The French health ministry issued a high pollen level warning this week. Across France, pollen levels are high to extremely high. Fortunately, our region is a bit better with medium to high levels. If you or someone you know suffers from seasonal allergies, here is an article from our health writer, Christine Kjeldbjerg, on natural ways to help your body fight the pollen attack.  

**UPDATED!** Just because we’re under quarantine doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy good food and wine - this is France, after all! We’ve gathered a (non-exhaustive) list of local merchants still working and offering either delivery or shipping. Whether you want fresh fruits and vegetables direct from local farms, artisan chocolates or even beer, wine and spirits, we’ve got you covered! So stay home, stay safe and support local business! Check back often, we are constantly updating the list.

We are finally out of confinement, but there are still great local offers, new openings and ways to stay fit without groups. Riviera Press continuously gathers useful links to help you stay informed, stay active, flex your mind and your muscles, listen to good music or just to have fun! We focus on local businesses in the Côte d'Azur but include some others that shouldn't be missed. Looking for information? This is where you'll find it!

The Monaco Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, was cancelled due to the coronavirus. But that didn't stop Monaco's favourite Formula 1 driver, Charles Leclerc, from racing through the winding streets of the Principality at 240 km/h in a Ferrari. However, Leclerc wasn't at the wheel of his #16 F-1 Ferrari, but rather a brand new, cherry red SF90 Stradale roadster. And he wasn't actually racing anyone...he was starring in a film!

Originally scheduled for this weekend, the 78th Monaco Grand Prix would have seen the Principality swelled with visitors – racing teams, entourages, spectators and tourists alike, all buzzing with excitement. Instead, the small country is in phase two of lockdown, still with its borders under tight control. But it doesn’t mean that the spirit of the race will not be felt! In fact, the track is prepared for one of F1’s fastest drivers to take a spin.

Thanks to the light impact of the coronavirus in Monaco, the Principality has been able to plan for a nearly full return to business, within the parameters of safety distancing measures. ‘Phase 3’ will see the reopening of restaurants, bars, museums and casinos on June 2nd. Here is a list of what will be opening and the rules to follow.

Local Irish homoeopath, Julia Edgely, is an expert in all-natural beauty products. Whether concocting beauty treatments from fresh foods or testing the latest natural makeup product, she is a wealth of information on how to keep chemicals off our skin and out of our bloodstream. Here she shares some top local spots for finding 'alternative beauty products' and gives some DIY tips for making your own beauty treatments. She even reveals the recipe for her popular cacao face mask.

The city of Cannes, and most notably, its unwavering mayor, David Lisnard, have been working non-stop to fight for the livelihood of the local community, not only for the health and safety of people, but also the survival of their businesses. Together with the tourism board of the Côte d'Azur, the city has prepared an extensive and creative tourism recovery plan for the summer!