Fight AIDS Monaco Cup 2024

Monaco is gearing up to host the fourth edition of the Fight Aids Cup, merging the worlds of football and philanthropy. The event, set to take place at the Louis II stadium, will showcase football stars uniting for a cause that transcends the boundaries of the game itself. The spirited face-off between the Barbagiuans and Cirque FC promises to be an exciting spectacle.

Guided by Louis Ducruet, the nephew of Prince Albert II and President of the philanthropic fundraising association 'Barbagiuans of Monaco,' the Fight Aids Cup has evolved into more than just a sporting competition. It has become a significant fundraising initiative for HIV/AIDS causes, breaking traditional sports barriers.

Louis Ducruet expressed pride in the event's growth, emphasizing its impact on hearts and lives. The event, serving as a stage for legends and leaders, aligns with the 50th anniversary of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. It promises an entertaining night where football greats and the Princely Family join forces in a field battle.

Ducruet expressed the desire for this edition to be unforgettable, marking milestones and intensifying the fight against HIV. Princess Stéphanie, the driving force behind Fight Aids Monaco, emphasized that the Cup is more than just a game; it is a spotlight on their ongoing battle, a call to keep pushing forward.

The meticulously planned event includes the players' entrance alongside 'crazy clowns' and a mock kick-off by Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie. Renowned players like Robert Pires also contribute, with Pires stating that supporting Fight Aids Monaco aligns perfectly with his values.

Following the game, a gala at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo will sustain the charitable atmosphere. All event earnings, including ticket sales, will benefit Fight Aids Monaco. Princess Stephanie expressed gratitude to her son for this wonderful initiative.

Scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm, with the match kicking off at 6:30 pm on January 22nd at Stade Louis II, tickets for the match are priced at €10 and will be available at AS Monaco or directly at the Stadium.

Gabriel Attal: France’s First Gay Prime Minister

 

On Tuesday, Gabriel Attal achieved a historic milestone by becoming France's youngest and first openly gay prime minister. President Emmanuel Macron appointed the 34-year-old Education Minister to the position in a strategic move aimed at revitalizing his presidency, as announced by the Elysée in a press statement.

Following days of speculation, Macron accepted the resignation of Elisabeth Borne, 62, on Monday. Borne had served less than two years in office, paving the way for an anticipated cabinet reshuffle designed to inject fresh energy into the remaining three years of Macron's mandate.

Gabriel Attal is now entrusted with the responsibility of forming a new government. The move is considered vital for Macron, a two-time president ineligible for the 2027 elections, as it is seen as a strategic measure to prevent Marine Le Pen from ascending to the presidency.

France Opens Doors to American Investors

 

France is attracting US investors through a new bilateral agreement.

In the past few months, Macron's Government has been in the process of initiating growth and employment boost with investor-friendly regulations.

Under the new agreement, US residents can enjoy a simplified application process and obtain a four-year carte de séjour residency card, enhancing accessibility for exploring investment opportunities in France.

Unlike similar programs in other European countries, acquiring property alone does not qualify for a long-stay visa. The eligibility criteria are designed for investors, encompassing those establishing a business, investing in one, or making a financial commitment to the country, without a specific investment threshold.

Starting November 16th, the application procedure for US residents is streamlined through the French online visa portal, specifically under the Talent Passport section.

Additionally, French investors in the US will now benefit from an extended four-year visa, a notable improvement from the previous 25-month option.

New Year, New Adventures

 

Let’s start 2024 with something slightly different that offers all kinds of possibilities.

Earlier this week, I was asked if I would like to attend a meeting about a commercial business in Nice.

Typically, I don’t deal with businesses for sale unless it has to do with hotels on the market in the French Riviera.

This property I was told may be of some interest to me, given my business history, knowledge of the local LGBTQ history, and its business owners. 

At the meeting, I was told about a property that I was immediately familiar with once I was given the current name. It is situated in a prime area of Nice highly frequented by those on holiday in the city.

It opened as a heterosexual nightclub just before the COVID-19 lockdown hit and struggled after the restrictions were lifted because, in my opinion, it was geared towards a certain genre of clubbers of which there isn’t a large degree in the city.

I noticed in the video and photos that extensive upgrades were made to the property towards every amenity possible which looks amazing, the nightclub just struggled though, again in my opinion, because of the lack of social media connections and the number of clients who would frequent this type of club space.

The agents asked if I knew the business history of the place, as all they knew was that it was a gay club.

Calling it a “gay club” is putting it mildly. The place initially opened in the late 90s as a gay cruising sex club with a full bar and was bought again in 2011, was completely updated and was in operation until about 2017 when the owner retired and closed the club which brought a lot of sadness to the community.

This gay establishment was always a popular place to attend and because of its location, it easily enticed visitors who were in the city so there was always a level of diversity amongst the crowd.

The agents knew that I used to manage bathhouses in North America and asked if I might be interested in buying it to open again. As extremely tempting as it is, I love my business in luxury real estate and I don’t get a day off as it is, so I can’t imagine giving up my nights as well.

But again, very tempted.

Beyond all the current technical and renovation updates to the property. The nightclub owners had sectioned off the wet areas from the nightclub space but kept them well-maintained as it was used as part of a spa service. The wet area includes a large jacuzzi, and Hamman, along with wet and dry saunas. The showers are still operational and all other bathroom facilities.

Above the nightclub where there were some cruising cabins when it was a gay sex club, those rooms have even been updated and they built even more of them, though only used the rooms for storage, also away from the nightclub space.

So basically, the club is almost set to go!

The LGBTQ community continues to grow in Nice with two bars that I will be writing about later this month having also just opened. Feel free to put the word out about this possible new gay space.

Here is my listing below:

Exceptional Investment Opportunity.

An exclusive 350 sqm nightclub nestled in the heart of a sought-after tourist destination in Nice is on the market. This multi-level venue boasts a well-designed floorplan, complete with a stylish bar and state-of-the-art sound system, featuring updated technical amenities.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of this city, as this property offers versatile possibilities to cater to various lifestyle demographics and niches.

Benefit from the convenience of all necessary permits and licenses, allowing the club to operate until 5 am (rare permit).

It’s an investment with a revenue history that promises both a vibrant entertainment venue and a piece of the city’s rich cultural legacy.

Price: 1,300,000 EUR

Serious inquiries only, please.
More information, photos, videos, etc. available once the application is verified.

Contact Experience The French Riviera.