Latest Local News in Cannes 2023
Read the latest news from Cannes in 2023
Friday 5 January
Tomorrow is the black truffle market at the Bastide St Antoine, Grasse, from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Prices are stable despite drought conditions reducing by a third the harvest but producers say the quality is excellent.
There will be truffle dog demos plus stalls selling oilve oil and honey as well as ceramics and knives.
Tomorrow is the black truffle market at the Bastide St Antoine, Grasse, from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Prices are stable despite drought conditions reducing by a third the harvest but producers say the quality is excellent.
There will be truffle dog demos plus stalls selling oilve oil and honey as well as ceramics and knives.
Thursday 4 January
The five star Chateau de Theoule hotel will open 8 March and is currently recruiting staff. A new, modern wing has been added as well as a private beach and a gastronomic restaurant. Rooms will cost from 360 euros low season to 920 high season. Bookings are being taken now.
The five star Chateau de Theoule hotel will open 8 March and is currently recruiting staff. A new, modern wing has been added as well as a private beach and a gastronomic restaurant. Rooms will cost from 360 euros low season to 920 high season. Bookings are being taken now.
Wednesday 3 January
Three refuse collectors have been reprimanded for asking for Christmas tips. Employees of the Cannes Pays de Lerins conglomerate are not allowed to ask for or receive gifts of any kind. Firemen and postal workers often sell calendars at Xmas/new year but this is also not allowed for local authority workers.
Three refuse collectors have been reprimanded for asking for Christmas tips. Employees of the Cannes Pays de Lerins conglomerate are not allowed to ask for or receive gifts of any kind. Firemen and postal workers often sell calendars at Xmas/new year but this is also not allowed for local authority workers.
Tuesday 2 January
Enjoy the next few days because it is going to rain on Friday and the weekend weather looks decidedly iffy. Tomorrow is the warmest with temperatures up to 20 deg C and Thursday the sunniest.
NB Palm Bus fares went up yesterday: a single journey now costs 1.70 euros. You can pay on the bus by cash, bank card, phone or a prepaid ticket.
Enjoy the next few days because it is going to rain on Friday and the weekend weather looks decidedly iffy. Tomorrow is the warmest with temperatures up to 20 deg C and Thursday the sunniest.
NB Palm Bus fares went up yesterday: a single journey now costs 1.70 euros. You can pay on the bus by cash, bank card, phone or a prepaid ticket.
HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHING EVERYONE JOY AND LOTS OF LAUGHTER IN 2024 |
|
December 2023 highlights
Real Christmas trees, without "snow" decoration, can be left near the glass recycling containers on streets throughout Cannes. They should be put out between 9pm and 6am the night before collections on 2/4/9/11/16/18/23/25/30 January.
Real Christmas trees, without "snow" decoration, can be left near the glass recycling containers on streets throughout Cannes. They should be put out between 9pm and 6am the night before collections on 2/4/9/11/16/18/23/25/30 January.
Thursday 28 December
Grasse is famous for its flowers grown for the perfume industry including big names like Dior. This year's harvest of jasmine flowers - known as white gold locally - has seen up to a 40% fall. This is due to a moth's caterpillar eating the buds but also winds, drought and a lack of humidity. It takes 10,000 of these fragrant white flowers to make one kilo.
Grasse is famous for its flowers grown for the perfume industry including big names like Dior. This year's harvest of jasmine flowers - known as white gold locally - has seen up to a 40% fall. This is due to a moth's caterpillar eating the buds but also winds, drought and a lack of humidity. It takes 10,000 of these fragrant white flowers to make one kilo.
Wednesday 27 December
Villefranche-sur-Mer is to restrict short term holiday lets from 1 July. This popular tourist town has seen its population drop to 5000 and there are more properties available for holiday lets than main residences. Owners will only be able to rent out one property and only for six years - non renewable. The mayor hopes this will encourage more long term lets as well as sales.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is to restrict short term holiday lets from 1 July. This popular tourist town has seen its population drop to 5000 and there are more properties available for holiday lets than main residences. Owners will only be able to rent out one property and only for six years - non renewable. The mayor hopes this will encourage more long term lets as well as sales.
Tuesday 26 December
St Stephen's Day: he was the first Christian saint.
It is also called Boxing Day in the UK but it is not a national holiday in France.
St Stephen's Day: he was the first Christian saint.
It is also called Boxing Day in the UK but it is not a national holiday in France.
