Area Information
 
Home
Vicinity Map
Local area maps:
For road maps and area guidebooks click here. |
Cannes English Bookshop
In the unlikely event that you decide you
need something to read (in English), you can find or order most things at the Cannes
English Bookshop at 11 Rue Bivouac-Napoleon, F-06400 Cannes (tel. 04.93.99.40.08).
The Bookshop is near (2 blocks) the Palais
des Festivals, off of the rue Jean de Riouffe - between the rue d'Antibes and
la
Croisette. You should also finds a variety of books at the each apartment (...en Anglais!)
Riviera Radio Stations
-
Riviera Radio (http://www.rivieraradio.mc)
at either 106.3 and/or 106.5 FM broadcasts in English 24x7x365 with
international, French, local and other Anglophone-related news and
information. Based in the Principality of Monaco, Riviera Radio is one of two
English language radio stations on the French Riviera. It's relied upon for
many local information services in English, including music, news, sport,
finance, traffic, local events, want ads, and audio bulletin boards requesting
help for services such as yacht hands, sitters, nannies, real estate, etc.
Broadcasts reach west as far as St. Tropez in France and east to San Remo in
Italy, principally serving the large English-speaking communities in Nice,
Cannes and Antibes, as well as many of the yachtsmen along the Riviera. If you
have Windows Media Player, you should be listening to them, or you can visit
them on the internet to listen, or locally at 106.5 FM -
More too at
AngloInfo.Com.
-
Radio International (http://www.radiointernational.net/)
covers most of the Côte d'Azur from Imperia in the east in Italy, to the
west beyond St. Tropez. Before nine in the morning they are information
oriented, and music oriented after nine with virtually no DJ chatter. They
provide a travel section on day-trips, and other things to do in the area,
as well as travel warnings by various governments when necessary. They have
recently launched the Côte's only jazz station, also predominantly English,
called "The Breeze" heard on 88.4. The Breeze is an affiliate of National
Public Radio (NPR) in the United States.
Other Area Radio Stations
|
|
 |
-
Kiss FM - Côte d'Azur radio for Cannes and Nice (French)
|
 |
|
|
 |
-
ComFM.com - Nice
site lists numerous radio and internet stations streaming on
the internet, with live link to the particular media player each
station uses (Real Player, Window Media Player, etc) and links to
listen to each station. Sorted by country, genre, etc.. Try this
link (opens in a new window) and then try selecting a station.
|
 |
|
|
|
Driving and Getting Around the Riviera
To see the best of the Riviera, nearby Provence and most any
other recommended area here on the website we
strongly advise you to get a rental car. Be sure to familiarize
yourself with road signs and rules of priority before you head out. Most
intersections have signs pointing the way to major cities, towns, sights,
parking garages, and main roads. Traffic reports are broadcast in English during
local hours of road congestion on Riviera Radio, 106.5FM, which you should be
hearing in the background if your speakers are on, and you have a
Windows Media Player. Listening to this or other local stations above in
French is a good way to get "into" the local culture and goings on before you
arrive.
AngloInfo.Com has
information on most anything local, and a page devoted to
transportation. For taxis try Allo
Taxi Cannes, Tel: +33 (0)4 22 99 27 27, Fax:+33 (0)4 93 99 90 77, Email: taxicannes@taxicannes.com.
You can register here
to schedule one for pickup. Finding a taxi on the street is rare, unless you're
near a local taxi stand. Call the number above and a taxi will meet you.
If you're going to drive here, and you're from North America, Australia, etc.
or otherwise unfamiliar with local driving regs, road signs, etc. then try this
good UK site
Rothery.Org with their link to
European Road Signs. These will give you some quick lessons before you get
there.
More info here!
