Please contact us if there is any local news which you feel everyone should know about
Tuesday 21 February
Actor Richard Gere is in St Paul de Vence filming an advert for the soft drink Orangina. Locals say the security was worse than for the G20 in Cannes. The advert will, apparently, appear on YouTube in about a week's time.
Monday 20 February
If driving in France this summer remember you need to have a breathalyser kit in the car from July - 11 euro fine if you don't.The alcohol limit is lower in France than UK. If you have between 50-80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood you can be fined 135 euros (and six points if a French resident). Above that the fine can be up to 4,500 euros and two years' prison sentence.
If coming by car from UK you can buy a kit at the ferry or train terminals for a couple of pounds.
If hiring in France DO make sure one is supplied.
Saturday 18 February
All the kiosks in Cannes along the seafront are open from today for the season - nine months for them.
Friday 17 February
Cold spell is over, for the time being anyway. Night temperatures above freezing and day temperatures in double digits. Whoopee.
Mardi Gras starts from today with festivals in Nice, Menton and Mandelieu-La Napoule.
Thursday 16 February
A new reception area for cruise passengers - at the refurbished Gare Maritime, Pantiero, in Cannes - will open for them from April to October. The number of passengers will increase this year to 310,000 (100,000 more than last year).
The Gare Maritime exhibition area is also completed.
Wednesday 15 February
If you thought the French adored their TGV high speed trains... think again. The proposed high speed line from Marseille to Italy has mobilised people in the Var and Alpes Maritimes who do not want it running through their towns or countryside.
Tuesday 14 February
Happy Valentine's Day all you lovers.
The palm trees of Cannes, and the whole of the Cote d'Azur, are under threat from a nasty red weevil from Indonesia. There are about 100,000 palm trees in the Alpes-Maritimes and the majority are in private gardens. It costs 1000 euros each year to treat them. Wow!
Monday 13 February
President Sarkozy introduced the self employed status in France. The Alpes Maritimes has the third largest number of "auto-entrepreneurs" in France. These one man bands are helping to reduce the black economy, allowing people - both employed and retired - to earn a little extra, or to let some dip a toe in the business world. So he has done something right in his five year tenure.
Sunday 12 February
On Thursday 16 February at 8pm.
Meeting of eight week course of Christianity Explored based on a study of the gospel of St Mark
It's free to saints and sinners. 8pm Holy Trinity, Avenue Branley 04 93 94 54 61.
Sa
turday 11 February
Hop on the bus or train to Antibes this weekend for the town's bread, love and chocolate festival.
Tomorrow there is American Football at Stade Maurice-Chevalier in La Bocca, starts at 2pm. Cannes' Iron Mask team plays the Kangaroos of Pessac. Should be a good match as the winners go through to Division One.
Friday 10 February
Pilot's strike hopefully finished today.
If you are an Elton John fan take note: he will be performing in Nice 22 June. He has a home in Nice and was made an honorary citizen of the town in 1997.
Horse racing today, Saturday and Sunday at the Hippodrome, Cagnes sur Mer. Today is trotting and Sunday is flat racing.
Racing starts from noon each day.
Thursday 9 February
Cannes has been wooing the Chinese and it's paying dividends. The tourist office reports that 5.8% of its clients are now Chinese.
Numbers are still relatively small but they are big spenders - and Cannes has two things they love: gambling and shopping.
Wednesday 8 February
If you have any French franc notes you have only until 17 February to change them at any branch of the Banque de France.
Notes worth hundreds of millions of euros are being held by people - with only a few hundred notes worth more than the face value - so change them. For a 20 franc note you get 3.05 euros and the 500 franc is worth 76.22 euros.
The first franc was created in 1360 to pay an English ransom for King Jean ll. As a unit of currency it dates from 1795 and replaced the livre or French pound
.
Tuesday 7 February
Madonna will perform in Nice this year on 21 August. Tickets cost from 45.30 euros and go on sale 14 February on website www.livenation.fr If you are already in Cannes pop into FNAC rue d'Antibes for tickets.
The big freeze continues and everyone is being asked to limit electricity use especially around 7pm.
Last night Cannes switched off all the lights that illuminate the special sites in the town. The Alpes-Maritimes has only one line bringing in electricity - so is vulnerable to power cuts.
Monday 6 February
Now it's the turn of the airport - French pilots are on strike from today till Thursday. Other unions are thought likely to support them.
Sunday 5 February
The French are breeding like rabbits! Bit of a tabloid start but it is true and France is now the second largest population in Europe, after Germany, with 65.35m people. A third of births were to mothers aged 30-34 and the birth rate (0.5% per year for the past 30 years) is higher than the number of deaths in the population. This baby boom means France should be able to support its ageing population better than most European countries.
It is similar to the UK except that the birth rate is indigenous rather than due to immigration.
Saturday 4 February
February is Mardi Gras time so forget Rio and think about a short break here in the south of France. Nice has the oldest Mardi Gras festival in the world - first written record 1294 - and then there is Menton and Mandelieu. All start from 17 February. This year Nice is making London and the Olympics its theme: King of Sport. Troupes from the Notting Hill carnival will be present. Nice finishes 4 March. The Menton lemon festival is great and closes 7 March. Mandelieu-La Napoule celebrates the mimosa and lasts until 26 February.
Friday 3 February
The sun is shining, it's dry and the air crisp. Great for a walk and a warming drink, or two, en route.
Try a hot toddy or hot wine (vin chaud) as they call it here. The buses are running but the trains are still having problems.
Thursday 2 February
Weather stories continue to dominate the headlines. Despite blue skies in Cannes there is a lot of snow in the back country causing problems. The opening up of the motorway to lorries created the biggest traffic jam in history yesterday on the A8. Now the prediction is several days of a severe cold snap. The local Mairie is doing much to help the homeless and appealing for new funds - five euros buys a sleeping bag.
The regional rail strike continues, so do check at the station about travel opportunities.
Photo: Nice Matin
Wednesday 1 February
Snow chaos in Cannes... except there is no snow! Weathermen predicted snow and ice, even on the coast, for yesterday and today so all buses were cancelled. Schoolchildren, workers and people trying to get to the airport were all stranded or had to get taxis or call friends and family for a lift. No buses today either.
Train stikes tomorrow so check at the stations. Tomorrow is also French "pancake day" - Candlemas.
And don't forget this is a leap year - with an extra day this month.
Wednesday 1 February Special
A rare example of an apology from Sir Fred Goodwin to me over mistakes made by Nat West Bank when I was buying a flat in Cannes. Note that he signed the letter with a simple Fred Goodwin ... so that won't
change. Any offers?
Tuesday 31 January
Thursday 2 February. Jesus, who is he?
Second meeting of eight week course of Christianity Explored based on a study of the gospel of St Mark
It's free to saints and sinners. 8pm Holy Trinity, Avenue Branley 04 93 94 54 61.
Monday 30 January
Last chance tonight for the free Midem Fringe events: Black Pearl from 7pm till midnight, Asian rock bands; DaDaDa from 7pm, African bands, hip hop, RnB and soul; Morrisons pub from 9pm, Canadian bands pop music; Morrisons Lounge pop, folk and electro; Sparkling from 8pm, pop music Indie Night; 3.14 Hotel, from 7pm Guadaloupe and Martinique bands, jazz and traditional music.
Going to be one hell of a pub crawl...see you there!
For 33 euros you can enter the big top at Palm Beach for the official show with Orelsan, Brigitte and Shaka Ponk.
Sunday 29 January
After months of warm weather and sunshine it is now grey and grizzly here. Mind you the plants are loving the rain.
The mimosa is in bloom - a few weeks early - to brighten our lives.
It's time to go to the cinema - Les Arcades has films in English.
Saturday 28 January
Frederic Mitterand, Minister of Culture and Communication, opened Midem today, the music marketing exhibition, conference and festival.
Earthquake in Italy felt all along the Cote d'Azur yesterday. No damage or injuries.
Friday 27 January
The town is gearing up for the massive music fest this weekend - Midem and the NRJ Music Awards, which is broadcast live on French TV. Free concerts in various locations on the fringe (see What's On) and all other events cost 30 euros but you can see top stars such as Shakira and Selah Sue. Tickets from Fnac and tourist office at the Palais.