Monday 25 December
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. |
|
Friday 22 December
Every Christmas Corsica gives Cannes a gift of its famous clementines. The town adds them to the food hampers distributed to the homeless, old, ill and poor in the town. Cannes has the highest social housing of all towns over 20,000 residents in the Alpes Maritimes - 18.36%. This is despite 67% of the town's terrain being uninhabitable due to environmental factors, eg flooding. The government is demanding 25%.
Every Christmas Corsica gives Cannes a gift of its famous clementines. The town adds them to the food hampers distributed to the homeless, old, ill and poor in the town. Cannes has the highest social housing of all towns over 20,000 residents in the Alpes Maritimes - 18.36%. This is despite 67% of the town's terrain being uninhabitable due to environmental factors, eg flooding. The government is demanding 25%.
Thursday 21 December
The French parliament plays Santa for British second home owners. The new immigration law includes giving them the right to an ‘automatic’ visa to come to France for stays of more than 90 days. Article 1er K states: "They are therefore exempt from having to make an application for a long-stay visa. The conditions for how this will be applied will be clarified by a decree in the Conseil d’Etat.” This should take about one month.
The French parliament plays Santa for British second home owners. The new immigration law includes giving them the right to an ‘automatic’ visa to come to France for stays of more than 90 days. Article 1er K states: "They are therefore exempt from having to make an application for a long-stay visa. The conditions for how this will be applied will be clarified by a decree in the Conseil d’Etat.” This should take about one month.
Wednesday 20 December
Two of Cannes' top hotels have created very special Yule logs. The one from the Carlton (left) can be ordered 48 hours in advance and costs 110 euros. |
|
Tuesday 19 December
Voting rights for Brits living overseas have been restored and those wishing to vote will be able to register from 16 January 2024.
Watch this space for info on how to...
Voting rights for Brits living overseas have been restored and those wishing to vote will be able to register from 16 January 2024.
Watch this space for info on how to...
Monday 18 December
Champagne has always been the top tipple for special occasions but this year sales of champers has dropped 20.7% in French supermarkets. Sales of prosecco, especially rose, and cremants are up 9.6%. Price seems to be the main factor with a litre of supermarket champagne being 30 euros this year compared with 6.46 for a sparkling wine.
Champagne has always been the top tipple for special occasions but this year sales of champers has dropped 20.7% in French supermarkets. Sales of prosecco, especially rose, and cremants are up 9.6%. Price seems to be the main factor with a litre of supermarket champagne being 30 euros this year compared with 6.46 for a sparkling wine.
Friday 15 December
American director, screenwriter, and actress Greta Gerwig(40) will be Jury President for next year's Cannes film festival which takes place May 14 – 25. She is the first American female director to be Jury President and only the second woman American, following Olivia de Haviland in 1965. Greta is the youngest person to take on the role since Sophia Loren, aged 31 in 1966. She is also only the second female director since Jane Campion in 2014. Greta's latest film Barbie smashed every record this year.
American director, screenwriter, and actress Greta Gerwig(40) will be Jury President for next year's Cannes film festival which takes place May 14 – 25. She is the first American female director to be Jury President and only the second woman American, following Olivia de Haviland in 1965. Greta is the youngest person to take on the role since Sophia Loren, aged 31 in 1966. She is also only the second female director since Jane Campion in 2014. Greta's latest film Barbie smashed every record this year.
Thursday 14 December
Bus tickets will go up 1 January for the the first time since 2018. A single ticket goes up 10 cents to 1.70; 10 trip tickets rise to 13.80 and the popular open topped tourist Imperial will be 3.40 for a round trip. Palm Bus carries 11 million passengers a year, up from 9m eight years ago. You can pay on the bus by cash, bank card, phone or a prepaid ticket.
Bus tickets will go up 1 January for the the first time since 2018. A single ticket goes up 10 cents to 1.70; 10 trip tickets rise to 13.80 and the popular open topped tourist Imperial will be 3.40 for a round trip. Palm Bus carries 11 million passengers a year, up from 9m eight years ago. You can pay on the bus by cash, bank card, phone or a prepaid ticket.
Wednesday 13 December
Last date to guarantee parcels are delivered by Christmas to the UK is 15 December for Colissimo and DHL Express. Cards and letters, it is 18 December by La Poste. Any queries for other destinations ask at La Poste.
Last date to guarantee parcels are delivered by Christmas to the UK is 15 December for Colissimo and DHL Express. Cards and letters, it is 18 December by La Poste. Any queries for other destinations ask at La Poste.
Tuesday 12 December
Antibes has a new sculpture that is attracting a lot of interest especially from amateur photographers. It can be found on the Ramparts past the Picasso museum. It is called Le Defi and is by Nicholas Lavarenne.
