Gay French Riviera

Dolly Party

2012-08-28T17:21:00.001+02:00

Stepping off the tram with a mass of people also entering Garibaldi Square, you could hear the music pumping a couple of blocks away and see the excited crowds quickly joining the street party in the Place du Pin area of Nice, otherwise also known as “le petit Marais”.

Dolly Party

This was my first Dolly Party (certainly not my last) and only the third time the City of Nice has allowed such a large outdoor street event of this kind. The Dolly Party concept has been around the French Riviera for some time now, the organizers hold these parties in public areas such as beaches, streets and nightclubs, and they are not to be missed!

The underlying theme for everyone attending this Dolly Party was to wear white, and there was a sea of white as far as you could see. Heading into the streets filled with thousands of people of every age, weight, gender, and sexual orientation…everyone was making their way to take in a truly amazing Dolly Party experience!

This Dolly Party was presented by the Cote d'Azur LGBT Community Center in Nice, the AGLAE and L' EuroPride. LGP Marseille also made a special trip to help promote EuroPride 2013 by providing information, handing out buttons, stickers and selling t-shirts. There was also a AIDS awareness vehicle set up so that you could get tested, ask questions and get more general information about safe sex practices.

Various DJ’s were in attendance such as Sebastien Coda, Nicolas Derman, Richard Vegas and Laurent N who certainly kept the crowd dancing all night long. And as the DJ’s played, on the same stage the multimedia artist Patrick Moya spent the evening doing live paintings!

Most of the restaurants I had seen, such as Gossip Bar, decided for the event to remove all the tables from inside their restaurants to the outdoors to become a part of the Dolly Party atmosphere and at times it wasn’t unusual to see the overflow crowds dancing inside the restaurants since the tables were no longer in the way. Other business owners, such as Malabar Station Cruising Bar, had closed off the play area inside of their club and opened other doors to sell beer and wine at a very reasonable price out on their terrace.

The participation from the whole of the community was amazing! You would lose track of time as you made your way through the crowds to see what might be happening from one end of the Dolly Party to the other, I’ve never seen so many smiling faces and it was very easy to meet new people, dance with others and run into old friends.

If you ever get the chance to go to a Dolly Party, do it! It will be one of the best times you’ve ever had!Most photos courtesy of Jean-Michel Deroc. Merci!

Plage de la Batterie

2012-08-19T21:38:00.001+02:00

I have hesitated in writing anything about Plage de la Batterie, the nude beach located between Cannes and Golfe-Juan because it seems every year I kept hearing rumors that it was closed, or just not that popular anymore.

What I can tell you is that I have gone by the beach of late and it’s obviously open, and two close friends of mine who really like to go to naturist beaches have also confirmed that information.
The miscommunication could've been because a couple of routes previously used to get to the beach itself have been closed, one of those routes was by walking over the railway tracks, which makes sense for safety reasons for why that route would be closed and people then thinking the whole beach was closed.

So here is how to get there and what to kind of expect. If you are driving, from Cannes, head east on route N7 for several kms, Plage de la Batterie is just before the town of Golfe-Juan. You will know when you are there when you see a Shell Station on the north (left) side of the road, and just before the station there is a parking lot. This is where you can park your car but I would advise you to get there early as it fills up very quickly, especially on the weekends.

If you are taking the bus from Cannes, take bus #200 on the coastal route and get off at Batterie stop, it costs one euro to take the bus one way, tell the bus driver when you get on which stop you would like to get off.

Once you arrive to the parking area next to the Total Gas Station (with red signage), you will see a staircase to the right of the entrance to the car park that will take you down to the tunnel under the roads leading directly to the mixed, nude beach.

Plage de la Batterie has many sandy parts to it and the beach itself can hold about 80 people, it's small but nice. As with any beach, especially a nude one, the popularity of it can vary, this one though has a steady mix of people and by mix I mean gay and straight people go to this beach.

Nudity isn’t mandatory but most people there are naked, it seems gay men like to frequent either end of the beach with straight people preferring to stay in the central part of the beach, it’s also not unusual to see people perched on one of the surrounding rocks with the waves of the sea lapping against it.

Entrance to Plage de la Batterie

Another thing worth mentioning is many people in the area have been coming to Plage de la Batterie for years, older couples and even families that know each other, especially on the weekends. So if you were expecting complete discretion, it’s not likely going to happen.

If you are in the area, check out Plage de la Batterie!

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes

2012-08-16T19:02:00.001+02:00

As grand as it looks, is as grand as it feels.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

About a week ago, a fab showbiz journalist friend of mine was sharing with me some of her stories about various celebrities that she has at one time or another seen or hanged out with at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes, so for fun we got the idea to go to the hotel for a look around and have a drink near the pool in the Eden-Roc restaurant and lounge area.

As we drove up to the hotel, your first impression will be that you are in for a wonderful experience.

And it’s very easy to say that the moment you arrive on the 20 acre plus property, you feel unrushed, relaxed and as though you are in some sort of fairytale land.

Before we even made our way into the hotel, we could see that everything we were surrounded by was absolutely stunning and refined, and as we walked into the 5-Star hotel itself, it just got better, this is clean-cut, top of the line luxury. We were warmly greeted by the staff no matter where we went, and they always seemed to be working at something to keep everything in top form and ready to go.

I loved thinking about how many historic figures and celebrities in the past have walked through the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s doors, and how remarkably beautiful the place was, it feels like it has good bones, is strongly stated, yet there seemed to be just enough feminine touches to the décor as well to bring a light softness, and I’ve heard that is carried over into each of the hotel rooms.

In the bar area, just through the lobby, my friend told me plenty of stories of impromptu parties that have happened in that part of the hotel, where such and such major celebrity would be sitting and who was saying what with whom in conversation. It felt like I was getting some real insider info and I can only imagine how much fun these parties were to attend.

After leaving the bar and heading outside towards the Eden-Roc restaurant and pool, while standing on the landing looking towards the sea with the expansive grounds, you just wanted to pinch yourself. The view seemed like something out of a movie or super glossy magazine. Even the yachts in the distance almost seemed too perfectly set up in the view, like it was a prop or something, but no, this was real life.

As we continued, we really noticed how immaculate the grounds are, and it seems as though every single tree no matter how low or high from the ground is manicured, it is so nice to stroll throughout the trails, past the tennis courts and gardens with the scent of flowers and eucalyptus in the air, along with feeling the slight breeze coming off the sea.

The big, wide, stone path really stands out, like a landmark for the hotel; it has even been used as a runway for one of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel fashion shows, as odd as it sounds, I was thrilled to be walking on it.

Once we made our way down the path and inside the Eden-Roc restaurant and near the pool area, everything felt cool, crisp and pristine. The walls of the entrance in the lower level is currently lined with small photographs of the who’s who in the world that have been to the hotel, and although the pool looked extremely tempting and the guests swimming and tanning seemed happy and content, our plan for the day was to just have a glass or two of Rosé wine and take in the surroundings. The atmosphere was fresh, relaxing and the service was top notch!

If you have the chance, book into this gay-friendly hotel, for one of the most opulent experiences of your life and then Facebook everything about it to make everyone back home uber envious!

La Petite Plage

2012-08-07T12:16:00.001+02:00

If you happen to be in Juan-les-Pins, and are looking for a place to eat and perhaps have some drinks, one place I’ve been to a several times already is La Petite Plage. Set along the seafront, this gay-friendly beach restaurant certainly draws in a crowd; in fact it’s so popular that it is open year round.

La Petite Plage

La Petite Plage can easily be found along Boulevard Guillaumont, amongst the other seaside restaurants close to rue Saint-Honorat.

Stepping off the busy boardwalk down into the restaurant area, you will find yourself on the main terrace being welcomed by genuine smiles coming from the gorgeous staff, and beyond that is the beach where sunbathers are enjoying a drink while they lounge in the sun, with the gentle sea lapping practically at their feet.

As evening sets in the lounge chairs are neatly stacked away and tables are set up on the actual beach and all the tables in the restaurant are decorated with candles making for a very romantic atmosphere, especially as you are watching the sun set.

It seems no matter what time of day or night you arrive, this restaurant is very beach chic, this is not some little shanty trying to make it through the high season, yet you’ll find Le Petite Plage won’t break your bank account either.

I’ve been told that sometimes there will be a DJ spinning off to the side to add to the beachside experience and it’s certainly easy enough to figure out who owns La Petite Plage as the charming, handsome owner (with an extremely hot son) also likes to play a selection of music from time to time.

The menu selection is vast and varied, and although I’m not what you would consider a ‘foodie’, there seemed to be a lot of delicious items to choose from, along with the daily suggested menu, the food comes with a bit of a twist too, as a friend of mine had a hamburger but it had sautéed foie gras on top of the burger. Really, everything we ate was wonderful and filling.

The same goes for the selection of drinks, we enjoyed our wine but one evening a couple of friends were changing up their drink choices and my mouth still waters visualizing the Pina Coladas they ordered at one point.

