melt-in-the-mouth lamb tagine and the duo of crab and salmon tartare were stand out performers. admittedly the portion of the tartare was on the small side (to put it lightly), but the tarte tatin for dessert certainly made up for it. i was unable to finish the edible doorstop that had been placed in front of me, but not for lack of flavour. it was very good.

The phrase ‘cheap and cheerful’ does not seem fair to Le café Des arcades, though it is meant with the best intentions! on a spring afternoon sat amongst friends and family in the picturesque square, surrounded by what seems to be the entirety of the town’s community, this local favourite of many makes for a great spot for lunch at a fair price. Perhaps ‘reasonable and relaxed’ would be better! 

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cracking cheese, eric! uch like wallace and gromit, eric gayraud loves cheese. originally from Rodez in the southwest of france, he has been living in Valbonne for the past 15 years. it’s here, at the heart of the old village on the corner of Place des arcades, where he set up his shop: 365 fromages.

This little fromagerie is a real institution in Valbonne, and you can even find some of eric’s cheeses on a few of the local restaurant menus. eric prides himself on showcasing the best cheese the region has to offer, whilst incorporating cheeses from across france and all around europe. a wide selection of cheese platters are available, such as L’Univers des chèvres and Voyage en europe. being a massive fan of goats cheese

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myself, a universe of the stuff certainly sounds intriguing.cheese without chutney is like ant without Dec; it just doesn’t really make sense and casts a lonely, confused figure all by itself on the plate or board. but fear not as 365 fromages also has a great épicerie section with carefully selected honey, olive oils and of course chutneys and jams to complement the cheeses.

The next time you are in Valbonne, milling around the quaint streets and taking in the sunshine, pop in to pay eric a visit if you have forgotten your sandwiches – or can’t find a seat in the café! a freshly prepared cheese board is a perfect addition to a day out. not to forget: the cheese boards can also be made to take away as a gift for a special someone. That is, of course, if you can resist eating it all yourself…  maY / June 2018

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rampoldi: The reBirTh of an icon

A young Italian chef takes the helm

By PETRA HALL

For 70 years, the rampoldi was one of the finest gastronomic addresses in the principality.

Then the restaurant faded from view. Since the arrival of italian master chef antonio Salvatore, has it learned to shine again? or seven decades, the Rampoldi stood at the heart of the famous carré d'or as a preferred address of the inner circle in Monte carlo, but it slowly lost its lustre. after a change of ownership, the venue reopened in 2016 with a new look and, perhaps more importantly, a new boss: antonio salvatore, whose surname translates the saviour. nomen est omen?

He is an unusual man, with an unusual career and imaginative cuisine. antonio was raised in southern italy's basilicata region in a family with traditional values and where nothing was thrown away. all vegetables and fruits came from their own two-hectare property, the oil from 1,000 olive trees. everything was handmade. as a boy, he would have liked to pursue a career to do with cars or motorcycles, but he obeyed when his parents sent him to the hospitality school in Potenza out of respect. after his first internship, he knew he had found his calling: “i wanted to be the best.”

He has never sent a résumé – “somehow everything al-

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Top photo AN INTENSE MANDARIN AROMA BEGUILES THE SENSES © Aline Gerard Right photo ANTONIO SALVATORE HOLDS HIS GUESTS IN CULINARY ECSTASY © D.R.

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ways works out in a mysterious way…” – yet has worked for sheiks, prominent Japanese and chinese families, and the italian ambassador in Moscow. while in the Russian capital, he spent four years working in a two Michelin star restaurant: “i liked the world of luxury.” but then came a call from Monaco. a new challenge awaited him. antonio is quite clearly a good boss and leads his eight-headed team with heart and mind. at the age of 31, he quickly achieved his own advice that he gives to his staff: “You have to start at the bottom to get to the top.”

The welcome at Rampoldi is warm – italy sends its greetings – and the décor is chic and noble. guests have a sense of getting to know salvatore, who seems to enjoy the personal contact with his international clientele. as diverse as his would-be cV is his repertoire and cuisine: eye-catching dishes at the peak of culinary delight.

The menu changes four times a year and some classics remain all year round, but with special seasonal touches.

He is in the process of creating the ‘Rampoldi kitchen’; a combination of the côte d’azur and italy’s south that celebrates their individual characters. who knows, maybe this brand will conquer europe soon. “i'm not looking for too much extravagance and i'm not obsessed with star hunting,” says the young, family-loving man. still, he impresses and satisfies the tastebuds of experienced gourmands with specialities such as king crab tartar from kamchaka or the mandarin basket, from which delicate veils of intense aroma arise thanks to a clever extraction of essential oils and application of dry ice. it is a beautiful citrus scent that transports him – and us – to the sun-soaked gardens of his father. 

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The marriage of l’oasis & BarBossi L’art de recevoir in Mandelieu-La Napoule

or the past 27 years, stéphane, antoine and françois Raimbault have managed to stay at the top of the culinary game thanks to their perseverance, passion and courage.

L'oasis has lived up to its shimmering two Michelin stars, which shine true to one single calling: the pleasure of giving happiness. since last summer, L'oasis has been a partner of the Domaine de barbossi, an association which has given the property newfound energy. The Raimbault brothers' bistrot left its former home in mid-2017 and moved to the ermitage, a landmark hotel in Mandelieu that nestles between a river and the sea. within the barbossi group, which boasts a golf club, a vineyard, a stable and a museum, L'oasis has found rejuvenation.

During the annual winter closing, the restaurant treated itself to a face-lift and was fully refurbished. guests can now enjoy a modern and luminous environment as a backdrop for the signature terrace setting, a flamboyant jungle of lush greenery. The ambience is also given energy thanks to various art pieces borrowed from the barbossi museum: a resolutely contemporary take on abstract paintings and sculptures with unique works by Jean-franklin koenig, Pierre Theunissen, christian glace, gérard Le Roux, Michel Machu and the infamous césar. all come in contrast with the neo-classical style of the

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Main photo ALAIN MONTIGNY & STÉPHANE RAIMBAULT © D.R. Top right photo THE GARDEN SETTING © D.R. Right photo THE LUXURY INDOOR SALLE © D.R. below right photo THE RAIMBAULT BROTHERS HAVE GUARDED THEIR MICHELIN STARS FOR 27 YEARS © D.R.

venue and echo the retro-modern style of L’oasis’ cuisine. fond of the saying ‘There is no wealth nor strength but man’, chef stéphane Raimbault tells Riviera insider that 2018 will be a Year of Talent. The teams of L'oasis are now under the leadership of not one, but two Meilleurs ouvriers de france. Pascal Paulze, the loyal and savvy Head sommelier, and alain Montigny, who has recently joined the three Raimbault musketeers. Mentored by Le bristol’s éric fréchon in Paris and a former student of christian constant, Montigny was awarded his first Michelin star at the carmontelle in chantilly. with such gastronomy, culture and effortless elegance under one roof, L’oasis and the Domaine de barbossi are coming to define french savoir-faire and art de vivre on the côte d’azur.  domainedebarbossi.fr & oasis-raimbault.com

maY / June 2018

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ThaT cerTain mediTerranean someThing Comptoir 2 Nicole harmonises Niçois & Italian cuisine

By PETRA HALL

Nice, as you may know, has only been a part of France since 1860. its shared roots with neighbouring italy – be it in dialect or gastronomy – are still unmistakable. One perfect example of this is Le Comptoir 2 Nicole on the edge of the famous, cobbled old town.

Right photo THE CHEF OF COMPTOIR 2 NICOLE, GIOVANNI CAMMARATA © D.R. far right photo THE DISHES OF GIOVANNI CAMMARATA ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE AN ITALIAN TOUCH © D.R.

cosy ambiance in the niçois colours of red and white, and a menu without borders: french plats sit alongside italian with comfort rather than competition.

There’s foie gras and salade niçoise next to aubergine parmigiana, mushroom risotto next to grilled duck breast, and gnocchetti burrata with fresh tomatoes next to cod baked in the oven. Main dishes start at €14. chef giovanni cammarata from Palermo knows all the tricks of tasty yet simple, traditional cuisine and mischievously reveals, “i like to refine french dishes with an italian accent.” for example, the cabillaud (atlantic cod) is served with plenty of fresh herbs, dried tomatoes and almonds. “i'm a sicilian!” says the chef for a

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straightforward explanation. His specialties, some of which derive their ingredients from organic produce grown in Menton and the hinterland, are simply delicious. Just take the pissaladière with red onions, salted anchovies, garlic, parsley and fresh tomatoes or ricotta ravioli with spinach.

“Many of our dishes have a Piedmontese-Ligurian origin,” cammarata continues. “every two weeks, there is a new menu with four starters each, four first and four second courses.” again, the italian influence is clearly noticeable.

The regular and numerous guests always return with pleasure, because here they find the taste and the aromas of an ‘honest kitchen’, the chef explains with pride. everything is freshly prepared; frozen is frowned upon. at the tender age of 11, the young giovanni helped in the family bar. suddenly he was catapulted into the kitchen of its pizzeria: they needed him there. after a hard apprenticeship, he led some of his own restaurants in Tuscany and thus developed his very own style: quality first, without falsifying the products: “You have to taste every single ingredient. That is the fine art of cooking.”

Three years ago, 54 years old cammarata, who has also worked in the german city of Dusseldorf, received a phone call from nice. at the other end was Domenico iaria, an italian restaurateur looking for an experienced chef for his local restaurant that had been founded in 2014. The calabria native has now been living in nice for 25 years and is today’ sole master of comptoir 2 nicole to the west of the cours saleya although he did collaborate with other local restaurateur nicole Rubi, the director of the famous La Petite Maison, on the restaurant concept and menu.

His culinary creed: “our guests should feel well and eat well, that's more important to me than a star”. it’s a concept that obviously works. 

BIÈRE ARTISANALE BRASSÉE À NICE FIRST CRAFT-BREW FOR A CRAFTED LIVING

18 CHEMIN DE SAQUIER NICE, FRANCE 06200 BLUECOASTBREWING.COM + 33 6 82 22 16 38

L’ABUS D’ALCOOL EST DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTÉ, CONSOMMEZ AVEC MODÉRATION

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les ÉToiles de mougins A dedicated gourmet festival

By LEWIS LONGMAN

maY / June 2018

ichelin star restaurants, cosy bistros lining the cobbled streets, a breath-taking panoramic view stretching from the sparkling Mediterranean across to the jagged hills of the gorges du Loup… There are certainly worse places to eat that the delightful hilltop town of Mougins! synonymous with art de vivre, it boasts a great gourmet scene and from 2nd to 3rd June will play host to a renowned gastronomic event: Les étoiles de Mougins. originally founded in 2006 in honour of the late Roger Vergé, a chef renowned for his contemporary cooking style and as having a major role in putting Mougins on the culinary map, Les étoiles de Mougins is an event that grows year-on-year. This summer’s festival will see more than 100 talented chefs unite in the old town over

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two days, showcasing their expertise to the public whilst inviting all to take part in a mouth-watering event.

