Saturday, July 11, 2026

Netflix's Emily in Paris Heads to the French Riviera: Casting Call Opens for Local Extras

 


Lights, cameras, Côte d’Azur.

One of Netflix’s biggest global hits, Emily in Paris, is heading to the French Riviera and Monaco as production on Season 6 continues, with filming scheduled between 28 August and 10 September. A casting call has now opened for local extras to appear in scenes expected to showcase the glamour and luxury lifestyle synonymous with the series.

The casting is being handled through Tous les Castings, a French casting platform that connects actors and background performers with film and television productions across France, Belgium and Switzerland.

The production is searching for a broad range of men and women aged 18 and over to portray stylish guests at luxury hotels, fashionable restaurant diners, beach club visitors, yacht party attendees, tourists, business professionals and other background roles that help bring the French Riviera to life on screen. As with previous Emily in Paris casting calls, a polished, elegant and fashionable appearance is a significant advantage, with applicants encouraged to have chic wardrobe options available.

However, there is one requirement that cannot be overlooked.

Applicants must already be living locally, be available during those dates and have the legal right to work in France.

Film productions operating in France cannot simply hire tourists or visitors who happen to be on holiday. Extras must either be French residents, French citizens, citizens otherwise entitled to work in France, or foreign residents who hold a visa or residence permit that legally authorizes employment. Productions are not able to arrange work authorization for background performers on short-term shoots.

For the many international residents who now call the French Riviera home, this could be a rare opportunity to appear in one of Netflix’s most recognisable series. But for visitors hoping to combine a vacation with a day on set, the answer is almost certainly no unless they already possess the legal right to work in France.

Although the exact filming schedule has not been released, production is expected to make use of the spectacular scenery that has become synonymous with the Riviera, including Monaco and surrounding coastal communities. Netflix has already confirmed that Season 6 will include filming in Monaco, continuing the show’s tradition of showcasing iconic European destinations.

Anyone interested in applying should prepare recent photographs, personal measurements, contact details and confirm their availability during the filming window. Casting directors often move quickly when selecting extras, particularly for productions with relatively short shooting schedules.

For aspiring background performers living on the Côte d’Azur, opportunities to work on an international Netflix production do not come around every day. Those who meet the legal work requirements and fit the stylish aesthetic of Emily in Paris may soon find themselves sharing the screen with Lily Collins and the rest of the cast as the glamour of the French Riviera once again takes centre stage.

Friday, July 10, 2026

Monaco's Most Glamorous Night Returns: Everything You Need to Know About the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala


For one evening every summer, Monaco becomes the centre of the international philanthropic and social calendar.

On 18 July 2026, the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala returns to the legendary Salle des Étoiles, bringing together royalty, celebrities, business leaders and philanthropists for one of Europe’s most prestigious charity events.

Presided over by Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who has led the Monaco Red Cross since 1982, the gala continues a tradition that has raised millions of euros for humanitarian projects both within Monaco and around the world.

Founded in 1948, the Monaco Red Cross Gala has become far more than a fundraising dinner. It is an iconic social occasion where world-class entertainment meets charitable giving, all set against the glamour that has made Monaco famous.

A Night of Elegance

Guests arrive in black tie and evening gowns before enjoying an elegant cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner and an evening of exceptional entertainment inside the Salle des Étoiles.

One of the evening’s highlights is the prestigious charity raffle, featuring luxury prizes that have become a hallmark of the gala for decades. Every ticket purchased and donation made helps fund the humanitarian work of the Monaco Red Cross, from emergency disaster relief to medical assistance and local social services.

The gala has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years, including:

  • Billy Idol

  • Robbie Williams

  • Jamiroquai

  • Alicia Keys

Adding to the evening’s prestige, the 2026 gala will present an exclusive preview of SOUL!, a vibrant new show celebrating the enduring legacy of musical legends including Chuck Berry and Little Richard, before it premieres as part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival.

One of Monaco’s Hardest Tickets to Obtain

Unlike many glamorous events on the Riviera, the Monaco Red Cross Gala remains intentionally exclusive.

Ticket Information

For the 77th Monaco Red Cross Gala (18 July 2026):

  • Venue: Salle des Étoiles

  • Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026

  • Dress Code: Black tie and formal evening wear

  • Expected Gala Price: Tickets for the official gala experience start at approximately €1,900 per person, including the gala dinner and the evening’s entertainment. Exclusive hospitality packages offered through authorised partners are available at higher price points

  • Bookings: Availability is limited and reservations generally open through Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

More Than Glamour

While the red carpet, fireworks and celebrity performances often capture international attention, the evening’s true purpose remains unchanged.