It’s been some time since I have seen staff work so hard to maintain and keep the flow of a restaurant going, on my first visit I immediately noticed the staff all had these super tight bodies and I just took that to be what it can be like on the French Riviera with many people being fit and into the outdoors, I also noticed how cheerful they all were, constantly on top of things and helpful.

The second visit confirmed it for me, taking care of the guest needs at each table, especially those staff working on the beach would get you toned legs in no time, add to that carrying the trays to and from the kitchen would totally work out your upper body. These boys were tight! And I’ve got to say, the women were hot as well!

A sign to me that a restaurant must doing well is when I see a consistent flow of patrons and those patrons are leaving with a smile on their face. At La Petite Plage they don’t treat you like a tourist who will go to their restaurant once and that is it, this is a family run business and they treat you like you are a guest at their home, it’s more personal.

There is something wonderful about being in the French Riviera, spending time at a great restaurant and seeing groups of people laughing and chatting away, yet it is also nice when there is room for couples to enjoy an intimate meal and drinks.
All this and more you can experience for yourself at La Petite Plage.

First Introduction - Juan-les-Pins

2012-08-04T09:59:00.000+02:00

From all the years of being a part of the French Riviera, I’m surprised I have never really explored Juan-les-Pins, a small city along the sea that can easily be found and accessed between Nice and Cannes. I used to pass by it on the train a million times and would sometimes think of stopping in and venturing around but of course every excuse would come up as to why I couldn’t make the time.

Juan-les-Pins

The other night though a friend suggested that we go into Juan-les-Pins and she would show me where she used to live and we’d wonder around and go for drinks and a meal somewhere.

As we were entering the area I was in love with what I was seeing right away, the quaint shops, lively people, the way the tall palm trees stood and lined the streets next to the buildings, it all seemed very alive and filled with spirit.

Because I am so in love and obsessed with the French Riviera, I seemed to know exactly where we were going just from having looked at Google maps once or twice months beforehand when I was trying to find out more information about a hotel I was told about.

If it was that easy for me, I’m sure it will be easy for you to get around. If you happen to be going by train, I would suggest that once you arrive and exit the Juan-les-pins train station, turn right, and keep going straight towards the sea a few blocks away and this will help you get your bearings.

Really take the time to follow along the waterfront, you can even jump in the sea to cool down and have a swim and then continue to venture into the side streets to see even more interesting shops, restaurants, bars, etc.

And then do yourself a favor and stop into one of the seaside beach restaurants to enjoy a meal and meet the locals, it’s not unusual for the people at the next table to start up conversations with you, this area doesn’t feel big city and you’ll notice everyone seems to know one another to some extent.

Another thing that can’t help but be noticed is the amount of amazingly beautiful men, especially those on the beach or working at the beach restaurants. No steroids here, but all natural, tight beauty. Your head will not be able to stop spinning around to get a good look.

We happened to arrive by car a couple of hours before sunset. A truly delicious time of day, people are still swimming in the sea, shopping and slowly making their plans for the night. It was so cool to see people out and enjoying themselves and then as though there is a magic hour, another set of people were arriving, well dressed and off to their favorite spot for dinner. It seemed so easy to meet new people from all parts of the world; you’ll feel as though you have been living in Juan-les-Pins for years!

All I have to say is, after my first full evening in Juan-les-Pins, I have a feeling I will be spending a lot more time there, and in fact I know I will be.

Feature 2: Patrick Moya - Artist

2012-07-19T00:33:00.000+02:00

Anyone who has been to the French Riviera will likely recognize the name of the multimedia artist, Patrick Moya and his colorful works of art. In fact, this artist is so busy and so popular that it’s becoming hard to keep up with what and where he will be next!

Patrick Moya tends to be more commonly known by his last name Moya, and to me that name is synonymous with the French Riviera. Moya’s brilliant use of color and design is as big, bright and alive as the region itself.

Moya started out in the art world as a nude model, but if you’ve seen his energy in action you’d know that he probably wasn’t content enough to settle at just one thing. Moya is a multimedia artist who seems to be able to work with or on any type of item placed in front of him, whether he has a simple pen and piece of paper to canvas to delving into the computer world and producing imaginative and bold pieces of art.

While I was in Cannes one day, I was given the opportunity to meet Moya and have a tour of some of his artwork that at the time was being exhibited inside the beautiful Centre d’art La Malmaison located along the Croisette on the seafront.

Getting the chance to meet Moya was certainly unexpected and I actually had a hard time believing it at first because I had admired his work for so long from afar. Even when the time came to head to the Centre d’art La Malmaison, I remember crossing the Croisette in disbelief and then I saw Moya himself going into the building with some others and for some reason it felt like I was about to meet a pop star.

I quickly (and nervously) made my way inside where there was already a small group of people admiring his floor to ceiling artwork. Soon afterwards Moya appeared in the room with that fantastic smile of his, greeting everyone. Slightly star struck, I’m guessing it was the PR person from La Malmaison who had found me in the crowd and brought me over to introduce us to each other. All I can say is…what a gentleman, so friendly and funny, my French still isn’t up to par, but we seemed to understand each other, and I felt honored to meet him.

There is something about Moya that is intriguing to me, he has a gift, he has a passion and he puts that into his work, which probably explains why he is a success. He was completely gracious and giving of his time, I was smiling throughout the tour while he showed and explained to us his thoughts behind his art, and he had a gleam in his eyes the whole time that said he was in his element.

To me, there is something innocent about his work, yet there are also parts of it and pieces that you will come across that are futuristic, strong and even sometimes dare I say, sexual. To see his art in person just exudes happiness and a loving energy.

His natural ability shines through when he produces his art, seemingly free and on a whim, it totally amazes me. Moya’s art can be found on the smallest of hand held items, yet you can also witness him enjoying the moment with others at events such as the Dolly Parties while he paints to the music.

This year Moya painted a race car to showcase his work as part of the Monaco Grand Prix! And, in cities such as Nice and Cannes you will also see his whimsical genius on parts of the region's public transit system!

The best thing I can suggest you do is buy a piece of it if you see it, and gaze at it in awe if it is on display somewhere openly for the public. I swear, he gets more famous by the month and his work is so expansive, but here are a couple of links for you to check out to see what Moya is currently working on now:

Patrick Moya

Patrick Moya Facebook News

Enjoy!

Pink Parade 2012

2012-06-19T07:09:00.002+02:00

Events of all kinds took place this past weekend in the French Riviera to celebrate Pride and the 9th annual Pink Parade.

The support for the LGBT Community was overwhelmingly fantastic! Gay, Straight, Bisexual…whoever you are, everyone joined in the celebrations for how far things have come and a strong message was sent out as to how much more still needs to be done in terms of same sex rights, etc.

Reports from the media are that the Pink Parade held in Nice on June 16, 2012 drew up to 5000 participants, but organizers and friends say that number was more like 10,000 people.

I’ve mentioned this before but what I really like about this type of parade is the community spirit involved, the people at the Pink Parades are not just enjoying the floats and activities from the sidelines but are also active participants throughout the parade route itself.

Instead of just watching a parade, the people are the parade!

People of all ages, backgrounds and sexual preferences were united for the same causes.

Another thing that I think is wonderful is how the various gay and gay-friendly businesses got together and instead of building their own floats showing their individual business support, it was not uncommon to see two, even three businesses all sharing one float.

This wasn’t done just for the Pink Parade either, many nightclubs had cross-promotional events supporting one another throughout the weekend from one end of the region to the other, and it was usually done also to support many LGBT associations such as the EGL (Establishment of the Gays & Lesbians of the Cote d’Azur).

AGLAE

LGBT Community Centre

EGL

By all accounts, it sounds like the whole weekend was a great success! Everyone should be very proud!

Gossip Bar

2012-06-15T07:01:00.002+02:00

If you are in Nice and happen to be walking in the area between Place Garibaldi and the port, you will likely stumble upon a business painted a striking yet gorgeous shade of red with matching awnings by the name of Gossip Bar.

Gossip Bar is a very gay-friendly establishment located in the heart of the ever popular "le petit Marais" district of Nice at: 7 rue Bonaparte

Actually, it should be noted that the owners of Gossip Bar are the ones who came up with calling the area, "le petit Marais". It started as a private joke, which eventually ended up in newspapers, locally first, then national and now international.

Gossip Bar really stands out, every time I am in the area I cannot help but to be drawn to it. One of the many things I like about Gossip Bar is if I’m looking for a place to take a break from my venturing around during the day, I can just relax and have a drink at one of their sidewalk tables and am still able to people watch. But the difference here is I am watching the locals go about their day as the area doesn’t seem to be overrun with tourists which can be a welcome change.

During the evening Gossip Bar is very much alive. Not only is it intimately lit inside and its interiors infused with even more touches of red here and there, but the space seems to cast off a wonderful glow that illuminates out on to the street where people also continue to socialize on a beautiful night.

