Monday, September 30, 2024

Expanded Train Services and Improved Connectivity for the Côte d'Azur & Monaco

 

It’s been a long time coming. To the relief of locals and undoubtedly tourists, many of whom have faced frustration and stress while trying to catch a train during peak hours—especially during the crowded summer months, when train cars are often packed to capacity.
 
Finally, travel on the SNCF's local TER lines is set to improve in the coming months as the railway introduces a series of new measures aimed at making journeys more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.
 
In recent weeks, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur division of SNCF faced significant criticism after announcing the cancellation of late evening and early morning services between Nice and Ventimiglia due to essential maintenance work.

In response, the Monaco Government, along with other affected areas, intervened, demanding a practical solution, including an increase in replacement bus services. And fortunately, the SNCF has agreed to revise its plans.

The PACA SNCF has now unveiled a series of upcoming changes to modernize travel on local TER lines, starting on 15th December, with a trial run scheduled for 3rd October.
 
Announced by Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, Céline Caron-Dagioni, and Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice President of the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, on 26th September, these measures include more frequent trains and extended operating hours.
 
Soon, trains will run every 15 minutes between Cannes and Menton, and Saturday evening services along the coast, from Les Arcs and Grasse to Ventimiglia via Cannes, Nice, and Monaco, will be extended until 2am.
 
In addition, SNCF has committed to renovating and modernizing its train carriages, establishing a dedicated supervision center in Nice, and enhancing customer service.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

ZeFestival 2024

 

"Movies can heal. Not the world, of course, but our worldview.” Wim Wenders
 
Taking place this October, November, and December of this year in Nice, Avignon, Marseille, Toulon, and Seillans. The ZeFestival has become a strong tradition in the region and is an all inclusive LGBTQ+ event.

The inauguration of the festival takes place on October 10 at 19h at Le Croque Bedaine Restaurant in Nice where everyone is welcome to attend.

The Polychromes Assocation is proud to invite you to the 17th edition of ZeFestival, which more than a simple cinematographic event, crosses and celebrates the stories of the diversity of genders and sexualities, in all its forms, cinema, literature, poetry, painting, photography , singing, stand-up, debates, meetings and festive and fun evenings.

Our choices focus on stories too often left aside by major cultural scenes. We highlight the experiences, struggles and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ people, providing a platform for voices that are sometimes marginalized, sometimes damaged, always resilient.

At a time when the return of fundamentalism and exclusion is asserting itself in Europe, we offer a vector of empathy, a cry of freedom, an affirmation of identity. Whether through poignant dramas, hard-hitting documentaries, refreshing comedies or avant-garde works, each film in this edition has been selected for its ability to challenge conventions and reaffirm the importance of inclusiveness.

We invite you to dive into these vibrant stories, to laugh, to cry, to reflect, and to celebrate with us the infinite beauty of diversity. This festival is also a tribute to all the people who have fought and continue to fight for their rights, their recognition and their dignity. It is also a promise to those looking for a safe space to be fully themselves. May this edition reflect our community: strong, bold, and incredibly beautiful!

Sophie Lannier, President of Polychromes
 
Click on any of the above highlighted links for more information.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Monaco Yacht Show 2024

 

The 2024 Monaco Yacht Show will kick off with a significant opening conference dedicated to advancing sustainability in the yachting industry. Titled "Environmental Sustainability in Yachting," this conference will highlight the latest innovations and practical solutions that are driving eco-friendly transformations in the sector.

Each year, the Monaco Yacht Show begins with a conference that sets the tone for the event, and this year’s focus on sustainability underscores the increasing demand for environmental responsibility in yachting.

Scheduled for September 25th, the conference will gather yacht owners, industry leaders, and sustainability experts for a series of panel discussions. These talks will address the industry's challenges and present actionable solutions, showcasing the yachting world’s commitment to adopting greener practices.

In collaboration with the industry publication Superyacht Times, which will co-host the panel discussions, the conference will feature a range of experts sharing insights into the initiatives shaping the future of yachting.

Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, will discuss the event’s own eco-friendly initiatives and their impact on the industry. Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of MB92 Group, will address strategies for reducing carbon footprints in older yachts. Robert van Tol, Executive Director of Water Revolution Foundation, will focus on onboard eco-responsibility, and Giedo Loeff, Head of Research and Development at Feadship, will examine how sustainable innovations can be integrated across different markets.

The conference is scheduled for 10:30 am on the opening day of the Monaco Yacht Show at the Monaco Yacht Show Conference Hall. Attendance is free with a valid show pass.

This year, the Monaco Yacht Show will be held in Port Hercule from September 25th to 28th.

