Club Vivanova Charity Gala Postponement : Saturday 14th November 2020
In light of the current situation, Club Vivanova and the Fairmont Monte Carlo have decided that it would be in the best interests of their partners, members, guests and the event itself to postpone the Sixth Edition 2020 Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala to Saturday 14th November 2020.
Club Vivanova’s annual charity gala night has been moved to Saturday 14th November 2020
All purchased partnerships, tickets and room bookings will be automatically transferred to this new date.
They expect that by this date, the event business will be back to normal and guests will all once again be able to celebrate the best things in life together!
Club Vivanova thanks their esteemed guests, the Fairmont Monte Carlo and their gala partners for the on-going support.
On Saturday 6th June, Club Vivanova, a Monaco-based leading business networking and premium gourmet wine club, will host their 6th annual Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala Dinner at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.
This epic event – “Turning Luxury Into Charity” – brings together more than 400 international guests, all to help raise funds for worthy causes. This year, funds will be split between the Chances for Children (C4C) Foundation and The Animal Fund (TAF).
Charitable causes
Chances for Children has been one of the event’s beneficiary charities since 2017. Founded in 2011, the Monaco and UK-registered charity cares for abandoned children in a dedicated orphanage in Kampala (Uganda). Here the children have access to parental care, a balanced diet, education, and healthcare. Gabrielle Crump, President of Chances For Children has been humbled by the generosity seen from Gala attendees over the last few years and notes how:
“The ongoing support that Club Vivanova offers Chances for Children is priceless. As our charity grows, so do the running costs and the annual Club Vivanova Charity Gala raises vital finances that support and to help to pay for quality education, maintenance and the support of a growing number of sponsored children. The club’s members now sponsor six children in the Chances for Children Foundation family all-year round. We truly value this partnership which goes from strength to strength – and as a grass roots charity, donors can rest assured that every Euro donated goes directly to the children.”
Listed in Monaco, France and the UK, The Animal Fund is a non-profit marine conservation association dedicated to protecting and saving dolphins and whales from pollution, maltreatment and overfishing.
A distinguished event
The glittering fundraising event attracts distinguished international business leaders from across the world, Club Vivanova members, and VIP Partners who will all enjoy a beautifully prepared gourmet meal in addition to live entertainment by ‘High On Heels’, a Haute Couture fashion show, a Contemporary Art Exhibition, a charity auction, and Champagne and Vodka after party, offering a fantastic social night with a purpose.
The event kicks-off at 7 p.m. with a Premier Cru Champagne Aperitif, followed by a welcome speech at 8 p.m.
Monaco based digital marketing agency, Relevance, is a sponsor of the charitable gala evening.
“We are delighted to once again support the annual Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala Dinner,” Rumble Romagnoli, CEO of Relevance said. “This fabulous annual event raises funds for a number of charities, including Chances for Children, a cause that remains very dear to our hearts. We have supported this charity for some four years, offering a wide range of digital marketing support to ensure this fantastic charity can help more young orphaned children in Uganda, by providing critical parental care, education, healthcare, and more.”
Bradley Mitton – Club Vivanova Founder
“We only achieve great things in life by giving back and our Sixth Edition Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala is organised annually to appreciate the best things in life, whilst offering attendees the chance to donate; raising important and life-changing funding for the Chances for Children Foundation and The Animal Fund and we need your support.”
Ticket details
There are still tickets available for this year’s event. Tickets are €200 per person, €300 for VIP tickets, or €2,800 for a gala partner table for 10. Tickets can be purchased online at clubvivanova-luxurygala.com
For a video presentation of the Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala Dinner, see below:
Press Contact
To find out more information about Chances for Children or the 2020 Club Vivanova Luxury Lifestyle Gala Dinner, or for additional images, contact : muriel@relevance.digital or telephone +377 99 90 73 52
Please note: The event was originally advertised as being scheduled for Saturday, April 4; Saturday, June 6 is the new postponed date. All purchased partnerships, tickets and room package bookings from the original date are automatically transferred to the new date. Club Vivanova thanks all their guests, the Fairmont Monte Carlo and their gala partners for the on-going support.
I will be in the UK for Christmas and New Year, therefore Access Riviera will be quiet until early January.
One thing I’ve learned through blogging is that it is OK to step away from time to time and reenergise your mind and body. In the beginning, I was learning new things and trying to express my thoughts here – now, I can do things in my own time and not feel obligated to post every week because I have a family and other projects on the go.
Here are 5 things I’ve learned this year running Access Riviera:
That the message matters more than the medium. This year, there’s been a pull towards jumping onto the latest tools and trendy social media such as TikTok, but I’ve learned to gravitate to what works best – for Access Riviera’s audience that is maintaining a presence via my subscriber list, on Facebook and Twitter.
Good images and good storytelling still rule.
Blog analytics are so valuable for defining what posts are doing well (and also what content is a complete flop) so I can create more of those winning posts.
That there is no trickery in running a top blog. This year, I’ve had a big part of my time taken by client projects, so regular posts onto my blog have been neglected and this has definitely reflected in the drop of visitors to my blog. Blogging isn’t ‘easy’ because it demands consistency and fresh content.
That whatever I blog about can still be relevant months and years later.
Thank you for all your support this year – Merry Christmas and best wishes!
Ultimately, Access Riviera is part of my life. It grew from a hobby to a business, and I’ll continue to enjoy the experience of it.
I have some incredible client and personal projects launching in 2020, so I hope this little community I’ve built through my blog writing sticks around!
What were my most popular blog posts in 2019?
My 5 most popular blog posts by views this year are below – interestingly, two were published this year, two were from 2017 and one I wrote way back in 2014 proving that old content can still do well! :
And my most popular blog post? A guide about car parts and mechanical terms in French ! I’m not sure why people love this as a reference source, but it’s very popular in searches and 5 years after going live this is still my highly-visited post each year by thousands of views. Take a look here: Car Parts & Mechanical Terms in French
Thank you to all my followers who have liked, commented or shared my posts throughout the year – I see every comment and your support is greatly appreciated!
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the New Year.
Amber Lounge Monaco’s events are the highlight of the social calendar during the legendary Monaco Grand Prix.
In 2019, Amber Lounge will host VIP race viewing and celebrity yachts, a one-of-a-kind F1™ Driver Fashion Show, fine dining, live Charity Auction, and three nights of euphoric after parties with unforgettable live entertainment.
The most exhilarating experience into the glamour and excitement of Formula 1’s most anticipated Grand Prix.
“Every Formula 1 driver has Amber Lounge on speed dial after a race; it’s the only place to celebrate with friends and team members.” – Kimi Räikkönen, Alfa Romeo Racing F1 Driver
A World of VIP Parties during Monaco Grand Prix
Plunge deep into the heart of Formula 1 and discover Amber Lounge, where a world of glamour and luxury awaits. Made in Monaco, for over 15 years Amber Lounge has affirmed its infamous reputation as the most vibrant, sexy, star-studded party with great networking opportunities. The original and most exclusive Grand Prix parties that will take your breath away.
Friday 24 May : Fashion & U*NITE / White Ice Theme
Kick off the Monaco Grand Prix weekend in style with the innovative clubbing concept U*NITE. Combining the prestigious Amber Lounge Fashion Show featuring F1 drivers, charity auctions, gourmet dining and Fashion After Party.
Guests are encouraged to dress to impress as Amber Lounge brings a white/ice theme for the first time! Step into another world in the Arctic Lounge hosted by Arctic Blue Gin where Ice Queens will serve the new Finnish beverage, which was Spirit of the Year 2018.
Sigma, world-renown popular UK act will spin an iconic DJ set at the Amber Lounge Monaco Fashion Show After Party, Friday May 24th. Sigma have received two Brit Award nominations, landed two Platinum records and attracted over 300 million YouTube views.
They are best known for their infectious tunes from collaborations with top music personalities including their huge dance/pop tune Nobody to Love hit No.1 in 15 countries, while Changing (their catchy collaboration with Paloma Faith), Higher (with Labrinth) and Coming Home (featuring Rita Ora) are played in households across the globe.
Having entertained crowds of up to 100,000 at Glastonbury Festival, Creamfields, Amnesia Ibiza, V Festival and Sziget, Amber Lounge guests can expect an ultra-high energy performance from Sigma on the Friday night.
Sigma is bringing their popular tunes to Amber Lounge Monaco 2019
Saturday 25 May
A brand new concept will be announced in the near future!
Sunday 26 May : Monaco Grand Prix After Party
The F1™ driver post-race party is the most anticipated night of the weekend where F1 drivers and teams gather for celebrations after the Monaco Grand Prix weekend with iconic live acts, DJ’s and unlimited Champagne.
Experience live headline performances by an iconic international artist and spectacular feature acts.
Previous live acts have included: Chris Willis, Justin Jesso, Sigala, Jason Derulo, Labrinth, Taio Cruz, Sugarbabes, Pixie Lott, John Newman, Flawless, Pete Tong, Gary Barlow, Big Ali, Nikki Belle.
“An amazing race, an amazing night, at Amber Lounge of course. Where else?” -Daniel Ricciardo, Renault Sport F1 Driver
Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show
I have attended the Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show on the Friday night for the past few years as a press guest, and it has always been an amazing time!
Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show
Amber Lounge’s ground-breaking charity auction at the Fashion Show has raised more than USD 5 million for charitable organisations and it’s the only event in the world to feature Formula 1 drivers on the catwalk.
Sir Jackie Stewart, H.S.H. Albert II Prince of Monaco, and Sonia Irvine attend the Amber Lounge Fashion Monaco 2017 at Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel on May 26, 2017 in Monaco. Photo: Dave Benett
Past Amber Lounge F1 models : Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo, and Valtteri Bottas.
Amber Lounge – F1 Drivers on the catwalk
This year, award-winning Canadian designer Christopher Bates will be dressing the Formula 1 drivers, as international models will showcase Ladyship swimwear by Lady Victoria Hervey. Amber Lounge Monaco Fashion Show has been chosen as the European launch of the designer, model and socialite’s new collection.
Brands that Amber Lounge has worked with : Jimmy Choo, Ted Baker, Hervé Léger, Missoni, Crisoni, Melissa Odabash, Julien Macdonald, Vionett and Osman.
The Fashion Show is combined with exquisite dining and the famous Amber Lounge after party, all at the same venue for the U*NITE package for an all-inclusive world-class event.
Amber Lounge Table Packages
Where else during Monaco Grand Prix can you experience VIP hospitality that gives you the opportunity to relax, watch, listen, dance and party with the stars? Amber Lounge Table Packages include:
Ultimate Weekend Package
The most desirable, tailor made weekend package. Enquire for more details.
Methusalem Tables
Simply THE best tables in the house with dance floor position. Tables receive unrivalled service as well as a three course dinner, followed by a 6L Methusalem bottle of Champagne and 3L Jeroboam bottles of premium Vodka throughout the whole night.
Jeroboam Tables
Located in a prime position and surrounded by celebrities and VIPs, guests are served with a 3L Jeroboam bottle of Champagne and unlimited bottle service throughout the night.
VIP Tables
Are well positioned and served with unlimited bottle service including premium Champagne throughout the night.
Classic Tables
Include unlimited bottle service with house Champagne and all other drinks throughout the evening.
Shared Tables
Reserved seating on a shared table in Dining followed by the club which includes unlimited bottle service throughout the whole night.
Individual Passes
Gives access to all areas in the club, open bar including house Champagne and free seating on the chill-out terrace.