Antibes has a new sculpture that is attracting a lot of interest especially from amateur photographers. It can be found on the Ramparts past the Picasso museum. It is called Le Defi and is by Nicholas Lavarenne.
Monday 11 December
For the second year running Cannes has won the prestigious World Travel Awards' best events destination 2023 beating the likes of Barcelona, Singapore and Sydney. It has also won best European events destination in 2021/22/23.
For the second year running Cannes has won the prestigious World Travel Awards' best events destination 2023 beating the likes of Barcelona, Singapore and Sydney. It has also won best European events destination in 2021/22/23.
Friday 8 December
From tonight, until 17 December, you can see the winter shooting stars the Geminids. You can expect about 80 an hour. They are very bright and, unlike the summer Perseids, are multicoloured. Geminids meteor showers are unusually from an asteroid not a comet.
From tonight, until 17 December, you can see the winter shooting stars the Geminids. You can expect about 80 an hour. They are very bright and, unlike the summer Perseids, are multicoloured. Geminids meteor showers are unusually from an asteroid not a comet.
Thursday 7 December
Tickets for next year's Plages Electroniques go on sale today. The giant three day beach party will take place 16-18 August and there is already a mega line up of European stars. One day tickets cost 50 euros, 70 with afters, and a three day ticket costs 120/180 euros. www.plages-electroniques.com/billetterie
Tickets for next year's Plages Electroniques go on sale today. The giant three day beach party will take place 16-18 August and there is already a mega line up of European stars. One day tickets cost 50 euros, 70 with afters, and a three day ticket costs 120/180 euros. www.plages-electroniques.com/billetterie
Wednesday 6 December
Been wondering what are the box-like edifices on the Pantiero blocking the view of the old port? It is the brand new fisherman's village. The blocks are for the 32 professional Cannes fishermen to store their gear and prepare the catch. They sell their fish in the mornings at Forville market and now will also sell in the afternoons at the village which is open to the public at all times.
Been wondering what are the box-like edifices on the Pantiero blocking the view of the old port? It is the brand new fisherman's village. The blocks are for the 32 professional Cannes fishermen to store their gear and prepare the catch. They sell their fish in the mornings at Forville market and now will also sell in the afternoons at the village which is open to the public at all times.
Tuesday 5 December
The winter Bonnard exhibition officially opens (vernissage) on Saturday at 11.30am until 25 February. Seventy masterpieces from the collection are presented in a thematic and chronological manner. The route reveals the painter's sources of inspiration. The latest works in the collection are on display for the first time. Left: Bonnard's L'Amandier
The winter Bonnard exhibition officially opens (vernissage) on Saturday at 11.30am until 25 February. Seventy masterpieces from the collection are presented in a thematic and chronological manner. The route reveals the painter's sources of inspiration. The latest works in the collection are on display for the first time. Left: Bonnard's L'Amandier
Monday 4 December
VAT on a baguette is only 5.5% and on a rail ticket 10.5%. The state takes 36% of the motorway toll you pay. Toll charges will rise 1 February next year by just 3%.
Brits visiting over the festive period can call 112 European emergency number from their phones. Vodaphone says you do not need the 0033 if calling a French number from a UK mobile when here but O2 and Free say you do with them.
VAT on a baguette is only 5.5% and on a rail ticket 10.5%. The state takes 36% of the motorway toll you pay. Toll charges will rise 1 February next year by just 3%.
Brits visiting over the festive period can call 112 European emergency number from their phones. Vodaphone says you do not need the 0033 if calling a French number from a UK mobile when here but O2 and Free say you do with them.
Friday 1 December
A new restaurant, a new concept for Cannes: Sens has opened in the former premises of La Brouette de Grandmere, rue d'Oran. The twist is that it has no permanent chef. The management and kitchen team are permanent BUT it employs itinerant top chefs. Currently Italian trained Paulo Santiago, from Peru, is chef till mid December.
A new restaurant, a new concept for Cannes: Sens has opened in the former premises of La Brouette de Grandmere, rue d'Oran. The twist is that it has no permanent chef. The management and kitchen team are permanent BUT it employs itinerant top chefs. Currently Italian trained Paulo Santiago, from Peru, is chef till mid December.
November Highlights
Residents and second homeowners take note: from 1 January 'biowaste' must be separated from the rest of the waste. Households will need a separate bin at home for kitchen waste, such as peelings, coffee grounds, bread and leftovers. You can compost it yourself, together with garden waste, to use on your garden. Councils have to have a special service to collect it for composting. In blocks of flats there should be a communal container, normally with a brown lid.