Thursday 26 January
Nice Airport has announced that it is to build a third terminal. It is getting close to passenger saturation point and a third airport will allow expansion. It will, however, be a "low-cost" terminal at the request of Easyjet which wants a much quicker turnaround for its planes.
Wednesday 25 January
Valentina Capuano could not believe it when the luxury cruise ship she was on began to sink - she only hoped that she would be saved like her grandmother, who survived the Titanic disaster, 100 years ago.
"It was like re-living history, it was horrible, I was really shocked," said Capuano, who managed to escape when the giant Costa Concordia hit a rock and tipped over off the northwest Italian coast on Friday.
Her grandmother survived when the Titanic passenger liner sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912.
Her brother Giovanni did not.
AFP
Tuesda
y 24 January
The two pretenders to the throne of Mayor Brochand - elections 2014 - held their New Year meetings at the same time yesterday but thankfully in different locations. David Lisnard, current deputy to the mayor, and the audience had a surprise opera interlude as the singers emerged from the audience itself (see left). Great fun.
As well as speaking of his vision for Cannes and France itself - M Lisnard had another surprise for the audience: he is a great fan of Margaret Thatcher and free markets.
Monday 23 January
A new idea for Cannes...and for conference and business bosses: a de luxe apartment for meetings. It is situated at 21 quai St Pierre next to the Radisson hotel. It has 90 sq meters, but no bedrooms, and is available for business meetings, lunches, dinners and cocktail parties. It is also equipped with all the latest gizmos and high tech conferencing facilities - and has a great terrace. It costs from 1900 euros per day.
Sunday 22 January
The latest figures show Cannes has a population of 73,372. It is the third largest town in the Alpes Maritimes
after Nice and Antibes. Property prices have held up well - a little above a 5% rise last year - although the
number of transactions fell.
Saturday 21 January
Please find a few minutes at the airport to pop into the suggestion boxes a note demanding
public transport from the airport to Cannes until the last planes have landed... all year round.
Friday 20 January
Sale of English books tomorrow from 10am at Sunnybank Library. Lunch available.
Thursday 19 January
Cannes' major company is Thales Alenia Space which employs over 2000 people.
The company designs and manufactures satellites and
had a turnover last year of two billion euros.
Wednesday 18 January
The circus comes to town - Monte Carlo 19-29 January.
You can see the very best from the world of circus as they compete for the Clown d'Or awards.
Saturday January 21 at 2.30pm at Port Hercule is a free show.
Tuesday 17 January
Jazz lovers, here's a date for you diary. The 52nd Jazz at Juan takes place 12-22 July. The three acts
already named are: Sonny Rollins (see left), Bobby McFerrin and Guitar Jazz. See www.jazzajuan.com
Monday 16 January
The 80th Monte Carlo Rally starts tomorrow until 22 January. Only two women drivers taking part and one is Brit Louise Cook and the other French champion Charlotte Berton. Go for it girls!
Sunday 15
January
Spitting in the street is a rare in Cannes. Those who live here are proud of their town and in particular its cleanliness. Which makes it even more unpleasant when we watch British football and see highly paid professionals setting a bad example in front of their young fans.
Saturday 14 January
The average shopping basket has risen 4.1%, with meat up 4.4% and some fruit juices by as much as a third in a year.
Alchohol prices are said to have dropped.
Overall inflation is officially 2.50% in France.
Friday 13 January
Today is the first of three Friday the thirteenths this year, with April and July to follow! The irrational fear of this day is known as Paraskevidekatriaphobia from the Greek or Friggatriskaidekaphobia from the Norse... so now you know. You will have to wait until 2026 for this phenomenon to happen again although there is a Friday 13th in every month which starts on a Sunday and each calendar year has at least one.
Thursday 12 January
This is getting boring I know, but we have to report yet another train strike today until 8am Saturday.
On a brighter note, did you know there are 47sq m of green space in Cannes for every resident.
Wednesday 11 January
Sales start today and last until 14 February. Expect good mark downs on winter clothes as the shops have not sold much because of the good weather.
Not interested, chaps? So, head to the Hippodrome at Cagnes sur Mer for a day at the races. First race 1.50pm.
Tuesday 10 January
Great weather, sunny and 16 deg C. If you fancy a swim try the pool at La Bocca - it's called Coubertin. It adjo
ins the site for the new Olympic swimming complex which should be ready in April 2013.
Couple of new radars will catch you if you jump the red lights. They are at Ave Picaud (on the way to La Bocca) at the junction of Bd Beausite; and Bd Alexandre lll with Bd Gazagnaire (going east to Golfe Juan). 90 euro fine and, if a resident, four points.
Monda
y 9 January
The Carlton Hotel has been sold to a Qatari investment fund which will spend over 100million euros modernising this iconic hotel in Cannes. The hotel will close between September this year and May 2013.
A company in Biot, Laporte Ball Trap, has won the exclusive rights to supply clay pigeon shooting equipment for the London Olympics. Laporte, which also has a factory in Nottingham, has supplied the Olympics seven times in its history.
Sunday 8 January
Some supermarkets open on a Sunday morning
but you can't buy cough mixture there - only at the chemist.
Why? I need some now!
Change the law, let in competition...and bring down the price of non prescription medicines.
Saturday 7 January
How the other half lived.
Extract from 12 year old Martha Mossop's 1862 diary when she was staying with her uncle Thomas Robinson Woolfield and his wife Catherine in their large house, Villa Victoria, in Cannes.
Thomas had developed the English quarter, buying and selling land and houses to the British aristocracy and the wealthy business people who wanted to winter in Cannes.
In her diary of 26 March she notes that nine year old Prince Leopold, youngest son of Queen Victoria, visits them and "partakes of some cake".
Picture and extract supplied by John Woodcock, great grandson.
Friday 6 January
Don't forget to take down your Christmas decorations tonight. It will be twelth night even if the French keep them going till the end of the month.
Wednesday 4 January
Anothe
r glorious day. Horse racing, a steeplechase, this afternoon at Cagnes sur Mer. Last race 4.40pm.
The bread and cake shops are filling up with galette des rois - the Epiphany, or 12th night, speciality. The traditional ones are filled with almond paste and contain a feve. The person served the slice containing the figurine (originally a bean) becomes King for the evening and wears the crown.
The shops also sell a brioche Provencal variation filled with glace fruits.
Tuesday 3 January
Sales started in Monaco. You have to wait until 11 January for the sales to start in Cannes.
New restaurant, L'Espelette, has opened in rue Mace with a Cannes/Basque flavour and bodega atmosphere.
Reports needed.
Monday 2 January
Work has already started on the renovations for the Quai St Pierre, by the old port.
A new promenade is being constructed alongside the water - trees and fountains will be added and the restaurants and cafes will have matching and attractive awnings. (Artist's impression left)
It's going to be lovely.
Sunday 1 January
to all our fans.
Saturday 31 December
You must go down to the Croisette at midnight and view the fireworks.
It's free. Best position is outside the Marriott.
Happy New Year to all our readers.
We'd like a lot more feed back to make our job more rewarding - this site is manned by volunteers - Leigh and Paul.
Sunday 25 December
Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Friday 23 December
Day off today to do last minute shopping in Ventimiglia, Italy. Friday is market day and I found a cashmere sweater and pair of smart black shoes for my husband. I am sitting here in a restaurant on the beach with wonderful sunshine.
The shopping trip included booze and cigarettes purchases. Cigarettes cost 1.50 euros less than in France at 4.20 euros a packet. Veg and fruit and, of course, parmesan cheaper but fish more expensive. Buy enough petrol for the trip - it costs more in Italy.
All in all a great start to Christmas.
Thursday 22 December
The Skibus daily service from Cannes leaves 7am from Square Merimee for Isola 2000 and Auron starting from next Wednesday. It costs 37 euros including a ski pass. Reservations 04 93 39 79 40
Tomorrow at La Bocca the Jordan Circus can be found in the marketplace from 4pm - free event.
Wednesday 21 December
Will they, won't they strike today? The security personnel who check our luggage and us at Nice Airport have threatened to go on strike for improved pay. They were supposed to strike yesterday but didn't. Passengers and the airport management are waiting to see what happens today...
Tuesd
ay 20 December
Ski lovers will be pleased to know that Auron opens today and La Colmiane opens tomorrow.
Isola 2000 has been open for a couple of weeks.
Monday 19 December
Despite current cold snap, the weathermen say Christmas Day will by 16 deg C and sunny.
