Friday, February 27, 2026

Le Cannet: Sauna Le 9 (Sauna Le Neuf)

 

Just minutes from the glamour of Cannes — famous for its film festival, yachts, and Riviera sparkle — you’ll find a more low-key but well-known local institution: Sauna Le 9, also called Sauna Le Neuf. Located in nearby Le Cannet, this adult sauna has carved out a niche as a relaxed, social space that blends traditional heat-based wellness with a lively, open-minded atmosphere.

A Different Side of the Riviera

While Cannes is known for five-star spas and beach clubs, Sauna Le 9 offers something more intimate and community-oriented. It caters primarily to adults seeking both relaxation and social interaction. The clientele is predominantly male, particularly during weekday afternoons, while weekends tend to draw a broader and more energetic crowd.


Set within a commercial zone just outside central Cannes, the venue spans approximately 300 square meters — large enough to offer variety, yet compact enough to feel familiar and social rather than overwhelming.

Facilities & Layout

 

Sauna Le 9 combines classic spa features with dedicated social areas. Visitors can expect:

  • Traditional dry sauna

  • Steam hammam

  • Private cabins

  • Dark room and sling area for consenting adults

  • Bar and lounge space

The sauna and hammam provide the core wellness element — ideal for muscle relaxation and decompression. The jacuzzi area often acts as a natural meeting point, while the bar and lounge create a more conversational setting. The terrace offers fresh air and a quieter moment away from the interior heat.

The overall atmosphere shifts depending on the time of day. Early afternoons tend to be calmer and more spa-like. Evenings — particularly Fridays and Saturdays — become more animated, with themed nights that extend the social energy later into the night.

Social Scene & Events


Sauna Le 9 is more than just a sauna; it’s a gathering place. Themed weekend events bring in a lively mix of locals and visitors from across the Côte d’Azur. During these evenings, the venue leans into a more festive, party-style ambiance, while maintaining its intimate layout.

For regulars, it functions as a consistent social hub — one of the few dedicated spaces of its kind in the Cannes area.

Reputation & Experience

Feedback from visitors often highlights:

  • Clean and well-maintained facilities

  • Friendly, approachable staff

  • A welcoming atmosphere for newcomers

As with any adult social venue, experiences vary depending on timing and personal expectations. Some guests appreciate the straightforward, no-frills nature of the space, while others note that the crowd dynamics can shift significantly between weekdays and weekends.

Practical Overview

Opening hours generally begin around midday during the week, with extended evening hours on weekends. Its location in Le Cannet makes it easily accessible from central Cannes by car (with free parking) or short uber/taxi ride.

Final Take

Sauna Le 9 stands as a distinctive part of the Riviera’s social landscape — less about luxury branding and more about community and connection. In a city defined by red carpets and polished glamour, it offers something more grounded and discreet.

If you’re exploring the wider social and wellness scene beyond the beaches and boutiques of Cannes, Sauna Le 9 represents a different — and for many, valued — side of the Côte d’Azur experience.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

France at the Summit

 

If there were a global podium for tourism, France would still be standing on the top step.

In 2025, France welcomed a record-breaking 102 million international visitors—two million more than in 2024. That’s 3% year-over-year growth and an impressive 13% increase compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. While other countries are recovering, France is accelerating.

Tourism leaders highlighted the sector’s strength and resilience, pointing to rising overnight stays and a continued surge in global appeal. The message is clear: France isn’t just back. It’s thriving.

A Close Race with Spain — But France Holds the Edge

Spain remains a formidable competitor, recording roughly 97 million international visitors in 2025. The gap between the two countries has narrowed to about 5 million visitors — far slimmer than in 2022.

But where France truly pulls ahead is in revenue.

International tourism revenues reached a record €77.5 billion in 2025, up 9% from the previous year. The revenue advantage over Spain now stands at approximately 36%. Back in the early 2000s, the two nations were nearly neck and neck. Today, France not only attracts more visitors — it captures significantly more value per stay.

Big Spenders, Bigger Growth

European visitors led overall growth, with overnight stays rising 5%. Meanwhile, North American travelers surged dramatically, with hotel stays increasing 17%.

More than 5 million Americans chose France in 2025, despite global economic uncertainty.

Spending also climbed. The average international visitor now spends €760 per stay, a 7% increase. The tourism trade surplus hit €20.1 billion, reinforcing tourism as one of France’s strongest economic pillars.

Looking Ahead: €100 Billion by 2030

France isn’t slowing down. The government has its sights set on an ambitious target: €100 billion in tourism revenue by 2030. Sustainability and accessibility are central to the strategy.

At the same time, the hospitality market has shifted upscale. Between 2019 and 2025:

  • 4- and 5-star hotels increased by 22%

  • 5-star campsite pitches rose by 30%

  • Overall hotel numbers remained stable

Quality has gone up — but affordability pressures remain a concern, especially as domestic travel patterns evolve.

Changing Travel Habits

While international arrivals surged, French domestic overnight stays declined by 5% in 2025. Outbound travel rose by 4%, with many French travelers heading to Spain and Southern Europe. French spending abroad climbed to €57.4 billion.

Early projections for 2026 point to continued global growth.

France remains the world’s tourism powerhouse — blending heritage, gastronomy, coastline, countryside, alpine escapes, and cultural capital in one unmatched package.

