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Issue 162/November 2015 - 3,00

Seasonal flairInterior designer shares secrets

MICHELIN-STAR DININGHidden gem of the Var

THANKSGIVINGOR AFTERNOON TEA?Celebrate your roots on the Riviera!

Orca death:Conservationists slam marine park

Underwater art & fashion:Renowned photographer Gaby Fey

NEWS & SERVICESIncluding ood aft ermath, Nice-Cannes Marathon & all the top headlines from your region

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Editorialby Sarah Harvey

ovember is already upon us! In my neighbourhood in Nice you can barely tell, since the skies are still cloudless most days and the majority of the trees are evergreen or palm

treesBut the deciduous leaves inland are turning beautiful shades of brown and gold, and a dusting of snow has already fallen on the mountaintops, heralding the imminent approach of ski season! While we wait in excited anticipation of getting out on the powder (or perhaps just drinking vin chaud and admiring the view from a chalet), theres plenty to be getting on with around the Riviera. For starters, interior designer Simone Steuten gives us hints and inspiration for decorating your

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home for autumn or Christmas. As for seasonal events; while Im currently lamenting the lack of a Guy Fawkes Night expat event on the Riviera (maybe next year?), our American readers might enjoy discovering some of the Th anksgiving highlights taking place in the region. And the Brits and Anglophiles alike might well enjoy reading about Aft ernoon Tea at Nices iconic Hotel Negresco (to take the chill off the wind). On a serious note, weve recently experienced one of the Rivieras worst fl oods on record. We take an in-depth look at the tragic events which unfolded and the aft ermath of the tragedy. Our thoughts go out to everyone aff ected by the fl oods. Th ose who have showed incredible community spirit in helping to re-build homes, businesses and lives really are an inspiration to us all.

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G O U R M E T Michelin-star chef tucked away in the VarH O M EDecorating your home for autumn or ChristmasS U C E S S - S T O R YInside the home, and mind, of businessman Georges DaoM O N A C OMonaco Yacht Show: In picturesMonte-Carlo Opera marks National DayA R T & C U L T U R EIncredible underwater photography by Gaby FeyOur picks from the Riviera arts scene this monthO U T D O O R SAl fresco explorations with Nice hiking club E V E N T SWhats hot and where to go this November!R T - N E W SCatch up on all the latest news and updates from across the Riviera Counting the cost of the severe floodsMarine park faces fierce criticism after Orca deathInternational School of Monaco: Building on successS P O R TNice-Cannes Marathon, and ambitious solo Morocco-Monaco triathlon

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Michelin-star chef always has to be a something of a celebrity. Naturally, quality and creativity in the kitchen are the most important factors to win over guests, as well as Michelin inspectors. But without personality and the ability to inspire customers, even a top chef will fail to stay in business.

Philippe Da Silva is a phenomenon in his own right. Th e long-serving head chef at the Hostellerie Les Gorges de Pennafort is very much down to earth with few airs and graces. Th is small, round man with laughter lines around his mouth greets all guests with an equal amount of warmth. He is modest about his career as he describes his ascent from a 14-year old apprentice to a celebrated chef with two stars at Chiberta in Paris, and ultimately to what is probably his fi nal big phase in the South of France. He en-joys meeting exciting and famous people who pass in and out of his establishment, who have all achieved something exceptional in their lives. But he does not brag about having such acquaintances.

Philippe Da Silva is a Michelin-starred chef in the same league as Ducasse, Robuchon, Llorca and Chibois - all familiar names on the Cte dAzur - but he lives his life away from the media, parties and celebrity hype. This may have something to do with his location in a remote region of the Var, beneath the reddish-coloured Gorges de Pennafort near Callas. It is also simply in his character. Of course I receive many invitations, said the Frenchman from the south, but I go out very little. I prefer to look aft er my guests instead.

Da Silva can often be seen in conversation with his guests, many of which have been regular visitors for years. First he cooked for the grandparents, then the parents and now the children, the chef says mischievously.

This year he celebrates his 20th anniversary at the Les Gorges de Pennafort hotel. On this occasion he decided to indulge him-self with a new logo: this season, the menu, placemats and even the Porsche by the entrance all display the stylised silhouette of his image. Th e artist Bezzina, whose brittle sculptures of over-sized limbs are scattered across the entire property, created the image. Da Silva says the logo should not be taken seriously: Its pure provocation, nothing more and nothing less.

It was a hairdresser in Brignoles who first introduced Philippe Da Silva to the Garassin family, owners of the hotel. He moved to Callas near Draguignan 20 years ago to work for the family, which also owns the nearby Chteau Saint-Julien vi-neyard. Since then Da Silva, who has Portuguese roots but grew up in Cogolin near Saint-Tropez, has developed his skills in the kitchen while his wife Martine is largely responsible for ensuring that the guests receive a warm welcome.

When he wanted to leave Paris at that time, he received offers from the U.S. and Japan. However, the call back to his homeland in the South of France was stronger. After just one season at the Pennafort hotel, Philippe Da Silva had already won back one star and has managed to hold onto it since.

He knew at the time that a big challenge awaited him. Would it work - a top restaurant with the corresponding prices in the deepest hinterland of the Cte dAzur? And what would happen in winter after the tourist season had ended?

At the beginning, my Paris guests followed me here, remembers Da Silva. Today, the restaurant pretty much runs itself with a mix of international and loyal, local customers that have never deserted us. Th e philosophy of the restaurant is also partly responsible for this impressive mix of guests: one star - yes; two stars - no! Because he

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offers affordable menus, people like you and me can also afford to come on special occasions. With two stars, on the other hand, he would virtually shut out the local population.

At the same time, the ambience and culinary art are clearly attractive enough to persuade guests to sometimes make long journeys and even stay the whole night in the adjacent hotel. Since his restaurant won the Prix Villgiature as the best hotel restaurant in Europe four years ago, even the Chinese have started to come in growing numbers.

The 13 very different but tastefully furnished suites with garden or balcony also encourage guests to make a longer visit - whether to explore the Gorges de Pennafort or enjoy relaxing treatments at the hotel spa centre with artificial lake.

As we sit on the spacious terrace and talk about his cooking, a helicopter takes off behind the building. Many of my guests arrive by helicopter, explains Da Silva, from St. Tropez, Cannes or Monaco. A mischievous smile again appears on the face of the chef, who has the enthusiasm of a child when it comes to expensive cars or flying objects.

He is also passionate about good products. For example, when I see beautiful strawberries it lifts my heart, he says. He favours modern, simple cuisine where the ingredients are of primary importance. Da Silva works almost exclusively with small, local producers and sources organic products as much as possible. He gets lettuce, melons, tomatoes and grapes from Argens, all types of vegetables from a farmer in Roquebrune-sur-Argens and fish mostly from Frjus and Saint-Raphal.

Philippe Da Silva is particularly famous for his foie gras ravioli with parmesan; lobster salad with tomato confit; and fried lan-goustines with chanterelle mushrooms and rocket cream sauce. The menus include various meat and fish dishes, but the cheese selection and desserts are also excellent. New on the menu are six sweet sins on a tray - from rhubarb crumble, pineapple and basil ice-cream to strawberry tart with vanilla-pistachio ice-cream.

The wine cellar of the Hostellerie Les Gorges de Pennafort is also something to behold. We have 5,000 bottles of wine in the day cellar, and even more in storage, said Da Silva. All grape varieties, all regions and all prices are covered. He noted that there has been less demand of late for the restaurants extensive champagne stocks since the Russians largely stopped coming.

On average, he cooks for 120 guests per day. Racing drivers also visit from time to time, including former drivers such as FIA president Jean Todt, who is admired by Da Silva as much for his racing as for his culinary skills. The model Claudia Schiffer is also an acquaintance, and once took part in a joint photo shoot with the chef in Paris.

At the end of the day, it is important to create a moment of happiness for every guest in his restaurant, famous or not. I always compare a meal with a performance that has an entry fee - it has to be like fireworks!

HOSTELLERIE LES GORGES DE PENNAFORTMenu du march lunch menu (during the week): 52;

otherwise: 1st menu: 75; 2nd menu: 90; menu degustation: 150; childrens menu: 20.

The restaurant is closed on Monday, Wednesday lunchtime and Sunday evening as well as from 24th December to 2nd

January 2016. Annual holiday runs from 17th January to 19th March 2016.

Overnight stays from 220

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I always compare a meal with a performance that has an entry fee - it

has to be like fireworks!