 

Photo Images: ©Monaco Yacht Show

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Monaco: The Premier Destination for High-Net-Worth Individuals Relocating

 

The ultra-wealthy are on the move, with an unprecedented 128,000 millionaires expected to relocate to new cities, countries, or even continents this year. But what drives this trend, and why is Monaco becoming a favored destination?
 
According to Henley & Partners, around 128,000 millionaires are projected to relocate in 2024, a 6.6% increase from the previous record of 120,000 set in 2023. The motivations behind their moves are diverse, ranging from changes in tax and visa policies to more favorable market conditions and the pursuit of a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
 
Knight Frank's latest European Lifestyle Report paints a similar picture, highlighting Europe as one of the most attractive regions for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking to establish new lives.

Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank, notes Europe's many advantages: cultural richness, a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, global connectivity, political stability, economic security, education opportunities, and “transparent and mature property markets.”
 
Another significant draw is the wide range of lifestyle options Europe offers. Potential new residents can choose from dynamic, cosmopolitan cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, or Barcelona, or opt for the more relaxed pace of resort destinations—categorized by Knight Frank as sun, ski, or rural locations. While the majority of HNWIs prefer cities, there is still substantial interest in resort locations.

When asked to rank their favorite resort destinations, more than 700 HNWIs surveyed by Knight Frank ranked Monaco as the second most desirable location, after the Swiss ski resort Verbier and followed by the South of France. Monaco proved especially popular among GenX and Post-War HNWIs, as well as younger GenZ and Millennial groups.
 
Knight Frank also utilized data from Oxford Economics and the European Commission to analyze why some destinations appeal more to HNWIs than others. Out of 20 “premier destinations” evaluated—10 cities and 10 resorts—Monaco achieved the highest average ranking, securing top positions in three out of five categories: quality of life, environment, and human capital. The Principality also ranked second for infrastructure and mobility and third for economy.
 
The South of France, benefiting from its proximity to Monaco, also performed well in the rankings, taking the top spot for infrastructure and mobility, third for environment, and fourth for economy.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

The Cannes Yachting Festival will launch the autumn season of yacht shows and events in the Cote d’Azur. Taking place across both Port Canto and the Vieux Port, the festival will showcase 700 vessels of various sizes, along with exhibits from over 600 exhibitors. 
 
This year's event will run from September 10th to 15th, offering visitors, sales teams, crew, and yacht owners a full six days of exposure and activities. Approximately 700 boats, including sailing yachts, motorboats, monohulls, multihulls, and rigid to semi-rigid vessels, are expected to participate, with the largest reaching 50 meters in length.

The festival is strategically divided into sectors: the Vieux Port in the city center is dedicated exclusively to the motorboat industry, while Port Canto will mainly feature sailing vessels. A new 2,000m² marina at Port Canto will accommodate smaller motor yachts and boats ranging from eight to 12 meters, available for sea trials. 
 
The Cannes Yachting Festival regularly attracts around 55,000 visitors each year and remains popular with the general public, even those not directly connected to the industry.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Monaco: New District, New Restaurant

Monte-Carlo is renowned for its exceptional selection of exquisite dining options, and soon it will welcome an exciting new addition to its culinary scene.
 
With the soon-to-be-completed Mareterra neighborhood, a district built on reclaimed land from the sea, Stéphane Valéri, CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), has unveiled plans that promise to elevate the gourmet experience for residents and visitors alike. 

In a recent interview with Radio Monaco, Valéri revealed that SBM, Monaco’s leading hospitality group, will be opening a new restaurant in this innovative district.
 
According to Valéri, the upcoming restaurant will be "the largest" in Mareterra and will be strategically "located on the central square." He further described the new establishment as having "a chic and relaxed English ambience" where guests can dine throughout the day, from breakfast until late at night.

Tentatively named Marlow, a title that evokes connections to natural water sources, the final inspiration behind the name has yet to be officially confirmed by SBM.
 
The Mareterra project, which began in 2015, marks the most significant development in Monaco in decades and is expected to be completed by the end of November 2024.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Tourist Season: Nice Outshines Paris

 

With major international events like the Tour de France and the Olympic Games drawing visitors from around the globe, Nice has seen impressive tourism numbers so far this summer.

Despite the high visitor count, this season, locals have mentioned, feels far more pleasant, manageable, and calmer compared to the chaotic summers of the past two years.

While the peak season is not yet over, tourism levels are expected to remain steady through at least September and October. Nice, long considered a cultural hub and major draw for visitors, is already celebrating its success.

Local hoteliers are particularly pleased, reporting an impressive occupancy rate of nearly 89% between July 1 and August 15. The period’s peak occurred during the Tour de France on July 20 and 21, when hotels reached a 98% occupancy rate.