Golf
We've had several inquiries about playing
golf here. Try the Royal Mougins Golf Club/Golf
Country Club (the old St.Donat/Cannes Mandelieu Course). One of
the region's most challenging courses, Country-Club de Cannes-Mougins, 175 av.
du Golf, route d'Antibes, Mougins (tel. 04 93 75 79 13), 6.5km (4 miles)
north of Cannes, was a 1976 reconfiguration by Dye & Ellis of a course laid out
in the 1920s. Noted for the olive trees and cypresses that adorn a flat terrain,
it has many water traps and a layout loaded with technical challenges. It has a
par of 72 and since 1981 has hosted the Cannes-Mougins Open, an important stop
on the PGA European Tour. The course is open to anyone (with proof of handicap)
willing to pay greens fees of 100€, depending on the day of the week. An
electric golf cart rents for 45€, and golf clubs can be rented for 24€.
Reservations are recommended.
Skiing
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
A familiar sight drifting silently over the
high plateaus of the Var and the Maritime Alps - we captured one of these gliding over our
restaurant in Gourdon. We could have gone two kilometers up the road for our very own
experience...but decided to pass! However, for braver souls who are interested in where
and how, we offer the following information...PARAGLIDE!
Tips for Paraglider
Pilots - In-depth information for paragliders with photos, instructions and
much more.
|
Backcountry Guided Tours
Some of these sites cover the areas
of the Var, Provence, the Maritime Alps, and the Estérel Mountain
preserve. You'll find a hiker's paradise in the mid to upper altitudes of
the Maritime-Alps with over 3,500 kilometers of marked hiking trails.
|
Bicycling
& Motor-Scootering
Despite the roaring traffic, the flat landscapes between
Cannes and satellite resorts like La Napoule are well suited for riding a
bike or motor scooter. At Cycles Daniel, 2 rue du Pont Romain (tel.
04-93-99-90-30), vélos tout terrain (mountain bikes) cost 15€ a day.
Renters of motorized bikes and scooters will pay 35€ per day and must be at
least 14 years old. For the larger of the scooters, potential renters must
present a valid driver's license. Another purveyor of bikes is Mistral
Location, 4 rue Georges Clémenceau (tel. 04-93-39-33-60), which
charges 11€ per day.
|
|
|
 |
-
Bay
of Agay - Website with info on the Bay of Agay, between St. Raphaël (12 km) and
Cannes (30 km) in the heart of the Corniche
d'Or (itself a part of the larger Corniche de l"Esterel).
It is the natural entrance to the Estérel highlands, a nature preserve
and public park with over 13,000 protected hectares (32,129 acres) and a variety of wildlife
including wild boar, deer, etc. The preserve has over 85 kms of public hiking
paths, with well-marked entry points and marked circuits at Le Mont Vinaigre (614m) (Mount Vinegar), le
Lac de l'Ecureuil (Squirrel Lake), and the Pic
de l'Ours (Bear Peak). Open for mountain bikes and horseback riding. Formerly a refuge to brigands and highwaymen, such
as Gaspard de Besse, and now one of the most beautiful natural treasures on
the Riviera.
|
Weather on the Riviera
"Some people are weather-wise, some are
otherwise" - C.K. Chesterson
Mild winters and moderately warm summers contribute greatly
to the reputation of the Cote d'Azur. The Riviera
is located between the Mediterranean
Sea to the south and the French Alps to the north. Many towns are open to the sea and surrounded by mountains providing
an extremely pleasant and temperate
maritime microclimate. The Mediterranean acts as a thermal absorber
providing a coastal sub-tropical climate, while the surrounding high relief of
the Maritime-Alps provides an Alpine backdrop often noted in local
photographs of the area.
The Riviera enjoys about 300 days of
sunshine throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of approximately
60F (16C).
Temperature swings are not extreme.
Ninety-degree heat is uncommon in summer and lows in the 20s(F) are extremely rare,
even in the heart of winter. Even though the French Riviera sits at roughly the
same latitude as Boston, it averages fewer days below freezing than New Orleans.