Clockwise from the top: The art of dining - beau-tifully presented dishes by Chef Da Silva; Lobster and black truff le...only the finest ingredients for this salad; Elegantly-appointed rooms with cont-emporary design at the Hostellerie Les Gorges de Pennafort

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HOME 07HOME 06

A look for every season!Dress your home according to the time of year: SIMS & JAYS Interior Experts offer inspirational decorating tips to bring new

flair to your home

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imone, you design living spaces. Do you prefer a unified concept in a house, the same style? Or is a mlange of styles allowed?Im always up for a holistic approach, for a

cohesive thread that runs through the house, creatively spea-king! Looking at the overall interior design, I try to bring out the best in each of the rooms. It takes calmness and clarity; I always try to be generous and clear in my perception. So once you have that, you have the basics already! But then are small breaks in the style - targeted - perfectly permissible, even desirable: This emphasis adds the personal touch. That is, it does not have everything uniformly contemporary or, for ex-ample, only Provenal. Depending on which style is desired, these highlights; plus another style can be subtly added: to cla-rify, a limited number of accents from the clients personal col-lection, perhaps as a contrast to vintage-style furniture and accessories, maybe something related to their hobbies. I can integrate, for example, things such as photos or accessories of them golfing, horse riding, or their vintage cars - which makes it appear more personal.How do you decide on a theme with your clients?Ideally we meet at their home. I am a very good reader of cha-racter, I think. I look at people and know pretty exactly what their needs are. Just as with people, there are different strokes for different folks, the same goes for the furnishing concept of their homes. Of course, I first tackle the fundamental things such as what do we need to provide in terms of comfort? How is the spa-ce used? What wishes do we need to fulfil? Are there children in the house? Do many visitors come? Is the house inhabited all year round, or only during the summer? Then I create a design concept. We discuss it together, and there you go! From picking up new trends, to finding the furniture and decorative objects,

I travel a lot and attend many trade shows around the world in order to be able to bring unique ideas and items with me. I have good contacts at major international companies.What style seems especially suited to the south of France?A summery, light and bright design; linen fabrics, pure white, different shades of grey and natural tones and also aqua colours, in all different shades. Add some cheerful accents, such as fuchsia or lemon yellow.How do you bring autumnal flair into a home?In the autumn; darker, warm, natural tones and flannel materials, in combination with accessories made from comforting and fluffy materials. Theres very high demand for natural materials such as wood and leather, accessories such as blankets and pillows made of thick knitted wool or fine cashmere, with playful wool pompoms at the moment. All this is an effective addition especially if you have a rather minimalist and simple dcor, it brings a cuddly contrast to more austere surroundings. And of course, candles, candles, candles! They make a huge difference. Create clusters of candles together on a rustic wooden plank or on a princely silver tray. Thick white or cream-coloured candles of differing heights quickly and easily create a very atmospheric setting.

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You can often achieve amazing effects with very simple ideas. Do you have any tips?The things you can find on a walk at this time of year can be used directly as a pretty table decoration: pine cones, acorns, chestnuts and pretty autumn leaves - carefully rub them with bacon fat or hairspray to give them a par-ticularly beautiful shine. In the winter - depending on the basic colour scheme, you can provide accents with a combination of gold and silver tones. The candles I mentioned can be decorated with a large bow of thick silver or gold ribbon, for example, individually or in a small cluster. Or simply scatter some acorns around some candles, or put white roses in a natural-coloured basket. Those who prefer traditional styles should only use the following three colours: classic white, red and green - with lamp-shades in a dark lime green. You should make sure that lampshades are coated gold, because the light then pro-vides a warm and atmospheric glow to the room. Opulent red poinsettias, particularly in silver goblets, will look majestic, and simple olive tree branches can also be very decorative. Arrange a few candles or tea-lights in pretty containers around them and youre done! Another little tip: A really fast and extremely effective way to conjure up a completely different ambience is by replacing cushion covers and lampshades! I confess: I am a great proponent of decorating to encapsulate each of the four seasons - each season has its own highlights and these deserve to be creatively addressed!

At Christmas time, you offer a very special service. Please tell us more!Thats correct: We can decorate your whole house on request with Christmas cheer! Each room can be decorated with winter accessories such as cushions, furs, blankets etc. The important thing is to contact us in advance to make an appointment! We then discuss the design concept, whether you want us to consider specific colours, and then put us to work! We can do all the decorations associated with Christmas. If there is a lot of demand, we will be expanding this service. You can save yourself any stress and have us take care of Christmas for you, even if you arrive right at the last minute! Incidentally, we also offer gift certificates for any amount - why not give someone an exceptional Christmas gift!

Architect Simone Steuten, founder of SIMS & JAYS, has spent more than 15 years creating concepts for interior design and furnishings. Whats more, this native Hamburg woman with residences on the Cte dAzur and in Provence has a special knack for bringing out individual style.

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1)Simply decorate pine cones with metallic yarn or gold ribbon and attach them to the back of the Violine chair in a posy of fir leaves. To achieve a grander effect, take two layers of pure cotton Gala tablecloths and gather them at the corners (against the side of the table leg) using yarn, then attach the cones. 2) A rosemary twig is not only for culinary enhancement, but can also be a visual treat too. Add this

epicurean accent to create the perfect complement to the beautiful crockery from Splendor-Collection and the fine linen Beluga tablecloth. 3) Poetry served for supper; using beautiful wildfowl feathers. The white ceramic Siena dish presented with two pages from an old book is a bestseller. A delicate feather can be loosely wrapped around a white cotton napkin using thin leather chord - and the literary festival can begin.

4) Majestic bedding in gentle tones: The Viktoria features decorated pillows and a magnifi cent quilt made of the fi nest linen-cotton blend. The gorgeous Coco headboard and the antique-eff ect of the distressed whitewash timber furniture are the perfect complement. 5) The rustic limed wood candlestick holder is crowned by a fine crystal ring. The contrasting materials are brought together in sensual harmony (H= 23 or 34cm). 6)Ablaze with light: This magnificent candelabra (70 cm high) instantly transforms a simple table into a festive banquet.

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Decorations & tips to create autumnal and festive magic

Romantic- Provenal

S I M S & JAY S s h o w s h o w y o u c a n t r a n s f o r m y o u r h o m e w i t h a t m o s p h e r i c a c c e s s o r i e s a n d s m a l l t r i c k s d u r i n g t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r a c c e s s o r i e s a n d s m a l l t r i c k s d u r i n g t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r a c c e s s o r i e s a n d s m a l l t r i c k s d u r i n g t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r a c c e s s o r i e s a n d s m a l l t r i c k s d u r i n g t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l t i m e o f t h e y e a r

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1) Get in the festive spirit with these brightly-coloured Christmas tree garlands (170 cm).2)These coordinating little cotton bags (7.5 x 13cm) could be filled with small treats: Whether you use them as an Advent calendar or as a tree decoration, either way; theyre an eye-catcher!

For inquiries about prices, contact SIMS & JAYS

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1)Imposing appearance: The iron Gustav hunting trophy has an antique look, it measures 55 x 110, H = 130 cm and gives an impressive

ornamental presence to any wall. 2) Refreshment ritual! The rustic snow-white crocheted blankets and pillows from the Crochet collection exude comfort. Matching ceramic Ross Elina tableware is presented alongside glassware, providing storage for twice the number of

treats. 3) The seasonal shades of these velvety-soft Amore hearts

(24 x 24 cm) are guaranteed to inspire heart-warming moments.

4) The pretty white painted pine cones bundled together into

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heart shapes have completely enchanted Lulu here (35 x 34 cm). Lulu would also love to get her paws on the candy cane-inspired Rouge-et-blanc knitted blanket (140 x 170 cm).5) These little birdhouses (12 cm) are also in keeping with the festive vibe; dressed in red and green plaid to create a cheerful atmosphere.

6) More rustic charm shines through in the form of these distressed wood and chicken-wire lanterns (45 or 54 cm high). The cotton Cline placemats and pillow covers in gentle autumnal/wintry tones are the perfect complement.

Hippy Xmas +33 (0) 6 10 61 09 58 I s.steuten@sims-jays.dewww.sims-jays.de

SIMS & JAYS INTERIOR EXPERTS- Consultation- Planning- RealisationSimone Steuten

SIMS & JAYS offers an exclusive, bespoke seasonal decoration service. If you would like to discuss your vision for Christmas or for spreading some autumnal cheer around your home, give SIMS & JAYS a call or drop them a line. Advanced reservation required for decoration service.

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SUCCESS STORY 10

Georges Dao is considered one of the greatest business personalities in the Cte dAzur. Nicole Ruskell sat down with him in his stunning French Riviera penthouse. PHOTOS: FABIEN PRAUSS

Entrepreneurship in the DNAGeorges Dao: Humanistic Entrepreneurship in the DNAGeorges Dao: Humanistic Entrepreneurship in the DNAleadership in a cut-throat worldGeorges Dao: Humanistic leadership in a cut-throat worldGeorges Dao: Humanistic

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t wasnt your typical Cte dAzur morning. It was grey, cold and pouring with rain. There, beside a marina filled with yachts, we met a man in a simple raincoat. For someone who-se reputation precedes him, meeting Georges Dao shatters any thoughts of pretentiousness

or ego. With a good handshake and a no-nonsense personality, he welcomed us into his tasteful and minimalist home.

A true success story, Dao, 68, came from humble begin-nings. His parents were farmers from Piedmont. Before the Second World War, they left Italy to seek a better life in France and settled in Provence. Growing up on his pa-rents farm in Marseille, Dao understands the meaning of hard work and hes not afraid to take on big challenges. In fact, he loves a good challenge.

Describing himself as fearless when it comes to taking risks, his dizzying ride to the top was nothing but exciting for him. Dao started out in structural engineering, taking a job to work on the expansion of Nice Airport in 1975. By 1983, at the age of 36, he was put in charge of SGEs new southern branch (it later became Vinci), where he oversaw all of their construction works. This was when Dao developed a taste for business.

Less than ten years later, in 1992, he became the general manager of the French wing of TARMAC, one of the largest English construction companies. In 2002, he was president of the companys entire French construction branch. But his rise to the top was only just beginning. In 2004, he got together with 15 board members, secured investment funding and bought the French branch out-right. Renaming the company Cari, he kept the location in Carros, near Nice.

From this small town, light-years away from bustling Paris, Dao defied odds and doubled the companys turnover. Because we were smaller than, for example, Vinci, Bouygues and Eiffage, we were able to beat them very of-ten, mused Dao. Being based in Paris, he said the other companies took longer to make decisions. Cari, on the other hand, had an ace up their sleeve: they offered finan-cing. We were the first company that conquered the mar-ket in construction and financing projects.

