Expanded Train Services and Improved Connectivity for the Côte d'Azur & Monaco

 

It’s been a long time coming. To the relief of locals and undoubtedly tourists, many of whom have faced frustration and stress while trying to catch a train during peak hours—especially during the crowded summer months, when train cars are often packed to capacity.

 

Finally, travel on the SNCF's local TER lines is set to improve in the coming months as the railway introduces a series of new measures aimed at making journeys more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.

 

In recent weeks, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur division of SNCF faced significant criticism after announcing the cancellation of late evening and early morning services between Nice and Ventimiglia due to essential maintenance work.

In response, the Monaco Government, along with other affected areas, intervened, demanding a practical solution, including an increase in replacement bus services. And fortunately, the SNCF has agreed to revise its plans.

The PACA SNCF has now unveiled a series of upcoming changes to modernize travel on local TER lines, starting on 15th December, with a trial run scheduled for 3rd October.

 

Announced by Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, Céline Caron-Dagioni, and Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice President of the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, on 26th September, these measures include more frequent trains and extended operating hours.

 

Soon, trains will run every 15 minutes between Cannes and Menton, and Saturday evening services along the coast, from Les Arcs and Grasse to Ventimiglia via Cannes, Nice, and Monaco, will be extended until 2am.

 

In addition, SNCF has committed to renovating and modernizing its train carriages, establishing a dedicated supervision center in Nice, and enhancing customer service.

ZeFestival 2024

 

"Movies can heal. Not the world, of course, but our worldview.” Wim Wenders

 

Taking place this October, November, and December of this year in Nice, Avignon, Marseille, Toulon, and Seillans. The ZeFestival has become a strong tradition in the region and is an all inclusive LGBTQ+ event.

The inauguration of the festival takes place on October 10 at 19h at Le Croque Bedaine Restaurant in Nice where everyone is welcome to attend.

The Polychromes Assocation is proud to invite you to the 17th edition of ZeFestival, which more than a simple cinematographic event, crosses and celebrates the stories of the diversity of genders and sexualities, in all its forms, cinema, literature, poetry, painting, photography , singing, stand-up, debates, meetings and festive and fun evenings.

Our choices focus on stories too often left aside by major cultural scenes. We highlight the experiences, struggles and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ people, providing a platform for voices that are sometimes marginalized, sometimes damaged, always resilient.

At a time when the return of fundamentalism and exclusion is asserting itself in Europe, we offer a vector of empathy, a cry of freedom, an affirmation of identity. Whether through poignant dramas, hard-hitting documentaries, refreshing comedies or avant-garde works, each film in this edition has been selected for its ability to challenge conventions and reaffirm the importance of inclusiveness.

We invite you to dive into these vibrant stories, to laugh, to cry, to reflect, and to celebrate with us the infinite beauty of diversity. This festival is also a tribute to all the people who have fought and continue to fight for their rights, their recognition and their dignity. It is also a promise to those looking for a safe space to be fully themselves. May this edition reflect our community: strong, bold, and incredibly beautiful!

Sophie Lannier, President of Polychromes

 

Click on any of the above highlighted links for more information.

Monaco Yacht Show 2024

 

The 2024 Monaco Yacht Show will kick off with a significant opening conference dedicated to advancing sustainability in the yachting industry. Titled "Environmental Sustainability in Yachting," this conference will highlight the latest innovations and practical solutions that are driving eco-friendly transformations in the sector.

Each year, the Monaco Yacht Show begins with a conference that sets the tone for the event, and this year’s focus on sustainability underscores the increasing demand for environmental responsibility in yachting.

Scheduled for September 25th, the conference will gather yacht owners, industry leaders, and sustainability experts for a series of panel discussions. These talks will address the industry's challenges and present actionable solutions, showcasing the yachting world’s commitment to adopting greener practices.

In collaboration with the industry publication Superyacht Times, which will co-host the panel discussions, the conference will feature a range of experts sharing insights into the initiatives shaping the future of yachting.

Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, will discuss the event’s own eco-friendly initiatives and their impact on the industry. Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of MB92 Group, will address strategies for reducing carbon footprints in older yachts. Robert van Tol, Executive Director of Water Revolution Foundation, will focus on onboard eco-responsibility, and Giedo Loeff, Head of Research and Development at Feadship, will examine how sustainable innovations can be integrated across different markets.

The conference is scheduled for 10:30 am on the opening day of the Monaco Yacht Show at the Monaco Yacht Show Conference Hall. Attendance is free with a valid show pass.

This year, the Monaco Yacht Show will be held in Port Hercule from September 25th to 28th.

 

Photo Images: ©Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco: The Premier Destination for High-Net-Worth Individuals Relocating

 

The ultra-wealthy are on the move, with an unprecedented 128,000 millionaires expected to relocate to new cities, countries, or even continents this year. But what drives this trend, and why is Monaco becoming a favored destination?

 

According to Henley & Partners, around 128,000 millionaires are projected to relocate in 2024, a 6.6% increase from the previous record of 120,000 set in 2023. The motivations behind their moves are diverse, ranging from changes in tax and visa policies to more favorable market conditions and the pursuit of a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

 

Knight Frank's latest European Lifestyle Report paints a similar picture, highlighting Europe as one of the most attractive regions for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking to establish new lives.

Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank, notes Europe's many advantages: cultural richness, a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, global connectivity, political stability, economic security, education opportunities, and “transparent and mature property markets.”

 

Another significant draw is the wide range of lifestyle options Europe offers. Potential new residents can choose from dynamic, cosmopolitan cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, or Barcelona, or opt for the more relaxed pace of resort destinations—categorized by Knight Frank as sun, ski, or rural locations. While the majority of HNWIs prefer cities, there is still substantial interest in resort locations.

When asked to rank their favorite resort destinations, more than 700 HNWIs surveyed by Knight Frank ranked Monaco as the second most desirable location, after the Swiss ski resort Verbier and followed by the South of France. Monaco proved especially popular among GenX and Post-War HNWIs, as well as younger GenZ and Millennial groups.

 

Knight Frank also utilized data from Oxford Economics and the European Commission to analyze why some destinations appeal more to HNWIs than others. Out of 20 “premier destinations” evaluated—10 cities and 10 resorts—Monaco achieved the highest average ranking, securing top positions in three out of five categories: quality of life, environment, and human capital. The Principality also ranked second for infrastructure and mobility and third for economy.

 

The South of France, benefiting from its proximity to Monaco, also performed well in the rankings, taking the top spot for infrastructure and mobility, third for environment, and fourth for economy.