Spring -
In March, the mercury begins climbing
from the winter minimums. Highs average in the upper 50s and nighttime lows are
in the middle 40s. Freezes along the coast are extremely rare in spring, and
occasional warm spells can send temperatures into the 70s. Despite the Riviera's
reputation as dry and sunny, be sure to pack rain gear, as about 3 inches of
rain usually fall in March. Spring rainfall sometimes comes via heavy showers,
which can trigger occasional flooding and mudslides when combined with nearby
snowmelt in the Alps.
Summer -
Sunscreen is a necessity in the hot,
dry Mediterranean summer. Average highs rise to around 80 by July and August,
the two warmest months. Heat waves can send temperatures into the 90s, but
stifling heat is thankfully very rare, due to the cooling sea breezes.
Beachgoers typically find water temperatures from the middle 70s to lower 80s
during the summer months.
Fall -
Fall has generally pleasant
temperatures, with rainfall picking up markedly by late September. October and
November are the rainiest months of the year, averaging around 4.5 inches each.
Be prepared for periods of strong winds any time of year as air cascades down
the Rhone River Valley just to the west. This local wind (the "Mistral")
often ushers in cold air in winter or hot gusts in the warmer seasons. Frankly,
this and Winter is the time of year when we choose to visit.
Winter -
Winters are both very short and mild.
The locals are taking a break from their hectic busy season, and you'll
have a better opportunity to learn more about the area as everyone seems to have
more time on their hands. Rates are lower, food much better (plus less
expensive), and there's much more time for congenial conversation with
shopkeepers and neighbors. Temperatures can range from as high as 60 to
the low 40's.
Local Cannes weather
forecasts can viewed at
CNN-Weather,
Weather.Com
(with a 10-day forecast),
Weather Underground, or
Meteo-France.
|
French Riviera
Monthly Average Temperatures |
| Monthly |
Fahrenheit °F (°C) |
Average
Water
Temp |
Average Days
of Rain |
| Avg. High |
Avg. Low |
| January |
50 (10) |
35 (2) |
58 (14) |
8 |
| February |
53 (12) |
36 (2) |
56 (13) |
6 |
| March |
59 (15) |
41 (5) |
56 (13) |
7 |
| April |
64 (18) |
46 (8) |
58 (14) |
7 |
| May |
71 (22) |
52 (11) |
64 (18) |
8 |
| June |
79 (26) |
58 (14) |
70 (21) |
4 |
| July |
84 (29) |
58 (14) |
73 (23) |
2 |
| August |
83 (28) |
63 (17) |
77 (25) |
5 |
| September |
77 (25) |
58 (14) |
72 (22) |
6 |
| October |
68 (20) |
51 (10) |
65 (18) |
8 |
| November |
58 (14) |
43 (6) |
64 (18) |
9 |
| December |
52 (11) |
37 (3) |
58 (14) |
10 |
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
MasterCard ATM locator NEW!
Search the Mastercard ATM Locator Database for the nearest MasterCard ATM by region,
country, state and city. Results provide addresses of ATM location and offer a map to the
ATMs location (when available).
Visa
("CarteBleu") ATM locator NEW!
Search the Visa ATM Locator Database for the nearest Visa ATM by region, country, state,
city and street. Results provide address information for Visa ATM machines and offer a map
when available. Site links include Getting a Card, Lost Card, Visa Cash, Visa Travelers
checks, and others. Site can also be read in Spanish and Portuguese.
Note:
There are numerous bank ATM's located along the main streets from which you
can withdraw French currency! Exercise caution, however, especially after
dark!
Water Sports
Boating
Several companies can rent you a boat of any size, with or
without a crew, for a day, a week, or a month. An outfit known for its
short-term rentals of small craft, including motorboats, sailboats, and canoes,
is Elco Marine, 110 bd. du Midi (tel. 04-93-47-12-62). For access
to larger boats, including motor-driven and sailing yachts and craft suitable
for deep-sea fishing, try MS Yachts, 57 La Croisette (tel.
04-93-99-03-51), or Mediterranée Courtage (Agence Y.P.), 22 quai Port
Marseille (tel. 04-93-38-30-40).
Sail Boating - Schedule a day cruise with the Hotel Azurene boat.
