What to watch: Alexa is back with some reviews of the hottest new series available to stream in France. There is one more week of confinement, so there is still time to binge before we go back to some kind of schedule... Here is a selection of the latest HBO series (available on OCS in France) to get stuck in.

Created by two sisters from Nice, Archiman is a new, all-natural grooming and skincare line designed especially for men.  We introduce you to these dynamic and passionate sisters who are committed to providing men with high-quality, effective skincare products.

France's promised date of freedom has been a glorious light at the end of a very long tunnel. From Monday, 11 May, there will be a relaxation of the lockdown rules in France. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced the plan yesterday, 28 April, before the National Assembly. But he also warned that the de-confinement date was not set in stone. Here we go over the what is planned to re-open and what will still be prohibited. 

Riviera Insider's art writer, Sarah Hyde, met with author Anne de Courcy to discuss her latest book, “Chanel’s Riviera,”  one of the latest historical accounts of high society in the French Riviera. Although bittersweet, this vibrant book allows a curious reader to peer through various keyholes of the pre-war decadence of the upper classes and the ravages of the war.

In the face of catastrophe, the brightest light is the solidarity that immerges to help our workers, our neighbours and those who put themselves at risk. Over and above the appreciation we all show from our balconies and windows each evening at 8 pm, there are many local perfume and cosmetic companies that immediately mobilised to make hand sanitising gel to support local hospitals and pharmacies.

In France, the 1st of May is not complete without the traditional good luck charm of fresh Lily of the Valley (Muguet in French). Preparation for the sale of these precious white flowers starts three years in advance and if the flowers don’t get sold, they wind up in the bin! Roadside sales have been prohibited for the upcoming holiday, so how can you get these little white fleurs for May 1st? We’ve gathered a list of several florists in the Côte d’Azur who are offering delivery or pick-up. 

Do you think you may have had the virus? Two Maisons Médicales, in Antibes-Juan-les-Pins and Cannes-La Bocca, are now offering Covid-19 antibody tests to the public without an appointment. Anyone can come by and have their blood drawn and within 48 hours, the test will determine whether the person has been infected with the coronavirus or not.

Across the Côte d’Azur and Monaco, masks are being handed out, delivered and distributed in the lead-up to the 11 May de-confinement. Long on the endangered list, France has been busy going into full production of the fabric protection, from industrial level manufacture of appropriate fabric to community-organised sewing groups to get people much needed peace of mind.