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Cannes Local News
 
Please contact us if there is any local news which you feel everyone should know about!
 
 
Monday 6 September
Major strike tomorrow: very, very few buses and trains will be operating.
Avoid Nice where a huge march is planned and the tram service suspended.  Bring back Maggie!
 
Sunday 5 September
 
 
 
Poker enthusiasts should head to the Palm Beach casino, Cannes, where 720 players from all over the world are competing to win three million euros - with one million to the outright winner. If you want to watch the best poker players in the world just pop into the casino to watch from above.
 
 
 
 
Saturday 4 September
 
Introduced by cultural councillor Eric Harson the mayor, Bernard Brochand, yesterday opened an exhibition at the Archive centre featuring English, Russian and Italian former residents of Cannes.  From Lord Brougham who arrived in 1835, he charted the expansion of the town with knowledge and wit.  He said: "At one stage it was almost a British colony.  They even created a race course from Cannes to Le Cannet and back where the Avenue Carnot now stands."
The exhibition at 18 rue Docteur Calmette lasts until next June and is open free every week day from 1.30pm to 5pm.
 
Friday 3 September
New jazz venue opens tonight in Cannes - the Cotton Club in the basement of the Auberge Provencale restaurant, 10 rue St Antoine, in Le Suquet. The club will be open every Friday and Saturday evening from 7pm. The Jean Claude Mencaglia trio is the resident band. There will also be guest stars appearing such as Marcus Miller in November.
 
 
Wednesday 1 September
 
 
The monks of Ile St Honorat began this year's grape picking yesterday.  The seven hectares, with four types of red grapes and three of rose, can produce 45,000 bottles.  On 25 August la Vigne de Pibonson in Mougins started on their 1.13 hectares which will result in 8,000 bottles.
 
 
Tuesday 31 August
Last chance to see the Dali exhibition at Valbonne, Galerie Loumani, place de l'Eglise - closes Sunday.
 
Be warned: national strike in France 7 September!
 
Sunday 29 August
 
Late bus services, A B C D E , return to normal tomorrow taking over from special summer schedules.
 
 
 
Saturday 28 August
The second Apple Store in France after the one in Paris, opened today until 9pm.  Take 200 bus from Cannes.
 
Amboise Aubrun, vilolinist, plays Tchaikovsky, Faure, Kreisler, and Grieg.
11am at Majestic Barriere, concert and cocktail for 20 euros,
concert, cocktail and brunch for 67 euros.
 
 
 
Friday 27 August
Tourism in the Alpes-Maritimes has bounced back this year with a rise of six per cent for May to August.  The big spenders have returned with the five star hotels profiting most. There has been an increase of 59% in Middle East visitors; American tourism 19% up; Scandinavians 20%; and Austrians 50%. There has been a 35% uplift in the number of Australians, Russians, Asians and south Americans.  But, according to the figures from the "county council", a drop of 11% of British visitors despite the improvement in the pound euro exchange.
 
Thursday 26 August
 
Hailed by the New York Times as today's "most brilliant Russian choreographer"
don't miss tomorrow's performance of Onegin,
by the Boris Eifman's Ballet Theatre of St Petersburg.
It begins at 8.30pm at the the Palais des Festivals.
Tickets from 10-34 euros. 
 
Ring 04 92 99 33 83.
 
 
Tuesday 24 August

 

See the free firework display (non-competition)          Final firework display for 2010 is New Year's Eve

by Feerie of France at 10pm from the Croisette,

preceded by announcement of the winners

of the firework competition. 

 
 
Monday 23 August
Summer ends!  At least according to Nice Matin which no longer produces its summer insert, Ete, chronicling the sunbathing and celebrity party goings on in St Tropez.  Now you can read about the forthcoming academic year and the price of pencils.  Sudoku and the crossword puzzle remain to test one's intelligence and knowledge of French.
 
Saturday 21 August
 
Mega line up in Cannes for the Russian Festival which starts on Monday. The Russian president's wife, Svetlana Medvedeva (see left), is attending together with the Russian minister of culture and the country's ambassader to France and Monaco. At a dinner-show on Tuesday costing 150 euros you can also expect to see Prince Albert ll of Monaco and his fiance, as well as Charles Aznavour.
And I only bought tickets for the ballet!
 
 Never mind, tonight at 9pm, you can experience for free, musicians from the Festival of Young Russian Art in St George's Chapel, 23 avenue du Roi Albert.  Don't miss it because this church is rarely open except for Christmas and Easter.
 
 
Wednesday 18 August
 
Disappointing concert tonight at Villa Domergue.  American blues singer Denia Ridley performed well but her choice of songs were repetitive and didn't show her at her best.  Entertainment for the evening was provided by talented pianist Marc Devine and the witty playing of bass player Marc Peillon.
 
PS Well, no - it wasn't a shark but a dead dolphin floating by that put the sea off limits a couple of days ago.
 
Tuesday 17 August
 

 

Well, was it or was it not a shark that led to the sea being off limits to bathers yesterday from Cagnes to Villeneuve? Or was it a dolphin? No one knows but they do know it was injured and expect to find its body later in the week. Better safe than sorry. There are great whites and blue sharks in the Mediterranean especially around Sicily. The increasing numbers of dolphins in the bay of Nice could be attracting the sharks.

The beaches should reopen this morning.

 

 

Monday 16 August

Last night's fireworks in Cannes were postponed due to rough seas.  The fireworks, the last in competition, will take place tonight instead at 10pm.

The final firework show of the season will be on 24 August when the winners of the Vestale d'Or will be announced.

 

 
Thursday 12 August
 
Two liners visiting Cannes today,
Thomson Destiny, 1606 passengers (7am-4.30pm)
and Aida Vita, 1582 passengers (8am-5pm).
 
