Latest Local News in Cannes
Read the latest news from Cannes in 2022
Friday 24 June
You can now buy the Cannes Expo Pass which allows you to see five exhibitions for 10 euros. Tickets are on sale at the venues: Villa Domergue; La Malmaison; Suquet des artistes; Musée des explorations du monde; Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal (Île Sainte-Marguerite); Musée éphémère du cinéma (Hall Méditerranée du Palais); Gare maritime; Tourist office at the Palais.
You can now buy the Cannes Expo Pass which allows you to see five exhibitions for 10 euros. Tickets are on sale at the venues: Villa Domergue; La Malmaison; Suquet des artistes; Musée des explorations du monde; Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal (Île Sainte-Marguerite); Musée éphémère du cinéma (Hall Méditerranée du Palais); Gare maritime; Tourist office at the Palais.
Thursday 23 June
It's raining. If your French is up to it try the Wordle-inspired Sutom. It was created in January by Jonathan Magano, a 30-year-old computer engineer. Today 300,000 people play it. A number of regional variations have also been created by others eg a Marseille language game.
It's raining. If your French is up to it try the Wordle-inspired Sutom. It was created in January by Jonathan Magano, a 30-year-old computer engineer. Today 300,000 people play it. A number of regional variations have also been created by others eg a Marseille language game.
Wednesday 22 June
Preliminary figures show 99,644 French residency cards were issued to British expats last year. This figure is expected to rise. The cards allow British citizens to live and work in France.
Preliminary figures show 99,644 French residency cards were issued to British expats last year. This figure is expected to rise. The cards allow British citizens to live and work in France.
Tuesday 21 June
Today is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. The longest day of the year. So enjoy the sun, beach and sea. Poor weather is forecast later today and tomorrow. Fete de la Musique tonight throughout France.
Today is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. The longest day of the year. So enjoy the sun, beach and sea. Poor weather is forecast later today and tomorrow. Fete de la Musique tonight throughout France.
Monday 20 June
The Star Clipper has just completed its first cruise post Covid. It was a seven day cruise from its base in Cannes to Rome via Corsica and Elba. I was on board. .. and can highly recommend it. Great food and terrific crew. Not cheap but worth every penny.
The Star Clipper has just completed its first cruise post Covid. It was a seven day cruise from its base in Cannes to Rome via Corsica and Elba. I was on board. .. and can highly recommend it. Great food and terrific crew. Not cheap but worth every penny.
Friday 10 June
The mosquitoes are emerging again. To avoid insect bites you should make sure there is no standing water outdoors. The only effective anti mosquito products contain Deet. IR 3535, KBR 3023, or citriodiol. Avoid tight fitting clothes but cover up as much as possible especially when they are very present such as late afternoon, early evening. You can also use a net to sleep under at night.
The mosquitoes are emerging again. To avoid insect bites you should make sure there is no standing water outdoors. The only effective anti mosquito products contain Deet. IR 3535, KBR 3023, or citriodiol. Avoid tight fitting clothes but cover up as much as possible especially when they are very present such as late afternoon, early evening. You can also use a net to sleep under at night.
Thursday 9 June
Travel chaos again. This time many airports in France are closed today due to strike action. This includes Nice airport. All airlines are affected. Thankfully it is only a one day strike this time.
Travel chaos again. This time many airports in France are closed today due to strike action. This includes Nice airport. All airlines are affected. Thankfully it is only a one day strike this time.
Wednesday 8 June
A new record was set yesterday in Cannes: at 1pm the temperature was 33.4 degrees, the highest pre 20 June temperature since records began in 1949.
And the fireworks last night? It was to celebrate an Indian wedding. The six hundred guests, all staying at the Martinez, were moved to the roof of the Palais to watch the amazing fireworks.
A new record was set yesterday in Cannes: at 1pm the temperature was 33.4 degrees, the highest pre 20 June temperature since records began in 1949.
And the fireworks last night? It was to celebrate an Indian wedding. The six hundred guests, all staying at the Martinez, were moved to the roof of the Palais to watch the amazing fireworks.
Tuesday 7 June
New research by consumer associations shows fuel up 20%, costing 27 euros per month extra. Energy bills, up 25%, are costing an extra 32 euros per month. Plus there is a general consumer goods increase of 7% adding a further 30 euros/month. In total an extra 89 euros/ month/average household.
