A New Bugatti Showroom in Monaco

 

If there is one thing that is synonymous with Monaco, it’s luxury cars. 

 

So it’s no surprise that Bugatti just unveiled their new showroom at Racasse, one of Formula 1’s most famous corners in Monaco.

“Bugatti is a natural fit for the Principality of Monaco, delivering the unparalleled prestige, excellence, and timeless luxury that the clientele of this region expects,” Bugatti Automobiles managing director Hendrik Malinowski said. 

 

“We are delighted to open our new home in Monaco; these are the very streets that Bugatti made history many years ago and we couldn’t imagine a better place to pay homage to our extraordinary heritage and connection to Monaco.”

Bugatti is operating the dealership with Segond Automobiles, which has been in Monaco for more than 35 years. The new showroom also features a maintenance and servicing facility that is also overseen by Segond Automobiles housing a team of specialized technicians that have been trained by Bugatti in Molsheim, France.

“The Bugatti Monaco showroom is in one of the most desirable European venues and is situated in one of the most iconic areas of the city,” said the managing director of Segond Automobiles Group, Stephane Colmart. “It is the ideal location from which to welcome customers into the world of Bugatti, a brand renowned for its racing successes and its world-leading craftsmanship. We are immeasurably proud to be part of the Bugatti network, with both the showroom and the after-sales center, and are really excited to welcome guests to offer them the ultimate in design, convenience, and luxury.”

Photos courtesy of Bugatti Monaco

Louis Vuitton Campaign Showcases Eileen Gray’s E-1027 Villa

 

For those with a passion for both architecture and the world of luxury fashion, the world-renowned brand Louis Vuitton just released their latest campaign featuring the American actress and singer Zendaya as the newest ambassador for the company with the first photo shoot completed at the intriguing and historic Eileen Gray’s E-1027 villa in Roquebrune Cap Martin.

Once left to ruin, over a decade ago, a team was set in place to bring this most marvelous seaside property back to life and in step as close as possible to the original idea of the villa dreamed up by Eileen Gray.

Now known as a local treasure, one can visit E-1027 Cap Moderne which was designed between 1926 to 1929 to see and experience Eileen’s vision and how the property was built to live both simply and comfortably while also used as a work/invention studio capturing the famous light of the French Riviera.

With the youthful elegance of Zendaya on board in this new Louis Vuitton campaign, a new generation will now also discover more about the talents of the Irish artist and architect, Eileen Gray.

In this campaign, Zendaya is showcasing the brand’s bestselling Capucines handbag that was launched in 2013. According to Louis Vuitton, “Personifying the dreamy energy of the Côte d’Azur, the new House Ambassador brings a playful vibrancy to the Capucines campaign, exuding a bold, feminine allure emblematic of the Maison’s signature collection.”

The photographs for the campaign were taken by the famous Mert Alas and Marcus Pigott team, and feature Zendaya in monochromatic black and white outfits posing with the handbags in a variety of glorious colors. 

In a behind-the-scenes video published by Louis Vuitton, the actress describes how she felt about the iconic villa after its revitalization renovation in recent years.

“The Cap Moderne is just stunning and absolutely beautiful to look at. When you shoot in places that are cinematic and beautiful and have their own character and interest and history, it’s really special,” says the 26-year-old. “I think every time you look at it, you find something new. And then when the light is coming in, it creates all these beautiful shadows and shapes on the wall. It’s a dream because it makes the picture that much more interesting.”

Zendaya started her career as a child model, before moving into the world of Disney and then movies, where she debuted in The Greatest Showman. Additionally, she became the youngest-ever recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actress for her role as a drug-addicted teen in the HBO series Euphoria.

French Riviera Real Estate Options Nine

 

For those seeking a property offering a calmer lifestyle in the Cote d’Azur region of France, we have the prime location for you. 

Châteauneuf-Grasse is an absolutely charming, historic area that offers a real community feeling and is very LGBTQ-friendly. Situated just 4 km from the perfume capital of Grasse and 21 km from Cannes, this area is close enough to all local amenities yet offers quieter, more expansive properties to relax and retreat. Basically, here you will get more bang for your buck.

Châteauneuf-Grasse – 1,890,000 EUR

Provencal style villa with panoramic views on the market.

Area: 200m²
5 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 1ha

Peacefully located on a hilltop boasting spectacular views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea, this charming south-facing Provencal style villa invites you to enjoy the unique countryside lifestyle.

This beautiful home offers a bright, comfortable, and functional living space, ideal for year around or as a holiday home.

Set on two floors, the villa offers an entrance, spacious reception room with a fireplace, dining room with a fireplace, modern fully fitted eat-in kitchen opening onto a patio with a cozy outdoor fireplace, 5 bedrooms including the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a study, cellar, and workshop.