If you enjoy boating, the licensed skipper will be glad to schedule you to
visit the bay and the beautiful islands "Iles
de Lérins" offshore from Cannes. Prices for half-day cruise = 300
FF/person-mini 2/maxi 4 - 3 hours minimum all year-under weather conditions.
Email to reserve.
Dolmen Yachts - Mediterranean Yacht Charter service. Monaco Grand
Prix & Cannes Festival Specialists. Dolmen Holdings (Jersey) Ltd. Channel
Islands, British Isles
YachtingCrews.Com - Website with job postings and more info relevant to
ocean-going yachts
OceanCrewMember.Com - Monagasque crew placement website
Yacht
Romara.com - Romara is a classic Burma teak motor yacht built in 1934 by
Camper and Nicholsons of Gosport, Britain's oldest boatyard. Romara is an
ideal boat for Riviera honeymoon cruises or romantic breaks.
White Water Rafting
Scuba
-
Centre International de Plongée - Golfe-Juan, C.I.P.
(International Diving Center). Mar - Nov. Boat "Le Jean -Marie Marcelle."
Golfe-Juan Public Port, Quai Saint Pierre. Tel. 04 93 63 00 04 or
04 93
63 65 19
-
Centre International de Plongée
- Nice, C.I.P.
(International Diving Center)
-
Golfe Plongée Club. Boat "Le
Souvenez-vous." Open year-round in Golfe-Juan Public Port, Quai Napoléon.
tel. 04 93 64 89 27 or 04 93 64 22 67 or mobile 06 07 05 71 44
Loisirs Subaquatiques Detente
(L.S.D.)
Boat "La Valériane." Open year-round in adjacent Golfe-Juan. Odyssée Plongée, 71
boulevard des Freres Roustan. Tel. 04 93 63 15 45 - mobile 06 07 05 71 44
PSDiving.Com
- Scuba diving from St. Laurent du Var, Antibes and elsewhere with a large choice
of dive sites such as caves, caverns and reefs
Diving
on the French Riviera - Scuba diving is popular along the
Mediterranean coast, where many underwater artifacts date back a few
centuries before the Romans began sailing along here!
H2O
- THE diving center of Sainte Maxime, on the French Riviera. Scuba diving is their
passion, and they'd love to share it with you! Sainte Maxime is a small village on the
French Riviera near Saint Tropez. Whatever your underwater skill, diving here is a real
pleasure. One of the main attractions of the bay is the beautiful and famous wreck of the
RUBIS submarine that lies 40 meters under sea level. But there are many other things to
see as well. All year long whether you're one person or with a group of friends, we're
waiting for you in Sainte Maxime marina on our boat the Yvan Pierre.
École
de plongée de Sainte Maxime, Hameau de Guerrevielle, 83210 Ste Maxime, France. Tel:
04 94 491 491 E-mail : h2o@lpce.com
Cannes Tennis
and Public Swimming Pools
Tennis - The city of Cannes maintains a half-dozen
tennis courts (one made from synthetic resins and five clay-topped) that cost
between 9.50€ and 12.50€ per hour, depending on the court and the time of day
you want to play, plus 4€ per hour for lighting. Close by Residence Santa
Barbara you will find Tennis Municipal de la Bastide, 220 av. Francis
Tonner, 06400 Cannes (tel. 04 93 47 29 33). And if those courts are
already taken, consider heading for the five clay-topped courts at Tennis
Municipal Aérodrome, Aérodrome de Cannes Mandelieu, 06400 Cannes (tel.
04 93 47 29 33), also maintained by the municipality, which charges the
same rates. You might also try Tennis Club de Cannes; 150 meters from beach
and Croisette and open year-round. Tel. 04 93 43 58 85 or try
http://www.tennis-cannes.com/.
Also well-known is the Tennis Club Lucien Barrière at bd. Strasbourg
06400 CANNES Tel. 04 93 99 23 20. In Vallauris try the Tuiliéres Sports Complex (Complexe
Sportif des Tuiliéres) - chemin des Tuiliéres, Vallauris,
which has
eight tennis courts (2-clay, 4-hard
surface, 2-synthetic grass) (tel.
