Latest Local News in Cannes
Thursday 21 October
Booster jabs in France are with Pfizer no matter what vaccine you had initially. This is due to some heart inflammation cases with Moderna. French research shows that the disposable surgical masks can be machine washed 10 times and still retain their performance, filtration, breathability and cleanliness
Booster jabs in France are with Pfizer no matter what vaccine you had initially. This is due to some heart inflammation cases with Moderna. French research shows that the disposable surgical masks can be machine washed 10 times and still retain their performance, filtration, breathability and cleanliness
Wednesday 20 October
Beady eyed passengers on Air France/KLM will have noticed this new to the fleet Airbus A350 is named Cannes. It is believed Air France is planning a worldwide advertising slogan featuring Cannes the plane... and our town. The name can be seen to the side of the passenger door.
Beady eyed passengers on Air France/KLM will have noticed this new to the fleet Airbus A350 is named Cannes. It is believed Air France is planning a worldwide advertising slogan featuring Cannes the plane... and our town. The name can be seen to the side of the passenger door.
Tuesday 19 October
This photograph of a storm over Cannes has won the public's vote and came second in the Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year competition. Montpellier based agrometeorologist Serge Zaka took the photo from Theoule, 4 October last year. It was an unusual storm, above the sea, with a full moon and lightning that struck outside the storm itself.
This photograph of a storm over Cannes has won the public's vote and came second in the Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year competition. Montpellier based agrometeorologist Serge Zaka took the photo from Theoule, 4 October last year. It was an unusual storm, above the sea, with a full moon and lightning that struck outside the storm itself.
Monday 18 October
From today the vaccination centre has moved from the Palais des Festivals to the Gare Maritime at the end of the Pantiero.
From today the vaccination centre has moved from the Palais des Festivals to the Gare Maritime at the end of the Pantiero.
Friday 15 October
Afternoons from Monday to Friday at Espace Calmette, 18 rue du Docteur-Calmette, is a free exhibition on the waves of Italian immigration to Cannes. First came the seasonal workers in the mid 18th century followed by construction workers during the Belle Epoque building boom. At the beginning of the first world war, one in three Cannes residents was of Italian extract. Then came those that fled Mussolini.
Afternoons from Monday to Friday at Espace Calmette, 18 rue du Docteur-Calmette, is a free exhibition on the waves of Italian immigration to Cannes. First came the seasonal workers in the mid 18th century followed by construction workers during the Belle Epoque building boom. At the beginning of the first world war, one in three Cannes residents was of Italian extract. Then came those that fled Mussolini.
Thursday 14 October
Nice gendarmes have carried out the country's first use of a new law. If caught breaking the law while driving and found to be using a phone at the time, you can now have the phone confiscated for up to six months... in addition to the 135 euro fines and loss of three points.
Nice gendarmes have carried out the country's first use of a new law. If caught breaking the law while driving and found to be using a phone at the time, you can now have the phone confiscated for up to six months... in addition to the 135 euro fines and loss of three points.
Wednesday 13 October
There is a local train strike tomorrow in the Var and along the Cote d'Azur. The long distance trains are running normally. Do check for local trains some of which will have replacement bus services.
There is a local train strike tomorrow in the Var and along the Cote d'Azur. The long distance trains are running normally. Do check for local trains some of which will have replacement bus services.
Tuesday 12 October
The population of the Alpes Maritimes has 99% 4G coverage: Orange and Bouygues have 99% and SFR and free offer 98. Cannes has eight operators to choose from. free is France's leader in the supply of 5G.
The population of the Alpes Maritimes has 99% 4G coverage: Orange and Bouygues have 99% and SFR and free offer 98. Cannes has eight operators to choose from. free is France's leader in the supply of 5G.
Monday 11 October
Trottinettes (electric scooters) are increasingly popular here in Cannes. But you would not know that wearing a helmet and hi-vis jacket is compulsory. The maximum speed is 25km/h (1500 euros fine if exceeded). Riding a scooter on a pavement is illegal and outside of built up areas it can only be riden on cycle lanes. The scooter must have lights, a horn and reflective strips. You are not allowed to wear headphones and you have to ride alone - no passengers. You must have insurance or you can be fined 3,750 euros.
Trottinettes (electric scooters) are increasingly popular here in Cannes. But you would not know that wearing a helmet and hi-vis jacket is compulsory. The maximum speed is 25km/h (1500 euros fine if exceeded). Riding a scooter on a pavement is illegal and outside of built up areas it can only be riden on cycle lanes. The scooter must have lights, a horn and reflective strips. You are not allowed to wear headphones and you have to ride alone - no passengers. You must have insurance or you can be fined 3,750 euros.