By the age of 63, Georges Dao was president of one of the largest construction companies in Southern France. The turnover was more than 400 million and he was res-ponsible for 2,400 employees. Then he walked away from it all. Relatively young, very fit and in excellent health, it begs the question: why would he retire at the top of his game? His answer was simple, but revealed the nature of this successful businessman.

There were 2,400 peoples lives dependent on my com-pany, said Dao. He explained that construction is a risky business and at his age, an unexpected health scare could be detrimental the future of the company. So when he found a suitable successor, he didnt hesitate to retire.

This is just a taste of the humanistic style of Daos leaders-hip. Bringing a quintessentially French concept to the of-ten cut-throat business world, Dao successfully combined the wellbeing of his employees with companys bottom line. Proving that happy workers make better workers, Dao brought in an Osteopath to treat employees right in the office. Dao explained: For all the staff, there were free

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sports facilities and osteopaths to take care of back pain, shoulder pain, neck tension and other occupational ail-ments that reduce performance. The result was nothing to scoff ataccording to Dao, productivity went up and employee absence dropped by 50 per cent. It actually cost me less to pay an osteopath to work in the office.

Again, he demonstrated his progressive approach when he offered the opportunity to 250 senior management staff to become shareholders.

Stressing the importance of maintaining a work/life ba-lance, Daos own life was no exception. Being an entrepre-neur is hard, he said. But you must keep time for work, time for family and time for the home. He added that its easy to expend energy on projects you are excited about,

but you need to make sure you conserve your energy for each. He admitted to another ace up his sleeve: Fortuna-tely, I am a quick sleeper and Im ready from 4:30am on.

A man who values sense in business, Dao described what he calls the four bodies: Your heart gives you sen-se; your head gives you solutions and logic; your gut gives you courage and your feet stay on the ground.

In a refreshing addition, Dao also values the presence of females in the workplace. He finds women to be reliable and responsible employees and his companies often hired women. On average, he explained, they are more punctual and responsible. And they can often be stronger than men. We have seen it on building sites.

Despite his retirement, Dao is still going strong and is fully invested in four young enterprises: I love working. I do it for pleasure. The most recent project, BA06, laun-ched in 2010, brings together smart businesses with peo-ple who want to invest. It is an entrepreneurial platform that puts venture capitalism within the publics reach. BA06 was created together with the UPE (Union pour lentreprise des Alpes-Maritimes).

And what if a foreigner would like to launch a business venture in France? The best idea is to consult the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and their different programmes. BA06 is also ready to help.

But Dao would like to see France champion more of an entrepreneurial culture, particularly amongst the youth. He thinks Frances entrepreneurs are penalized. Entre-preneurship is fundamental for sustainable economic development. To create jobs, entrepreneurs need to be created, as we do at BA06. Unfortunately, the politicians,

Dao describes what he calls the four bodies: Your heart gives you sense; your head gives you solutions and logic; your gut gives you courage and your feet stay on the ground.

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the universities and the media often have insufficient ex-pertise in this area. He also emphasized that Frances major handicap was the 35-hour work-week. We are the Euro-pean country that works the least, he exclaimed.

One thing is for sure, Georges Dao is committed to crea-ting businesses and helping others create businesses. And at 68 years of age, he shows no signs of slowing down.

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1) Prince Albert II of Monaco, patron of the Monaco Yacht Show, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year2) Two generations in the same boat: Editor in Chief Petra Hall and our new publisher, Sbastien Fraisse3) Lufthansa wasnt going to miss out on an exclusive event like this. The airlines shuttle boat was a popular means of transport, which Prince Albert himself used at the opening 4) Shipshape: Caroline De Caigny, Sales Promotion Manager at Lufthansa, with the crew of the shuttle boat 5) Cute kids: Sbastien Fraisse with two of his children6) Caught! No escape for Johan Pizzardini, Communications & Media Manager of MYS, as Petra Hall and Marketing Manager Petra Benzing have pinned him down! (see interview in the box)7) Every year the Prince receives a cheque for his environmental foundation from the organizers of the Monaco Yacht Show. From left to right: Monacos Minister of State, Michel Roger; President of Informa, Stephen Carter; Director General of the Monaco Yacht Show, Galle Tallarida; and Vice-President of the Fondation Albert II de Monaco, Bernard Fautrier.8) Back again: From left, Marketing Director, Audrey Le Gall; and Managing Director, Beatrix Eikel (with her husband Joachim), of the luxury real estate agency, Engel & Vlkers Cannes/Antibes/Cap Ferrat 9) A strong bond has been built up over the years between the Association Mongasque contre les Myopathies, and Paul Pettavino, who is affected by Duchenne

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n the final day of this years fair, as the 121 mega-yachts gave a farewell concert of horns, it was clear: There is no bigger event on the

yachting industry calendar for connoisseurs. Despite an unstable world economic situation, there has never been a drop in demand for the luxury sector, particularly in the charter market, which was booming last summer. It proved to be a challenge to relocate the stands to the Quai Antoine Ier (please also see the adjacent interview.But with a record number of 582 exhibitors from the in-dustry, this years event was a hub of action and activity. The same could be said for our booth, which was, as al-ways, a popular meeting place for our readers and part-ners. The delicious ros from the Domaine de lAngla-de and unsurpassable Weihenstephaner wheat beer we were offering was also an attraction

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A fair of superlatives ...But also a great challengeThe Monaco Yacht Show 2015 in figures: 121 superyachts, 34 ,500 v is itors in four days , 582 exhibitors and a hive ofactivity on Riviera RT Magazines doorstep.

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How was the MYS 2015 Monsieur Pizzardini *?

Once again this edition was impressive: 121 yachts with a total value of three billion euros were in the har-bor of the Principality! In addition, 100 boats were an-chored outside the docks. Th is year a fifth of the total Monaco Yacht Show staging area was changed this was a real challenge. It is due to the three years of ongoing construction work on the Darse Nord, which in future will host a museum of classic cars and a parking area. It will never be the same again. The only solution was to relocate this section to the Quai Antoine Ier. Here, for example, we installed the Dutch village.

Of course, we made sure that the stands which were adjacent to each other last year were set out side by side again this year too. But even though we had excellent feedback from many exhibitors, not everyone was happy with the changes to the layout, which was to be expected. Now it is up to us to ensure that in 2016 we successfully satisfy all our exhibitors.

A word about the charity campaign Only Watch: For the fi rst time ever, the Only Watch event which was launched this year at the Monaco Yacht Show did not feature an auction. From there, the exhibition goes on to tour the world: Beijing, London, Hong Kong, New York and Geneva. It then concludes with the auction, held to benefit those suffering from muscular dystrophy. Prince Albert II of Monaco supports the initiative - a powerful symbol of support.l*Johan Pizzardini is Communications & Media Manager of the Monaco Yacht Show

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Muscular Dystrophy. With the Only Watch events, a total of 15 million has been raised since 2005 by auctioning bespoke designer watches; 100 percent of the funds have been ploughed into research for the previ-ously incurable condition. Th e event at this years MYS featuring a display of 44 the luxury timepieces preceded, for the fi rst time, Swiss watch-week which takes place in Geneva in November10) Riviera RT Magazine subscriber, Vivienne Morris, and Editor, Sarah Harvey, have plenty to talk about11) More subscribers passing by to thank us for their invitations - they enjoy our magazines in Holland!: Readers, Lisanne and Frans Faassen12) Melting pot of diff erent nationalities: As always, there was jolly mood at our booth - also thanks to the excellent ros Domaine de lAnglade and traditional Weihenstephan savoury wheat beer13)Th is is the man who is responsible for the distribution of our magazines in the kiosks across the Cte dAzur: Stphan Albergucci of the SEC/SPD Monaco with his daughter14) Visitors included MYS lawyer Alexandra Furtmair (Draguignan) and her husband Nicolas Stphan15) Bradley Mitton, Owner of Mitton International Wines and Founder of Club Vivanova, stops by for a chat with Riviera RT Editor, Sarah Harvey16) Riviera RT Magazine freelance writer Claire Lath-bury and Editor Sarah Harvey discuss the great turnout

MONACO 14

Tosca for the PrinceGrinda introduces Puccini classic to Monegasque stageTraditionally Monaco National Day on 19 November is marked with great pomp at the opera - this time it will be Puccinis Tosca, directed by Jean-Louis Grinda. Aila Stckmann spoke with the head of the Monte-Carlo Opera about the piece, which can now be seen for the fi rst time in the Principality aft er touring Tokyo, Valencia and Turin.

hy did you choose Tosca for the Monegasque national holiday?I try every year on this occasion to

fi nd something diff erent to the last time. On one hand, the opera has to be strong in itself, on the other hand it must be a contrast to the previous programme. Last year for the national holiday, we presented Romeo and Juliet, before that it was Rheingold. Tosca is particularly well suited for this holiday: Th e opera is very well known, and I was able to get some of the best singers for each part.How diff erent is your Tosca interpretation to the myriads which have been performed around the world?We start with a movie I myself have made; all the staging is like a film, in the form of flashbacks that Tosca ex-periences while she commits suicide, giving it a contem-porary feeling. Th e entire pace of the opera is anyway also very modern; Puccini was a forerunner of fi lm score com-posers, for me. Th e composition, orchestration, speed of action - all this is in Tosca, as it is in the movies. Th eres never a let-up!Is the Tosca tale still relevant to life today?Yes! Th ere is of course the love story between a man and a woman. It is also about the archetype of the bad guy who wants to impose his will on everyone by all means...Yes, the content speaks to us all, even today! One could also

rewrite history and set it in our present time, however, I deliberately decided against that.Th e Monaco production is a partnership with several theatres. Who is involved in the collaboration?Th e Opera Valencia requested the piece with me three years ago. With the other theatres, we worked in particular on the costumes.You have already taken your Tosca to Spain, Japan and Italy. How was it received?Th e production astonished the audience every time. In addition, we deliberately worked with minimalist decor in order to emphasize the strength of the characters.Is this production an opera you would recommend even for inexperienced opera-goers?Absolutely, its for everyone! Especially when com-pared to Rheingold for example...Which other operas would you love to bring to the stage in Monaco?This is hard to narrow down. In February well be performing Bellinis Norma and Prokofjevs The Gambler in March. I am really looking forward to this. However my dream would be to bring Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner to Monaco.