04 93 64 28 45),
a swimming pool (tel. 04 93 64 63
38), children's games and cross-training circuits. Also in
Vallauris is
Tennis and Leisure (Tennis et Loisirs).
308, chemin Lintier, Vallauris. tel. 04 93 64 53 91. (6-clay courts).
In Golfe-Juan, you'll find 4-hard surface courts at at Tennis Munincipal des Courcettes. Avenue
des Courcettes (tel. 04 93 63 41 23).
Definitions for the types of courts described here were derived from: "terre battue" = clay; "courts
en dur" = hard surface; "gazon synthétique" = synthetic grass
(astroturf)
Swimming Pools - Cannes probably has more privately
owned swimming pools per capita than anywhere else in France. While Residence
Santa Barbara has a pool, if you are at Residence Beauvallon you might consider
an excursion to the
Tuiliéres Sports Complex above
or Piscine Pierre de Coubertin, av. P. de Coupertin (tel.
04-93-47-12-94). Its length of almost 23m (75 ft.) makes it ideal for swimming
laps. Because it's used for a variety of civic functions, including practices
for local swim teams, hours are limited, so call ahead. Entrance costs 2€ for
adults and 1€ for children 3 to 15.
Antibes-Juan les Pins Rally Club
Link here for local info (en
Français)
You and the Euro (EUR)
On February 18, 2002, the French Franc will cease to exist as legal tender,
being replaced by the Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, of which
France is a prominent member.
Checks and credit cards will be charged in Euros only, beginning on January
1, 2002.
Between January 1st and February 17th, French Francs will still be accepted
for payment in cash, but change will be given in Euros. Distribution of Euro coins and notes should start on January 1, 2002. (Apparently discussions are
taking place with the EEC in order to distribute the new currency a little
earlier).
French Francs will no longer exist as a currency at midnight on February 17, 2002, but banks will
continue to exchange them against Euros until June 30, 2002.
After that date and for the following 10 years, the Banque de France will
be the only place to exchange French Francs notes against Euros.
The official cutover exchange rate from French Francs to the Euro has been fixed
at: 1 EUR =
6.55957 FF - this will NOT fluctuate.
The rate of the Euro against the USD($) and other non EEC currencies will be
subject to normal market fluctuation.
You can get the current daily dollar (USD) to Euro (EUR) exchange rate at http://www.xe.net/currency/
French Banks include: Banque Française Commerciale (B.F.C.), Banque
Nationale de Paris (B.N.P.), Credit Agricole
Find out more about the appearance and various denominations of coins and
currency notes here: http://europa.eu.int/euro/html/rubrique-defaut5.html?lang=5&rubrique=100
16 Tips for Paris Newcomers
- Advice for Expats in France*
The following appears to have been intended
for new expatriates who plan to reside in Paris, but we thought that some of these
observations about "interacting" in France were still interesting - if not
generally true! Many of these may apply to anyone, visiting anywhere in France...but, then
again, perhaps to many other places in the world as well! ;-)
-----------------------
- 1) Dress up! Appearances count for a
lot with the French (and the Europeans in general), and they give a
well-dressed person far more respect and courtesy if someone is dressed up.
2) French people say "No" first. It doesn't
necessarily MEAN no. It's just the beginning of the conversation. Appeal to their
humanity and explain your problem in
pathetic terms. The French like to help people and can be
more forthcoming than Americans if they sense it is needed.
3) Don't expect anyone to apologize - - they won't; instead,
make it easy for them to make amends.
4) Be polite. Never lose your cool even if the French do (and
they do). Make people feel ashamed of bad manners by being coolly polite, not by yelling.
If you are really mad, don't try to sputter in bad French, speak English - - everyone
either understands it, or is embarrassed not to. Your point will get across.