Every euro raised supports the humanitarian mission of the Monaco Red Cross, which provides emergency relief, medical assistance, social support and disaster response both locally and internationally. Under the patronage of the Grimaldi family for nearly eight decades, the gala continues to demonstrate how Monaco combines luxury with philanthropy on a world stage.

For visitors planning a summer on the French Riviera, the Monaco Red Cross Gala remains one of the season’s defining events—a spectacular evening where elegance, generosity and Monaco’s timeless glamour come together in unforgettable fashion.

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Monaco Pride 2026: A Small Celebration With a Big Impact

 


Monaco Pride 2026 proved once again that the size of an event is no measure of its significance.

Now in its fifth year since launching in 2022, Monaco Pride continues to carve out its own identity. Unlike many Pride celebrations around the world, there is still no parade weaving through the streets of the Principality, no large-scale march, and no colourful procession stretching along the harbour.

Yet somehow, that feels entirely authentic.

Rather than trying to replicate larger international Pride events, Monaco has embraced a format that reflects the character and scale of the Principality itself. Monaco Pride has become an intimate yet influential gathering where government representatives, business leaders, community organizations and members of the LGBTQIA+ community come together to celebrate diversity while advancing meaningful conversations about equality.

This year’s event carried an even greater sense of optimism.

The evening’s panel brought together women who have each played an important role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights in Monaco.

Laure Bernardi of Mon Arc-en-Ciel spoke about the association’s ongoing work to build a more inclusive and welcoming Principality, while Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo outlined the Government’s June 29 commitment to introducing civil union legislation. Completing the panel was Avocat-Défenseur Sarah Filippi, who has become a leading legal voice in the fight for marriage equality and continues to champion full legal recognition for same-sex couples in Monaco. 

And the always lovely Annette Anderson also spoke from the heart as to who the Mon Arc-en-Ciel are and why their work and fundraising is so important to the cause.

The announcements surrounding civil union legislation gave the evening an unmistakable sense of momentum. Throughout the room, there was genuine excitement and hope that years of patient advocacy are finally beginning to translate into meaningful legislative progress.

The message was simple. The LGBTQIA+ community is not asking for special treatment or additional rights beyond anyone else. It is asking for the same fundamental equality and legal recognition enjoyed by every other citizen.

Held in the spacious private reception venue above the new Stars of Monaco restaurant overlooking Port Hercule, the designated two-hour celebration quickly reached capacity. Guests from every corner of Monaco and the wider French Riviera gathered together, creating an atmosphere that was welcoming, relaxed and full of energy.

As the evening unfolded, conversations flowed freely, new friendships were formed, and the official programme naturally extended well beyond its scheduled finish.

Entertainment throughout the evening added another memorable dimension to the celebration. Local drag icon Manel Dalgo captivated the audience with spectacular performances, while an array of talented singers ensured the atmosphere remained vibrant from beginning to end.


Beyond the entertainment, however, the real achievement of Monaco Pride 2026 was the sense of community that filled the room. It demonstrated how meaningful progress often begins not through grand spectacles but through dialogue, visibility and the determination of dedicated individuals working together.

Much of that progress is owed to the tireless efforts of the Mon Arc-en-Ciel Association, whose years of advocacy have steadily helped move LGBTQIA+ equality further into Monaco’s public conversation. Their persistence is now beginning to produce tangible results, offering hope that civil unions may soon become a reality and that the journey toward full marriage equality will continue.

Monaco may host one of Europe’s smallest Pride celebrations, but once again it proved that its impact reaches far beyond the size of the Principality itself.

If Monaco Pride 2026 demonstrated anything, it is that genuine inclusion is built one conversation, one relationship and one legislative victory at a time. The future for Monaco’s LGBTQIA+ community has never looked brighter.

Photos courtesy of Frederic Nebinger and Sebastian Rocca

Trusted Relocation & Liaison Advisory Services, Built on First-Hand Experience

 

Few places in the world inspire dreams of a fresh start quite like the French Riviera. Every year, people take the first steps toward making that dream a reality. Some are retiring, others are searching for a slower pace of life, a second home, or simply a fresh beginning in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

Yet relocating to France is about far more than buying a property or obtaining a visa. It’s about understanding the realities of everyday life, making informed decisions, and having someone local you can genuinely trust.

For many years, this has been a natural extension of my work alongside property sales, villa rentals, and writing about life on the Côte d’Azur. After seeing how often clients sought practical guidance beyond real estate, I decided to formalise that experience into a dedicated Relocation & Liaison Advisory service.

Having lived on the French Riviera for well over a decade—and having first discovered the region during annual visits from Canada beginning in 1990—I have experienced both the excitement and the challenges of building a life here. Those years have provided not only local knowledge but also an extensive network of trusted professionals across the region.