Sunday 18 December
Freak hailstorm hits Cannes.
Only brief and was caused by
difference in temperature of the sea
and the cold air above.
Saturday 17 December
An unusual place for lunch is La Tonnelle restaurant, at the Abbaye de Lerins, on the Ile St Honorat. It is now open all year at lunchtime. The boat trip costs 13 euros and the two course lunch is 25 and three courses 29 euros until 16 March. Weekends and national holidays, a la carte only. Great views of Cannes from the restaurant and you can sample some of the monks highly praised wines which were served at the G20 dinner for all heads of state. Tel 04 92 99 54 08.
Friday 16 December
Just hit the shelves of local bookshops in time for Christmas. The history of Cannes in French - Histoire de Cannes - at 35 euros makes a great Xmas gift. It can be ordered online at www.venteenligne.cannes.com and is also available on book tablets, edition Privat.
At 6.30pm tonight is a son and lumiere together with Father Christmas and the Xmas market at Le Cannet town hall and old town.
Let's hope the promised rain holds off.
Thursday 15 December
Horse racing on today at the Hippodrome, Cagnes sur Mer: first race starts at 4.20pm.
Big news in Cannes is that the Carlton Hotel has been sold to a Qatari investment company - just 8 months after a Monaco-based Lebanese bought it for 4,500.000 euros from Morgan Stanley.
Starwood Capital, another American investment fund, has the Martinez Hotel, also on the Croisette, up for sale.
Wednesday 14 December
According to Nice Matin, Cannes' prostitutes come from everywhere except Cannes it seems. On the streets there are Romanians and Africans while others come just for the day from the Var and Bouche du Rhone to raise some money to pay for their rents or feed their families. At the top end, the foreign escort girls for the rich clientele advertise their wares on the internet and "holiday" in Cannes during the top conferences and the film festival. Hmmmm!
Tuesday 13 December
For figure loving types - not the Bardot ones, mind you - here we go...
The official population of Cannes is 73,903. There are 3,152 businesses in the town, 480 restaurants and cafes, as well as 102 hotels. The town welcomed 264,000 conference delegates this year.
The mayor has not raised local taxes for 10 years.
Monday 12 December
The Lord's
Prayer in Anglo Saxon Fæder ure,
ðu ðe eart on heofenum,
si ðin nama gehalgod;
to-becume ðin rice;
geweorþe ðin willa on eorðan swa swa on heofenum.
Urne ge dæghwamlican hlaf syle us to-deag,
and forgyf us ure gyltas
swa swa we forgifaþ urum gyltendum,
ane ne gelæde ðu us on costnunge, ac alys us of yfle.
Amen.
Sunday 11 December
Depending on which survey you believe, up to two thirds of the French people want the franc back.
One poll says 36% want to dump the euro, with 45% saying it is a handicap for the general economy, and 62% saying the euro is the major problem for personal purchasing power. Take note Monsieur le President.
Yet another poll for a magazine says 63% want to ditch the franc.
Saturday 
10 December This weekend you can ski at Isola 2000 and ski passes are still reduced by 20%. Enough real snow has fallen and together with the snow machines 70% of the ski area is open.
Back in Cannes, quirky Hotel 3.14 (left) has a "hippy chic" sale in aid of charity - clothes, jewellery, homewares and food, mainly handmade, are on sale Saturday and Sunday. The hotel will then close for six weeks of works.
Friday 9 December
Sarkozy is SO KRAZY that Cameron
realises that ROMANCE is impossible.
Angela Merkel has turned away from
politicians to look for a LARGE MEAN ELK.
Could be a train strike locally on Saturday at midday for 24 hours - negotiations are still taking place.
There are tunnel works between Nice and Menton causing problems too.
Take note also that from Sunday almost all train timetables will be changed throughout France.
Wednesday 7 December
Consecration of the repairs to the Notre-Dame d'Esperance
in Le Suquet takes place at 5.30pm tomorrow
at salle Stanislas, 16 rue Pastour. The church has been out of use
since termites were discovered a few months ago.
The work will be completed by Easter next year.
Tuesday 6 December
Independent retailers on the rue d'Antibes are battling huge hikes in their rents as the big name brands try to get a foothold on this chic shopping street. Personally I'd move to rue Hoche - lovely street and needs more shops, and the rents are much less.
Air France and Easyjet will both have bases at Nice airport from next year. They already carry 50% of airport passengers. Fifty seven other airlines fly from Nice with a total of 105 destinations on offer.
Monday 5 December
The mayor of Cannes, who is also the local MP, is battling to save Cannes' beach restaurants. The government is hell bent on beach restaurants closing - and being dismantled - between October and April. The mayor points out the beaches at Cannes are artificial as well as urban, and the restaurants are needed to support the 300 days of conferences the town hosts. They are also, he says, an important part of the town's image. Railing against environmental extremists, he is seeking ministerial support for an easing of this blanket rule. Current contracts with the restaurants run until 2017 on the Croisette but those on the Midi plage end next year. Watch this space.
Sunday 4 December
From 6-18 December La Castre museum, atop Le Suquet, and La Mer, on Ile St Marguerite, will be f
ree to visit. There will also be various events held each day around the theme, Drinks of men, Nectar of the gods - if your French is up to it. See www.cannes.com For guided visits and workshops, booking is essential.
I thought the British were the experts in amateurism until I heard the village band at Vallauris today. The high spot was when the cymbal player came in half second late but all was well when a few bars later she came in a half a second early. Long live enthusiasm!
My faith in music well sung and played was restored by a performance of Bach's cantata Nun komm der Heiden Heiland performed by the singers, soloists and orchestra of Nice University. And it was free, although a collection was taken for Notre Dame de Bon Voyage.
Cannes has been awarded four flowers - the highest available - in the national awards scheme for towns and villages "fleurie".
The president of the jury said Cannes was untypical and that the town was unusual in having to be beautiful all year round because of its numerous conferences. He also praised its environmental approach to its public spaces.
Friday 2 December
The Christmas season starts officially today in Cannes with the opening of the Christmas village and fairground.
1 December
A silent march in memory of a jeweller, murdered in his shop, will be held in La Bocca this afternoon. People will be gathering from 2.30pm and the march will start at 3pm. Do avoid the centre of La Bocca this afternoon.
This armed hold-up and the cold blooded killing of the owner has shocked the whole community.
Wednesday 30 November
What great weather we have had for the last few weeks but rain is forecast for the next 2-3 days.
Clouds looming also in the Alpes Maritimes for unemployment - now at 7.4% with the over 50s and women, in particular, bearing the brunt of the economic turn down.
Tuesday 29 November
Warning! A French national strike is being called for 13 December to protest against the latest austerity measures.
The Cannes council has announced that the Palais des Festivals, home to the famous Film Festival, had a turnover of 33m euros in 2010 with a knock-on economic effect for the town of 818m euros. It also reduced its indebtedness to just 1m euros.
Monday 28 November
Taxi drivers are on strike today. They are angry cos they have competition from other private chauffeur driven vehicles, especially from the airport to Cannes. They could try charging less!
Sunday 27 November
The photography exhibition - Window on Cannes - which has been on show on the St Margeurite island has moved to the La Castre museum at Le Suquet. It will run until 31 December. Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday,10am till 5pm, closed for lunch.
Saturday 26 November
All the olive oil mills in the Alpes-Maritimes are open to the public today. Nearest to Cannes is Moulin de la Brague, route de Chateauneuf, Opio.
A chocolate coin to commemorate the G20 in Cannes is on sale on Ebay and bidding has reached over 100 euros. They were given to the police, firemen and army personnel as a thankyou. The joke, however, is... it was made in China.
Friday 25 November
Thomas Cook outlets are open in Mouans Sartoux and Grasse despite the price of their shares plummeting from £2 to 10p, because the company seeks funding to see it through the winter. Latest is that shares are now at 21p after talks with banks.
Meanwhile tomorrow ski resort Isola 2000 opens for the weekend. For 8 euros get a bus at 7.30am from SNCF Nice-Thiers and return from Isola at 5pm.
Thursday 24 November
Champions of France - Cannes women's volleyball team - seen in a new light.
Their 2012 calender is on sale at 12 euros with only 2,500 available.
Sophie (left) kicks off with January.
