French Mayor Calls For Cruise Ship Ban With Capacity Of Over 900 Passengers On French Riviera

Protestors from the group Stop Croisieres blocking MSC's mega cruise ship in 2023 (Stop Croisiers)

The mayor of Nice, France, a popular tourist destination along the French Mayor Calls for Cruise Ship Ban on French Riviera, joined the growing number of destinations calling for restrictions on cruise ships. He cited the now familiar complaints of overtourism and pollution while proposing a ban starting this summer to stop large cruise ships from anchoring in the picturesque bay between Nice and Villefranche long known as a destination for the rich and famous.

“Tourism yes, overtourism no,” Mayor Christian Estrosi said during his annual New Year’s address outlining the political goals for the coming year. Estrosi is also president of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis but would require the support of other local mayors to enact his bans which focused on large cruise ships as well as house sharing through the popular site Airbnb.

“The cruises that pollute and dump their ‘low-cost clientele’ who consume nothing, but leave their waste behind have no place with us,” Estrosi declared. Already known for his criticism of the cruise industry, the mayor simply said “Nice no longer wants ‘low-cost cruises,” to stop in its port.

Speaking on a local radio program, the mayor reiterated his position saying efforts were underway to “cancel all cruises that can still be canceled ahead of drafting a banning order.” He called for a ban effective July 1 but clarified his position was specifically to stop cruise ships with a capacity of over 900 passengers or over 190 meters (690 feet) in length.

The proposed ban targets the contemporary segment of the industry with large ships carrying 4,000 or more passengers while seeking to maintain the business of the small, ultra-luxury cruise ships which are more in keeping with the image Nice seeks to project. Estrosi contends the size restriction would eliminate about 70 percent of the cruise ship passengers scheduled to land in Nice.

Estrosi declared “I don’t want these floating hotels putting down their anchors in Nice.” A spokesperson for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association however responded with surprise noting “No large cruise ships are scheduled to call at the Port of Nice in 2025.”

While a popular destination, Nice and Villefranche without docking facilities have already seen a decline in the number of cruise ship calls as the ships must tender passengers ashore. Estimates are the port had about 650,000 cruise passengers and approximately 100 cruise ship visits down from 200 or more a decade ago. French media reports indicate there are a total of 125 cruise ship calls scheduled for Nice in 2025.

Estrosi is not calling for cruise ships to stop visiting the French Mayor Calls for Cruise Ship Ban on French Riviera, but just his little part of the coast. He suggested the ships could proceed to Cannes, which already has more than two times the number of annual cruise ship calls. The large commercial port at Marseille would also be a possibility but it is about a two-hour driving distance to the west from Cannes, Nice, and Villefranche.

Local officials were quick to point out that even if Estrosi could build support for his ban, he lacks the authority to change many cruise ship visits. Local authority only extends 300 meters from the shore (less than 1,000 feet) and many of the large cruise ships anchor further out putting them in waters controlled by the federal authorities.

It is not the first attempt to limit cruise ships along France’s Mediterranean coast. The group Stop Croisières, which calls itself environmentalists, has been staging protests. The group used Greenpeace tactics taking to small boats to block the arrival of cruise ships.

Advocates point to the impact on Venice, Italy after the city was forced into banning large cruise ships while other destinations such as Key West, Florida also moved to block large ships. Bar Harbor, Maine continues to be locked in a debate and legal actions after imposing a ban on most cruise ships while other destinations such as Juneau, Alaska reached a voluntary agreement with the cruise industry. European cities ranging from Amsterdam to Barcelona have also proposed moving cruise ship docks out of the center of the city.

https://maritime-executive.com/

French Riviera Cities Under Lockdown As New Infections Soar

PARIS (AP) — Residents of Nice in the French Riviera will be denied their strolls along the beach on a sunny weekend, under a temporary local lockdown imposed to curb soaring COVID-19 infections.

Starting on Friday evening, Nice and the surrounding coastal area will be under weekend lockdowns for at least two weeks, in addition to a national 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. The northern port of Dunkirk is under similar restrictions.

In both places, numbers of infections have spiked and hospitals are overwhelmed, with some patients being transferred to other French regions.

