Here’s a quick glimpse of what’s happening on the French Riviera this week. The Côte d’Azur is buzzing with its usual mix of charm and elegance, where the Mediterranean lifestyle meets local culture.

Fun fact: the French Riviera got its name from Stéphen Liégeard, who coined the term “Côte d’Azur” in the 19th century. He was so inspired by the stunning azure waters of the region that he dedicated a whole book to it! Enjoy the beauty, history, and ambiance of this legendary coastline.

Provençal Market

05 September to 26 September 2024

 Ramatuelle

A Provencal Market will be opened to everyone each Thursday from 8am to 1pm at the Place de L’Ormeau in Ramatuelle. In addition, a free concert will be hosted at the same place every Thursday from 5:30 to 7pm.

Aquela Mar

14 September to 03 November 2024

 Nice

Maurice Maubert, an artist from Nice, will be showcasing his latest exhibition intitled ‘Aquela Mar’ with paintings, installations and a collection of artwroks from the 14th of September to the 3rd of November at the Palais Lascaris in Nice.

Palais Lascaris, 15, Rue Droite, Nice.

Moulin de Paillas Guided tour

07 September to 29 September 2024

 Ramatuelle

Les Amis des Moulins de Ramatuelle are organising free guided tours of the Moulins des Paillas from 10 :30am to 12:30 pm every weekend in Ramatuelle

Saint-Michel Patronal Festival

27 September to 29 September 2024

 Villefranche-Sur-Mer

As part of the Saint-Michel Patronal Festival, the city of Villefranche-sur-Mer will host a sweep of events from open markets to pétanque competitions, from the 27th to the 29th of September.

www.villefranche-sur-mer.fr

les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

28 September to 06 October 2024

 Saint-Tropez

For two weeks, around 250 of the most amazing sailing boats will parade near Saint-Tropez! Join the Voiles de Saint-Tropez event from the 28th to the 6th of September as they compete in a world-renowned competition in Saint-Tropez!

The transformation of the Westside in New York City, particularly areas like the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards, bears a striking resemblance to the current revitalization of Les Moulins in Nice, France. Both districts share a history of being overlooked, facing significant challenges related to crime, underinvestment, and dilapidation. However, through ambitious urban planning, both have become symbols of renewal, modern living, and cultural vibrancy. Here are the key similarities between these two transformations:

1. From Neglect to Investment

Both the Westside of New York and Les Moulins were once considered undesirable areas. The Westside, especially in neighborhoods like the Meatpacking District, was associated with crime and industrial decay in the late 20th century. Similarly, Les Moulins in Nice had its own struggles with socio-economic difficulties, poor infrastructure, and higher-than-average crime rates.

In both cases, targeted investment and visionary urban planning have been key to their transformation. Governments and private developers saw potential in these neighborhoods and invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, real estate, and public services.

For example, the Westside’s transformation gained momentum with projects like the High Line, which turned an old, elevated rail line into a park, sparking investment and a wave of redevelopment in the area. In Les Moulins, the Eco-Valley project and the extension of public transportation services (like the tramway) are drawing similar investment and revitalizing the community.

2. Sustainability and Modern Urban Design

Both districts have embraced the principles of sustainable urban development and modern urban design as part of their transformation. In New York’s Westside, areas like Hudson Yards have been built with sustainability in mind, featuring LEED-certified buildings, public green spaces, and smart technology for efficient energy use.

Similarly, Les Moulins is part of the Plaine du Var Eco-Valley, focusing on green housing projects, energy-efficient buildings, and the integration of renewable energy like solar power. Both regions are focused on reducing their carbon footprint, making them attractive places for environmentally conscious residents.

3. Cultural Revitalization and Gentrification

Both the Westside and Les Moulins have undergone significant cultural revitalization. Once considered gritty and industrial, the Westside of New York is now a hub for high-end restaurants, art galleries, and cultural institutions like The Whitney Museum of American Art. It has become a magnet for tourists, artists, and young professionals, transforming the area’s identity.

