Read The Room - Bookstore & Café in Nice

 

It has been said that estimates indicate there are tens of thousands of English-speaking and even more so, bilingual expatriates living in the region, particularly in cities like Nice, a cultural hub in the French Riviera.

So when I noticed online a new bookshop and café aptly called, “Read The Room” having recently opened in Nice, I had to check it out. I was delighted to meet the owners, Danaé and Andrea at their establishment, located near Place Garibaldi at 3 rue Papon.

Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what inspired you to open an English bookshop and café in Nice?

My mom and I had already been living in the South of France for just over 2 years. We were both talking one day about how fun it would be to open our own business together and seeing as we are both avid readers with very little purchasing options in the area, we decided to do it ourselves! It literally happened overnight. It’s easy to be inspired in Nice.

What is the overall vision and mission for your bookshop and café?

We have a very clear vision of being a culture hotspot for English and anglophone expats and tourists. We really want to make our space a place where book lovers can connect over their love of literature and a good cup of coffee (and a delicious slice of cake too!). A big part of our mission is to open our doors to cultural events as well so that the community can stay connected.

How did you come up with the concept for combining a bookshop with a café?

This is a very popular concept overseas especially in the UK, US and South Africa where my mom is from. We wanted to give the option to people to be able to sit and enjoy their book outside of their usual comfort zone. The margins on buying and selling books is also so small, so offering the coffee side (with our menu) helps us stay afloat and enables us to invest in more and diverse book stock.

What kind of atmosphere are you aiming to create for your customers?

In my personal life, I am very passionate about art, books, vintage, interior design and beautiful, aesthetic things that make you feel good. My own apartment feels like a fun museum and that’s the energy we wanted to convey for our customers. A space where you walk in and feel at home immediately. A place where you feel relaxed enough to sit by yourself and enjoy a book, and feel inspired when you look up. My mom and I have a lot of pride in our space and I think it is easily noticeable.

What types of books will you be focusing on in your inventory? I noticed you have an LGBTQ section.

Being inclusive and diverse in our book stock is a top goal and priority for us here at Read The Room. Being two strong women who have always been passionate about equality and human rights, we want our stock to reflect that. Our LGBQT selection is not just available for Pride Month, and we restock it weekly. We place quite a lot of importance in women’s rights, women authors and mental health advocacy books. We are also big on giving a platform and help amplify the voices of marginalized authors who are often silenced or ignored. These are all topics we care deeply about personally and we wanted to incorporate that professionally. 

We also always make sure to check out the latest and bestsellers lists, the women’s literature prize winners and runner ups, TikTok’s booktok community favorites and our selected few Instagram book influencers to guide us and keep us up to date with what the public is reading.

We also don’t forget our children’s books and kiddies’ corner. They are also a very big priority for us as we believe reading is one of the most important aspects of a child’s life to benefit their futures. Keeping the stock fresh, educational but also interactive and fun seems to be working wonders so far!

 

Are there any specific genres or authors you are particularly excited to feature?

Like we mentioned above, we are very big on amplifying the voices of women and marginalized authors and it will always be a priority to seek them out. We are also very excited to feature more “alternative” books in our photography and design selection from Mack Books. We really do love our coffee table books from Assouline and the beautiful photographs they hold. At the moment, we are very focused on featuring Middle-Eastern literature from Arabic and muslim authors for all ages to enjoy and learn from.

Can you describe the kind of food and drinks you will be serving in the café?

We have a small menu made up of small, healthy, and fresh meals that run all day. We have breakfast options like chia seed pudding and granola bowls to nice lunch dishes like a delicious caesar salad or salmon trout  and avocado stuffed croissant. Our avocado toast is definitely a fan favorite! We also bake fresh croissants every morning and all our pastries are homemade. We have the usual range of drinks, teas and coffees and offer matcha specials (we’ve been told they’re the best) and fresh pressed OJ everyday!

 

How do you plan to engage with the local community and build a loyal customer base?

We are mainly using Instagram and Facebook as our means of staying connected with our local community but we are also starting to host more events and do collaborations with people. We also have our loyalty card that customers receive after their first book purchase. We have already had two filled out so they are popular! We also have a community pinboard at the entrance of our store where customers and tourists alike can pin up information and events to advertise and find each other for a variety of activities and offers, most of which are in English.