Friday 8 October
Property owners in the following areas of Cannes can apply for a grant to repair, clean and paint their facades: classiques (7,625 euro grant) - Petit Juas-Vallergues, Haut Carnot, Gallieni-Anglais, centre-ville, Vautrin, Boulevard de la Source, sud de l’avenue Picaud et Bocca Sud; and surprime (10,000) - Suquet, Forville, Meynadier, Félix Faure, bas Carnot, Prado-République, avenues Francis Tonner et Michel Jourdan. The town has been offering this grant since 2008 spending 2.4m euros on 570 properties.
Property owners in the following areas of Cannes can apply for a grant to repair, clean and paint their facades: classiques (7,625 euro grant) - Petit Juas-Vallergues, Haut Carnot, Gallieni-Anglais, centre-ville, Vautrin, Boulevard de la Source, sud de l’avenue Picaud et Bocca Sud; and surprime (10,000) - Suquet, Forville, Meynadier, Félix Faure, bas Carnot, Prado-République, avenues Francis Tonner et Michel Jourdan. The town has been offering this grant since 2008 spending 2.4m euros on 570 properties.
Thursday 7 October
The Alpes Maritimes prefecture has ruled masks must be worn outdoors until 15 November. This was challenged in the courts yesterday. This week's Covid figures show that out of a population of 1m, there are 199 people in hospital with 32 in reanimation. Infection rates are 84 per 100,000 people.
The Alpes Maritimes prefecture has ruled masks must be worn outdoors until 15 November. This was challenged in the courts yesterday. This week's Covid figures show that out of a population of 1m, there are 199 people in hospital with 32 in reanimation. Infection rates are 84 per 100,000 people.
Wednesday 6 October
A new motoring "mountain law" comes into effect 1 November. So few people have heard of it there will be a one year grace period. All vehicles - French and foreign - will need either four winter tyres or fabric or metal snow chains for at least two driving wheels carried in the boot. Look out for the sign (left) showing you are entering a snow tyre zone.
A new motoring "mountain law" comes into effect 1 November. So few people have heard of it there will be a one year grace period. All vehicles - French and foreign - will need either four winter tyres or fabric or metal snow chains for at least two driving wheels carried in the boot. Look out for the sign (left) showing you are entering a snow tyre zone.
Tuesday 5 October
Transport strike today - trains, buses and trams affected.
Media reports in connection with the Pandora Papers referred to the Czech Prime Minister spending $22m on property on the Riviera. It is the Chateau and Casa Bigaud in Mougins, in case you were wondering.
Transport strike today - trains, buses and trams affected.
Media reports in connection with the Pandora Papers referred to the Czech Prime Minister spending $22m on property on the Riviera. It is the Chateau and Casa Bigaud in Mougins, in case you were wondering.
Monday 4 October
The Alpes Maritimes has been put on high alert for heavy rain and flooding this afternoon. Schools will close at noon and everyone is asked to restrict travel. The peak of the rain will be between 3-6pm and especially along the coast.
The Alpes Maritimes has been put on high alert for heavy rain and flooding this afternoon. Schools will close at noon and everyone is asked to restrict travel. The peak of the rain will be between 3-6pm and especially along the coast.
Friday 1 October
Good news for Cannes. The mayor, David Lisnard, has decided not to stand as a presidential candidate in next year's election.
Note that the government has extended the date to Sunday night for applications for the post Brexit residency card. Go to
http://invite.contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/
Good news for Cannes. The mayor, David Lisnard, has decided not to stand as a presidential candidate in next year's election.
Note that the government has extended the date to Sunday night for applications for the post Brexit residency card. Go to
http://invite.contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/
September Highlights
Car owners on the Cote d'Azur need to apply for a Crit 'Air Certificate. Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Vallauris, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var will restrict level 4/5 and unclassified vehicles from 6am to 8pm on high pollution days - expected to be 3-4 days a year. This will also affect the A8 in each town's area. If hiring a car ensure there is a sticker in the window. You can buy a certificate at the Mairie or on line: certificat-air@gouv.fr It costs 3.67 euros and lasts the lifetime of the car.
NB: If driving to Cannes from Britain your car needs a UK (not GB) sticker as well.
Car owners on the Cote d'Azur need to apply for a Crit 'Air Certificate. Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Vallauris, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-du-Var will restrict level 4/5 and unclassified vehicles from 6am to 8pm on high pollution days - expected to be 3-4 days a year. This will also affect the A8 in each town's area. If hiring a car ensure there is a sticker in the window. You can buy a certificate at the Mairie or on line: certificat-air@gouv.fr It costs 3.67 euros and lasts the lifetime of the car.