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Puccinis Tosca osca is a melodramatic piece presented in three acts, focusing around the story of an escaped political prisoner, his best

friend and his girlfriend, with a backdrop of political instability and menace. What then unfolds in-cludes torture, blackmail with sexual undertones, murder, an execution and suicide.The opera by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) set in Rome in June 1800, as the Kingdom of Napless control of Rome becomes threatened by Napoleons invasion of Italy. It was first performed in January 1900, also in Rome. That July it travelled to the Royal Opera House in London. Puccini wrote that Tosca was a complete triumph, and a contract to take Tosca to New York was swiftly signed. The premiere at the Metropolitan Opera was in February 1901. The Monegasque staging is a co-production be-tween the Opera Monte Carlo, the Palau de les Arts in Valencia, the Teatro Regio in Turin and the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago. With Martina Sera n

(Floria Tosca), Marcelo lvarez (Mario Caravadossi), Bryn Terfel (Baron Scarpia) and the Choir of the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Philharmonic Or-chestra of Monte Carlo.

GRIMALDI FORUM Salle des PrincesNovember 16, 8pmNovember 19, 8pm (by invitation only from the Princes Palace)November 22, 3pmwww.opera.mc

Traditionally, Monaco National Day on 19 November is marked with great Traditionally Monaco National Day on 19 November is marked with great Traditionally, Monaco National Day on 19 November is marked with great Traditionally Monaco National Day on 19 November is marked with great pomp at the opera - this time it will be Puccinis Tosca, directed by pomp at the opera - this time it will be Puccinis Tosca, directed by pomp at the opera - this time it will be Puccinis Tosca, directed by pomp at the opera - this time it will be Puccinis Tosca, directed by Jean-Louis Grinda. Aila Stckmann spoke with the head of the Monte-Jean-Louis Grinda. Aila Stckmann spoke with the head of the Monte-Jean-Louis Grinda. Aila Stckmann spoke with the head of the Monte-Jean-Louis Grinda. Aila Stckmann spoke with the head of the Monte-Carlo Opera about the piece, which can now be seen for the fi rst time in Carlo Opera about the piece, which can now be seen for the fi rst time in Carlo Opera about the piece, which can now be seen for the fi rst time in Carlo Opera about the piece, which can now be seen for the fi rst time in the Principality aft er touring Tokyo, Valencia and Turin.the Principality aft er touring Tokyo, Valencia and Turin.the Principality aft er touring Tokyo, Valencia and Turin.the Principality aft er touring Tokyo, Valencia and Turin.

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ART & CULTURE 16

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readlocks, drifting robes, a breaking wave: details like this show that something is not quite right about this picture of 13 men sitting at a long table. The sub-

ject is one of the most famous in the entire history of art: Leonardo da Vincis Last Supper. Th e diff erence here is that Jesus and his disciples are men from the 21st century, and they are seated underwater. To be more accurate, they are sitting in Gaby Feys private pool.

The entire composition is not a painting but a photograph - created in Carqueiranne, near Hyres. The Cologne-based artist composes her works in her second home in Provence.

As a young woman during the 70s and 80s, Gaby Fey earned her living as a model, working for well-known labels and at the same time learning about what makes the fashion and adver-

tising worlds tick. In the 90s she swapped sides and started to make a name for herself in the industry as a photographer.

She eventually came to specialise in underwater photography, six years ago. Th is wasnt purely by chance; rather it was the almost-inevitable outcome of a number of factors coming together in her life. Th e now 57-year old is a keen diver, and the clear, species-rich Mediterranean has been right on her doorstep for more than 20 years. She also has a swimming pool in the garden of her home in the Var. Another important element is the famous luminous light of southern France, which in the same way it used to draw painters to the region, now also inspires photographers. Add to this a spirit of ad-venture, as well as creativity and passion - Gaby Fey possesses all of this in abundance - which becomes clear when she bubbles over with excitement as she talks of her recent projects.

At the beginning of her photography career she started taking photos of people underwater, such as models for advertising campaigns but also private individuals looking for a special memory. She created striking images of weightless, fl oating bodies, sometimes in the sea and sometimes in her own pool: Photos that would not work on land.

But contract work such as that tends to be the exception these days for Gaby Fey. Th e photographer has turned away from the advertising and modelling industry, gaining more freedom in the process. However, her pieces now take much longer to complete.

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Her most noted work to date, the aforementioned Last Supper (La Cne), currently hangs above the altar in the St. Pancras church in Cologne.

It takes me six months to complete a work like the Last Supper, said Gaby. Th e photograph, shielded by acrylic glass, stands out not only because of its size (four metres by two metres) and weight (150 kg), but also because of its com-position. In contrast to her portraits - one click, one picture - the Last Supper is constructed from numerous images that were individually shot.

I photographed everything in the piece underwater, even the smallest details. That was very important to me, said Gaby. The 13 young men - surfers from the area - took it in turns to dive into the pool with the photographer; each around 20 times un-til she had the perfect shot, in the right pose. Each session took one to two minutes - or for as long as either the model or photographer could hold their breath. Th e table and props were carefully weighted down and shot separately. As with the actors, it was essential to get the right perspective. Th e fi nal step was to piece all the elements together to form a har-monious scene. Naturally, all of that was done on a computer. With help from her assistant, Gaby Fey cuts and repositions each individual element of the pictures. Its rather like doing a jigsaw puzzle that takes months to complete.

The creativity flows within me here in France, said Gaby with a beaming smile. She spends the summer months in the south

Underwater visions Gaby Fey submerges her subjects to create weightless

Gaby Fey submerges her subjects to create weightless

Gaby Fey

images, telling stories in a unique way. submerges her subjects to create weightless images, telling stories in a unique way. submerges her subjects to create weightless Her pool is her photo studio. Th e talented photographer takes inspiration from world-famous paintings and Her pool is her photo studio. Th e talented photographer takes inspiration from world-famous paintings and creates her own compositions - idiosyncratic, bewildering, fascinating. In short: Art. BY AILA STCKMANN

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and carries out her underwater projects during this time. The finishing touches on the computer can be done during the less sunny periods back home in the Rhineland. But she also still takes pictures now and then when she is in Germany, hiring a local pool for pictures to be taken underwater.

Whether its a portrait with some fish, some newlyweds or a collage of dozens of swimming mermaids, all the underwater photos taken by Gaby Fey have a sense of total weightlessness and tranquillity, as well as a unique vibrancy that is impossible to capture in the dry form.

Gaby sells her large-format art projects in limited runs. They can also be seen at international exhibitions, with one planned in the South of France.

The photographer is always a tad melancholy at this time of the year, as she leaves her second home in Car-queiranne for Germany. Her luggage contains some of the elements of her latest project: Le Radeau de la Mduse (The Raft of the Medusa) - a work modelled on the huge oil painting by the Romantic artist Thodore Gricault from 1818/19 that hangs in the Louvre.

Gaby Fey will of course relocate the scenery underwater. She built the raft herself out of old wood grown in Provence and anchored it in the sea with heavy stones. She also again hired young surfers from the area as models. They stand, hang and lie on top and next to each other, appearing wretched and despairing. Castaways

I photographed everything in the piece underwater, even the smallest details. That was very important to me.1

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1) La Cne, shot in photographer Gaby Feys pool 2) Gaby Fey has had a residence in the Var for many years 3) Botticellis Birth of Ve-nus, staged underwater by Fey 4) Ame (soul) hangs in the church of St Pancras in Cologne. It shows the different facets of human beings 5) Prt Pcher is one of the un-commissi-oned photo by Fey, which the artist sponta-neously produced Photos: Gaby Fey

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ART & CULTURE 18

ts become too much of a clich to talk about how traditional cultures once believed a photograph could steal a persons soul. But

renowned photographer, Steve McCurry, certainly has the uncanny ability to capture a personality; a thought, a split second in time - and bring it hurtling right into the present so the viewer experiences it with all the immediacy and sensory impact of being there himself.

As McCurry himself says, From my unconscious, I thinkI watch a look. An expression of character or melancholy can summarize, or rather, reveal, a life.

I learned to be very patient. If you can wait, people forget your camera, and their soul begins to glide to you.

Its been 31 years since McCurry shot one of his most famous images, the haunting portrait of the Afghan girl. And now, once again, he has once again demon-strated his incredible talent through a new exhibition of 100 photographs, Regards, at the Salle dExposition at Quai Antoine 1er in Monaco.

Th e Department of Cultural Aff airs, in association

with SudEst 57, is presenting some of the artists most iconic images including the young, green-eyed Afghan girl. It was curated by Biba Giacchetti, who designed it as a world voyage, on which the visitor is invited.

Th e photographs, taken over more than three decades of his career, reveal McCurry to be an indefatigable observer of human nature. Th ey depict his various views of the world, its events, its people, and even its endangered ethnic populations, in the photo-graphers distinctive style. Th e exhibition alternates landscapes and portraits.

McCurry has won the World Press Photo Awards - considered the Nobel Prize of photography - several times and is one of the greatest names in photography of our century.