Wednesday 23 November
Sad day for the St Tropez crowd. Celebrity beach venue, La Voile Rouge, at Ramatuelle has closed
after 43 years.
The law finally caught up with this "illegal occupation of a public beach".
Tuesday 22 November
For classical music lovers the free, four day event - C'est pas Classique - starts 24 November in Nice see
www.cgo6.fr100 free concerts to choose from
Monday 21 November
High jinks at a leaving bash for a local policewoman has led to five officers being suspended and an investigation is in
place at the Municipal police HQ in Cannes. Whoops!
Sunday 20 November
Here we go again! Another rail strike starts today and trains will not get back to normal until Tuesday.
The guards are up in arms about the number of attacks on them this year and are threatening to strike every three weeks.
Saturday 19 November
The Nice-Cannes marathon takes place tomorrow. You can expect problems on the roads between 8am and 6pm.
Also tomorrow, if planning on going by car to Vallauris for the country-comes-to-town event take the bd de la Republique and av de Vallauris over the col St Antoine route. The coastal road direction Golfe Juan is closed for the marathon.
Friday 18 November
Work has started on the beach clean-ups after the storms earlier this month. Mandelieu has 500 tonnes of rubbish -mainly wood and vegetation - brought down from the river Siagne and thrown up by the sea. To save money, the mayor of Mandelieu has decided the rubbish will be stocked, dried and burnt. (Photo Nice Matin)
And no one knows where the 15 cubic metre metal water tank deposited on the beach by the waves came from.
Thursday 17 November
Beaujolais Nouveau on sale today. Many bars and restaurants in Cannes celebrating with tasting glasses and special menus.
Cannes Council has announced the Christmas Market will start 2 December until 8 January and will be held on the Allees, near the boules lanes. The fairground returns to the town centre, 2 December - 2 January, and will be installed on the Pantiero.
Wednesday 16 November
An Englishman, 25-year-old Sam Trickett (see right), has become a euro millionaire.
He won the Partouche Poker Tour final at Palm Beach Casino, in Cannes, beating 578 other players.
If he returns next year the pot will be five million.
Mapic, the world commercial property conference and exhibition, starts today.
Tuesday 15 November
This month sees the start of a year's work to improve the Quai St Pierre alongside the old port. Work will be interrupted for major conferences and the high summer season but the transformation will be superb in the end (see left). It will include a widened walkway beside the yachts and increased space on the other pavement for the restaurants plus lots of trees.
Monday 14 November
OK ladies, time for an autumn pick-me-up: the Majestic Hotel's spa is offering a natural lifting face treatment for 45 euros. Goodbye wrinkles (for a few weeks anyway) and it takes just 35 minutes. Tel 04 92 98 77 49
Sunday 13 November
Gospel for 21st Sunday after Trinity - St John 4 46-54So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee
Saturda
y 12 November
For our ex-pat viewers, do your Christmas shopping in London with return flights for less than £50.
Example: 3 December 10.50am Nice to Gatwick, return 7 December 10.45am Stanstead to Nice.
Total £47.50 on Easyjet.
Friday 11 November
The five star hotel Carlton will close next September for eight months for entensive renovations and will open in time for the 2013 film festival. It will not be availlable for MIDEM and the TAX FREE conferences.
TVA (VAT) will rise from 5.5% to 7% on 1 January next year for restaurants, books, public transport and repairs to domestic dwellings and cleaning services. Food in shops remains at 5.5%. There is no change to the standard rate tax at 19.5%.
Thursday 10 November
In addition to the ceremonies tomorrow on remembrance day, Theoule sur Mer is staging a military market, in particular featuring items from the first world war. Open for three days it is being held at Espace Culture, 9 avenue Charles Dahon, between 9am and 5pm.
Wednesday 9 November
The calm after the storm.
Tuesd
ay 8 November
(Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a liar" in a private conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama that was accidentally broadcast to journalists during last week's G20 summit in Cannes.
"I cannot bear Netanyahu, he's a liar," Sarkozy told Obama, unaware that the microphones in their meeting room had been switched on, enabling reporters in a separate location to listen in to a simultaneous translation.
"You're fed up with him, but I have to deal with him even more often than you," Obama replied, according to the French interpreter.
Monday 7 November
Apres le deluge. After flooding in Colle-sur-Loup, Biot and Mandelieu and the rescue of 170 sheep by the fire brigade, all was calm today with the sun appearing early. Every cloud has a silver lining. But be warned bad weather is forecast for later.
A view from of our terrace
Sunday 6 November
Next Friday, 11 November, will be Armistice Day, a public holiday in France.
Every year it is remembered at 10.45am with a parade of representatives
of the allies at the war memorial in front of the town hall.
Remember the date 11.11.11
Saturday 5 November
Last few words from Christine Lagarde, head the IMF, before she goes to Italy to supervise the monitoring of regulations and procedures of the country at the request of prime minister Sylvio Belesconi. In the meantime French president Sarkozi urges a nuimber of changes including the abolition of tax free havens.
All over now. We get Cannes back without the CRS on every corner. Mind you they kept us safe.
No bonfire and fireworks to celibrate the demise of catholic Guy Fawkes.
Friday 4 November
Near empty rue d'Antibes the last day of the G20 Summit. Barack Obama arrived yesterday at the conference. He was accompanied by 800 delegates, 150 secret service agents and six doctors. The presidential limousine Cadillac One in which he travelled from Nice airport to Cannes cost 300,000 dollars.
Thur
sday 3 November
Thousands of journalists tuck into free lunch and dinner at the G20 summit
whilst a lone monk taps his tambourine outside the conference
and a water cannon is ready to repel anti capitalist protesters.
Nicolas Sarkozi and Angela Merkel are stayng in the Majestic Hotel. David Cameron is in Marriott with Julia
Gillard of Australia. Barack Obama will reside in the Carlton. Where George Papandreou of Greece, not a member of the G20, will be stayng is not known.
Tuesday 1 November
National holiday today - All Saints Day. Visit Cannes' Grand Jas cemetery: best view in town and many famous peoples' graves to be found there.
Lock down of centre of Cannes in place ready for G20 starting. Furious residents in the centre had to wait hours yesterday to collect their badges.
Monday 31 October
Don't even try to go for a walk in the Croix des Gardes - it has already been commandeered by the army.
Barbed wire and ground to air missiles in place and soldiers who will tell you to jog off.
Sunday 30 October
You can rest easy in your beds - Awak, fighter planes, submarine, naval ships, you name it, are looking after us all in Cannes. The sound of helicopters all day is a real nuisance, however.
Sounds more like a war zone here than a tourist site.
Saturday 29 October
Clocks go back one hour tonight
Port Canto, opened in 1965, was the first private port in Europe and was constructed by Pierre Canto.
Now owned by the town, the name will have to be changed following demands by his descendants of 1% of turnover for use of his name. Any ideas for a new name?
Friday 28 October
Strike notices given for Air France 29 October to 2 November inclusive, and the railways 8 November. The rail network will be affected from 8pm 7 November - 8am 9 November.
Cheer yourself up tomorrow in Le Cannet old town with the Fete du Vendange et du terroir, food and drink festival. It is open from 10am to 6pm but at 11.30am there will be a free reception for all present with the traditional orange wine of Le Cannet.
Thursday 27 October
The olive harvest has started - nearly three weeks early this year - on the coastal fringe. And by all accounts it's going to be not only a bumper crop but an excellent one due to the great summer. There are about 300,000 olive trees in the Alpes Maritimes producing in good years 3,000 tonnes of olives leading to 350 tonnes of olive oil, 350 tonnes of table oil and 30 tonnes of olive paste (tapenade). There are 17 olive mills of which 12 are private.
The Nice olive has an AOC label, by the way.
Wednesday 26 October
The tax on cigarettes went up recently as part of Sarkozy's austerity measures - they will rise again in January. A packet of Marlboro now costs over six euros. And the consequences of this action? People here go to Italy for their cigs - sales of cigarettes have fallen by 50% in the past 10 years between Nice and Menton and by 35% in the rest of the Alpes Maritimes. You can save, on average, one euro per packet in Italy.
Tuesday 25 October
Heavy rain today and flash floods predicted - do not walk near river banks. Les Arcades cinema is offering
tickets at six euros for adults and for children under 12 it's four euros - what good timing!
