Latest Local News in Cannes
Monday 24 January
Today the Vaccine Pass replaces the health pass. Members of the public who are fully vaccinated need do nothing. The venues where the QR is scanned will have their machines updated so as not to recognise test results. Visitors from the UK can download or print the NHS app QR code and scan it to TousAntiCovid. Visitors from other non EU countries need to visit a pharmacy to have their vaccination certificates converted to a TousAntiCovid pass.
Today the Vaccine Pass replaces the health pass. Members of the public who are fully vaccinated need do nothing. The venues where the QR is scanned will have their machines updated so as not to recognise test results. Visitors from the UK can download or print the NHS app QR code and scan it to TousAntiCovid. Visitors from other non EU countries need to visit a pharmacy to have their vaccination certificates converted to a TousAntiCovid pass.
Friday 21 January
The radical right presidential candidate, Eric Zemmour, is in Menton and Antibes today. Tomorrow morning he will be at the Forville Market in Cannes and holding a rally at the Palais des Victoires, La Bocca, in the evening. The 64-year-old is a political journalist, writer and pundit with very controversial views, especially about immigrants and Muslims.
The radical right presidential candidate, Eric Zemmour, is in Menton and Antibes today. Tomorrow morning he will be at the Forville Market in Cannes and holding a rally at the Palais des Victoires, La Bocca, in the evening. The 64-year-old is a political journalist, writer and pundit with very controversial views, especially about immigrants and Muslims.
Thursday 20 January
The vaccine pass comes into effect next week. Only the fully vaxed and those who have been infected with the virus in the last six
months will be able to enter many public places. However, people who get their first jab by 15 February, test negative and agree to take a second jab within a month can get a vaccine pass immediately.
The vaccine pass comes into effect next week. Only the fully vaxed and those who have been infected with the virus in the last six
months will be able to enter many public places. However, people who get their first jab by 15 February, test negative and agree to take a second jab within a month can get a vaccine pass immediately.
Wednesday 19 January
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 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.
Tuesday 18 January
The Racing Club de Cannes - the legendary women's volleyball team - celebrates it centenary this year. 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 Racing Club de Cannes - the legendary women's volleyball team - celebrates it centenary this year. 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
Monday 17 January
Vaccinated British travellers can again enter France. They need to have a negative antigen or PCR test within 24 hours of travelling. Do note that home tests are not accepted. Visitors need to show printed or digital proof with a QR code of being fully vaccinated plus a declaration of honour that they do not have Covid symptoms or been in contact with a positive person. Children under 12 do not need to take a Covid test to travel but do need to be included on the declaration. To return to UK travellers need to complete the locator form and take a lateral flow or PCR Covid test on or before day two after return.
Vaccinated British travellers can again enter France. They need to have a negative antigen or PCR test within 24 hours of travelling. Do note that home tests are not accepted. Visitors need to show printed or digital proof with a QR code of being fully vaccinated plus a declaration of honour that they do not have Covid symptoms or been in contact with a positive person. Children under 12 do not need to take a Covid test to travel but do need to be included on the declaration. To return to UK travellers need to complete the locator form and take a lateral flow or PCR Covid test on or before day two after return.
Friday 14 January
Tomorrow your French health pass will be deactivated if you have not had a booster jab and your second vaccine dose was before 15 June.
The Mimosa Festival parade in La Napoule has been cancelled for this year
Tomorrow your French health pass will be deactivated if you have not had a booster jab and your second vaccine dose was before 15 June.
The Mimosa Festival parade in La Napoule has been cancelled for this year
Thursday 13 January
David Lisnard (left), mayor of Cannes, has handed over the rotating presidency of Cap Azur to Jean Leonetti, mayor of Antibes for 2022. More than half the population of the Alpes Maritimes live in this metropolitan area which includes Grasse, Cannes and Antibes. It was created a few years ago to counter the power of Nice Metropole.
David Lisnard (left), mayor of Cannes, has handed over the rotating presidency of Cap Azur to Jean Leonetti, mayor of Antibes for 2022. More than half the population of the Alpes Maritimes live in this metropolitan area which includes Grasse, Cannes and Antibes. It was created a few years ago to counter the power of Nice Metropole.
Wednesday 12 January
The sales start today in Cannes and throughout the Alpes Maritimes.
NB The ski bus to Colmiane is not running today.
The sales start today in Cannes and throughout the Alpes Maritimes.
NB The ski bus to Colmiane is not running today.
Tuesday 11 January
David Lisnard, mayor of Cannes, is standing down from the Alpes Maritimes Film Commission and the presidency of the Regional Tourism committee. He wants to concentrate on his new role as president of the Association of French Mayors... and Cannes.
David Lisnard, mayor of Cannes, is standing down from the Alpes Maritimes Film Commission and the presidency of the Regional Tourism committee. He wants to concentrate on his new role as president of the Association of French Mayors... and Cannes.
Monday 10 January
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 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.
Friday 7 January
The fifth coronavirus wave in the Alpes Maritimes is stretching the health service. On 5 January 92 of the A-Ms 112 ICU beds were occupied by Covid patients. There were 322 people with Covid hospitalised although those with Omicron were showing less serious symptoms than the Delta variant. This wave is expected to peak mid January.
The fifth coronavirus wave in the Alpes Maritimes is stretching the health service. On 5 January 92 of the A-Ms 112 ICU beds were occupied by Covid patients. There were 322 people with Covid hospitalised although those with Omicron were showing less serious symptoms than the Delta variant. This wave is expected to peak mid January.
Thursday 6 January
The latest births and deaths figures for last year are out with slightly more deaths than births in Cannes. More boys were born than girls. Top names for girls are Jade, Anna, Louise, Ava and Emma. For boys it is Gabriel, Adam, Jules, Hugo and Mael.