On exceptional grounds of more than one hectare with olive trees, stone walls, and Mediterranean essences, a stunning infinity pool where you can admire the panoramic view to the sea, several terraces, sitting places, and patios, ideal for receptions and entertaining friends and family, complete this property.

Châteauneuf-Grasse – 2,980,000 EUR

Country estate with panoramic views on the market.

Area: 390m²
7 room(s)
5 bedroom(s)
Land: 3600m²

Surrounded by spectacular views this authentic Provencal style property invites you to enjoy the classic Côte d’Azur lifestyle.

Peacefully set at the top of the hills of the Grasse countryside, in the heart of a Mediterranean garden with olive trees and a stunning infinity edge swimming pool with sundeck and large terraces, it is the idyllic place to gather family and friends.

Spacious, bright interiors, flooded with natural light through the large bay windows, with all rooms leading onto the exteriors; garden, swimming pool, and terraces. Expansive entrance hall, lounge, reception room with fireplace, fully-fitted large kitchen leading to a covered terrace with barbecue.

Dining room, master suite with dressing room, library, private terrace, three additional bedrooms, fitness room, sauna, laundry room, double carport. Cellar and wine cellar.

Located in a high-end residential neighborhood within walking distance of the village of Châteauneuf, the shops, and the tennis club, yet being only 30 minutes from Cannes and 10min from Valbonne village.

Châteauneuf-Grasse – 9,975,000 EUR

An exceptional traditional villa on the market with panoramic views. 

Area: 625m²
10 room(s)
6 bedroom(s)
Land: 1ha

This magnificent traditionally built property is located on the countryside hilltops overlooking the countryside towards Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea.

The spacious private grounds and gardens offer an invaluable amount of privacy whilst remaining within walking distance of the historic village of Chateauneuf Grasse.

As you enter through the front door of the home you will first be greeted by its elegant staircase and open-plan design. The ground floor presents us with an open-plan living area, consisting of a spacious lounge with a cozy fireplace, a bespoke library, and a formal dining room leading to a kitchen. The traditionally designed kitchen has copious amounts of space as well as an informal dining area.

Downstairs there is an air quality regulated wine cellar and renovated suite ready to be converted into a cinema room.

On the first floor, we see the incredible master suite featuring separate his and hers dressing rooms with separate bathrooms, complete with a sauna and jacuzzi – with an additional room to be used as a gym or second bedroom and a study.

The property also has another 5 large double bedrooms and 3 marble-finished bathrooms.

The surrounding gardens feature over 100 mature olive trees and well-manicured lawns and vegetation. Additionally, the perimeter of this 2.5-acre plot has been walled for additional privacy and security.

The new owners of this villa can enjoy the large 24-meter infinity swimming pool. The villa has been finished off with a large 3-space car garage with an additional two-room storage area, and a separate cottage and car park for the caretaker’s accommodation – complete with its own living space, kitchen, and bathroom.

For more information on these properties or any other locations in the Cote d'Azur, please connect with us here.

Catherine Deneuve - The Face of the Cannes Film Festival 2023

 

On Wednesday night, the Cannes Film Festival unveiled the official poster for 2023. 

 

This year, the organization honors the actress, Catherine Deneuve, thanks to a classic photo taken on the beach of Pampelonne in June 1968, during the filming of "La Chamade", directed by Alain Cavalier.

The reasons behind choosing the beloved Catherin Deneuve are clear. "It is a certain magic that Catherine Deneuve embodies, pure, incandescent, and sometimes transgressive. It is this unspeakable magic that the 76th International Film Festival resonates with this timeless poster. To reiterate cinema's glorious presence and envisage its future full of promise. For Catherine Deneuve is what cinema must remember to be: elusive, daring, and irreverent. An obviousness. A necessity", the press release reveals before continuing: "The actress of Peau d'Âne is an incarnation of cinema, far from conventions and conveniences. Without concession but always close to her convictions, even if it means going against the grain of the times."

 

Showcasing what will certainly be a “timeless poster”, the 76th International Film Festival will take place from May 16 to 27, 2023. The poster is in black and white, an aesthetic choice assumed and already used, as in 2012, for the 65th edition, with Marilyn Monroe in her glorious majesty.

This year, it is Catherine Deneuve who is honored on the poster of the 76th International Film Festival. This is by way of a family affair since the hostess of the ceremony of the 2023 edition is none other than the actress Chiara Mastroianni, daughter of Catherine Deneuve and the Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni who, in 2014, was also on the poster of the 67th edition of the International Film Festival. 