Th e Regards exhibition will be on display from 15 October to 11 November in the Salle dExposition.

Open from 1 pm to 7pm, closed on Mondays.Information: +377 98 98 83 03

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Steve McCurry: capturing lives New exhibition of 100 photos spanning 3 decades

elebrating its 20th anniversary this year, artistic director, Brigitte Lefvre, pays homage to the festivals fi rst directors,

Jean-Luc Barsotti and Yorgos Loukis, who favoured dance in all forms, including cutting-edge choreo-graphy.Th is year, the festival will host the National Dance Companies of Korea and Spain, as well as the Lyon Opera Ballet Company, the National Choreographic Centre of Montpellier, the Paris Operas School of Dance and many more. Th e talented dance com-panies will be led by the top choreographers the world has to off er, including Christian Rizzo, a Cannes native. In addition to ballet and contemporary dance per-formances, there will be a series of master classes open to the public, Q&A sessions with choreogra-phers and an opportunity to hire the companies for personalized presentations at your home or school. Details online:

www.festivaldedanse-cannes.com/enRiviera RT Magazine has tickets to give away! We have pairs of tickets to both the opening ballet Vor-tex, performed by of the National Dance Com-pany of Korea (Friday, 20 November at 8.30pm) and La Bte et la Belle by the Ballet du Capitole (Th ursday, 26 November at 8.30pm).To win tickets, please send an email with the subject Festival de Danse tickets to: marketing@riviera-press.fr and include your name, telephone number and which performance you prefer. Good luck!

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ART & CULTURE 18 OUTDOOR 19

ts a very early start on Sunday mornings: the bus le-aves the Jean Bouin sports centre in Nice at 6.30am during the summer and at 7am in the winter. Its not

for those who like a lie-in. But every Sunday almost all spaces are taken. Admittedly, most members of the Nice Randonne hiking club are retired. But this does not have any impact on fi tness levels - quite the contrary.

Th e club was set up 30 years ago and currently has 94 mem-bers, according to its president Charles Wasser, who is original-ly from Alsace. He moved from Ittigheim near Strasbourg to the Cte dAzur around 55 years ago. Th e 70-year old president has only been in charge of the club since March and is keen to bring in fresh ideas to add new momentum.

What works particularly well is the allocation of members to one of three groups based on performance, with each group led by a trained hiking guide. Th e fi rst group is for people who like to go at a more comfortable pace, with distances of around 6 km and an altitude of no more than 400 metres. Th e second category is for hikers who like a slightly faster pace, with dis-tances of between eight and 12 kilometres and an altitude of around 600 metres. Th e third group is for the very fi t who are able to walk distances of between 15-20 km and climb altitudes of up to 1,000 metres.

Th e division into groups is not based on age. Many hikers at

the highest level are aged around 70 like me, but we feel like we are 20, said the clubs president.

Th e programme is set every three months and published on the site www.nicerandonnee.fr. In the summer, the preferred destinations are in the French and Italian Maritime Alps at alti-tudes of up to 2,500 metres. In the winter, the preference is for more coastal routes. Th e programme for November includes Tour de la Calmette, Les Grs dAnnot, Tour du Grand Palier and Circuit du Loup. Each hike is more beautiful than the last and allows you to discover the wonderful countryside of the Riviera. Th e motto is: Take a deep breath, and enjoy!

Th e annual fee is 20.50, plus an insurance premium of 25 and 16 per trip for the bus, which makes eight stops in Nice. Foreigners are also very welcome, said Charles Wasser, who like his fellow members is already looking forward to next Sunday. Many other hiking clubs in the South of France can be found here: www.ffrandonnee.fr/clubs-et-comites/clubs/carte/83/var.aspxwww.ffrandonnee.fr/clubs-et-comites/clubs/carte/06/alpes-maritimes.aspx.In Liguria, the CAI Alpine Club is also very active:www.caiarenzano.it.

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Take a deep breath, and enjoyTake a deep breath, and enjoyTake a deep breath, Out and about with the and enjoyOut and about with the and enjoy

Nice Randonne hiking club

1) Breathtaking panoramic views along the hikes 2) One can get quite out of breath when climbing a mountain! 3 & 4) Only 30 people are still living in Chteau-neuf-dEntraunes, 1300 meters above sea level. The only young resident is the Fromager. 5) The silence and serenity of the beautiful coun-tryside awaits the hiker

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Organised by Nices Centre National de Cration Musicale. Events in Nice, Carros and Monaco. www.cirm-manca.org

20th NovemberN I C ECHAMBER MUSIC MATINEEThe Nice Philharmonic orchestra plays Tartini and Bach at the Palais Lascaris. Starts 12:15pm. Tickets 15. www.opera-nice.com

20th NovemberN I C ETEXAS IN CONCERTCelebrating their 25th anniversary and the release of their latest album, Texas 25. Starts at 8pm at the Nice Acropollis. Tickets 44.Tel. 04 93 92 83 00 - www.nice-acropolis.com

20th - 29th NovemberC A N N E SFESTIVAL DE DANSECelebrating its 20th anniversary, the festival is a celebration of dance from classic ballet to contemporary interpretation. Under the artistic direction of Brigitte Lefvre, there will be performances by national and international ballet compa-nies. http://www.festivaldedanse-cannes.com/

21st - 29th NovemberM E N T O NFESTIVAL PHOTOMENTONEach November, Menton hosts a photography festival featuring the works of both expert and novice photographers in the Palais de lEurope. Proceeds from ticket sales goes to HAMAP Humanitarian charity organisation. Tickets 3.www.photomenton.com

22nd NovemberS T C Z A I R E S U R S I A G N ESOIRE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAUAn evening featuring the new Beaujolais with a four course meal, including the wine. Starts at 8pm in the Salle du Mou-lins. Tickets 20, children under 12 are 14. Tel. 04 93 60 84 30.

22nd NovemberN I C EVIENNA OPEN BOOK MUSICAL MATINELast performance of the philharmonics series of Viennese masters. Philippe Augin leads the orchestra through Bach, Mendelson, Shubert, Strauss and more.11am at Opra de Nice. Tickets from 8. www.opera-nice.org

23rd November 6th DecemberM O N A COMONTE CARLO JAZZ FESTIVALThe prestigious festival of jazz music comes to the Opra

EVENTS 21EVENTS 20

8th NovemberN I C ENICE-CANNES MARATHONThe 8th annual Marathon of Nice will depart at 8am and follow the beach along the coast, ending at la Croisette in Cannes. www.marathon06.com/2015/

8th NovemberI S O L ASWEET CHESTNUT FESTIVALA festival to celebrate all things chestnut, including grilled chestnuts, chestnut cream and a folk procession. Tel. 04 93 23 23 23

10th 15th NovemberN I C EEXPLORIMAGESThe international nature and adventure fi lm festival features images of nature, adventure and exploration. At Parc Pheonix. Daytime: 9:30am-6pm, evening hours: 8pm-11pm. Entrance 3, children under 12 are free. www.explorimages.fr

11th - 17th NovemberN I C ELA TRAVIATA - NICE OPRA Giuseppe Verdis La Traviata is one of the most played operas in the world. Nice Opra presents this tragic love story, starring soprano Cristina Pasariou and directed by Philippe Auguin. Tickets range from 13-84, students 5.Tel. 04 92 17 40 79 - www.opera-nice.org

12th NovemberM O N A COMTLEY CRE FINAL TOURAft er 34 years, the rock legends are ending their touring career. The Final Tour includes a performance in Monaco. Held in the Salle des Etoiles at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club and Casino. Concert starts at 8:30pm. Tickets 80. www.montecarlolive.com

13th November 24th DecemberM O U A N S S A R T O U XSANTON FAIR32nd annual Santon Fair at the Mdiatheque. Open everyday from 2pm 6pm.

14th NovemberC A G N E S - S U R - M E RCHESTNUT FESTStarting with an animal parade and followed by mulled wine, polenta and a chestnut tasting. Starts at 11am in the town centre.

14th - 24th NovemberN I C EMANCA-INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC TODAYThe 36th edition of the festival celebrating current music.

2nd NovemberM A R S E I L L EDEEP PURPLE CONCERTThe legendary British rock band comes to Le Dome in Marseille. With special guest Rivals Sons. Concert starts at 8pm. Tickets from 45. www.marseille.fr

3rd NovemberM O N A COVIOLIN RECITAL - LIYA PETROVACharity association Ars Antonina presents Bulgarian violinist at the Thtre des Varits de Monaco. Ms Petrova will be accompanied by pianist Jonas Vitaud. Tickets are 20, free for students. Tel.06 03 44 20 66 www.fnac.com

4th NovemberN I C EPOLITICAL WINE EVENT Democrats Abroads monthly Political Wine Event at Le Canne A Sucre, 11 Promenade des Anglais (corner Congres). The subject of the session is the 2nd in the series about the current Democratic candidates. Free to attend from 6:30pm-8pm. www.democratsabroad.org

5th 17th NovemberL A G A U D EJAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVALThe 19th edition of this renowned festival brings together the Cte dAzurs top jazz and blues musicians. Locations throughout La Gaude. www.assowhat.free.fr

6th NovemberM O N A COVITAMIN VODKA LAUNCHClub Vivanova launches the worlds fi rst organic and vita-min-infused premium vodka at MODJO Monaco in Port Font-vieille. Includes a vodka and caviar degustation and a luxury car presentation by Excel Cars. Tombola with VIP prizes. 8pm-11pm.Tickets are 40. Booking@clubvivanova.com 6th NovemberC A N N E SCANNES AND FILM WALKING TOURA guided tour through Cannes From the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival to the citys murals dedicated to the craft . Tour starts at the tourist off ice at 9:15am in French and 2:30pm in English. Tickets 6 for adults, free for children under 16. Tel. 04 92 99 84 22

7th - 11th NovemberC A G N E S - S U R - M E RGOURMET SALONA selection of gourmet foods from around France will be on sale and free to taste. Held at the Hippodrome de la Cte dAzur from 10am-8pm. Entrance 8.