Nice mayor Christian Estrosi announced on Friday a ban on the beaches and the famous Promenade des Anglais esplanade, where lots of people usually go for a seaside stroll, to ensure the restrictions are fully respected.

“We absolutely need to avoid too big gatherings, as the weekend is expected to be summer-like and extremely attractive ... Reason must prevail,” he said in a video message posted on social media. Only essential shops will remain open, he added.

Nice reported this week a rate of almost 800 COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people, nearly four times the national average.

Estrosi has repeatedly attributed the worsening situation in his city to the presence of “too many tourists” during end-of-year holidays, listing the UK, Scandinavia, United Arab Emirates and Russia, which have direct flights to Nice airport.

“We are now paying a very high price,” he said. Since then, France has banned almost all travelers from outside the European Union and applied restrictions to those coming from inside the bloc.

The weekend lockdown also includes nearby coastal towns of Cannes, Antibes and nearby Mediterranean beauty spots.

Residents will be able to go out only for essential needs such as food shopping, medical appointments or urgent family business. Taking exercise outside will be allowed for a maximum of one hour per day and up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) from home.

The national 6 p.m. curfew will apply during the week.
By SYLVIE CORBET

France’s Saint-Tropez Resort Makes Masks Mandatory Outdoors

Municipal police watch that pedestrians wear the mandatory facemasks in Saint-Tropez, southern France, Saturday Aug 8, 2020. The glamorous French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez is requiring face masks outdoors starting Saturday, threatening to sober the mood in a place renowned for high-end, free-wheeling summer beach parties. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

SAINT-TROPEZ, France (AP) — The glamorous French Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez began requiring face masks outdoors Saturday, threatening to sober the mood in a place renowned for high-end, free-wheeling summer beach parties.

More French cities and towns, especially in tourist areas, are imposing mask requirements as the country’s coronavirus infections creep up again. More than 2,000 new infections were reported on Friday — the country’s biggest single-day rise since May.

The uptick corresponds with France’s beloved summer holidays, when vacationers head off in droves, often to the seashore, for festive gatherings with family and friends.

As of Saturday, wearing a mask outdoors was also compulsory in some crowded parts of Marseille, France’s second-largest city. Paris will apply similar measures in the most crowded areas of the capital starting on Monday.

France has already made mask-wearing mandatory in all indoor public spaces nationwide.

In Saint-Tropez’s famed resort, a top spot for the international jet set, several restaurants had to reclose for two weeks after some staff tested positive for the virus.

Posters warning that masks were mandatory were displayed across the town center on Saturday, including its picturesque port, the open-air farmers market and the narrow streets of the old town lined with chic shops and art galleries.

Georges Giraud, deputy mayor of Saint Tropez, stressed that the order issued by the Var Prefecture will “make it easier because everybody is supposed to wear a mask.”

Police were giving masks free to visitors who didn’t have one but starting on Monday, those without one risk a fine of 135 euros ($159). The measure does not apply to children under 11.

Marc Rickebuche, a tourist from the northern French city of Lille, said “I think it a good decision to protect yourself and to protect the others to avoid having again a new lockdown at the end of the summer.”

Health authorities on Friday reported 9,330 new infections this week and said the virus is increasingly spreading ’’especially among young adults.”

France, which was under a strict two-month lockdown during spring, has reported more than 30,300 deaths from COVID-19 in hospitals and nursing homes. Experts say all reported figures in all countries undercount the true toll of the pandemic due to limited testing, missed mild cases and other factors.

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Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.

Sun, Sea and Mountains: Curio Collection By Hilton Opens First Property In France On Stunning French Riviera Coast

Sun, Sea and Mountains: Curio Collection by Hilton Opens First Property in France on Stunning French Riviera Coast

Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage offers guests a charming experience in the city of La Seyne sur Mer

LA SEYNE sur MER, France – Hilton™ announced the opening of Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton today. The hotel was hand-picked to be a part of the collection of one-of-a-kind independent hotels and resorts all celebrated for their individuality. As the first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in the region of Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur, the hotel joins a collection of more than 35 distinctive, upper upscale hotels and resorts around the world.

