What's on guide

A sure sign that Autumn is here is the arrival of the annual funfair on the port of Monaco.  It’s now open and is on until 19 November. There are the usual thrilling rides such as the Astrojet and the Sky Tower, and lots of gourmet food stands serving pancakes, waffles and other delicious foods such as ham and foie gras. There’s something for all ages. You can get more information, including opening times, at the Monaco Town Hall website, www.mairie.mc

There’s an exhibition of photographs from the collection of Jean Pigozzi taking place at the Salle d'exposition on Quai Antoine-Ier –in Monaco.  It features photographs from his time in west and central Africa from 1940 to 1980.  It’s on until the 15th November and you can get more information by calling Monaco 98 98 83 03.

There’s an exhibition at the Mediatheque in Cogolin on the history of the vineyards and winemakers of the Var. It’s an exhibition on loan from the departmental archives of Draguignan and you can see it until the end of November.  Entry is free. More details by calling 04 94 54 64 57.

English artist Kevin Flynn has a new exhibition called “From the Land to the Light”.  It’s on at the Museo Civico Palazzo Nota in San Remo until the 7th of December.  You can get details at the website https://www.comunedisanremo.it/museocivico/home/

The 13th Edition of the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival is taking place from 13 November to 2 December at the Opera Garnier Monte-Carlo. There’s a great line-up of performers including Bobby McFerrin, John McLaughlin and Boy George.  You can get full details of how to book tickets for the Jazz Festival and many other world-class events happening in Monaco at the website www.montecarlolive.com or by calling Monaco 98 06 41 59

The 19th edition of No Finish Line is starting Saturday the 10th and goes through to the following Sunday, the 18th. You can run or walk and do as many laps as you wish on the 1400 metre track in Fontvieille, which is open 24 hours a day for the eight days. Thanks to registration fees, donors and sponsors, for every kilometre run or walked Children & Future donates €1 to support efforts to help disadvantaged or sick children. If you wish, you can also pledge €1 for every kilometre you intend to run or walk. You can get more information at www.nofinishlineinternational.com

This Thursday, 15th November, Chances for Children is holding an event at Valentin restaurant at the Park Palace complex in Monaco from 6-10pm. The charity founder Martin Male will be screening his short autobiographical documentary, and it will also be a great opportunity for all the local supporters to get a chance to meet him for the first time. Entrance will cost 35€ to cover an extensive range of tasty Italian nibbles and wine. Places will be limited so please contact Gabrielle on 0658222182 to reserve your place!

If you fancy seeing some great stand-up comedy, there are a couple of places you can do that this coming weekend. The British Invasion Comedy Night hits Cannes and Monaco, with top-class comedians flying in from London, including MATTHEW BAYLIS, EMILY MCQUADE, VANESSA MARCIE and JACK WHEELER. They’re at Ma Nolans in Cannes this Friday night the 16th and at Mc Carthy’s Pub in Monaco on Saturday the 17th.  You can get more details on The British Invasion Comedy Club Facebook page.

A.I.R. Vallauris, an artist residency program in Vallauris, is presenting the works of its artists in residence at a new exhibition. The works are created by three international artists from Australia, Canada and Switzerland. The opening reception in the presence of the artists is this Saturday, 17 November, from 11am to 1pm and the exhibition runs until November 21st in two places in Vallauris - the Galerie Aqui Siam Ben and the Atelier A.I.R. Vallauris. Mulled wine and other refreshments will be served. More information on the website: www.air-vallauris.org

On the 18th of November the legendary Russian pianist Denis Matsuev will give an extraordinary concert on the stage of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Experience the fascinating fusion of genres from electrifying jazz rhythms to powerful classical improvisations. A virtuoso performance for the music-loving audience.  More details at https://ticket-online.montecarlolive.com/uk/meeting/770/denis-matsuev/salle-garnier/18-11-2018/20h30

New Orleans is coming to the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo from 19 to 25 November for the 300th anniversary of New Orleans. Three set lunch menus will be available all week long to showcase Cajun-style cuisine at the Limùn Bar. The Crystal Bar will be offering a special mini-menu. To end the week on a high note, there’s a very special Sunday lunch in a jazzy atmosphere on 25 November. You can get more details about New Orleans Week at the Hotel Hermitage by going to the website www.montecarlosbm.com

Here’s one to add to your bucket list .. attend a Nobel Prize-giving ceremony. At the end of November (30th), Nice has the honour of presenting the Nobel Prizes for Medicine, Chemistry and Physics at the University of Nice/Sophia Antipolis. The day is open to the public but registration is required, and you can do that simply on the Nice University website. 

The PYA Christmas Ball is being held again this year at the prestigious and famous Carlton Hotel in Cannes on Friday 14th December.  It is a night not to be missed!  Starting with a drinks reception, then featuring live music, gourmet food, plenty of wine, fantastic raffle prizes, a photo booth and more.  Dress Code is Black Tie with a theme this year of Winter Wonderland. For more information and to reserve tickets and a room at the Carlton go to the PYA website www.pya.org or drop into the office in Antibes.

The Luxury Lifestyle Gala Dinner has just launched for the fifth year running, and this time round they are raising funds for the Chances for Children Foundation and TAF, the Animal Fund. The night will include premiere champagne, premium wines, plus sublime four course meal and entertainment, all in the salubrious surroundings of the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco. Click here for full information and tickets,