French Events

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NovemberFrom Menton to Saint Tropez, theres always something happening on the French Riviera. Whats hot & where to go!

Garnier for two weeks of great music. The fi rst week is dedi-cated to the new generation of jazz musicians. The second week is dedicated to the voice of jazz. Tickets start at 50. www.montecarlolive.com

24th NovemberN I C ELA TRAVIATA - RUSSIAN NATIONAL OPERARussias famed Opra National de Rostov-sur-le-Don per-forms of Giuseppe Verdis dramatic tale. Showing at the Nice Acropolis at 8pm. Tickets start at 34. www.franceconcert.fr

26th-29th NovemberM O N A COANNIEAnnie, the worlds favourite family musical is coming to the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Fun for the whole family, the show features award-winning music, including: Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow.Set in New York during The Great Depression, Annie lives in an orphanage run by a mean head-mistress. Determined to fi nd her real parents, her miserable life in the orphanage changes when she spends Christmas at a famous billio-naires home. The UK theatre group, Annie the Musical Tour UK, is coming to Monaco for only four performances, from the 26th-29th November. Tickets available online: www.grimaldiforum.com

28th NovemberL A G A U D E100% BLUES CONCERTLed by Jean Paul Alimi, the blues quintet will play rhythm and blues, from Memphis to Chicago. Starts at 9:15pm at La Sguinre. Free for members. Reservations recommended: Tel. 04 92 12 90 63

28th NovemberL A G A U D ETEA FOR TWO JAZZ CONCERTThe Tea for Two jazz duo plays jazz, music-hall, gospel and latin music. Natalia Ardis sings with Rmi Collin on piano.

13th 15th NovemberM A N D E L I E U L A N A P O U L EMEDITERRENEAN LAND & FLAVOURSA gourmet expo featuring the best foods the region has to off er. Tasting tables, champagne bar and childrens enter-tainment. Friday Happy Hour from 6pm-8pm. Open Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm. Tickets 5. Tel. 04 93 93 64 64

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Every SundayG E N O AMUSIC APERITIVO CONCERT SERIES Music Aperitivo is a popular event at the Carlo Felice Theatre in Genoa. It hosts a performance and refreshment every Sun-day morning. Performances include classical music, opera, soloist recitals or poetry readings. The event starts at 11am and is followed by light refreshments. Tickets 6 and includes refreshments. www.carlofelicegenova.it13th - 15th NovemberI M P E R I AOLIOLIVA OLIVE OIL FESTIVALThe 15th edition features a gourmet weekend to celebrate the Taggisca olive. Includes tasting of fi rst pressing oils, local food specialties and live music. In conjunction with Expo 2015, there will be a tour of the cities of oil and its oil factories. Info: www.italyrivieralps.com

14th - 15th NovemberP I E M O N T EWHITE TRUFFLE & BAROLO WEEKENDA gourmet Italian getaway to enjoy white truff les and Barolo wine. Includes full degustation at Agricola Marrone, dinner and accommodation at La Spiga, visit to the truff le market and lunch at Taverna dellOca. booking@clubvivanova.com

28th November 8th DecemberS E S T R I L E V A N T EPANE & OLIO FESTIVALKnown as the city of oil, every last week of November, Sestri hosts the bread & oil festival to celebrate the olive harvest. Olive oil press demonstrations and tasting of the fresh oil with freshly baked bread and focaccia.

21st November 6th JanuaryF I N A L E L I G U R ECHRISTMAS VILLAGEA huge tent will house market stalls, a theatre for folklore plays, an ice-skating rink and a manger scene. There will also be Santas sleigh, pony rides and a train. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10am-8pm. www.ilnataledigiuele.it

Until 15th NovemberM E N T O NANNE & PATRICK POIRIER LE CHAMBRE DORPHEExhibit of twenty pieces chosen for their research on Jean Cocteau. At the Jean Cocteau Museum. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Closed Tuesdays. Tickets 8

Until 16th NovemberM O N A COA LOOK AT RUSSIAN BALLETA large format photography exhibit by Alain Hanel, show-cases dramatic scenes from Russian Ballet performances. At the Mtropole Shopping Centre in Monaco. Free entrance.

Until 21st NovemberV A L E T T E D U V A RLA GOURMANDISELa Gourmandise exhibit features the pleasure of eating and the emotions of taste. At the Pauline Roland Library. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-12 and 2pm-6pm. Tl : 04 94 14 05 24

Until 31st DecemberA N T I B E SBOXE FRANAISE-CANNE-BTONAn unusual and antique stamp exhibition featuring women boxers and pre-1914 French battalions. Muse de la Carte Postale, Antibes. Open 2pm-6pm. Tickets 5.www.culturefrance.fr

Until 24th JanuaryA N T I B E SLE CORBUSIER, LE JEU DU DESSINExhibit at the Picasso Museum in Antibes. Open 10am-12pm and 2pm-6pm, closed Mondays. Tickets 6.

Exhibitions

Italian Events

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21ST NovemberCHATEAUNEUF-VILLEVIEILLEFrom 9am-6pm in the Place Principal

28TH 29th NovemberGRASSEPROVENAL CHRISTMAS MARKETFrom 10am-8pm in Place Mairie

28th 29th NovemberTOURRETTE LEVENSPROVENCAL CHRISTMAS MARKETFrom 10am 6pm at the Salle des Ftes in town centre.

29th NovemberLE ROURETTRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKETFrom 9:30am 7pm in the village centre.

NOVEMBER CHRISTMAS MARKETS

ively, full of energy and movement, and rich in emotion best describes the 40 large format photographs adorning the walls of

Monacos Mtropole Shopping Center. For the third time, stage photographer Alain Hanel is exhibiting a selection of his fi nest images taken over many years in the Principality, at the Monte-Carlo Opera, the Printemps des Arts music festival, the International Circus Festival and musicians in the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic-Orchestra.

For the exhibition the photographer has adopted the Rus-sian Year in Monaco theme with selected photos of Russian ballet ensembles who have performed in Monaco over the last ten years. Almost all the major ballet companies have been hosted by the Principality.

About a dozen photos by Alain Hanel are very recent as they were taken this autumn at the Russian Gala in the Grimaldi Forum. 19th October to 16th November 2015Mtropole Shopping Center, Monaco

Expression - Russian Ballet in imagesL

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11th November ARMISTICE DAY France remembers those who died or were injured in World War I and other wars. There will be special church services, military parades, speeches by public figures and wreath-laying ceremo-nies. Event details will be announced on the local authorities websites.

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Concerts and shows

Exhibitions

Events

Sports

Sunday 1st November at 6pm, Auditorium Rainier III - Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Grande Saison series - Symphony concert by the Monte-Carlo PhilharmonicOrchestra with Murray Perahia on the piano. On the programme: Ludwig vanBeethoven and Joseph Haydn. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Tuesday 3 November at 12.15pm, Mdiathque de Monaco: Picnic Music with the Pat Metheny Group in concert on the big screen. Information: + 377 93 15 64 48

Tuesday 3 November at 8pm, Thtre des Varits: Violin recital by Liya Petrova with Jonas Vitaud on piano, organised by the ArsAntonina Association. On the programme: Mozart, Debussy, Brahms and Ravel.Information: 06 03 44 20 66

Wednesday 4 November at 4pm, Auditorium Rainier III : Concert for young people by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted byGeoffrey Styles with Alasdair Malloy, narrator. On the programme: AlasdairsIntergalactic Adventure. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Wednesday 4 November at 7pm, Mdiathque de Monaco: Cine-club: Les habitants by Alex Van Warmerdam. Information: + 377 93 15 29 40

Wednesday 4 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits:Instrumental tribute to Nat King Cole organised by the Monaco Jazz Chorus.Franck Taschini: saxophone Benjamin Prischi: piano Fabrizio Bruzzone: doublebass Stu Ritchie: drums. Information: + 377 93 25 67 83

Thursday 5, Friday 6 at 8.30pm, Saturday 7 at 9pm and Sunday 8 November at4.30pm, Thtre des Muses: LOpra dans tous ses Etats with Lenana Durney, soprano, Davide Autieri, baritoneand Guy-Franois Leuenberger, piano. Information: + 377 97 98 10 93

Thursday 5 November at 6.30pm, Auditorium Rainier III - Troparium: Musical Happy Hour - chamber music concert with musicians from the Monte-CarloPhilharmonic Orchestra . On the programme: Joseph Martin Kraus, Igor Stravinskyand Max Reger. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Friday 6 November at 8.30pm, Espace Lo Ferr: Concert by Izia. Information: + 377 93 10 12 10

Saturday 7 November at 7.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Opera Ballet Inferno to celebrate 750th anniversary of Dantes birth by the OperaBallet ProArt from Sanremo: the universal language of dance meets that of greatliterature, organised by the Societ Dante Alighieri de Monaco. Information: + 377 97 70 89 47

From Saturday 7 to Monday 9 November, Oceanographic Museum: Blue Ocean Film Festival organised by Cosmopolitan Events. Information: + 377 93 50 76 40

