Waving from my limousine in Cannes at the G20

Next week is the G20, and the complete Riviera stands on his head as everyone is aware of the fact that the top 20 world leaders come to Cannes to talk about, uh, something. The buzz already says that not much will be decided, though, maybe Greece is to be divided among the strongest European countries. During the G20 there is also the B20, which is actually more interesting because this is a gathering for the CEO’s of the 150 largest companies in the world. For the Netherlands, this would be a company like Shell or Randstad. These top executives are also expected to arrive in Cannes to listen, talk and network at the highest possible level. Team Côte d'Azur, the local investment driver has come up with something clever to give the visit of any CEO an additional dimension, namely a word of welcome in their own language, for example, from a Dutch entrepreneur on the Riviera. This local entrepreneur accompanies the CEO in a limousine to the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, and explains how nice and warm the investment climate on the French Riviera is. I am asked to be part of the welcome committee for the B20 and will wave at you from my limousine with 5 different security badges around my neck. I have been screened by the local governor and the National Police so I am ready to join the circus. Dutch entrepreneurs ‘en route’ to Cannes, I see you later. Vive la France, vive la Cote d'Azur!

5 reasons to live in the South of France

Weather
It is obvious, but the summers are long and guaranteed sunny. From October is chilly, but it only really cold in the mountains. There you can snow ski from December to late April. And after that the beaches are open again.

The quality of the food
Many local farmers offer vegetables to their daily markets. Fresh and healthy, look at the people around you. Cancer is not common to the Mediterranean through the use of olive oil, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and a daily glass of wine, preferably red.

The safety
A big mouth up against anyone in uniform, whether a guard or the National Polica, is a guara tee to get  problems. France has a zero-tolerance policy and therefore all are respectful to the authority For your children it is safer, children do not play alone in the street, there's always someone who keeps an eye on things. Dutch 'key kids "do not exist here. The parents drive their young offspring from school and sports clubs.

tax
There is a nice tax treaty between France and the Netherlands where, if you intend to emigrate, you choose for the Dutch or French Tax rules. Do you work in the Netherlands and buy a house in France and it's your first home, you can make the intrest deductable in the Netherlands. This increases your options in the housing market.

Sportive
French people love sports and if you visit the Decathlon, then you will automatically become sporty too. It is hard to avoid, hiking trails are everywhere, so do water sports and winter sports. Primary school children are taken on sailing lessons and ski lessons.

easyJet announces launch of new bases in Nice and Toulouse

easyJet announces launch of new bases in Nice and Toulouse

BY FR2DAY FOR FR2DAY.COM OCT 6, 2011

easyJet, operator of Europe's No. 1 air transport network and the second largest airline in France, has announced another step in its expansion in France with the opening of two new permanent bases in Nice and Toulouse - its 21st and 22nd network bases - to be operational by summer season 2012. easyJet, a long-term player in France, demonstrates with this investment its intention to grow in the French regions and in the country as a whole.

The bases in Nice and Toulouse will open during the 2012 summer season with two Airbus A319 aircraft (pictured below) in each base and will bring to five the number of easyJet bases in France (in addition to Orly, Charles de Gaulle and Lyon) with a total fleet of 24 aircraft.

Following the opening of the two new bases, easyJet expects to increase by 10 its regional and European routes (from 27 to 37) on top of its existing operations. Already the second largest airline by market share in France, and the second biggest at both Nice and Toulouse, easyJet flew 12m passengers to and from France in 2011.

With the capacity increase in Nice, the largest airport outside of Paris, easyJet will add to its existing portfolio of 16 routes:
five new exciting business and leisure, domestic and European destinations, including Toulouse, Nantes and Bordeaux. In total easyJet will offer local consumers a wide choice of 21 destinations with friendly service and low-fares and up to 215 flights per week.

Catherine Lynn (pictured above), easyJet's Customer and Revenue Director, explains: "France is a strategic market for easyJet, where the airline - already the country's second largest - clearly has room to grow. Low cost penetration is only 24% - half the European average. This strategic investment will allow us to strengthen our position in one of Europe's key markets. By making travel easy and affordable for French passengers we've firmly established the easyJet brand in France. With these two new bases in Nice and Toulouse...we will offer more choice to our French leisure and business customers. These two new bases in France illustrate our aim to turn Europe orange and become Europe's preferred short haul airline."

The new routes from Nice and Toulouse bases will be on sale from beginning of November 2011 on easyjet.com.

Images courtesy easyJet

Monte Carlo Jazz Festival 2011

Monte Carlo Jazz Festival 2011

BY DAVID STOYLE FOR FR2DAY.COM OCT 19, 2011

The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival line-up for 2011 looks very strong, with great acts on each night including John Mclaughlin and Avishai Cohen. It's taking place in the Salle Garnier of the Opera de Monte Carlo, and it's surely the best Jazz you can find in the South of France until next summer's festivals start once again in Nice and Juan.

The festival opens with a fine guitar feast: gipsy-jazz star Biréli Lagrène will be there giving us that old Django feeling. He'll be joined by John McLaughlin, who was such a success at Nice Jazz Festival in July. Other guitarists in this "guitar summit" areMike Stern, Sylvain Luc, Philip Catherine, bassist Richard Bona, stellar drummers Steve Gadd and André Ceccarelli, andJoey DeFrancesco, one of the greatest living jazz keyboard players.

Next up is drummer and composer Aldo Romano, playing withHenri Texier, a friend of 30 years on bass, and the star Italian trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso, and saxophonist Géraldine Laurent.

