These have been challenging times, but hopefully, as the restrictions are lifted we can enjoy more freedoms and adjust to the ‘new normal’.  Many people may still be at home more than usual though and this is a good opportunity to tend to your financial wellbeing. With the Brexit clock still ticking, expatriates, in particular, can benefit from using this time to fine-tune their tax, pensions and estate planning. Here are some key considerations.

In his fourth speech to the nation since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, President Emmanuel Macron gave a rough outline on Sunday evening of how the crisis management should proceed from July onwards. There was also some concrete information - for example, that from 22 June, two weeks before the start of the holidays, all pupils from pre-school to collège ( middle school) should return to school.

The University of Côte d'Azur has launched an open call to students and young creative graduates to apply for a new residency concept for a free three-week creative production training. In an innovative new joint project, Banijay, Université Côte d'Azur and the Cannes City Council are launching "Content Creatives Incubator", a free three-week residency for students and young creative graduates.

On Saturday, June 6, the Art & Culture channel, Arte, will air a portrait of the famous inventor of modern gastronomy - Auguste Escoffier, a child of the Côte d'Azur. Born in Villeneuve-Loubet, the city now houses a museum of culinary art dedicated to the world-renowned chef. When did this culinary master, known as the ‘King of chefs and chef of Kings’ reign? Read on to discover this local legend.

 In the face of the global Coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of large events, major film festivals across the world have joined with YouTube to announce the We Are One Global Film Festival. It started on 29 May and we can still all take part in the screenings (Until 7 June)!

For the parents of middle-school-aged kids, searching for a collège can be tough, especially if your child has grown up in a Montessori education system. But this September, one of the first bi-lingual Montessori middle-schools in France opens right here in Sophia-Antipolis. They have an open house this Saturday, 6 June to check out the school.

Even though the 73rd Cannes Film Festival was cancelled, the organisers were keenly aware of their immense responsibility to the film industry to provide the Official Selection. Plus, as the head of the festival said in an interview, there are so many wonderful films this year! On 3 June, they released a varied and international list of 56 films with the coveted title: "Sélection Officielle 2020 - Festival de Cannes". 

Today is the day! Phase 2 of our de-confinement begins today, 2 June with further relaxing of travel restrictions and restaurant closures. Across France, restaurants, cafés and bars are reopening, although under strict health and safety requirements. Here, we give an overview of what’s open, where we can travel and what we need to know to stay safe.