Sunday 8 November at 6pm, Auditorium Rainier III - Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Russian Year in Monaco - Grande Saison series - Symphony concert by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Tomas Netopil. On the programme:Aram Khatchaturian and Dmitri Shostakovich. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Tuesday 10 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Tout l'Art du Cinma - Les films de notre vie series: Screening of Easy Rider byDennis Hopper, organised by the Archives Audiovisuelles de Monaco. Information: + 377 97 98 43 26

Wednesday 11 November at 6pm, Thtre des Varits: Autumn Concert by pupils from the Prince Rainier III Music Academy. Information: + 377 93 15 28 91

Wednesday 11 November at 8pm, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Lyrical concert with Nathalie Stutzmann, contralto and the 0rfeo 55 Orchestraconducted by Nathalie Stutzmann, organised by the Monte-Carlo Opera. On theprogramme: extracts from Giulio Cesare, Arianna in Creta, Amadigi, Radamisto,Agrippina, Serse and Alessandro. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Wednesday 11 November at 8.30pm, Princess Grace Theatre: Soire les Amants du Sicle by Alfred de Musset and George Sand - 1st half: Elleet Lui with Virginie Bienaim, Romain Dutheil and Laurent Montel - 2nd half: LaConfession d'un Enfant du Sicle with Nicolas Lormeau. Information: + 377 93 25 32 27

Sunday 1st November at 5pm, Louis II Stadium: French Football Championship - Ligue 1: Monaco - Angers.Information: + 377 92 05 74 73

Saturday 7 November at 6.30pm, Sporting Monte-Carlo: 7th Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza. From 5.45pm: amateur boxing.Information: + 377 98 06 36 36

Sunday 8 November, Larvotto Beach: 39th Cross du Larvotto, organised by AS Monaco Athltisme.Information: + 377 92 05 40 66

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November, Salle Omnisport GastonMdecin, school gymnasium and Salle d'Armes Fernand Prat at theLouis II Stadium: International Fencing Tournament - Men and Women Seniors.Information: + 377 92 05 40 78

Saturday 21 November, Louis II Stadium: French Football Championship - Ligue 1: Monaco - Nantes.Information: + 377 92 05 74 73

Thursday 26 November at 7pm, Louis II Stadium: Football - UEFA Europa League match: Monaco - Anderlecht.Information: + 377 92 05 74 73

ConferencesThursday 5 November at 7pm, Thtre des Varits: Les tendances de la longvit humaine - by Juliana Antero-Jacquemin, PhD, epidemiology researcher in sport and health atINSEP. Conference organised by the Association Mongasque deMdecine Anti-ge. Information: + 377 93 25 67 83

Friday 6 November at 6.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Conference on the theme Les amours des dieux dans lamythologie grco-romaine by Serge Legat, national museumslecturer, organised by the Association Mongasque pour laConnaissance des Arts. Information: + 377 97 70 65 27

Monday 16 November at 7pm, Prehistoric Anthropology Museum: Russian Year in Monaco - Les Princes nomades de la GrandeSteppe lge de fer, talk by Jrme Magail, anthropologist.Information: + 377 98 98 80 06

Oceanographic Museum: Exhibition: Requins, lexpo sensation / Sharks, a sensationalexhibition. Information: + 377 93 15 36 00

Until Thursday 31 December, Prehistoric Anthropology Museum:Russian Year in Monaco - Exhibition The Mysterious OkunievCivilisation: Siberian Art from the Third Millennium BC.Information: +377 98 98 80 06

Until Monday 16 November: Russian Year in Monaco - Photographic exhibition Regard sur lesBallets Russes at the Mtropole Shopping Centre Monte-Carlo.

Until Sunday 1st November, Jardin Exotique: Exhibition on the theme Quand fleurissent les sculptures.Information: + 377 93 15 29 80

Sunday 29 November, Htel Hermitage: Russian Year in Monaco - Exhibition and conference Hommageaux vols spatiaux habits russes, depuis Youri Gagarine.Information: + 377 98 06 40 00

Until Thursday 19 November, Port of Monaco: Fairground attractions. Information: + 377 93 15 06 04

From Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November, Grimaldi Forum: Monaco International Clubbing Show (MICS), trade fair.Information: + 377 93 50 60 11

From Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November, from 10am to 7.30pm,Espace Fontvieille: 19th Braderie des Commerants (clearance sale by shops inMonaco). Information: + 377 92 16 51 24

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, from 2pm to 6.30pm,Auditorium Rainier III: Cultural Associations Forum organised by the Cultural AffairsDepartment. Information: + 377 98 98 83 03

Thursday 12 November at 7pm, Thtre des Varits: Philosophic encounters Dsir, passion, jalousie with philosophersGuilia Sissa, Denis Kambouchner and Ruwen Ogien. Informationand reservations: contact@philomonaco.com www.philomonaco.com

Saturday 14 November, Grimaldi Forum Monaco: Monaco Better Future Initiative. Information: + 377 99 99 30 00

From Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 November, Fontvieille: 16th No Finish Line organised by the Association Children andFuture. Information: 06 07 93 50 81

Tuesday 17 November, Auditorium Rainier III: Monaco Business 2015: major event in the Principality forentrepreneurs, leaders & managers. Information: + 377 97 70 75 95

Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 November: Monacos National Day events. Information: + 377 93 15 28 63

Wednesday 18 November at 8pm, Port of Monaco: Fireworks to music for National Day. Information: + 377 93 10 12 10

Tuesday 24 November, Grimaldi Forum Monaco: Nice - Matin Eco Club Awards ceremony. Information: + 377 99 99 30 00

From Friday 27 to Monday 30 November, from 10am to 7pm,Espace Fontvieille: Russian Year in Monaco - 20th Monte-Carlo Gastronomie fair,

Thursday 12, Friday 13 at 8.30pm, Saturday 14 at 8.30am and 9pm and Sunday 15November at 4.30pm, Thtre des Muses: Les Demi-Frres enchantent Nougaro by Laurent Conoir and Mehdi Bourayou,based on Claude Nougaros work. Possible performances: Thursday 12 at 8.30pmand Saturday 14 November at 8.30am. Information: + 377 97 98 10 93

Friday 13 November at 7pm, Mdiathque de Monaco (in the Louis Notari publiclibrary): Cine-club (short films, discovering young talents): Ashtray by AlixDemoussis and Nino by Lou Cheruy Zidi. Information: + 377 93 15 29 40

Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Vu du Pont (View from the Bridge) by Arthur Miller by the Studio de Monaco. Information: + 377 93 30 18 80

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November from 10am to 7pm, Grimaldi Forum : Sayes - International Wedding Fair. Information: + 377 99 99 30 00

Sunday 15 November at 11am, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Symphony concert by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by KazukiYamada. On the programme: Mozart. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Monday 16 at 8pm and Sunday 22 November at 3pm, Grimaldi Forum Monaco: Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, Monte-Carlo Opera Choir, the choir from the Rainier IIIMusic Academy and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by DanielOren, organised by the Monte-Carlo Opera. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

Tuesday 17 November at 12.15pm, Mdiathque de Monaco: Picnic Music, with Placebo in concert on the big screen. Information: + 377 93 15 64 48

Friday 20 November at 7.30pm, Grimaldi Forum Monaco - Salle des Princes: Russian Year in Monaco - International Childrens Rights Day - show by the Russianfolk ensemble LOKTEV with pupils from Monaco and musicians from the PrinceRainier III Music Academy, organised by the Education Department for Youth andSport. Information: + 377 99 99 30 00

Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Plus si affinits by Compagnie Athena. Information: 06 62 18 23 48

Saturday 21 November at 4pm, Sainte-Dvote Church: Organ concert by Andrzej Chorosinski, organised by the Association In TemporeOrgani. Information: 06 83 58 06 38

Sunday 22 November, from 10.30am to 12 noon, Monaco Cathedral: Saint Ccile mass with musical ensembles, followed by parade with music in thestreets of Monaco-Ville on the Rock. Information: + 377 93 30 87 70

Monday 23 November at 8.30pm, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2015: James Farm with Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, MattPenman and Eric Harland. First half: Richard Manetti Quintet, organised by theSocit des Bains de Mer. Information: + 377 98 06 36 36

Tuesday 24 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits:Tout l'Art du Cinma - Les films de notre vie series: film screening Les Dames duBois de Boulogne by Robert Bresson, organised by the Archives Audiovisuelles deMonaco. Information: + 377 97 98 43 26

Thursday 26, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 at 8.30pm and Sunday 29 November at4pm, Grimaldi Forum Monaco - Salle des Princes: Musical comedy ANNIE. Information: + 377 99 99 30 00

Thursday 26, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 at 8.30pm and Sunday 29 November at4.30pm, Thtre des Muses: Le Bac 68 by and with Philippe Caubre. Possible performance: Wednesday 25November at 8.30pm. Information: + 377 97 98 10 93

Thursday 26 November at 7pm, Mdiathque de Monaco: Cine-club: Eldorado by Bouli Lanners. Information: + 377 93 15 29 40

Thursday 26 November at 8.30pm, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2015: Avisha Cohen with the Monte-Carlo PhilharmonicOrchestra. First half: Thomas Enhco, organised by the Socit des Bains de Mer.Information: + 377 98 06 36 36

Friday 27 November at 7pm, Mdiathque de Monaco:Concert by Tiyan (Electro Pop). Information: + 377 93 15 29 40

Friday 27 November at 8.30pm, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2015 with Selah Sue. First half: Gogo Penguin, organisedby the Socit des Bains de Mer. Information: + 377 98 06 36 36

Friday 27 November at 8.30pm, Thtre des Varits: Oscar et la Dame Rose by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt by Compagnie Florestan.Information: 06 80 86 33 55

Saturday 28 November at 8.30pm, Princess Grace Theatre: La Liste de mes Envies by Grgoire Delacourt. Information: + 377 93 25 32 27

Saturday 28 November at 8.30pm, Monte-Carlo Opera - Salle Garnier: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival 2015 with Marcus Miller. First half: Cory Henry & The FunkApostles, organised by the Socit des Bains de Mer. Information: + 377 98 06 36 36

Sunday 29 November at 4pm, Thtre des Varits: Magic show Les animaux magiques. Information: 06 07 94 14 02 06 07 93 59 47

Sunday 29 November at 6pm, Auditorium Rainier III - Salle Yakov Kreizberg: Grande Saison series - Symphony concert by the Monte-Carlo PhilharmonicOrchestra conducted by Alain Lombard. On the programme: Edgard Varese, FelixMendelssohn and Hector Berlioz. Information: + 377 98 06 28 28

RT Ang OK 20/10/2015 17:11 Page1

Keeping you up to date with all the important news and information concerning your community. From interesting news in brief and details on the latest government initiatives, to helpful classifi eds and recommended restaurants, we bring you the fi ne points to make your life easier in the French Riviera and Monaco.