 
Tuesday 10 August
La Napoule-Mandelieu is offering free wifi for internet connection via portable computers and phones - currently to be found at the Chateau beach, nautical centre in Parc Robinson, Esterel Gallery esplanade, and in front of the Tourist Office. As ever in France they don't make it easy.  First you go to www.mandelieu.fr to register. They then send you a personal number. In a free wifi zone select Mandelieu-la-Napoule and enter your special number. You will receive one hour's free access to the internet.  For more just repeat the operation.
 
Sunday 8 August
 
It was 29 July 1981 when by royal command Dame Kiri Te Kanawa sang at the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.  Last night Kiri had not lost command of her beautiful voice and entranced the audience at the Menton Music Festival.  But first things first, she refused to begin until all flash photography was complete - that was her order. From then on, accompanied by accomplished pianist Michael Pollock, she gave fine performances in the forecourt of the Basilica of Mozart, German lieder, French, Spanish and Italian songs including Puccini's Sole e amore.
 
 
Thursday 5 August
 
 
The sky darkened and crashing thunder and lightning followed.
 Hailstones the size of tennis balls descended on Cannes.
 After a short time the sun returned.
 
 Typical August?
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 4 August
We make no bones about it, this web site is clearly a trendsetter. We have featured the Grand Jas cemetery as a must see for visitors to Cannes since we launched.  Now the town council is to make the cemetery an official tourist site. By November 1 this year it will have a map table, informative leaflets and guided tours.  The skeleton staff at the cemetery will be augmented to restore pathways and graves no longer cared for by descendants. See Le Grand Jas
 
Monday 2 August
At first sight this is a right hand drive British car with French plates in the rue d'Antibes.  Can anyone tell me what make it is? Contact US.
 
Don't miss Roger Monkhouse, English comedian, 9pm at Morrisons, 10 rue Teisseire, tel: 06 71 49 82 02.  15 euros if booked before, 20 euros on the door.

'Distinguished as a comic by his eloquence and keen eye for a fine phrase, Roger's easy observational style is spiked by the signal flares of an accomplished gag writer. A supremely confident compere and seasoned corporate host, Roger is happy to improvise freely with a crowd and is at great ease bantering with an audience, but has no shortage of first class observational material in his armoury.'

 
 
 
For clubbers, tonight sees three top DJs in Cannes: David Morales at Palm Beach, Eric Morillo at the Palais Club and RLP at Sparkling For You disco (15 euros).
 Wednesday 28 July
Thursday 29 July 
Even if you look this good in swimwear you must cover up off the beach.
 
Friday 23 July
 
Don't "forget" to buy a train ticket.  Yesterday 100 passengers leaving the train at Juan Les Pins without tickets were fined 31 euros each on the spot.
 
 
 
Thursday 22 July
 
Free car parking for 183 cars is available at the Pointe Croisette, Palm Beach from today. The rebuilt site also includes a map table, a kite surf pad, a pedestrian walkway around the point and a cross. The original cross - long since lost - was the rendezvous point for the monks going to and from Ile St-Honorat and which also gave its name (crouseto in provencal) to the now famous Croisette.
 
 
Wednesday 21 July
 
The second fireworks display in competition takes place at 10pm tonight in Cannes. You can watch from a boat (18 euros pp), private beaches - where you can hire a sunbed - or join the rest of us on the Croisette, the public beaches and high points such as Le Suquet and the Croix de Garde.
 
 
 
 
The Music Festival of Menton is the oldest in France and celebrates 61 years this year with a mega classical line up: free pre festival concert (29 July), nine concerts at the Basilique(9-48 euros), four others at Serre de la Madone(20 euros), 18 young soloist concerts at the chapelle des Penitents blanc(5 euros) and 17 free performances in the square des Etats-Unis plus seven master classes and two dinner concerts(50 and 90 euros).
Festival takes place 31 July to 16 August.
 
 
Monday 19 July
As we all bask in the sun and enjoy ourselves, spare a thought for the 280 homeless people in Cannes and those gallant locals who hand out water, fruit juice, food and sleeping bags on a daily basis. The Mayor has called on neighbouring towns to open up their facilities - normally only available in the winter - to prevent the annual summer migration of homeless people to Cannes.
 
Saturday 17 July
 
It's the busiest weekend on the roads particularly for those travelling from northern France to the cote d'Azur.
Remember France holds the title for the longest traffic jam ever. It was 16 February 1980, from Lyon to Paris, returning from the skiing holidays due to many cars and bad weather, the congestion was 176 kilometers long -109 miles.
 
 
Friday 16 July
 
Holidaymakers planning to fly to or from France next week are facing delays and cancellations because of a strike by air traffic controllers from Tuesday evening (July 20) to Thursday morning (July 22). The Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile, which manages France's airspace, will publish an update on Monday detailing what percentage of flights are cancelled.  Picture and words taken from The Connexion, France's English language newspaper and website.
 
 
Thursday 15 July
Nice Airport is the top airport in France for car hire and represents a staggering 10% of all car hire in France.  Visitors spent 84m euros and hired 345,000 cars last year at the airport.
 
Wednesday 14 July Bastille Day
 
French national day (La Fête National) to celebrate the storming of the Bastille in Paris in 1789.  Public holiday.  Giant free firework display off the Croisette at 10pm.
 
 
 
Saturday 10 July
The pedestrianisation of the rue Hoche, Cannes, is finished.
 
A new, improved night bus service has been launched for the summer in Cannes. No need now for the car or expensive taxis if you want a night out.
 
Tuesday 6 July
The French state is selling off its unwanted treasures.  In Cannes a villa on the beach is attracting a lot of interest - it's almost a wreck but a dream location.  Offers to be put in quickly as the sale is in the next few weeks.  See www.chambres-alpesmaritimes.notaires.fr
 
Now here's a great idea: handbags made from the large advertising toiles hung throughout the year in Cannes.
(see Shopping) Cannes has given 7,000 sq m of PVC toiles which would otherwise be destroyed to an association to recyle into bags and other accessories. www.biogeek.fr
 
Sunday 4 July
The recently appointed chaplain, Reverend Giles Williams - formerly vicar of St John's in Woking - welcomes all to Holy Trinity Church in Cannes at 11 rue de la Buffa.
He is a former missionary in Kigali, Rwanda, co-ordinating the translation of the Bible into Kinya Rwanda which is spoken by seven million people.  It was here he witnessed the build up and the massacre of Tutsis by Hutu death squads. 
See Worship.
 