New research by consumer associations shows fuel up 20%, costing 27 euros per month extra. Energy bills, up 25%, are costing an extra 32 euros per month. Plus there is a general consumer goods increase of 7% adding a further 30 euros/month. In total an extra 89 euros/ month/average household.
Monday 6 June
New rules for beach flags. The red and yellow flag replaces the blue triangular flags delineating the supervised bathing area. A black and white chequered flag denotes water sports. All triangular flags are now rectangular. The changes bring France into line with international norms
New rules for beach flags. The red and yellow flag replaces the blue triangular flags delineating the supervised bathing area. A black and white chequered flag denotes water sports. All triangular flags are now rectangular. The changes bring France into line with international norms
Wednesday 1 June
APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE FOR BEING OFFLINE SINCE 12 MAY. COMPUTER KAPUT AND HAD TO WAIT FOR A QWERTY KEYBOARD TO ARRIVE FOR NEW COMPUTER.
ALL SHOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL FROM NEXT WEEK.
APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE FOR BEING OFFLINE SINCE 12 MAY. COMPUTER KAPUT AND HAD TO WAIT FOR A QWERTY KEYBOARD TO ARRIVE FOR NEW COMPUTER.
ALL SHOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL FROM NEXT WEEK.
May Highlights
Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from Monday 16 May. This includes planes, trains, trams, buses, metros and boats. A mask and health pass is still needed to enter medical establishments.
Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from Monday 16 May. This includes planes, trains, trams, buses, metros and boats. A mask and health pass is still needed to enter medical establishments.
Nice has been voted the dog friendliest large city in France. Top among what it offers are two dog beaches and a third being planned, Council staff are also allowed to take their dogs to work and dogs of all sizes allowed on most trams.
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.
April Highlights
British expats living in France - and around the world - can now vote in British general elections. This follows the Election Act receiving Royal Assent. It overturns the 15 year rule introduce by Labour some time ago. British citizens abroad will be able to vote in the last constituency they were registered in or that of their last address. An estimated 2.3m will now have the democratic vote restored to them.
British expats living in France - and around the world - can now vote in British general elections. This follows the Election Act receiving Royal Assent. It overturns the 15 year rule introduce by Labour some time ago. British citizens abroad will be able to vote in the last constituency they were registered in or that of their last address. An estimated 2.3m will now have the democratic vote restored to them.
Debrett's online has been looking at British Royal Jubilees over the past 200 years. So for all quiz masters here are some pointers: George V celebrated his silver jubilee in 1935; George lll his Golden Jubilee 1809 and Queen Victoria's in 1887. She went on to become the first monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this year with a four day event in June.
The Alpes Maritimes is already under a drought vigilance notice. This has been the driest beginning to a year since 1959: only 64mm of rain has fallen from 1 January to 10 April. Despite the rain this weekend, there is a real risk of further water restrictions on the Cote d'Azur this summer.
It is now possible to pay for your bus journey by contactless payment with your bank card: CB, Visa and Mastercard. Just show your card to the driver before validating. If there is a crowd of you do it once, then a second time and this time punch in how many tickets required. You can also pay with your smartphone by Paylib, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Journeys cost 1.50 euros for a single journey. You can purchase tickets and verify payments and journeys on palmbus.fr
The French government has announced the whereabouts of Russian oligarch's possessions in France. Roman Abromovitch has several properties on the Cap d'Antibes including the magnificent Chateau de La Croe(left). Belarussian Andrei Melnichenko also has several properties on the Cap. Victor Rashnikov prefers the bay of Villefranche while Vadim Moshkovic is at cap de Nice and Dimitry Konov resides in Cannes
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.
Thankfully it is now warm enough to enjoy a drink or meal on a restaurant terrace because terrace heaters are now banned. This is supposed to save about half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Many restaurants and bars have already been putting out rugs and sheepskins to help keep us warm.
March Highlights
Plagued by companies cold calling you? From 1 April new laws come into force. The cold caller must immediately get your permission to continue to try to sell to you. If you say no, the call must be ended at once and your data deleted by the company. There are also a host of new safeguarding rules should you agree to buy a service over the phone.