Amber Lounge Monaco interior
Amber Lounge Celebrity Yacht
Monaco Grand Prix would not be complete without a luxury yacht experience and Amber Lounge offers trackside yachts which offer unrivalled race viewing and F1 driver appearances. Mix business and pleasure while enjoying exceptional hospitality and dining with free-flowing Champagne and premium spirits.
On Saturday watch the hair-raising F1 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying play out on the tight, twisting Circuit de Monaco.
Then on Sunday, be trackside in the centre of the euphoric atmosphere that the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix has become famous for – an incredible adrenalin rush as the F1 cars speed by at lightning speed just metres away through the challenging street circuit!
Experience the thrill of watching the Monaco Grand Prix trackside on a luxury yacht with Amber Lounge
Previous F1 Driver Appearances: Sergio Perez, Nico Hülkenberg, Romain Grosjean, Carlos Sainz, Stoffel Vandoorne, David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen, Eddie Irvine, Marcus Ericsson, Esteban Ocon, Felipe Massa amongst others.
Previous Guests: Pamela Anderson, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Labrinth, Gareth Bale, Pixie Lott, John Newman, Casey Stoner, Taio Cruz, Rachel Hunter, Pete Tong, DJ Sigala, Lindsay Lohan.
Amber Lounge’s VIP 2-day Package includes:
-Saturday & Sunday race viewing
-Trackside mooring with the view of the giant TV screen and on-board screens
-F1 driver appearances, exclusive interviews & autograph signing
-Luxurious tender transfers
-Continental breakfast
-Mouth-watering gourmet buffet lunch
-Afternoon Tea
-All-day open bar including unlimited Champagne
-VIP gift bags with official team merchandise
-Program and earplugs
-DJ
KEY INFORMATION
DATES: 24th, 25th, 26th May 2019
TIMES:
Friday Fashion show: 18:30 – 20:30; After Party: 23:00 – 4:00
Saturday After Party: 23:00 – 4:00
Sunday After Party: 23:00 – 5:00
Amber Lounge was founded by Sonia Irvine, who has worked in F1 for two decades. Sonia is regarded as a pioneer of F1 nightlife experiences and continues to create the most sought-after events on the F1 calendar.
The Amber Lounge experience consists of Formula 1 race viewing hospitality options as well as post-race afterparties, dining, charity, fashion and tailor-made events throughout the year. In 2019 it will take place in Monaco, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. http://amber-lounge.com/index.php/tickets/
AMBER LOUNGE 2019/ 2020 EVENT SCHEDULE :
Monaco 24/25/26 May 2019
Singapore 21/22 September 2019
Abu Dhabi November 30/1 December 2019
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
GLOBEAIR – Official Private Jet Partner of Amber Lounge Monaco ARCTIC BLUE GIN – Official Gin Partner of Amber Lounge Monaco & Singapore CUVÉE SENSORIUM – Official Methusalem Champagne Partner of Amber Lounge and Amber Lounge Hospitality Monaco 2019 CHRISTOPHER BATES – Male Designer for Amber Lounge Monaco INMANN – Official Hairstylist of Amber Lounge Monaco GLOBAL HAIR & MAKEUP – Official makeup of Amber Lounge Monaco LADYSHIP – Official Swimwear Designer for Amber Lounge Monaco FIJI WATER – Official Still Water of Amber Lounge Monaco & Abu Dhabi SPARKLING VAN Q YACHTS – Official e-tender of Amber Hospitality
Video & Photo Credits: Amber Lounge / Christopher Bates (Maxime Thibodeau / Rai Allen)
This Christmas, I’m planning on having a relaxed family Christmas in France, however my blog has recently passed 350,000 visitors so that is cause for celebration!
Firstly, the biggest support comes from my family, without them I wouldn’t be able to dedicate so much time to keeping my blog running and updated with fresh content. They have been understanding beyond words with my snippets of history while out and about, trawling off information about festivals (while we are there!) and random moments of inspiration.
For my readers and followers, THANK YOU to everyone who has subscribed, liked, followed, commented or shared my blog posts because I see every interaction and you are very much appreciated!
Access Riviera is a blog about the French Riviera covering travel, lifestyle, events and more
What started as a part-time blog (I hear all the bloggers laugh!) has resonated with readers in 149 countries and snowballed into a juggernaut.
I’ve learned more about the history, places and people on the French Riviera than I ever thought possible – and I’m still learning. There are so many topics to cover that I’ve merely scratched the surface.
I’ve answered every email I’ve received via my blog; lovely messages from people from all over the world that I’ve helped you with travel ideas, planning for yachting events, transport, accommodation, recommendations for restaurants and more. The most special ones are the emails saying I’ve helped them with advice for their dream trip to the French Riviera.
Naturally, advice for families and/or people who have restricted mobility are at the core of what I write about and I always maintain to write honestly and factually.
I hope you continue to follow my blog in 2019 and beyond, you never know what I’ll write about next…..
Monaco Yacht Show is one of the key superyacht events in the Mediterranean and will be hosted at Port Hercules from 26th to 29th September 2018.
Each year, exhibitors from across the nautical industry join around 120 superyachts that are displayed, with 40 yachts being world premieres and 50% of the yachts being less than 2 years old.
Monaco Yacht Show 2018 Exhibitors
The hundreds of exhibitors that attend Monaco Yacht Show are a representation of all sectors within the superyacht sector.
They include yacht designers and naval architects, shipyards, engineers, yacht brokers, charter agents, shipyards, marine supplies, yacht toys, tenders, marinas, tourism companies and crew.
The show is separated into zones to differentiate sectors:
Quai Albert 1er will host yards, naval architects and brokers adjacent to the yachts they’re displaying
Quai Jarlan will host part of the tenders zone
Parvis Piscine and the Upper Deck Lounge will display prestige luxury goods, furnishings and interiors
Darse Sud has marine suppliers and technical equipment
Quai Antoine 1er has the Tenders & Toys zones, the Art Pavilion, the luxury Car Deck, Press Centre and the Starboard Lounge
Private superyacht clients can join tailor-made experiences at Monaco Yacht Show. The Sapphire Experience and ‘Infinite’ are the official VIP programs of the show and include an invitation to the opening gala, participation in the Monaco Yacht Summit, a courtesy car service and private visits on board yachts at the show.
Monaco Yacht Show has official VIP programs called the Sapphire Experience and ‘Infinite’ (image: copyright 2017 MC-Clic)
At the show
In-show transport
At the show, there are plenty of options to move between exhibitor zones and stands. Make use of the shuttle boats that cross the port between the main quays, and the electric golf carts that travel between Quai Rainer II and Quai Jarlan.
Feeling thirsty or peckish? Here are the in-show food and beverage options:
The restaurant and Champagne bar at the Upper Deck Lounge is open from 10am to 6.30pm daily (lunch service from midday).
The café at the Starboard Lounge opens daily from 10am to 6.30pm (lunch service from midday).
Coffee/snack zone at Café Lucciana on Jetée Lucciana from 10.30am to 6.30pm daily.
For uniformed crew, you can visit the C&C Lounge between 8.30am and 7pm.
Wifi
The show Wifi hotspots will enable you to connect to Wifi to reach out to clients and keep on top of your business during the week. Here is the map of Wifi zones and mobile charging spots – note: All zones are accessible for show visitors, except the MYS Captains and Crew Lounge is for uniformed crew only.
Wifi at Monaco Yacht Show 2018
Monaco Yacht Show 2018 parties
During the 4 days of the show, there are a number of charity galas, social meet-ups and cocktail parties. Here are some of the parties and social events during Monaco Yacht Show 2018:
Tuesday 25 September
The London 2 Monaco charity cycle ride in support of Blue Marine Foundation has their after-party for all the riders and teams after they arrive at the Palace of Monaco – the London 2 Monaco party is sponsored by Icon Connect.
The London to Monaco cycle ride after-party last year (image: Icon Connect)
The MYS Inaugural Gala Party also takes place on the Tuesday night where 400 invited guests attend the 5th Monaco Yacht Show Superyacht Awards; more info is here MYS Inaugural Gala Party.
Wednesday 26 September
4.30pm-6.30pm Informal business drinks at the Isle of Man stand at Darse Sud
5pm onwards Yachtneeds hosts drinks, live music and entertainment at their stand (DSE7)
5pm onwards Yachtneeds hosts drinks, live music and entertainment at their stand (DSE7)
YachtNeeds has live music, drinks and entertainment every day during Monaco Yacht Show 2018
6pm onwards Invite-only cocktail party hosted by Zytexx at La Rascasse.
8pm-10pm PYA Sea Changes rooftop networking drinks, sponsored by Onshore Cellars and Ocean Pantry. This event is part of the PYA Sea Changes Forum which is free for PYA members; others must register and pay a small fee via the PYA Monaco Sea Changes forum Eventbrite page.
Friday 28 September
5pm onwards Yachtneeds hosts drinks, live music and entertainment at their stand (DSE7)
5pm-7pm Drinks and nibbles courtesy of TINO Stone at the ACREW & IMM Garden Lounge at La Rascasse.
6pm-9pm Club Vivanova Summer Yacht Party at Le Méridien Beach Plaza (entry fee applies).
7pm-9pm Yacht Chandlers hosts an event strictly for Captains and Crew at the Star Deck at Stars n Bars. Details below:
Other events during the week include the Amels/Damen party, Boat International party (video of 2017 party shown below), Feadship’s event, Lurssen’s popular soirée, My Yacht Group’s annual yacht party and China Night.
Monaco Yacht Show 2018 tips
Wear comfortable footwear – you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Check the weather forecast – it may be a hot sunny week or thunderstorms; pack for the weather conditions.
There is no coat check or luggage storage facility at the show, so bear this in mind if you have valuable items with you, jackets or laptops.
Visitors are permitted to take photos and videos within the show zone. The exception is the use of drones which are forbidden inside the MYS perimeter (aside from the official drone operator, MC Clic).
Download the Monaco Show app for maps of the show. You can get it on the App Store or Google Play.
Check train schedules to and from Monaco as evening trains run less frequently. Taxis can be quite pricey, so plan transport in advance. Monacair offers promotions for helicopter transfers between Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and the heliport at Fontvieille including private car transfers to the show or any address in Monaco. Use promo code ‘MYS2018’; to book a heli transfer you can download the Monacair app or visit them at the show above La Rascasse at point N on the show map.
Follow the show on social media and use hashtags #MYS2018 #monacoyachtshow #MYSexperience
Make use of the in-show transport to save time at Monaco Yacht Show 2018 (image copyright Alina Garazhenko / Ameller Malcorps)
MYS 2018 at a glance
Monaco Yacht Show adapts each year ensuring owners, potential buyers and the industry itself evolves through B2B networking and feedback. Here’s the show at a glance:
Monaco Yacht Show (image: copyright 2017 MC-Clic)
Yearly visitor numbers: 36,400 (stat from 2017 show)
Exhibitors: 590 exhibitors from 38 countries
Yachts: 120 superyachts, 40 debuts, 50% are less than 2 years old, 49m is the average length of yacht on display at MYS.
Date / opening times : Wednesday 26th September to Saturday 29th September from 10am to 6.30pm
Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase on the official MYS website, or at the show at one of the three entrances. This year, ticket prices have increased – buy MYS tickets here. Children under 12 years of age are free.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there! Please share this MYS 2018 guide on social media if you’ve found it informative. Thank you!