Saturday 3 July
 
 
Reported by local newspaper Nice Matin, there is a summer library on the public beach in Cannes, called Pages à la plage.  The paper says there will be English books available.  Don't believe all you read in the papers - there are only French books.
 
 
 
Friday 2 July
Summer is finally here. Meteo France is warning of a heatwave on the Cote d'Azur with temperatures climbing daily - the hottest day predicted for next Wednesday. Temperatures inland could reach 35 deg C. Take lots of non alcoholic liquids and cover up on the beach - sunglasses, hats and T-shirts - especially for the old and children who should also avoid being in the sun between 11am and 4pm.
 
 
Tonight sees the opening of the Palm Beach Summer Club with a great line up for July and August at this late night hotspot.  During the day the Pool Beach has daily pool parties around the pool and on the private beach.
 
Thursday 1 July
Today - until 9pm - there are special speed limits due to ozone level warnings:  80km/h on the motorway and 70km/h on secondary roads.
 
Further road confusion in the Alpes Maritimes. The experimental reduction last year of the motorway speed to 110km/h is to be made permanent. Radar warning signs alert drivers that there is a radar control 400 meters away.  This will be maintained for the time being but the department is looking into having controlled zones where the sign will only warn that there are radars anywhere along a two km stretch of road. (Photo: Nice Matin)
 
Wednesday 30 June
Cannes tightens its belt.  Public spending is to be reduced by 5% mainly through the non replacement of every two people out of three taking retirement. The mayor has decided there will be no cuts that could affect tourism and conferences - such as the summer programme including fireworks and the musical activities planned. 
 
Tuesday 29 June
The 60-year-old King of Bahrain who has a family home in Mandelieu and regularly books the Imperial Suite at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, has been taken to hospital in Nice with respiratory problems.
 
Monday 28 June
 
Today, 150 years ago, the Alpes Maritimes department was created
by combining the newly acquired lands of the Comte de Nice and the Grasse region.
Cannes was originally part of the Var department - and the River Var was then the frontier with Italy.
 
 
 
Sunday 27 June
 
 
David Lisnard, first assistant to Bernard Brochand, mayor of Cannes,
would be very happy to welcome the G20 summit to the town next year.
 
 
 
Saturday 26 June
The first gay "marriage" has taken place at Cannes Mairie.
 
Thursday 24 June
 
 
Getting your message across via a sandcastle.
 
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 23 June
 
 
Bus and train strike tomorrow in Cannes as part of a national day of action in France.
 
 
 
 
 
Tuesday 22 June
 
Todd Herman (centre) from Edmonton, Canada,
voted the world's greatest salesperson, during OgilvyOne's
seminar at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.
Eric Polins from Tampa, USA, came second followed by Lee Abbas from Japan.
 
 
 
Monday 21 June
 
 
The first day of summer, the Feast of Ste Demetrie,
is celebrated throughout France with music.
At 8.30pm Fred Chapellier, guitarist, performs with others
at the bandstand on the Pantiero.
 
 
 
Sunday 20 June
 
Opening day of Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival
 
 
 
 
 
Saturday 19 June
The less said about yesterday the better - well done, Algeria!
 
 
Le Suquet flower festival today and tomorrow.
                                                      
Home and garden exhibition on the Pantiero until Monday - entry 5€.
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 18 June
 
 
England versus Algeria may be watched at 8.30pm
on the big screen at The Quays, Morrisons and the Kingdom.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday 17 June
 
Walk along the Croisette today and observe the giant fashion photographs.
They will also be seen in the Rue d'Antibes and the Palm Beach Casino.
At the end of August prizes will be awarded to the best works of 90 photographers.
 
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 16 June 
 
40,000 fans of Australian mega band AC/DC will head to Nikaia in Nice tonight for the concert - expect chaos on the roads from 2pm.  Many roads in Nice will be closed to traffic. Allow lots of time if heading to the airport.
 
 
Today sees a new two euro coin go into circulation featuring de Gaulle in the BBC studios in front of a microphone making his first broadcast to the French in 1940 from London.
 
Monday 14 June
 
In the woods around the Cannes Hospital men from the town hall are cutting the undergrowth to minimise the risk of fire which is always a potential danger in the hot summer months.  The new hospital buildings will officially open next year.
 
 
 
Today Nice celebrates 150 years since it became part of France.  Previously it belonged to Italy, the border being the River Var.  In 1860, King Immanuel III of Sardinia concluded a treaty with Napoleon III, under which he gave Nice to France in exchange for the military and financial support of the French.
 
Tuesday 8 June
This year's Cannes Film Festival, which costs 20m euros to stage, generated 250m euros for the region.
It created 3,200 jobs and there were 94,000 hotel nights booked.
And, no! I don't know how they work these things out.
 
Sunday 6 June
 
Stone Alone in St Paul - An exhibition of photos from the Bill Wyman archive 1966 to 2010
Bill Wyman says: "Having moved to the South of France in April 1971, I fell in love with St  Paul de Vence on my first visit. It gives me great pleasure to act as Curator for the exhibition 'Stone Alone in St Paul', and open a small window of my time spent in this wonderful village through the years."
Open from today until 30 September
Thursday 3 June
The French government is set to raise parking meter fines from 11 euros to 20 and France's motorists are up in arms. Each town in the Alpes-Maritimes has slightly different rules. For example, in Cannes you are given a few minutes grace but in Cagnes sur Mer you get no leeway. Cannes and Menton have free two hour (12-2pm) parking at meters at lunchtime but not elsewhere on the Cote d'Azur. Double parking in Cagnes and Nice will land you a 35 euro fine. Parking meters operate until 7pm normally but in Nice it is 8pm. The only town with free parking on the seafront is Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. One good thing to report is that all parking meter fines go to the town and must be spent on road improvements. Cannes does not separate out parking meter fines but all motoring fines raised 3.9 million euros in 2008!
 
