Tuesday, March 17, 2026

The White Lotus Heads to Saint-Tropez for Season 4 — And They’re Looking for Local Extras


The glittering world of The White Lotus is heading to the French Riviera, with the hit series reportedly setting its fourth season in glamorous Saint-Tropez. Known for its razor-sharp social satire and lavish locations, the Emmy-winning series will bring its signature mix of luxury, intrigue and dark humour to one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations.

Production is expected to take place across the Riviera from April through October 2026, with filming planned at several renowned locations along the coast. While the full list of sites remains under wraps, insiders say scenes will unfold in some of the region’s most recognizable settings — from sun-soaked beach clubs and historic harbours to the grand villas and exclusive hotels that have made the Côte d’Azur famous worldwide.

And for locals, there’s a rare opportunity to step directly into the action.

Casting Call for Riviera Residents

Casting is now open for local extras aged 16 and over, offering residents the chance to appear in one of television’s most talked-about series.

Open casting sessions will be held in Saint-Tropez from:

March 18 to March 21
10:00am – 5:00pm
Salle Jean Despas

No prior acting experience is required — the production team is simply looking for people who live locally and can help bring authentic Riviera life to the screen.

Extras could find themselves appearing in a range of scenes that capture the spirit of Saint-Tropez, from bustling harbour cafés and glamorous beach parties to the everyday rhythm of life in one of the world’s most famous resort towns.

The Riviera Takes the Spotlight

Created by Mike White, The White Lotus has become a global phenomenon for its biting exploration of wealth, privilege and the often absurd world of luxury travel. Previous seasons transported viewers to spectacular destinations including Hawaii and Sicily, with each location becoming a character in its own right.

The French Riviera seems a natural next chapter. With its blend of historic charm, jet-set glamour and breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, Saint-Tropez offers exactly the kind of setting where the show’s sharp storytelling thrives.

Your Chance to Be Part of the Show


For locals, the casting call is more than just an audition — it’s a chance to experience the excitement of a major international production right on their doorstep.

So if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes of a global television hit, this might be the moment.

The Rose Ball Turns 70 — And This Year It’s Going Galactic

 

Monaco’s most glamorous night of the year is preparing to reach dazzling new heights. The legendary Rose Ball returns for its milestone 70th edition on 21 March, transforming the spectacular Salle des Étoiles into a glittering interstellar dreamscape for an evening where elegance, artistry and philanthropy collide.
 
Held under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and presided over by Princess Caroline of Hanover, the gala remains one of the Riviera’s most prestigious social events, bringing together royalty, artists, philanthropists and international tastemakers for a night that is as meaningful as it is magnificent.

Proceeds from the event support the Princess Grace Foundation, continuing the legacy of Grace Kelly, whose passion for culture and the arts still defines the spirit of the evening.

A Cosmic Theme for a Legendary Celebration


For its 70th anniversary, the Rose Ball will launch guests on a journey beyond the stars with the theme “Galaxy Rose Ball.”

Creative direction once again comes from celebrated designer Christian Louboutin, who has been entrusted with shaping the event’s visual universe. Working alongside scenographer Benoît Miniou, the duo will transform the Salle des Étoiles into an immersive cosmic setting — complete with a dramatic monochrome “space shuttle” entrance, glowing portholes shifting colour like distant planets, and a dazzling blend of lasers, lighting and sound that will make guests feel as though they are travelling through the galaxy.

The Rose Ball has always been renowned for its theatrical flair and imaginative staging, but this anniversary edition promises to be one of the most spectacular in its illustrious history.

A Night of Extraordinary Entertainment

As the evening unfolds, guests will be treated to a carefully curated series of performances designed to surprise and delight.

The opening act comes from the celebrated ensemble Rondò Veneziano, whose unique fusion of Baroque elegance and modern rhythm sets the tone for the night. The legendary cabaret Crazy Horse Paris will follow with a mesmerising performance enhanced by kaleidoscopic lighting and graphic projections.