Situated in a historic 19^th-century building, Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage is perched above the breathtaking beach of Les Sablettes in the coastal city of La Seyne sur Mer. With 75 fully refurbished guest rooms and suites, including a 200-square-meter Presidential Suite with sweeping sea-views, the hotel’s décor is a clever mix of modern and classic elements to pay homage to the building’s legacy.

In addition to soaking up the pristine private, sandy beach and the charming shops and restaurants of Promenade Jean Charcot, guests can also delve into the culture and history of the city of Toulon just 10km away, immersing themselves in the lush greenery of Port-Cros National Park and facing all heights with cable car shuttles to Mont Faron.

“Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage is the latest hotspot on the stunning and historic French Riviera, offering guests a truly unforgettable and unique experience to unwind and explore everything this remarkable location has to offer,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “As we continue to expand our distinctive Curio Collection we are delighted to debut our first property in France, and soon to open property in Paris.”

With three onsite restaurants, Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage offers guests memorable dining experiences catering to all palates:

·        La Galerie: Guests can cosy up and start their day at the La Galerie with a locally sourced breakfast and lunch, or snack all day long – with both indoor and outdoor seating.

·        Le Navigateur: Blending seafood and traditional specialties, guests can taste the flavors of the Mediterranean with seafood platters, grilled fish and an array of traditional dishes while relaxing on the beautiful terrace and taking in the vast sea views.

·        Horizon: The gastronomic ambience provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere combined with traditional French cuisine infused with a Mediterranean twist.

Guests can replenish at the city’s first Spa des Sablettes by Nuxe, offering a number of massages and facial treatments, as well as indoor/outdoor pools, a hammam, sauna, whirlpool and a relaxing terrace. The fitness center also features the latest cardio equipment and elliptical machines.

The spacious rooms and suites offer optimal comfort, including a leather travel chest containing complimentary soft mini-bar items, an espresso machine, and an open bathroom complete with complementary products. As an added unique benefit, each room features a spyglass to discover boats out on the open sea.

The hotel offers one of the largest ballrooms in the city with picturesque views, holding more than 350 guests. Well established as wedding planners, Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage are reputable leaders in the regions wedding market, making the hotel the perfect fit for weddings. Additionally, three meeting rooms are available holding up to 600 guests when combined for any special event or gathering.

“Our historic hotel provides a truly spectacular location combining sun, sea and mountains that the south of France is famous for,” said Stephane Lelièvre, owner, Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage. “We look forward to welcoming guests and are delighted to provide authentic experiences and one-of-a-kind discoveries in La Seyne sur Mer – like a dream where time stands still.”

Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton is part of Hilton’s award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors®. Hilton Honors members who book directlythrough preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where Honors members can check-in and choose their room. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 Hilton Honors Points* per night from June 27, 2017 through December 27, 2017, when booking directly with Hilton.

Grand Hotel Des Sablettes Plage, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 575 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, La Seyne sur Mer, 83500. For more information, or to make a reservation, telephone: +33 4941 70000 or visit here to book.

*The number of Hilton Honors bonus points will cap at 5,000 points.

Top Beach Retreats Around The World

Summer is here and it's time to hit the beach. Here is our selection of exquisite beach retreats for you to enjoy this summer…

TURKS AND CAICOS, CARIBBEAN

Why: Embrace the relaxed lifestyle as you enjoy your time in this peaceful desert-island paradise.

Sleep: Beach House at Hawksbill, Grace Bay

This fabulous two bedroom property is spacious and ideal for a couple’s retreat, getaway with friends or a small family. Relax in your private pool just footsteps from the white sands and stunning Caribbean sea. It is possible for the Beach House to be rented out alongside the neighbouring villa, transforming into “Hawksbill Estate”.

QT Tip: If golf is your passion, the Provo Golf Club is right on your doorstep…

Beach Antigua

ANTIGUA, CARIBBEAN

Why: Friendly islanders, beautiful boats and alluring white beaches with crystal clear waters are just a few of the things that makes Antigua so enticing.

Sleep: Mariposa, Jumby Bay

Located in the wonderfully secluded Buckley Bay, this eight-bedroom property boasts superb views. Your stay at Mariposa includes the services of a chef, butler and housekeeper, leaving you free to simply enjoy your own private beach resort.

