Thursday, April 10, 2025
U.S. buyers are flocking to the Côte d’Azur
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Rencontres Cinématographiques In&Out 2025
Over the course of twelve days, attendees can look forward to approximately thirty film screenings, many of which are premieres. The festival also features interactions with artists and a variety of related events such as exhibitions, readings, performances, and conferences that delve into themes pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community.
This year, In&Out celebrates “lesbian genius” with a dedicated weekend focused on lesbian visibility. Alongside a striking poster by Romy Alizée, the program includes screenings, talks, roundtables, readings, and workshops—all honoring women who love women.
A special spotlight will be given to Florent Gouëlou (aka Javel Habibi), a filmmaker and drag performer, who will bring the spirit of his legendary Parisian nights at La Flèche d'Or.
Amid rising global tensions and growing reactionary politics, the festival turns to voices of resistance. Abdellah Taïa (Morocco) and Karim Kattan (Palestine), both acclaimed writers, will share their perspectives on identity, belonging, and the place of LGBTQIA+ communities in today’s world.
The festival’s Panorama section offers a rich lineup of premieres, including:
Mascarpone – The Rainbow Cake by Alessandro Guida (Italy)
Egoist by Daishi Matsunaga (Japan)
All the Pleasure Is for Me by Sacha Amaral (Argentina)
Slow by Marija Kavtaradze (Lithuania) – a tender take on asexuality
On Guard by Nelicia Low (Singapore) – a tense thriller in the world of fencing
Me, My Mother and the Others by Iair Said (Argentina)
Oslo Trilogy: Desire / Love / Dreams by Dag Johan Haugerud (Norway)
In&Out will also pay tribute to trailblazing voices. A retrospective honors Lionel Soukaz, a beloved filmmaker and friend of the festival, through his seminal work Race d’Ep (1979). In doing so, it also commemorates Magnus Hirschfeld, the first LGBTQIA+ rights activist, who died in exile in Nice 90 years ago.
The legendary Paul Vecchiali will be remembered through films from his iconic production company, Diagonale.
Short films take center stage once more with the return of the popular “Queer-métrage” Night and the launch of "Short en queer DIY"—a 12-day filmmaking challenge open to creatives of all levels.
By celebrating queer cinema in all its forms and encouraging its production, In&Out continues to answer the essential need for queer visibility, culture, and storytelling.
Friday, April 4, 2025
The Trump Effect on Côte d’Azur Real Estate
Regardless of where you stand politically, the so-called “Trump Effect”—as it’s increasingly being referred to in Europe—is already leaving its mark here on the Côte d’Azur. While we watch events unfold from afar, the ripple effects are being felt in several areas of daily life, especially within the local real estate market.
As a Canadian expat, I started discussing these trends with partner agencies well before the U.S. presidential election. As there has been a noticeable uptick in inquiries from Americans considering their options—many of whom were clearly contemplating a Plan B. What was once a cautious curiosity has now been evolving into concrete decisions.
And here in France, that shift is unmistakably underway.
See what we are about on Instagram.
Connect with us at Experience The French Riviera.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Weekend Bear by Bear d'Azur
The heart of the weekend is the official Mister Bear d'Azur election. Candidates—gay men with beards (even short ones!)—are chosen for their community spirit and inclusive energy. The winner will proudly represent the bear community in the region and beyond.
Four partner establishments will host themed parties, social gatherings, and special activities throughout the weekend.
More than just a party, this event fosters a strong sense of belonging while promoting the bear community within the broader LGBTQ+ landscape.
Participation Details
Weekend Package or Saturday-Only Pass Available
Advance ticket purchase is mandatory—no sales at the door! This ensures accurate attendance numbers and maintains special pricing with our partner venues.
For the full program and ticket details, visit the official Bear d'Azur website.
To buy your ticket, click here, available on helloasso!
These events are open to anyone of any gender.
Merci to our partners at La Cave Wilson, Le 7 Nice, Le Sunset-Nice, Le 6 - Nightclub, Le Swing, RenDezVous Underwear, and our guest Drag LA VELUE and STACH'
Friday, March 28, 2025
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025: A Cultural Highlight
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Cannes Film Festival 2025: Secure Your Last-Minute Property Rental
The 78th Cannes Film Festival will light up the French Riviera from May 13 to 24, 2025, with the celebrated French actress Juliette Binoche presiding as the event’s jury president. Her appointment adds a touch of prestige to an already iconic occasion, renowned worldwide for its cinematic excellence.

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We, along with our agency partners, still have a selection of exclusive properties available for this period, but they are expected to be booked quickly as the festival approaches. Secure your villa now to avoid missing out!
Connect with us at Experience The French Riviera.
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Bal de la Rose 2025 Monaco
Get your tickets here.
Monaco Celebrates Tourism Triumph

Now, with 2025 in full swing, officials are determined to maintain this positive momentum.
Friday, March 21, 2025
La Gioia to Debut Drag Queen Cabaret
La Gioia, situated at 10 Boulevard Dubouchage in Nice, is a modern restaurant celebrated for its Mediterranean cuisine and inviting atmosphere.
Blending delicious food, soothing cocktails, stunning decor, and adaptable spaces, Gioia has established itself as a standout dining experience in Nice.