Residents and second homeowners take note: from 1 January 'biowaste' must be separated from the rest of the waste. Households will need a separate bin at home for kitchen waste, such as peelings, coffee grounds, bread and leftovers. You can compost it yourself, together with garden waste, to use on your garden. Councils have to have a special service to collect it for composting. In blocks of flats there should be a communal container, normally with a brown lid.
The winter horse racing season at the Hippodrome, Cagnes sur Mer, starts 4 December until 10 March.
Figures released by Cannes Mairie show the town's coffers filled up last year. The 22 private beaches on the Croisette and nine on the bd du Midi raised five million euros for the town, from a turnover of 102.7m euros. The three casinos brought in eight million from gross revenue for the year of 50m. And even the heliport with its 15,635 passengers in 2022 raised 48,226 euros for the municipality.
The mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, was re-elected president of the Association of French Mayors yesterday. This is a prestigious and influential role which will help him in his run for the presidency of France. He almost won unanimously: winning 8,084 of the 8,799 votes available.
Away from the summer hordes now is the time to visit the Garoupe lighthouse (phare) at Cap d'Antibes. It opened to the public in the summer. There has been a lighthouse on the site since at least 1560. The light flashes twice every 10 seconds and can be seen 60m out to sea. It is open until 1 June on Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Entry is free - just get a ticket at the entrance - tours every 20 minutes. A disabled circuit with a virtual tour is available.
St Cassien is the patron saint of Cannes. Renovation of the 14th century Chapel St Cassien is now complete. Work was carried out from the foundations to the roof. It also included the renovation of a recently discovered fresco of Jean Cassien. The chapel stands on a mound near the private airport in La Bocca. Worth a visit.
Hate those speed bumps? Almost all 450,000 of them in France are illegal: the law states they should be no higher than 10cm. They cause damage to vehicles, injuries and noise pollution. An association in the Var went to the highest court in the land which has asked a Marseille court to clarify the legal status of speed bumps.
October Highlights
From tomorrow, until 31 March 2024, drivers in the Alpes Maritimes will need snow tyres, chains or snow socks when driving in the mountain areas. Technically, you can be fined 135 euros but for the third year the penalty will not usually be imposed. Police, however, will check vehicles.
From tomorrow, until 31 March 2024, drivers in the Alpes Maritimes will need snow tyres, chains or snow socks when driving in the mountain areas. Technically, you can be fined 135 euros but for the third year the penalty will not usually be imposed. Police, however, will check vehicles.
The route of next year's 111th Tour de France has been announced. It will start in Florence, Italy, and three weeks later end in Nice: the first time since 1975 it has not ended in Paris. It is also the first time the Tour will begin in Italy: coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the race won by Italian rider Ottavio Bottecchia.
A recent vote in the European parliament wants a clear system for the dimensions and weight of hand luggage on flights. The vote pressures the European Commission to apply a 2014 Court of Justice judgment stating hand luggage to be “an indispensable element of passenger travel” incurring no extra cost “if it corresponds to reasonable requirements of size and weight.” The wheels are in motion to create a standard European hand luggage size, removing extra fees. Watch this space.
Minor speeding offences account for 58% of all infractions detected by speed cameras but, from next year, drivers will no longer lose points for travelling 5k/h over the limit. Fines remain the same: 135 euros for exceeding limits on 50km/h roads; and 68 euros on roads with over 50 limits. This change in law means foreign French residents will no longer need to change to a French licence for speeding offences.
The skatepark at La Roseraie, Croisette, is now open to beginners and experts alike, aged eight plus. Access is free and in winter (until 30 April) is open 9am till 7pm: summer is 9am to 10pm. It covers a surface of 1,252 sq m and boasts a 'cradle' nearly five meters high - unique in PACA and rare in France.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have seven days to request a full refund from the operator. If your flight is delayed more than four hours, you are entitled to additional financial compensation and, if delayed until the following day, operators should give free telephone calls, accommodation, food and drink.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have seven days to request a full refund from the operator. If your flight is delayed more than four hours, you are entitled to additional financial compensation and, if delayed until the following day, operators should give free telephone calls, accommodation, food and drink.
Petrol and diesel prices in France remain high mainly due to tax. The fuel itself costs only 39% of the pump price, plus 11.5% for distribution costs. The rest (49.5%) goes to the French government. French SP95 costs 1.924 euros and is the fifth most expensive in the EU. Diesel come in seventh at 1.912.