Plagued by companies cold calling you? From 1 April new laws come into force. The cold caller must immediately get your permission to continue to try to sell to you. If you say no, the call must be ended at once and your data deleted by the company. There are also a host of new safeguarding rules should you agree to buy a service over the phone.
From 1 April, petrol prices will be reduced by 18 cents for SP95/98 and diesel (not 95E) until 31 July. Forecourts will display the actual price and drivers will be charged the lesser price when they pay. Not all garages will be able to offer the reductions immediately so do check before filling up. Also look out for other offers: Total for example is offering an extra 10 cents off. Supermarkets are also expected to have weekend offers.
In 2020 there were 86,000 Brits who owned second homes in France. Many are trying to apply for 3 - 6 month visitor visas to beat the 90/180 day rule post Brexit. There are reports the system is not working well as there are not enough appointment slots at the UK centres. Be careful about booking a trip in advance.
easyJet is under attack for having on-board bag size
checking frames at Nice Airport smaller than other
French airports. It then charges for the bag to go in the hold!
checking frames at Nice Airport smaller than other
French airports. It then charges for the bag to go in the hold!
Thanks to The Connexion, France's English newspaper, UK second home owners and Brits holding S1 forms will 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.
January/February Highlights
French mobile phone providers are not bringing back roaming charges for customers visiting the UK. This includes SFR, Orange, Free and Bouygues Telecom. French mobile customers note: the absence of extra fees applies to data, calls and texts used in the UK.
French mobile phone providers are not bringing back roaming charges for customers visiting the UK. This includes SFR, Orange, Free and Bouygues Telecom. French mobile customers note: the absence of extra fees applies to data, calls and texts used in the UK.
If you are in the system, look out for an email from the French health service with a code for you to create a new online "espace". This will, with your permission, allow doctors to access your medical history. Currently the patient keeps all the records and takes them to appointments.
The French railway has launched an app called SNCF Connect. Passengers will be able to search for routes, buy tickets, combine train and coach tickets, hire an Avis car, book a taxi, read traffic updates, manage bookings and ticketing. The app can be viewed in English.
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.
The Racing Club de Cannes - the legendary women's volleyball team - celebrates
its centenary in 2022. It has notched up, mainly in the last quarter of a century, 21 Champion of France titles, 20 Coupe de France and two League Championships. See www.rccannes.com
its centenary in 2022. It has notched up, mainly in the last quarter of a century, 21 Champion of France titles, 20 Coupe de France and two League Championships. See www.rccannes.com
The income levels before French residents need to pay tax for last year's returns due to be made this spring are: €15,547 for a single person; €29,008 for a couple; €34,121 for a couple with one child; and €39,233 with two children. French tax is based on worldwide income.
The cost of stamps has gone up. Next day delivery priority red stamps now cost 1.43 euros each; the two day delivery green stamp is 1.16 (up 8 cents); and the international stamp costs 1.65.
2021 Highlights
The Michelin starred restaurant Oasis in La Napoule has been closed by its owners, the Barbossi group.
The Michelin starred restaurant Oasis in La Napoule has been closed by its owners, the Barbossi group.
The French government is backing Cannes' application for the island of St Honorat to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Cannes is already recognised by UNESCO as a Creative Town for Cinema - a first in France.
Cannes estimates it has lost a staggering 18.4 million euros due to the pandemic during 2020 and 2021. This is due to the loss of income from the Palais des Festivals, casinos and the private beaches.
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. The site is a few metres below the surface of the sea off the island of St Marguerite and can be reached with snorkels or wet suits in winter.
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. The site is a few metres below the surface of the sea off the island of St Marguerite and can be reached with snorkels or wet suits in winter.
Despite all the praise heaped on the French health service, pain management is not one of its fortes. There is, hwoever, a nationwide chain of pain clinics. Here on the Cote you can find them in Nice and Antibes: you need a prescription to get an appointment.
At the weekend it came to light that President Macron changed the blue colour on the French national flag last July without telling the country. He changed it back to the original navy blue which had been lightened in 1976 by Pres Giscard d'Estaing to blend better with the EU flag. The Tricolour was created the national flag in 1794 from the dark blue and red of Paris and the Royal white.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NB: If driving to Cannes from Britain your car needs a UK (not GB) sticker as well.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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