And as a first for Gioia, the restaurant is hosting a fabulous Drag Queen cabaret dinner on March 29th, starting at 19h30 and offering an array of artistic performances in an elegant and festive atmosphere.
Reservations for this event are highly recommended for what will be a most memorable event!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Closed Until 2026
Real Estate and the LGBTQ+ Community on the French Riviera
Is Now the Time for LGBTQ+ Individuals to Move or Invest in the French Riviera?
However, in recent years, it has also become an increasingly attractive location for LGBTQ+ individuals looking to relocate or invest in a secondary home and even more so now with the political environment in the United States.
With its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, strong legal protections, and vibrant community, now is the perfect time to consider making the move.
In fact, I find it far more affordable than my hometown of Vancouver, BC—and significantly safer.
Beyond its real estate appeal, France’s stable political climate and strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights make the Riviera an ideal choice for those seeking both security and inclusivity in their new home.
Beyond its beauty, the French Riviera offers an exceptional quality of life, from world-class cuisine and vineyards to stunning beaches and outdoor activities. The area is well-connected with international airports in Nice and Marseille, making it easy to travel between major global cities. For those looking to maintain a second home, frequent flights and train connections ensure accessibility year-round.
This is the place where people in general find the ultimate work/life balance.
A Thriving LGBTQ+ Social Scene
The Riviera is home to a growing LGBTQ+ community, with dedicated social spaces, inclusive businesses, and regular events that foster a sense of belonging. Nice, for instance, is widely recognized as the LGBTQ+ capital of the South of France, offering numerous bars, beaches, and cultural events tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Additionally, nearby places like Cannes, Grasse, Saint Tropez and Provence provide further opportunities to engage with like-minded people. Even the Principality of Monaco has become more progressive over the years with an annual Pride event.
Now is an opportune time for LGBTQ+ individuals to invest in the French Riviera. With its combination of inclusivity, natural beauty, economic stability, and cultural vibrancy, the region presents the perfect backdrop for both permanent relocation and secondary homeownership.
With just over 14 years experience in the real estate market, I am upfront with my clients to help them navigate the real estate industry and what to expect lifestyle wise in the region. I have cultivated the best business partners and connections pertaining to anything real estate related (notaries, mortgage brokers, banking, etc), all of whom I have made aware of the importance of the LGBTQ+ community and are willing to help guide you in this new journey.
Whether seeking a serene coastal retreat or an active urban experience, the French Riviera is more than just a dream—it’s a welcoming reality waiting to be embraced.
Let’s get your new journey started at Experience The French Riviera.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Now Is the Best Time to Book a Luxury Villa Rental in the French Riviera
If you're dreaming of a luxurious escape to the French Riviera, now is the ideal time to book your villa rental. While summer may seem far off, the most stunning properties are already being reserved. Securing your villa early ensures you have access to the widest selection at the best rates before availability becomes limited and prices become highly competitive.
The Best Selection at the Best Prices
As the peak summer season approaches, the demand for luxury villa rentals skyrockets. Waiting too long to book means fewer options to choose from and significantly higher rental rates. Right now, agencies have the broadest selection of properties available, meaning you can find a villa that perfectly matches your needs in terms of location, amenities, and budget.
Set Realistic Expectations
When
searching for a luxury villa, it's essential to come in with realistic
expectations. Properties steps to a beach with private pools command
premium prices, and larger villas accommodating more guests naturally
cost more. To find the best option within your budget, consider what
amenities are non-negotiable and where you may be flexible.
Your
budget range is the most important thing. We want to respect that for
you. There are easily 500+ property rental options in the region. The
rates can run anywhere from 20k euros to 200k plus euros per week so the
more overall details help us narrow down the search in the database for
you.
Understanding Rental Terms
Luxury
villa rentals in the French Riviera typically operate on a per-week
basis, with many requiring a minimum two-week stay. This standard
practice ensures exclusivity and comfort for guests. When inquiring
about availability, be clear on your preferred dates, the number of
guests, desired location, and budget to streamline the selection
process.
If it is your first time visiting the
region, speak with us so we can learn more about what your interests are
and which have the best local amenities to suit your lifestyle as each
town and area has its own sense of character.
Act Now Before It’s Too Late
Booking
now gives you more time to carefully choose your ideal villa, but
hesitation can mean missing out on the property you truly want. This is
the time of year when serious inquiries turn into confirmed
reservations, making it crucial to act quickly if you have a specific
villa in mind.Work Closely with a Trusted Agency
The
more details you provide to your rental agent, the faster and more
efficiently they can find you the perfect villa. Staying loyal to one
reputable agency ensures the best service, as they will prioritize your
needs. Shopping around with multiple agencies can quickly lead to
confusion, as the rental market in the French Riviera is a tight-knit
community.
If word spreads and it appears that
you're not serious, it could hurt your chances of securing a prime
property because less agents (sadly) will want to offer their guidance
as their time is tight, and they need to concentrate on the client who
is moving towards a booking.
Final Thoughts
The French Riviera offers some of the world’s most exquisite luxury villa rentals, but competition is fierce. Booking now gives you access to the best selection, the most competitive rates, and the advantage of time. Ensure you communicate clearly with your chosen agency, provide all necessary details upfront, and act fast to secure your dream villa before it’s gone.
That being said, feel free to connect with us directly at Experience The French Riviera or even get a better idea of our property options on Instagram.