Friends and I have stopped by to take part in the vibrant atmosphere, usually on a whim for drinks and a bite to eat and have ended up staying until closing. Here we know we will get great service from an exceptional and well trained staff, and there is so much to choose from on the delicious and varied menu, along with the drinks that are nothing short of spectacular! I’m not one to drink mojito’s but their special mojito’s are out of this world!

Gossip Bar is full of life yet it is also one of those places where you could go with someone special. Just find a cozy corner in which to have a wonderful dinner or choose to get to know the people at the tables around you and enjoy the evening together making new friends.

Another thing I like about Gossip Bar is how it is truly supported by the locals, it is not unusual to see other recognizable LGBT business owners in the community having something to eat, drink and perhaps sharing a laugh with a friend.

Gossip Bar Nice

Gossip Bar is open seven days a week from morning until late at night. It’s that popular, it’s that good, and it’s that much fun!

HI Beach & HI Hotel - Nice

2012-05-24T08:48:00.005+02:00

On yet another glorious, sunny day in the South of France, I met a friend for lunch at HI Beach along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, which is part of HI Hotel, a very short walk away.

HI Beach

It was another one of those beautiful days in the French Riviera where life doesn’t seem to come with a rush attached to it.

As if the beach and breeze from the stunning blue sea wasn’t enough, the restaurant setting at HI Beach is wonderfully inviting and relaxed.

My friend and I were seated in a cozy little cabana area and next to us were people in lounge chairs tanning and going for the occasional swim in the sea. If you wanted, you could even go for a professional massage in one of the huts at the end of HI Beach or do some yoga.

By the way, this is also one of the other gay-friendly beaches in Nice so expect to see some eye candy.

The service at HI Beach was prompt and the choice of drinks available were conceived by the restaurant in such a way that they could enhance whatever mood you were in or going for, you could have a concoction made to naturally zap you with some extra energy or a special blend to keep you calm and confident throughout the rest of your day.

The food was also a total match. I had a seafood salad (thinking waistline), it was scrumptious and filling, it seemed simple yet intricate, and was uniquely presented on the plate. I thoroughly enjoyed the lunch; it was all very fresh and organic.

One of the many other things I appreciated about HI Beach is that there is never a feeling that you needed to hurry and place your order, eat, drink and then get out, and this makes for a nice way to spend some time with a friend. HI Beach is also very adaptable for a variety of events; space can be made for large groups for lunch or cleared for a dance area at night.

You really must experience HI Beach.

While we were enjoying lunch, my friend was surprised to find out I had never been inside the HI Hotel before. I remember when the hotel first came on the scene in Nice, and heard about the fun parties held inside the hotel and on the rooftop, but for some reason I had never been.

Fortunately my friend was quickly able to get us a tour, so of course I went for it, having heard about the hotel’s daring design features forever, I wasn’t going to pass this up.

HI Hotel

After leaving HI Beach, we walked a couple of blocks to HI Hotel located at: 3 avenue des Fleurs. I like this part of the city; it’s a real neighborhood without the suburban feel. It’s quiet, close to everything you would need and not overrun with tourists, and of course, by the beach. There’s even a charming park a couple of buildings away from the hotel, which I adore.

As we walked into the hotel the staff greeted us with genuine smiles, they were very welcoming and attentive. I loved the whole idea behind this concept style hotel right away, the natural flow of the lobby, use of color and the large glass windows behind the reception that looked on to an outdoor terrace area that seemed very serene.

In conversation with the staff I was told that HI Hotel is a gay-friendly, seven story, 4-star hotel, with the eighth floor being the rooftop terrace area that has an outdoor pool, and that each floor of HI Hotel has different types of rooms of which to choose from to suit your needs, design tastes, and mood. I was curious to see more.

One thing I noticed right away, and my friend remarked on it too, was the engaging scent as we toured the hotel. The aroma wasn’t overwhelming, just subtle, awakening, real and almost sensual. Turns out it is part of their eco-friendly products line infused throughout the air system but only in the communal areas so don’t worry about it being overpowering in your hotel room.

Eco-friendly is not just a buzzword that is thrown around here. HI Hotel is serious about it, and it is integrated throughout the hotel in such items as bathing products, cleaning products, bicycles available for guests to use, and even in the wooden utensils in the restaurant area, to name just a few.

HI Hotel also has a spa called HI Body, where every aspect of you is taken care of with a variety of personal packages to choose from.

As we made our way into the heart of the hotel, near the outdoor terrace, we were shown the very spacious Happy Bar that has many uses, you can eat from the self-service canteen in here, have a small meeting in the seating areas, and in the evenings the whole mood is enhanced by various types of events that take place with the DJ’s on the turntables in the upper loft.

This is truly the gathering place of HI Hotel. And if you needed more space to book a meeting, the hotel has a conference room available.

Each floor in the hotel was certainly an experience to tour, being told ahead of time that HI Hotel has nine different concept rooms to choose from for the 38 rooms they have was intriguing to me.

As we were shown the types of rooms available, I’m sure I was repeating myself to the others by saying, ”I like this one. Wait, I like this one!” As I honestly could not make up my mind on which room I liked best, I really did like them all, they each offered everything I would want or need, and in visualizing a stay, they suited my every mood with their cool color choices and layouts.

The rooms are all more than decent-sized with large beds and unique bathroom features, you can see that use of space is very important in the design concepts here. The rooms are clutter-free and have every convenience you could want, free Wi-Fi, safe, air conditioning, flat screen TV, etc.

If I was to book a room at HI Hotel and wanted something a little extra special, I would recommend the White & White room as it feels like your own world in which to draw inspiration from, this type of room is completely white, with your own spiral staircase that leads to your own private rooftop terrace and Jacuzzi.

Nearing the end of the tour, we made our way to the roof and what has to be one of the most absolutely breathtaking views in Nice amongst all the historic architecture, the sea and hillsides!

A total 360 view with the pool smack dab in the middle of the rooftop surrounded by an incredible area to lounge, suntan or lunch if you choose. This is truly a feast for the eyes and what a way to end the tour.

With HI Hotel and HI Beach, this is obviously a popular destination hotel where your every need is catered too, not only on the outside but the inside too. Book early!

Wanna be on TV?

2012-05-13T05:34:00.001+02:00

I was recently contacted by a representative of Shiver / ITV Productions London who are looking for people to take part in a show.

They are currently casting for the fifth series of the hugely popular ITV1 daytime show, ‘May the Best House Win’, this time they will be filming the show in France!

The series features interesting homes that have been lovingly created by their owners, real passion projects and properties that are distinctive and express their owners personality, whether it’s people who live in interesting conversions, fascinating period properties, or who have filled their home with fascinating objects or artifacts, or decorated in a particular theme.

Anything goes, so long as the homeowners really love their home.

In each episode, the show will feature four very different houses in a particular area. The show will ask the homeowners to visit each of the other houses and award them marks out of ten. The winning homeowner wins 1000 euros! It’s a fun show designed to bring together people with different tastes and different properties to discuss and debate their own ideas of what makes a home.

The production company will be going to the South of France to film in a few weeks’ time. So this is your chance to show off your treasured home in one of the most beautiful regions in France!

If you are interested, you may contact them through the details listed in the promo picture below:

Good luck to everyone that enters!

Sauna du Château

2012-05-09T08:23:00.001+02:00

Bathhouses have been around since ancient times; the Romans were famous for them. So it’s amusing to me how many people I come across that claim they have never been to a bathhouse, yet when they take me aside, I end up finding out they have been and love it or are very intrigued and want to know more about them.

Usually these establishments (if properly managed) are a much safer alternative than perhaps bringing someone home that you just met at a bar or nightclub.

The people that operate Sauna du Château in Nice are, to me, in the group that considers every aspect of how their business should operate. Sauna du Château is a safe, fun and very clean establishment.

Situated at the edge of Vieux Nice, on the side closest to the sea is Sauna du Château at: 17 rue des Ponchettes

This sauna is very easy to find, it’s just outside the touristy areas of Vieux Nice on a quiet, more residential street where it would be very easy to go unnoticed if discretion is a concern for you.

Noting the outside of the building, one would be very surprised by how big the space is inside. I assumed because of the way the entrance looked from the street that it might be small and cramped inside. That wasn’t the case at all.

But before I go any further, I should let you know that Sauna du Château is considered to be more of a mixed couple sauna. If you happen to be a gay, you are still more than welcome. Just don’t be surprised if you also see a woman in a towel.

Entering Sauna du Château, I could tell the place was buzzing, the staff was very busy making sure everything was ok and I noticed the customers came in every shape and size.

I felt very comfortable right away and any questions I had, the staff was there to help. It felt like a great place to relax and get away from the outside world for a little while.

Sauna du Chateau

As it turns out, Sauna du Château is actually a big space! I was surprised how far back it went and is laid out over three different levels covering about 5400 square feet!
Who knew?!

The sauna itself is well lit, with very flattering, soothing lightly in most areas, everything seemed in place and the cleanliness was top notch.

There are small rooms in which to meet up, but also general relaxing areas. Along with a generous steam room, infrared sauna, dry sauna, large Jacuzzi and even a small pool area, all within an uniquely designed space.