Monday 24 October
Border controls have been temporarily reinstated between France and Italy - so remember to take your passport if popping over to Italy. This is due to security measures surrounding the G20 in Cannes November 3-4. Also a vehicule can be stopped anywhere between Menton and Villefranche for a security check.
Sunday 23
October
Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage has an exhibition of posters exhorting the members of the G20 to denounce the injustices and inequalities of the poor caused by politicians and financiers. The catholic church advocates taxing international transactions to pay for development aid and regulation of agricultural market including measures to control price volatility.
The exhibition lasts until 30 November.
Saturday 22 October
Official opening at 11am today of a photographic exhibition by Gilles Jacob, Cannes Film Festival president, at the Malmaison, on the Croisette.
The exhibition is on until 13 November and costs 3.50 euros.
Friday 21 October
No trains today between Menton and Vintimille from 9am to 5pm - Italian railway staff on strike.
This weekend is la grande braderie or "great sell off" of summer stock in St Tropez. Take the boat from Cannes at 9.30am, returning 5.15pm for 42 euros Saturday or Sunday. Reservations essential at Trans Cote d'Azur 04 92 98 71 30
Thursd
ay 20 October
The new winter exhibition at the Eco Park in Mougins starts on Saturday. A great day out for all the family with something for everyone from three to 93. There are six themes including sleep, the body, archeology, games and a science village. There's also a cafe and outdoor play area. It is open 10am-6pm Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays, and everyday from 1-11 November. Closed Christmas and New Year's Days. Entry costs adults seven euros and children and students five euros. The Eco Park can be reached from the A8, aire de Breguieres north or south, or by Navette (bus) Sillage 24, Mon-Sat, from Haddad Simon, Cannes at 10am, 12.10pm and 2pm.
Wednesday 19 October
Basketball player, and former husband of Eva Longoria, Tony Parker is in Cannes... for the poker world series
at the Majestic Hotel.
He started playing six years ago and is now a passionate poker player.
Tuesday 18 October
More G20 news: the powers that be are "strongly" advising people NOT to use the A8 motorway
on 3 and 4 November. It will be subject to closures when the 33 motorcades are en route to and from Cannes - Nice airport.
Best advice, if you need to get to the airport, is to take the train.
Monday 17 October
The Bonnard Museum, in Le Cannet, has re-opened with a winter exhibition of the artist's work. Fifty works from the museum's own collection are on show until 15 April. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 6pm. Thursdays, the museum is open until 9pm.
Saturday 15 October
At a conference yesterday Cannes looked to its future in the digital age. Under the banner Cannes: la creative,
it wants to attract new technology companies to La Bocca in West Cannes - home to space company Thales.
Friday 14 October
This weekend head for Theoule where you can taste local food, wines and feast the eyes on art depicting wine.
Open Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-7pm. Entry is three euros including a wine glass for tastings.
It is being held in the square in front of the Mairie, town hall.
Thursday 13 October
These poker cheats will go down in history for using this method for the first time in Europe... however they didn't break the bank, they went to jail. In Les Princes casino on the Croisette a couple of Italians were already 20,000 euros up playing stud poker but they were reading marked cards with infra red contact lenses. Earlier in the summer they had "won" 40,000 euros but were marked men and when they returned the police arrested five people. The police are still uncertain who marked the cards in the casino.
Wednesday 12 October
Still sunbathing weather but remember you need a cardigan or jacket as out of the sun it feels chilly, ditto the evenings.
Back to transport issues. Announcements have been made re the buses during the G20. The 210 airport bus will start and finish on Bd d'Alsace, as do the buses for Vallauris and Grasse(600). The 200 bus to Nice stops at Bd du general Vautrin. Buses for Grasse(610), Theoule and Valbonne stop at the railway station.
Tuesday 11 October
No buses today in Cannes between 10am and 4pm. They are on strike.
No regional trains either, see below.
Monday 10 October
Here we go again... another rail strike! Officially it takes place tomorrow but trains will be affected from today and will not be fully operational again until 8am Wednesday. Regional trains, TER, will be particularly badly hit. The TGVs, we are assured, will run normally.
Sunday 9 October
French feminist groups are battling to get rid of the title Mademoiselle - why should they have to express their marital status on official forms when men don't, they argue.
Women have had a raw deal in France since Napoleon's Code Civil banned them from education beyond primary school, voting, signing contracts, working after marriage without hubby's permission (even then le mari took her salary), and if she had property or money it became her husbands on marriage.
Saturday 8 October
In the French Revolutionary Calendar today was called pumpkin. Thankfully Napoleon abolished it in 1805 -12 years after it was adopted - but he did keep the metric system, also introduced during the French Revolution.
Friday 7 October
Huge disruption on the railways - due to the stabbing of a train guard in Lyon - when railway workers walked off the job shutting down the French network within hours.
The Carlton Hotel is due for a 100m euro makeover starting in September next year. The question is will it won't stay open du
ring the works... there is even a suggestion it could become a B&B during the seven months of redevelopment.
A million bees are enjoying a winter retreat at Cannes in the grounds of Villa Domergue courtesy of the town council. The mayor hopes they will help to re-populate the area which has seen most of its bees wiped out. Locals are assured these bees are far less aggressive than the native Provencal bees.
You couldn't make this up.
Thursday 6 October
Opening today "Cannes during the 60's" shows Bridget Bardot at the film festival, Algerian independence and the 1968 students' uprising. Contemporary film, newspaper cuttings and artefacts bring alive life in Cannes 50 years ago. The exhibition which lasts until June next year is open to the public at l'Espace Calmette, 18 Rue du Docteur Calmette. Entry free. Hours: 1.30pm-5pm.
Wednesday 5 October
Good news for Cannes: rating agency Standard & Poors has awarded the town an AA rating , up from AA-, for its financial stability.
Phew, that's a relief then. No Greek dramas here for the moment.
Tuesday 4 October
Sad to say this but avoid Cannes like the plague during the G20. You will not be able to get into the centre of Cannes, by foot, car or public transport, without a badge. There will be no swimming, diving or boats allowed off the Croisette or the old port. Shut down of the town starts midnight 31 October and re-opens 4pm 4 November.
Monday 3 October
Two mouthwateringly delicious, foodie books about the cuisine of the Cote d'Azur are on sale now. The first is a cookbook full of recipes specifically from Cannes - by both great chefs and local grandmothers: La Cuisine Cannois, 200 pages and 25 euros is by Patrick Flet and chef Jean Marc Geffrier.
The great French chef Alain Ducasse has just launched J'aime Monaco: ma Mediterranee, in which he lists his favourite restaurants from local bistros to starred restaurants along the Riviera - from Hyeres into Italy. In Cannes he raves about Mon reve de gosses near Forville market. His book costs 35 euros.
Sunday 2 October
The world's television industry gathers in Cannes this coming week for MIPCOM. A host of stars from TV series and films will be in town and can be seen tomorrow evening outside the Martinez hotel on the Croisette a la the Oscars in Hollywood: posing for photos and giving brief interviews. So be there by 7pm if you want to see the likes of Ashley Judd, Fran Drescher, Anson Mount and Colm Meaney.
Satur
day 1 October
Handiplage, near Bijou Plage on the Croisette, is now closed for the winter.
Thursday 29 September
Cruise ships are an important source of revenue for Cannes with each passenger spending 80 euros on average ashore. About 130 ships have anchored off Cannes so far this year - with 5000 passengers disembarking yesterday alone! The owners of shops, bars and restaurants are making huge efforts to welcome them with a view to having at least some of them return for a holiday in Cannes. Or to become "Cannes' Ambassadors" waxing lyrical about the town when they return home encouraging friends and relatives to holiday here.
Wednesday 28 September
Hottest September for 24 years according to the French weather experts, Meteo France. And the good weather is expected to remain for another 10 days - thanks to a very settled anti-cyclone. Today's forecast for Cannes is 27 deg.
The sea yesterday was an amazing 25 deg C, so enjoy.
Profitez, as the French say.
Tuesday 27 September
G20 meeting in Cannes, 3-4 November, will cost the French state 20 million euros. Ten thousand French police and military personnel will be drafted into the town. So tight will be the security that the anti-G20 marches will take place in Nice on 1 November! The mayor of Cannes was at pains to say that there will be absolutely no costs to the town of Cannes. The town will, he says, benefit from an extra 40 video surveillance cameras and road improvements.