QT Tip: Enjoy a private sunset cruise and sail past the beautiful Nelson’s dockyard whilst sipping on rum punch.

Beach Phuket

PHUKET, THAILAND

Why: Nai Thon is known for its peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful beach; a real contrast from the hustle and bustle of other tourist-filled beaches on the island.

Sleep: Villa Bianca, Nai Thon

This truly unique three-bedroom retreat is ideal for a trip with friends or family. Alternatively, use the whole villa as the setting for a decadent Thailand honeymoon. Your holiday at Villa Bianca includes a chef, butler, driver and sessions with a spa therapist in the villa’s spa and massage room.

QT Tip: From Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, you’ll experience one of the most incredible panoramas in Phang Nga. Being far away from civilization and avoiding light pollution, you might be lucky enough to see the Milky Way.

Beach Croatia

NOVIGRAD, CROATIA

Why: This charming town not only has a rich cultural heritage and preserved natural beauty, but is also an architectural jewel home to astonishing historical sites.

Sleep: Villa Sunset Paradise

Surrounded by the ancient city walls, this four-bedroom villa is an exquisite find. Minutes away from restaurants, shops and bars but in a secluded beachfront location, Sunset Paradise has an impressive rooftop terrace with 360 panoramic views over the town and sea.

QT Tip: Don’t miss the extremely popular tennis tournament ATP Croatia Open Umag held in Novigrad every July.

Beach Bahamas

BAHAMAS, CARIBBEAN

Why: Natural beauty, warm weather, pristine beaches and friendly people; it’s hard to resist this Caribbean wonder.

Sleep: Nandana

During your stay, you’ll be treated to an estate manager, concierge, chauffeur, night butler and chef; additionally a masseuse is available on request. Two ATVs, two jet-skis, paddleboards, water-skis and kayaks are readily at hand for adventuring around the pristine shoreline.

QT Tip: Go off the beaten track and explore the caves in Lucayan National Park.

Beach St Barts

ST BARTHELEMY, CARIBBEAN

Why: Experience laidback luxury on this sophisticated French island as you indulge in the warm weather, chic boutiques, outstanding restaurants and impressive mega yachts that visit every year.

Sleep: La Magnifica

Take in panoramic views of the bay of Petit Cul de Sac and the sea beyond, from the privacy of the villa’s large deck. Enjoy a cool drink and soak in the island’s sun before firing up the BBQ for dinner under the covered terrace.

QT Tip: Only fifteen minutes from the bustling capital, Gustavia, home to the best boutique shopping, restaurants and spas the island has to offer.

Beach Cap Martin

CAP MARTIN, MONACO

Why: Beautiful and luxurious; paradise on the French Riviera.

Sleep: Villa Lola

This twelve-bedroom villa boasts the most stunning views over the bay of Cap Martin. The entrance table crafted from over 4000 year old Kaori wood, the Italian library with ceramic columns, the original chameleon chair and even a crystal welded chandelier are just some examples of the unique arty feel that comes with this amazing property.

QT Tip: Take a private luxury yacht and witness the beauty of the shore from Monaco’s waters.

Beach Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

Why: Spend long, blissful days gazing across golden sand to the Pacific Ocean or simply enjoying the home’s many luxurious amenities.

Sleep: Santa Barbara Beach Club

This five-bedroom beach house sits on the shore and boasts a screening room, wine cellar, wet bar and games room. Head for the roof terrace to catch some rays and cool off in the long plunge pool.

QT Tip: Head to ‘The Funk Zone’ for Santa Barbara’s unique bars, galleries and night time hotspots.


For more information please contact: info@quintessentiallytravel.com or please call: +44 (0)20 7022 6560

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Tourists Forced To Vacate A French Riviera Beach To Make Room For The Royal Family From Saudi Arabia

French tourists are outraged. The Royal family from Saudi Arabia is visiting the French Riviera in southern France on a royal holiday, and French tourists are forced to move.

The Saudi royals and their large entourage will be spending a few weeks at their luxury mansion in Vallauris, which is right next to the picturesque Mirandole beach that is only accessible by a tunnel that runs beneath the coastal railway line.

