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.

In celebration of the Neptune Rum Monaco launch party, the Club Vivanova team and the new owners of Neptune Rum have organized an exclusive cocktail on Thursday 10 September on the TWIGA Monte-Carlo terrace. Guests do not have to be club members to join; everyone is welcome to attend the event. Tickets to join can be booked online for 40 euros; the price includes cocktails as well as specialities from the TWIGA menu. Early reservations are recommended.

An exclusive non-commercial airfield - that is the vision of Clemens Toussaint from Cologne, which has already been partially realized. Petra Hall visited the nearly hundred-year-old Aeroporto with him, which is now well on the way to becoming a viable alternative for private jets on the Riviera. The project, which covers around 100 hectares, should be completed by 2022.

Elaborate or mature red, rosé and white wines… In the heart of Provence, Château du Rouët, a wine-producing estate, opened a tasting cellar on 30 July 2020. Open to all, Monsieur Matthieu Savatier, owner of the Château du Rouët, welcomes visitors to his newly constructed building to offer the convivial experience of wine-tasting. Having opened his new building with a celebration filled with music and entertainment in the vineyard in front of the Grand House, the Château’s dynamic team now hopes to share their passion for oenology with visitors.