Last year, the local press reported on a participatory financing operation carried out by the Grasse-based company ECCITY MOTOCYCLES to finance the launch of a 3-wheeled electric scooter in category 125 and strengthen its commercial structure. This small company with 12 employees managed to raise €455,000.

When thinking about natural disasters, we usually don’t expect them to occur so close to home, particularly when we happen to be located in the South of France. Yet, the Cannes City Council decided to take a step towards protecting the population against the possibility of one of these disasters happening after specialists in tsunamis and marine submersion classified Cannes to be a zone at risk. More recently, on Tuesday, 25 August 2020, they tested an evacuation signalling system on the Allées de la Liberté to raise awareness on the procedures to take in the event of a tidal wave.

In anticipation of autumn and winter, the Nice-Matin ID Weekend is reopening its door at the Port Lympia in Nice from Friday 16 to Sunday, 18 October. The site will be open to visitors between 10 am and 7 pm Friday and Saturday and will exceptionally end at 6 pm Sunday. With free access to the public, the 3,000 m2 space will receive about sixty exhibitors. It expects more than 8,000 visitors this year! These three days of exchange, discovery, and escape are a great way to rediscover the Provence-Alpes- Côte d’Azur region, Monaco, Corsica, and other nearby locations.

At 12.10 pm today, in front of the Allianz Riviera, the Tour de France's third stage will proceed. This parkour, which takes the racers from Nice to Sisteron, is known as the "sprinting stage." It consists of 198km, 2,300 meters of elevation gain, and four mountain passes. The Var sprinter, Christopher Laporte, described it as: "a real pain in the neck." Furthermore, the Tour de France motto this year is "2020": 2 meters away from racers, 0 autographs, 2 mandatory gestures (masks and gel), and 0 selfies. Set to finish on 20 September, this sport’s event will be far from ordinary.

Just a short trip from coast, Valbonne offers a unique atmosphere with its medieval architecture, typical of a Provençal village. Peaceful in its shaded alleys, warmed by its shops and restaurants, Valbonne hides many curiosities. The sundials, the pulleys, the lintels, the fountains, the Place des Arcades, the old Town Hall, the Abbey... There are a thousand and one reasons to get lost in its winding ancient alleys.

In light of the numerous travel restrictions and also the ever-present threat of the coronavirus ‘still circulating’, it makes good sense to stay put. In fact, the Cote d’Azur Tourism Board has launched a massive campaign to remind locals of just how splendid our own region is. So, instead of flying to some far-off place this summer, why not enjoy what we have right in our backyard, a place where the world dreams of coming for their holiday.

**UPDATE** The cancelation of many events has brought a wave of uncertainty in the South due to the rise of COVID-19 cases. Even famous outdoor events such as the Cannes Yachting Festival or the Nice-Cannes Alpes-Maritimes marathon won’t be taking place this year. Sadly, on another negative note for running enthusiasts, the 28th edition of Cannes’ half-marathon which was cancelled on 1 March and postponed to 20 September is now also cancelled. Considering that they offered three races: the half-marathon, but also the 10k and 5k race; this would have been a good start to get back in shape!

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to ecological propulsion systems, and evolving towards creating a sustainable product… These subjects will all be covered at the 15th international edition of the EVER Monaco conference at the Grimaldi Forum, Monte-Carlo, between the 10 and 12 of September. To participate, the registration fees are the following: 250€ for students, 350€ for university students and 550€ for other guests. The costs include the welcome cocktail, lunches, coffee breaks, and the official dinner.