This year’s food extravaganza will be presided over by Philippe etchebest. as a two Michelin star chef, the host of cauchemar en cuisine and a judge on Top chef france, basque-born etchebest is a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to food. who better then to judge the Roger Vergé concours du Jeune chef? on the sunday, four young chefs selected by etchebest and his jury will attempt to create a dish based on the theme: Revisite de la bouillabaisse. Three separate competition categories (sommelier, Pâtissier and amateur) will also take place over the course of the weekend. before any calories are consumed, however, the first event on the agenda will actually be a Zumba class hosted by fitlane. once visitors have worked up a sweat – and an appetite – then the feast can begin! a variety of other workshops and demonstrations are on offer too, from pastry classes to cooking with the kids accompanied by a chef. for the first time ever, there will be an open-air, pop-up restaurant, among an array of tasting tents. a marketplace showcasing local produce and wine will also feature, as well as arts de la table and décor. while the food itself is undoubtedly important in french cuisine, one cannot underestimate the importance of service à la française and the arts de la Table workshop hosted by the Paul bocuse Restaurant and Hotellerie foundation (numerous times throughout the weekend) will show visitors the intricacies of folding serviettes and carving fruit and vegetables as well other aspects of french service. There will also be an area dedicated to debate and discussion, as chefs and other members of the industry come together to talk about a variety of issues and topics.

Les étoiles de Mougins expects to welcome around 25,000 visitors over the two-day event, and with over 120 demonstrations taking place in a variety of forms, this eclectic gastronomic gathering promises to be an event not to be missed! entry to the event is free and tickets for demonstrations and tastings start at €5. for more information as well as a detailed itinerary:  lesetoilesdemougins.com

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BeTween skY & sea Brunching at the Jasmin Grill & Lounge relaxed lunch in the sun, an aperitif or rosé by the pool… Moments of pleasure such as these have come to signify the Hotel Royal Riviera’s Jasmin grill & Lounge, which first opened in spring 2016. now two years on, the five-star address (3 avenue Jean Monnet, saint Jean cap ferrat) has added a new and luxurious interior space to the outdoor terrace, bar and kitchen, allowing guests to revel the establishment’s privileged location all year round, whatever the weather. The completely redesigned, window-lined room opened in early 2018 and is the ideal enclave from which to soak up the spectacular panoramic views on blustering springs days. as the summer comes around, the fully

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THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR SPACE AT THE JASMIN GRILL & LOUNGE

retractable roof can be rolled back to let in the classic Mediterranean light and warmth. on the menu, resident chef alain Parodi has created a culinary odyssey befitting the Jasmin grill & Lounge’s setting between sky and sea: tandoor dishes, meat and fish à la plancha, pasta and burgers. Parodi has also added a range of healthy buddha bowls to the menu: fresh and generous servings that can be enjoyed totally guilt-free. a brunch menu is also available every sunday

(excluding July and august). by night, live DJ entertainment provides the musical score every Thursday evening (from 15th June) alongside a delicious array of cocktails and tapas for after work soirées or post-beach chill-outs.

The Jasmin grill & Lounge is open every day until 15th october with non-stop service from 12.30pm to 5pm, and until 10pm from 15th June to the end of august.  royal-riviera.com

fresh & cook Innovative cuisine for your office & events rom Valbonne, fresh and cook by kevin cherifi caters to two markets: employees in the sophia antipolis sector, to whom he delivers fresh and generous dishes according to an ever-changing weekly menu; and private and corporate events, at which he provides all ingredients necessary, from finger food and petits fours to buffets and cocktails between cannes and Monaco. at the start of each week, a new menu is published on the fresh and cook website and facebook.

Diners can choose a Lunchbox that changes each day to feature a different national cuisine from around the world for €8 or with the gourmand formule,

VALLAURIS 1955 chemin de Saint Bernard - PORTE 11

LOCAL, FRESH & ECO-AWARE SUPERMARKET, BUTCHER & RESTAURANT AN ENTIRELY ORGANIC STORE

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KEVIN CHERIFI OF VALBONNE-BASED FRESH AND COOK

customers can treat themselves to a delicious homemade dessert too for €11. when it comes to event menus, let your imagination decide! kevin can work to your own personal theme and budget.

His cuisine is greatly inspired by his worldwide travels and kevin is always innovating with new styles and local, traditional and global ingredients. bon appétit!

Tel. 06 09 67 06 63

The Market

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The Comptoir 04 97 28 80 04

PORTE 11 1955 chemin de Saint Bernard

04 97 28 80 00 Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 7.30pm Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2.30pm

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YachTing

arT de vivre la mer Superyacht chefs in competition

Reporting

from The YachT cluB de monaco an institution in the principality since its founding in 1953, the YCM unites over 2,000 prestigious members of 66 nationalities in their love of sailing and the oceans.

on Thursday 5th april, 12 chefs from some of the world’s most decadent superyachts went head-to-head in a culinary competition jointly organised by the Yacht club de Monaco, under the aegis of its training centre La belle classe academy, and professional crew training school bluewater.

Prince albert ii of Monaco chaired the jury, which included top chefs Jacques Maximin, stéphane Raimbault (Restaurant oasis, Mandelieu la napoule), Patrick Raingeard (cap estel, Èze), Philippe Joannés (Hôtel fairmont Monte carlo) and cédric séguéla, the founder of secrets de cuisine, which trains chefs for superyachts. over the course of four 30-minute rounds, chefs had to produce an original dish based on a basket of mystery ingredients that included John Dory, red mullet, veal filet, kobe beef, black radishes, Vitelotte potatoes and kale. Three went through to the final: steve negouai of M/Y black Legend (50m), eric Vugliano of M/Y Rola (47m) and Pablo albuerne of M/Y Tales (53m). for the grande finale, finalists had just 45 minutes to produce a main course based on lobster, lamb, pattypan squash and lemon caviar, plus a dessert. albuerne won the day and received the Lalique Trophy from the Prince. “i am delighted and immensely proud to be presented with this award by His Highness,” said the spanish chef, who was cheered on by his captain and crew, following the competition. “it is an amazing experience to cook in front of Michelin star chefs and really puts the pressure on. for me, the most difficult part was managing the time. in preparing a main course and dessert, i gambled on originality and it paid off!” 

WINNING CHEF PABLO ALBUERNE OF M/Y TALES PREPS HIS INGREDIENTS DURING THE FINAL ROUND OF THE COMPETITION © D.R.

PRINCE ALBERT CONSULTING WITH FELLOW JURY MEMBER JACQUES MAXIMIN © D.R.

monaco gloBal series Programme of the inaugural event from 1st to 8th June, a dozen teams will be participating in the first ever Monaco global series, a 1,400 nautical mile-long course through the Mediterranean. after the start in Monaco, the fleet races down corsica’s west coast before being propelled through the strait of bonifacio, towards the aeolian islands, where they tack in front of stromboli and head for Palermo in sicily. The fleet then sets course for the balearic islands before returning to Monaco.

The Monaco event marks the start of the new iMoca 2018-2020 championship, renamed the globe series, with a system of points and weightings over a four-year period.

The goal for sailors is to rack-up a maximum number of points to qualify for the big offshore races, with the Vendée globe as the Holy grail.  maY / June 2018

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Grand Prix de Monaco Historique

By ELSA CARPENTER Photos MICHAEL KURTZ

f you thought that vintage cars belong only in museums and under dust sheets, the grand Prix de Monaco Historique is here to prove that there’s plenty of life still in these metal beasts. from 11th to 13th May, fleet after fleet of golden oldies – in lifetime only – will tear along the famous Monaco circuit, which remains 80% the same as that used in the very first race nearly a century ago.

The grand Prix de Monaco Historique takes place every two years and organisers at the automobile club de Monaco have made three major changes to the 2018 programme. one: the smallest single-seaters from formula Junior and f3 have been removed – with great sadness – from the line-up. The acM’s organising

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committee says that it intends to ‘focus even more on f1, the absolute pinnacle of speed racing’. Two: following a request from entrants in the 2016 race, the a series (pre-wwii grand Prix cars and voiturettes) is back after a popular inaugural run two years ago.

Three: Race c has been rethought to ‘present a panel of the most beautiful sportscars of the 1950s without eliminating the cars that took part in the one and only gP de Monaco reserved for sportscars – 1952’. in total, over 180 grand Prix cars that participated in international races and are in conformity with the regulations for their respective eras will be included in the 11th edition of this enthralling event. all of the vehicles have been selected for ‘their historical value and their degree of authenticity’, according to the acM.

CARS & CATEGORIES

Race A: Pre-war Grand Prix cars & voiturettes Race B: Pre-1961 front-engine F1 Grand Prix & F2 cars Race C: Front-engine sport & prototype racing cars with engine capacity of 2L or more (that raced between 1952 & 1957) Race D: F1 Grand Prix cars from 1961 to 1965 Race E: F1 Grand Prix cars from 1966 to 1972 Race F: F1 Grand Prix cars from 1973 to 1976 Race G: F1 Grand Prix cars from 1977 to 1980

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The monaco grand prix Other circuits in the championship come and go, but Monaco always remains. Why? it is in a league of its own in terms of prestige and history. among the great drivers of Formula 1, it is the one race they all dream of winning.

By ELSA CARPENTER

acing in the principality dates back the reign of Prince Louis ii, who authorised an event in 1929. The current track harks back to 1950 and, since 1955, Monaco has been a regular and everpopular fixture on the fia calendar.

There have been barely any alterations to the course in almost 70 years. a unique entity, renowned for its glamour and luxury status, the circuit is the only one in the sport to evade stringent regulations, both of safety and length. while all other courses must be at least 305 kilometres in length, Monaco is just 260. it also offers the rarest of spectating occasions. as drivers hit the Loews corner, which is overlooked by the lucky few viewing from the roofs of the fairmont Monte carlo or the hotel’s northwest-facing rooms, their speed is slowed enough to allow fans to stare directly into the eyes of their idols. it is something that does not happen often, particularly when average speeds can reach 370 kilometres an hour.

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british drivers have traditionally performed very well in Monaco and several can count themselves among the most successful in its history.

Lewis Hamilton, who drives for Mercedes, and retired David coulthard have both won twice in the principality; stirling Moss and Jackie stewart took the title three times; and graham Hill – nicknamed Mr. Monaco for his numerous successes during the 1960s – won an impressive five times. for the ultimate Monaco champion, however, we would have to name brazilian ayrton senna, who triumphed a total of six times.

The extreme narrowness of the track, coupled with the elevation changes and tunnel section, which can be temporarily blinding for the high-speed drivers, makes Monaco one of the most technically difficult and demanding in formula 1. even for the finest drivers, there is no margin for error here, and complete and utter concertation is required for every split second of the 3.3km track if a crash into the barriers or even the Mediterranean sea is to be avoided. That said, just two drivers – italian alberto ascari in 1955 and australian Paul Hawkins a decade later – have ended up in the port, both relatively unscathed. overtaking is essentially impossible and competitors must qualify in a strong position to be within touching distance of the win. Yet despite setting the fastest ever lap time in last year’s qualifier stage – 1:12.231 – finnish and ferrari driver kimi Räikkönen was beaten by Mercedes’ Mexican driver sergio Pérez during the main race. checo’s fastest lap became in at 1:14.820 on the big day. with the gran Premio de españa (11th to 13th May) on the circuit de catalunya coming before the Monaco race, it is still too early to say who will be in prime position come the end of the month… 

2018 programme ThursdaY 24Th maY 6am: Track closed to public 8am to 8.30am: Formula 2 practice 9.30am to 10.15am: Formula renault 2.0 practice 11am to 12.30pm: Formula 1 practice 1.20pm to 1.36pm: Formula 2 Group a qualifying 1.44pm to 2pm: Formula 2 Group B qualifying 3pm to 4.30pm: Formula 1 practice 5.15pm to 6pm: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup practice 7.30pm: Track opened to public

fridaY 25Th maY 6am: Track closed to public 7.55am to 8.25am: Formula renault 2.0 Series a qualifying 8.33am to 9.03am: Formula renault 2.0 Series B qualifying 10am to 10.30am: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup qualifying 11.30am to 12.35pm: Formula 2 first race 1pm to 1.30pm: renault celebration laps 2.30pm: Track opened to public

saTurdaY 26ThmaY 8am: Track closed to public 10am to 10.30am: Formula renault 2.0 first race 12pm to 1pm: Formula 1 practice 3pm to 4pm: Formula 1 qualifying 5.15pm to 6pm: Formula 2 second race 7.30pm: Track opened to public

sundaY 27ThmaY 8am: Track closed to public 10am to 10.35am: Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race 11.30am to 12pm: Formula renault 2.0 second race 1.40pm: Formula 1 drivers’ parade 3.10pm: Formula 1 race 8.30pm: Track opened to public *Printed 18th april & subject to change

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a lauded reTurn To le casTelleT Formula 1 racing on the Paul Ricard Circuit

By ELSA CARPENTER

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hat a clincher it was for the region when in 2016, it was announced that formula 1 racing would be heading back to the famous Paul Ricard circuit in Le castellet after a decade’s absence. and not just for a one-off event! between 2018 and 2023, the Var track will be a regular feature on the grand Prix calendar. now just a few weeks away, this year’s grand Prix de france will be taking place from 21st to 24th June.