5) It is French manners to say hello and goodbye upon
entering small shops or stores, and to shake hands with everybody in an office, and to
kiss children (and grownups) hello and goodbye. It is an upper-class marker to say
"Bonjour/Merci/Au revoir 'Madame and/or Monsieur' " instead of
simply "Bonjour" to acquaintances. The old "upper class"
DOES NOT say "Bon
appetit!" before a meal.
6) In France, service people will not acknowledge the next
person in a line, but will devote themselves entirely to the person they are serving as if
they had all day. Don't stew at this - - and take your time when it is your turn. It's
nice when you get used to it! Waiting in line is a sore point: some lines are fairly
disciplined, others a mad free-for-all. You have to be prepared to speak sharply at times to
line-jumpers (who invariably say something like, "No need to get upset!"), and
at other times to resign yourself to edging up gradually. Either way, if you are not
paying close attention in a line, you will not move forward.
7) You can get most U.S. food products in France at large
supermarkets or the American specialty stores (more expensive). You will not find U.S.
diet products or clothes for large people. Drugstore stuff is expensive (except
prescription drugs, which are cheaper).
8) If you are recognized as a repeat customer,
then you will be
treated very well. SMILE!
9) If asking something from a stranger or store employee,
never just go up and start asking. Always say "Bonjour (monsieur, etc.)" or
"Excusez-moi (monsieur)" first, THEN ask the question. If you don't speak
French, don't start speaking in English without asking first "Do you speak
English?"
10) A man is supposed to enter a restaurant before a woman.
If there are several men, the host goes first. Table rules: A man is supposed to re-serve
wine and other beverages to the women next to him. Never cut the tip off a wedge of cheese
(this is considered barbaric) - - cut it so it stays the same shape as before, whether a
wedge, a wheel, or a square. Never bring up business before the cheese or dessert course.
11) In a cafe/bar, there are two different prices depending
on whether you drink your coffee at the bar or have the waiter serve you at the table. At
the table, you can stay as long as you want. You don't have to leave a tip, but you can
leave small change. In a restaurant, don't be gushy and friendly with the waiter. He'll
treat you like a tourist. Instead, be polite and interested in the food. In a French
restaurant, you are never hustled to finish your meal quickly.
12) To meet French people, get involved in a volunteer
activity at school, church, French charities, or through the Centre Voluntariat de Paris.
Mayors' offices (mairies) include an organization called AVF (meaning French Town
Welcomes) that helps newcomers if you get in touch with them. In Paris every year there is
an excellent, 3-day newcomers' orientation called "Bloom Where You Are Planted."
It takes place at the American Church on the first three Tuesdays of October. The book
"Bloom Where You Are Planted" is a very useful newcomers' guide including all
the concerns of everyday life.
13) Plan your holidays far in advance if they coincide in
part with French school holidays, when everyone in France seems to take the same road at
the same hour.
14) There are many English-speaking organizations in Paris.
These can be very useful to newcomers. A free publication called FUSAC (France/USA
Contacts) is published every two weeks and has ads for jobs, housing, apartment shares,
for-sale, services, etc. Note: it is very difficult to find decent employment in Paris
without a work permit.
15) The French don't expect you to be exactly like them. It's
all right to be friendlier than they are to your neighbors and acquaintances. They usually
love it.
16) The Pariscope is a weekly, 3-franc magazine listing
everything happening in Paris that week, from movies and opera to fairs, flea markets and
museum exhibits. There is a small English insert in the center.
* 9/11/98,
"expat exchange©"; 1998
Burlingame Interactive, Inc. New York, New York --- Kuwait City, Kuwait. Overseas Digest©;
1998 MidAmerica-Gulf Publishing Company
Home | Résidence Santa Barbara | Résidence Beauvallon
Cannes | Vallauris | General
Info
| Daytrips |
Shopping |
Links | Photos
Site Map | Search | About |
Email
US Mobile: +1-804-921-8041 or +1-804-921-3331
® Registered marks of RivieraRental.Com, Inc.
© 1997-2004 RivieraRental.Com, Inc. All rights reserved
|