And well before the scheduled royal holiday was due to begin, locals reacted with fury Wednesday when they found the tunnel fenced off and a mysterious concrete slab laid down by the entrance to the beach. Both actions, according to local authorities, are completely illegal.

Local residents have been barred from a public beach on the French Riviera ahead of the Saudi royal family’s visit later this summer. The decision to close the beach, allegedly for security reasons, has triggered a wave of outrage from the locals. The building has been unoccupied for several years.

A construction crew began to gear up for the visit several weeks ago. One of the upgrades installed in the house is a staircase or a lift that will connect the villa to the beach directly.

Local authorities said that people will be prohibited from using the public beach while the Saudi royal family is staying there.

Residents filed a complaint with the local government, arguing that proper permits had not been filed prior to the installation.

Authorities concluded that the builder’s actions were illegal, and confirmed that the proper permits had not been received in time. “We have had no planning application for this work,” Vallauris Mayor Michelle Salucki told local newspaper Nice Matin.

Local police have been alerted and have been told to remove this obstruction to public access.

However, the sub-prefect of the local town of Grasse, Philippe Castanet, told AFP that the Saudi royal family had been given the green light to use the public beach as a private space during their stay.

This public beach will be completely closed off during the Saudi royal family’s visit. It's still debated whether or not areas will be fenced off from the public, and exactly when full public access to the beach will be available again/

The Other Rivieras Of Europe You Should Know About

The French Riviera is wonderful and all, but it is, by and large, pricey and too tres chic for words, which is a problem for you when you want to take your vacation on the Riviera, but you can't stomach hanging out with all those impossibly cool people.

Never fear! There are nine other rivieras around Europe you can enjoy on that next holiday, and some of them will even save you a buck or two.

Herewith...

The Turkish Riviera aka the Turquoise Coast
The southwestern coastline of Turkey is a tourist (and locals') dream come true. Luckily, you can pick and choose your style when you visit here: The port city of Bodrum or the resort town of Kemer; the veritable seaside city of Marmaris (seen below) or the more local-friendly Anamur and Kızkalesi. Either way, you'll be able to hop on a boat and head to nooks roads can't get to. 

The Spanish Riviera
There are four "costa dels" that make up the Spanish Riviera: Costa Del Sol, Costa Brava , Costa Blanca (below) and Costa de la Luz. Sure, there are European tourists galore to be had on these beaches come summer time, but you'll find sunshine, pristine beaches and a French Riviera feel without the French Riviera prices.

The Makarska Riviera, Croatia
The Makarska Riviera is dotted with both tiny towns and yachting meccas, including Baska Voda (below), the more built-up Makarska and the quieter Brela. Makarska is, fittingly, the hub of the action; visitors can not only bathe in the Adriatic, they canbike and hike nearby Mount Biokovo. 

The English Riviera
Ok, we know it sounds weird, but the English Riviera is 22 miles of coastline that is home to some adorable seaside towns and resorts, some of which, like Torquay (below), have been holiday favorites since the Victorian era. 

Greek Riviera
Both Spetses and Hydra don't allow private cars or motorcycles, so you'll need to get around on foot, buggy or local bus. Both islands are coastal wonderlands, with adorable restaurants, fine beaches and loads of history. 

The Italian Riviera aka the Ligurian Riviera
Everyone knows about this place: The beauty of Portofino and Cinque Terre basically can't be beat and you'll be surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of other tourists who will agree with you. 

The Albanian Riviera
Want the beauty of the Dalmatian Coast without the price of it? Head to the Albanian Rivieria, a 125-mile stretch of land that has killer views, killer food and great value. 

Budva Riviera, Montenegro
Your mind doesn't necessarily go to secluded beaches surrounded by mountains when you think Montenegro, but maybe it should. The Budva Riviera, so named for its location near and around the town of Budva, has great nightlife, stunning beaches and the tiny sliver of Sveti Stefan (below), where there is now an Aman resort. 

The Slovenian Riviera
Ah, Slovenia, how we love you. Their riviera boasts beautiful harbors, casinos galore, historic eras and great beaches. What's not to love?