Les Moulins is experiencing a similar shift. The city of Nice is actively promoting community engagement through the development of cultural spaces, art projects, and public events that celebrate the diversity and heritage of the area. While the process is still unfolding, Les Moulins is poised to become a cultural hotspot within Nice.

However, with this cultural revival comes the challenge of gentrification, which both neighborhoods face. As new development attracts wealthier residents and businesses, there is the risk of long-time, lower-income residents being priced out. In both cases, the cities are attempting to balance economic growth with social inclusion, offering affordable housing options and supporting local communities.

4. Improved Connectivity and Infrastructure

A key driver of transformation in both areas has been the improvement of transportation infrastructure. In New York, the extension of the 7 Subway line to Hudson Yards and the creation of the High Line helped make the Westside more accessible and appealing to both residents and businesses.

Similarly, Les Moulins is benefiting from the expansion of Nice’s tramway system, which has significantly improved connectivity to the city center and the surrounding region. These infrastructure improvements have not only increased property values but have also made both areas more attractive for commercial development.

5. Economic and Business Revitalization

Both districts are witnessing a surge in economic activity and business growth. The Westside’s transformation has drawn global corporations, tech companies, and luxury retailers to the area, turning it into a commercial hub. For example, Hudson Yards has become a major business district, with large office towers and luxury retail spaces.

Similarly, in Les Moulins, the city of Nice is working to attract startups and small businesses, particularly in the fields of technology and green innovation. New business incubators and co-working spaces are being developed, creating economic opportunities for residents and contributing to the area’s renewal.

6. Public Spaces and Community Engagement

A defining feature of both transformations is the focus on creating public spaces that encourage community interaction and engagement. The High Line in New York serves as both a public park and a cultural space, fostering a sense of community and offering a green escape within the city.

In Les Moulins, new green spaces and public parks are central to the redevelopment plan. These spaces are designed to foster social interaction, provide recreational opportunities, and promote a sense of belonging among residents. The focus on community centers and cultural programs also mirrors efforts in the Westside to create vibrant, connected communities.

Conclusion: A Shared Path to Urban Revival

The transformations of New York’s Westside and Nice’s Les Moulins share many common themes: the shift from neglected, crime-ridden areas to vibrant, modern neighborhoods that offer high-quality living, cultural engagement, and economic opportunity. Both areas serve as models for successful urban regeneration, showing how targeted investment, infrastructure improvements, and a commitment to sustainability can turn once-challenging districts into thriving parts of the city.

As Les Moulins continues its journey, it follows a path similar to New York’s Westside, combining innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability to create a brighter future for its residents.

This sounds rather resolute and strange from a real estate broker, but it has a grain of truth. If no more houses were sold in Ibiza, the problem of the ever-increasing prices could, in principle, be solved.

Because for the local population who work in restaurants and hotels, an apartment in Ibiza is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The available apartments are bought by rich tourists who then rent them out for the main price to other rich tourists.

The government is trying to slow down growth and motivation by no longer issuing rental licenses. A finca or villa with a rental license is therefore becoming increasingly valuable.

Restaurants and hotels are trying to retain their staff by contributing to the living costs so that they can continue to work. These costs are passed on to the price of sunbeds, food, and other services. And as long as a group of tourists continue to pay these higher prices, there will be no real solution to the local housing problem.

The housing market and prices in Ibiza are under pressure due to the ever-increasing tourism. No longer buying real estate is impossible, as there is always supply and demand. But maybe the government can allocate properties only for locals who actually live (and work) on the island.

In 2023, the combined spending of tourists in Formentera and Ibiza reached 4.29 billion, a 20.8% increase from the previous year. Despite global economic concerns, the destination’s appeal continued to grow. The most prominent spenders were British and German tourists.

Ibiza expensive? Is stopping buying property the solution?

We can’t close our eyes to the fact that the housing situation in Ibiza has been significantly impacted by the tourism boom, leading to a severe affordability crisis for locals. Rising rental prices, driven by demand from tourists and seasonal workers, have made it increasingly difficult for long-term residents to find affordable accommodations. Essential workers such as nurses, teachers, and police officers are among the most affected, with some even forced to live in cars or caravans due to exorbitant housing costs.