Tuesday 1 June
 
The Blue flag has been hoisted at four public beaches in Cannes this year - Bijou, Gazagnaire, Mace and les Rochers in La Bocca. The flag means the water is of the highest quality for bathing and the town will be carrying out daily tests and posting the results for all to see at each beach.
 
 
Sunday 30 May
 
 
Today is Mothering Sunday in France.
Cannes is heaving and there is a large liner in port. 
 
 
 
Friday 28 May
 
Nothing to do with Cannes but what a great achievement! 

American daredevil balloonist Jonathan R. Trappe lands in a field near Dunkirk, becoming the first person to cross the Channel by helium balloon. He set off from Kent Gliding Club near Ashford at 6.00 this morning and made it to the north of France in four hours, gliding at up to 11,000ft.

The Connexion weekly newsletter - May 28 to June 3

Thursday 27 May
 
Throughout the fields surrounding Grasse the roses are being harvested for the perfume industry. Rosa Centifolia is particular to the area and is known as the Provence rose or the Rose de mai - known in England as a cabbage rose. It is highly scented and usually pink - and flowers once, in May. It produces a clear, sweet fragrance with light notes of honey. The best quality costs 250 euros for 10ml extract of the rose and is used in perfumes by Dior and Chanel in particular. It is also used for soaps, creams, candles and jams
 
 
Monday 24 May
The winner of the 2010 Palme d'or is Thai director Apichatpong Weerasekathul (what a job for the engraver!) for his film Uncle Boonmee.
Overall, the Cannes Film Festival lived up to its reputation for showcasing world cinema.
The Brits' films were well received and Mike Leigh received glowing reviews. The others were Ken Loach and Stephen Frears.
 
Sunday 23 May
 
Tonight the winner of the Palme d'or will be announced.  The famous trophy was created in 1998 by Swiss jewellers Chopard. The block of rock crystal, cut in the form of a diamond, is mounted with an 18 carat gold palm leaf, the base of which forms a heart - the symbol of Chopard. It is engraved with the name of the winner just a short time before it is presented.
 
 
Friday 21 May 
This weekend is a holiday in France with a Bank Holiday Monday. Expect heavy traffic.
 
British Airways cabin crew go on strike from Monday until June 9 in five day blocks: London City and Gatwick we understand are not affected but Heathrow is so check if your flight is operational by going to the
British Airways website.
 
Thursday 27 May is a French national strike day against the proposed pension and retirement age changes by the government.
Take note that the train strike starts 8pm on 26 May and trains will not be operating normally until at least 8am Friday 28 May.
 
 
 
Thursday 20 May
Rolling Stone Mick Jagger was in town last night for the showing of the documentary he co-produced: Stones in Exile.
He created quite a stir.
 
 
 
The 7,000 muslims who live in Cannes can look forward to a new mosque which will be built in La Bocca.
 
Tuesday 18 May
The original metal cross, crouseto in Provencal, disappeared many years ago but a new plinth and cross is being erected at the end of the new car park at Palm Beach.  The original cross was used by the monks on Ile St Honorat to guide them to shore.  La crouseto is the origin of the name of the Croisette, Cannes' famous promenade.
 
Monday 17 May
 
 
A new circular pad is being built on the Palm Beach car park
for the many kite surfers who use this part of the beach.
Local residents feared it was for a helicopter landing pad.
 
 
 
Sunday 16 May
The Guide Gantie 2010 has been launched.  This is the "Michelin" of the Cote d'Azur and has 800 recommended restaurants in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, with a new section this year called Sage - restaurants that provide excellent quality at a sensible price. Rising star in Cannes is La Table du Chef, who is Bruno Gensdarme.  The guide costs 22 euros in English and includes places to stay.
 
 
Cannes is set to woo more tourists with the slogan "The city is yours" combined with the simple message
"we want you".
 
Saturday 15 May
 
 
More than 1000 private planes will land at Cannes Mandelieu and Nice Airport this weekend due to the Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.  All TGVs to Paris tomorrow evening are full, by the way.
Bookings are already being taken for next year's Grand Prix.
 
 
Friday 14 May
Hotels full up and restaurants fully booked this weekend what with the film festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.  You can still escape to the bread festival in Antibes, free museums Saturday night and a fishing and aquatic sports exhibition at the Hippodrome at Cagnes-sur-Mer all weekend.
 
Thursday 13 May
Tonight sees the opening of the Beach Cinema, plage Mace, at 9.30pm and the film is the classic From Here to Eternity. It is free - deckchairs provided - and it is open for the duration of the festival with both out of competition offically selected films as well as classics (great oldies).
 
Last night England won and France came second, at least in Robin Hood which opened the Cannes Film Festival.  How Russell Crowe, playing Robin, finished up on a Pembroke beach fighting invading French forces - who appeared in D-Day like landing craft - is somewhat different from the traditional tale.  Disguised as a knight and swinging a hefty sword there was also Cate Blanchett playing the feisty Maid Marian.
This film is a great night out - lots of arrows finding their mark, an evil king, treacherous noblemen, all very loosely and wonderfully based on a legend.  Don't miss it. 
See one review
See opening day at Cannes Film Festival.
 
Wednesday 12 May
 
Kristin Scott Thomas, 47 year old British actress, who starred in Four Weddings and and a Funeral, and Russell Crowe, born in New Zealand, star of the latest Robin Hood open the Film Festival today.
 
 
 
Monday 10 May
The authorities are predicting there will be no problems with flights into Nice and the Cannes-Mandelieu private airport later this week for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.  The current inclement weather is said to be clearing the skies of volcanic ash.
 
Like many other top hotels in Cannes, the Palais Stephanie has completed its refit, costing 38 million euros, in time for the film festival. This is fitting for a refurbishment that pays hommage to the film festival:  from its foyer with a huge palme d'or to the marriage of black and white film clips and ultra modern decor in many of the rooms and suites. It will now be looking to gain that coveted fifth star on its doors.
 
