Idyllic beaches, hiking trails, moonlit walks and free open air cinema, Porquerolles Island off the coast of Hyères offers the feeling of a true getaway without having to go very far! In our new ‘Staycation’ series, we give you tips on where to get away without really leaving. A true paradise only two and a half hours by car from Nice, so there are no excuses!

Outdoor cinemas during the hot summer evenings are always a favourite, but this year it takes on even more importance as we are faced with reduced events and many of us are still not willing to step inside the closed space of a cinema room. A hard choice considering going to the movies is certainly one of many people’s favourite activities. After all, it’s relaxing all the while being a friendly outing. The majority of cities in the PACA region have taken note and our summer cinema options have multiplied! Here’s a list of local cities that are offering cinemas under the open sky, in full health safety. 

Entertaining events have been organised in Monaco to ensure that its visitors and locals enjoy summer to the fullest- without worrying about safety measures that is. Between the cultural heritage sites of the city, the musical concerts, and Monaco’s open-air cinema, there are still things to do and see.

Three honey-licious events will celebrate and raise awareness on beekeeping as well as honey making. Provençal cities organise traditional honey festivals every year but 2020 has proved difficult for these events. Now, two of three festivals will be happening in August and the third will be coming up in October. Open to all and free of charge, everyone is encouraged to participate and learn more about respecting the all-important bee and the liquid splendour they produce.

Whilst taking a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the idea to spend the rest of the day by the sea might make itself too tempting to resist. In that case, whether it is with friends, family, or perhaps even a lover, the new beach “Les Canailles” will be pleased to receive you in its charming setting between 10 am and midnight.

On the first day of August begins the much anticipated 71st Music Festival of Menton. After having celebrated their seventieth-anniversary last year in a splendid celebration, this year’s festival promises to be memorable. Over the years, some of the greatest artists worldwide have come and participated in this prestigious event. This year the event will be taking place in two areas of the city, the traditional “Parvis de la Basilique Saint-Michel” and the “Parc du Pian”. 

The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco celebrated its 20th birthday yesterday, on the 20th of July. A special anniversary ceremony was geared towards thanking the staff for their two decades of commitment. The festivities were marked by the current economic situation but the Principality's Centre de Congrès et de Culture nevertheless wanted to live up to its ambitious goals for the future.

In accordance with new French health regulations, starting from Monday 20th, wearing a mask in closed public places has become mandatory in all of France. Without necessarily raising an alarm, the necessity to be slightly more precautious has encouraged the government to make it an obligation to at least respect certain health safety measures.