Expect a vibrant mix of artistic performances throughout the evening, including the dynamic dancers of Ballet Kalinka and the imaginative stilt performers from Berlin-based Dulce Compania.

Later in the evening, the dance floor will come alive with a live performance from soul-funk icon Leee John and his band Imagination, before DJ Josh Quinton keeps the celebration going well into the night.

Monaco Glamour at Its Finest

The Rose Ball has long been one of Monaco’s most coveted invitations — an evening where haute couture meets artistic spectacle beneath the Riviera’s most glittering chandeliers.

With tickets starting at around €1,800 per guest, the gala offers far more than a seat at one of the most elegant tables in Europe. It is an opportunity to be part of a legendary tradition — to dine, dance and celebrate in one of the world’s most exclusive settings while supporting an important cultural cause.

For those fortunate enough to secure a place, the 70th Rose Ball promises an unforgettable voyage through glamour, music and cosmic imagination — a night where Monaco proves once again that when it celebrates, it truly does so among the stars.

Saturday, March 14, 2026

The “Espresso Riviera” Returns: A Vintage Night Train Linking Rome to the Côte d’Azur

 

Good news for rail travel lovers and romantics of a bygone era: the vintage “Espresso Riviera” night train is set to return this summer, once again linking Rome with the sun-soaked coastline of the French Riviera.

After a successful debut season, the retro-inspired service will run from June through September, giving travelers a stylish overnight alternative to short-haul flights. And the frequency will increase, with two weekly trips planned (one of which will be on a weekday) and a capacity increased to eleven cars. A third trip could be added depending on demand.

Operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, the train combines classic railway nostalgia with modern comforts, reviving the golden age of Mediterranean rail travel.

A Journey Through the Mediterranean Night

Passengers will depart from Rome in the evening and wake up on one of Europe’s most glamorous coastlines. Along the way the train passes through Italy’s Ligurian Riviera before crossing into France, stopping at iconic destinations including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille.

The route itself is part of the experience. Much of the journey hugs the Mediterranean coastline, with dramatic views of cliffs, seaside villages, and harbors that have inspired travelers for more than a century.

Old-School Luxury on Rails

Unlike modern high-speed trains focused purely on efficiency, the Espresso Riviera leans into elegant travel. The train features vintage-style sleeper compartments, couchettes, and private cabins, allowing travelers to settle in for the night as the train glides quietly along the coast.

A bar car and lounge area add to the retro ambiance, encouraging passengers to socialize over drinks as the Mediterranean night rolls past outside the windows. The concept is intentionally nostalgic—an echo of the elegant night trains that once connected Europe’s great cities before budget airlines transformed travel habits.

A Sign of Europe’s Night Train Revival

The return of the Espresso Riviera is also part of a broader resurgence of night trains across Europe. In recent years, rail operators have been investing in sleeper services as travelers seek more sustainable alternatives to flying, particularly for journeys under 1,000 kilometers.

Routes linking major cities—from Paris to Vienna and Berlin to Brussels—have seen renewed demand, with many passengers rediscovering the appeal of going to bed in one country and waking up in another.

For the Riviera, the train offers something else entirely: a journey that feels less like transport and more like a moving postcard of the Mediterranean.

If the first season is any indication, tickets for the Espresso Riviera could become one of the most coveted rail bookings of the summer—especially for travelers eager to experience the Côte d’Azur the slow, scenic way. As for fares, tickets should start at €44.90 (Marseille-Genoa) and around €94.90 for Marseille-Rome.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in March 2026 on the FS Treni Turistici Italiani website.

Friday, March 13, 2026

OTOM Takes Over NEO VogelART

 

The contemporary art scene in Nice continues to evolve in exciting ways, and this spring one of the city’s most dynamic creative spaces will host a must-see exhibition. From March 20 to April 2, 2026, NEO – art & culture lab x VogelART will present OTOM – Solo Show, an immersive exhibition by the well-known street artist originally from Nice.