 

19 films have already been announced in competition, including three Italian films: Towards a bright future by Nanni Moretti, The Abduction by Marco Bellocchio, and The Chimera by Alice Rohrwacher, with further film announcements yet to be made.

Monet in Monaco

 

It will be a summer of art at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte-Carlo this summer with a vast array of his work on exhibition from July 8th until September 3rd coinciding with the 140th anniversary of Claude Monet’s first visit to both the French Riviera and Monaco with his work on display following his life and career path during his time in the region.

Gathered from around the world, approximately 100 of the French impressionist paintings will be on display throughout the 3000 m2 space.

The works of art on display will blend a mix of timelines and themes, curated by the art historian Marianne Mathieu in order to give visitors a deeper look and understanding of the artist’s work with many of his masterpieces having been shown together at one time.

“Monet’s work is very coherent. From his youth in Le Havre to the last paintings in Giverny, the painter does not try to paint a motif, but rather a moment; Monet does not paint a landscape, but an atmosphere,” Matthieu said of the artist in Bon Vivant Magazine. “On the Riviera, between 1883 and 1888, this means maturity; Monet discovers himself as the painter of the series.”

For this rare exhibition, the paintings on display have been sourced worldwide, with nearly half being on loan from the Musée Marmottan Monet. Others will come from private collections, including that of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, as well as major international institutions such as the Denver Art Museum, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid, the Von der Heydt-Museum in Wuppertal and the Fondation Beyeler in Basel.

Pre-sale tickets are only €7 if purchased before June 30th. After that date, ticket prices are €14. For more information and to book tickets, click here.

An International Art Hub for Picasso’s Last Home

 

The last home of world-renowned artist Pablo Picasso is being transformed by its current owner into an international art center with an estimated price tag of €114 million.

The artist, who still influences artists to this day, was in his time a sculptor, painter, and ceramist with the Cote d’Azur being one of his most inspiring areas of the world in which to live.

His last home in Mougins, formerly known as Mas Notre-Dame-de-Vie, later renamed Château de Vie is about to undergo a major transformation for others to enjoy, 50 years after his death.

It was announced that the property owner Rayo Withanage, a New Zealand billionaire, has set out plans to convert the villa into a “global hub” where art will flourish through collaborations with “major artists and institutions from around the world”. In 2017, Rayo Withanage bought the expansive and quite magnificent property at auction for 20 million euros and pledged 114 million euros to get the project underway.

“We invite the most iconic artists and creative institutions around the world to see the world as Picasso saw it, to work in his studio, and to consider the influence of his work,” he has said, adding that he envisions the villa to be a place where artists can work in-residence and that part of whatever proceeds are made from the sale of artworks will be donated to charities.

In the last years of his life, it has been said that Picasso’s time in Château de Vie was some of his more inspiring, productive, and overall happiest. After his passing, the property went to his wife Jacqueline Roque in 1973. Bereaved, Jacqueline had reportedly left everything exactly as it was the day he died, down to the place he last set down his reading glasses. She later committed suicide in 1986 and the property was left empty for 30 years.

Now, future generations will be inspired and exude life into the former home of Pablo Picasso and Jacqueline Rogue.

More Celebrities for the Monte-Carlo Summer 2023 Festival

 

Yesterday an announcement was made by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the organizers of the 16th edition of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival extending their list of international celebrities that will be in concert this summer in Monaco.

This year, the summer music festival will be quite varied and jam-packed throughout the season.

At the extended announcement in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Paris on April 13th, the Monte-Carlo SBM and Monte Carlo Live unveiled the full schedule.

Many of the performers at this year’s music festival had been announced in March with those being, Ricky Martin, Mika, Sting, Tarkan, and tribute performer ‘Michael’ The Magic of Michael Jackson.

Now, the Artistic Director, Gilles Marsan announced that headlining the music festival this year will be singing legend Robbie Williams, who will perform at the Red Cross Gala on July 29th.

Legendary crooner, Chris Isaak will play at the Opéra Garnier on July 10th, Norah Jones will perform at the Opéra Garnier on July 12th, and Seal will take to the stage in the Salle des Etoiles on July 16th.

 

On August 4th, in addition to Mika, it was stated that Eros Ramazzotti will perform on August 8th, Nile Rodgers & Chic will play on August 12th, and Tarkan will hit the stage of the Salle des Etoiles on August 19th.

This year, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy, making it a most memorable summer season.

Tickets can be found at Monte-Carlo Live.

First Female Political Minister Comes Out as Lesbian in France

 

A female politician in France has become the first minister to come out as gay after revealing her sexuality in an interview.