 
Sunday 9 May
A new restaurant, costing nearly three million euros, opened yesterday in Le Cannet called Villa Archange, rue Notre Dames des Anges. It is owned by Bruno Oger who was a double Michelin starred chef when he worked at the Hotel Majestic in Cannes.  It consists of the l'Ange bar with terrace, le Bistrot des Anges with a set menu of 29 euros - both with space for 170 people - and a gastronomic restaurant, la Villa Archange, with 26 covers. The latter, which will be chasing an early Michelin star, is fully booked until 24 May.
Reservations: 04 92 18 18 28 or reservations@bruno-oger.com
 
Friday 7 May
Speed artist Jean-Pierre Blanchard amazed guests at the opening of the biennial art exhibition at Theoule-sur-Mar by completing a picture in three minutes. Echoes of Rolf Harris?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday 6 May (Britain goes to the polls)
The big clean up is under way in Cannes. Millions of euros worth of damage have been identified including the devastation wreaked on Quai Laubeuf and the total destruction of the access to the heliport - used by many of the celebrities due in for the film festival. Hundreds of workers have been brought in to ensure Cannes is looking its best for the Film Festival, especially on the private beaches which host many of the parties held at the festival.  Two beaches - Soleil and the Dunes - which are usually severely damaged by storms have hardly been touched thanks to the installation by the Mairie of an underwater barrier which acts like a coral reef to protect the Croisette. Sadly, only a quarter of it has been installed but at least this 1.5 million euro scheme has now proved it works.  Other good news is that the special festival tents and the stand for the Canal+ outdoor TV coverage are undamaged. 
 
Great idea! The official celebrations of the 65th anniversary of VE Day in Cannes includes 11 people who
were children then, speaking of their experiences to 150 children the same age they were at the time.
Photographs, newspapers and documents as well as American, French and German military vehicles with
their drivers dressed in authentic outfits will also be on show. Tomorrow 2-5pm at MJC Ferme Giaume,
av Pierre de Coubertin at La Bocca - all welcome.
 
 
Wednesday 5 May
 
Huge seas battered Cannes yesterday just a week before the start of the Film Festival. Beach restaurants, the Croisette, the old port and Quai Laubeuf were devastated. The sea rose up like a mini tidal wave and the six metre high waves pounded everything in their way for four hours. A massive clean up is being undertaken by businesses and the town hall to restore everything in time for the Film Festival.
 
 
 
Tuesday 4 May
A Cannes councillor has called for a demonstration against the showing of the film Hors-la-loi on 21 May at the Cannes Film Festival. The film is about the Algerian war and claims to restore the historical truth about the war.  The councillor claims it "vomits" on France and the French army - I think this better translates in English as "spits". 
 
The summer exhibition not to be missed on the Cote d'Azur this year has just been announced: Giacometti & Maeght
1946-66 from 27 June to 31 October at the Maeght Foundation in St Paul de Vence. L'Homme Qui Marche (see right)
sold for £65 million at Sotheby's, London, in February - a record for a work of art at auction.
 
The Maeght re-opens tomorrow after five months of renovations costing 1.3 million euros.
 
 
Saturday 1 May
 
Lots on this weekend.  Have a look at What's On under May.
 
 
 
 
Thursday 29 April
 
 
Join Andrea at the ninth anniversary of the opening of Irish pub, The Quays, 17 quai St Pierre.
Happy hour 5pm-8pm.  Raffle ticket given after 9pm with each drink purchased.  The prize an electronic surf board?
 
 
 
  
Friday 23 April
 
Happy St George's Day
iWhere is Nice Matin?  It's about time this strike was settled.s
 
 
 
 
 
Avoid the film festival by taking a two-week break in Rome.  New Easyjet route, Nice to Rome, 57.98€ return.
 
 
Thursday 22 April
 
The Rolling Stones will be in Cannes for the pre-world premier of Stones in Exile, a documentary by Stephen Kijak on the making of the Stones' legendary album Exile on Main Street in 1972.  Now regarded as a masterpiece - a blitz of soul, rhythm and blues, and rock'n roll - it is being re-released on May 17 with 10 extra unearthed and previously unheard tracks.
 
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood will be present for the special screening in Cannes.  It is being shown as part of the Festival's Film Directors' Fortnight which includes documentaries and short films.
 
The album was made in the basement studio of Richards' French villa at St Jean Cap Ferrat, Los Angeles and London which  - together with the chemical cocktails they were enjoying at the time - may well explain the "lost" tracks.
                                                                                                                                            Photo, Original LP cover
 
 
Tuesday 20 April
 
Rue Hoche with a variety of shops, restaurants and hardressers will be fully pedestrianised by the end of June.  Cannes central post office is situated half way down.  Queuing for stamps can be avoided if you can understand the change giver and the stamp dispenser machine.
 
 
 
 
Monday 19 April 
 
New bus timetables start today for most Cannes' routes. 
Route 20 - Cannes railway station to Mandelieu la Napoule - has a hugely improved service with up to seven
extra journeys in both directions.
 
 
 
 
Sunday 18 April
Documentary on the murder of Lord Shaftesbury in Cannes in 2004 can be seen on France 2 tonight.
 
Spring Festival at Mouans Sartoux with floats, dancers and bands as well as a market. Parade starts 3.30pm
and is expected to last an hour and half.  The market is open all day. Sounds fun.
 
Saturday 17 April
 
Cannes' answer to the Chelsea Flower Show (in miniature) is Flore Passion today and tomorrow 10am to 6pm
at the square Verdun, along the Croisette. Free entry.
 
 
 
Friday 16 April
Tenth consecutive day of the rail strike. So few trains are running, it's best to avoid them altogether.
 
Jewellery lovers should pop along to Mougins for the Salon de bijou d'art today (5-8pm), Saturday (10am-10pm) 
and Sunday (10am to 8pm). Free entry.
 