The famous seasonal cheese Mont d'Or is now on sale in the shops. It can be eaten straight from its box. It can also be wrapped in foil, put back in its wooden box and baked in the oven for around 20 minutes at 180C. This creates a gooey texture, perfect for dipping into with bread or vegetables. It is also popular to add garlic, a splash of wine, herbs such as rosemary, or black pepper, before baking. Another favourite is to boil potatoes for 15 minutes, set aside, and to cut the top off the cheese, baking it whole in the oven still in its box. Serve with mini gherkins (cornichons), the cooked potatoes, and “chunks” of bread
Foreign French residents need to have a carte europeene d'assurance maladie(CEAM) to be covered in the EU/EAA and the UK. This is the French version of the European health card (Ehic). If a pensioner of another EU country or the UK (UK healthcare is paid through the S1 system) then you should apply for an Ehic from those countries and not French CEAM. The UK EHIC cannot be used in the UK so it is advisable to carry a copy of your S1 form with other travel documents on visits to UK.
September Highlights
Leclerc and Carrefour hypermarkets are selling petrol and diesel at cost price every day of the week, not just weekends, until the end of the year. Total continues cap fuel prices at €1.99.
Leclerc and Carrefour hypermarkets are selling petrol and diesel at cost price every day of the week, not just weekends, until the end of the year. Total continues cap fuel prices at €1.99.
French trains have the worst punctuality stats for 10 years with 86% of TGVs and 92% of regional trains on time in 2022. Last year, 67.7% of all UK trains ran on time, which rivals only Italy and Portugal for lateness.
Cannes Lerins TV, available on Orange channels 30 and 365, will be go live from Friday on Bouygues ch30 and 364. The station offers news, culture, sport and economic programmes covering Cannes, Le Cannet, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Mougins and Theoule.
With the cooler weather, now is a good time to walk in some of the area's lovely natural "parks". In Cannes you can visit the 80 hectares of the Croix de Gardes with its 20km of marked trails. And you can visit the beautiful Lerins islands. In Mougins you can visit the Valmasque Park and the Etang de Fontmerle, a beautiful lake. From here take the steep alley between Chemin Pablo Picasso and Chemin de la Chapelleis to the Siagne canal. You can walk your dog, if on a leash, at all these places.
August Highlights
The MACM museum in Mougins closes 31 August. It will reopen in summer next year, after a complete facelift, as FAMM: FEMALE ARTISTS of the MOUGINS MUSEUM. Christian Levett, the founder & owner of the MACM, is creating the first European museum dedicated to female art.
The MACM museum in Mougins closes 31 August. It will reopen in summer next year, after a complete facelift, as FAMM: FEMALE ARTISTS of the MOUGINS MUSEUM. Christian Levett, the founder & owner of the MACM, is creating the first European museum dedicated to female art.
If you hire a scooter or motorbike do take care when travelling on the Bd du Riou - it is considered the most dangerous road in Cannes for two wheeled vehicles. Riders describe it as like an ice rink. The poor surface means very little grip for two wheels. Do avoid it.
Want to do something different - head to St Cezaire sur Siagne. Before you arrive at this Roman/Provencal village visit the St Cezaire caves. The grottos are actually a sinkhole ie vertical hole in the ground with caverns off. There are some magnificent stalactites and stalagmites plus draperies, fountains and organs. From the village you can descend to the Siagne river to picnic and en route see the Siagne Canal (left) built by the Brits and which still provides drinking water for Cannes. See Day Trips/Grasse left.
Paper receipts are no longer given automatically at checkouts and ATMs. You need to ask for a printed receipt in shops. Consumer bodies warn the measure means you are less likely to pick up on errors on prices and promotions, or checking contactless payments. Without a receipt how can you you prove purchase, use a guarantee, obtain a refund or exchange faulty goods?
July Highlights
A couple from Le Cannet has created swimwear that allows you to tan all over. The material, patented in Holland, filters UV, meaning you can tan underneath while still enjoying protection from the sun. The Bikunu range includes boardshorts (from 90 euros) and bikinis (from 60) which have proved a hit with water sport lovers, people with pools and naturists. See www.bikunu.fr
A couple from Le Cannet has created swimwear that allows you to tan all over. The material, patented in Holland, filters UV, meaning you can tan underneath while still enjoying protection from the sun. The Bikunu range includes boardshorts (from 90 euros) and bikinis (from 60) which have proved a hit with water sport lovers, people with pools and naturists. See www.bikunu.fr
The Mediterranean sea has seen a rise in surface temperatures. At Menton 29.47 deg C was recorded. Scientists are waiting to learn the sea temperatures 30 to 40 m below the surface. Last year 85% of red gorgonian coral died because of the heat.