Monday 26 September
Cannes is enjoying an Indian summer - yes they exist on the Riviera - with temperatures hovering around 26 deg C. Great time for a short break here. Prices have been lowered and the hordes have gone. Time to get a tan and enjoy some French culture and gastronomy.
Sunday 25 September
Bratislava Chamber Orchestra plays baroque, classical and romantic music
at Temple Antibes, 6 Boulevard Albert I, Antibes at 9pm.
Entrance 12€ to 20€. Telephone 04 97 23 11 11.
Saturday 24 September
Take note that the Bd Carnot will be closed tomorrow morning from 7am till 2pm for a runners' race.
If leaving or coming to Cannes by car the simplest route to take is via le Riou.
Garden lovers should head for the Cannes Flower Show this weekend. It can be found near Bijou Plage.
Friday 23 September
Calling all golf nuts. The European Masters Senior Tour starts today, until Sunday, at the Cannes-Mougins country club at Valmasque. You will be able to see the 60 best players in the world aged 50+.
Thursday 22 September
The mayor of Mandelieu has caused a furore by offering a one euro bonus
for every crime detected in town by the video surveillance camera team.
Tuesday 20 September
The Royal Regattas in Cannes has started. Years ago Cannes was known as Cowes in the Med! Forty five classic yachts and copies of these 100 year old boats take to the sea. Best places to watch this "ballet at sea" is from the Croisette, Bd du Midi, Bd Gazagnaire and the Iles de Lerins as well as the Yacht Club terrace. The yachts can be seen at the Old Port until 11am and from 5pm. The Regattas take place every day until Sunday. There are also various shows at the Village including rock concerts and themed evenings open to the public.
Monday 19 September
No news today: Paul Leppard - co-founder of this site - is celebrating a big birthday.
And so are we all, at a private beach in Cannes.
Sunday 18 September
Branko Ognjenovic, chef from Zagreb, Croatia,
demonstrates his culinary skills
at the International Gastronomy Festival
in Mougins this weekend.
Saturday 17 September
Open today and tomorrow is the Chateau Vallombrosa and gardens. Originally built by Thomas Woolfield, a Scottish engineer, it passed to Lord Londesborough, then to the Marquess of Conyngham and finally to the Duke of Vallobmbrosa who had it until 1892. It then became a 200 bedroom hotel and during the first world war it was used as rest home for wounded soldiers.
Today it is 40 luxury flats. Open 3pm-5pm entrance free.
Photograph by James Leppard
Friday 16 September
This weekend is the opportunity to visit places
for free such as the maritime museum on the Lerin Islands.
This European Heritage weekend is celebrated every year
and many sites both public and private are open to visitors.
Thursda
y 15 September
Tomorrow is the start of the Mougins gastronomic weekend.
Opening at 4.30pm many famous chefs from France and abroad
including England will give cooking demonstrations.
Many events all weekend.
Wednesday 14 September
Since 2005 Cannes has spent 10m euros bringing the sand back to the beaches after the winter storms which wash it out to sea.
One sugestion is to leave the seaweed washed up on the beaches in the winter as this helps to stabilise the sand. Be prepared for a bit of a pong as it rots down if they do.
Tuesday 13 September
The Cannes council meeting yesterday went on for so long that even the people in the pubic gallery were given sandwiches to keep them going.
Monday 12 September
Great weather forecast for this week. The Mougins Food Festival takes place 16-18 September.
The Boat Show closed yesterday and there are at least two very happy exhibitors - two yachts of 37m and 43m
were sold at the show.
Sunday 11 September
Last day of the Boat Show. Flags will be flown at half mast in memory of 9/11.
Saturday 10 September
Support the ban on Shark Finning
Friday 9 September
For men only! The Sweetness centre, impasse de la Bergerie, is a spa excusively for men. It offers everything from hammam, massage, spa, power plate and yoga to a host of facial and body treatments. including nails and hair removal. They will even, by appointment, visit your yacht, hotel room or home for treatments. Stressed out guys take note.
Thursday 8 September
E-type Jaguar lovers are in for a treat on 10 September. Eighty E-types from the 1950s to today will parade along the Croisette and rue d'Antibes from 11.30am. They will then be on show in the grounds of the Grand Hotel from 12.30pm.
Wednesday 7 September
The town centre of Cannes will be closed off for the G20 from midnight 31 October till 4pm 4 November to everyone except those with badges. If a non-delegate and staying at a hotel in the centre, check to ensure the hotel has obtained a badge for you.
The French government is flip - flopping around with its taxation plans. Having backed off taxing theme parks, it now proposes to levy a new tax on hotels four star and above. The two percent per night tax on rooms costing above 200 euros is causing a real row. The Alpes-Maritimes has 93 hotels 4* and above, with 25 five star hotels.
Tuesday 6 September
Weather great, beaches virtually kid free; supermarket wine fairs starting - so stock up; Cannes Boat Show starts today; Italian train staff on strike so no trains between Menton and Vintimille today; if you have a home in Cannes briefings take place this week concerning restrictions on access in town centre during the G20.
Monday 5 September
Due to the presidential elections next year, the Film Festival will now take place 16-27 May 2012 - a week later than expected.
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place 24-27 May as well. So, if thinking of coming for eiher event, it is best to book as early as poss. Things will be hectic.
Sunday 4 September
Everything is well in hand for the Cannes Boat Show which starts on Tuesday. This year entrance fee is 18 euros but well worth it, if you like boats. There will be 500 boats from 3-50 meters in the Old Port and 50 yachts from 22-50m at Port Canto. Do take the free shuttle boat between the two for a great view of Cannes from the sea. This year you will be allowed to leave and return at lunchtime if you want to eat in town, otherwise food at the show is by renowned traiteurs Effigy.
Friday 2 September
Many restaurants throughout France, including some "top tables", take part in Tous au Restaurant - a gastronomic week when participating restaurants cut their prices to encourage people to dine out. Bookings can be made from 7 September for the week 19-25 September. See www.tousaurestaurant.com Click on the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur geographical region.
Thursday 1 September
There were 39 people killed on the roads of the Alpes Maritimes between January and end of July this year despite the proliferation of radars. Some people are arguing that the state is placing them where they will make the most money instead of at danger spots. The busiest radar (see right) is on the A8, direction Menton, at the Las Platanas tunnel - 90km/h -which is one of the longest tunnels in France. It averages 245 flashes a day and is the ninth "busiest" in France. In the Var, the radar at Adrets-de-l'Esterel on the A8, direction Cannes, flashes an average of 338 times a day and comes second in France.
Photo Nice Matin.
Wednesday 31 August
The vendange has started and 2011 looks like being an excellent year. There are three vineyards in the Cannes area - Abbey of the Iles de Lerins, Pibonson at Mougins and Barbossi at Mandelieu.
Prices start from 12 euros a bottle at Barbossi but expect to pay 18 euros plus for the others.
Tuesday 30 August
C'est la rentree. The hordes have gone back home to work and school. The heatwave has broken but it is a glorious 27 degrees with clear blue skies and plenty of space on the beaches. Jump a plane or a train to enjoy Cannes this coming month.
Monday 29 August
The French government has announced belt tightening tax rises to combat the deficit. Key points include a rise in alcohol and cigarette prices, a new tax on fizzy drinks and a rise in VAT on theme park tickets. Well, that should please tourists coming to France which has already fallen behind Spain in tourist numbers and has Italy snapping at its
Sunday 28 August
No news but here are some questions.
Where is Mrs Gaddafi? She should be telling her husband to give up.
Where has the word obumma gone?
Where have all the food and medicines gone which were found in Tripoli?
What is Power Outage?
Saturday 27 August
Last weekend for clubbers at the two mega summer nightclubs of Cannes - the Palais (closing party Sunday) and Gotha (tonight).
Feeling a bit past the clubbing thing... try Les Dunes restaurant on the Croisette tonight for dancing, with or without dinner.
Weather glorious so hit the beaches but if thinking of touring be careful. There are forest fire warnings out for the Esterel.
Wednesday 24 August
The liberation of Cannes took place today 67 years ago and to commemorate it the town turns the clock back to the 1940s. Sherman tanks, jeeps and a host of other vehicles plus hundreds of people dressed in clothes of the period will parade through the town from 5pm. Bands, including 15 Scottish pipers, will also be playing. There is a camp at the stade des Hesperides at Palm Beach. The last of this summer's fireworks also takes place tonight at 10pm and the winners of the 2011 competition will be announced. This will be followed by music and dancing - 40s style - at the bandstand in the allees de la Liberte at 10.30pm.