This weekend is the last of the ski season in Auron, Isola 2000 and Valberg despite top skiing conditions and
recent snowfalls of up to 30cm.
 
Noga Beach, the private beach smack in the centre of the Croisette, has been taken over by the owners of Cannes'
top nightspot Le Baoli. We can expect to see over the coming months a beach worthy of the name Baoli - each
month the sign will add a letter eg B, then a etc, until Beach Baoli is finished.
 
Thursday 15 April
Nice Matin on strike again. Go to their website http://www.nicematin.com/
 
Tuesday 13 April
Palm Beach casino will hold its next Ladies Poker tournament on 24 April at 9pm: 35 euros to enter, contact 04.92.14.68.00
 
Want to know what to discuss with the French?  Well, the big debate launched today is whether or not to raise the retirement age to 65 - it's currently 60. The government wants a new approach to financing old age. As in Britain, those in the public sector get better treatment than the private sector: another wrong to be righted?
 
Monday 12 April 
Jean-Paul Belmondo - we oldies will remember this French film star - had lunch today at La Sousta, rue du Suquet, Cannes.
He's still looking good.
 
Friday 9 April
The rue Hoche, one of the nicest streets in Cannes, is to have a makeover - and become totally pedestrianised.
Work will be completed end of June with a break for the Film Festival.
 
Bikers should head to the Hippodrome, Cagnes sur Mer, this weekend to see the very latest machines
on two wheels as well as veteran models- plus demonstrations, stunts, etc.  All accessories imaginable
will be on sale and there is also a tuning service.  Quad bikes are also on show.  Entry is nine euros.
 
 
 
Thursday 8 April
If you want see Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Norah Jones and Jamie Callum 
plus a host of other big names - they will all be appearing at the Sporting Summer Festival
in Monte Carlo.  See www.sportingmontecarlo.com
 
The Antibes Yacht Show starts today and closes on Sunday.
Entry is 15 euros and it is open 10am to 7pm.
 
Saturday 3 April
 
Don't forget the Comedy Club at 8pm on Monday 5 April
at Morrisons 10 rue Teisseire tel: 06 71 49 82 02
 
 
 
 
Saturday 27 March
 
 
Robin Hood directed by Ridley Scott starring Russell Crowe,
Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Max Von Sydow and William Hurt,
is the opening fim at the Cannes Film Festival on 12 May.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 26 March
 
 
The commemoration of the anniversary
of the massacre of European citizens, mainly French, in Oran, Algeria
takes place in le JARDIN DE L'ETOILE, Le Cannet at 5pm.
Estimates of deaths vary between 95 and 3500. 
 
 
 
 
Thursday 25 March
 
All Easyjet flights to Nice before Easter now sold out and British Airways is expensive but let the train take the strain to Cannes - as long as you don't mind an early start.  On Tuesday 30th March you can catch the 5.25am Eurostar train from St Pancras arriving at Cannes at 14.53.  A bit more civilised return is possible on Tuesday 6th April at 10.58am reaching London at 7.03pm.  Cost £219. 
 
 
 
Tuesday 16 March
 
 
 
The 2010 Cannes season has started. The new west wing of the Majestic Hotel opened its doors to its first guests, here for the Mipim conference.  The 42 suites - which cost from 1,500 to 4,500 euros per night have taken three years to complete.  The two penthouses and the restaurant will open in April: the official opening will be 12 May, the first day of the Film Festival.
The swimming pool is open and the sun is shining!
 
 
 
Monday 15 March
The 23rd International Petanque Festival takes place in Cannes and Cannes La Bocca
from 18 - 22 March.
 
Sunday 14 March
 
Red Ken is about to hit the Big Blue.
Former Mayor of London, Ken Livingston, arrives on the Med 26 March as guest speaker
for a celebrity lunch at the Cafe de Paris, Monaco. Whether you like his politics or not,
he is a really good speaker and very funny.
 
 
Saturday 6 March
 
 
Take great care this weekend when driving
 - the police with mobile speed radar traps will be present
throughout the Alpes-Maritimes today and tomorrow.
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 3 March
 
Le Park 45 restaurant at the Grand Hotel, Cannes,
and Le Moulin de Mougins, in Mougins, celebrate receiving a Michelin star each.
 
Lunch at the Moulin - which honours Provencal cooking - currently costs 49 euros.
It also has a cookery school.
 
Le Park 45 - Mediterranean cuisine -offers three courses for 40 euros and four courses for 60 euros, as well as a la carte.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saturday 27 February
 
Roadworks in Cannes in preparation for spring and summer visitors.
 
                          Don't forget the Riviera Comedy Club this Monday, 1st March,
                               at Morrisons with Zoe Lyons.  See events in March.
 
 
 
 
Friday 26 February
 
 Just a few days left to join in the Menton Orange and Lemon festival.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Monday 1 February
                                            
 
 
Snow has arrived! This is a very rare event in Cannes.
The dusting of snow, which fell in the morning, lasted about two hours.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Saturday 23 January
 
 
A first in France - a return daily trip by bus from Nice to the ski slopes of Valberg for one euro!  Buy your ticket the day before (ring 0800 06 01 06) and turn up at 7am for one of the three buses which leave at 7.15.  The return bus leaves at 4.45pm after an enjoyable day's skiing.  Not bad eh? 
 
 
 
Friday 22 January
 
Special concert in aid of Haitian disaster
with Cannes Regional PACA orchestra playing Beethoven
conducted by Philippe Bender at 8.30pm at Salles des Arlucs, Cannes La Bocca.
Telephone: 04 92 98 62 77
 
 
Thursday 21 January
Top three pictures from Nice Matin competition.
 