And What About the French Riviera?

Within this national success story, the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) remains one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe.

The region welcomes over 11 million visitors annually, including roughly:

  • 5 million international tourists

  • 6 million domestic visitors

  • More than 75 million overnight stays per year

From Nice to Monaco, Cannes to Saint-Tropez, demand for luxury accommodation continues to intensify — particularly for private villas during peak season.

A Smart Move Right Now

With visitor numbers at historic highs and international demand accelerating, premium villa inventory is tightening quickly. The best properties — sea-view estates, gated retreats, centrally located designer homes — are often secured months in advance.

Waiting too long can mean:

  • Reduced selection

  • Higher seasonal pricing

  • Competitive bidding for top-tier rentals

If you’re considering a stay on the French Riviera, the smart strategy is simple:reserve your preferred villa now while rates are still favorable and availability remains strong.

In a record-breaking tourism market, hesitation can be expensive.

Contact: Experience The French Riviera

Monday, February 23, 2026

ParadX Cannes: A Discreet Playground

 

Situated in the glamorous city of Cannes, ParadX has quietly built a reputation as one of the Côte d’Azur’s most established LGBTQ+ adult venues. For years, it has served both locals and international visitors seeking a space that blends retail, exploration, and private social connection — all within an atmosphere of discretion and respect.


More than just an adult boutique,
ParadX operates as a space designed specifically for gay, bi, and queer men. The front of the venue features a well-stocked adult store offering toys, accessories, lubricants, fetish wear, and premium men’s underwear. The selection ranges from classic essentials to more specialized items, catering to different tastes and levels of experience. Whether you’re curious, experienced, or simply browsing, the retail area provides a welcoming and judgment-free environment.


Beyond the shop, ParadX opens into a private club setting reserved for adults (18+). The venue includes screening areas, private cabins, and dedicated cruising spaces that allow guests to connect in a controlled and consensual environment. The layout has been designed to create both shared and intimate experiences, giving visitors the freedom to choose their level of interaction. Regular themed evenings and extended opening hours add to the venue’s appeal, especially during the busy Riviera season.

 

What truly sets ParadX apart is its emphasis on privacy and discretion. Located in a safe area away from the most crowded tourist corridors of Cannes, the venue maintains a low-profile exterior. Inside, the atmosphere is respectful and focused on personal boundaries. For many guests — whether traveling from elsewhere in France or visiting from abroad — that sense of confidentiality is essential. It offers the freedom to explore without fear of exposure or judgment.

In a region better known for film festivals and luxury yachts, ParadX provides something different: a space dedicated to adult expression within the LGBTQ+ community. It reflects the quieter, more underground side of Riviera nightlife — intimate, discreet, and confidently unapologetic.

For those seeking connection, curiosity, or simply a safe and private environment to explore, ParadX remains one of Cannes’ enduring LGBTQ+ destinations.

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Sun, Strategy & Success: Why Smart Riviera Homeowners Choose the Right Partners

 

Owning property on the French Riviera isn’t just about sea views and long lunches. It’s a business. A beautiful, sun-drenched, occasionally champagne-fuelled business — but a business nonetheless.

From the hills above Cannes and the waterfronts of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, homeowners quickly discover that renting a property means juggling multiple layers at once: guest experience, logistics, maintenance, marketing, compliance, and above all — timing. The Riviera season waits for no one.

That’s why working here demands more than local knowledge. It requires agility across markets, cultures, and standards.

Local Expertise Meets International Reach

For over a decade, Experience The French Riviera has built a reputation for being deeply hands-on in the region. This isn’t remote management or distant oversight. It’s boots-on-the-ground coordination — managing guest bookings, organising cleaning and maintenance teams, overseeing property preparation, and ensuring that each arrival feels effortless for both owner and guest.

But the Riviera doesn’t operate in isolation. Today’s property owners often think globally — and so should their management partners.

That’s where the collaboration with Dolce Vita adds another dimension. With operations extending from their Mayfair office in London, Dolce Vita manages over 500 short-let properties worldwide. Their international infrastructure and marketing reach complement the Riviera-based expertise of Experience The French Riviera, creating a seamless bridge between local service and global exposure.

For owners with homes in both France and the UK — or those attracting an international clientele — this synergy matters.

The Reality of Riviera Property Management

Let’s be honest: the French Riviera market is dynamic. High expectations. Tight turnarounds. Guests who have traveled the world and expect the very best.

Effective management here means:

  • Coordinating seasonal bookings with precision

  • Managing cleaning and maintenance teams at short notice

  • Handling guest communication with professionalism and discretion

  • Preparing properties to meet luxury hospitality standards

  • Understanding local regulations and market timing

It’s layered, fast-moving, and detail-driven. And when done well, it transforms a property into a consistently performing asset rather than a sporadic holiday rental.

A Head Start on the Season

If you own property in the Riviera and are considering listing it, timing is everything. The strongest bookings are often secured well before peak season begins.

By partnering with a team that understands both the local nuances of the French Riviera and the expectations of international short-let markets, you position your property ahead of the curve — not scrambling to catch up.

Whether you’re new to short-term rentals or looking to elevate your current management structure, the right collaboration can make all the difference.

Ready to make your property work smarter this season?

Contact Experience The French Riviera today and give your home the professional, hands-on management it deserves — with global reach to match.