Will you be hosting any special events or activities, such as book readings, author signings, or book clubs?

We have already hosted a book swap event which went brilliantly, people loved the idea of being able to drop books off and swap out second hand books to take home. We also have Taste Taste Thursdays, which consists of cooking a meal from a new cookbook we choose in the store every Thursday. We have a book signing coming up in July and another in August. We are also introducing the kiddies reading corner on Wednesdays: we will choose a book to read for 30 minutes every Wednesday in the kid’s corner. Every book will have a lesson or activity.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in setting up the bookshop and café? Especially since it seems to be a focus towards the English speaking community in France. Did you feel this is something the expat community needs and was asking for?

The English community was definitely waiting for this. The main feedback we received was that this was really needed. There wasn’t a library in a 30 minute vicinity from Nice where you could find a nice, extended selection of English books covering a variety of genres, especially for children. Read The Room has quickly become a spot for locals to come and have a coffee, enjoy a chat, have a nice salad and buy or order a new book for themselves or a friend. 

The biggest challenge we faced was all the red tape that comes with French bureaucracy and admin. Even when you are French, the French are difficult, haha. But we were lucky in most aspects. 

Do you have any personal favorite books or authors that have influenced your decision to open this shop?

This is a very difficult question to answer. 

We have too many favorite books and authors but one that really stuck with me recently is ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jenette McCurdy. I was totally awestruck by her courage and bravery. It’s crazy to look back and think I was 12 years old watching her on TV while she was going through hell on earth and hiding it so well. My mom recently read ‘A Woman is No Man’, by Etaf Rum, an American Palestinian author. We are always and what we read is so diverse that I wouldn’t say one particular book is what inspired the book shop. All of the stories we have ever read are part of our own.

What do you hope customers will take away from their experience at your bookshop and café?

A book(s), a good word to a friend or neighbor and a revisit. 

Why did you choose Nice as the location for your business?

It’s the middle ground of everything. It’s in between Monaco and Cannes and with the airport being in Nice, a lot of our clientele is around this area because of tourists and expats. 

What are your future plans for the bookshop and café?

We already want to find a bigger space to have more bookshelves filled with books! We want to add a bigger seating area for reading and eating, as well as sell more art and photography when the opportunity arises to expand. We will soon be getting our terrace confirmed, so we will be adding 4 more tables outside (with shelter of course!) so more people will be able to enjoy our space. 

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your new bookshop and café?

Dogs are welcome and definitely get a puppacino on the house. We take special orders every week and place them on Sundays, which in turn arrive no later than the next Thursday if there are no public holidays etc. We are open to suggestions and book recommendations and anyone is welcome and free to email us should they want to use our space for an event. 

How can people stay updated on your events and new arrivals?

Follow us on Instagram and make sure to turn the post notifications on so you can stay up to date with our newest arrivals, our business updates and events!

As the saying goes, reading is fundamental. Be sure to visit Read The Room the next time you are in Nice.

The Monaco Open Air Cinema 2024

 

If you're seeking a truly wonderful experience in the Principality of Monaco, we recommend spending part of an evening watching a movie under the stars at the Monaco Open Air Cinema.

 

We first wrote about this unique venue a decade ago, but it’s always worth revisiting as it is quite the experience. And as of June 15, it reopens to the public for the height of the summer season.

 

Situated next to the architecturally stunning Oceanography Museum and just a few minutes' walk from the Prince’s Palace, the Monaco Open Air Cinema offers a picturesque setting by the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout the season, you can enjoy a variety of movies, from new releases to vintage classics.

Seating options cater to different comfort levels and budgets, ranging from standard outdoor chairs to more lounge-like areas. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness. Refreshments are available for purchase as well.

The cinema opens at 8:45 pm, with the evening's events starting at 9:30 pm and the movie commencing at 10:00 pm. It's advisable to arrive early, as tickets cannot be purchased online. This traditional approach to cinema-going adds to the charm and memorability of the experience. 

 

A lesser-known fact is that the fortress wall behind the screen is part of the Monaco prison, though there are few windows in the area near the top of the wall.

For a memorable movie-watching experience, spend an evening at the Monaco Open Air Cinema.