Saturday 14 October 2017 Cogs 4 Cancer : End of Ride/Season Party
The popular Cogs 4 Cancer cycle covers 1400 km from London to Antibes with 30 cyclists raising more than €242000 this year in the fight against cancer. While that is a phenomenal amount, let’s get behind the team and keep the funds growing by attending the fundraiser party that will be hosted in the evening at The View in the Palais des Congrès in Juan les Pins.
Entertainment includes a DJ, Deceptionist and Contortionist with snacks and nibbles on offer; the event starts at 8pm and goes till late. 100% of ticket sales goes to charity and 30% of drinks sales goes to charity. There are also the Cogs 4 Cancer wristbands/bracelets on sale across the French Riviera, or you can opt to visit the website to donate www.cogs4cancer.org
Note: The cyclists will be arriving at Antibes the previous day on Friday 13 October 2017 following a tribute ride from Port Gallice around the Cap d’Antibes and arriving at the IYCA at Port Vauban in Antibes approx. 4.45pm with the arrival party from 5pm, sponsored by Gourmet Deliveries. Find out more about the Cogs 4 Cancer 2017 arrival time and info here: http://cogs4cancer.org/2017-tribute-ride
Cogs 4 Cancer End of Ride/Season Party
Saturday 14 October 2017 Yachts du Coeur
Yachts du Coeur, an EcoMer initiative, is having a charity collection at Port Vauban in Antibes from 10.30am to 2.30pm with the human solidarity chain at 11am. Come along for music, songs and bring a donation of non-perishable food to benefit the Food Bank. Visit their website here to find out more about their mission or to donate: http://www.yachts-du-coeur.com/
Yachts du Coeur charity collection – Port Vauban, Antibes
Friday 10 November Chances for Children Fundraiser at Monaco Yacht Club
After the busy events week during Monaco Yacht Show, Monaco Yacht Club will again host another event in November – Music, Magic and More – with proceeds benefiting Chances for Children charity.
The fundraising night runs from 7.30pm to 11.30pm with a magic show featuring Neil Henry (Britain’s Got Talent), hors d’oeuvres, DJ set and paintings for sale by Emma Kavuma, a talented Ugandan artist. Find out more about C4C at www.c4c.mc (Poster design Dave Rowles)
Music, Magic & More – Chances for Children fundraiser on November 10 at Monaco Yacht Club
If you are a charity with an upcoming event on the French Riviera, you can contact me to list your event for free – send an email to accessriviera06@gmail.com with subject line ‘Charity event’ and I’ll do my best to add your event to my blog.
Sunday smiling and sending out a huge heartfelt thank you to all my followers, sharers, commenters and occasional readers who have stopped by Access Riviera – I have hit a milestone of 250,000 visitors!
I’m totally overwhelmed with all of the support for my blog from what started as a simple vision to provide information about the French Riviera and has grown into a behemoth and I’ve appreciated every like, share and comment along the way.
I’ve worked with some brilliant clients, learned a lot about growing and ungrowing followers, committed myself to writing good content and generally sticking to writing about things I believe in whether it’s the good, the bad or the ugly.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! Here’s to the next 250K
Becks
To read some of my most popular articles, click on the links below:
Today, something distracted me from work. Replying to many emails, I received a notification about a Mens Doubles pair who have recently won at Roland Garros.
For those who aren’t familiar, Roland Garros (French Open) is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks between late May and early June at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris.
The two tennis players, Stéphane Houdet and Nico Peifer, are top wheelchair tennis players but have been mostly unrecognised in French media for this significant win.
Stéphane Houdet and Nico Peifer – winners of the Mens Doubles in wheelchair tennis at Roland Garros 2017
Why is there a lack of French media coverage?
Why does French media avoid coverage? The words ‘disabled’ and ‘handisport’ are not seen as sexy, they’re not conducive to glamorous advertising campaigns and French media have admitted that they think the public is not interested. So, they simply don’t talk about it.
The general disregard to people with special needs filters through from school level, lack of pedagogical teaching for special education and lack of support systems for both children with special needs and their families. As a cultural platform, France has never been a trail-blazer with accessibility information and seriously lacking with media coverage for athletes and professional sportspeople who are not able-bodied.
France isn’t a newcomer to accessible sports – they participated in the inaugural Paralympic Games in Rome back in 1960 and have taken part in every edition of the Summer and Winter Paralympics since then, including hosting the Winter Paralympics in 1992.
Yet, French Paralympians had to wait until the year 2016 – when for the first time in over half a century – France Télévision agreed to show 100 hours of highlights from the Rio Paralympics in a one-hour daily update. This was only instigated after a petition from the French public and criticism of the poor national media coverage from London’s 2012 Paralympics.
Nicolas Peifer is a top French tennis player
In comparison, British television showed two-thirds more coverage of the Rio Paralympics including live coverage and athlete profiles.
Sadly for Stéphane Houdet and Nico Peifer, France Télévision did not broadcast any of their tennis matches, but only a sequence of about fifty seconds.
Raising the profile of sportspeople with less mobility
The truth is that here in France, sportspeople with restricted mobility have a real and continuing battle for recognition.
They fight stereotypes for funding, for media coverage and in some instances, public acceptance that they are good enough.
It frustrates me and saddens me, but the least I can do is push the message out there that as high-level professional athletes they are worthy and deserve to be on the global stage. I’m happy to use my network to share their achievement and send a message to French media that I am just one of those millions of people who IS interested.
As well as winning Roland Garros recently, both players have won medals at previous Paralympics. Stéphane has won at Roland Garros before – he is also the current Masters doubles champion, a former world number one, and has won Wheelchair Mens Doubles at Wimbledon, the Australian Open and US Open.
A fight for change
The more that the public shares the achievements and efforts of handisport teams, the more media coverage they will receive. This in turn will appeal to Sponsors and corporate investors who will always be looking at the bottom line for advertising. As well as visibility in sport, these athletes have powerful life stories and can advocate and give feedback for accessible innovations in business, tourism, education and technology.
For Stéphane and Nico, there have been small changes for the future – the management by French Handisport Federation and French Tennis Federation has allowed them to upgrade hotel categories and have a physio join them touring. This may seem unfair when the budgets for football transfers are excessively ludicrous or rugby games rack up prime time coverage as soon as a player dons the national jersey.
To see (in French) their interview after their win at Roland Garros, you can watch it below:
And if more people share their victory it may avoid journalists reporting that the last French Mens Doubles who won at Roland Garros were Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Julien Benneteau in 2014 (deserving as they also were).
Thank you to Stéphane Giraud for sharing their story – in just one week, more than 180K people are enlightened to Stéphane and Nico’s achievement at Roland Garros and that they benefit from the recognition they deserve.
What are your views on media coverage for handisports? Do you think there should be more coverage in print, online and radio? I’d love to hear feedback.
When you have two young boys like myself, the concept of a ‘hero’ alludes to a superhero, typically the Marvel Avengers kind with impregnable armour, superhuman qualities or super tools such as grapple guns.
For the rest of us, a hero or heroine is someone who can be admired for their noble values, courage or outstanding achievements. They are not always victorious, but they are often regarded highly for great acts and bravery.
A Day with Heroes on the French Riviera
On Saturday 10th June, residents on the French Riviera will have the opportunity to attend a fundraising day with a group of Heroes.
Who are these ‘Heroes’? The Heroes are a group of 10 soldiers who have all served in active service abroad and were wounded in war zones. All have been medically discharged ; some will have visible injuries, amputations, loss of sight, some will have mental injuries, PTSD, disassociation disorders and they will share their inspirational stories of how they are moving forward in life.
The day is organised by Rachael Dickens, a public figure on the French Riviera and business owner at the English Osteopath, who is Lead Medical and a key member of the committee for the Supporting Wounded Veterans Foundation (formerly Skiing with Heroes) that supports the rehabilitation of veterans on the path to reemployment.
From 7.45pm, a hog roast dinner will be hosted in a private villa in Valbonne consisting of a welcome drink, 3-course dinner with some wine, raffle draw and entertainment. Tickets are just €50 each (excluding Eventbrite booking fee); NOTE: Evening dinner is for ages 18+ only. Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heroes-dinner-tickets-34217103277?aff=efbevent
About Supporting Wounded Veterans
Supporting Wounded Veterans (formerly Skiing with Heroes) is a charity that helps wounded veterans get back into civilian life and occupation. Founded in 2012 as ‘Skiing with Heroes’, their initial activity was the organisation of a rehabilitation ski week and, since the first one in Klosters in 2013, the charity has been able to increase the number of veterans taken each year; last year over 100 veterans applied for the trip and there are already 60 applicants for next year.
Because each of the veterans require differing levels of ongoing support and encouragement, SWV have created a needs-based Occupation, Training and Employment (OTE) Programme which the veterans join following the ski trip. They have also recently opened a Pain Management Clinic, specifically for wounded veterans.
Many of the veterans take up sports after their injuries and share their triumphs via the SWV Facebook page including 3 that have been selected to represent Team GB in the 2017 Invictus Games to be held in Toronto in September.
I hope you support this worthwhile charity that helps people who have given so much. If you can’t attend the event on Saturday, you can make a donation via their website http://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com/
Image credits: Supporting Wounded Veterans / Skiing with Heroes
The month of May sees visitors to the French Riviera pack their stylish best for a number of high-profile events including Cannes Film Festival 2017 and Monaco Grand Prix 2017.
If you’re looking to find the latest designer looks, then follow these top events in the next week for a glamorous window into luxury fashion and lifestyle.
Saturday 20 May 2017 : Cannes Fashion and Global Short Film Awards – InterContinental Carlton, Cannes
This exclusive event founded by entrepreneur and designer Andres Aquino is the sister event for Couture Fashion Week New York.
The evening will take place in the stunning InterContinental Carlton at the heart of the Croisette with a red carpet, Champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception followed by a gourmet dinner. There will be fashion shows by designers Andres Aquino, Lucian Adulari, Jeanne Jean, GSA Couture, Hany El Behairy, Tjasa Skapin, DiDomenico Designs and Duonvlang.
The Global Short Film Awards, established in 2015, recognizes excellence in short films under 15 minutes long in a variety of subjects. Filmmakers can submit their films in 2D and/or 3-D format in one or more subject category. An awards presentation will take place for the winning short films listed here:
2017 AWARD WINNING FILMS
Best 3-D Film: Last Day of War (Russian Federation)
Best Action Film: Asphyxia (Italy)
Best Animation: The Vast Landscape (Singapore)
Best Beauty Film: Efímera (Spain)
Best Comedy Film: Must Escape (Ukraine)
Best Dance Film: Platform 13 (Japan)
Best Drama Film: Save (Germany)
Best Fantasy Film: Mr Dentonn (Spain)
Best Fashion Film: Bunny (Serbia)
Best Music Film: Crude Furie (Russian Federation)
Best Nature Film: Zion (USA)
Best Romance Film: Hugo (UK)
Best Sci-Fi Film: A Shadow of Dara (Bulgaria)
Best Social Concern Film: Mother (Georgia)
Best Special Effects: Light Sight (Iran)
Best Travel Film: Redwood (USA)
Best Young Talent: Grace Wethor, ClockMaker (USA)
Festival Director’s Choice: ClockMaker (USA)
Special Awards: Best Actor. Best Actress. Best Film. Best Director. Top Model. To be announced at the event.