The youngest serving political minister, Sarah El Haïry, for the Democratic Movement revealed she is a lesbian and is dating someone.

The 33-year-old state secretary for youth at the Ministry of National Education casually mentioned her partner while discussing whether she uses Twitter.

In a recent interview with Forbes, the government’s youngest member responded to the question without hesitation saying she only ever reads Twitter when it affects her girlfriend or her family members.

The mention of her partner solidified Sarah El Haïry in the history books, becoming the first female minister in France to identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

Since being appointed youth secretary of state, the government minister has been outspoken regarding both women’s and LGBTQ rights and second nature in her comments.

She has previously called out discrimination against LGBTQ groups in France, saying that promoting LGBTQ rights is a “daily fight”.

Sarah El Haïry’s announcement, which the Forbes interview described as “discreet”, came not long after a similar reveal from former National Assembly of France member, Olivier Dussopt.

In an interview with the French magazine Têtu on March 24th, Olivier Dussopt said that his sexuality was “neither a secret nor a subject” while condemning homophobic attacks in France.

“Being homosexual is never neutral,” he said during the interview. “But one has the right to defend causes, to militate, to participate in the debate without making one’s personal situation a political element in itself.”

He added that, while this was his first time coming out, he has been outspoken for same-sex marriage and LGBTQ autonomy in the past.

Despite France’s current government in support of LGBTQ rights, the rise of the far-right in the country following the 2022 presidential election has caused concern.

Emmanual Macron defeated far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential race, gaining a slim 58 percent of the vote compared to Le Pen’s 41.46 percent.

Although much more work needs to be done, France is still overall a very safe, and gay-friendly country to visit.

Rencontres In&Out - Festival du Film Queer in Nice

 

Celebrating an amazing 15 years, the In&Out Queer Film Festival gets underway on April 6-15, 2023 in the beautiful, gay-friendly city of Nice.

The association in Nice, created in 2009 is more than just a film festival showcasing the best of LGBTQ works from around the world. With the In&Out festival also taking place at various times of the year in Cannes (since 2009) and Toulon (since 2020), it is here where one can attend discussions not only on films but also on the fight against homophobia, with educational services in schools, and overall awareness in society on the matter.

There are a wide array of film choices to be found throughout the week in Nice on almost any subject imaginable from well-known writers, directors, and actors along with those just starting off their careers in the movie business, many of which will be in attendance for not only discussions but also question and answer periods.

 

The organizers would like to extend a huge thanks to all the volunteers who, since 2009, have given their time to help make this crazy idea a reality, following the five founding friends, Benoît, Isabelle, Matthijs, Sébastien, and Sylvain. Impossible to mention them all without forgetting some of them, but they are the great family of the Ouvreureuses and will recognize themselves.

 
Tickets for the In&Out festival will go fast for the films and events so book early!

 

A New Visa Proposed for Foreign Second Home Owners in France

 

There are a lot of home ownership myths out there for those who are seeking to buy a property in France. One of which we hear most frequently is the assumption that if you buy a home in France, this automatically allows you to come and stay for as long as want.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the case as the same wouldn’t apply if one wanted to buy in North America or the UK but with France being such a wonderful travel destination, we can see how there might be some confusion.

With that, there is some good news on the horizon.

Second-home owners (or about to be owners) in France who are not French nationals or legal residents now have the chance of obtaining a special visa so they can completely enjoy their second homes.

Senator Corinne Imbert submitted an amendment to change an upcoming Immigration Bill (Article L. 312-2 of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum) that “Any foreign national who owns a secondary residence in France may apply for a very long-stay visa authorizing him or her to stay on French territory for a period not exceeding six months per year. This visa is valid for five years.”

The purpose of this amendment is to allow foreign nationals who own a secondary residence (or who plan to) in France to apply for a very long-stay visa authorizing them to stay in France for a period not exceeding six months per year.

This is because of Brexit, for all the British who own homes in France and have found themselves without a visa, when before Brexit, a visa was unnecessary.

The senator commented that “They’ve been here a long time and are really integrated into the life of our villages, including the local associations, so it is important.”

This new visa would work well for non-EU nationals with second homes in France (or those planning to buy here) who can’t stay longer than 90 days under the current visa-waiver program but don’t need or want to commit to a long-stay visa renewable annually in France.

While the amendment was created primarily for the British, it must be available for all non-EU foreigners to avoid being discriminatory.

The campaign has the support of many French politicians, including the Member of Parliament for the Department of Manche, Bernard Sorre, who called the 90-day rule “penalizing for property owners who participate in the local economy, take part in associations and restore old buildings.”

Since this new visa proposal is on the table, this is a good sign that a positive change is coming.

We will keep you informed of any updates.