Tourism has led to a surge in short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which offer lucrative returns to property owners, exacerbating the housing shortage for locals. In turn, this has resulted in a squeeze on the availability of housing for permanent residents, pushing prices far beyond what many can afford. For instance, a local teacher reportedly flies in and out of Ibiza daily because living on the island is financially unfeasible.

Prou Ibiza

This crisis has sparked protests from groups such as “Prou Ibiza,” who argue that the government must impose stricter regulations on tourism and housing. They advocate for measures like limiting the number of tourists and creating policies to ensure affordable housing for residents. This growing frustration among locals reflects a wider European trend of overtourism impacting housing markets, particularly in popular destinations like Ibiza.

In addition, speculative investment in the property market has further driven up prices, as many homes are purchased as vacation rentals rather than residences for locals. The pressure to balance tourism with sustainable living conditions has become one of the most pressing issues facing Ibiza today. But Ibiza is creative and positive, so we’re confident all parties (locals, tourists and government) will find a suitable solution.

Living in France is a dream for everyone. Retiring on the Cote d’Azur or running your own business online with a view of the sea or the Eiffel Tower is working like a dream come true.

But what should you do if you want to live and work in France? In most cases, you will need a visa. As a resident of Europe, this is easy, but if you live outside Europe, the path to a residence permit is a bit more complicated. But certainly not impossible.

If you can prove that you already have an income from online activities or dividends and are not going to rely on social security, then the chance is much greater. It is often an administrative process if a French company has already hired you.

In France, the French are preferred in the job market, but those who have a specialization or speak their languages ​​well have a chance of finding an excellent job that the French cannot fill.

Those from EEA and EU countries enjoy the same level of access to the labour market as French citizens, with minimal paperwork and formalities. Unfortunately, due to the high unemployment rate, specific jobs, such as those in the legal profession and military, are only available to French nationals. This can make it harder for non-Europeans to find work in France. But once you have a job, you can also consider buying a home on the French Riviera.

Obtaining a work visa for France as an EU and EEA citizen

European Union (EU) residents living in France must first register with their local Mairie. They can also request a residence permit at their local préfecture or sous-préfecture. Although work visas are not required, having one can help an individual access various benefits and housing applications.

There are several types of residence permits in France, depending on the individual’s situation:

To work as an employee

To work as an employee in France, you can apply for a residence permit that aligns with the end date of your employment contract for up to a maximum of 5 years. Renewal is possible and is free of charge.

You will need to present the following documents when you apply at the prefecture:

• a valid identity card or passport;
• proof of address;
• three recent passport-size photos;
• proof of health and maternity insurance;
• employer’s certificate of employment.

For self-employed professional activities (e.g., self-employed, craftsman, shopkeeper)

You can apply for a residence permit to stay in France for up to six months after your professional activity ends. The permit is free to renew.

The following documents are required for your work visa application:

• valid ID or passport;
• proof of address;
• three recent passport photos;
• proof of health and maternity insurance;
• In addition to the necessary documents, such as a trade or company register registration, you also need other documents related to the activity. These include social security or professional group membership, insurance policies, invoices for purchases and sales, and receipts and expenses.

The French public services website provides information about EU nationals’ residence permits and the appropriate license. You can also complete a questionnaire to learn more about the various procedures involved in obtaining a license.

Obtaining a work visa for France for non-EU nationals

Due to the priority given to French nationals in the labour market, non-Europeans are often granted work visas. However, this does not mean they can immediately start working in France. To get a work permit in France, a foreign worker must first have a job offer from a local company and a signed contract.

Before posting the job offer, the employer must contact FranceTravail to make it widely accessible to French workers. They must then publicize the job position through the EURES employment portal for European citizens. If no one responds to the job offer within two business days, the employer can apply for a work visa.

In the past, employers could apply for a work permit with DREETS if no one from either European or French candidates responded to the job position after two attempts. On April 6, 2021, the agency no longer allows foreign employees to submit work permit applications. To apply online, employers should go to the DGREF’s website.

Here are the different types of work permits in France:

• Salaried Work Visa;
• Temporary Work Visa;
• Talent Visa;
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa (professional mobility visa);
• Start-up Visa (French Tech Visa).