“The return of the formula 1 grand Prix to france is excellent news as it is a major international sporting event and a strong factor in building the attractiveness, economic development and tourism [for our region],” says the mayor of nice and president of Provence-alpes-côte d’azur, christian estrosi.

Passes for the three days of racing (22nd to 24th) start at €179.50 while tickets to the main day of racing begin at €129. all options are selling fast!  gpfrance.com

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2 Photo 1 THE 1988 PODIUM: SENNA, PROST & ALBORETO © Eric Vargiolu / DPPI Photo 2 STARTING POSITIONS FOR THE 1980 GRAND PRIX © DPPI Photo 3 THE 1976 GRAND PRIX © DPPI

who was paul ricard? he man who gave his name to the Le castellet track in 1970 was a fascinating – and extremely talented – character. born in Marseille in 1909, Paul Ricard initially showed a passion for the arts, but was dissuaded from pursuing his painting dreams by his father, who made him join the family wine business. a chance introduction to the thenprohibited aperitif of pastis, a Provence favourite, as a young man would change the pre-decided course of his career. when the ban on pastis (and other aniseed-based spirits) was lifted in 1932, he was ready with his Ricard recipe and quickly took control of the market. but success in the alcoholic beverage industry was far from his only achievement. Ricard is accredited with introducing the concept of sponsorship to france; in 1948, he became the first official and commercial sponsor of the Tour de france. in 1950, he produced one of

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the first french full-colour films, La Maison du Printemps. Later that decade, he purchased and developed two islands off the coast of the south of france: bendor near bandol and embiez near six-fours-lesPlages. in 1961, Ricard travelled to Rome with his pastis brand and received the blessing of Pope John XXiii! He also founded an environmental association in 1966, which went on to be known as the Paul Ricard oceanographic institute and continues to focus on marinerelated issues. in the years that followed, he decided to invest in the racing track in Le castellet, which was opened under his name in 1970 (it was sold to english businessman bernie ecclestone in 1999). and for one final career high point, Ricard acted as Mayor of signes, a small town near the circuit, from 1980 to 1988. He died on embiez in 1997 and is believed to have been buried there in a grave facing the sea.  maY / June 2018

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Tour de france

Nice to host the Grand Départ

ediTor’s experience Grasse versus Agde at the Stade Perdigon

owards the end of March, alain batocchioni from the Rugby olympique de grasse kindly invited Riviera insider along to a game at the perfume capital’s stade Perdigon. founded in 1963, grasse itself is the leading rugby club in the alpes-Maritimes and the third ranked in the Provence-alpes-côte d’azur region. ahead of the match, the team was only one point below their challengers, the Rugby olympique agathois, in the fédérale 1 league – the highest level of rugby for amateur players in france – so it was an important match to win with just four matches left in the 2017/18 season… and the home team came out of top with a solid 28:14 score! good rugby was played by all and was massively enjoyed by the spectators supporting both teams – many had travelled the long 4+ hour journey from agde in the southwest of france. The 480-strong seat stadium is one of three used by the club in addition to stade de la bastide in châteauneuf and stade Jean girard, also in grasse, and owns a rather spectacular setting with views of the city to the northwest and the gorges du Loup to the north east. it’s a little like a natural amphitheatre. in the run-up to the game, Riviera insider joined alain and his fellow colleagues from the club’s administrative and governing body for an apéro. with the recent announcement that france will host the Rugby world cup in 2023 fresh in the minds of fans and officials alike, the president of the Rugby committee for the alpes-Maritimes, françois baudino, revealed his plans for grasse over the next few years. He hopes that the club and city will be able to host a ‘smaller’ team, such as georgia, and service their training needs prior of games. nice, with its impressive allianz Riviera stadium and plethora of high-end hotels, will no doubt be selected for more major équipes. still, grasse and its rugby facilities could stand to gain enormously from the event in five years’ time. a list of priorities has already been drawn up: financial support from the state would first go towards improving the lighting at the stade Perdigon and then to refreshing the club house!  rugby-grasse.fr

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ust hours after the final stage of the Paris-nice cycle race was won in March by spanish cyclist Marc soler on the Promenade des anglais, director of the Tour de france christian Prudhomme headed to the capital of the french Riviera to make a big announcement. in the summer of 2020, the city of nice and the towns that make up its urban community will host the famous event’s grand Départ.

“The most recent editions of Paris-nice have shown us that the variety of landscapes and reliefs in this region are conducive to suspense, intensity and thrill,” said Prudhomme. “in nice, we know that the pack and its support staff will be immersed in an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm.

This is exactly what we want in order to give the Tour: dynamism.”

The event will mark seven years since the Tour last passed through nice back in 2013 for its 100th edition, but the city has already welcomed the race 36 times in its long history. “it is with an immense sense of pride that we will host the grand Départ,” Mayor of nice christian estrosi told crowds. “Le Tour is the third biggest international sporting event in the world and consequently ensures considerable economic benefits for our entire area. after the race in 2013 attracted almost 100,000 spectators, this is a further step in making nice an essential city location for major sporting events. we have our hearts set on offering optimal conditions to the organisers and teams. nice boasts an exceptional playground for cyclists, from the Promenade des anglais up to the high passes of the Mercantour national park. with this rich topographical diversity, the launch of the 107th will be done in the finest way possible!”

The 2018 race begins on 7th July in the Vendée, roughly following the coast around to Roubaix in the very north of france. from there, the cyclists will fly to annecy for several stages in the alps – albertville, bourg-saint-Maurice, alpe d’Huez and bourg d’oisans – before heading in a southwest trajectory to Valence, Mende, Millau, carcassonne, Lourdes and Pau. The final stage will take place between Houilles and the champs elysées in Paris on 29th July.  letour.fr

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Top french golfer Becomes amBassador of BarBossi golf cluB rance's number one in professional golf, alexander Lévy, has become the new ambassador of Riviera golf de barbossi in Mandelieu. with his help, the club hopes to expand its renown and embark on a new training period for the next generation of golfers, something Lévy believes it is deeply needed, not only at barbossi, but across all golf clubs in france. so why did he choose the Riviera club barbossi?

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“They work intensively here for the youth, that’s what got me excited,” he said with a beaming smile at the press conference in March. born in 1990 in orange, california, Lévy emigrated with his parents to bandol in the Var at the age of four, where he still lives today. at 14, he joined the french golf association. after el Toro (as his friends call him) won the french amateur championships in 2009, he moved to the professional field in 2011, first appearing on the european challenge Tour,

then in 2013, on the Pga european golf Tour. in 2014, he won his first tournament at the Volvo china open. The second victory followed in the same year at the Portugal open. in 2016, he won the Porsche open in germany and was again first at the Volvo china open. so far in 2018, the likeable 28-year-old frenchman has already taken a place among the Top 10 in three tournaments as well as 11th place in the Race to Dubai european rankings. 

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erfume, or perhaps we should say fragrance, has existed for thousands of years. The first detectable traces date from the neolithic period, which ended around 2,000bc. The greeks and egyptians used different aromas in the worship of their gods and embalmed their dead with sweet-smelling ointments. in the millennia that followed, the extraction of fragrance from natural and raw materials was refined, becoming ever more complex.

Yet over the course of these advances, a great number of aromatic plants have been forgotten while others have outlasted time. a research team in grasse, the world capital of perfume, is now tracking down these lost fragrances and trying to work out why they fell from favour.

Their story begins 10 years ago when Professor Xavier fernandez, the head of the University of nice’s chemistry department, received a phone call. at the other end of the line was Jean-Pierre brun, a renowned archaeologist and research director at the cnRs (national centre for the scientific Research). During excavations in Herculaneum, which was destroyed along with Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79aD, brun had discovered a perfumery. He initially thought it was an oil mill until realisation hit that this was a place where a perfumer had macerated aromatic plants in oil. brun was curious and was inspired to recreate perfume as the Romans did so contacted his fellow academic.

“The chemistry between us was instantly right,” says fernandez, whose professional base is in the former Roure perfumery in old town grasse, with a wink. funded by the cnRs, the duo embarked on the project. first of all, they needed to trace the plant-based ingredients used all those years ago.

The consistency of perfume back then was very different to today. Rather than an alcohol base, perfumes of classical antiquity would have resembled more a massage oil of today. fernandez studied the small clay jars that archaeologist brun had brought to the south of france in an attempt to discover the remnants of their former occupants. He studied literature and pic-

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inTo Thin air The essentials of ancient times yet forgotten today: a team of researchers in Grasse are on the trail of plants used in perfumery many moons ago. Some have now found their way into the Jardins du Musée international de la Parfumerie in MouansSartoux.

By AILA STÖCKMANN

above left photo HYACINTH WAS USED IN FRAGRANCE BY THE ANCIENT GREEKS © D.R. below left photo PROFESSOR XAVIER FERNANDEZ © D.R. above right photo PHD STUDENT ANNE-SOPHIE BOUVILLE © D.R.

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tures from the period too and came across a number of ‘recipes’, but it was all very vague. gradually, the team filtered out a range of raw materials and built a better insight into the ancient techniques of perfumery. They found various oils (olive, almond and sesame), flowers (rose, henna and lilies), roots, woods, resins (such as one from a certain balsam tree in Judea as well as myrrh and galbanum), spices (cinnamon, cardamom, oregano and saffron) and other raw materials like honey, quince, salt and bay leaf. “it took 150 attempts to make a rose perfume as the ancients would have,” explains fernandez.

The duo summarised their research results in a richly illustrated catalogue called Parfums antiques: de l’archéologue au chimiste. The findings were also transformed into a winter exhibition held in early 2016 at the Musée international de la Parfumerie (MiP) in grasse. it was the end of brun and fernandez’s adventure: they had achieved their goal. a short while later, the chemist received another call, but this time from the museum. was fernandez interested in researching plants forgotten by modern perfumery? a patron of cosmetics manufacturer L’occitane en Provence had put forwards funds for a project that should take the form of a doctoral thesis and fernandez was hooked once again. even plants used in the 1960s have been ‘lost’ to today’s perfumery; he would be exploring thousands of years of the art, from antiquity to the 21st century. for several months now and under the guidance of fernandez, PhD student anne-sophie bouville has been examining plants that are no longer found in fragrance and questioning why that’s so.