 
Wednesday 20 January
The NRJ Music Awards and Midem take place in Cannes this weekend and to celebrate Morrison's pub's "on the fringe" has a great line up each night from Sunday 24 - Tuesday 26 inclusive AND it's all free.
Due in town for the awards and festival are Jay-Z, Rihanna and Robbie Williams among a host of other big names. Unknown Brits include Bobby Long, Katy Shotter and Chipmonk - you may recall that Amy Whitehouse appeared here as unknown. The Black Eyed Peas are the star performers at the official "after party" at Palm Beach club 11pm Saturday 23 January costing 35 euros. Highly recommended you ring Geoffroy in advance on 06 13 83 10 24 to get in. Other events take place in the Carlton (jazz) and Martinez (British at Midem and Made in Asia) hotels. Chopin is celebrated at the Palais des Festivals.
 
Sunday 17 January
Cannes' luxury hotels are as emblematic of the town as its film festival. This year's top people will be welcomed with a new look in most of the hotels on the Croisette. The Grand Hotel re-opened this weekend with newly painted bedrooms and new kitchens.  The quirky 3.14 -boutique hotel for the ultra trendy - has spent 500,000 euros on behind the scene improvements to plumbing, air conditioning, new kitchens and a spruced up beach restaurant. It re-opens 21 January. The Martinez has lashed out five million euros to transform 30 bedrooms and suites. The Gray d'Albion has completed its refurbishment at a cost of 6m euros. While over at the Palais Stephanie 40m euros has been spent on a whole new modern look for the hotel and its restaurant, La Scena. Topping them all, the Majestic has spent two years and 72m euros building a new wing, creating a gastronomic restaurant, Petite maison, and a spa as well as installing outdoor lighting. The rest of the hotel has been refurbished as well as its brasserie, le Fouquet's. The Majestic re-opens 15 March.
 
 
 
Saturday 16 January
 
The Mayor of Cannes, Bernard Brochand, gave his annual New Year address to residents of Cannes.  He and his team have big plans for the town over the next four years. They include an enlarged and modernised Palais des Festivals - home to the Film Festival, a spanking new, state of the art hospital opening January next year, refurbishment of Port Canto for all you sailors, a new park the other side of the railway station and voie rapide (the raised road over the railway track) with 420 underground parking spaces, a university, a multiplex cinema and bowling alley set in a new park at La Bocca and lots of improvements to various districts in the town. 
                                              
And all without raising local taxes... take note Boris! 
 
Thursday 14 January 
 
 
There are many places offering free wifi access for your computer including the gardens of the Town Hall and the main library of Noailles, 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 1 Avenue de Noailles, 04 97 06 44 83.
 
 
Saturday 9 January
 
That's going to extreme measures for sales.
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 8 January
Bumper weekend with events for all - lovers of the black diamond (black truffles) should head for la Bastide St Antoine, Grasse, tomorrow and Le Rouret on Sunday. 
Cannes is offering real tango on Saturday at 9pm (20 euros tel 06.62.67.31.39).  Last of the organ concerts in Notre Dame de Bon Voyage on Saturday at 4pm, 12 euros on the door.
The Cannes regional orchestra, with guest conducter Vicor Pablo-Perez and pianist Jonathon Gilad, play Beethoven at 4.30pm on Sunday at Theatre Croisette 19-28 euros,tel 04.92.98.62.77 or pay at the door.
Also on Sunday is horseracing at Cagnes sur Mer from 12.30pm, first race at 1pm.  This is a major hurdles meeting. Horse racing is a family affair here with lots to amuse the children. Let's hope it stops raining.
 
Thursday 7 January
Silvio Berlusconi, president of Italy, joins his many compatriots on the Cote d'Azur. He has bought about 20 works of art, mainly sculptures, in St Paul de Vence - including a lithograph of President Obama dressed as Superman, by Brain Wash(!), costing 1000 euros. If you too have pots of money, pop into his favoured galleries in St Paul such as Joel Guyot and Rustinoff.  Don't forget to bargain, Berlusconi does and he's reputedly the 70th richest man in the world.
 
Wednesday 6 January 
Sales started today in Cannes. After a little foray moi meme I can confirm they are very good this year with big reductions from day one.
 
 
 
At Port Canto, Cannes, work has started on the mega underwater barrier that will be laid 90 metres out at sea to protect the beaches of the Croisette from the huge waves which devastate the beach restaurants and wash away tons of sand. The barrier is made up of enormous tubes of geotextiles, three metres in diameter, filled with sand. It will be 550m long and, when in place, will act like a coral reef protecting the shoreline. It is costing nearly 1.5 million euros and will be operational from April.
 
Saturday 2 January
 
Topless in January! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 1 January
 
 
20,000 new SNCF uniforms coming in 2010, designed by Christian Lacroix.
 
 
 
                               Sea plunge at Golfe Juan followed by mulled wine.
 
 
 
 
Thursday 31 December
Car parking prices remain the same for 2010.
 
Discos will stay open until 7am but will stop serving alcoholic drinks at 5.30am.
 
Saturday 26 December
 
 
International Christmas sailing competition.
Lasts until 28 December.
Tel: 04 92 91 13 13.
 
 
Friday 25 December
 
 
Art exhibition by Margareta Baedenheur
at the Galerie de la Maire in Gourdon until 31 December. 
Tel: 04 93 09 68 25.
 
 
 
Tuesday 22 December

 

Skating at La Pa Palestre, Le Cannet, from 4pm to 6pm.  Tomorrow ice show at 7.30pm with Sarah Abitbol, 8€ to 15€, 0825 564 888.

 

Tonight fireworks at 5.30pm at Valbonne.

 

Photographic exhibition up to 28 February by Frederic Altmann at the photographic museum in Mougins, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11am to 6pm, tel: 04 93 75 85 67.

 

 

Monday 21 December

Ski with a view of the Med at Gréolières-les-Neiges, snow 20 to 50cm deep, three pistes open.

 

Yesterday Prince Albert ll of Monaco braved the cold sea with his friends including South African swimmer Charlène Wittstock.

 

Monday 7 December
The winter horse racing season kicks off today at the Hippodrome, Cagnes-sur-mer. The season lasts until 19 March 2010 and there will be 61 meetings this season.  The next is 11 December. 
 