The town will be heaving with visitors so bag your parking place early and book the restaurant too.
Tuesday 23 August
Russian Art Festival kicks off today with ballet. The programme for the five days includes opera, films, a dinner and show, and free exhibitions plus Russian folk dance and songs in front of the Palais. Tickets range from 12 to 150 euros depending on the event. Tickets available FNAC or 04 92 98 62 77
The opera is The Tsar's Bride by Rimsky-Korsakov, see left
Monday 22 August
Free cinema tonight in front of the Palais des Festivals. The film is The Social Network, the story of Facebook - BUT it is being shown in French. Free entry also for the Russian concert at the church, Notre Dame de Bon Voyage, Square Merimee at 9pm.
The summer fairground at the west end of La Bocca is offering all attractions at just one euro each from 24-28 August.
Sunday 21 August
Phew what a scorcher! 35 degrees C in the shade in centre of Cannes
Sat
urday 20 August
Too hot for news. Here are some useful and useless phrases in French. La route à l'enfer est pavée de bonne intentions. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Easy but don't forget the verb "paver" has to agree with feminine word "route". also all French words ending in "tion" are feminine.
Faire sa traversée du désert. To go through a bad time. It refers to Moses leading the Jews from Egypt to the promised land.
Parler français comme une vache espagnole. Speak French like a Spanish cow, in other words speak French badly. Originally the phrase was "parler français comme un Basque espagnole". Insulting to the Basque people!
Friday 19 August
If you have any energy left after today's scorcher, how about a pleasant dinner at Place Bellevue, Le Cannet (see left), where you can listen to classical music played by pianist Fabien Parisato.
Or go Italian at Casa Mia, rue Marceau, Cannes where before or after dinner you can retire the the first floor bar and enjoy music by a resident DJ.
Thursday 18 August
Free concert tonight by France's very own 90s boy band, Alliage. Gather at the market place in La Bocca at 9pm.
Or you can join the masses on the beach at the Palais in central Cannes for Electro Plage from 6.30pm, eight euros entry.
Wednesday 17 August
Need to spend a penny? No need in Cannes, the public loos are free. And it is against the law to tip the loo attendant known as les dames pipi. There are six free public lavs in town - Croisette, Forville, gare maritime, Roseraie, Noga and Bijou Plage.
Tuesday 16 August
I never knew - so probably you won't - that a bye-law of Cannes says diving and jumping off the pontoons moored off the Croisette beach is not allowed. Well, you live and learn.
Monday 15 August
National holiday today, Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Following the Mass at Chapelle Notre-dame-de-Vie, Mougins, a project was launched today by the Mayor of Mougins to renovate the church, including restoring the paintwork to its original colour. Electrical lighting inside and out, woodwork repair and painting restauration will also be carried out.
Cost will be nearly a million euros and contributions gratefully received.
You think Cannes is busy. Today a further 8,700 passengers from three cruise liners disembark. Some will use the day to visit Nice and Monaco but many will explore Cannes and eat and drink at the many cafes and restaurants and enjoy the hot weather forecast.
Friday 12 August
Do be extra vigilant if you you like to sit on the sand in the early hours of the morning. The clean up teams start at 1.30am and the large machines which clean and turn over the sand all along the 7km of Cannes beaches can be dangerous. The drivers often find groups of young people sitting on the sand in the dark, especially between 4-5am.
Thursday 11 August
Word is that the new owner of the Carlton Hotel is to extend and refurbish this five star - but no longer "palace" - hotel. As one guest put it "the rooms are shabby but the restaurants are still great". It will be the last of the famous Cannes' hotels to be updated.
If you like Spanish music, book a restaurant at the place Bellevue, Le Cannet for tomorrow evening. El Rubio, a singer /guitarist, will be playing and you will be able to dance to his music - but not perhaps as well as photo right!
Wednesday 10 August
Silly season news! Many parking wardens have out of date forms to deal with the recent rise in fines from 11 to 17 euros so they are correcting the amount by hand. IF they do not put their signature at the side of the correction the penalty notice is invalid and you can escape payment. Do check with the police before ignoring the notice.
More than three million French people have joined the internet for the first time this year bringing the total to 73% of the population - the rise is due to a large number of silver surfers using the web.
Tuesday 9 August
The Pantiero festival start tomorrow night - tickets cost 20 euros each or 50 euros for the four concerts. This year the Pantiero celebrates its tenth anniversary. Pantiero prides itself on presenting to the public some of the best unkown live bands in the world. Tomorrow sees La Femme, Action Beat, Battles, and GaBle - from rock to punk folk pop - on stage. Pictured right is English band Action Beat.
Monday 8 August
Temperatures inland are expected to reach into the 30s today so be careful. But on the coast a pleasant 28 degrees by contrast.
Bit of a campaign going on in the local rag, Nice Matin, about banning smoking on beaches. If you do smoke use an ashtray - you can buy portable ones in local tabacs - or put your fag ends in the bins as you leave the beach. Do not bury them in the sand please.
Sunday 7 AugustThe local fish farm, which can be seen from the coast road between Cannes and Golfe Juan, produces 350 tonnes of fish each year. You can buy it in the supermarkets - look out for "Bar, eleve a Cannes" but it cannot be bought at Forville market which only sells wild fish. Bar is sea bass by the way.
Saturday 6 August
In the unlikely event you are a visitor from Cyprus stranded in Monaco, you will be able to contact former boss of Easyjet, Stelios Haji-loannou, newly appointed Consul to Monaco
Bet you thought he was Greek!
The Bonnard Museum, Le Cannet, open since June has welcomed its 20,000th visitor.
Friday 5 August
New rules regarding the replacement of radar warning boards on the roads mean they will be replaced with electronic panels that display your speed BUT you will not now know where the radars are. The first on the A8 motorway has gone up near the tunnel Las Planas, north Nice. The radar is only a few meters after it and the speed limit here is 90kph.
Thursday 4 August
Showtime - free concert at La Bocca marketplace, 9pm tonight, by Patrick Sebastien (very famous in France) and the Rene Coll orchestra.
Probably not somewhere to find cougars - women of a certain age seeking younger men (known as toyboys in English and les lionceaux in French).
Wednesday 3 August
Plage Electroniques tonight on the Palais des Festivals beach. From 6.30pm till midnight, 8 euros each.
This weekend, Friday till Monday, you have the chance to see a Provencal party - La Fete de la St-Sauveur - throughout the old town of Le Suquet, with a few modern twists thrown in.
Tuesday 2 August
Just after nightfall this evening an extra fireworks display - thanks to a wealthy chap celebrating his birthday on the Martinez beach.
Jazz at Domergue starts Wednesday but the first two evenings are fully booked. Want to go Friday or Saturday? I'd rush off to FNAC on rue d'Antibes to book asap.
Monday 1 August
Bit of a barney going on between certain holidaymakers and a couple of private beaches, notably Festival and C Beach, according to the local paper. Some new rules, such as priority for sunbeds to those reserving lunch, the prized front row of sunbeds being pre- booked, no children allowed, disrespectful staff using "tu" instead of "vous", are causing problems with former regulars at these beaches.
Sunday 31 July
Yes, it's certainly busy today, what with new arrivals for their August holiday and two cruise liners disgorging expectant passengers. Shops and restaurants, now more frequently open on a Sunday, will be busy with the chink of euros and the thud of credit cards.Sun is trying to come out but it is warm, about 24 degrees.
Saturday 30 July
This is the busiest weekend on the roads of France as the cross over of July and August holidaymakers takes place. So be careful..
This afternoon at 4.30pm there is a free parade of circus animals and other circus displays by Cirque Arlette-Gruss at Cabris, north of Grasse. Cabris is a lovely village with some excellent restaurants.
This evening in Grasse, bd du Jeu Ballon, from 8.30pm there is a free jazz concert with the Shaker Swing trio.
Friday 29 July
It's that time again. Yes, free fireworks on the Croisette at 10 o'clock tonight. France is represented by
Pyragric Industries who won the gold cup in 1999. Their challenge is to beat Britain who had its show a week ago. Displays and the music - tonight it's performed by Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti - are judged by a panel of notables and the results are announced after the last show.