Michel Portal is a fine clarinetist, who joined a kind of protest movement against the elite jazz circles of the early sixties by playing on the Free Jazz album (1965). He's played withOrnette Coleman, and has always been right in the forefront of new styles and approaches to jazz. Even now after 55 years, he has once again surprised his fans with his latest album, "Baïlador" (2010), as unclassifiable as his previous offerings, extremely sophisticated and truly inspired.

The final night sees Tigran Hamasyan (pictured in lead image), this time playing with his Trio. Tigran was one of the stars of theJazz a Domergue shows in Cannes in August, and hisArmenian roots and superb keyboard skills won't let us down as he runs through his new work, 'Red Hail', along with bandAratta Rebirth, who blend musical styles.

And so to the biggest name of the festival, Israeli jazz bassistAvishai Cohen. If you saw him in Nice last July, you don't need me to convince you he's a fine performer. The music is subtly layered and blends lovely piano playing with energetic bassand intense singing. It's like nothing else on the music scene, and it's simply wonderful to witness.

The 6th Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival takes place at the Salle Garnier, Opera de Monte Carlo, from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th November 2011. Tickets may be reserved by calling +377 98 06 36 36 or by emailing the SBM ticket office.

3 p. apartment in Cannes Californie for 410.000

You prefer to live in the most beautiful area of Cannes, near the beach? We found in lower Cannes Californie a 3-room apartment 80 m² in a safe and stylish residence. Triple Exposure(South-West-North), 1 bedroom with bathroom and a bedroom with shower, bright living room. Double glazing. 1 parking + storage box + a basement (to store the local wine promotions). The apartment is available immediately. The owner has bought it brand new late '70s and a little refreshing makes it quickly complete. Throw some nice parquet in it, decorate it with a nice color on the wall and you have a really beautiful place. Building is accessible for people with mobility problems. All amenities nearby: shops, water sports center, beaches. € 410,000. Call Jolanda Marinus +33 6 4365 2901 or Ab Kuijer +33 770 186203. We are not a real-estate agent but we do know a lot of people in The Netherlands and Belgium!

Life is great at the French Riviera

Last week was again overloaded with sunshine. I took the liberty to go off-line, get the motorbike out to discover new areas; it is really stupid but I’ve never been further down the coast road then Cannes. With 70 km per hour and my All Stars and the sea at my feet, I steer with my hips like a dancer around every corner; left, right, left, right and after each turn I am rewarded with an amazing view. The sea looks gorgeous, the rocks impressive and the whole coastline feels different; a bit Spanish or Portugese. I've never been here before; I am hungry as always and restaurant Happy Days offers paëlla and a glass of wine for 9 euro 95. You do not have to be a millionaire to feel like one. And the food was lovely and so was the day that strolled further being close to perfect. The sand on the beach was clean, the sun was warm and I took a dive in the sea before driving back to Cagnes sur Mer. With sand in my hair, my shoes and in my trousers I drove back with a big smile on my face. Life can be great, sometimes you just have to drive a little bit further to discover it.

Hot, Hot, Hot, for Halloween on the French Riviera!

BY Karen Deplaix FOR FR2DAY.COM Oct 11, 2011

What better excuse to shop for some hot lingerie than Halloween? And anyway, what girl needs an excuse to buy luxurious French lingerie? Aubade, one of France's top lingerie boutiques, has some sizzling ensembles, sexy yet sophisticated your new chic style secret! Fine French finishings and darling detail will have you feeling gorgeous and glamourous this autumn and winter. Sultry bordeaux/red shades and tempting tones of purple and greys.

Black is always back, Aubade have an elegant range of accessories such as stockings, bodies, bustiers and more. They have great fitting advice too, depending on your morphology and individual taste, Aubade have a large selection of sizes and cups to be able to choose the models that best suit you. It's also the perfect occasion to shop at Aubade as they are having a promotion on their Temptation line with 40% off!

Red it up with a luscious lipstick, the red hot colour of the season is from Lancôme "Absolu Rouge", absolutely red. Wrap your lips in rich satiny colour with this deep replenishing lipstick, infused with moisture boosting pro-xylane, lips stay moist, soft and comfortable for up to eight hours! Antioxidant rich with vitamin E and SPF 12 helps keep lips safe from environmental aggressors so they look and feel healthier every day! The stay true colour that won't feather, flake or fade so your pout will always look picture perfect, yours truly can guarantee!

Sultry, smoky eyes are also back and better than ever. Sensationally smooth, Lancôme's new all-in-one palette from their Doll Lashes collection, eyes brightening contains five complimentary shades for a silky sheen and radiant finish. Long wear 8 hour formula, stay and play, both night and day!
Lancôme's all new palette

Hypnotise this Halloween with Lancôme's sweet smelling eau de parfum "Hypnôse", sensual, seductive and purely captivating. Intimately blended notes, vanilla and passion flower embodies sublime femininity and makes an extraordinary radiant, bright and youthful impression!

Halloween is not just for kids, adults alike celebrate every year, beach parties, themed dinners and village carnivals. So spruce it up this year with your own style, enjoy the Halloween festivities this October on the Riviera either fancy dressed or discreet with some fabulous French flair!
CONTACT DETAILS

Aubade

122 rue d'Antibes
06400 Cannes

Tel: 04 97 06 54 94

Nicetoile
30, avenue Jean Médecin
06000 Nice

The coolest place to live in Cannes

Internet phishing at the French Riviera

You have to be careful, if you live in France and receive an email from the EDF to settle a small amount of outstanding debt. Don't click on the link, because it is a fraud.

Villappartment in Cannes, 5 pieces, 4 bathrooms, terraces 510K

A GREAT familyhouse in Biot with pool for 810.000 euro