Something else that is a bonus, professional massages are available for a low additional price, just make arrangements with the staff at the front area of the club.

Even though Sauna du Château leans more towards being a straight couple type of bathhouse, if you are comfortable enough, fun can still be had here, to what degree you take that is of course up to you.

Sauna du Château is open seven days a week from 1pm to 9pm, on Sundays until midnight.

Take the plunge and play safe!

Lérins Islands (Iles de Lérins)

2012-04-25T06:12:00.004+02:00

I love getaways, big or little getaways from it all, especially if it is to try something different. Whether it’s for a couple of days or even just an afternoon.

For years when I had been on the beach in Cannes or even taking the train back to Nice I had always seen these islands just off the coast a short distance away. I always wondered about them, never sure if they were inhabited or not, and I naively presumed they were part of some fishing project. Wrong!

Turns out, when I finally starting asking friends some questions about them, I was told they are part of the Cannes commune and are called the Lérins Islands. It is said that the presence of a settlement on the islands go back to the end of the 6th century BC! And yes, anyone can visit them.

It just so happened when I decided to finally visit the islands that the Cannes Boat Show was taking place in the port area at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. A friend from Montenegro was promoting his company ventures within that area, so after visiting with him and looking over all the magnificent boats throughout the port, I decided to go to the islands.

On the far southwest corner of the Cannes harbor is the ferry terminal to get to the Lérins Islands. Make your way around the port opposite of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès along Quai St. Pierre, and at the edge of the port where the ferry terminal is located will be a large parking lot, walk through there and follow the signage to find the ticketing booth.

You just have to decide which island you would like to discover first. There is a ferry for the Cannes-Saint Honorat Island and a separate ferry for the Cannes-Sainte Marguerite Island. Keep in mind there is no ferry that goes between the two islands because of landing rights. A round trip, adult ticket is about 12 euros.

It should also be noted that excursions also leave from Nice, Antibes, La Napoule and Golfe-Juan.

Transit Cote d'Azur

The schedules for the ferry change throughout the year, but they run about every hour to every half hour from either side. And depending on which island you were going too, it is about a 15-minute one-way trip to Sainte Marguerite Island (the bigger island) and about 30-minutes one-way to Saint Honorat Island. Coming or going, it is such a leisurely, beautiful trip, I never felt like I was waiting forever either way.

My only serious suggestion is to make sure you do not miss the last ferry back from the islands, which, again depending on time of the year can be at 7pm. The people working at the ferry terminals are very helpful and have plenty of information about scheduling, the islands, etc. One thing I wasn’t told was hot the ferry captains are, totally gorgeous! I was wondering if it was a job requirement or something? I couldn’t stop checking them out!

One of my friends was telling me before I went on the trip how the Lérins Islands were so different from the rest of the Cote d’Azur. How it was like a peaceful journey, a wonderful getaway.

I’ve been to islands around the world before, l listened to what I was being told but I wondered what could be so different about these islands?

Let me tell you right now, the Lérins Islands are like entering a whole other world compared to any type of city life. Make a day of it. Bring a camera, have a picnic! Prepare to explore but also plan to relax and take it all in.

You can feel the energy change as the ferry is heading towards the islands, passing by the massive yachts on the sea with Cannes and the stunning outlying area not far away. And even as the ferry is slowing down to dock at the pier on the islands, you will feel a calm energy enveloping you. Life is different here. There is no need to rush, it almost seemed like there were no rules. The Lérins Islands are inviting and quiet, yet also interesting and itching to be explored.

My first stop was to Sainte Marguerite Island. I was expecting to see more people around after everyone got off the ferry and made their way down the short pier, people just seemed to splinter off though, knowing exactly where they were heading. Since I could see Fort Royal to the east as the ferry was approaching the island, I headed in that direction along one of the trails. Fort Royal is where it is said the Man in the Iron Mask was kept for 11 years and here you can see the cell in which he was detained.

My initial feelings walking to Fort Royal were how charming everything seemed to be and how nice it was to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. If you were hungry, there are two small restaurants and two snack bars quietly nestled in areas.

Approaching Fort Royal, I was taken back by how much bigger it was than I imagined, and especially for an island the size of this one, which I’m told is three kms in length and approximately 900 meters across at most points.

To get inside Fort Royal you have to pay a small fee, worth it though as it has some interesting buildings inside and provided some excellent vantage points. I’m always up for a history lesson and was intrigued by the architecture of the fortress so I stayed for a while.

Afterwards I took the time to walk around the outside of the fortress, which again, there seemed to be no people around. At times it was creepy and even freaky to be next to the fort’s outer grand walls surrounded by the absolute quiet of nature.

I enjoyed wandering along the many trails on the island, surrounded by Aleppo Pine-trees and exotic Eucalyptus trees. It was lovely to have some quiet time and you didn’t feel like you would be interrupted by anything.

There are no big, real beaches surrounding the island, in areas you might be able to find very small stretches of sand here and there but it was mostly areas with flat rocks.

I was told that there is a gay, nude beach facing Saint Honorat Island called, “Pierres Plates” or the “beach of flat stones” but I did not find it on this particular journey. Perhaps the next time I visit. Overall, Sainte Marguerite Island is a great place to explore and gain some time to yourself if you so desire.

Saint Honorat is the next of the Lérins Islands I got to visit. This island is the furthest away from Cannes, and it also brings it’s own unique qualities.

Saint Honorat has a working Abbey on the island that has been held by the Cistercian order of Sénanque since 1869. Here you will find there is a small gift shop where you can buy some of the local produced products on the island and they even have their own winery and restaurant!

I loved this whole island! I am fascinated how some people can live their whole lives with such strict devotion. I am told people can even come to the Abbey for week long retreats where they are not allowed everyday conveniences like television and the internet; there is also a code of silence in areas. I can actually see myself doing a retreat at some point in my life. It is so peaceful and beautiful on the island; the monks do an extremely good job of taking care of everything.

You also won’t be able to miss the fortified monastery on the southern tip of the island of which you are allowed to discover throughout, I loved how it stands out, practically on the water.

So don’t do what I had done for years and just dismissed what was in the distance. I've certainly learned my lesson and have starting asking more questions if something peaks my interest.

I’m very glad I’ve finally had the chance to take a look around the Lérins Islands off Cannes and I know these will not be the last of my visits, even if it’s just for a quick getaway.

Jazz Rock Cafe - Top 50 Event

2012-04-18T06:00:00.001+02:00

It’s easy to assume on a Sunday night that the party is over for the weekend. Especially when the overall mood of a Sunday in Nice is usually that of a relaxing, calm and even reflective time in the city.

But if you are still geared up and want to keep the party going from the night before, then I’d suggest you have a disco nap during the day, and then head over to the Jazz Rock Café later that night to attend the weekly TOP 50 event!

You’ll need your rest beforehand as the Top 50 party gets going at midnight and doesn’t end until the sun is practically coming up.

The Jazz Rock Café holds a myriad of events weekly catering to all sorts of crowds. The Top 50 event held on Sunday night is very popular in the LGBT community and everyone is welcome to attend!

Finding the Jazz Rock Café could not be easier. Located on the edge of Vieux Nice, near Le Chateau and directly across from the beach is where you will find the club at: 73 Quai des Etats-Unis.

Inside you will find the space to be a mix of everything, initially you might expect it to be a restaurant but it is more of a bar/club type setting. Once the drinks are flowing and the music is playing, it doesn’t seem to matter, and everyone is having fun!

The crowd is very diverse, and I would say in the age range of 20-40+, everyone seems to mix well here too, it doesn’t feel ‘cliquey” in any way.

Top 50 is usually a free event to attend, unless they are raising money at the door towards a good cause for a charitable association, and even then they are only asking for a minimum donation. Don't be cheap!

Music wise, you’ll never know what to expect since every type of genre seems to be played. From disco to pop, some techno to house, its always great music and the dance floor is always packed.

There is also from what I understand a lesbian night that is held once a month, usually on a Friday from 10pm until 4am. From what I’ve heard of the events, if I were a woman, I would totally be going to those parties! They look like so much fun!

Madmoizelles

All in all, attending the Top 50 event at the Jazz Rock Café in Nice is a fantastic way to cap off the weekend! I hope you don’t have any pressing plans Monday!

The MAMAC

2012-03-29T05:09:00.102+02:00

One morning I was running some errands near Place Garibaldi in Nice before going to the beach that afternoon. While leaving one shop to go to another, I noticed it was starting to rain lightly outside.

Rain seems to be such a rare occurrence in the Cote d’Azur during the summer, and so after doing my last bit of shopping I started to head back to my hotel thinking perhaps my plans for the beach that afternoon would be ruined.

Then I realized I was outside the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC).

MAMAC

Many times over the years I had walked by the MAMAC in Nice and had never gone inside, which is a shame really because now when I think about it, I’ve probably missed out on some beautiful exhibitions. Deciding there was no time better than the present, I thought I’d go inside and see what it as all about.