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walk the circuits as many times as desi-red for as many kilometres as possible. Proceeds from the race benefit sick and disadvantaged children. Children & Future, the charity working with the event, pledges 1 for every kilometre covered by each par-ticipant. Since its inception, No Finish Line has had 69,329 participants who travelled 861,153 kilometres and raised 2,021,678 for disadvantaged children.This year, a different circuit has been arran-ged which will weave participants around the capital, passing through the rose gar-den and the Ligurian and Guelfes Avenues. It is sure to be a beautiful experience. Also new this year, will be an emphasis on interactive communication through social networks. A team of specialists will be up-dating the race around the clock on social media. No Finish Line has set an ambitious goal of 350,000 Km to be covered over the eight days. How many kilometres could you walk in eight days?

BUSINESS AWARDS Ceremony postponedRIVIERA BUSINESS CLUB HAS ANNOUNCED IT IS TO POSTPONE THE AWARDS CEREMONY honouring local entrepreneurs and blossoming impresarios which had been planned to take place in December.In a statement on its website, the RBC said: The Riviera Business Club regrets to inform you that due to a series of unforeseen sche-duling conflicts The RBC Business Person of the Year Gala Dinner & Award Ceremony which was scheduled for Thursday 3rd December 2015 has been postponed. We thank you for the tremendous interest this event has generated. The numerous nominations which have been received so far will remain valid while the closing date for nominations has been further extended. We will notify you as soon as the new date is finalised.

FAMOUS WRITER Henning Mankell diesTHE SWEDISH CRIME-WRITER AND POLITICAL ACTIVIST, HENNING MANKELL, passed away on 5 October at the age of 67. Mankell, who had a second home on the Riviera, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014 and died yesterday in his sleep in

AIR FRANCE: 70 years Nice-Paris!IT WAS 17 OCTOBER 1945, A DAY FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS, when an Air France plane, a Junker 52, flew for the first time from Nice to Paris. The flight time was five and a half hours! By comparison, today the flight takes barely one and a half hours! At that time there was just one connection per day, now there are 23. Together with Nice Airport, the company celebrated its milestone anniversary. A special highlight alongside all the festi-vities were stewardesses dressed in Air Frances uniforms of the past decades.

NO FINISH LINE Endurance MarathonTHE 16TH ANNUAL NO FINISH LINE MARATHON WILL TAKE PLACE IN MONACO from the 14 to 22 of November. The unique, eight-day race features a 1,300 metre circuit, open 24 hours a day, for eight days straight. Testing their limits of endurance for a good cause, participants can run or

Gothenburg, Sweden. Many residents of Antibes may have seen Mankell sipping wine in one the cafs or signing his books at Heidis English Bookshop. He and his wife, Eva, have had a home in Old Antibes for several years.World famous for his Swedish crime novels, he has sold over 40 million copies in more than 40 languages. Detective Kurt Wallan-der, the main protagonist in his novels is well-known and beloved by Mankells fans. In addition to his writing, Mankell was a political activist, working with human rights and the support of Africa.In a statement from his British publisher, Harvill Secker, Hankell was described as a man of passion and talent. It said: He was an inspiration not just as a writer, but as so-meone who always stood up for the rights of others. He will be so very sorely missed. The world is a sadder place for having lost such a charismatic and honourable man.

MONTE-CARLO BAY HOTEL Celebrates anniversaryOCTOBER 5, 2015, MARKED THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTE-CARLO BAY HOTEL & RESORT. Seven Grand Chefs of the Socit des Bains de Mer joined their creative forces to celebrate the occasion with a gastronomic summit.The highly rated Monegasque chefs from the most exclusive locations in Monaco created a spectacular spread in honour of the occasion.The gastronomic event, entitled The Drunch, was designed as a luxury snack between the usual lunch and dinner fare, and was an opportunity for the chefs to showcase their love and respect of the rich Mediterranean terroir. Imagined and organised by the starred Chef Marcel Ravin, the dream team of chefs combined the influences of the Riviera into haute cuisine of international fusion and subtle flavours.Overlooking beautiful views of the Mediter-ranean, distinguished guests were enter-tained by live music, generous gifts and the sublime flavours of the chefs creations. A perfect celebration for ten years of the Mon-te Carlo Bay and ten years of exceptional service.

NICE WELCOMEDEuropean Masters GamesTHOUSANDS OF INTERNATIONAL ATH-LETES ARRIVED IN NICE FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL EUROPEAN MASTERS GAMES, a multisport competition for mature athletes of all levels who took part in 27 different disciplines. From 1 to 11 of October, Nice became the world capital of sport for all, focusing on the health and well-being of master and senior athletes.The focus was more on participation tha-

performance, ensuring sport as a positive influence in the physical and mental health of the older population. This goes along with a new programme in Nice to keep its seniors active.Over 7,200 athletes registered for the event and thousands more visitors attended.The games included archery, dance, fencing, tennis, volleyball, and many more. Competition was open to all athletes around the world from 25 to 100 years old. This years oldest participant was Charles, from Switzerland, who is 96 years old. He took on the challenge of running the 100m and 400m dash.An elaborate opening ceremony took place at the Quai des Etats-unis.

THE WOMEN BEHIND Refugee Aid Cte dAzurTWO LOCAL ENGLISH WOMEN, EMMA COLVIN AND DENISE MOSAWI, HAVE CREATED a volunteer aid community across the Cte dAzur. Their volunteer group brings aid to the Red Cross refugee camp at the French/Italian border. They felt they needed to do something to help the overwhelming num-ber of refugees living in camps along the French/Italian border. While the heads of the EU states bickered over what to do, these two women took action and organised a platform for helping the refugees and other people feeling the need to help. They created a Facebook Page, Refugee Aid Cte dAzur, as a place to communicate and organise with other people wanting to help. The response was immediate, growing the group to 850 members within a few short weeks. Refu-gee Aid Cte dAzur is an open to anyone who wants to help and they can join in any capacity, whether to actively participate or just offer support. The page alerts members to donation collection points, the list of needs direct from the Red Cross and Caritas and what days deliver-ies will be made.Initially, deliveries were being made to both the Red Cross camp (with about 250, mostly men with a small number of children) at the Ventimig-lia rail station and the No Borders activist camp (about 200, mostly men) set-up near the border. But since the Italian police cleared the No Bor-ders camp, on 3 October, all deliveries are going

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to the official camp run by the Italian Red Cross.The No Borders camp had been a source of much controversy since its establishment. In protest to borders being reinstated to prevent the refugees from travelling freely across Europe, the camp was filled with activists and refugees. While providing aid to the camp, Emma and Denise have been adamant about keeping their online group free from political rhetoric and personal feelings. They feel it is extremely import-ant to keep their group solely for the benefit of humanitarian needs.With both camps squeezed into one, they are more determined than ever to help the refugees plight.

ROTHSCHILD VILLARestoration projectTHE BREATH-TAKING ROTHSCHILD VILLA AND ORNAMENTAL GARDENS, BUILT FOR BATRICE EPHRUSSI -daughter of Alphonse de Rothschild - is one of the top tourist attractions in the south of Fran-ce, welcoming 150,000 visitors per year. The mansion in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was constructed between 1905 and 1912, and in 1934 it was bequeathed by Batrice Ephrussi to the Academy of Fine Arts to become a public attraction. The grand Louis XVI salon is a major fea-ture of the villa, with elegant 18th Century furnishings and decorations as well as stunning panoramic views of the bay of Beaulieu. But despite partial restoration work, some of the original splendour has been lost.Now, for the first time, a major campaign, estimated at 300,000, is being laun-ched in order to restore all the furniture, bronze-work, sculptures, fireplaces and carpets. Major works, currently tucked away in storage, may again be unveiled to the public. The Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Academy of Fine Arts, is calling for support from individuals and businesses in order to help fund this ambitious pro-ject, which will not only help to preserve some masterpieces of the 18th Century, but also support artists and artisans invol-ved in the restoration.

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nder new legislation intro-duced this year, owners of undeveloped land in sen-sitive urban areas will have to dig deep into their wallets to keep it. When

applied to a wide stretch of coastline of the Riviera, Frances taxe foncire now amounts to 5 per square metre of open space and from 2017, as much as 10. The move is largely directed at en-couraging the sale and development of vacant land. These tax bills are current-ly arriving on their doormats of land owners across the country. The outcry that has followed is vast. n addition to the taxe foncire for homeowners each year is also a taxe foncire sur les Prop-rits non-Bties, which applies to land which is categorized as suitable for de-velopment. In addition to numerous