A Season On The Sea

 

If sailing and yacht shows are your passion, you’ve definitely come to the right part of France.

From yacht shows to regattas and races across the Mediterranean Sea, the sailing calendar is packed with exciting events over the next few months in the south of France and Monaco.

At the end of June, the Riviera will host a unique regatta called Les Voiles de l’Espoir, an event that occurs only once every two years.

This special regatta aims to involve children in remission from cancer and leukemia in the sport, with professional crews guiding them out on the waves.

The 2024 edition will take place from June 15th to June 22nd, with a scheduled stop in Monaco on June 19th.

In the height of summer, the Palermo-Monte Carlo regatta will set sail from the Gulf of Mondello on August 20th, making its way to the Principality via Porto Cervo. The winner's ceremony is scheduled in Monaco for August 25th. Registrations are still open; for information on how to participate and more details, please visit the event's website.

Later in the season, the 46th Cannes Royal Regattas will take place from September 23rd to 28th. This prestigious event has become one of the world’s premier classic sailing competitions, known for its professional participants and diverse range of categories. Sailors from around the globe, from novices to seasoned professionals, aspire to attend or compete in this regatta.

Down the coast, the annual Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez will be held from September 28th to October 6th. First organized in 1999 by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, this event showcases a stunning mix of classic boats, some over a century old, and cutting-edge modern yachts. Approximately 250 vessels are expected to participate this year.

As part of a local tradition that attracts an international audience, there will be two major yacht shows this Autumn.

First is the Cannes Yacht Show, running from September 10th to 15th, featuring up to 700 yachts.

And of course, the Monaco Yacht Show. This annual event in Port Hercule is scheduled for September 25th to 28th. MYS has established itself as one of the world's premier showcases of innovation and luxury craft, drawing significant international attention.

Pink Parade in Nice 2024: Celebrating Diversity and Pride

 

On June 23, 2024, the vibrant city of Nice will once again host the Pink Parade, a dynamic and colorful celebration dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, and inclusion. This annual event, set against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera, draws thousands of participants and spectators from across the globe, uniting in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and pride.

A History of Advocacy and Celebration

The Pink Parade has its roots in the early 2000s, emerging as a grassroots initiative to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in the region. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most significant Pride events in southern France, symbolizing both the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality.

Highlights of the 2024 Pink Parade

This year's Pink Parade promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring a range of activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain. The festivities will kick off with a colorful parade through the heart of Nice, where participants dressed in an array of costumes and waving rainbow flags will march in a joyful procession.

This year the parade route will start at the Port of Nice at “Place Île de Beauté” close to 4 pm and wind through some of Nice's most iconic streets such as around the port towards and down part of the famous Promenade des Anglais, offering a feast for the eyes and an opportunity for onlookers to join in the celebrations.

After the parade, everyone is welcome to gather at the open air, Théâtre de Verdure, situated between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais for a wide range of free entertainment featuring renowned DJs and performers, the party will provide a space for revelers to dance the night away in a safe environment. And of course, the local nightclubs, bars, and restaurants will be extending that welcome for their own Pride celebratory events.

The Significance of the Pink Parade

The Pink Parade is more than just a festive event; it is a powerful statement of visibility and resilience. For many participants, it represents a rare opportunity to express their true selves openly and without fear. The event also serves as a reminder of the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community continues to face, both in France and around the world.

Community and Support

The success of the Pink Parade is a testament to the strength and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Nice and the broader region. It is supported by numerous local organizations, volunteers, and sponsors, all of whom play a crucial role in making the event a reality. The inclusive nature of the parade invites everyone—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity—to join in the celebration and stand in support of equality and human rights.

Looking Forward

As the Pink Parade in Nice prepares to take to the streets on June 23, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. This year’s event promises to be a memorable occasion, filled with joy, pride, and a shared commitment to a future where everyone can live freely and authentically.

Whether you’re a local resident, a visitor, or a member of the global LGBTQ+ community, the Pink Parade offers an inspiring and uplifting experience that underscores the importance of love, acceptance, and unity. Join the parade, celebrate diversity, and be part of this extraordinary movement towards a more inclusive world.

Happy Pride Everyone!