Despite a good month in June for Cannes hoteliers, July has dropped to 75% occupancy compared with 85% last year. Prices have risen 15% and the hoteliers report shorter stays. They are also complaining about the 10,000 private homes available to rent in Cannes. Er, there is a cost of living crisis you know!
Cannes has recorded its highest temperature at 39.2C this week. Sea water temperatures are around 29 deg and the night temperatures are between 22 and 25C. Do take super care in these hot days and nights.
June Highlights
The free beach shuttle buses are now operating. The Moure Rouge shuttle runs from Port Canto via the Gazagnaire beach - 7am till 11pm every 10-15 minutes. To the west the shuttle runs from La Bocca market to the Midi beaches. It operates every day from 7am to 7.15pm every 15 minutes. Download the Palm Bus app for full details.
The free beach shuttle buses are now operating. The Moure Rouge shuttle runs from Port Canto via the Gazagnaire beach - 7am till 11pm every 10-15 minutes. To the west the shuttle runs from La Bocca market to the Midi beaches. It operates every day from 7am to 7.15pm every 15 minutes. Download the Palm Bus app for full details.
Three new private beach restaurants are opening this summer in La Napoule. Two are on Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle: Playa Chica (left), already open, is not far from the nautical centre; and Cala Mia, on the western part of Robinson beach opens tomorrow. At La Rague port, Baïa Plage replaces the restaurant La plage des îles and will open for the summer.
Be careful about roaming charges when in the EU. If you are really reliant on your mobile best to buy "une carte prepayee" (prepaid SIM card). Your phone needs to be 'unlocked' allowing you to have both a French and UK SIM. The cards can be purchased at tabacs, supermarkets, network shops, electrical/computer stores and online. You can top up online also, any amount left will be added to the top up. A word of warning: many of these cards have a time limit for usage so do ask what it is. If passed you will lose the money on your card.
Summer in Mougins village. Its spectacular monumental sculpture exhibition is on until November, And it is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of Piccaso throughout the village. Picasso bought his Mas de Notre Dame de Vie in 1961 and died there 8 April 1973. The music festival takes place 9 - 12 July at Notre Dame de Vie. See mougins.fr for programme and tickets.
Koru
May Highlights
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is aboard his superyacht Koru which moored off Cannes today. It is on its maiden voyage. This three masted ship is 127m long and cost 500 million euros. Koru is always accompanied by another mega yacht, Aebona, as Koru cannot move without assistance to start off. The 75m long Aebona support ship carries Bezos' helicopter, recreational and emergency equipment as well as extra crew.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is aboard his superyacht Koru which moored off Cannes today. It is on its maiden voyage. This three masted ship is 127m long and cost 500 million euros. Koru is always accompanied by another mega yacht, Aebona, as Koru cannot move without assistance to start off. The 75m long Aebona support ship carries Bezos' helicopter, recreational and emergency equipment as well as extra crew.
Brad Pitt is launching a Riviera gin, The Gardener, during the film festival. It is a London dry style of gin made from wheat in copper stills, with a base of juniper, liquorice, angelica and coriander plus a blend of fresh and dried fruits, pink grapefruit, lemon with sweet and bitter oranges from the Cap d'Antibes area. To mark the event at the Carlton a cocktail called Secret Garden has been created using gin, lemon and orange juice, strawberry syrup and egg white.
The consumer group Que Choisir has announced its rankings for internet providers based on service and customer satisfaction. Sosh 13.1/20 plus - price and reliability; minus - lack of in-person customer service. Free 12.8 + stable prices and trustworthiness; - in-person customer service. Orange 12.3 + performance and choice but expensive. Bouygues Telecom + options and store network but low customer satisfaction. RED by SFR 9.1 + low prices and reliable connections but poor in-person tech support and bad reputation. SFR 6.4, rated mediocre praised for its offers but failed on client satisfaction.
April Highlights
Cannes and Nice have been given government permission to use treated waste water in parks and on flower beds, as well as to clean buses. Surprisingly wastewater in France is not used and is just let out to sea: Antibes for example pumps 9m cu/m into the Med. The PACA region is also launching an experiment to use wastewater in agriculture and industrial cooling
Rumours are that Liam Gallagher, of Oasis fame, bought Noel Edmonds six bedroom home near Grasse in January. Useless info: our furniture came to France in the same truck as Noel's and Liam's brother, also a Noel, lived in the mews next to us in Marylebone. Small world.