Situated in central Nice, the MAMAC is steps away from Place Garibaldi at the Promenade des Arts. If you are using the tramway to get to the MAMAC, step off the tram at Garibaldi Station and walk back through the square but stay on your right walking towards the Monoprix grocery store.

Directly behind Monoprix, off Place Garibaldi is the MAMAC with its unusual architecture that is so different from the other surrounding buildings. Just follow the street towards the center of the building, with the entrance being inside the circular structure on the main level.

The construction of the MAMAC was completed in 1990 and opened to the public. And although I have heard there is somewhat of a love/hate relationship from people with the architectural design of this important modern and contemporary art museum and its grounds, it doesn’t seem to stop anyone from attending the museum or even taking pictures of its unique aspects.

Admission to the MAMAC is free; the helpful staff working the front desk is just interested to know where you are visiting from for their visitor’s records. The museum is closed on Mondays but otherwise open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Ahead of you now are four different levels of artwork in a variety of mediums to discover. When I find out I have the permission to explore something, I’m all over it. First off, you can tell art, in whichever way you wish to interpret it, is infused throughout the building. Right from the moment you enter the MAMAC until you leave the grounds.

I loved going from one floor to another, not quite knowing what to expect around each corner. In areas, it appears that even the natural light from the design of the building was used from varying angles to accentuate an art piece in certain locations.

There are the standard art pieces grand-fathered within the MAMAC, but there are also new exhibits from all over the world that make their way through the museum as well. With far too many artists to list here, you will basically find something from the likes of Francis Bacon to Picasso and Andy Warhol to Yves Klein.

Make sure you take the time to go through every floor and do not miss the rooftop garden area. I had previously heard this could be a place for men to cruise one another, although I didn’t experience anything like that, perhaps because of the sprinkling of rain that day.

When you do arrive on the rooftop, you will be able to walk around the entire circumference of the MAMAC; here you will see some spectacular views of the city from various vantage points.

Visiting the MAMAC is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Don’t do what I did and decide to go check out the MAMAC on a rainy day, make it a part of your day. Either way it will lift your spirits and inspire you.

H33 Hotel - Nice

2012-03-21T06:54:00.001+01:00

Whenever I’m about to travel somewhere, I’m the kind of person that likes to do some research ahead of time. Just to get a feel for a city before I arrive, but not so much that there are no surprises left.

Included in that would be my hotel accommodations. Except this time, for the first time in my life, I went on the recommendation of a two-star hotel through a friend who suggested and before I could even ask, booked a stay for me at the very gay-friendly H33 Hotel in Nice.

H33 Hotel

I have been fortunate enough to stay at some amazing four and five-star hotels. And at times, depending on where I was going and my budget for the trip, I’ve stayed in more cost-effective two and three-star hotels without any problems.

This time I purposely did not do any type of research besides get the address from my friend, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the H33 Hotel in Nice.

All I knew from the address was the hotel is situated in central Nice at: 33 rue Pastorelli. Which means it would be very easy to find since it’s only a couple of blocks from avenue Jean Médecin. And a leisurely walking distance to most everything one would want, including the beach.

On arrival, my first impressions were how clean and organized the lobby and large stairwell area appeared to be. Especially since I had arrived close to noon and the staff was busy with hotel guests checking in and out. And even though the staff appeared run off their feet, they were very professional and acknowledged my presence. Within minutes I was registered into the hotel.

Since my friend made the reservation, the type of room size I would have was also going to be a surprise. I was given my room key and told the room was on the top floor and cordially shown the elevator around the corner from the front desk.

Once off the elevator I could see my room number on the door immediately at the top of the short flight of stairs. Entering the room I was instantly happy. I could not believe this was a two-star hotel!

The room was the perfect size, no squeezing between furniture to get around. It was air-conditioned; there was a flat screen TV, and two separate, soundproof glass doorways that lead to a huge terrace with tables and chairs overlooking the city!

It made every other two and three-star hotel I had stayed at before in my life feel like absolute rubbish, almost embarrassing when I really thought about it.
This hotel was great; it should really be given a couple more stars!

Exploring the room further, I noticed the bathroom looked recently renovated including a decent sized shower, with lots of comfy, thick towels and plenty of toiletries added in. I had free Wi-Fi, a safety deposit box, a big double bed, with even a single bed across from it.

The room was very clean and I could live with the bold statement made in the decor with the dashes of bright color here and there. Actually, if this was part of the hotel’s branding, it seemed well suited.

Taking it all in, I swear, while unpacking I must’ve had the biggest smile on my face. I was already one happy and content hotel guest.

It was also good to be able to relax on the terrace and take in the various, expansive views of Nice. I just could not get over size of this terrace, it easily would fit at least ten people, and when you consider its part of such a nice room, for the money, this is a fantastic deal.

I remember contacting some friends on Facebook about the hotel room, noting that the terrace was so large I could have a party on it. Some of them thought I should but I knew how that would go and I wanted to respect the other hotel guests.

For me, it was lovely enough just to unwind out on the terrace in the early evening and enjoy a glass of wine before going out for the night. At one point I even just sat out there while working on my laptop and felt warmly surrounded by the city that I love. It was all a pleasant experience.

Add to that, I had some of the best nights sleeping in a hotel ever, the bed was comfortable and the room seemed so quiet.

Between 7am and 11am there is a breakfast room just up a level from the main floor of the hotel. I was always on the go with meetings so unfortunately I didn’t have breakfast in there but in passing it did seem very popular with the other hotel guests.

Overall, this is the first time I have ever been so impressed with what is regarded as being a two-star hotel. If you are traveling on a budget and want to feel confident that you are in a clean, comfortable and safe hotel, I highly recommend a visit to the H33 Hotel in Nice.

Charly's Bar

2012-03-14T08:40:00.002+01:00

Wondering through the old town of Le Suquet in Cannes you will likely come upon a bar that is just oozing with life. That place would be Charly’s Bar.

Pub Charly's Bar

Charly’s Bar is a gay-friendly establishment that can be found if you are walking through Le Suquet away from the port, towards the upper levels of the area. Although it is one of many pedestrian streets in the area, historically, rue du Suquet was the original main road into Cannes.

If you also happen to come across rue Saint-Antoine, follow it away from the port as well and stay on your left hand side as it eventually turns into rue du Suquet. Charly’s Bar is located at: 5 rue du Suquet, in the heart of it all.

Within this area filled with wonderful restaurants and shops, you will notice Charly’s Bar stands out by its beautiful woodwork and it’s welcoming outdoor terrace off the entrance. It is also where you will find the party is as much outdoors here as it is indoors.

What can be better than to relax and have drinks with friends on an outdoor terrace? In the summertime, in the French Riviera, Charly’s Bar seems to help provide the right atmosphere for that to happen.

You’ll find the interior of the bar has it’s own unique style. It’s cozy, and laid out in a cavernous cave like setting, yet with a modern design twist and function to it all.

It is one of the first things I ever noticed in the South of France, some establishments like to have their environments lit up with vibrant, yet flattering colors to help set the ambiance. Everything just comes off appearing that much more glamorous too, especially if you are in Cannes, and Charly’s Bar is no exception.

The way the bar happens to be presented is also a brilliant way to meet people if you are traveling on your own, as it makes for easier mixing and mingling.

Charly’s Bar has an extensive and moderately priced drinks menu and you can even order tapas. Here, the staff always seem to be smiling, even when they are super busy.

Being a more intimate-sized bar, there is no dance floor. But that doesn’t appear to deter people from trying to dance in the space they do find available while listening to the wide selection of music played from throughout the decades.

Charly’s bar is a fun, gay-friendly alternative, a great place to stop in for a drink on your way out for the evening or make a night of it with your friends.

Gay Cruising in Mont Boron Park

2012-03-07T09:52:00.046+01:00

Cruising in the Mont Boron Park in Nice is really no secret; word has been out about it for as long as I can remember.

And although this type of gay cruising is not my thing, I do get a lot of email requests asking specifically about this area of Nice.

I have only been to Fort du Mont Alban in the Mont Boron Municipal Park a couple of times myself, usually to go for a hike, and because I have an interest in the architecture of historic buildings.

What I can do is give you directions on how to get there and my thoughts on what I have experienced on Mont Boron.
What you get into at the park will be strictly your business.

Mont Boron is situated at the eastern edge of Nice and is often referred to by the locals as being their version of the Hollywood Hills because of the exquisite, private villas dotted up and down the hillside. Even Sir Elton John has a large estate on Mont Boron.

Within the park on Mont Boron are about 11kms of trails winding around one side of the hill to the other on which you can go for a bike ride, hike, or even find a spot for a picnic. It is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon if you wanted to step away from the city for a while.

My trips to the top of Mont Boron have always been by way of a friend’s car and on the times I have gone, we have taken a different route each time.