The latest births and deaths figures for last year are out with slightly more deaths than births in Cannes. More boys were born than girls. Top names for girls are Jade, Anna, Louise, Ava and Emma. For boys it is Gabriel, Adam, Jules, Hugo and Mael.
Wednesday 5 January
The winter sales start 12 January till 8 February. Cannes has a special event - Sales and the City - from 22 - 26 January when music plays in the streets and the rue d'Antibes is pedestrianised the weekend of 25/26th with special events such as jugglers on the Saturday. Monaco sales started 2 January.
The winter sales start 12 January till 8 February. Cannes has a special event - Sales and the City - from 22 - 26 January when music plays in the streets and the rue d'Antibes is pedestrianised the weekend of 25/26th with special events such as jugglers on the Saturday. Monaco sales started 2 January.
Tuesday 4 January
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. Stamps bought last year which do not have a price on them can still be used.
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. Stamps bought last year which do not have a price on them can still be used.
Monday 3 January
Due to the fifth wave of Covid, the official end of year festivities in Cannes and surrounding towns and villages finished yesterday - earlier than normal. Only 1500 beds in Cannes were available during the holiday season out of 5000 and only two five star hotels were open. The usual New Year mass influx of Italians did not take place either. But Cannes has been busy for the New Year even so.
Due to the fifth wave of Covid, the official end of year festivities in Cannes and surrounding towns and villages finished yesterday - earlier than normal. Only 1500 beds in Cannes were available during the holiday season out of 5000 and only two five star hotels were open. The usual New Year mass influx of Italians did not take place either. But Cannes has been busy for the New Year even so.
Saturday 1 January
A HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
A HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
December Highlights
From tomorrow a new French two euro coin will go into circulation. This is to celebrate 20 years of the euro currency and the French presidency of the EU council. Thirty million coins have been minted and it is the first time France has produced a new two euro coin. It features the values and strengths of France on the reverse side.
From tomorrow a new French two euro coin will go into circulation. This is to celebrate 20 years of the euro currency and the French presidency of the EU council. Thirty million coins have been minted and it is the first time France has produced a new two euro coin. It features the values and strengths of France on the reverse side.
Covid home testing kits are for sale on supermarket shelves until 31 January. They should cost less than two euros per test. There is also talk of a fourth jab being considered. When will this ever end...?
New rules to fight the double wave of Delta and Omicron hitting France. These include mandatory mask wearing in all town centres, the consumption of food and drinks on TGVs and public transport banned, indoor and outdoor events limited and working from home reintroduced.
The Michelin starred restaurant Oasis in La Napoule has been closed by its owners, the Barbossi group. It is now a Salon de The (tea house) open Tuesday to Fridays noon till 5pm. This is said to be a temporary move but the starred chef and part of his team have left. Watch this space.
The Old Course Cannes is celebrating its 130th anniversary this week. The 74 hectares golf course was founded by the Grand Duke Michael of Russia. It has 350 members and boasts 50,000 visitors annually. An unusual feature is that to reach holes 3 and 13 players need to cross the river Siagne by barge. . See www,golfoldcourse.com
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.
The world's first fully licensed electric plane can be seen at the Cannes Mandelieu private airport this week. It is the Slovenian Velis Electro light aircraft, designed and produced by Pipistrel of Ajdovščina. The aircraft is intended primarily as a training aircraft, particularly for successive take-off and landings at the airfield. You can now buy one!
Details of next year's Plages Electroniques have been released. The event starts each day at 2pm till 5am from 5 to 7 August. There will be six stages with a total of 60 artists over the three days which you can watch on the sand, the roof top, terrace and inside the Palais as well as boat parties on a catamaran. Tickets from 50 euros a day or from 100 euros for a three day pass. See plages-electroniques.com
Eric Ciotti, a well known Alpes Maritimes MP, came second in The Republicans' primaries. Valerie Pecresse is now the official LR presidential candidate. She is the party’s first female candidate and has described herself as two thirds Merkel and one third Thatcher.
November Highlights
Renowned British abstract artist Fiona Rae has an exhibition at the Malmaison from 2 December till 24 April. It is entitled Many Coloured Messenger and costs six euros.
Renowned British abstract artist Fiona Rae has an exhibition at the Malmaison from 2 December till 24 April. It is entitled Many Coloured Messenger and costs six euros.
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 is accepting bookings for all adults for the booster jab. Go on line www.cannes.com to register and get a code then telephone the number given for an appointment.
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. Many doctors are not even aware there is 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. In France 12m people suffer from chronic pain but 72% do not get treatment for it.
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.
Time to think about sending prezzies. Post Brexit there are new rules 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.
EasyJet launches today its twice weekly flights from Nice to Tenerife. Flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays will cost from 29 euros. The airline also flies this winter from Nice to Portugal, Italy, Holland, Switzerland and Germany as well as the UK.
October Highlights
Cannes has been awarded the title Europe's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2021. The town now competes with 13 other cities for the world title. (It came second)
Cannes has been awarded the title Europe's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2021. The town now competes with 13 other cities for the world title. (It came second)
The Sud Region (formerly PACA) has awarded the train route Marseille to Nice to the private company Transdev. This decision has for the first time in France broken the SNCF monopoly. The new company will take over in July 2025.
Although the taxe d'habitation is being phased out you still have to pay for a TV licence which costs 138 euros. But there are a number of exemptions based on age and status. The household income threshold is 11,120 euros. If you are disabled or widowed or have to pay zero (0) on your income tax form you do not need to pay. Nor do over 60s who do not pay wealth taxes. See service-public.fr
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new motoring "mountain law" comes into effect 1 November. 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.
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.
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.
August Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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%).
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.
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.
2020 Highlights
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.