Nothing is impossible:

Even though the process may seem daunting, getting a work permit in France is still possible. If the company you’re interested in working for has already started the recruitment process, you can expect positive results.

What is the “talent passport” residence permit?

The residency permit, known as the talent passport, is granted to foreign nationals with exceptional skills that can help boost France’s scientific, cultural, and economic development. There are four main categories that individuals can qualify for.

• a company recognized as a “young innovative company”;
• a company belonging to the same international group of companies as your employer;
• a public or private research or higher education organization;
• a highly qualified employee with rare skills and expertise.

Although each type of work permit has specific requirements, they can be issued to foreign workers in different ways. For instance, the type of visa that an individual can use for a long-stay stay is different from the one that they can use for a work visa. In addition to the documents needed for the work permit, the other requirements for the residence permit include the country of residence and the supporting documents.

The decision to issue a work visa depends on the individual’s career plan. The talent passport can be used for four years and can be renewed. It allows foreign workers to work in any economic sector in France. In addition, the beneficiary’s relatives can also obtain a residence permit if they’re over 18 years old.

Attention:

The new immigration law may change some of the information presented above. Please refer to the official French Administration website for further details.

Working in France with a “seconded ICT employee” multi-annual residence permit

Foreign experts and managers working in France as part of a corporate group can also apply for an ICT employee on secondment visa. This type of residence permit allows them to stay in the country for up to three years. The application process can vary depending on the individual’s country of residence.

This type of visa can also be granted to non-EU nationals working for a company with a long-term contract with an organization in France. The employer and the employee must provide the necessary documents to secure the approval.

• at least six months seniority in the employing company’s group;
• an agreement on an employment contract with the company of origin sending the employee to perform senior management or expert functions in France;
• the home and host companies belong to the same group.

Please note that no employment contract is signed with the host company in France.

This type of visa is also ideal for workers who want to stay in France longer but don’t plan on permanently living there. After three years, the ICT secondee can either return to their home country or apply for a residence permit that allows them to stay for a long time in France.

Coming to France to work on a long-stay visa

With a long-stay visa, foreign workers can stay in France without applying for residence permits or a carte de séjour. The OFII issues these visas to workers with contracts lasting more than a year and to the spouses of French citizens and students.

For this type of visa, a fee must be submitted within three months of the individual’s arrival in France. It can be marked as “salarié” or “travailleur temporaire.” After completing the necessary documents, the foreign worker must return to their home country to present the residency or work permit.

• copies of diplomas, proof of qualifications, and certificates of employment;
• passport photos;
• travel document (passport).

Can you work in France on a long-stay student visa?

Students who plan on studying in France for a certain amount of time can work to support their living expenses. However, they must not work more than 964 hours in a year. Employers in various sectors in the country offer part-time positions to foreign students, regardless of whether they’re related to their studies. To learn more about the various options for getting a long-stay permit, visit the official website of Campus France.

• passport photos;
• if applicable, proof of legal residence in the country (residence permit, green card, visa, and various forms depending on your country of origin);
• a passport issued less than ten years ago, with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months from the date on which you plan to leave the Schengen area, or valid for at least three months from the date on which your visa expires;
• pre-registration certificate;
• last diploma obtained;
• proof of accommodation for the first three months (hotel reservation, lease or signed letter from host, copy of lease, copy of host’s ID);
• a scholarship certificate (which must mention the program’s total cost and the amount remaining once the program has been paid for, which must be at least 615 euros per month).

Students with this type of visa can freely travel outside of France within the first three months following their arrival. However, a new visa must be issued if it has not been validated before returning to the country. Individuals can visit the Interior Ministry’s website to get a validated visa.

For further information on long-stay and student visas, please consult the OFII and France Visas websites.

In most cases, a residence permit is required for foreign workers in France. However, work visas for different circumstances can vary. For instance, an individual working in a seasonal or non-traditional position might need a work permit.

More external information:

Service public

French Ministry of the Interior

France Travail

France Visa

Campus France

Welcome to France – Seconded employee ICT