“The invention of synthesis is one reason many of these plants have been forgotten,” she says. “another is modern bans on substances deemed bad for the health. other ingredients are simply too rare or expensive to get hold of. of course, changes in taste play a role too.”

“THe inVenTion of sYnTHesis is one Reason ManY HaVe been foRgoTTen. oTHeRs aRe siMPLY Too RaRe oR eXPensiVe To geT HoLD of. cHanges in TasTe PLaY a RoLe Too.”

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To date, anne-sophie has catalogued around 800 plants, with her main sources being old books and documents. a number of these can now be explored within a dedicated space at the Jardins du Musée international de la Parfumerie in Mouans-sartoux. she has studied 20 ingredients in great detail from procurement to the extraction of their precious scents using suitable techniques, such as distillation or maceration, then analysis using highly complex equipment.

The exact determination of the chemical make-up of the plants allows her to make hypotheses about the reasons for their disappearance.

Hyacinth, for example, was once cultivated in grasse, but became too costly and was easily replaced with other flora. Henna powder was once popular with noblemen of the distant past; she is still trying to establish why it waned. sweet flag (acorus calamus) root is today considered potentially harmful. in particular, the previously mentioned balsam tree resin has caught her attention.

“Until very recently, we didn’t know which plant the resin came from, let alone how it was used or why it was lost,” she says. Just a few weeks ago, the postgraduate student received a sample of the sought-after resin from israel. “it smells of exotic fruit, a little like mango. People of the era wouldn’t have known about these types of fruits. The scent must have been incomparable to anything else… They actually declared it holy!” another point of exhilaration involved the recreation of a ‘sacred seasoning’ recipe from the bible (exodus 30:34-37), which she reproduced with the help of pastors among other specialists.

L’occitane en Provence, anne-sophie’s financial backer, is not just hoping for exciting stories, however, and hopes that she will rediscover substances of interest for modern concoctions, such as those that could contribute towards the field of anti-ageing. “i’ve already found some promising plants,” she confides, “but i can’t say any more than that!” 

flower power ExpoRose in Grasse decadent celebration of rose creators and producers that is closely intertwined with the city’s long legacy of floral perfumes, grasse’s expoRose is taking place from 10th to 13th May. The theme for this year’s event is flower Power, a testament to the ‘peace and love’ hippie spirit of the 1960s and 70s. in total, more than 25,000 cut flower, 6,000 bouquets and 15,000 bushes will transform the city centre into a veritable garden. from fountains to facades, the streets and squares will all be enhanced and embellished with the beauty of a flower that has been loved and adored for centuries, if not thousands of years. exhibitions and stands selling roses will be placed alongside public entertainment and activities for the whole family, including dancing and folk singing. grassetourisme.fr

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BRADLEY MITTON founder of club Vivanova

“We only achieve great things in life by giving back. Our gourmet events and our gala promote the best things in life – fine wine, interesting menus, dynamic entertainment and, of course great company – while offering guests the chance to donate to worthy, local and lifechanging charities.”

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2018 cluB vivanova luxurY lifesTYle gala ith abounding success, club Vivanova’s 2018 Luxury Lifestyle gala took place on in March at the salle d’or of the fairmont Monte carlo.

More than 360 ViP guests attended the event, which raised an impressive €35,000 for the three charities of the fondation Prince albert ii de Monaco, chances for children and The animal fund. a portion of the funds raised on the night will go towards the sponsorship of five children in Uganda, who are under the protection of chances for children, a Monaco-based charity run by gabrielle and Russell crump. guests included club members, ambassadors and distinguished, international business leaders from the region and beyond. british readers will no doubt recognise the name Duncan bannatyne, serial entrepreneur and former bbc Dragon’s Den panellist, who attended the event with his wife.

“This is the second annual club Vivanova gala that we have attended, and nigora and i had a wonderful time,” said bannatyne following the event.

“Thank you, bradley, for your hospitality and for managing such an elegant evening so professionally with great entertainment, an excellent menu and equally as dynamic and interesting friends around

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our well-placed table. as your club grows, we’d like you to know that you have our support and appreciation. keep growing the club; you’re doing a tremendous job. we were also delighted that you raised such a substantial amount for charity. book us up for 2019!” “we are committed to excellence,” said club founder bradley Mitton in the aftermath of the event, “and to presenting rare and unique experiences. by all accounts, we pulled this gala off in great style and this has now become an annual spectacle in Monaco that we aim to continue bigger and better with a fifth edition in 2019.” 

Top photo L-R BRADLEY MITTON, THE ANIMAL FUND'S BERIT LEGRAND, CHANCES FOR CHILDREN'S GABRIELLE CRUMP, AND OLIVIER WENDEN FROM THE FPA2 bottom photo FANTASTIC ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ODD SOCKS

JOIN THE CLUB Club vivanova is the region’s fastest growing expat club and offers a wide range of exciting gourmet and cultural events across the Côte d’azur and abroad. if you are not a Club vivanova member, but are interested in joining, membership is €120 and runs for 365 days from the day you join. New members receive three bottles of premium New World wines by courier as a complimentary gift as well as numerous other benefits listed on the website, such as a free edition of riviera insider and viP entrance to member-only events throughout the year. www.clubvivanova.com

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35 Years of les heures musicales de BioT Six excellent concerts in a medieval atmosphere Founder Liliane valsecchi can be proud of the continuous success of her festival, but she also knows that without the financial help of several important institutions, it would have been a much harder challenge. By PETRA HALL ere the world is just as you would like it to be: harmonious and full of love, enthusiasm and people you can rely on. every year, one wonders how the festival’s creator and artistic director, Liliane Valsecchi, manages to bring such high-quality artists to the église sainte Marie Madeleine in the small township of biot. in 2018, the popular festival will celebrate its 35th anniversary from 18th May to 20th June.

There have certainly been some challenging and turbulent times, such as in 2012 when the church had to be restored, but nothing can stop Liliane.

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To organise a festival as successful Les Heures Musicales de Biot, you need a motivated team.

Pictured: artistic director and founder Liliane Valsecchi (centre) and Mayor Guilaine Debras (in red).

she is resolutely inspired by her task to organise first-class concerts. This year, there are six of them, each more beautiful than the other (full programme and reservations: biot.fr). awarded the prestigious french cultural order Médaille d'officier des arts et des Lettres in 2011, Liliane understands the culture scene like none other on the côte d'azur. with passion and a constant drive, she has succeeded in significantly contributing to the image of the region’s cultural landscape and that of biot in particular. of course, this hasn’t escaped the town’s administration as well of that of the alpes-Maritimes and wider Paca region. They have all supported and subsidised the event for many years. although a lot other festivals have had to give up their cause for financial reasons, Liliane actually received an increase in her budget for this year’s Les Heures Musicales… bravo! 

THE PROGRAMME Friday 18th May accordion: Richard galliano

Sunday 17th June Piano concert: arcadi Volodos

Sunday 27th May Mozart: Renaud capuçon & kit armstrong

Wednesday 20th June singing & Piano: natalie Dessay & Philippe cassard

Friday 8th June brahms, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov: gautier capuçon & Jérôme Ducros Tuesday 12th June Piano concert: nikolaï Lugansky & Vadim Rudenko

all concerts start at 9pm and tickets range from €30 to €45

2,500 Years of The goldsmiTh’s arT Ancient Egypt at the Grimaldi Forum decade on from the Queens of egypt event at this legendary cultural address, and the grimaldi forum in Monaco is welcoming back the effigies of ancient egypt with a new summer exhibition: 2,500 Years of the goldsmith’s art (from 7th July and 9th september). curated by christiane Ziegler, the Honorary Director of the Department of egyptian antiquities at the Louvre Museum – as well as the Publication Director for the archaeological Mission of the Louvre Museum in saqqara, egypt, and President of the Memphis archaeology center – the

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The Eye of Horus – with gold, lapis-lazuli, carnelian and faïence – looks out from a cuff discovered on the mummified remains of Shoshenq II (887 to 885 BC)

exhibition unites more than 150 pieces from the cairo Museum. some have never been seen outside of egypt and count priceless artefacts from the Royal and Princely tombs of the age among them. with gold and the work of ancient egypt’s goldsmiths the focus of the exhibition, visitors can expect a brilliant collection of bracelets, necklaces, pendants, goldsmiths belts, plated mirrors, vases, furniture, funerary masks and sarcophagi. special entrance rates (€6 per person) can be booked online until 30th June. grimaldiforum.com maY / June 2018

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festival-cannes.com

we can’t all walk the red carpet unfortunately, and even if there are some tickets made available to the public, you’ll have to queue a long while for them! Thankfully, out on the sandy beaches of cannes, a screen and deckchairs are put in place throughout the film festival as well as a programme of cult classics and new releases to watch free of charge!

© Festival de Cannes

Cinéma de la Plage

when?

Throughout the film festival (8th to 19th May)

where? cannes beachfront

open air soirées

what?

Music & events across the region

© De Taya Ovod

cotedazur-tourisme.com

what? a national celebration of music to enjoyed in your home – or adopted – town!

Musicians and artists set up on every street corner, square and stoop of cities, towns and villages across france for a wonderful night for community entertainment.

Fête de la Musique

when?

21st June

where? all over france

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Headline acts in Cannes what? for sting fans, there’s only one date on the summer calendar worth remembering.

The Police legend will be playing to an intimate crowd of just 3,000 on the terraces of the Palais des festivals on 10th

Nuits Carrées

July (tickets €100, early bird €75) alongside shaggy. The duo will be presenting songs from their joint album 44/876. bet you didn’t see that collaboration coming! french duo brigitte follow – with australian warm-up act Malo’ – on 17th July, before former gossip frontwoman beth Ditto returns to the stage for the launch of her solo career alongside Hyphen Hyphen (31st July). The latter two concerts are €35

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each (early bird €25). a final musical highlight: Thrift shop and can't Hold Us star Macklemore is also performing on the outdoor terrace on 14th august!

when?

10th, 17th & 31st July & 14th august

where?

Terrasse du Palais des festivals in cannes

palaisdesfestivals.com

what? an eclectic programme in an astounding setting by the sea! featuring a mix of electro, dance, metal and rap with artists such as Pleymo, smash Hit combo, gracy Hopkins and emmure. if nothing else, the nuits carrées are an excellent place to discover new and emerging bands for your summer soundtrack… eight hours of music for just €18!

when?

28th to 30th June

where? fort carré in antibes

nuitscarrees.com

© Salvador Ochoa

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© Gilles Lefrancq

jazzajuan.com

what?

Possibly the region’s most well-known jazz – if not all music – festival with headline acts such as: Lenny kravitz (opening night), nile Rogers & chic and earth, wind & fire (16th); the former french first Lady carla bruni (17th); Marcus Miller (19th); Queen of sheba with ibrahim Maalouf, angélique kidjo and the orchestre de cannes (20th); and norah Jones (21st). Tickets sell very quickly for this event, but if you

Jazz à Juan can’t get a seat within the spectacular seaside arena, antibes and Juan-lesPins will be hosting free fringe events on 15th.

when?

12th to 22nd July

where?

Pinède gould in Juanles-Pins

© Matthieu Bitton

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nicejazzfestival.fr

what?

The world’s oldest dedicated jazz festival celebrates its 70th anniversary this summer with a bumper edition featuring the likes of Massive attack (19th) and gregory Porter (the patron of this year’s event, who will join with the Philharmonic orchestra of the opéra nice côte d’azur for a concert in homage to nate king

Nice Jazz Festival cole on 16th). other headline performers – there are 36 acts in total – include Jack Johnson, camille bertault and Rag ‘n’ bone Man. Macklemore is also performing on the outdoor terrace on 14th august!

when?