Cannes is officially the 45th best place to live in France - out of 34,820 towns and villages. It is 16th out of the 79 towns with 50,000 - 100,000 residents. In the Alpes Maritimes it is rated the third best place and 2nd in the 50-100K category. The town has 74,545 inhabitants and covers 19.62 sq km. Retirees make up 34%. Main residences account for 52% of population, of which 46.25% are homeowners.
February Highlights
Cannes town council has approved a 12,000sq m Padel Tennis centre at La Bocca. It will include 12 courts, eight of which will be indoors. It will be designed to a high standard to host national and international competitions. It is a privately funded and owned centre.
Cannes town council has approved a 12,000sq m Padel Tennis centre at La Bocca. It will include 12 courts, eight of which will be indoors. It will be designed to a high standard to host national and international competitions. It is a privately funded and owned centre.
Here we go again - more EU changes to the types of lightbulbs we can buy and, as usual, they will cost even more. From 24 February you will need to buy LED lights. LEDs are measured in lumens so a 60W lightbulb is equivalent to 806 lumens; 75W to 1,055L; and 100W to 1,521L.
The monumental works taking place on the Croisette will last until the end of the year, costing 35m euros. And that is before the iconic sea front is refurbished. Currently the work comprises of tunnelling to lay a new pipe system, replacing the existing one dating from the 1960s. The system includes drinking water, rainwater and wastewater which will go by gravity to a treatment plant and not out to sea. Also, a "thalasso thermal" network will take heat from the sea to create a heating network for all the premises along the Croisette.
A spat has broken out between the Mayors of Nice and Cannes. Nice is heavily indebted but tried to redirect the spotlight by reporting its debt per capita was less than Cannes. Per capita indebtedness: Nice 1,435 euros, Cannes 2,642. But the time needed to pay it off: Nice 53 years, Cannes 4 years.
January Highlights
Cannes has slipped back to third largest town in the Alpes Maritimes, with Antibes returning to second place behind Nice. According to Insee's official figures Antibes has 75,779 inhabitants, 2.620 more than Cannes (73,159).
Cannes has slipped back to third largest town in the Alpes Maritimes, with Antibes returning to second place behind Nice. According to Insee's official figures Antibes has 75,779 inhabitants, 2.620 more than Cannes (73,159).
Residents, second home owners or visitors with a car or motorbike now need a Crit'air sticker. You need one to drive in the Nice metropolitan area which is now a ZFE (low emission) zone with driving restrictions. Cannes, Antibes, Vallauris, Cagnes-Sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var and Nice have restrictions on level 2 high pollution days. There are no driving restrictions for 0-3 stickers but 4/5/unclassified cars will not be able to be driven on these days - expected to be 2-3 days a year. Crit'air stickers can be applied for on www.certificat-air.gouv.fr (available in English) or obtained from the Mairie.
Cold calls can now be blocked on phones. All sales calls must start with one of the following numbers: 0162 or 0163, 0270/1, 0377/8, 0424/5, 0568/9, 0948/9. Phones can be blocked from receiving calls starting with these four digit numbers. Or you can just not answer these calls.
Highlights from 2022
La Poste will from 1 January no longer be offering the red stamp first class service but a red e-letter. You need to access laposte.fr website. Alternatively you can go into a post office and an assistant will help you send your "letter". The green stamp (timbre vert) letters continue at a cost of 1.16 euros and are delivered within three days. A tracking option is available for an extra 50cents.
La Poste will from 1 January no longer be offering the red stamp first class service but a red e-letter. You need to access laposte.fr website. Alternatively you can go into a post office and an assistant will help you send your "letter". The green stamp (timbre vert) letters continue at a cost of 1.16 euros and are delivered within three days. A tracking option is available for an extra 50cents.
Cannes has more video surveillance cameras per capita than anywhere else in France. Currently, there are more than 800 and 20 new ones will be installed on the Croisette which will mean one camera for every 91 inhabitants. The one pictured even talks to you!
These signs on streets and set in pavements direct the public towards safe places in Cannes in case of a tsunami or inundation. The railway station is one such centre. Basically head for high ground and away from the beach.
Cannes is one of the six best managed French towns of 100,000+ inhabitants. It was awarded 19 out of 20 (2A+) after an audit for 2021. Cannes has not raised local taxes since 2014. Operating costs were down 43.2m last year and investments up 60m euros.
Property prices in the Cannes Pays de Lerins area have risen about 20% in the last five years. The average price guide is 5,970 euros per square meter.
The French drink 20 bottles (15.1 litres) of rose wine per year and consume 35% of the world's total. The Brits only drink two litres per adult each year. Spain is the biggest producer of rose after the French.