Thursday 3 December
 
Former Miss France watches entertainers at the gala opening of the Thursday night dinners at The Grill, Eden Casino in Juan-les-Pins.  Each week pianist Claudio will be playing diners' requests - last night it was Mack the Knife, Love Story and hits by Frank Sinatra. 
 
 
 
Tuesday 1 December
Ski season starts this Saturday (5 December) at Isola 2000. Many other resorts are hoping to open 12 December. The closest ski resort to Cannes - Greolieres - is still to announce it opening date.
 
Sunday 29 November
 
Every dog has its day and for these two were waiting to be judged at the annual pet show in Cannes. It was raining outside but they were in the warm.
 
In the meantime others were working, this one "rescuing" a man from the sea.  Brrrrr!
 
 
 
 
 
Friday 27 November
 
Comedy Club has its last show this year next Monday 30 November at Morrison's pub.
 
Go to their website for tickets
 
‘As sharp and versatile as a Swiss Army knife,
Rob Deering is one of the best performers
currently on the circuit’ - THE INDEPENDENT
 
Tuesday 24 November
The Christmas lights in Grasse will be switched on 9 December and will twinkle until 10 January.  More efficient LED lighting is now used and all the decorations are made in Grasse producing further savings. 
 
 
Monday 23 November
From the new year the two bus services, Ligne d'Azur which operates in Nice and Transports Alpes-Maritimes (TAM) which provides department wide services, will become Lignes d'Azur.  Buses in Nice will be painted orange and buses between towns will have their rear ends painted orange. The whole exercise is to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of the services.  Cannes buses are not affected.
 
Thursday 19 November
 
Beaujolais Nouveau is here - 12pm Place des Allées and Square Verdun, 7pm Place des Allées and 25 Boulevard Carnot, Square Verdun 8pm with meal and entertainment.  In Mandelieu at Centre Expo Congrés, Boulevard des écureuils, there is a dinner dance at 7.30pm - entrance 24€ and at Routier Sympa, Chemin des Campelieres, there is a buffet with dancing for 38€ on behalf of the Lions Club, Cannes.
 
 
Wednesday 18 November
A new bus service has been launched to serve the east end of Cannes by linking routes 8 and 21. Like the É-LO service it can be hailed at any point.  Unfortunately it only runs until 7.50pm every evening.
 
Sunday 15 November 
 
 
From tomorrow you can visit Nita Maison's gallery of bronze sculptures
and Philippe's oils at Gallerie Nita M at 4 rue de Suquet
(the pedestrianised road from the old harbour up to the chuch on the hill).
 
 
 
 
Saturday 14 November
 
 
 
This prototype car was seen on the Croisette yesterday.  It will be fitted with an electric engine but until then it has a 21cv motor which does over 70 mpg and reaches 90km/h.  No windows or doors, this four seater fun car will cost less than 9000€.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free transport to and from the Pitbull concert at La Palestre in Le Cannet
from Cannes station, stopping at Carnot School, Great Britain hotel, Rocheville Town Hall
departing 6.45pm, 7.15pm 7.45pm.  Return buses start at 10.30pm.
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 11 November
 
Armistice Day.  Public holiday unlike in Britain where it was stopped in 1939 so as not to interrupt factory work.
 
               
Supermarkets like Leader Express, on the corner of Marche Forville, close at 1pm.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuesday 10 November
A total  of 32 million euros is being spent on impovements in Cannes, of which 15 million will go towards modernising the Palais des Festivals.  Money will also be spent on transport including a new fast bus route from Mandelieu to Le Cannet via Cannes together with major improvements to Cannes railway station. Work on the Roubine railway bridge near La Bocca will cause traffic delays in the area until 18 December.
 
Sunday 8 November
 
 
Running in the Nice to Cannes marathon today
is David Lisnard, first deputy mayor of Cannes
and responsible for tourism,
who hopes to better his time
of three hours 15 minutes.
 
He did it and handsomely in two hours 59 minutes and 29 seconds.  Well done!
 
 
Saturday 7 November
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is how the sophisticates of Cannes spend Saturday morming experiencing the country in town.
 
 
 
 
 
Don't forget: tomorrow is marathon day and the Croisette will be closed for a time to traffic.
Don't forget: next Wednesday is Armistice Day and a public holday.
Don't forget: from next Wednesday to Monday following is the wine and food festival at the Hippodrome, Cagnes-sur-Mer. 
 
 
 
Friday 6 November
Gymnase Jacques Alline multi-sports gym opens today in rue Alexandre Louce in Golfe-Juan.  Kick boxing is one sport.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday 5 November
 
 
Remember, Remember... Believe it or not, there are places in France which celebrate the burning of a Catholic bomber but as far as I know not round here - unless you know better.
 
By the way what is Parkin?  The answer's to be found on fireworks website.
 
 
 
 
Wednesday 4 November
The motorway exit, number 42, for Cannes, Grasse and Mougins will be closed from today until 28 November between 9pm and 6am for major road works. To access Cannes you will need to leave the motorway at exit 41 La Bocca or exit 44 Antibes.
 
 
Concert by the Hozkirchner Symphony Orchestra from Bavaria takes place today at 7.30pm at St Andrë Church in Mouans-Sartoux.  Conducted by Andreas Ruppert, they will play Mendelssohn, Mozart and Beethoven - tickets 13€.
 
 
 
 
Tuesday 3 November
Castle Museum now closed until 19 December.
 
Gault Millau Guide has awarded three toques (chef's hats) to Emmanuel Ruz, chef at Lou Fassum in Plascassier (see day trips) and two toques to Les Vieux Murs in Antibes - chef Stephane Arnal took charge only six months ago.  Brothers Mickael and Gael Tourteaux at Fla
 
All Saints Day (La Toussaint)
This is the day in France where everything closes except churches and cemeteries. Flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, are laid on French graves, more on Italian graves but seldom on English graves. 
 
                                                                                         
veur, rue Gubernatis in Nice, have been singled out as chefs to watch - Grands de demain. They marry Mediterranean and exotic flavours.
 
Sunday 1 November