16th to 21st July

where?

Théâtre de Verdure & Place Masséna in nice

Nuits du Sud what? in the 20 years of the festival, its diverse programme has attracted almost one million spectators to the outdoor venue.

This year’s global lineup features artists and groups from around the world: kyo; Havana meets kingston; imarhan; al Mckay’s earth wind & fire experience; kristel; and Luz casal among others.

Limited number of advanced tickets for €15, standard entry €25.

when? © Paul Rousteau

© Morgan Maassen © Fiona Garden

19th July to 3rd august

where?

Place du grand Jardin in Vence

nuitsdusud.com

© Eric Umphery

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en provence

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Nicolas de Staël

By SARAH HYDE

n March 16th 1955, nicolas de staël leapt to his death from the terrace of his studio in the old town of antibes. at 41 years old, he was a handsome man at the height of his career, and an artist that the art world would love to love, if only it could see more of his work. Many of Russian born de staël’s paintings are held in private collections and as such are rarely displayed together. The Hôtel de caumont’s summer exhibition – nicolas de staël en Provence – features pieces created between July 1953 and June 1954, a time that might be defined as his greatest creative period. They were certainly the most prolific, passionate and financially rewarding months of the tormented artist’s life: the high before the low. in June 1953, de staël signed an exclusive contract with Paul Rosenberg. famous for his representation of braque, Matisse and Picasso in new York, Rosenberg’s agreement was made with the promise of an exhibition in february the following year. This golden seal of approval by an eminent art dealer made de staël hot property and despite a price increase, the demand for his work had never been higher. all de staël had to do was produce the work, which he did in abundance, with over 250 canvases and 300 drawings completed in less than a year. The curators of this aix exhibition have brought together 70 paintings from this period by reaching out to both public and private collections. They have also produced a brilliant catalogue, including essays by his son, gustave de staël, and stefane Lambert. gustave was de staël’s youngest son and is the co-curator of the

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 Painting 1 AGRIGENTE, 1954 © Comité Nicolas de Staël  Painting 2 BATEAUX ROUGES, 1954 © Adagp, Paris, 2018 Milwaukee Art Museum  Painting 3

MARSEILLE, 1954© Comité Nicolas de Staël  Painting 4

AGRIGENTE, 1953 © Adagp, Paris, 2018  Painting 5 PAYSAGE DE PROVENCE,1953 © Museo ThyssenBornemisza, Madrid  Painting 6 CIEL DE VAUCLUSE, 1953 © Adagp, Paris

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exhibition. He was just a year old when his father died and in his essay – the final one in the catalogue – he describes how he discovered his father through his work. it is both poignant and beautiful.

The works themselves are unique and powerful. De staël walked a fine line between abstraction and figuration. He created an exquisite tension on the canvas – paintings with such purity and visual intensity that they almost vibrate – and each work is invested with its own emotional resonance.

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The subjects are his interpretations of the landscapes and views he had experienced then expressed onto canvas when he returned home. De staël did sketch – pages from his notepads included in this show provide real insight into his economy of line – but in reality, the paint was lain down directly. earlier in his career he favoured a palette knife in thick impasto, later a brush.

The colours represent his engagement with a place rather than any direct link to nature. not all of the works feature the intense reds that we often associate with de staël: he did not always feel like that. Many of these works are blue. De staël, whose antibes apartment looked out over Plage de la gravette, loved the sea and was a great swimmer. There is no artifice in the works; his colours are direct and honest portrayals of mood. it would be almost impossible to describe de staël as a people pleaser.

The passions found in his art translated across to his personal private life. He transitioned emotional energy between the two, generating ever greater highs and lows.

De staël had never been in a better position to create security for himself and those around him, yet he chose instability at almost every turn.

He found calm and natural beauty in Provence, a beautiful mistress in Jeanne Polge, life-affirming success in his work, and was able to buy a large family house in november 1953. However, de staël incessantly created pain and was continually on the move: loving his mistress then returning to his wife, françoise, and children in Paris. His romantic worries he would confide in his wife, only to return to the south in isolation, enter the studio and use this huge emotion to put paint onto his canvas. Love letters that are included in the catalogue show that he was intensely in love with both françoise – who bore his four children – and Jeanne. He would oscillate between the pain of abandonment and the euphoria of reconnection, and in a similar way, create then despair at his work. He was a rigorous self-critic. surprisingly, at the beginning of the affair, in 1953, wife, mistress and artist all went on holiday together to sicily.

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VISIT THE EXHIBITION Until 23rd September Hôtel de Caumont, aix-en-Provence every day from 10am to 7pm (late night openings on Fridays until 8.30pm) adult entrance: €6.5

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De staël had recently passed his driving test and they drove there in a van. The trip was the inspiration for some of his finest works in the exhibition. Later that year, he would paint manically for his dealer in new York – his works sold as quickly as the paint dried – and perhaps this added further fuel to his fire. De staël’s final efforts to find peace led him to flee to antibes, where he underwent a change in his composition: he returned towards figuration, which brought him bad reviews and may have ultimately pushed him over the brink of despair. That or it was simply the misery of antibes in winter… sir John Richardson, the eminent art historian, who along with his partner Douglas cooper knew de staël well, could see that the artist was very troubled by the time he got to antibes: he was quite clearly ill. De staël’s end works, which are not included in this show, took a dark turn. He did, however, continue to draw and paint his mistress. for those who are interested in these final nudes, which are even more heartrending now that the full story is known, they can be found in both the Picasso Museum in antibes and also at the fondation Maeght in saint Paul de Vence. in the creation of nicolas de staël en Provence, the renowned art centre of Hôtel de caumont has built a temporary place of homage for those who already love the artist and a rare opportunity to consider a large selection of his work for who might come to. The fact that the exhibition has been so well-supported by the great and good of today’s art world suggests that, once again, de staël is hot property.  maY / June 2018

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 ÉDOUARD

on The agenda

CARMIGNAC OF THE FONDATION CARMIGNAC © Fondation Carmignac Photo Matthieu Salvaing

Décalquer l'invisible Musée Jean cocteau, Menton Until 21st May a collective exhibition

 THE NEW ARTS

museecocteaumenton.fr

SPACE OF THE ISLAND OF PORQUEROLLES © Lionel Barbe

where arT Thou?

Current & upcoming events in the region

By SARAH HYDE

he importance of the côte d’azur on the history of art cannot be underestimated. it inspired many a great master who spent time here during the 19th and 20th centuries, and is still influencing contemporary art today. Damien Hirst’s recent series – The Veil Paintings – drew inspiration from Le cannet artist Pierre bonnard (1867-1947). wouldn't it be amazing if Hirst, like his contemporary Tracey emin in Le Lavandou, chose to experience the light first hand and paint here?

Recently opened at the Villa Sauber in Monaco is Le Jardin Mechanique by Latifa echakhchas. in response to alphonse Visconti’s work as the decorator of the opéra de Monte-carlo between 1903 and 1924, the Moroccan-born artist has selected numerous details from the paper set models and reproduced them for a new installation conceived specifically for the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (exhibition open until 28th october).

High-end auctions are abounding in these early months of the summer season. During the weekend of the grand Prix Historique de Monaco, from 11th to 13th May, RM sotheby’s is to host an exceptional vintage car auction at the Grimaldi Forum. The star lot is a Lamborghini, which is being sold on behalf of Pope francis with his special blessing! whether or not that grants celestial immunity to parking tickets and speeding fines, we can only pray for the winning bidder… on 16th May at Hôtel Eden Roc on the cap d’antibes, the aMfaR charity art auction will no doubt be one of the most

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Ramures & Retombes glamourous events of the cannes film festival. after Leonardi di caprio’s presidency last year, we can’t wait to find out who will lead the evening in 2018.

Your budget is likely to be more limited than the guests at these luxurious events, but that’s certainly not to say that culture and art of all kinds is out of reach. The european night of Museums is on 19th and is totally free.

Museums in the south of france will open their doors late into the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy their display in a new (night time) light. Top recommendations: the Musée Picasso in antibes, the Musée Renoir in cagnes-sur-Mer and the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain in nice, as well as the numerous commercial galleries in Monaco. an emerging trend in the art work is the development of private contemporary art foundations, such as the Domaine du Muy from a Parisian gallerist and nephew of french statesman françois Mitterrand, Jean-gabriel Mitterrand, and the Château La Coste Art & Architecture Walk in Le Puy. both will be announcing new developments in the coming months. competition is bringing out the best of these organisations and free from government restrictions, they display art on their own terms. in June, the Fondation Carmignac on the beautiful island of Porquerolles will open. Prelaunch reports suggest it will be incredible: more like a pilgrimage than a visit to a museum. founded by french former investment banker and fund manager édouard carmignac and now led by his son charles, the venue will be home to a corporate collection of first-class american art shown in spaces that have been created underground to preserve the historic site, yet lit by pools of natural light. “as in all legends or initiatory journeys, the voyage to the island is always a dual crossing – both physical and psychological,” charles carmignac, the director of the foundation, told press visitors in early 2018. “it is about crossing over to the other side.” The public launch on 2nd June is likely to be equally theatrical: barefoot and ritualised. sometime in June, the Venet Foundation in Le Muy will host an exciting Yves klein exhibition entitled Pigmet Pur. for the stylish side of the art world, the Design Parade at the Villa Noailles from 29th June to 1st July is a celebration of all things interior design and architecture. for lovers of the opera, buy your tickets for the 70th festival d'aix now: the programme is simply magical.

Musée de Vence, Vence Until 27th May works by gérard Titus carmel, who represented france in the Venice biennale and leads the 2018 edition of the Printemps des Poètes in Vence vence.fr

Franco Fontana Musée charles nègre, nice 1st June to 30th september exquisite abstract landscapes from this italian photographer museephotographie.nice.fr

Blue Notes galerie birch, Monaco Until 1st June art and wine lovers will adore the weekly Tuesdays on the Rock: drinks and conversation between 5pm and 7pm galeriebirch.com

The Art of Matter opera gallery, Monaco 18th May to 8th June a selection of contemporary asian artworks operagallery.com/monaco

Pierre Lesieur, Intérieurs Musée bonnard, Le cannet Until 17th June compare bonnard’s original works against Damien Hirst’s recent paintings – do you see the connection? museebonnard.fr

Face to Face: Fernand Leger and his friends Musée Léger, biot Until 17th september a must-see 20th century art show including works by bacon, arp, chagall, Matisse, severini and kandinsky musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr

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eco

caughT in a Trap

By CHRISTINE HELFRITZ

The eco-friendly fight against mosquitoes

One thing is sure about the summer: along with the heat will come the sting of mosquitoes.

Particularly dangerous – and annoying – are the tiger variety, a tropical beast that has infiltrated the French riviera and much of europe. But fear not! Two entrepreneurs from aix-enProvence have developed a non-toxic, environmentallyfriendly solution that can be deployed at home as well as in public spaces.

square, waist-high black box that could be a piece of garden furniture: that’s the smart baM device that recently won two awards at the international computer electronics show (ces) in Las Vegas. created by young entrepreneurs simon Lillamand and Pierre bellagambi, who proudly presented their product to the global, hi-tech audience and trade under the name Qista, the machine could help eradicate tiger mosquitos on the côte d’azur. it all began in saint-Rémy de Provence in 2012 when Lillamand and bellagambi read a scientific report about the damning effects an insecticide in the camargue had had on not only the targeted mosquitoes, but also a whole range of other species. from dragonflies to bats and swallows, nature was slipping into a grave imbalance. both 28 years old at the time and trained engineers, the two men were specialising in completely separate fields.