Another highlight of the evening will be a diverse international selection of live entertainment, music and dancing. Scheduled performers include Melissa, Balkan Trip, Rebecca Nuez, Stella Matteoni, Kaja Pecnik, Valeria Florencio, Nikolay Gladskikh, Raghunath Manét, Princess Angeline Monet and more.
Tuesday 23 May 2017 : Tiffany’s Red Carpet Week Cannes Fashion Extravaganza – InterContinental Carlton, Cannes
Season 2 of Tiffany’s Red Carpet Week Cannes Fashion Show Extravaganza will take place at the 5-star InterContinental Carlton and present 9 Designers from England, Dubai, Italy, India, France, Hungary, Nigeria, Singapore and the United States.
Founded by designer Tiffany McCall, Red Carpet Fashion Week Cannes is a spectacular production of fashion, beauty and music.
The famous Emirate Fashion Designer and Goodwill Ambassador Mona Al Monsouri will open the show with her Haute Couture Collection followed by 8 divine International Designers. There will also be a Fashion Exhibition by the Designers’ Collections during the event for all of the guests to buy their collections.
The event will offer music performances, French cuisine, Champagne and free VIP gifts and offers for international clients from beauty sponsors L’Oreal’s Redken, Champagne Römerhof, Divas Fabulous Beauty Products, Gold Energy and Carmen Steffens.
Getty Photos are available at the show for VIP guests by Consort PR, with global coverage by Luxe.TV and live streaming by Stephanie Cansell via Periscope. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Raindance Film Festival and 2 Bulls on the Hill Production.
Thursday 25 May 2017 : amFAR Cinema Against Aids Gala Night 2017 – Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes
The premier event for A-listers during Cannes Film Festival, the amfAR Annual Cinema Against Aids charity gala night is the unmissable party of 2017.
Produced by AAB Productions / Andy Boose, the 24th edition is sponsored by Harry Winston and Bold Films (Presenting Sponsors), Moët and Hennessy, Persol and Renault (Signature Sponsors).
amfAR Cinema Against Aids 24 will be chaired this year by Nicole Kidman, Harvey Weinstein, Jessica Chastain, Pedro Almodóvar, Eva Longoria, Dustin and Lisa Hoffman, Diane Kruger, Milla Jovovich, David Lynch and Carine Roitfeld with Chairman of the Board Kenneth Cole joined by Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby.
There will be music performances from Rita Ora and XX alongside two special parts of the amfAR Cannes 2017 evening which are the charity auction and runway show.
amfAR Cannes 2017 charity auction
The charity auction will bring together members of high society, film and entertainment stars and prominent business people to bid on a range of exclusive artworks and luxury items.
This year, the auction features :
A week on board superyacht Serenity
A 1958 Jaguar XK150
1950 Jaguar XK150 (image: amfAR)
A 7-night stay at the Finolhu Resort in the Maldives for up to 60 guests with access to the 10Ak Beach Club
A Hennessy • 8 piece with eight-ring decanter of Baccarat crystal with a chest of oak from Hennessy’s cooperage, as well as a 4-night stay in Paris and Cognac for 2 people including flights, accommodation and local transfers
A Faberge-inspired velvet armchair – the Egg Number 1, Versailles – with Swarovski crystals, 24-carat gold and a Baccarat crystal dome filter designed by French interior designer and artist Jonathan Loubens
The Egg Number 1, Versailles by Jonathan Loubens (image: amfAR)
A set of 10 signed and numbered portraits of the Golden Age of Hollywood by George Hurrell
Stunning sculptures by JR, Vasily Klyukin, Laurence Jenkell
amfAR Cannes 2017 fashion show
Carine Roitfeld will again stage the supermodel runway show with original designs from top global designers themed around the Golden Age of Hollywood and bedecked in jewels by Harry Winston. Keep your eyes out for appearances from Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski and Irina Shayk,
Video below courtesy of amfAR:
Friday 26 May 2017 : Amber Lounge Fashion Show – Le Méridien Beach Plaza hotel, Monte-Carlo
The hottest ticket for the international jet set during the Monaco F1 Grand Prix are the VIP events hosted by Amber Lounge.
The Amber Lounge Fashion Show opens the festivities on Friday 26 May with a world famous runway viewing – the only catwalk to have F1 drivers, their wives and girlfriends and F1 television presenters as the models.
F1 drivers Fashion Show at Amber Lounge (image: Amber Lounge)
This year, the headline designer is SAFiYAA showcasing the AW17 collection and original pieces for the show, with the F1 drivers dressed in Apsley Tailors and the ladies of F1 presenting beautiful Italian designer silk scarves by Silviya Neri.
Le Méridien Beach Plaza is the venue for Amber Lounge Fashion Show (image: Amber Lounge)
As well as the highly anticipated Amber Lounge Fashion Show, a charity auction will feature one-of-a-kind items such as a personal Champagne pack from Hatt & Soner, racing photos donated by Sir Jackie Stewart and a framed painting by Arunas Rutkus. Sir Jackie Stewart’s charity, Race Against Dementia, is the chosen charity this year with bids raised going to this great cause to raise awareness and fund research.
The charity event is followed by a sumptuous dinner and entertainment at the Amber Lounge with top DJ’s and live acts.
Access Riviera is proud to be a Media Partner for Cannes Fashion and Global Short Film Awards 2017, Tiffany’s Red Carpet Week Cannes 2017 and Amber Lounge Fashion Show 2017
The 70th edition of Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes) will start next week in Cannes and run from 17 to 28 May 2017.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the French Riviera’s biggest events and a major Festival for both film industry attendance and appearances by the world’s A-listers.
The 70th Cannes Film Festival 2017 will be one of the biggest events on the French Riviera
WHY VISIT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2017?
The Cannes Film Festival is famous worldwide and sees the most exclusive parties, eclectic people and luxury brands all merge into one frenzy of film-fuelled decadence in one of the Cote d’Azur’s most popular destinations.
For first-timers and casual tourists, it is exceptional for people-watching and you really do see all walks of life during the duration of the Festival.
Global journalists, photographers and television presenters ensure that the fashion, celebrities, charity events and films are filling media columns daily – aside from the glitz and opulence during the Festival, there are also the less glamorous side stories and un-newsworthy tales of cantankerous door staff, road closures, bar and restaurant staff with egos to rival a Palme d’Or and paparazzi crowding the Croisette.
Cannes Film Festival red carpet is highly anticipated for the fashion and celebrities
Cannes is used to luxury lifestyles (enter stage left the superyachts at Vieux Port and high-end boutiques along the Croisette), but Cannes Film Festival throws the definition of ‘luxury’ to the ground and well and truly tramples it. Expect every major luxury brand to fall over themselves for a piece of the action from dressing the beautiful people in the latest red carpet fashion and jewels, to premium supercars, rare Champagnes and every makeup brand Ambassador taking selfies with their ‘favourite’ lipstick for next season.
You’ll see the keenest Festival spectators in their finest suits and gowns outside the Palais des Festivals with signs such as ‘Premiere, s’il vous plait?’ and others perched on seats and ladders in the hope of chancing a celebrity on the famous red carpet; then immediately after a blacked-out vehicle with police escort will zoom past whisking some unknown passenger to a private soirée.
It’s a place where emerging talent sips cocktails beside established industry players, where having a glass of Champagne at 11am in haute couture is perfectly normal and headliners match hangovers.
Crazy, exciting, magic, super-hyped, bold and beautiful – I will be there again. If you get to experience Cannes Film Festival I highly recommend it!
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2017 GUIDE
I have written this ‘Cannes Film Festival 2017 Guide’ for filmmakers, distributors, producers, film financiers, writers, film school students, international sales agents, press and casual tourists to help you understand the whole event and get value from your time in Cannes. It includes lots of inside tips from living here in the region as well as first-hand knowledge from attending the Festival.
Cannes is a unique opportunity to network with practically every main buyer and seller within film there.
Note: My guide is the only in-depth online guide for Cannes Film Festival that specifically includes information for persons with reduced mobility to enable them to visit Cannes and experience the Festival. I hope you find it a useful resource and kindly share it on social media. If you can’t find an answer within this guide, feel free to contact me here.
Cannes Film Festival Ultimate Guide 2017 by Access Riviera
THE LOW DOWN: HOW TO DO CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2017
First things first, if you’re planning on coming to Cannes Film Festival say goodbye to a good nights sleep. For accredited film industry professionals, media and celebrities, the action starts early – expect breakfast interviews, press junkets from early morning and lunches at the beach restaurants such as Le Plage 45, Z Plage and Carlton Beach.
If you don’t have an invite to the premieres, the same beach restaurants host nightly parties with endless buckets of rosé, Champagne and all kinds of entertainment. They are invitation-only, so unless you’re on the guest list or a plus-one, it’s nigh on impossible to blag your way in.
Getting press accreditation does not mean you’ll be welcomed with open arms because you posted a photo of your favourite A-lister on Instagram; there are around 4,000 global journalists representing 90 countries therefore you’ll be required to submit samples of credited work plus media distribution numbers and your press badge has your photo on it, so sadly it’s not transferable.
A new reception venue, the Terrasse des Journalistes, on the 4th floor of the Palais des Festivals, will be inaugurated on Wednesday 17 May and open to journalists every day from 10 am to 7 pm.
For nightlife, there’s loads of options…..some of the best parties are hosted on superyachts, so keep reading….
Cannes Film Festival 2017 Jury
The aim of the jury is to decide the award winners between the films in competition. The winners will be announced on Sunday 28 May at the closing ceremony, with the presentation of the highly-acclaimed Palme d’Or.
Spanish director, screenwriter and producer Pedro Almodóvar was named Jury President back in January and will be joined by other jurors:
Jessica Chastain (Actress, Producer – United States)
Will Smith (Actor, Producer, Musician – United States
Park Chan-wook (Director, Screenwriter, Producer – South Korea)
Paolo Sorrentino (Director, Screenwriter – Italy)
Gabriel Yared (Composer – France)
The jury of the 70th Cannes Film Festival
Italian actress Monica Bellucci will succeed French actor Laurent Lafitte in her 2017 role as the Mistress of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Romanian director, screenwriter and producer Cristian Mungiu will preside over the Cinéfondation and Short Film Jury. Mungiu shared last year’s Best Director Award for his film ‘Graduation’ (the award was shared with Olivier Assayas for his film ‘Personal Shopper’). Mungiu also won the Palme d’Or in 2007 with his feature ‘4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days.’ His ‘Beyond the Hill’ went on to win screenplay and actress prizes.
U.S. actress Uma Thurman and French actress Sandrine Kiberlain were previously named as presiding over the festival’s Un Certain Regard and Camera d’Or juries.
Cannes Film Festival 2017 : Full list of films
When does the red carpet action actually happen? For visitors and tourists hoping to see celebrities on the red carpet, the action outside the Palais des Festivals happens twice nightly at 7pm and 10pm when the Jury watch the films in competition and the industry stars show up.
Cannes Film Festival red carpet
The Festival is split into three main events, each with their own schedules – the Festival de Cannes, Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs; this is a budget-friendly way for the public to see a film) and Critics’ Week (La Semaine de la Critique).
Included in this are screenings for Un Certain Regard, Cinéfondation, and Short Films In Competition. Entr’2 Marches runs alongside the main Festival from 21 to 26 May 2017 and screens short films with the themes of disability.
Cannes Film Festival is well known for its politics – the naming of the jury and awards always comes with debate. This year, the official poster was slammed for photoshopping and Festival organisers have said they’ll ban Netflix from entering the films in competition next year unless an agreement is reached on French theatre release.