Why Local Experience Matters

Relocating to another country is one of life’s biggest decisions.

Unfortunately, the growth of AI-generated relocation content and self-proclaimed relocation experts has made it increasingly difficult to separate genuine local experience from online marketing. Today, it is easy to find relocation guides written by people with very limited first-hand experience or consultations offered by individuals who have only recently arrived themselves while charging premium rates.

There is certainly more information available than ever before, but information alone does not replace years of living, working, and building relationships within a community.

My real estate and villa rental clients regularly tell me they feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice online. Even after arriving in France, new questions continue to arise. Having someone established locally who understands both the practical realities and the lifestyle can make the entire process significantly easier.

How I Can Help

Every relocation is different. My role is to help you avoid costly mistakes, save valuable time, and make informed decisions based on genuine local knowledge rather than assumptions.

I can assist with:

  • Choosing the right town or neighbourhood

  • Understanding the differences between communities throughout the Riviera

  • Rental strategies before purchasing a property

  • Property searches and local market guidance

  • Schools and family considerations

  • Healthcare and everyday practicalities

  • Banking and administrative processes

  • Internet and utility providers

  • Visa suggestions

  • Reliable tradespeople and local service providers

  • Notaries, architects and other professionals

  • Lifestyle planning before your move

  • Honest expectations about daily life on the Côte d’Azur

Having lived in different parts of the Riviera and experienced every type of property—from studio apartments to luxury villas—I understand that every town has its own character, rhythm, advantages, and compromises.

Many people initially believe they have found the perfect place after a vacation, only to discover later that another community would suit their lifestyle much better. The Riviera should never be rushed. My role is to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence so that your decision is based on how you want to live rather than how you spent a week’s vacation.

Practical Guidance Beyond Property


Relocating successfully is about much more than finding a home.

Over the years I have dealt with rental requirements, property purchases, internet providers, banks, insurance, architects, notaries, renovations, various tradespeople, villa and apartment management, and countless unexpected situations that inevitably arise when living abroad.

No question is too small. Sometimes clients simply need reassurance. Sometimes they need practical advice. Other times they need an introduction to the right professional.

If something falls outside my expertise, I won’t pretend otherwise. Instead, I will introduce you to one of the trusted professionals within my local network who can provide the specialist advice you need.

Built on Relationships

One of the greatest advantages I can offer is the network I have built throughout the Côte d’Azur.

I work with professionals and businesses that I know to be reliable, responsive, and reputable because I value my clients’ time and expect the same level of professionalism from everyone I recommend.

Those relationships have been developed over many years and are based on mutual trust, not online directories or paid referrals.

About Experience The French Riviera

In 2011, I began documenting life on the Côte d’Azur and since then have also worked with tourism organisations throughout the region, promoting local destinations, events, and practical visitor information. This is also around the time my passion for properties both old and new in the Riviera came into play.

Over time, my writing evolved beyond travel to focus on the people, communities, culture, and everyday experiences that make this region so special. The French Riviera has never been just about luxury property and yachts. It is a diverse, vibrant place where people from around the world build lives, businesses, and lasting friendships.

Through this work I have connected with clients across the globe, appeared on numerous podcasts discussing relocation, retirement, lifestyle, real estate, and even the LGBTQ+ community, and helped people discover whether life on the Côte d’Azur is truly right for them.

Many of my clients come from North America, and my Canadian background often provides an immediate point of connection. Having experienced international relocation myself, I understand both the practical challenges and the emotional aspects of starting over in another country.

A Personal Commitment

From my earliest visits to the French Riviera, I felt a strong connection to this remarkable region.

It has given me opportunities, friendships, and a life I could never have imagined. In return, I have always believed in representing the Côte d’Azur honestly—celebrating its extraordinary qualities while also being realistic about the practicalities of living here.

That same philosophy guides every client relationship.

My goal is never simply to help someone move to France. It is to help them decide whether this lifestyle genuinely fits their goals and, if it does, to make that transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Relocating to France should be exciting—not overwhelming. Life has a way of coming together here.

Whether you are exploring the idea, planning your move, searching for property, or simply looking for honest local advice, I would be delighted to help.

The process begins with a relaxed 30-minute introductory conversation where we discuss your plans, answer your questions, and determine whether I am the right person to assist you. If I’m not, I’ll happily introduce you to someone who is.

There is never any pressure to continue. Some people need ongoing guidance throughout their relocation, while others simply benefit from a conversation that provides clarity and direction.

Bring your questions. Take notes. Don’t hold back.

Honest conversations lead to better decisions.

I look forward to helping you discover whether the Côte d’Azur could become your next home—just as it became mine.

Contact: Info@experiencethefrenchriviera.com