They decided to join forces and set to work developing a prototype that would address the legitimate concerns about mosquitoes without the use of pesticides. by imitating human prey with the help of exhaled

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carbon dioxide (as much as the average person would disperse) and natural body odour, the pair was able to attract female mosquitoes – the males have no need for human blood – to their device. once the insects come within a certain distance, they are sucked in by a fan and caught in a net. if the machine has been correctly positioned, it can reduce the population of these bothersome blood-suckers by up to 80% within a radius of 60 metres, according to the manufacturers. what makes the smart baM special is not necessarily the trap, co2 and scent-based system as similar devices have been around for some time. according to Lillamand, it’s the unique performance of the machine and its suitability for private use as well as in public, urban spaces (playgrounds, parks and squares, for example). after the Parc naturel Régional de camargue began to take an interest in the project, a pilot was carried out in the village of Le sambuc during 2016. in total, 16 machines were placed and monitored between april and november. The conclusion: Qista had successfully produced a viable and environmentally-sensitive

TRACKING THE TIGER MOSQUITO The tiger mosquito – the aedes albopictus – was spotted for the first time in France in 2004, close to the city of Nice.

Originally from Southeast asia, the invasive species has, over the last decade, colonised much of France and is particularly prevalent in the Mediterranean regions of the country.

For more information about the tiger mosquito and the dangers the species poses, riviera insider recommends the valbonne-based information portal: moustique-tigre.info

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alternative to the use of pesticides. for those among us who worry about what happens to the trapped mosquitos – if there are any – it’s up to the owner of the machine…

“You can release them if you like,” laughs Lillamand, “perhaps at the border between you and a grumpy neighbour?!” following in-depth studies, the duo recommends operating the device for 14 hours a day during the peak summer months in order to ensure a sufficient reduction of tiger and standard mosquitoes. The power needed can be set up to run from your household supply. when selecting the location of the device, Qista will analyse satellite images of your land and consider a range of different factors. a plus for second home owners: the smart baM can also be controlled remotely via an app, allowing you to turn the device on even if you’re not at home.

The product costs around €1,000 including installation and users can expect monthly running fees to be between €80 and €100. The upside is that there’s no carbon footprint. The company has already sold 600 machines on the côte d’azur alone.

Lillamand and bellagambi had no help – financial or structural – in the founding of their company. They patented the product in 2014 and, at the end of 2016, moved to the Technopôle de l'environnement arbois Méditerranée (france's first technology centre dedicated to the environment, with a start-up incubator). The devices are put together at the technology hub using individual parts manufactured abroad. “assembly here on site guarantees a consistent level of quality and allows us to help our clients respond to even the smallest of operating problems,” explains Lillamand. in May 2017, the pair won the support of two investors to the tune of €500,000: industrial gas manufacturer air Liquide france industrie and Thierry Dassault Holding (TDH).

“This funding allows us to build sustainable structures,” continues Lillamand. “we are currently experiencing strong development and need staff for our finance, accounting and equipment production, among other things. employee number eight will start tomorrow [early 2018]!”

The period of rapid development is unlikely to end anytime soon. Until now, Qista has largely focused on the french, local market, but will be taking the concept to spain and italy in 2018, and to the Us and canada in 2019. in one canadian village that is struggling with a rife mosquito population, a pilot project using 30 devices has been underway since august last year.

“Mosquitoes are a global problem, so we should be working on a global basis as a business,” concludes Lillamand. “Mosquitoes are the creatures that cause the most human deaths – through the transmission of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, west nile fever, but also dengue, chikungunya virus, Zika…”

There’s certainly a lot of work on the horizon for the Qista team, but hopefully there won’t be any sleepless nights caused by exasperating mozzies!  maY / June 2018

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Business

ikea confirmed after an age of tough negotiations and appeals, it has finally been decided: furniture giant iKea has the go ahead to begin construction on a site in Nice. if all goes to plan, the eco vallée store could open its doors in just two years’ time.

© Wilmotte & Associés

© Wilmotte & Associés

he former president of ikea, anders Dahlvig, first mentioned setting up shop in the côte d’azur back in 2006, when he proposed Mougins as a potential location. over the next few years, various other towns in the area – gilette and Ventimiglia on the other side of the border – were put forward, but all requests were denied. in 2010, nice

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sTarTer Business cenTer

was first broached and in 2013, Mayor christian estrosi and the Director of expansion for ikea france, emma Recco, signed a declaration of intent to create a store in the saint-isidore area of the city.

The plot of land was allocated and sold – for a reported €21 million – but the project was stalled again in 2016 when the en Toute franchise association launched an appeal against the furniture brand. in early 2018, their case was defeated by the administrative court of appeal in Marseille. construction is to finally begin this spring.

The atypical and environmentally conscious des-

ign of the building, which differs from the standard blue and yellow ikea set-up, was first unveiled at the MiPiM real estate event in 2016. The structure will offer 24,000sqm of shopping and create 350 jobs within the facility. The project also includes 26 small shops covering an area of 3,000sqm and almost 300 apartments. currently, the closest ikea stores are in Marseille (La Valentine and Vitrolles), Toulon and genoa. for fans of the swedish brand in the alpes-Maritimes’ agglomerations of nice, cannes, antibes, grasse and the Principality of Monaco, the new outlet near the allianz Riviera stadium will mean far less time on the road. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE STARTER BUSINESS CENTER SÉBASTIEN FRAISSE & RIVIERA PRESS MANAGING DIRECTOR BICH LECOURT © Loïc Bisoli

Modern hub launches in Sophia Antipolis

ituated in the Les algorithmes complex in sophia antipolis, the starter business center has been the home of Riviera insider for some months now, but is now ready to welcome other companies and start-ups after a successful launch at the end of february.

The modern hub, which is owned and operated by french businessman sébastien fraisse (the managing director of Datacorp and asteria, iT companies in sophia antipolis and Monaco respectively), offers nearly 700 square metres of office space for businesses of all kinds. Prices start at €60 HT per square metre.

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above all, it hopes to establish itself as an incubator for young companies and aspiring entrepreneurs. There are also 20 individual workplaces in a co-working area (from €190 a month with 24/7 access) and meeting rooms bookable à la carte. a fitness suite and kitchen complete the

site. Riviera Press – comprised of Riviera insider, RivieraZeit and Palaces – was one of the first companies to set up at the starter business center (immeuble Thalès a, 2000 Route des Lucioles, 06410 biot).  starter-business.fr

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a more connecTed world

How would you describe your policies: more price or comfort-focused? both! with regards to comfort, the air france-kLM group aims to be a world reference. as previously mentioned, we have invested nearly one billion euros in the last four years on our products on board and on the ground, and we continue with an upcoming programme to renovate our lounges at the charles de gaulle airport in Paris.

Price-wise, air france now includes a variety of brands (air france, kLM, Hop, Transavia and Joon) that should allow our customers to find the optimum price: quality ratio. we have also just updated our flying blue loyalty programme to make it clearer, simpler and more attractive to our customers. at the same time, we have set up a pricing system that allows us to offer, like low cost airlines, very competitive rates in line with our most aggressive competitors.

How many destinations in Europe and around the world do you serve, and how many passengers do you manage each year in Nice or Marseille? across the air france-kLM group, it is 3.3 million customers from nice in 2017 – just under a third of all traffic – which we transport to the 318 destinations of our network. The figures from Marseille’s airport will be published a little later this year.

An exclusive interview with Air France’s Bruno Georgelin

Photo BRUNO GEORGELIN © Manuel Charlon

maY / June 2018

in autumn 2017, Bruno Georgelin took over from Marc Bailliart to become the air France-KLM Group regional Director for the Mediterranean-Corsica. With Nice Côte d’azur airport being the busiest in the country outside of Paris, Georgelin will now control 450 personnel and almost a third of the travel hub’s annual traffic. riviera insider: Competition in the air in tough. What are the main battlegrounds for Air France?

Bruno Georgelin: we fight on all fronts! we are constantly trying to extend our network with more destinations by developing our own resources and our alliances around the world. we are also improving quality on board, on the ground (the group has made nearly one billion euros of investment over the past four years) and in our operations (with new investments to be made in 2018). with prices and tariffs too, we frequently change our pricing model to be able to offer, like our competitors, very aggressive rates.

Air France is particularly strong in its number of daily flights between Nice and Paris. How important is the business market to the Group?

There are nearly 4,000 companies in the Provencealpes-côte d’azur region that have a contract with air france. we have an extremely attractive product range for our small and medium-sized customers, bluebiz, which allows companies with smaller travel budgets to benefit from very attractive conditions on air france group flights and those of our allies.

Quantas has just completed the first non-stop flight from London to Perth. What projects do you have for the future? we have just created the new Joon company, which will be air france's customer service ‘lab’, serving new destinations like fortaleza in brazil. we are also strengthening our alliances (with Virgin atlantic on north america, Jet airways on india, kenya airways on africa ...) to offer even more destinations to our customers with easier connections.

And finally, if a passenger has the choice between several airlines, why should they choose to fly with Air France? connectivity: the widest choice of scheduled flights and the shortest travel times (excellent connections to Paris or amsterdam) for virtually any long-haul destination from our region.

Quality: comfort on the ground as well as in-flight.

Price: rates and costs at the same level as our most aggressive competitors. 

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income Tax reTurns for 2017 Photo JEAN-PHILIPPE GIOANNI, CANNES © D.R.

he time has come to fill in the french income tax return. The closing dates for online tax declarations (via www.impots.gouv.fr) are the following : - Tuesday 22nd May 2018 for residents living in the french departments 01 to 19, - Tuesday 29th May 2018 for residents living in the french departments 20 to 49, and - Tuesday 5th June 2018 for residents living in the french departments 50 to 974/976 for non-residents who send a paper declaration, the deadline is

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Thursday 17th May 2018 and Tuesday 22nd may 2018 for online declarations.

Taxpayers who have access to the internet and an income for 2016 above €15,000 are obliged to declare their 2017 income online on the website via www.impots.gouv.fr. This obligation will be applied to all taxpayers from 1st January 2019 otherwise they will have to pay a standard fine. if you do not declare properly or if you do not mention amounts or foreign bank accounts, you will also be expected to pay a fine. for 2017 income tax bands (for one person) are as follows: - Up to €9,807 = 0% rate - €9,808 to €27,086 = 14% rate - €27,087 to €72,617 = 30% rate - €72,618 to €153,783 = 41% rate - above €153,783 = 45% rate There is still a special additional tax called contribution exceptionnelle sur les hauts revenus for annual incomes of upwards of €250,000 (singles) and €500,000 (couples). french residents must declare

their worldwide income and nonresidents must only declare income and gains from french property. income to declare includes salary, professional and personal company income, pensions, dividends, interests, property or financial capital gains, property rental income (there are two kinds of taxation, whether the rental income is furnished or unfurnished). concerning your household, you can include – under certain conditions – your children up to 25 years of age and dependent relatives, costs for domestic help (nanny, gardener or cleaner, and you must keep all invoices) as well as costs for children’s education (€61 for a child at primary school, €153 for a child at secondary school, €183 for a child at university). Maintenance and alimony payments allow tax deductions. Professional and rental losses can be deducted from your global income too. for the record, since 1st January 2018, the wealth Tax called isf

inTroducing zouBaïda Bouzou Riviera Insider’s new legal partner reviously a partner at the kelsen conseils Law firm in nice, Zoubaïda bouzou obtained a diploma to practise as an attorney in 2004 and is based in nice.

