Month: July 2023

New limits on forest access and use have been activated in the Alpes-Maritimes, just days after a blanket red alert was imposed on much of the neighbouring Var. Here’s what you need to know. 

As of Tuesday 25th July, the forest fire alert system in place for large swathes of forest and hinterland in the Alpes-Maritimes has switched from a “no restrictions” green level to orange and even red for one zone.  

Access is not recommended, but also not prohibited, for areas under orange alert. According to the French state-run Risque-Prevention-Incendie website, an orange alert does, however, put a ban on any “work that could cause a fire… except for agricultural, forestry or general interest work from 5am to 1pm with a fire extinguishing device”.

Almost the entire coastal section of Alpes-Maritimes, from the Italian border to Cannes, including Nice and Antibes, is now under orange alert, as well as areas further inland, including Peille, Castellar, Tourrette-Levens, Carros, Vence, Tourrette-sur-Loup, Grasse and Saint-Vallier-de Thiey.  

The red zone covers Mandelieu La-Napoule, Pegomas, Auribeau-sur-Siagne and Le Tignet.  

The rest of the Alpes-Maritimes, the more mountainous and higher elevation section, is still considered safe for both work and access.  

HUMANS CAUSE MOST FIRES 

According to official statistics for France, nine out of 10 fires are caused by humans, primarily through careless acts such as throwing away burning cigarette butts, BBQs getting out of control, improperly managing campfires and the like.  

The Alpes-Maritimes and the Côte d’Azur in general are amongst the areas most at risk from forest fires, therefore special consideration must be taken when using local woodlands.  

The French government has therefore created a special campaign that is available in seven languages, including English, to help visitors and residents do their part to stop more precious woodland from being gobbled up by fire.  

To check what the daily access status for the Alpes-Maritimes, click here.    

Read more:

Access to forests and massifs in much of the Riviera is barred 

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Photo source: Fabian Jones, Unsplash

The famed stony beaches of Nice aren’t the easiest in terms of entering and exiting the sea, but a new series of rope tow lines on four beaches should make the process a little less hard on the feet and balance this summer.

The beautiful beaches of Nice and its iconic Promenade des Anglais have long proven themselves a draw for tourists and visitors from all over the world, but their one drawback, according to some swimmers and bathers, are the rocks.  

Getting in and out of the sea requires a balancing act verging on the acrobatic, with sore feet and a bruised ego from falling rather ungracefully down often the outcome.  

To help make the route a bit smoother for the thousands who descend into the waters of the Baie des Anges each summer, Nice City Hall has installed a series of rope lines at four beaches to assist bathers in entering and leaving the water.  

A throwback to the beginning of the 20th century, when rope tow lines were commonly used on Nice’s beaches, the modern system has been in place since the start of July and can be found at Les Ponchettes, Centenaire Plage, Blue Beach and Sainte-Hélène.  

They have all been installed near lifeguard stations and provide an extra level of safety and security for swimmers.

After a few weeks of use, the rope lines certainly seem to be a real hit, with many wondering how they ever got by without them! 

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Photo by Monaco Life

Designer beachside collaborations are the theme of the summer in Saint Tropez. Here’s everything you need to know.  

Pampelonne, the sandy stretch of coastline just outside of the legendary Riviera harbour town of Saint Tropez, is home to some of the most iconic beach clubs in the whole of the south of France. But this summer, these ultra-glamourous addresses, which include the likes of Club 55, Nikki Beach and Byblos, are being joined by four designer pop-ups that are seriously upping the style ante.  

Gucci at Loulou Ramatuelle 

First up is a collaboration between Loulou Ramatuelle and Gucci, the latter of which has given this partnership absolutely everything it’s got in terms of presence. The Gucci look is all encompassing, from the sunny yellow parasols to the immediately recognisable navy, red and white bedecked loungers on the sand.  

To fully delve into the capsule collection housed in the pop-up boutique, replete with bold and colourful stripes, checks and “whimsical” fonts, you can book an appointment with a dedicated client advisor for a shopping experience fit for an A Lister.  

And if you love Loulou establishments, be sure to check out the group’s newest endeavour right outside of Monaco: Loulou Pirate in Roquebrune Cap Martin. You can read all about it here. 

Dior at Shellona Plage 

Since 2017, Shellona has been wowing beachgoers with its relaxed bohemian vibe. Now it’s adding another level of cool thanks to a partnership with none other than luxury French fashion house Dior.  

Dubbed “Dioriviera”, the brand has taken over the entire aesthetic of Shellona Beach this summer. Elements of the beloved Toile de Jouy in pinky hues are everywhere, from the deckchairs and loungers to parasols and elegantly placed scatter cushions. Inside, a pop-up boutique displays the seasonal capsule collection from Maria Grazia Chiuri.  

Jacquemus at Indie Beach

Given founder Simon Porte Jacquemus’ deep personal connections to the region – the 33-year-old designer hails from Salon-en-Provence – this pairing just feels right. The French fashion visionary has laid his signature style and emblem on the décor of Indie Beach and launched an ephemeral pop-up boutique displaying the Été capsule collection. This is a destination by night as much as by day so make sure to check out the beach’s Facebook page for the latest listing of artists and parties planned for the summer.

Loro Piana at La Réserve à la Plage 

Further down the beach, at the Cap Camarat end, is the haven of La Réserve à la Plage. The vibe here is parred back – patrons at La Réserve enjoy a space away from the crowds and party atmosphere of much of Pampelonne Beach – which is perfect for its summer collaboration with the sophisticated Italian brand of Loro Piana.  

The partnership extends down to the sand, but fans of the classy fashion and homewares brand will love the shopping experience on offer at the pop-up boutique displaying the Resort 2023 collection.  

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Featured photo credit: Dior