Regardless, here is the line-up for 2017:
Official selection
Opening film – out of competition Les Fantômes d’Ismaël (dir: Arnaud Desplechin)
Competition (BPM) Beats Per Minute (dir: Robin Campillo)
The Beguiled (dir: Sofia Coppola)
The Day After (dir: Hong Sang-soo)
A Gentle Creature (dir: Sergei Loznitsa)
Good Time (dirs: Benny & Josh Safdie)
Happy End (dir: Michael Haneke)
In the Fade (dir: Fatih Akin)
Jupiter’s Moon (dir: Kornél Mundruczó)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (dir: Yorgos Lanthimos)
Redoubtable (dir: Michel Hazanavicius)
Loveless (dir: Andrey Zvyagintsev)
The Meyerowitz Stories (dir: Noah Baumbach)
Okja (dir: Bong Joon-ho)
Radiance (dir: Naomi Kawase)
The Square (dir: Ruben Ostlund)
Wonderstruck (dir: Todd Haynes)
You Were Never Really Here (dir: Lynne Ramsay)
Un Certain Regard Barbara (dir: Mathieu Amalric) – opening film April’s Daughter (dir: Michel Franco)
Beauty and the Dogs (dir: Kaouther Ben Hania)
Before We Vanish (dir: Kiyoshi Kurosawa)
Closeness (dir: Kantemir Balagov)
The Desert Bride (dir: Cecilia Atan and Valeria Pivato)
Directions (dir: Stephan Komandarev)
Dregs (dir: Mohammad Rasoulof)
Jeune Femme (dir: Léonor Serraille)
L’Atelier (dir: Laurent Cantet)
La Cordillera (dir: Santiago Mitre)
Lucky (dir: Sergio Castellitto)
The Nature of Time (dir: Karim Moussaoui)
Out (dir: György Kristóf)
Walking Past the Future (dir: Li Ruijun)
Western (dir: Valeska Grisebach)
Wind River (dir: Taylor Sheridan)
Out of competition Based on a True Story (dir: Roman Polanski)
Blade of the Immortal (dir: Takashi Miike)
How to Talk to Girls at Parties (dir: John Cameron Mitchell)
Visages, Villages (dirs: Agnès Varda & JR)
Midnight screenings A Prayer Before Dawn (dir: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire)
The Merciless (dir: Byun Sung-hyun)
The Villainess (dir: Jung Byung-gil)
Special screenings 12 Jours (dir: Raymond Depardon)
24 Frames (dir: Abbas Kiarostami)
An Inconvenient Sequel (dir: Bonni Cohen & Jon Shenk)
Carré 35 (dir: Eric Caravaca)
Claire’s Camera (dir: Hong Sang-soo)
Demons in Paradise (dir: Jude Ratman)
Le Vénérable W (dir: Barbet Schroeder)
Napalm (dir: Claude Lanzmann)
Promised Land (dir: Eugene Jarecki)
Sea Sorrow (dir: Vanessa Redgrave)
They (dir: Anahita Ghazvinizadeh)
Top of the Lake (TV – dir: Jane Campion)
Twin Peaks (TV – dir: David Lynch)
Top of the Lake (Photo Credit: Parisa Taghizadeh)
Children’s screening
Zombillénium (dir: Arthur de Pins and Alexis Ducord)
Virtual reality Carne y Arena (dir: Alejandro G Iñárritu)
Directors Fortnight
A Ciambra (dir: Jonas Carpignano)
Alive in France (dir: Abel Ferrara)
L’Amant d’un Jour (dir: Philippe Garrel)
Bushwick (dirs: Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott)
Cuori Puri (dir: Roberto de Paolis)
The Florida Project (dir: Sean Baker)
Frost (dir: Sharunas Bartas)
I Am Not a Witch (dir: Rungano Nyoni)
Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc (dir: Bruno Dumont)
L’Intrusa (dir: Leonardo Di Costanzo)
La Defensa Del Dragón (dir: Natalia Santa)
Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (dir: Mouly Surya)
Mobile Homes (dir: Vladimir De Fontenay)
Nothingwood (dir: Sonia Kronlund)
Ôtez-moi d’un Doute (dir: Carine Tardieu)
Patti Cake$ (dir: Geremy Jasper) – closing film
The Rider (dir: Chloé Zhao)
Un Beau Soleil Intérieur (dir: Claire Denis) – opening film
West of the Jordan River (Field Diary Revisited) (dir: Amos Gitai)
Critics’ Week
Competition Ava (dir: Léa Mysius)
La Familia (dir: Gustavo Rondón Córdova)
Gabriel and the Mountain (dir: Fellipe Gamarano Barbosa)
Makala (dir: Emmanuel Gras)
Oh Lucy! (dir: Atsuko Hirayanagi)
Los Perros (dir: Marcela Said)
Tehran Taboo (dir: Ali Soozandeh)
Special Screenings Sicilian Ghost Story (dir: Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza) – opening film Brigsby Bear (dir: Dave McCary) – closing film Bloody Milk (dir: Hubert Charuel)
A Violent Life (dir: Thierry de Perretti)
For a copy of the screenings guide for Cannes Film Festival 2017, you can download it here.
Special mentions
ROBIN WRIGHT: at the opening of Cannes Classics on Thursday 18 May in the Buñuel screening room at 8 PM, the actress, producer and now director will come to present her first short, The Dark of Night, homage to film noir. It will be followed by the screening of the restored copy of Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz, winner of the Palme d’or in Cannes in 1980.
CLINT EASTWOOD, who was President of the Jury in 1994, and will be in Cannes from 19 to 21 May. On Saturday 20th May at 4:45 PM, he will be at the Debussy Theatre to present the restored copy of Unforgiven, which is celebrating its own 25th anniversary at the Festival with Warner. The following day, he will inaugurate the 70th ANNIVERSARYMASTERCLASS with a discussion in the company of American critic Kenneth Turan, in the Buñuel screening room at 4 PM.
KRISTEN STEWART: after starring in the last two years in the films of Woody Allen and Olivier Assayas and winning a Best Supporting Actress Cesar, the young American actress will come to present Come Swim – her first work as a director – on Saturday 20 May at 6:45 PM.
On Monday 22 May, the Debussy Theatre will host a TRIBUTE TO ANDRÉ TÉCHINÉ. The French director, who was a member of the Feature Film Jury in 1999, has presented 11 films in the Official Selection since 1975, including 6 in Competition. His new film, Nos années folles, will be screened to mark the occasion. Those who have accompanied him in his movies throughout the years will be present.
JANE CAMPION, who presided the Feature Film Jury in 2014 and remains to this day the only female director to have garnered a Palme d’or for The Piano in 1993, will present her latest work on Tuesday 23rd May, Top of the Lake: China Girl, which she co-directed with Ariel Kleiman.
Finally, in memory of the immense ABBAS KIAROSTAMI, winner of the 1997 Palme d’or for Taste of Cherry, who died on 4 July 2016, there will be a screening of his posthumous film 24 Frames. The session will take place on Tuesday 23 May in the presence of his friends and his son Ahmad Kiarostami.
ALFONSO CUARÓN, a member of the Feature Film Jury in 2008, director, producer and screenwriter, will also give a Masterclass, in the company of film critic Michel Ciment on Wednesday 24th May at 4:30 PM in the Buñuel screening room, during which they will discuss his career in Hollywood and Mexico.
DAVID LYNCH, 1990 winner of the Palme d’or with Wild at Heart, Best Director in 2001 with Mulholland Drive and President of the Jury in 2002, will return to the Festival to present Season 3 of Twin Peaks on Thursday 25th May at 7:30 PM in the Grand Théâtre Lumière.
Throughout the Festival, ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU, the visionary director of Birdman and The Revenant, and winner of the Best Director for Babel, will present his 6 minutes 30 seconds film Carne y Arena, an immersive experience within an incredible Virtual Reality installation.
First in, best served
The first weekend at Cannes Film Festival is traditionally the busiest and the first week is most preferred by buyers of film distribution rights at Marché du Film as attendance usually dips in the last few days of the Festival. So, in essence go early to secure the best chance for industry success.
For first timers, there are various accreditation types to gain access to the ‘salles’ (cinemas) screenings, pavilions and events ranging from Festival Accreditation, Market/Marché du Film, Producers Network, Cinéphiles, Press accreditation and pricey Market passes on the day.
The Market / Marché du Film
Marché du Film is the biggest film market in the world with thousands of screenings and over 12,000 attendees buying, selling and financing film.
Registration includes a hefty Marché guide with contact information for around 5,000 registered companies, access to the Official Selection of the Festival and Marché du Film screenings, company listing on Cinando.com and access to reserved areas for industry only.
The Short Film Corner is run by the Marché from 22 to 28 May – it is important to mention that Short Film Corner is not part of the Official Selection of short films.
The Producers Network and Producers Workshop are hosted under the Marché umbrella. Producers Network is reserved for producers who have recently produced feature films and focuses on networking sessions to develop their projects. The Producers Workshop is aimed at producers who want an introduction to the international market and provides practical sessions with tips for pitching, co-production and financing.
NEXT is part of the Marché and a venue for meetings and workshops. It aims to highlight alternative forms of storytelling so it’s no surprise that VR has crept up in the programme with a dedicated mini theatre to watch registered VR projects.
Don’t miss the Mixers – a series of cocktail events for Market badge holders invited in accordance with the theme. Three cocktails target the key players in documentary, genre cinema or festival and sales agents; hosted at Plage des Palmes.
The Palme d’Or
The Palme d’Or is the highest award at the Cannes Film Festival, awarded to the best film in competition from the Official Selection.
Since 1998, the trophy has been crafted annually at the Chopard workshops in Meyrin near Geneva, it takes 7 craftsmen around 40 hours for the process including injecting fair mined certified gold into the mould and mounting it to the rock crystal pedestal.
Cannes Film Festival Dress Code
I’m often asked what the dress code is during Cannes Film Festival. Unless you’re attending industry events, if you’re visiting Cannes in the day, smart casual is fine but in the evenings party attire is more acceptable.
Climate wise, the weather in May can be variable and alternate between hot days to rain so be prepared for all seasons!
For industry, smart casual during the day is fine but the evening is reserved for invitation-only events and gala screenings and you should dress appropriately. For the In Competition screenings, the dress code is black tie/evening wear (and your invitation will usually advise of this). Men, this means a tuxedo and ladies an evening dress. No visible brand labels emblazoned on clothing.
A special mention for the ladies: The Croisette is paved but you should be aware that Cannes has many cobblestoned streets and pavement surfaces such as marble tiles (i.e slippery!) so wear comfortable heels and invest in those genius anti-slip sole grips. You will thank me later.
What To Bring To Cannes Film Festival
Plenty of business cards. Mobile/charger and adaptors. Laptop / Pocket PC if you’re doing press. Sunglasses. Travel umbrella. Info from the main trades so you don’t hassle buyers who aren’t looking for new projects. Mints. Paracetomol and eye drops to ward off tell-tale hangover signs.
Don’t bring pages of screenwriting; people are too busy rushing between workshops, screenings and parties to read anything.
Read the Festival Daily distributed each morning at the Palais entrances and the guides from main trades as they detail key events and screenings.
Cannes Film Festival 2017 Party Guide
Cannes Film Festival throws some epic parties and everybody always wants to know where the hottest parties during Cannes Film Festival 2017 will be!