If you are driving by way of the port area (which is on the edge of Mont Boron), you will start to see signage noting which direction you need to go to head into the park. You will also see signage leading you to the top of the park by way of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Another option to get there is by bus. I would take the #14 bus from the stop right next to Galeries Lafayette in central Nice on rue Sacha Guitry. The bus will take you to Mont Boron where you can walk towards the fortress area, it runs approximately every 20-30 minutes and will easily get you there and back.

Be sure to ask the driver when the last bus comes down the hill from the park.

From what I have seen and heard, once you do get to the top of Mont Boron, people tend to start cruising near the fortress.

This fortress I am talking about is the Fort du Mont Alban. You will not be able to miss this place, although closed; this massive 16th century structure is commanding. There are plans with the city of Nice to convert the fort into a contemporary art museum in the future, but for now you can still stroll around the battlements.

The panoramic views from this location are out of this world. On one side of the hill you have the city of Nice where you can also see out towards Antibes and Cannes. With the other side of the hill you can see out towards Monaco overlooking Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with Villefranche-sur-Mer nestled below.
It is breathtaking!

Since there are no specific trails that I know of in which to follow, my advice would be to walk towards the communications tower heading south away from the fort overlooking the city of Nice.

The last time my friend and I went for a drive there, it was starting to get misty outside like it was going to rain any minute (which is evident in my pictures).

We were not even 50 feet from his parked car near the fortress and we could already see men on various splintered paths looking for some action. It wasn’t flagrant, but it was enough that our gaydar had kicked in.

We had planned to just go for a short hike around the area, I was going to attempt to take some pictures from where we were overlooking Nice but the weather got worse quickly so we just headed back to the car and left the grounds.

You could see other men too, heading out off the trails and either getting back into their cars or hopping on their motorbikes because of the weather. We kind of made a joke about it in the car when we were leaving how everyone was coming out of the woodwork.

I would say, even if you do not find what you’re looking for, Mont Boron is still a great place to get some fresh air, discover the fortress and you cannot beat the views.

Just don’t spoke the horses if you know what I mean. Be aware of your surroundings and keep in mind that families go into the park as well.
Be safe and have fun!

Feature 1: Marta Szczesniak - Photographer

2012-02-29T01:16:00.002+01:00

The French Riviera belongs to a part of the world where artists are appreciated for their skills and abilities. They are free in a supportive and encouraging environment to produce very unique types of work in a variety of fields and disciplines, be it visual art, dance, music, literature or any other form of art.

Traveling through the cities and villages of the Cote d’Azur, you will come across all forms of visual art displayed openly in places like public parks, as part of the architecture in buildings and of course within the numerous galleries and museums in the area. You’ll even find visually striking art inside various banks.

There seems to be ample community support for these endeavors, to the point that everyday places are infused with a degree of art. Here, one can have their work showcased in a nurturing environment, whether they are painters, sculptures or photographers.

In keeping with this spirit, I thought, since I seem to have a very large, worldwide readership, why not start introducing these artists from time to time to the rest of the world?

The first person I would like to introduce is my friend Marta Szczesniak. Marta’s photographic work is widely recognized not only in the Cote d’Azur, but also throughout France, including Paris.

Whenever I might happen to be on Facebook and see that my friend Marta has posted a new set of photographs, I instantly get excited to look through them all to see what kind of project she has been working on next.

I am always left inspired.

If this is your first visit to France and perhaps the French Riviera, have you ever thought of doing something different, like say spending a fun day in a photo shoot at one of the many luxury locations in the region?

You could update your modeling portfolio to reflect a different part of the world, or maybe you just got married and would like some honeymoon vacation photos. Perhaps you have a corporate project or function that requires a photographer.
Just to throw a few ideas out there.

Marta has been a good friend of mine for quite some time now. I find myself thinking back to our first meeting as she had left quite an impression.

We had arranged to meet outside the train station in Beaulieu-sur-Mer one sunny afternoon to go for a walk in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. We wanted to get to know one another better as we had previously been communicating mainly through Facebook, which is how we initially met online, as I had “liked” one of her photographs I came across.

As I walked out of the train station, I knew who she was immediately by her bright smile, her long flowing hair, and the bounce in her step as she crossed the street and we excitedly approached each other. I was struck by how naturally beautiful she was. You know how you sometimes get a good feeling inside when you first meet someone? This was my first feeling when I met Marta. It just felt right and it was an instant friendship. You’ll find she also brings this sense of brightness to her work.

I have never known someone to take their passion for their work so seriously, yet also combine that passion in getting the perfect job done with an element of fun.

Marta has been living in the South of France since 2006 and has been working as a professional photographer since 2005 but her love of photography started long before that as she remembers the hours spent watching her father develop his prints in a makeshift darkroom when she was a child. From there, the rest just came to her by second nature.

I’ve never known Marta to walk away from a challenge. In fact I see her constantly evolving. Every time I look through yet another new set of her stunning photographs, I’m learning more about Marta and which direction she is taking. Marta is certainly not afraid to try new photographic techniques, projects and is always upgrading her skills as she moves forward.

When Marta looks at a potentially photographic venue or area, she takes into account the light, character and full surroundings before confirming a location. Having worked in many parts of France, she knows instinctively many areas that would best suit a photography session.

As you can see from this small selection of Marta’s work, she has done everything from modeling shoots to architecture and interior shots, and has an extensive and impressive list of press credentials. I don’t even have enough room here to include her already-extensive work for weddings and corporate events!

Each shoot is meticulously planned and organized no matter how big or small, yet there is still flexibility in her work that helps keep a shoot fresh and exciting.

Marta has a vast contact list of stylists and makeup artists, etc., to help bring a shoot together.

As for photography equipment, you’ll find Marta comes well prepared because of her project ranges. The list of equipment she has is quite extensive. In our conversations it’s not unusual to hear about a new lens she is working with or how she has mastered yet another computer program.

Marta is currently based out of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, but it’s not unusual for her to work on projects in Cannes, Nice, Monaco and all parts in between, with many jobs taking her to Paris.

Marta is not only a dear friend of mine, but she has a great heart and she puts that along with her other skills and efforts into her passion for photography.

Feel free to contact Marta for any work or ideas you might have in mind by the links I have attached here:

Marta Photographer

Photoxygen

Riviera Wedding Photography

Whether you are an individual, couple or even a corporation, Marta will put your mind at ease and do the best work possible for you.

3.14 Hotel - Cannes

2012-01-31T06:19:00.000+01:00

I don’t know about you, but I’m the kind of guy who appreciates solitude and calm surroundings, yet when I want to have some fun and adventure, I like to go all out.

When I first approached the 3.14 Hotel in Cannes, there was something magnetic about it, it had a different vibe, and as soon as I walked into the hotel, something made me want to explore every inch of this intriguing place.

I was immediately taken in by the dramatic and yet seductive interiors. I just knew this was the place for me! It’s like having the best of both worlds: calming, yet adventurous.

You will find that 3.14 Hotel is certainly not your usual hotel.

It is nothing less than an experience.

3.14 Hotel

Somehow it feels very connected and as one with Cannes, yet it somehow feels like you have also entered a whole new world.

This socially and centrally located 4-star hotel provides every amenity imaginable and is serviced by top notch, gorgeous staff. It is also very creative, inspirational and yet relaxing in its design and color palette.

If you are an art lover, this is also the place to be. You will find various exhibits are put on throughout the hotel and the tastes in art are wide and varied.

During my visit, I was given an information package and in it states, “The 3.14 offers you the opportunity to live something really different. Built around the principles of Feng Shui, 3.14 Hotel invites you to discover these 5 floors, each representing one of the 5 continents: America, as a creative continent, Africa, at the desert gates, Oceania, distant islands, Europe, Paris la Belle Époque, Asia, impressions of the rising sun.

Designed accordingly to Feng Shui rules of harmony which encourages energy to circulate more freely the five elements of: water, wood, fire, earth and metal.”

All this is certainly true. You can choose the floor and type of room (95 rooms varying in size and style) that suits your needs and current mood.

It’s easy enough to read this but until you experience it personally, it is really something else.

When I was being shown the different floors, as soon as I stepped off the elevator I felt as though I was in a totally new environment each time. The lighting and fixtures would be different, as were the colors of the walls, furnishings and design.

Each floor brought on its own mood and this would match that feeling in the hotel room, (which are comparable to North America in size) and just wait until you discover what is inside the “Love Box” left on your bed for your arrival.

Although some floors may initially feel more dramatic than the others, overall there was still a Zen-like feeling to it all, so even if your room is perhaps more vibrant in color, you will not have trouble sleeping in it. Could this be Feng Shui at work?

I also found the rooms to be immaculately clean and organized as is the rest of the hotel, there are staff at every point in the hotel making sure that everything is well taken care of and guests are happy.

What I also enjoyed was the library/meeting space on the main level in the center of the hotel.

Here you can take a look through any of the art books on hand, hang out with friends or do some work on your laptop while being surrounded by more fabulous artwork and beautiful people.

Right next to the library area, also on the main level, is the 3.14 restaurant/bar/club lounge. This large part of the hotel too feels vivacious and alive, especially with the jet set crowd in attendance.