The exhibition will officially open with a vernissage on March 20 at 7 p.m., inviting visitors into a world where graffiti, illustration, and urban storytelling collide.

For two weeks, the gallery will be transformed into the vibrant artistic universe of OTOM, offering a rare opportunity to see the work of a local artist who has built a reputation through bold visual language rooted in street culture.

A Creative Pulse in the Port District


Located at 6 bis rue Lascaris in the rapidly evolving Port neighborhood, NEO – art & culture lab x VogelART has quickly become one of the Riviera’s most interesting contemporary art venues.

Opened in 2024, the space was created as a hybrid cultural platform where art, design, fashion, and music intersect. The venue itself has an industrial past — formerly a workshop producing signage and neon — and today it functions as a flexible “creative laboratory” where artists are invited to experiment and transform the space.

Unlike traditional white-cube galleries, NEO thrives on energy and collaboration. Exhibitions often blur boundaries between disciplines, attracting collectors, creatives, and curious locals alike.

It’s exactly the kind of space where a street artist like OTOM can thrive.

OTOM: From the Streets of Nice to the Gallery

Originally from Nice, OTOM built his artistic identity through graffiti and street drawing, developing a distinctive style that blends urban spontaneity with playful, graphic storytelling.

His work often features expressive characters, bold colors, and dynamic compositions that feel equally at home on city walls or gallery canvases. It’s a visual language deeply influenced by street culture — energetic, accessible, and full of personality.

 

For this solo exhibition, OTOM will go beyond simply hanging works on a wall. Instead, he will transform the entire gallery into his artistic universe, creating an immersive environment that reflects the spirit of the streets while embracing the possibilities of a contemporary art space.

Visitors can expect:

  • Large-scale graffiti-inspired works

  • Drawings and illustrations rooted in urban culture

  • Character-driven compositions

  • A gallery environment that feels alive rather than static

A Reflection of Nice’s Evolving Art Scene

Nice has long been an artistic city. From the avant-garde legacy of Yves Klein to the international exhibitions hosted at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, creativity has always been part of the city’s identity.

But today, a new generation of artists and galleries is reshaping the landscape.

Street art, once considered temporary or rebellious, has become one of the most influential artistic movements of the 21st century. Galleries like NEO are helping bridge the gap between traditional contemporary art spaces and the raw creativity that emerges from the streets.

In many ways, exhibitions like OTOM’s represent a broader cultural shift: the recognition that some of the most exciting artistic ideas often begin outside gallery walls.

Why Everyone Should Attend

For locals and visitors alike, the OTOM Solo Show is shaping up to be one of the most interesting cultural events of the early spring season in Nice.

First, it celebrates local talent. Seeing an artist from Nice take over one of the city’s most exciting contemporary spaces adds a powerful sense of connection between artist and audience.

Second, it offers something immersive. Rather than a traditional exhibition where artworks simply hang in a quiet room, this show promises to transform the entire gallery into a living artistic environment.

Third, opening nights at NEO have become known for their vibrant atmosphere. The March 20 vernissage will likely bring together artists, collectors, creatives, and curious residents from across the Riviera.

And finally, it represents the creative momentum currently building across the city. As neighborhoods around the Port continue to evolve, spaces like NEO and artists like OTOM are helping shape the next chapter of Nice’s cultural identity.

Exhibition Details

OTOM – Solo ShowNEO – art & culture lab x VogelART 6 bis rue Lascaris, Nice

March 20 – April 2, 2026Opening Night (Vernissage): March 20, 7 p.m.

For anyone interested in contemporary art, street culture, or simply discovering the creative energy shaping the French Riviera today, this exhibition promises to be one of the most vibrant artistic moments of the season.

And in a city where art has always thrived under Mediterranean light, OTOM’s takeover of NEO may be exactly the kind of creative spark that reminds everyone why Nice remains one of Europe’s most inspiring places for artists.