“My areas of expertise in public and private law include intellectual property law, business and tax law, shipping and yachting law, real estate law, bankruptcy law, civil law and family matters,” says Zoubaïda. “My practice, isegoria conseils, is also very active in sports law and we represent our clients in all types of sporting legal matters and disputes, from negotiation to litigation.” fluent english, italian, arabic and spanish

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(spoken), Zoubaïda’s team maintains the high level of technical expertise through a continual training programme in france and around the world.

So how can Isegoria Conseils help expats? “what is important as an attorney is the relationship of an adviser, and a personal reply to a personal issue,” Zoubaïda ex-

(impôt de solidarité sur la fortune) has been replaced by the ifi (impôt sur la fortune immobilière).

This new wealth tax is reoriented to cover only real estate assets, but the rules are similar. This declaration must be made together with income tax using a special form called 2042-ifi. in each tax household, all real estate assets belonging to spouse, children, cohabitant, civil partner etc. are considered together. french residents are taxable on their assets held in france and abroad, and nonresidents only on french real estate assets. for non-residents who become french residents, they are temporarily only taxable on french real estate assets.

Jean-philippe gioanni Chartered Accountant - Legal Auditor 1 rue Montaigne, cannes +33 (0)4 93 06 63 06 www.concertae.com

plains. “our provision of comprehensive advice helps our clients to obtain a fair assessment of their situation. we can support clients who are perhaps relocating to the region as well as those who have settled here. i understand how difficult it can be when you encounter a legal issue in an unfamiliar or foreign place. whatever the problem, whether trouble-shooting problems regarding visa requirements, car registrations, utilities contracts or business administration queries, obtaining solid legal advice will always help.”

Zoubaïda’s guidance for choosing an attorney here and/or abroad: “it’s important for an attorney/lawyer to guarantee overall understanding as well as their ability to handle all of your requirements as the clients. Look for someone with positive recommendations! There’s often no time to waste in legal situations: be conscious of a lawyer’s reactivity and overall quality of service.”   zoubaïda Bouzou 12 Avenue Malausséna 06000 Nice Tel.: +33(0)9 83 57 28 00 isegoria.conseils@gmail.com

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congraTulaTions, ladies!

above photo WERNER PEYER, CMB’S CEO, WITH THE QUATOUR JAËL QUARTET Right photo MARIE-HÉLÈNE PARISI, THE DIRECTOR OF THE ACADÉMIE FEMMES & FINANCE

Compagnie Monégasque de Banque honours participants of the Académie Femmes & Finance

he role of women in the world of business and indeed society has changed dramatically in recent years.

More and more females are breaking through the glass ceiling to become managers and leaders of large, international corporations. but for those with less experience, what if fate intervenes and a woman finds herself at the helm of the family business or handling matters of finance and assets with no proper training? it would doubtless be a very daunting and challenging prospect.

The idea of this potential situation prompted compagnie Monegasque de banque (cMb) to launch the académie femmes et finance in 2016 under the supervision of Marie-Hélène Parisi. it was a pioneering step for the prestigious bank and represents a will to enrich the competences and financial culture of its participants. “cMb is the first private bank in europe to offers its clients such a structured academic programme,” says werner Peyer, ceo of the bank. “exclusively reserved for women, the academy has been very popular since its creation in

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2016, and highlights the commitment of cMb to its female clientele.” its success, however, came as a surprise to even its proud founders. all 20 seats in the inaugural, annual course were quickly booked up, and it was the same story for the following year. over the course of nine modules, women of all ages are introduced to various topics – from business basics to asset management, the financial markets and the economic environment – by experts in the respective fields.

Parisi, who is also a member of the private bank’s investment Policy committee, says, “our participants are very committed. Their thirst for knowledge and their desire to understand even the most complex mechanisms have contributed significantly to the success of the academy.” earlier this year and for the first time, cMb honoured its graduate students with a dedicated ceremony. with the music provided by Quatour Jaël, a talented all-female quartet, Parisi awarded each participant her diploma and officially closed the second session of the academy. we can only wonder what great minds it has inspired for the years ahead. 

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4TH To 6TH MaY

8TH To 19TH MaY

11TH To 13TH MaY

26TH MaY

saVona drink eaT a culinary festival within the walls of the Priamar fortress drink-eat.jimdo.com

cannes 71sT film fesTival cate blanchett is the jury president this year at the Palais des festivals festival-cannes.com

Monaco grand prix de monaco hisTorique an unmissable event for lovers of classic and vintage cars – it only happens once every two years! acm.mc

JUan-Les-Pins classic à Juan The orchestre de cannes’ cellist ophélie gaillard revives classical piece by Mozart under the direction of christophe Mangou antibesjuanlespins.com

16TH To 18TH MaY

30TH MaY To 3RD JUne

sainT TRoPeZ les Bravades for the impressive 460th time, saint Tropez celebrates its local patron saint as well as the formation of the army in the 16th century bravade-saint-tropez.fr

anTibes les voiles d'anTiBes stunning sail yachts from a range of categories and divisions compete against a backdrop of the Mediterranean capital of yachting: Port Vauban voilesdantibes.com

5TH To 6TH MaY LoRgUes salon du Bien eTre all things health and well-being at the espace Mitterrand salons-bien-etre.fr

7TH To 13TH MaY cagnes-sUR-MeR 21sT open for 21 years, international and professional tennis players have been competing against each other at this event opendecagnes.com

8TH MaY Monaco a picTure of dorian greY adapted for the stage and directed

by Thomas Le Douarec, relive oscar wilde’s work in english at the Théâtre Princesse grace tpgmonaco.mc

10TH MaY boRMes Les MiMosas fêTe du miel, lavande & olive a typically Provençal occasion facebook.com/glu.evenementiel

10TH To 12TH MaY genoa fesTival del mare all about the sea: Porto antico & Piazzale delle feste visitgenoa.it

10TH To 13TH MaY gRasse expo rose nearly 50,000 roses go on display in the famed perfume city ville-grasse.fr

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18TH To 20TH MaY genoa fesTival dello sporT 70 sports to get to know and try out with talks and demonstrations by professionals: Porto antico, Piazza caricamento & Piazzale Mandraccio portoantico.it

19TH MaY eURoPe nuiT europÉenne des musÉes Museums across europe, including here in the south of france, open their doors late into the night for a novel, nocturnal experience (that’s usually free too!) nuitdesmusees.fr

24TH To 27TH MaY Monaco formula 1 grand prix one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world monaco-grand-prix.com

24TH To 27TH MaY

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maY / June 2018

sainT TRoPeZ les voiles laTines a regatta, dancing and music on land and water portsainttropez.com

25TH To 27TH MaY iMPeRia fesTival della culTura Mediterranea & fiera del Libro book fair with a cultural programme under the open sky (mostly literature with local reference) at the Porto Maurizio goimperia.com

31sT MaY To 30TH JUne cÔTe D’aZUR inTernaTional show Jumping Dozens of acclaimed riders participate in a tournament, part of the Longines global champions Tour, first in the saint Tropez area (31st May to 2nd June) then in cannes (7th to 9th June) and finally in Monaco (28th to 30th June) globalchampionstour.com

1sT To 3RD JUne naTionaL rendez-vous aux Jardins Private gardens and parks across the country celebrate the great outdoors – this year’s theme is: L'europe des Jardins rendezvousauxjardins.fr

1sT To 8TH JUne Monaco monaco gloBe series a double-hander offshore race round some of the most emblematic race course marks in the Mediterranean with a base at the Yacht club de Monaco yacht-club-monaco.mc

2nD JUne Monaco gala russe BalleT The boris eifman ballet invites you to the grimaldi forum for Pro and contra to music the music of Tchaikovsky grimaldiforum.com

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2nD To 3RD JUne

15TH To 17TH JUne

23RD JUne

29TH To 30TH JUne

MoUgins les ÉToiles de mougins The world’s finest chefs meet for a weekend of tastings and demos lesetoilesdemougins.com

nice ulTra-Trail côTe d'azur Mercantour at 145 kilometres, this is one of the most difficult and demanding courses of its kind in france: between nice and saint-MartinVésubie ultratrail06.com

cagnes-sUR-MeR promenade en fêTe The town is coming of age and celebrates its 21st birthday with a street carnival cagnes-tourisme.com

nice BalleT nice mÉdiTerranÉe Performances of Viva Verdi by Luciano cannito and Verse Us by Dwight Rhoden at the outdoor Théâtre de Verdure opera-nice.org

3RD JUne bagnoLs-en-foReT picho'Bike Three courses for solo riders (23km, 43km and 53km) plus a 15km circuit for families usb-bagnolsenforet.fr

5TH To 8TH JUne cannes midem Music industry giants attend conferences and networking events midem.com

7TH To 10TH JUne anTibes dÉanTiBulaTions The port town transforms in an open air theatre with music, dancers, artists and circus acts antibesjuanlespins.com

7TH To 10TH JUne sainT TRoPeZ harleY-davidson fesTival european motorcycle fans of the brand meet in the gulf for a weekend of riding and entertainment events.harley-davidson.com

8TH To 17TH JUne Monaco forum des arTisTes a celebration of the principality’s creative community at the auditorium Rainier iii gouv.mc

10TH To 13TH JUne sainT TRoPeZ giraglia rolex cup a legendary sailing event and magnificent spectacle from the shore societe-nautique-sainttropez.fr

14TH To 17TH JUne genoa don quixoTe ballet by Ludwig Minkus and the belgrade national Theatre ballet at the Teatro carlo felice carlofelicegenova.it

15TH To 19TH JUne Monaco monTe-carlo Tv fesTival a celebration of the best of TV around the world with appearances from the a List and leading personalities on and offscreen tvfestival.com

16TH To 17TH JUne MoUans-saRToUX phoTo fesTival over 1,000 photographs will be exhibited alongside various photography-themed workshops festival.photo

18TH To 22nD JUne

23RD To 24TH JUne

30TH JUne To 1sT JULY

MenTon araBian horse show owners of this prestigious breed present their beautiful creatures to an international jury mentonarabianhorseshow.com

24TH JUne nice ironman a gruelling challenge departing from the Promenade des anglais ironmannice.com

28TH To 30TH JUne anTibes nuiTs carrÉes Live concerts in a breath-taking setting by the sea nuitscarrees.com

cannes cannes lions fesTival championing creativity since 1954, cannes Lions hosts the world’s leading creative thinkers and award ceremony for groundbreaking individuals and companies canneslions.com

Monaco fêTe de la mer & challenge inTer-Banques The Yacht club de Monaco organises a colourful party around the sea alongside the challenge inter-banques – Trophée eRi yacht-club-monaco.mc

6TH JULY To 18TH aUgUsT Monaco monTe-carlo sporTing summer fesTival class acts from around the world perform at this legendary event: Ringo starr, The original gypsies (former gipsy kings), seal, Tom Jones, Leningrad, il Volo, santana and Rita ora montecarlolive.com

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20TH JUne oRange musiques en fêTe orchestre de cannes and the orchestre Régional avignonProvence unite for a major concert at the chorégies d’orange that will be screened live on france 3 orchestre-cannes.com

21sT JUne naTionaL fêTe de la musique The ultimate french tradition of the summer: all across the country, in every village, town and city, communities come together to enjoy music in all its forms fetedelamusique.fr

Homage to Brigitte Engerer

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The american cluB of The riviera 1

An international community well-anchored in the region

By ELSA CARPENTER

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 Photo 1

BEATHE-JEANETTE LUNDE WITH FORMER CLUB PRESIDENT BURTON GINTELL © D.R.  Photo 2

LAST YEAR’S VISIT TO THE RHONE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL IN DRAGUIGNAN © D.R.