The Portruguese are here on 7 August.
Thursday
28 July
It's smart to park a Smart car.
Parking tickets go up from 11€ to 17€
on the first of August for the whole of France.
The last time they went up was in 1986.
Remember it's free to park between 12pm and 2pm in Cannes.
Wednesday 27 July
Cool and wet this morning. Want to amuse the kids? Les Arcades cinema has the latest Harry Potter film in English at 2pm and 4.30pm. Or, between downpours, you can nip out to La Castre museum top of Le Suquet or pop into La Malmaison, on the Croisette, to experience the world of Moya (see left).
Monday 25 July
The Cannes Tourist Bus welcomes tourists and locals alike. For 29 euros you have drinks and fun on board as you travel from Cannes to Monaco stopping off at bars and discos along the way, entry fees included. You leave from Sparkling, rue des Freres Pradignac, at 10pm every Friday and Saturday. Reservations essential at Step shop, 4 rue du Commandant Andre, tel 07 77 20 88 25.
Great way to make friends. The idea comes from Australia.
Charley's, 5 rue du Suquet, opens at 5pm but hots up from 11pm and is open until 2.30am. DJs and dancing every night.
Beats paying 25 euros for entry to the super clubs of Cannes
Sunday 24 July
News from London
Amy Winehouse was found dead in her Camden home on 23 July, aged 27. She was a pop star with the usual drink and drugs problem. Underneath her beehive hair and plastic earrings, Amy attracted millions of her fans with songs performed with depth and passion.
Saturday 23 July
Well it did take place on Friday night and although the numbers were down the show by the English team,
First Galaxy was a huge success resulting in applause and a cavalcade of appreciative hooting from the boats and ships in the bay.
Friday 22 July
Fireworks last night canceled due to wind earlier in the day - might have helped those of us waiting if it had been announced.
They will now take place tonight at 10pm in the Bay of Cannes.
Thursday 21 July
Fly the flag tonight if you are British and support the team from Nottinghamshire which is putting on the fireworks display at 10pm in the Bay of Cannes. Do stand for the national anthem, it's a tradition here - no matter which country is in the limelight. Lee Smith of First Galaxy Fireworks says the fireworks will dance to the music, which ranges from Prokofiev to Gene Kelly and David Bowie. He hopes it will get the crowds dancing too. The Brits won the Vestale gold prize for the competition back in 2002.
Big night for clubbers: Hotel 3.14 rooftop, Silence Party (you wear headphones) 7pm till 2am, entry free but do reserve 0492997200
Les Marches has a Garden Party; Le Night, gay club, Tropical Night Party; Palais Club, Afrojack; Gotha Club, Paris Hilton official party.
Wednesday 20 July
Hope you weren't caught up in the 13 km traffic jam on the motorway between Antibes and St Laurent du Var yesterday. The rain made hundreds of cars head for the giant shopping centre CAP 3000... or try to. Up to 15cm of snow closed the road at the col de la Bonnette in the Alps. But great weather today and the outlook is good so back to the beach.
Tonight from 6.30pm is Electro Plage on the beach at Palais des Festivals, 8 euros entry.
Mark Ronson at the Palais Club from 11pm and Martin Solveig at Gotha Club from midnight, both from 25 euros entry.
Tuesday 19 July
Storms throughout the Alpes Maritimes - take care!
Monday 18 July
New water fun for all ages at plage Mourre Rouge, Palm Beach - called Stand Up Paddle(SUP) - is a great success. Just a board and a paddle, it costs from 8 euros for 30 minutes to 400 euros a week.
It was, of course, invented in Hawaii and is now a popular sport and is a surfing addition.
Some even use it to go out fishing!
Clubbers may like to know that Snoop Dogg is appearing at the Gotha Club tonight and Drake at the Palais Club tomorrow
Sunday 17 July
The four star Gray d'Albion hotel shows off its green credentials with a summer art exhibition by Nicola Rosini di Santi of recycled tyres. It can be seen on the first floor until 15 August at the hotel in rue des Serbes. The hotel also has beehives on the roof and will be serving its own hotel honey in the not too distant future. The bar and restaurant are well worth a visit by the way.
Saturday 16 July
Not a lot of news today. Most are on the beach and enjoying the hot sun. The police are wandering around checking that holidaymakers in town are appropriately dressed - no swimwear please this is not the Costas.
More cars because this is the time for the French to take their holidays and during August too - juilliettiste are said to let the side down by leaving their hard-working colleagues in their offices and returning to empty offices when they have nothing to do.
The British prefer September.
Friday 15 July
The Bay of Cannes was turned into a lake by the hundreds of boats, yachts and ferries that ringed the bay to see the fireworks. The weather was pefect and the fireworks glorious. The war between heaven and hell, the angels (white and gold) and demons (red), was awesome. As in all good stories, the angels won with a finale in glittering white that used all available space in the bay. You can always tell how appreciated a display is by the loudness and length of time the ships' sirens blast out. The Spanish did well and have set the bar high.
But just to nitpick - not so sure the music and cerebral display matched the party mood of the public.
The English next week, 21 July.
Thursday 14 July
Bastille Day... and Cannes lights up. At 10pm the first of the summer fireworks' festival takes place with the Spanish lighting the touch paper of the competition. The theme for this evening is the battle between heaven and hell with music from films and in particular by John Williams of Star Wars fame. The firework display has been specially created for Cannes. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are expected.
After the fireworks there will be dancing at Les Allees de la Liberte and at Place de la Castre in Le Suquet from 10.30pm. At 11pm there is a free organ recital in the Notre Dames de Bon Voyage church. And, if you've still got the energy, at midnight the Gotha club at the Palm Beach Casino opens with Bob Sinclar, entry from 25 euros.
Tuesday 12 July
The new Cannes hospital has been given an A rating (very good) for its A&E care of children. Hospital Pierre Nouveau, also in Cannes, gets an A for children and B (good) for adult A&E. This survey was carried out by the French weekly magazine L'Express.
Monday 11 July
Cannes is reportedly the 10th most expensive place in Europe for hotel rooms. This is according to a German online booking service. Geneva comes out top with London in third place at an average 205 euros for a double room. Cannes comes in at an average of 156 euros but local tourist guru thinks this is "a little high". It could, however, be due to the fact that 58% of Cannes' hotel rooms are in four and five star hotels.
There are also nearly 2000 hotel rooms in two and three star establishments in town which charge much less than the average reported in this survey.
Sunday 10 July
Just arrived for a great holiday in Cannes... take care not to overdose on the sun in the first few days, drink lots of water or fruit juices and wear a hat. Two peskie nuisances are the jelly fish and the mosquitoes. Cannes has jellyfish barriers, that do work, at some of its public beaches. Take care in the evenings to avoid mosquito bites - pop into a pharmacie for a repellant.
Saturd
ay 9 July
Tomorrow is the last edition after 168 years of News of the World.
It is unlikely you will be able to buy it in Cannes,
although 2m extra copies will be printed
Friday 8 July
The horse racing summer season kicks off tonight at the Hippodrome, Cagnes sur Mer. First race starts at 8.30pm and there are six races - trotting. The firework display is at 11pm. Lots of fun for all the family.
In case you thought the earth moved last night - it did! There was an earthquake - 5.3 on the Richter scale - at 9.21 last night that was felt from Marseille to Menton and especially on Corsica. The epicentre was 192km south of Nice and 100km west of Ajaccio.
Thursday 7 July
The opening of the Reinhoud sculpture exhibition
took place last night at Villa Domergue.
The place was full of scoffers and imbibers.
Mutton was dressed as lamb.
Mutton was dressed as mutton and
lamb was dressed as lamb - very cannoise.
Wednesday 6
July
Your smartphone can be used as a tourist guide. Mougins tourist office has introduced an “E-Stroll” for visitors to its old village.
Having scanned the QR (quick response code) with your smartphone at the tourist office you can then walk around the village reading the information and hearing commentary at 22 places of interest including five museums.
Follow in the steps of artists Picasso and Man Ray, poet Paul Elouard, Belgian singer/songwriter Jacques Brel as well as famous designer Christian Dior and master chef Roger Vergé.
In addition you can learn about restaurants, hotels, parking facilities and local events. Make the most of your visit to Mougins, centre for gastronomy and the arts.