With an average annual occupancy of 85%, Nice has outperformed Paris, which currently maintains an occupancy rate between 60% and 65% for 2024, even as it hosts many Olympic events.

The majority of tourists in Nice are coming from the USA, along with Canadians, Germans, Italians, Belgians, and Dutch visitors.

International tourists now account for more than half of all overnight stays and revenue in the city’s tourism sector, and these numbers are expected to hold strong into the fall.

Mayor Christian Estrosi has reiterated Nice’s commitment to spreading events throughout the year to create a more balanced flow of visitors and revenue while protecting the city from the adverse effects of overtourism.

Sunday, September 1, 2024

French Riviera Guests From Hell

 

*warning - bitchy rant

Summer is the season when people from around the world flock to the French Riviera for some fun in the sun. Given that it's still the season to some degree, this topic feels timely, especially since it often comes up in conversations among locals, whether in person or online.
 
And that topic? The guests from hell.
 
One thing you quickly learn when you start living on the French Riviera is that as summer approaches, you suddenly become very popular. People you know—or even friends of friends or distant relatives—start reaching out with requests to stay with you.

Some are quite blunt, acting with an air of entitlement. Others, at least in my experience, take a more subtle approach, playing the long game—though I can always see right through it.
 
It doesn't matter if you’ve just moved to the area or have been here for years; once word gets out about where you live, you become a target for these "vacation requests."

Even if they’ve never mentioned the Côte d'Azur in the past where you used to live as a place people have always wanted to visit, overall, people will find a way to seek you out. They might have no real knowledge of the area or any interest in your life until they perhaps realize you're a possible free lodging option. Suddenly, you’ll hear from people you haven’t spoken to in years, and even then in your former life, were mostly likely acquaintances and never hung out together.
 
Of course, this isn't unique to the French Riviera. It happens in prime travel destinations all over the world. If you love having visitors, that’s great. But there are always horror stories, and I’ve certainly had my share.
 
Once people think they have their "hook" in, the flattery begins. They start talking about how great it would be to see you, all while showering you with compliments. You know something is up when they say they’ve always been curious about your part of the world, followed by questions about your home’s size (thinking of their own comfort), your exact location, and proximity to beaches, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.


One of my first experiences of this, and one that tops my list, happened over a decade ago when I was excited about my big move to the Riviera. I made the mistake of telling a few people where I was going to be living with my now ex-partner. Word spread fast about our villa, pool, and garden.

Within our first year, we received an overwhelming number of requests. My ex-partner even set up an Excel sheet to track them out of curiosity. We counted about 132 requests for stays from both Europe and North America, all with different dates, lengths, and reasons. Shockingly, 67% of these people were strangers to us—usually friends of friends or distant family members.

This quickly led us to make a decision that it had to be a "no" across the board, which pissed off plenty of people. We love our work, the lifestyle that comes with it, and are admitted workaholics, and we consider our home to be our sanctuary. It was overwhelming to manage so many requests, most of which overlapped, and the demands that followed, so our final word on it all was made.

The promises potential visitors make range from “just a few days” to months, insisting they’ll be no trouble at all. They’ll claim to be self-sufficient, on their best behavior, and not interfere with your work or life. But you know better. Especially when they hint at bringing other friends or family.

From my experience, if you agree to a stay, and even if you set clear house rules, they are usually forgotten within the first hour of their arrival.

The moment they step off the plane, they go into vacation mode. You can practically see it on their faces—this dream-like state where they believe nothing can go wrong because they’re on holiday, and the world is theirs.


When they arrive at your home—especially if it's in a prime location with stunning sea views—they start acting as if they’ve won the big game. They don’t consider the hard work or long hours you put in (I haven't had a day off since the COVID lockdown) or the sacrifices you’ve made.

Instead, they assume your time now belongs to them and expect you to be their personal tour guide, taking them to beaches, restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs. They often hope you'll foot the bill or try to emulate your lifestyle while prying into personal details to see how they can achieve what you have with talks about the possibility of moving here, followed by even more questions seeking tons of free advice on the subject.

At times it would be like watching a lottery winner blow through their winnings, only to end up bankrupt within a year.

You learn a lot about people’s true characters during these visits, even if you’ve known them for decades. And you try to remind yourself they're just happy to be on vacation.

Once they settle in, they often want to celebrate their arrival, expecting you to drop everything. And heaven forbid you have a wine rack—that's like an open invitation for a party.

They seem thrilled, but mostly because they feel lucky to have landed a free place to stay, it’s never about seeing you. And they immediately start snapping photos of your property or views to post on social media to show the world where they are at the moment.