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JOIN THE CLUB The american Club of the riviera is open to all nationalities and backgrounds. Membership runs from 1st January to 31st December and costs: €55 a year for an individual or €105 for a couple.

The application form can be found on the website!

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he american club of the Riviera is more than half a century old, being founded in 1962, but can trace its roots back to the early days of american naval presence in the south of france. since the end of the 19th century, the american naval fleet had been using Villefranche-sur-Mer as its european port base. in 1927, the Us Propeller club – an association that promoted the maritime industry and its various personnel throughout the world – established a base in the region and was ultimately the precursor to the current club. naval activity increased significantly during the 1950s and 1960s with the permanent presence of the Us sixth fleet in the Villefranche bay. Dozens of families relocated to the area during that time and the years that followed, and in 1962, the Us Propeller club evolved into the american club of the Riviera.

Despite its american title, the club is a thoroughly international entity and has members from over 20 countries. a core 40% of the 200+ group is from the Us, but the Uk represents nearly 20% of membership.

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current president beathe-Jeanette Lunde, who is originally from stavanger, norway’s ‘oil capital’, counts herself among the remaining, global 40%.

Lunde lived and worked in the Us (most recently in Minneapolis) for many years, before she moved to the fabron area of nice six years ago with her husband. while in the states, she noticed how important volunteering was to the local community and was keen to become involved in what she describes a ‘strong volunteering culture’. “everyone from parents helping out at their children’s’ schools to elderly citizens was some way involved as a volunteer,” says Lunde. “it was almost as if this kind of community engagement was expected of you. it’s deeply anchored in the culture, and it seemed like such a positive thing that i had to join it too.” she and her husband have owned a home in nice since 2007 and were on their way back to norway in 2012 when they decided to have an ‘extended stay’ on the côte d’azur. Like so many of us, the couple ended up permanently relocating to the region. “i was offered a job lecturing at the international University of Monaco for the Msc in Luxury Management,” says Lunde, who has a hospitality management degree from the University of stavanger and a postgraduate degree in business administration from the University of edinburgh, as well as decades of experience in senior roles with the hos-

“THe aMeRican cLUb ReaLLY TRies To Make THe MosT of THe beaUTY of THe Region: we TRaVeL THe coasT beTween THe VaR anD iTaLY, VisiTing MUseUMs, oPeRa HoUses, fesTiVaLs anD eVenTs…”

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 Photo 3 2018’S OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS © D.R.  Photo 4 CELEBRATING US INDEPENDENCE DAY ON CASTEL PLAGE IN NICE © D.R.

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pitality and Human Resources fields. “it all fell into place. as i have done in the many countries i have lived in, i started looking into the social scene here and visited various clubs.”

Lunde was introduced to the american club and despite being one of the youngest in a more senior group, she was immediately taken by its approach as an ‘international social club’ and its welcoming atmosphere. she has also been a prominent member (and mentor) of the Professional women’s network, which she describes as an ‘inspiring place where talented and powerful women share their experiences and support the next generation of the bold and brave’, since 2012.

“Places like the american club give people experiences they can use in their careers and personal lives,” she explains. “we have official positions – president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary… – that each teach you something about managing a community. we are all volunteers too. it is so good for your personal development and sense of community.

The american club really tries to make the most of the beauty of the region: we travel the coast between the Var and italy, visiting museums, opera houses, festivals and events. Members sometimes tell us that they would never have been to a place if they had not been introduced to it by the club. we recently went to the citron festival in Menton by invitation of the city’s british association. our trip coincided with one of the heaviest days of snowfall, but out of the 85 people who said they would come, 80 turned up!” each year, the club hosts a film festival-themed event at a beach restaurant in cannes, an independence Day event for 4th July, a gala (at the grand Hôtel du cap ferrat in 2017 and this coming september), and Thanksgiving luncheon, which is by far the most popular date on the calendar and is regularly attended by over 150 people. far from being polarising, the celebration of Us holidays binds members together and is a part of the club’s heritage. “it is not just the board of officers and governors who organise events,” continues Lunde, “all members are able to get involved. one of our italy-based members, cindy egolf, recently invited us all to Dolceacqua while another living in the tiny hamlet of gorbio above Menton showed us this little-known, but magical place.” for Lunde, one particularly memorable and moving event from last year was a visit to the Rhone american cemetery and Memorial in Draguignan, the resting place of Us soldiers and mariners who died during operation Dragoon, the allied invasion of the south of france from the Mediterranean sea. The club will visit again on Memorial Day 27th May. other upcoming events include cannes on 12th May, to which the club has invited the region’s canadian club, and a guided visit to the Picasso Museum in antibes followed by a lunch on 16th June. “we always have a dinner date,” says Lunde, “that’s where we do our chatting and socialising!”  maY / June 2018

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inTernaTional women's daY aT hoTel negresco a very special general assembly was held by the Professional women network (Pwn) in March. in the presence of around 100 members and guests, the evening’s agenda was followed by a very emotional panel discussion on the topic: which woman has most impressed you? among the speakers: Riviera Press editor-in-chief Petra Hall; Hege Lecourt, founder of Design studio H in Monaco; carine Menache, the principal of a family office; and susanne batstone, one of the founders of the charity Mothers of africa in Monaco.

“The women who shared their life experiences also spoke of ways to motivate other women and why they personally drew inspiration from other great women,” says anna fill of The Riviera woman, who is also the head of communications for the Pwn.  pwnnice.net L-R: susanne batstone, sandra Richez (Pwn Vice President), carine Menache, Petra Hall, anna fill and Hege Lecourt. © Carmen Blike

paTrick poivre d’arvor aT The monaco press cluB at the Hôtel Métropole in april, another general Meeting took place. The Monaco Press club convened to elect its new board and appointed Riviera Press editor-inchief Petra Hall to Honorary Member for Life. Petra was one of the founding members of the club when it was created in 2006. The highlight of the inspiring evening: an impressive interview with france’s most famous journalist, Patrick Poivre d’arvor (fourth from right).  © Alberto Colman

BiTcoin & Blockchain what do we know about the crypto-currencies bitcoin and blockchain? for most of us, the answer is not a lot.

That’s why the Monaco Press club invited cfM indosuez wealth Management expert grégory chenue to speak in the principality. chenue held an extremely interesting conference and astonished the guests with figures as follows. Today, 1400 crypto-currencies are used by 15 to 25 million people. every day, 400,000 transactions take place, equally a weekly amount of around 10.8 billion dollars. it’s all a bit confusing, but the banker from Paris was very well-prepared and the auditorium was keen to learn more about this phenomena. Pictured: Riviera Press editor-inchief Petra Hall with grégory chenue.  maY / June 2018

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Publishing Director sebasTien fRaisse s.fraisse@riviera-press.fr Managing Director bicH LecoURT b.lecourt@riviera-press.fr

and bulgaria. The musicians are incredibly passionate and dedicated. Despite their struggles – instruments are often in bad shape and they have little money to live on – they really play their hearts out. it’s unbelievably moving.

expaT focus: cindy egolf

 fRoM THe conceRT HaLLs of cHicago To THe oLiVe gRoVes of LigURia, oRcHesTRa conDUcToR cinDY egoLf Has sPenT THe LasT 15 YeaRs cHasing THe sUn, beTTeR fooD anD HeR Passion foR MUsic.

hat first brought you to the region? i moved from chicago – a city of more than eight million people – to the italian Riviera 15 years ago. i was looking for something different… better weather, as chicago can be brutal in the summer and the winter, better food and to resume my conductor’s career! i knew i wanted to live in italy and learn italian so headed to Ventimiglia, but after the death of my fiancé, i decided i no longer wanted to be in the town. it was during a drive into the mountains that i came across the beautiful Dolceacqua! i had stopped for a tea and was casually asking about if anyone had a place to rent when one chap introduced himself and his flat. That’s what i love about the place: even if no one knows you and you can’t speak a word of italian, like me when i arrived, everyone greets you and is happy to chat. i stayed in the village for nine years before i found my rustico. a rustico is a stonebuilt property, but at first i was just the owner of a pile of stones! i’ve spent the last six years working on it and just finished a glass

w

maY / June 2018

conservatory. i’m high above the village and the last house on a very old dirt road – i dare you to try and find me! My only real neighbours are the wild boar and my 100 ancient olive trees. by the way, in Dolceacqua, the villagers say there are 2,000 ‘souls’. it’s poetic compared to chicago.

You have built a career in music. what role has your move to italy played in its development? a conductor’s world is very maledominated and it’s difficult to break into as a woman. in the Us, our culture is much shorter and is much more flexible than in europe, which has such grand traditions that stretch back centuries. in the 1990s, my stateside career was progressing as a conductor and a lecturer of music, but i had an accident just two weeks after i auditioned for the chicago symphony orchestra, which put an end to my career. i returned to conducting two decades later, but i haven’t actually worked with any orchestras in italy or france! My favourite places to conduct are in eastern europe, such as in sofia

we’re coming up to ‘festival season’. which events do you recommend? both aix-en-Provence and Menton have wonderful classical music concerts in the summer, and i always love the Printemps des arts de Monte-carlo, which has just come to an end. Locally, there is the festival internazionale delle arpe in the tiny village of isolabona in italy every July. Musicians come from all over the world with their harps to play here – i’m always amazed that they make such a trip! if you’re in the area next spring, there’s a gorgeous flower festival that takes over Dolceacqua at the end of april: carugi in fiore. how have you integrated into the international community of the region? i’ve lived all around the world, but never sought out the expat community before i moved to Liguria. Today i work closely with the Professional women’s network (Pwn) – i organise the luncheons and events in Monaco – and have been a member of the american club of the Riviera for four or five years now. both do wonderful work and address very interesting topics. i recently did an event for the Pwn called ‘Manage like a Maestro’, which looked at the similarities between conducting and managing a large business or corporation – we use many of the same tools! for readers visiting dolceacqua and the surrounding area, where can you recommend if they want a quintessential experience?

The agriturismo Locanda Degli Ulivi, every time and forever. i absolutely love the people who run it and the place, with views of the mountains and the valleys, all the way down to the Mediterranean sea… bliss! €25 will get you a four-hour meal, but there’s no menu because they serve what they have on site. You need a whole day to enjoy it!

Editor-in-chief PeTRa HaLL p.hall@riviera-press.fr Editor eLsa caRPenTeR e.carpenter@riviera-press.fr Contributors aila stöckmann, Lewis Longman, sarah Hyde, Michael Molloy & christine Helfritz Creative Director VincenT aRTUs vincent.artus@wanadoo.fr advertising & PR fRancoise MULLeR Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 29 f.muller@riviera-press.fr advertising & PR PaTRice sainT-LegeR Tel: +33 (0)4 93 27 60 00 p.saintleger@riviera-press.fr Distribution DoMiniQUe fReULon Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 22 d.freulon@riviera-press.fr Secretary caRoLe HebeRT contact@riviera-press.fr Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless previously agreed. articles do not represent the opinion of the editor. The publishing house is not responsible for the correct contents of ads. © 2018 by Riviera Press s.a.r.l.

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