NB: If driving to Cannes from Britain your car needs a UK (not GB) sticker as well.
The deadline for holding a post Brexit residents' card has been extended from 1 October to 1 January 2022 due to a backlog of 10,800 (one of which is me). The government reports it has issued a total of 137,800 WA cards.
The average price of fuel has risen by 18% this year.
The number of Cannes residents fully vaccinated has reached 71%: with 79% having received at least one dose. Booster jabs are available for the 65+ and all people with health problems. You must wait six months from the second dose to have a booster. Schoolchildren from age of 12 can also be vaccinated now. You need to go online www.cannes.com to preregister and be given a code. Then you telephone, quoting the code, to be given an appointment.
YACHTING FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
The first hydrogen powered boat to be certified in Europe was on show. The HYNOVA 42 costs a cool 1,300,000 euros ex VAT. Production of the first orders starts end of this year. The engine is 60% of the cost compared with 30% normally. And everything is made in France or Belgium also adding cost. It is a 12 passenger day boat. It has hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and electric engine:
it makes no noise, no vibration and no fuel smells. It is 100% clean, no pollution.
The first hydrogen powered boat to be certified in Europe was on show. The HYNOVA 42 costs a cool 1,300,000 euros ex VAT. Production of the first orders starts end of this year. The engine is 60% of the cost compared with 30% normally. And everything is made in France or Belgium also adding cost. It is a 12 passenger day boat. It has hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and electric engine:
it makes no noise, no vibration and no fuel smells. It is 100% clean, no pollution.
Above: Italian Alhon from 13,000 euros including VAT and electric engine.
Lower Rt: super yacht with own pool. And no, you can't afford it! |
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Above: Hobbie 4 Mirage 6,500 euros incl VAT.
Top centre: small electric catamaran costing 13,500 ex VAT. No licence needed for the 3 boats. |
Meteo France can provide weather certificates for your insurance claims. Second home owners will find them useful especially if they were 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 French health pass needed to access bars, restaurants and museums, for example, has been credited with encouraging millions of French people to be vaccinated. Twelve million (18% of the population) have had at least one vaccination since 12 July when the pass was brought in.
The Alpes Maritimes (A-M) is to use Google to locate undeclared swimming pools, tennis courts, extensions and conservatories. They are all subject to increased local taxes. No hiding now so you might as well own up before you are caught. There could be 3000 undeclared pools in the A-M.
The best beach in the Alpes Maritimes is Pointe de l'Aiguille (left) at Theoule sur Mer according to readers of Nice Matin.
August Highlights
September sees 1.8m French workers having to prove they are fully vaxed before they can work in organisations where the customer has to show a health pass. This includes restaurants, cinemas and museums.
September sees 1.8m French workers having to prove they are fully vaxed before they can work in organisations where the customer has to show a health pass. This includes restaurants, cinemas and museums.
The dreaded EU roaming charges are to return for some UK mobile phone customers. Buying a French pay as you go SIM card might be one answer depending on your usage.
Elton John gave an impromptu rendition of his latest recording at La Guerite restaurant on St Marguerite where he was dining to the delight of everyone.
Le Cannet joins various other towns, including Antibes and Vallauris, offering an electric bike service through Bik'air. You just download the app and fill in your bank card details. The app helps you find the nearest bike. The bikes cost 15 centimes/minute. Do note Cannes is not part of the scheme.
July Highlights
Do note that from 9 August you will need your health pass/QR code for long distance travel on Intercity and TGV trains, coaches and planes. You will also need it to access bars and restaurants, including terraces.
The fabulous Maeght Foundation in St Paul de Vence has an exhibition on the Swiss Giacometti family until 14 November. Thirty major sculptures, drawings and paintings are featured. It includes work by Alberto, his father painter Giovanni, two brothers sculptor Diego and architect Bruno plus cousin Augusto, a painter.
A new experience for Cannes and great for taking photographs. The Jetty Josephine Baker is 400 meters long and starts at the Quai St Pierre parking. The walkway is pedestrianised, wheelchair accessible and has two surveillance cameras. At its end, it provides a 360 deg view of the Bay of Cannes, the islands and the Esterel.
Don't waste your money on citronella, bracelets, plug in diffusers, or ultra sound machines to fight off mosquitoes. They do NOT work, according to a French scientist. The only thing that does is Deet and tropical/jungle strength will keep you safe for 6-8 hours. It can be sprayed on skin, clothing and sheets. Pregnant women and children cannot use Deet and should wear loose clothing and sleep under "mozzie" nets.