DJ’s regularly spin their sets here for the hotel guests and the locals in Cannes, the lighting is always perfect and the room can easily be transformed to suit any event.

For an added change, be seated outside on the outdoor lounge off the restaurant to enjoy the ambiance with a drink or two.

Not only is this whole section of the hotel a great place to hang out and meet new people, you’ll notice the restaurant menu is extensive and organic in tastes: all very satisfying.

The 3.14 Hotel also takes your business needs seriously, so if you wanted to book one of their meeting rooms for a conference or what have you, just let them know.

While you are at 3.14 Hotel, a must see is the spectacular rooftop area where you can take advantage of the many different spa treatments available such as getting a massage or you can even do yoga.

But what made my jaw drop open the most was the ultra-inviting pool, lounge and Jacuzzi area. Absolutely perfect!

The stunning views of the majestic Carlton Hotel with the sea in the background alone are worth the visit, you have to see how the Jacuzzi feels perched on the top corner end of the building. Edgy.

This is a totally genius set up.

Something else you have to indulge in here is an event called a, “Silence Party”.

For those that don’t know, a Silence Party is an event where one or more DJ’s spin but instead of a speaker system in place, you will receive a set of wireless headphones to wear.

Once you have on the headphones, just look towards the DJ for a sign to see which channel they are playing on and then dance the night away. These parties are held so that there is less of a worry about noise curfews then everyone can continue on.

Silence Parties are tons of fun and very interesting to be a part of if you have never been to one before, I highly recommend them.

It also seems normal that this would be a part of the 3.14 Hotel experience. If you wish to go, it’s wise to get there early as they are very popular and you will otherwise have to queue to get in. This is only one of the many types of events 3.14 holds.

Want to go to the beach? It’s literally at the end of the street. As if the 3.14 Hotel wasn’t already enough of a package, walk to the end of the street towards the sea and you will come upon 3.14 Le Plage (Beach). I instantly fell in love with this place.

The hot, friendly waiters provide the best service, the food and drinks are delicious and the colors here are once again very dynamic and yet work easily with the natural surroundings of the sand and sea.

This is the perfect place to come for a bite to eat, a soothing drink, relax and tan on one of the lounge chairs along their manicured beach (yes, a manicured, pristine beach) and cool off in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

3.14 Hotel is in the heart of it all in Cannes, just head to Boulevard de la Croisette along the sea and when you are near the corner of the Carlton Hotel, you will want to turn left on to rue Francois Einesy and straight ahead, on the left hand side is 3.14 Hotel at: 5 rue Francois Einesy.

Believe me, your first experience here will be the start of your best experiences. If you want to have one of those glamorous moments in the South of France and especially in Cannes, this is one of the places to be.

What I personally love about the hotel, besides the fact that the name 3.14 is also the month and date of my birthday, is how alive and radiant it feels.

The hotel is so naturally welcoming to any and all nationalities and sexualities. 3.14 Hotel is a very gay-friendly hotel. There is a feeling of acceptance and vitality for life here.

I highly suggest if you are in Cannes and want to change things up from your usual hotel stay, whether it be for just a short weekend getaway or for an extended stay, check in to the 3.14 Hotel in Cannes.

Photos © 3.14 Hotel

Les Bains Douches

2012-01-24T07:16:00.008+01:00

Before I begin, I would just like to say I wish I had more pictures for this post, and I wish there was a website link I could add for you.

Believe me, I’ve spoken to the manager of Les Bains Douches a couple of times about this, trying to encourage him to put up a website, because as someone coming from North America, this is almost unheard of nowadays. A gay bathhouse/sauna not having a website?!

But alas, no such luck. I guess you are just going to have to believe me when I tell you that if you were curious about where you should be going in Nice for some hot bathhouse action, Les Bains Douches is your “go to” location. Even my friends that live in the Cote d’Azur all seem to agree.

You see, Les Bains Douches has been a fixture in Nice for many years now and without question it is the most popular gay bathhouse in the city, if not this region of France.

For myself, having had 13 plus years experience managing bathhouses, I know how important it is to make sure customers always come in feeling comfortable immediately in this type of environment, especially if this is their first visit. And that attention is given to details in the space. Well you will certainly find this and more the minute you walk through the door of this sauna.

At Les Bains Douches, the manager and staff are always very hospitable, if this is your first time there, they have no problem showing you where everything can be located, in fact, I have found they will jump at the chance to guide you around.

Les Bains Douches is located on a very safe, business/residential type of street in central Nice. Inside, the bathhouse is laid out over three levels. As soon as you walk in, to your right is the check-in counter where you pay a small, flat fee, then you will be buzzed into the bar/lobby area, through there is the rest of the bathhouse.

I hesitate in giving you the exact details of what is on each floor because I have found the owner likes to change and improve the space. Les Bains Douches is continually kept fresh, upgraded and interesting. You will find your usual labyrinth of hallways, areas for play, glory holes, dry and wet saunas, porn and other wet areas, just with some extra touches.

I will tell you this though, I love how grand the curved marble stairwell feels. I love how the huge porn room on the top floor is set up with vinyl foam mattresses on different levels. I love how relaxing the large, rectangular Jacuzzi area can be with the stained glass ceiling.

You will find the whole club is spotlessly clean, and very well maintained. The friendly staff will help you with any questions you might have, not only about Les Bains Douches but with anything to do with the gay scene in Nice.

Here is what I also like, when you arrive and before you check in, without asking, they will tell you how busy it is with customers inside. So that you do not pay to come in only to find there are maybe 5-10 people in the bathhouse. Then the choice to proceed to come in or not is entirely up to you. Being honest, you cannot get better service than that.

Les Bains Douches is very easy to find. If you are coming from Place Massena, go to the side of Galeries Lafayette that is on rue Gioffredo and walk about three blocks east until you are at the cross street of rue Gubernatis, turn left and you will find the sauna at: 7 rue Gubernatis. It’s a decent, very discreet looking building with a discreet off the street entrance. No big flashing signs.

Les Bains Douches is open every day from 1pm until 10pm, although I have sometimes seen them stay open until midnight.

So although there is no website link, if gay bathhouses are your thing, you really must check out Les Bains Douches.

I guess when your business naturally attracts the locals and visiting international clientele. That just means you have a very diverse crowd and something for everyone, so maybe one doesn’t need to go through all the fuss of having a website? Whatever they are doing, it’s working!

As always, play safe and have fun.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Gay Nude Hideaways

2011-12-26T05:56:00.000+01:00

To step away from Cannes, Nice and other areas for a moment, I would like to mention one of my favorite places on Earth.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat or also locally known as Cap Ferrat.

One thing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is known for being is as one of the most expensive peninsulas in the world to own property. And lucky for us, you will also be able to find a couple of gay-friendly, nude, sun bathing areas there.

Now these two “gay areas” are not necessarily as popular as St. Laurent-Eze Beach (St. Laurent-Eze Gay Nude Beach) but they are still worth the trip as the locations are of the most picturesque imaginable.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and Monaco. More directly, the peninsula starts between the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

There are many ways to get to the gay sun bathing areas. The main thing you are going to want to keep in mind is that the lighthouse (Phare du Cap Ferrat) at the tip of Cap Ferrat is the landmark you are going to want to go towards.

This massive lighthouse can be seen from many different directions, even from the beach in Nice. The gay-friendly areas are located just below the lighthouse. Before you go, I advise you to take enough food and water supplies as there are no stores near the sun bathing areas, and to also wear decent running shoes.

If you are driving, just look for the various signs for the turns between Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer that will take you directly into Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. And because it is a peninsula, all streets in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat tend to take you in the direction of the lighthouse. You will also be able to park for free on the street close to the lighthouse, provided you can find a space.

If you decide to walk to the gay sunbathing areas, but are taking the train to get to Cap Ferrat, I would choose to get off at the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station. This way if you forgot to pick up a perishable item, you can then do that by walking through Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which will very quickly take you into Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where in the Saint-Jean village you can also pick up items.

I say this because if you come by way of Villefranche-sur-Mer train station, and follow the coastline trail that outlines the peninsula to the lighthouse, you are not going to find any stores along the way. For this walk, no matter what time of year it is, you are going to need to keep yourself hydrated.

From Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the coastline trail is very easy to find. Take a left when you exit the train station, and immediately you will see boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc ahead of you, turn left when you are on the boulevard.

Outside the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station

Walk down boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc, past the quaint shops for about 2-3 blocks until you are at the intersection of avenue des Hellènes. Cross the street (where there is a grocery store) and continue to your right for a couple of blocks until you are at the sea and beach by the casino.

Continue this way along the sea and you will easily find the start of the coastline trail directly in right front of the Hotel Royal Riviera. Simply follow the trail and take in all the wonderful scenery, while being surrounded by some of the most opulent properties you have ever seen.

Before you know it, you will be in Saint-Jean village.

You will know when you have arrived at Saint-Jean village when the coastline trail you are on, (Promenade Maurice Rouvier) takes you to avenue Denis Semeria. Stay on your left alongside the sea into the village until you see avenue Claude Vignon to your right.