Cannes Film Festival has a number of high-profile parties at exclusive venues such as the stunning Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
If your intention is to come to Cannes to gate-crash parties, then be aware that it is not as easy as the gossip magazines lead people to believe. Access is usually very restricted; the expense to host a party during Cannes Film Festival runs from €50,000-upwards for a few hours on the beach so invitations are selective.
Hotels and private events will check your accreditation pass and you will often need your business card and/or I.D. Press may not be guaranteed access; check first with each venue. Due to the security in place, if you book a private driver to/from a Croisette hotel, they may need authorisation from the Mairie (Town Hall) to pick you up and drop you off.
Parties at Cannes Film Festival 2017
One of the most star-studded events to attend every year is the amfAR Cinema Against Aids charity gala night which is hosted at the beautiful Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the Cap d’Antibes. This year, the amfAR night will be on Thursday 25 May. Every supermodel, producer, actor and member of high-society attends – here’s a video of last year’s amfAR event:
Here is a round-up of some of the other parties and top places to socialise during Cannes Film Festival 2017:
Wednesday 17 May – On the opening night, from early evening until late at night, Cannes Film Festival offers a welcome party to greet the Festival attendees and the press. The party will take place on the Plage du Majestic (Majestic beach) as well as on the Agora, with live music by the Fantasy Live Experience Orchestra and DJ Daddy Ryton.
Wednesday 17 May – Chopard’s ‘Glittering Prizes Exhibition’ presented by Chopard and Vogue featuring photographs of actresses and models on the Cannes red carpet.
Wednesday 17 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema
Wednesday 17 May – Swarovski party at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc hosted by Nadja Swarovski with special guest Naomie Harris.
Naomie Harris
Wednesday 17 May – Nikki Beach, Gotha Club and Baoli Cannes opening nights
Thursday 18 May – Magnum Beach party for Magnum x Moschino with special guest Cara Delevingne and featuring Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott.
Thursday 18 May – Mouton Cadet Wine Bar opening event.
Thursday 18 May – Rihanna Loves Chopard collection.
Thursday 18 May – Salute to Akiro Kurosawa media event and panel discussion at the Majestic.
Thursday 18 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema with Susan Sarandon’s ‘Thelma & Louise’.
Friday 19 May – Jeffrey Katzenberg Gala night in the Grand Salon of the InterContinental Carlton, a dinner for the film industry professionals present in Cannes. On this occasion, a tribute will be paid to American producer Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Friday 19 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema with Elle Fanning.
Friday 19 May – Mouton Cadet Wine Bar ‘Global Gift’ evening with Eva Longoria and Maria Bravo.
Friday 19 May – Charles Finch Filmmaker Dinner with Jaeger LeCoultre : Paolo Sorrentino will be feted at this cocktail party followed by dinner event and awards ceremony. Also on view: Series 3 of Finch’s “The Art Of Behind The Scenes” photography exhibition.
Friday 19 May – Chopard’s SPACE party under the big top at Port Pierre Canto with headline act Bruno Mars.
Saturday 20 May – At the Agora, the “Dinner of the Festivals” will reunite 150 directors of the greatest film festivals in the world.
Saturday 20 May – VIP Pool Party at Chateau Savant hosted by SmokexMirrors and Mia Moretti
Saturday 20 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Sunday 21 May – Villa Golden Gate will host a Jamie Reuben and Michael Kives’ dinner with Arnold Schwarzenegger to celebrate Jean-Michael Cousteau’s Wonders of the Sea 3D, followed by a party hosted by CAA.
Sunday 21 May – Netflix party at Villa St George.
Sunday 21 May – Hollywood Foreign Press Association party at Nikki Beach with special guest Jake Gyllenhaal in aid of the International Rescue Committee.
Sunday 21 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema with Andie MacDowell’s ‘Sex, Lies and Videotape’.
Sunday 21 May – Private villa luncheon hosted by Three Six Zero and Champagne Armand de Brignac.
Sunday 21 May – Festival de Cannes and Kering Women in Motion Awards Dinner.
Monday 22 May – La Plage Royale luncheon (supported by YouTube) for the world premiere of Elton John: The Cut, followed by a screening and Q&A with the singer.
Monday 22 May – The annual Trophee Chopard event at Hotel Martinez.
Monday 22 May – L’Oréal at CanalPlus beach for open-air cinema with Eva Longoria’s ‘Lowriders’.
Tuesday 23 May – The 70th anniversary dinner at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Under the presidency of Isabelle Huppert, the stage will feature screenings, edited archives and film extracts, musical interludes and presentations by artists. The traditional anniversary dinner will bring together all the major figures at Cannes that evening, including many artists who have won the Palme d’Or, or have left their mark on the history of the Festival.
Tuesday 23 May – Top of the Lake: China Girl pre-party in partnership with Grey Goose at Versini and special guestsElisabeth Moss, Nicole Kidman and the cast of ‘China Girl’.
Tuesday 23 May – Queer Night Party at the American Pavilion hosted by John Cameron Mitchell.
Tuesday 23 May – Timothy White x Julian Lennon soiree benefiting amfAR with a DJ performance by the Misshapes, Decora and Andrew Mancilla at Chateau Savant.
Tuesday 23 May – de Grisogono Dinner + After Party Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Bella Hadid at the de Grisogono party in 2016
Wednesday 24 May – Chopard Gents Night with Annabel’s at Hotel Martinez.
Wednesday 24 May – The Members Club at La Plage Royale is the venue for this charity event, Cinemoi Presents: Cannes Film Festival Fashion Charity Gala, that benefits Children United Nations. Revelers will be treated to a special fashion show straight from the runway of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Tokyo, presented by designers Keiichiro Yuri and Adolfo Sanchez. With performances by Maria Conchita Alonso, Ricky Rebel and American Idol’s Trenyce Cobbins.
Thursday 25 May – In the Grand Salon of the InterContinental Carlton, the Press Dinner will gather 250 international journalists and critics present in Cannes.
Thursday 25 May – The Haas brothers private reception to benefit The Art of Elysium by 1stdibs and Chateau Savant.
MTV
Wild Bunch
Variety
Vanity Fair Dinner
Naomi Campbell Birthday party
Horyou Charity Event
Belvedere Party
Hollywood Reporter
Villa Schweppes will feature performances by Atom, Breakbot & Irfane, Busy P, IAM, Kungs, Laurent Garnier, Para One and more!
Note: Hosting a party during Cannes and want to be included on this list? Contact me to be added.
How to get tickets to Cannes Film Festival parties
Some ways to get tickets to these parties include buying a ticket through registered sales agents such as Experience The French Riviera and Boutique Luxury International, approach the national pavilions at the Festival for an invite to their parties (for example, American, British, Canadian etc), make friends with publicists and PR agencies and try your luck with the door bouncers.
Of course, Cannes sees a flotilla of superyachts cruise into the region for May as many celebrities stay on for Monaco Grand Prix too. If you’re not lucky enough to have booked a yacht charter for Cannes, you can try and grab an invite to some of the most spectacular parties hosted on board including Paul Allen’s incredible themed yacht party and Leonardo DiCaprio’s yacht party.
Port Vauban in the yachting hub of Antibes is now under new management and will host a schedule of events throughout the Festival with a Champagne bar from Perrier-Jouet, exclusive wine tastings from Riviera Wine, a whisky and cigar lounge, vodka and caviar tastings, drive-in cinema with vintage cars and fashion shows on the IYCA. You can see the programme of events here: http://events.vauban21.com/dynamics/EVENTS%20PROGRAM%200205.pdf
Cinéma de la Plage 2017
Each year, Cannes Film Festival shows free films at an open-air cinema on the beach for the public and you can see Cannes Classics and out-of-competition films.
The Cinéma de la Plage is easy to find – it is held at Plage Macé which is the public beach beside the Palais des Festivals and opposite the Majestic Barriere Hotel. You can’t miss the giant screen set up on the beach!
Look for the scaffolding and sound system on the beach, you can’t miss it! (Cinema de la Plage, Cannes)
Various festival ‘how-to’ websites and the Cannes Office du Tourisme will tell you to reserve in advance, but it’s not necessary – entrance is free and you don’t have to show a physical ticket.
Films are listed as starting at 9pm but usually commence from 9.30pm nightly. The deckchairs are limited, so show up early if you want one (many people arrive before 7pm). If you miss out on a deck chair, take a picnic blanket to sit on the sand. There are no food facilities, but you are able to take a picnic; glassware and glass bottles are not permitted so leave the bottle of rouge for another time. Please respect the environment and take all your rubbish away with you.
The front row chairs are often reserved for film industry execs and often the Hollywood stars show up, so keep your eyes open for surprise guests!
It may be warm and sunny during the day, but Plage Macé can get chilly at night especially if there is a mistral blowing. Take warm clothes and rain protection as the entire zone is uncovered.
The nearest public toilets are located on the Croisette just past the children’s play ground, they are usually open late during the Cinéma de la Plage screenings.
Access notes: Persons with reduced mobility can access the beach at the Cinéma de la Plage site via a concrete ramp on the right-hand side at the entrance, there is no specific area set aside for wheelchairs but there is plenty of room for you. Accessible toilets are just past the public toilets by the children’s playground; look for the silver automated cubicle, access is by a 50 centime coin.
The Cinéma de la Plage schedule for 2017 is:
Thurs 18 May: All About My Mother by Pedro Almodóvar
Fri 19 May: Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker
Sat 20 May: Saturday Night Fever by John Badham
Sun 21 May: No movie just a free concert from -M- Matthieu Chedid
Mon 22 May: Bad Boys by Michael Bay
Tues 23 May: Missing by Costa-Gavras
Wed 24 May: Chariots of Fire by Hugh Hudson
Thurs 25 May: Film & concert DJAM by Tony Gatlif
Fri 26 May: Weekend at Dunkirk by Henri Verneuil
Sat 27 May: Un 32 août sur terre by Denis Villeneuve
Information points with directions and information about the Festival and Marché are located at various spots in the Palais and at the entrances to Riviera and Pantiero; look for the info points signalled by a yellow ‘I’.
A luggage cloakroom is located at the Barrière Bistingo (near the Casino Croisette) and open most days until at least 5pm.
Lost property is at the Gare Maritime (the port building next to the Palais) and open until 6pm.
Download the free bilingual (English and French) mobile application ‘Festival de Cannes’ available for iPhone, iPad and Android to stay updated with hour-by-hour coverage, film trailers, videos from the red carpet and more.
Radio Festival will be broadcast on the official Festival de Cannes website and mobile app and will also be available on Deezer. And you can catch up with previous broadcasts on podcast platforms (iTunes, SoundCloud). The radio studio will be located within the Festival enclosure and accessible to passing visitors.
On Twitter, you can follow @Festival_Cannes with hashtag #Cannes2017. You’ll also find official Festival updates on Facebook, Instagram and Festival TV.
TRANSPORT TO/FROM CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
The most popular option to arrive in Cannes is via train or bus. Central Cannes and the zones around the Palais and Croisette are flat and paved, and the distance from the train station or main bus station to the Croisette is only a few minutes walk.
If you’re driving, be aware that the large carparks nearby and under the Palais des Festivals are extremely busy. There are road closures frequently during Cannes Film Festival (particularly on the Croisette) and police will block roads for major stars entry and exits from hotels and restaurants.