Do note that drinking alcohol on the beaches in Cannes is not allowed (interdit).
New for July the government has ruled shop tills must show the guarantee period for goods purchased eg a phone or fridge.
New for July the government has ruled shop tills must show the guarantee period for goods purchased eg a phone or fridge.
French restaurants by law now have to offer doggie bags for you to take away uneaten food. It must be in reusable or recyclable containers.
The aim is to reduce waste food going to landfill.
The aim is to reduce waste food going to landfill.
France has brought in new rules for bicycles. Now, like new bikes, secondhand bikes bought from a professional shop will be marked with an individual number. This is stored on a database making it easier to locate the owners of stolen or lost bikes.
British and French governments have reached a deal on driving licences for Brits living in France. Valid UK licences issued before 1 January, 2021 will be recognised in France. Expired and about to expire licences can be exchanged for a French licence.
The Alpes Maritimes is the fifth sunniest department in France and Nice the fourth sunniest major town according to Meteo France's records for the past 30 years. The A-M has 2,668 hours per annum and Nice 2,758. PACA region which includes the A-M is the sunniest with Marseille topping the sun spot for a town.
May Highlights
Pity the poor French olive tree: it is under threat from a killer bacteria and yields are down due to the weather this year. French olives are already 50% dearer than last year and a shortage of olive oil is forecast for later this year.
Best advice re Cannes?
Avoid driving along the Croisette in either direction. It is a total nightmare and takes forever to get from one point to another especially the nearer to town you are.
Avoid driving along the Croisette in either direction. It is a total nightmare and takes forever to get from one point to another especially the nearer to town you are.
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%).
The latest tourist attraction in Cannes features on posters for the Cote d'Azur for 2021. It is the Eco Museum, an underwater area off St Marguerite with heads of locals by British artist Jason de Cairnes Taylor. You can swim out to the area to view with snorkels or dive.
Nice Airport announces it will this summer be offering flights to 18 destinations in France, 66 in Europe and 12 outside the European frontiers but is still awaiting permission for long haul. easyJet has announced new flights to La Rochelle, Lille and Minorca. BA is flying to Southampton and Air France to Heathrow, Algiers and Tunis.
April Highlights
Cannes
The 2021 list of best towns to live in shows Cannes at number 30 out of 34,837 towns and cities throughout France. Cannes has a population of 73,868 and for towns from 50-100K residents, Cannes comes eighth and number one in the A-M.
The battle between the train and the plane in France has started. MPs voted to ban internal French flights where a train journey of two and a half hours is available. A law is not expected until September this year.
March Highlights
Now is the time to tidy up the terrace and garden to prevent mosquitoes making a home there. They hatch in water and never move more than 200m from their birthplace for their short seven day life. If planting geraniums, rosemary, mint and garlic all repel the little buzzers...
Now is the time to tidy up the terrace and garden to prevent mosquitoes making a home there. They hatch in water and never move more than 200m from their birthplace for their short seven day life. If planting geraniums, rosemary, mint and garlic all repel the little buzzers...
The night train from Nice to Paris will be reinstated from 16 April. The service will operate seven days a week and leaves Nice at 7.16pm arriving at Paris Austerlitz at 6.55am. It stops off on the journey nine times including Antibes and Cannes.
When travel to France resumes remember that even with a Ghic or Ehic health card Brits, and other third country citizens, officially need travel insurance to cover repatriation whether severely ill or having died.
January Highlights
The UKs new Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) replaces the European card although this can still be used until its end date. The Ghic lasts five years. It can only be used currently in EU member states, including France. Brits resident in France can continue to use the Ehic.
New rules apply to Brits coming to France. In general terms, you cannot bring in meat and dairy products as well as plants, cut flowers, seeds, vegetables and fruit. You can bring teabags, coffee, rolled oats, chocolate, biscuits and baked beans.
2020 Highlights
Brits wanting to bring their pets or guide dogs into France need to make sure they are electronically tagged and have been fully vaccinated. From 1 January in addition you will need to obtain from a vet, within 10 days of travelling, a health certificate valid for four months.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that France's laws on Cannabidiol (CBD) are unlawful: the products are not narcotics. It states "CBD does not have a negative effect on human health".
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, M 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.
2019 Highlights
There are 7,600 properties registered at the Cannes Mairie as available for holiday lets. The highest prices are not for the Film Festival but for MIPIM and the Lyons conferences - with up to 10 times the normal price.
The mayor can now boast 197 municipal police, 56 community police officers, 47 ASVP (environmental police), a mounted brigade, and 12 dog handlers. There are also 642 video cameras in town and his officers are trialling body worn cameras.
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.