There are 53,951 private swimming pools in the Alpes Maritimes. All pools attract extra taxes and France is using drones and Google to track those undeclared. .
By the way, you are not allowed to walk a dog on the beaches in Cannes. You can wear a burkini on the beach and swim in the sea... but not in a swimming pool. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol on a beach and you are not allowed to light a BBQ. Music on the beach is for your ears only.
British drivers in France are the third most likely to commit an offence on the roads, with 210,464 recorded in 2020. The French government is in talks with the UK regarding a bilateral agreement on fines. Beware if driving a hire car as the rental company can debit your card for the fine and add a fee as high as 50 euros.
Cannes has been awarded the first and only title of Surfing Town on the French Med by the French Surfing Federation. This is awarded for not just surfing but also for associated sports eg Stand Up Paddle and pirogue. You can surf the waves at Vague du Batequier, beach 17 opposite Thales.
Healthcare in France for tourists and expats: People who still have old EU British Ehics can use them until they expire. UK residents who apply for a new card and British pensioners moving to the EU after 1 January, 2021 are issued with Ghics. British expat state pensioners, or disabled people, with S1 forms from before 2021 are issued with CRA Ehic new cards and can access free healthcare in the UK. No one in UK is charged for visiting a GP or A&E by the way. Not the case in France.
Did you know that 4.4% of the French vape and there are 15 million cigarette smokers. France comes 14th in the EU smoking tables - with Belgium in the lead.
British visitors are warned that Credit Agricole ATMs are charging five euros transaction fees on non EU credit card cash withdrawals. Second home owners should also be wary of this bank as it is now charging high fees for receiving money from the UK.
UK second home owners and Brits holding S1 forms do not have to pay French social charges on rental income or capital gains tax nor investment income. If this was paid last year you will be able to reclaim it this year. The charges will now be 7.5% instead of 17.2% payable by most people. France now complies with an EU ruling that states people cannot pay social charges in two countries.
The French drink the most often (132 days/year) but are only the 8th heaviest drinkers among 22 countries in the Global Drug Survey 2021. The Brits come fifth in both categories. The heaviest drinkers are the Australians.
2021 Highlights
Cannes' Underwater Eco Museum is featured by the Guinness World Records.
The six heads based on six locals, aged from nine to 80, are two metres high and weigh 10 tonnes each. They were created by British artist Jason Decairnes Taylor.
Cannes' Underwater Eco Museum is featured by the Guinness World Records.
The six heads based on six locals, aged from nine to 80, are two metres high and weigh 10 tonnes each. They were created by British artist Jason Decairnes Taylor.
Despite all the praise heaped on the French health service, pain management is not one of its fortes. There is, however, a nationwide chain of pain clinics. Here you can find them in Nice and Antibes: you need a prescription to get an appointment.
Post Brexit there are new rules for sending parcels so do not be caught out. Gifts up to 45 euros (£39) should not be liable to VAT and customs duty - in either direction. On filling out the paperwork make sure it clearly states gift and the value is clear.
Meteo France provides weather certificates for insurance claims. Second home owners will find them useful especially if not at home at the time. Certificates cost 73.20 euros each(debit cards needed) from www.keraunus.org. You can apply for certificat d'intemperies (bad weather) or attestation de foudroiement (lightning strike).
The PACA region- from Marseille to Menton - has the rudest drivers in France according to a survey by the Vinci Foundation. Drivers (77%) admit to shouting at other drivers; beeping horns (64%); and getting out of the car to argue with another driver (24%).
2019/20 Highlights
David Lisnard is the current mayor of Cannes. So who is he? He comes from generations of Cannois through his father. His great grandfather built the marche Forville in 1934. His grandparents owned the hotel Soleil d'Azur. His father was a professional footballer who married a dancer. After school in Cannes, Mr Lisnard went on to study politics in Bordeaux and Paris. Following his military service his political life began, returning to Cannes in 1999.
If you hate throwing things away you can give your clothes, furniture, electrical goods, toys, books etc to Ressourcerie. They are repaired and refurbished before being sold at deliberately low prices. Nearest is 8 ave Urbain Bosio, Nice. See www.ressourcerie.fr Two other organisations do similarly- Erasmus and Envie.
Pennaria Disticha
First discovered late this summer in Cannes, it was initially thought to be a toxic algae. Test results are now in and it is, in fact, a member of the jellyfish family. Do not touch it as it leaves you with particularly nasty "burns".
Releasing balloons and Chinese Lanterns has been banned in the Alpes Maritimes by the prefect - only the third department in France to do so.
Please contact us if there is any local English news you feel everyone should know about.