Public transport schedules at night are limited and taxis are expensive; I highly recommend you to pre-book a transfer before you decide to stay out late. If you miss the last train/bus, don’t fret – you will not be the only Festival attendee doing the ‘walk of shame’ in the wee small hours of the morning.
Specialised transfers to/from Cannes
Helicopter transfers are by far the quickest way to get to Cannes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, book via Azur Helicoptere. For bilingual English and French private chauffeured transfers, book via registered driver Djamel Bouzidi.
By train to Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes train station (Gare de Cannes SNCF) has ticket counters with attendants, but it is very easy and much quicker to buy your train tickets from the self-service ticket machines.
The self-service machines have English language as an option so you don’t need to be fluent in French to use them. Use coins for the self-issuing machines as they can be temperamental and often they can’t read non-French issued credit and debit cards.
If you are in Cannes for the Festival, rather than buying single fares get a ‘ZOU ! Hebdo’ pass. This is a train ticket valid for 7 consecutive days and gives you up to 75% fare discounts, they are available to tourists or residents. You must specify your origin and destination point – for example, Antibes to Cannes. TER SNCF, the regional train provider have a ton of fares including discounts if you’re under 26 years of age.
ALL tickets must be validated before boarding your train, look for the yellow validating machine (compostage de billets) at the entrance to the platforms.
Cannes train station has caféterias, a newsagent selling newspapers, phone credit, cigarettes as well as vending machines with snacks. There are also high tables with connections for tablets and smartphones.
Well-maintained and clean public toilets are located just outside the station, 50 metres along from the station entrance. These toilets are open Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm (excluding bank holidays), these toilets cost 50 centimes and you insert your coin into the automated turnstile and it opens the gate. There are 2 ladies toilets, 2 men’s toilets and an accessible parent’s room with baby changing facilities. There is a change machine there to swap notes for coins but it is often out of order so don’t rely on it or there being an attendant available.
Access notes: Persons with reduced mobility can contact ONET Accueil in the main hall of Cannes train station (service available Monday through to Sunday 7.30am-7.30pm) where they can assist passengers with luggage and access on and off trains. All interior facilities of the main train station including the public toilets are on flat ground and accessible.
Buses to and from Cannes Film Festival
From Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Cannes you can take the following bus routes:
Express bus 210 line (between Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and Cannes via the highway)
Bus 200 (between Nice and Cannes)
Noctambus 200 (the night bus for weekends and bank holidays)
Bus 210 is the fastest bus from the airport, the journey from Terminal 1 to Hôtel de Ville close to the Palais takes just under one hour.
Bus 200 is a local bus and is particularly busy during peak hours with limited luggage storage on board. The journey takes around 1.5 hours for the full oneway journey from Nice to Cannes, but it is by far the cheapest option at €1.50 oneway.
The Cannes bus stops are the Gare Routiere (near Hôtel de Ville, the port and close to the Palais), and outside the train station (the 200 stop is opposite Hotel Ligure).
If you are staying in Le Cannet, Palm Beach and Mandelieu-La Napoule, local company Palm Bus will run night buses during the Festival. Their main website is in English, French and Italian with maps and timetables. For the timetables for the night buses during Cannes Film Festival, download them here NightbusesPalmBus
Access notes: Buses have kneeling ramp entrances and designated wheelchair areas midway on the bus. On bus number 200 there is lighted signage and sound calls advising of the next bus stop to assist hearing and sight-impaired travellers as well on board visual route maps. Wheelchair bound travellers also have an on demand service for regional buses called Access06 whereby you can pre-book a designated minibus ; more information is here (in French only) https://www.departement06.fr/accessibilite-des-transports/service-access06-4020.html
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
If you’re not invited to a party with free food and booze, don’t be put off from a few sundowners or a meal out in Cannes for fear of going home bankrupt. Here are Access Riviera’s recommendations for places to go for decently-priced food and drinks, good atmosphere or a true Cannois experience:
L’Epicurieux, 6 rue des Frères Casanova
A wine bar with excellent antipasti platters as well as pasta, salads and steak. The café gourmand is great and they regularly have live music.
rue Hoche
Rue Hoche is full of caféterias and restaurants so take your pick for somewhere to grab a coffee, drink or meal. I highly recommend Da Laura on the corner of rue Hoche and rue du 24 août.
The Palace Hotels
All of the bars at the Palace hotels on the Croisette are very good. My favourite is the terrace bar at the InterContinental Carlton, and Bar L’Amiral at Hôtel Martinez is also excellent with award-winning barmen.
Bar L’Amiral at Hôtel Martinez is one of Cannes best bars
Marché Forville
I can’t mention food in Cannes without telling people to go to Marché Forville. Fruit, vegetables, cured meat, seafood – this market has it all which is great for grabbing supplies for snacks or DIY dinners.
If you’re staying in a self- catering apartment, Marché Forville is surrounded by a couple of supermarkets, a boulangerie (bakery) and a few fancy shops selling caviar, salmon and foie gras. Try the socca or sit for a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants.
The market is open every day from 7am-1pm, except on Monday when it is a bric-a-brac flea market.
Access notes: The entire market is accessible and on flat paved ground. There is an accessible ground-floor toilet at Café de l’Horloge next to the market.
Croisette 72 a.k.a The Gutter Bar
Most popular during Cannes Lions, Croisette 72 is the proper name of the infamous Gutter Bar just across the road from the glitzy Hotel Martinez. This is one of the places to go at the end of the night during Cannes Film Festival where late night shenanigans morph into early morning shenanigans. Drink, network, be merry, repeat.
Le Tikawa, Allées de la Liberté
Just a few minutes from the Palais opposite the port, Le Tikawa is a snack kiosk selling tasty decent-sized salads, paninis and cold beers.
It’s by no means plush, just merely a few tables and chairs beside the pétanque pitch, but it is one of the best places in Cannes to have a quick bite to eat – all for a snippet of the price at neighbouring restaurants.
Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. Nearest accessible toilet facilities are automated pay toilets in the square.
Le Petit Majestic, corner of rue Tony Allard and rue Victor Cousin
Le Petit Majestic has fame as being one of the Festival’s swarming watering holes to drop by late at night. The owner has traditionally kept it open around the clock, closing for just one hour daily during Festival to allow for cleaning but this year he has a restriction and must close by 12.30am. It’s fairly certain this won’t deter Festival attendees.
Le Petit Majestic – a Festival favourite for pre and post-event drinks
Ma Nolan’s Pub, 6 rue Buttura
Irish pub Ma Nolan’s gets a lot of Festival foot traffic due to it’s location close to the Palais. They’ve had a bit of an issue with slowness of orders if you sit outside due to lack of staff, but the atmosphere is pretty good and if you’re not in a major hurry it remains one of Cannes best pubs. Head along for tap beers, pub food, live music, and screening of football on TV. www.manolans.com
Access notes: Ma’s is fully accessible outside with tables on flat ground, however there are stairs up to interior of the bar and toilet facilities.
Ma Nolans – one of Cannes best pubs
WiFi
I get quite a bit of feedback that the WiFi in and around Cannes venues is dubious and erratic, it’s a real shame because the city is competing with other global destinations for festivals and events. I have heard various explanations about network overloading due to attendee numbers, but for a major event it’s inexcusable in my opinion to have third-rate connection problems. The Palais and pavilions have WiFi zones but elsewhere in Cannes here are some places to find WiFi. If you go to any of these places to use their signal, please be courteous and buy a coffee/drink/meal:
Cristal Café on rue Felix Faure
Factory Café at the Gray d’Albion shopping arcade
La Potinière du Palais on square Merimee
Le Melting Pot at rue de la Rampe; the opposite side of the port from the Palais des Festivals
Mocca which is directly opposite the Palais des Festivals
New York New York on Allée de la Liberté Charles de Gaulle
Wifi in Cannes
WHERE TO STAY DURING CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2017
During Cannes Film Festival, accommodation prices increase dramatically with the most expensive accommodation lining the Croisette. If you want to book anything centrally located in Cannes you need to be prepared to pay top dollar.
The benefit of accommodation closer to the Festival is you have the option to return to your room/villa/apartment and save time when getting ready for other events. Staying further away you’ll have to commute, but you will save money for accommodation. Bear in mind, that over 60,000 people descend on Cannes so if you’re planning to get taxis to and from your accommodation you need to book in advance.
Staying in satellite suburbs and other nearby towns and commuting can be a more financially feasible option for many Festival attendees. Possibilities include Mandelieu la Napoule, Cannes La Bocca, Le Cannet, Golfe Juan, Juan les Pins or Antibes.
Accommodation during Cannes Film Festival 2017
I highly recommend Festival attendees to book through reputable sources or if you use third-party sites always verify their booking process and read some reviews.
Unfortunately, the Festival brings fraudulent companies to the scene who contact prospects with bogus offers using the logos of the Festival, Marché du Film and Palme d’Or so as to seem authentic accommodation providers. The fraud is often not discovered until the time of check-in when the reservation, company and payment are no longer to be found. Result = no refund and no reservation.
Check, check and triple check the authenticity of your accommodation source. French-registered rental businesses should have a physical address, contact details and a SIRET or SIREN number (business registration).
Overseas accommodation representatives should email you full booking details including local contact numbers, so take the time to check everything before transferring deposits or full payments.
Some fraudulent company names to avoid that have duped Festival goers in previous years include:
Business Travel International
Cannes Events
Euro-Events
Expos-International
Expo Travel Group
Global Living Group
Premier Destinations
Riviera Network
Splendor
Star Eventz
The Ultimate Living Group
Universal Events Solutions Limited
Universal Shows
If you’ve left your Cannes accommodation until the last minute, check with the Office du Tourisme at the Palais des Festivals as they often have updated information on hotel availability and partner hotels give them last minute rates to fill rooms.
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN CANNES
If you are not an accredited Festival badge holder, you can still visit Cannes and enjoy the atmosphere. Here are a few local tips of things to see and do during Cannes Film Festival 2017:
Film-related sightseeing
Cannes connection with film goes beyond the 12 days that the Festival will be hosted; there are a number of film-related sites to visit around town.
At the base of the Palais des Festivals, you can see the ‘Allées des Étoile’s du Cinema’ which is a trail of handprints from film stars. Unfortunately, there are no plaques with information to match the handprints but you can grab a few photos of Angelina Jolie, Sylvester Stallone, Jodie Foster or Sophia Loren’s hands.
Access notes: Fully accessible on paved flat surface.
Allées des Étoiles, Cannes
As well as the handprints, Cannes has a series of film-themed murals scattered around the city on walls of buildings. The most prominent one is right near the port at the Gare Routiere bus station. The murals include Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and cars from films.
For directions to find each mural and descriptions, download this map : Murs peints de Cannes
Access notes: Fully accessible on flat paved surfaces.
Two new murals were added recently at Pont Alexandre III of Pulp Fiction and the Piano.
The Croisette
Outside of Festival time, it is one of the best seafront promenades on the Côte d’Azur but ‘La Croisette’ is undeniably the hub of all the action during Film Festival.
It is a supremely entertaining strip of road to visit with an eclectic variety of people found there during Film Festival – hardy tourists, wannabe stars with their own ‘rent-a-photographer’ escorting them, men in tuxedos at 9 a.m, champagne swiggers at beach clubs, and every dressed-up fashionista in town strutting along with the chance to be snapped by any one of the many photographers.
Stroll along the Croisette and you will see all of the promotional billboards at the entrances and on the façades of the hotels. Security is tight for all the hotels, but you can join the spectators and paparazzi crowding the road frontages for free. The top hotels for star spotting are the Hotel Martinez, InterContinental Carlton and the Majestic Barrière.