Cross on to that street, but stay on your left hand side and follow it until it turns into what feels like a private lane called: Chemin de la Carrière.

Simply stay on that street, walking past the private estates as the street turns into a gravel path, open section of land. Head towards the derelict building in the distance, once just past the building the gravel path will then turn back to being a sidewalk along the sea. Here you will continue to the gay areas.

I realize this is a lot of direction, but for a first time visitor, I want to try to make it easy for you to find if you are walking.

I know there are buses you can take, but also as a first time visitor, if you want to really take in the beautiful scenery, I always feel walking is a great way to experience it all and meet the locals.

You will start to know you are close to the gay area when you are on the trail, passing the gated, private Hotel du Cap Ferrat pool section of land that leads to the sea.

Immediately, you will see the lighthouse in the distance, so just head towards it by following the coastline trail.

When you are near the lighthouse, instead of ascending the set of stairs in front of you to the lighthouse, look to your left as you will then see the unmarked gay sun bathing area.

There is plenty of room to set up your towel and belongings either on the rocks near the sea or tucked up on a landing closer to the bushes. The rocks are so white from being bleached by the sun, and the area is so vast that you will not believe how easy it is to just set up out in the open and lie naked in the sun. Of course be aware that there are other people walking along the trail, so don’t set up too close to it.

To get to the other gay area, ascend the stairs to the top near the lighthouse. When you arrive at the drinking fountain, stay on the trail to your left.

As you walk along the trail, very shortly you will see a small gated estate on your left hand side, after you walk past that, you are going to want to turn on to the first little trail that opens up to your left.

Cautiously descend down the trail and you will see that it splinters off into many different directions leading towards the sea. I personally prefer this area the most as it is lush with greenery amongst secluded landings. It also seems to be more popular with other gay guys, yet you can still have your privacy if you desire.

If you have chosen to drive and were able to find the lighthouse and a parking spot, just follow these same directions to get to the gay locations, but take it from the water fountain area that is at the bottom of the stairs from the street level at the lighthouse.

When you reach this spot, either choose to go left or right.

Naturally in these gay sun bathing areas men seem to cruise each other, action happens, but there is also a sense of decorum about it all as well. You can choose to wear your swimsuit or go nude. Many sections here are very secluded.

Be safe and enjoy!

Le Night

2011-12-10T21:03:00.001+01:00

Le Night is yet another fun club in Cannes that you must check out.

Le Night

The atmosphere is ever changing and very social. You won’t find many wallflowers here.

Le Night caters to a mixed crowd, but is fortunately more favorably on the gay-friendly side. The place has a young feel to it and the party goes all night long.

The staff is so much fun and up for anything new and of the moment, they like to change things up every once in a while with the events, such as: techno/electro nights, hip-hop and of course straight up dance music, which to me is a good thing. It keeps the visits to the club fresh and with an edge.

But what I really like about Le Night is that they are open to promoting other businesses in the LGBT Community such as when Rendezvous Underwear held a fashion show in the club one evening: RenDezVous Underwear

This isn’t one of those clubs that caters to the same demographic, with the same music tastes every weekend. You’ll notice on their website that the music and events change weekly so if you don’t check first, you won’t know what to expect. Personally, I like to go with the element of surprise and have never been disappointed.

Le Night is located at: 52, rue Jean Jaurès, only a couple of blocks away from the train station and is literally within walking distance of all the major hotels.

Many nights they have free entry or you might have to pay approximately 10 euros to get in but that includes a conso.

The hours of operation are from Wednesday – Sunday, from 9:30pm until 5am.

Le Sept Cabaret Nightclub

2011-11-25T21:49:00.003+01:00

Le Sept, Disco 7, Le 7…people seem to call it by any of those names, I just call it a great night out.

If this is your first time in the Cote d’Azur and your first time in Cannes, you really have to experience the Cannes nightlife brought to you in part by Le Sept.

You'll be thoroughly entertained and made to feel at one with the party.
We all like a bit of shine in our lives and I’d say Cannes wouldn’t have the extent of glitz and glam if it weren’t for Le Sept helping to make it feel “star” worthy.

Le Sept is a cabaret-style nightclub, meaning you are going to see some of the best shows performed by amazing drag queens. Yet I really hesitate in using the words “drag queens” because that almost sounds down market compared to these people.
Here you will see some of the most beautiful entertainers in your life.

Yes, you will witness the most engaging man dressed as a woman, but you will also see the sexiest transsexuals ever, along with some of the hottest men I’ve ever seen dressed androgynous…or just as hot men. And then there are the women…

Seriously, I am envious and totally intrigued! I am dying to get to know these performers better.

Just wait until you experience the effort they have put in for their shows. Incredible! The YouTube videos I have attached do not do justice. Being there in person brings on a whole new feeling to it all and in the best of surroundings. The shows are full of entertainment; singing, dancing, comedy and there is plenty of crowd participation so get ready to be a part of the show.

And unlike the regular routine at some other clubs, Le Sept is a breeze to get into, you might have to wait a short while if it’s super busy but it is worth it, plus it’s usually free to enter and without the bouncer attitude.

What you will notice about the inside of Le Sept is that it isn’t a massive space, yet it is set up perfectly, not only for cabaret shows but also for a great night out at the club.

When entering Le Sept, you will find the main bar near the front entrance with a lounge area set up in the middle. The shows are performed at the stage visible at the end of the club space, which also doubles as a dance floor.

What it comes down to is Le Sept is comfortably set up and in such a way that you can’t help but meet the people on either side of you.

Drinks are moderately priced and served by the best staff. The music ranges from techno to classic disco with plenty of house in between.

Finding the club is very easy and within walking distance of the major hotels. Le Sept is located at 7 rue Rouguière that is a pedestrian type street close to the Port. Basically, go to rue du Maréchal Joffre and head towards the Port, when you see the Crédit Mutuel just take a look to your right and you will see the signage for Le Sept just a building away on rue Rouguière.

Their website is not available at the moment but I do have a number in which you can contact: +33 04 93 39 10 36. Le Sept is open 7 nights a week from 11pm-7am.

Le Sept is not only a cabaret-style nightclub but also a gathering place for many in the LGBT community, everyone is welcome. I'm hoping the performers start up Facebook fan pages. I’ll be the first to “like” them.

Gay French Riviera Facebook Page!

2011-11-25T03:36:00.000+01:00

Please click on the link to "Like" Gay French Riviera on Facebook!

Gay French Riviera

Croisette Beach Hotel - Cannes

2011-10-23T07:43:00.000+02:00

To me, Cannes has really come into its own over the years in terms of being a gay travel destination. More gay bars and nightclubs have opened up, more gay-friendly restaurants and hotels, fantastic beaches, and who could dare question the shopping?

With that I would like to start off by mentioning a gay-friendly hotel that I very much recommend.

Croisette Beach Hotel in Cannes is situated in the heart of it all. This four-star hotel has world class shopping practically at the doorstep, is certainly within walking distance to the gay and gay-friendly bars and clubs and it even has its own private beach and restaurant area.

Croisette Beach Hotel

As soon as you step into Croisette Beach Hotel you will feel at home in a natural yet cozy environment. In keeping with this motif, you will find very approachable, friendly staff that is genuine in their hospitality towards everyone.

The hotel has 94 spacious rooms varying in size to suit your needs. For those North Americans used to a "standard" hotel room size, and understanding that some European hotel rooms tend to be smaller, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that even the smallest suites in Croisette Beach Hotel are very much in keeping with a North American room size.

And each unit, regardless of size, is paired with newly remodeled, sleek and modern bathrooms.

Each room also has its own safe, minibar, wifi internet and plenty of closet space, without question you will find everything you need.

For the business-minded, there are also various meeting and reception rooms to help with all your business and social needs.

On my visit to the Croisette Beach Hotel, I noticed the staff were always busy cleaning, organizing or arranging something but yet also paying close attention to hotel guests needs. The staff is dedicated to the work and for that reason; Croisette Beach is perpetually kept in immaculate order.

Depending on your choice of hotel room, you will find yourself either facing the street with the beach less than a block away, or you will face the beautiful inner courtyard with its true green spaces, trees and an ample lounge area set up by the pool.

The gorgeous pool and courtyard area are just off the hotel's bar and dining room on the main level and is one of the few hotels in the center of Cannes with its own pool.
That alone is a luxury.

Croisette Beach Hotel is easy to find. If you are about midway down the Croisette, just look for rue du Canada and you will find the hotel at: 13 rue du Canada.

As if the hotel wasn't enough, at the end of the street right on the Croisette is the private Croisette Beach and Restaurant, where you will find the same great service from the hotel.

Here you can have a wonderful meal at the restaurant while you take in the glorious scenery yet also enjoy drinks while you catch a few rays of sun on your own private lounge chair at the beach area.

For a Four Star hotel situated where Croisette Beach is, you are going to find this is one of the best deals in Cannes.

A special Thank You to Olivier.