Another example was a friend I’d known for almost 15 years. We met back in my home country, and he was always outgoing, funny, and successful. He moved back to Europe a few years after me and landed a great job in another country. During one of our chats, he casually asked if he could stay with me for a short number of days, dropping hints inquiring about the size of my property and whether I had all the amenities he wanted for his four-day stay.

When he arrived, it was lovely to see him—at first. But as he settled in, his personality began to shift. He started drinking early upon arrival and then decided to shave his chest in one of my bathrooms, leaving a mess of pubes all over the floor and it went from there.

He expected me to split the bill for groceries, even though he had picked out 80% of the high-end items compared to my 20%, but you let it go. Most of the food ended up going to waste since he dismissed my work commitments and wanted to eat out for each meal of the day at restaurants only with "hot, straight waiters," that he thought he could attract and convince to be gay, and the bill would always be high due to his level of drinking.

He kept insisting I take time off work, ignoring the fact that it was my busiest season. When I suggested he explore on his own, he seemed unwilling until practically pushed yet claimed to be worldly and well traveled.

After several days of his boorish behavior, which included drunken outbursts, grandiose and clearly fabricated stories, and attempts to socially climb by demanding introductions to my contacts in Monaco and the French Riviera (which wasn’t going to happen), I realized his true intentions.

It all came to a head one evening on the terrace of a gay bar in Nice, where he got incredibly drunk and loudly shouted a racist slur at new friends we had met, one who was Asian, loudly stating, “I hate fucking Asians!” He then stormed off down the street, leaving everyone in shock.

Upon his return, the new friends left (but kept in touch with me). He wanted to try and find a sex club, so I came home.

In the early morning hours when he returned, I could hear him fake crying while he walked up the street. I begrudgingly let him in, told him to go to bed while he still fake cried. I went to my bedroom where I could then hear him take a shower (still fake crying), he came downstairs to the dining room area, where I heard a ream of barf hitting the floor. I got up and outside the bedroom could see he was nude, and still fake crying. I told him to get to bed, as I went to my bedroom, he went to the kitchen area where he barfed on the floor again. Then he decided to go to bed.

I got up, cleaned up the barf (worried it would ruin the finish of the hardwood floor and knowing he wasn’t capable of doing it). He ended up sleeping until the afternoon. When he got up, I asked him what he remembered, which was nothing. Then he crashed on the living room sofa again. I woke him up after a short while, asked him again about the evening, to no recollection. I told him what he did, he ended up feeling more bad for himself than his actions.

This was the breaking point. I let him stay one more night, but I laid down strict rules: no more drinking, no going out, it was over.


Another recent experience involved a friend I’d known since we were 16 years old. She reached out to me a few months ago after otherwise very little contact, as her daughter was accepted to a local university, and she needed help with logistics. I offered to let her stay with me for a few days while she got her daughter settled. Then she asked if a friend could stay too—a friend from 25 years ago. I had the space, so I agreed.

What followed was a series of events that increasingly became bizarre involving her friend, where they both went on non-stop drinking binges at all hours of the day and night while passing out in between.

The friend’s friend at one point got up one morning while I was working online in my bedroom, only for me to discover when I heard the shuffling around that she had gone outside of my property onto the street, completely nude to take photos of the area.

When I saw her turn to come back inside, I quickly went back to my bedroom and she continued to roam through my home nude. Finally, to try and put a stop to it, I caught her eye and pretended to be surprised, offering her a towel to cover up. She denied it, instead putting a throw pillow over her breasts and vagina, while talking to me about her body, claiming my friend she shared a bed with was also nude and they went into some action during the night. None of which I cared about, I just didn’t want her to be walking around nude in my home.

The next few hours got stranger as she finally put some panties on and a blouse she left unbuttoned. She tried to feel me up a few times while I yelled “No!”, each time, insisting I also get nude (wasn’t happening), later wanting to know if I would join her in the shower and if knew where to get cocaine.

Looking back, I should’ve kicked her out. The friend that was to initially stay for 4 days stayed for a week, her crazy friend was to stay for 3 days but stayed for 5 days and the visit got increasingly stressful and weird filled with outrageous antics the whole time with them being drunk basically the whole stay.

Experiences like these teach you a lot about people and about setting boundaries. While I understand the appeal of visiting a beautiful place like the French Riviera, it’s clear that many people see it as a chance to live out a fantasy at someone else’s expense, without considering the lengthy costs in every regard to their host.

For those that love and enjoy having people come and visit, kudos. For myself, I just don’t think it is a part of who I am and my lifestyle so anytime someone now wants a holiday stay, my answer will be that I’m not available.