For families who are visiting, there is a small public playground with fairground area and carousel (fee applies) near to the Palais, and another small public playground at the other end of the Croisette before Port Pierre Canto. All of the kiosks along the Croisette sell ice-cream, snacks and drinks.
Access notes: The Croisette is paved and flat all the way from the Palais des Festivals to Port Pierre Canto, and there are accessible public toilets along the Croisette.
‘Games, Chance & Cinema’ at Palm Beach Casino
Situated at the far end of the Croisette, the legendary Palm Beach Casino was built in 1929 and welcomed all the jet set personalities including stars from the world of cinema.
It will be closing soon to move to Hotel-Casino 3.14 in Cannes and therefore to honour its legacy there will be an exhibition from 150 painters, sculptors, visual artists and photographers on the theme “Games, Chance and Cinema”. The includes works from fine art photographer Justin Gage, Italian painter Giacomo de Pass and French artist Patrick Moya. The 10 Colossi statues have been customised by artists and will be sold at the end of the exhibition.
The exhibition has started already and will run until Sunday 4 June 2017. At the closing of the exhibition, over 400 historic items will be auctioned off at 10am including the roulette tables, chandeliers, a bronze Sphinx statue from the Carlton, photographic portraits of film stars, light fittings, plush armchairs (for just €50!) and a very special Steinway & Sons piano (Lot 166) which has accompanied concerts by Charles Aznavour (a frequent performer at the Moulin Rouge), Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt. For the auction lots, see here PalmBeachCasinoAuctionLots
Le Suquet
Charming Le Suquet is the Old Town quarter of Cannes, interspersed with terraced stone houses with flower boxes, small alleyways and many restaurants.
To get to the top of the hill where the church is (fee applies to enter the museum Musée de la Castre , excluding the 1st Sunday of the month when entry is free), walk up rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, and then Traverse de la Tour. The views from the top are excellent and reach across Cannes, the Lérins Islands and the Ésterels.
Access notes: Wheelchair bound or tourists with reduced mobility can still visit the top to enjoy the views, though the streets are steep! Follow rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, rue du Pré then rue Louis Perrisol. This route follows paved flat roads and avoid the many stairways in Le Suquet. Or jump onboard the Petit Train tourist train that departs from near the Palais des Festivals as it chugs it way up there too.
Thank you for reading Access Riviera’s ‘Ultimate Guide to the Cannes Film Festival 2017! This guide has taken me a lot of research hours and checking of content soif you’ve found this resource informative or you are featured in this guide, please leave a comment and/or kindly share it on social media crediting Access Riviera (Facebook or Twitter). Thank you!
This weekend, the Principality of Monaco will be out in force to support the 6th Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk that is being held from 10am on Sunday 12 March.
Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk : Sunday 12 March 2017
About Pink Ribbon Monaco
Pink Ribbon Monaco is a 100% non-profit organisation that aims to raise awareness on methods of early breast cancer detection and prevention through various campaigns and events. Pink Ribbon Monaco works closely with medical professionals to provide assistance and support when and where it is needed.
With the backing and guidance of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, they target the areas in need of assistance and their breast cancer awareness campaigns aims to educate the general public on prevention and early detection, support patients and celebrate life to the fullest while promoting well-being and a healthy lifestyle!
The Pink Ribbon Monaco walk
The walk circuit is 5 kilometres with the start on the esplanade of Port Hercule in central Monaco – look for the tent beside the podium truck. The start line is easy to find and only 10 minutes from the Monaco-Monte Carlo train station and car parking is an easy distance at Place des Armes or the port.
Registrations will be accepted right up to the event start so you can either register online at http://www.pinkribbon.mc, or at the Running Expo at the Stade Louis II on Friday or Saturday from 1pm-7pm (the actual walk is Sunday though). You can find the Pink Ribbon team at Stade Louis II at the rear entrance.
The entry fee of €30 includes a pink t-shirt as well as a bib to write a message of support to someone who has inspired you for this walk.
Each year the event is attended by walkers showing support for their grandmother, mother, sister, wife, friend – it is a worthy cause that touches many lives so skip your Sunday brunch and come along!
Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk 2017 circuit
Lots of families take part; all children are welcome and kids under 13 years are free; the walk is easy and fun. Everyone is encouraged to dress in pink – feather boas, crazy hats, pink sunglasses, the crazier the better I say!
What your €30 entry fee goes towards
This year, Pink Ribbon Monaco is raising funds to help a medical trial held between the Centre Lacasagne in Nice and the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace in Monaco. They will be studying two particularly tough strains of breast cancer, HER2+ and TNBC.
Throughout the year, your 30€ contribution helps Pink Ribbon Monaco:
Work and assist the Centre de Dépistage du CHPG (Hopital Princesse Grace Screening Centre) led by Dr Daniel Rouison, part of the Ministry of Health and Social affairs
Organise informative Q&A conferences in Monaco
Organise further awareness campaigns and events
Illuminate various Monegasque landmarks in October, during international breast cancer awareness month.
During the Walk, your 30€ also helps:
Contribute to the Federation Monegasque d’Athlètisme and Monaco Run, our hosts for the event. The FMA donates a great deal of material to us, but we still contribute to insurance and other costs attached to the Walk.
Our fabric bags, as this year we replaced the plastic bags for reusable, ecological fabric
Printing posters and displaying them across Monaco and neighbouring towns.
If you can’t attend the charity walk, you can simply give a donation of any amount.
When: Sunday 12 March 2017 at 10.00am, Port Hercule in Monaco
For online registration or to make a donation, please go to www.pinkribbon.mc
Every year there are local charity toy drives to collect toys and gifts to distribute at Christmas to less fortunate children.
Vinci Autoroutes run collections at the Antibes péage and La Ciotat which has just finished on 01 December.
The Red Cross and Secours Populaire also collect donations that they hand out to families in the region. Secours Populaire have Green Santas each year that hand out toys, books and Christmas food parcels to families in difficulty. You can contribute by donating festive food or gifts for children – last year, over 150,000 children received a gift on behalf of the Secours Populaire.
Local company Côte d’Azur Villas are also collecting toys and games to be distributed this year.
Drop off details: Until 16 December 2016 you can donate good quality or new toys, games and books
Drop off Monday to Friday between 9am – 5.30pm
Where: At the offices of Côte d’Azur Villa Rentals, Villa 1, Villantipolis, 473 Route des Dollines 06560 Valbonne, Sophia Antipolis
About Côte d’Azur Villas:
Côte d’Azur Villas is the leading property rental agency on the French Riviera and in Provence with a portfolio of over 250 villas available for holiday and long term rentals. Based in Sophia Antipolis, the company was founded in 2003 by Greg and Marion Harris. This entrepreneurial couple have taken the business to new heights including a portfolio of international villa rentals and team members based throughout the region.
One of the world’s most successful charity events and the most coveted party in town during Cannes Film Festival is the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala night which will be held Thursday 19 May on the Cap d’Antibes.
The 23rd annual Cinema Against AIDS event to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, returns to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc where the event will help keep the fight against AIDS in the global media spotlight and add to the impressive $170 million raised for amfAR’s life-saving research programs.
Produced by AAB Productions/Andy Boose, the amfAR night features a number of live music performances, a fashion show and every celebrity in town on the guest list.
Watch last year’s amfAR video below:
amfAR Cinema Against AIDS 2016 Cannes
This year is a ’70s disco theme with performances from Sister Sledge, The Village People and Katy Perry.
Carine Roitfeld will again curate a unique fashion show starring forty of the world’s top models in a spectacular disco-themed showcase, accessorized with beautiful jewellery by Harry Winston. The runway presentation will showcase glamorous looks from the most celebrated fashion designers including Burberry, Chanel, Dior Couture, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Georgio Armani, Miu Miu, Prada and Versace.
As well, many of the auction lots have disco-themed items including Polaroids of 1970’s stars by Andy Warhold and mirror balls.
amfAR Event Chairs & Guest List
‘Neerja’ actress’ 30-year old Sonam Kapoor is set to attend the amfAR gala for the first time. “It’s an honor to be a part of the esteemed amfAR Gala. I cannot stress enough the importance of AIDS research in our time. This foundation is doing such incredible work dedicated towards raising funds for life-saving research programs that help the fight against AIDS’.
EVENT CHAIRS
Len Blavatnik
Adrien Brody
Kenneth Cole (amfAR Chairman of the Board)
Milutin Gatsby (amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman)
Nayla Hayek
Milla Jovovich
Heidi Klum
Michel Litvak
Vincent Roberti
Carine Roitfeld
Sharon Stone
Harvey Weinstein
CO-CHAIRS
Carlos Ghosn
Lisa Giuliani
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Karlie Kloss
Thomas Leclercq
Adriana Lima
Christophe Navarre
Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla
Dmitry Rybolovlev
Irina Shayk
Timur and Lola Tillyaeva
Frank Zweegers
VICE CHAIRS
Hermann Bühlbecker
Richard Caring
Dennis Davidson
Jonathan and Kira Faiman
Hansi Farsi
Shintaro Kambara
Peter and Leona König
Rachel Ning
Ilya and Alina Polner
Alicja Ruchala
Remo Ruffini
Elie Saab
Caroline Scheufele
Sid Shamnath
Andrew G. Vajna
Gary Michael Walters
amfAR Auction
Every year, spectacular items are auctioned with celebrities, film producers, supermodels and high society guests bidding on the lots. The 2016 auction will be conducted by Simon de Pury. Some of the auction items this year will include:
The Moët & Chandon MCIII Wine Cellar, handmade and the only one of its kind in the world, features 23 magnum bottles of MCIII, to signify the 23rd edition of the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala. One bottle is featured in the centre and a special lighting effect behind the glass illuminates the other 22 magnum bottles, where the bottles’ delicately engraved metal bases appear to levitate around the central bottle.
Moët & Chandon MCIII Wine Cellar, the only one of its kind in the world is up for auction at amfAR 2016 Cannes
Damien Hirst’s 6.5m high ‘Temple’ artwork
Andy Warhol Polaroids from the 1970s and 1980s (The Polaroids on offer are of five 1970s icons and muses for The Disco Collection: Jerry Hall, Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, and Diane von Furstenberg)
A Harry Winston Secret Cluster Perfume Bottle with Aquamarines, Diamonds, Sapphires, and a Hand-carved Rock Crystal vial
A one-off customized Ferrari 458 Camouflage by Lapo Elkann
A one-off camouflage-customised Ferrari 458 by Lapo Elkann is up for auction at the amfAR fundraiser
A Soneva Resorts Luxury Escape for 8 people where you and your guests spend 2 weeks in each of 2 remarkable private residences at Soneva Kiri Resort in Thailand (including dining in a bamboo Treepod suspended above the tree canopy with food delivered by a waiter on a zipline!) and then 2 weeks at Soneva Fushi Maldives.
Up for auction – an amazing Soneva Resorts Luxury Escape for 8 guests including stays at Soneva Kiri in Thailand and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives
Two tickets to the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will take place in Europe in late autumn. The tickets entitle the winning bidder to a prime seat location at the fashion show and entrance into the exclusive after-party.
A week onboard the 70m Lürssen yacht Martha Ann
Zaha Hadid limited edition ZOLU Dining Pavillion
Zaha Hadid’s Dining Pavillion
Presenting Sponsors
Signature Sponsor
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