Croisette et Soirées VIP : L'incroyable business du luxe sous le soleil de la Côte d'Azur

The vibrant city of Cannes, a jewel of the French Riviera, comes alive during the summer, transforming into a playground for the wealthy and a stage for extravagant displays of luxury. The narrative unfolds through a series of vignettes, each highlighting a different facet of this opulent lifestyle, from the high-stakes world of yacht sales and exclusive parties to the unique challenges faced by local businesses catering to a discerning clientele. Renault Canivé, a 54-year-old yacht broker, exemplifies the drive to capture the imagination of potential buyers. He organizes a sophisticated photo shoot for a 26-meter yacht, valued at six million euros, not from a position of personal wealth but as a professional adept at selling dreams. The goal is to create compelling visuals for online platforms and catalogues that evoke a desire for a luxurious cruising experience. To achieve this, Renault mobilizes the entire yacht crew, from the chef to the hostess, who temporarily step into the roles of the wealthy owners they usually serve. The chosen location, a few kilometers from Cannes in the picturesque Îles de Lérins, offers crystal-clear waters, a perfect backdrop for the shoot. Renault is meticulous, ensuring every detail is impeccable, even if it means the crew, like Romain the cook, feels a bit out of their element using the yacht for anything other than client service. Renault himself acts as a director, orchestrating shots, guiding models, and emphasizing the yacht's capabilities beyond being just a floating residence. To truly showcase its allure, he goes to great lengths, chartering a helicopter for aerial photography. This dramatic maneuver, reminiscent of a James Bond scene, involves risky close-proximity flying to capture stunning images. The hour-long helicopter flight, coupled with the yacht's fuel costs, amounts to over 2000 euros, all to convey the vessel's speed and dynamism. The yacht cruises at its maximum of 18 knots, approximately 34 km/h, promising to be a star attraction at an upcoming luxury-focused boat show, a prelude to Cannes' summer season. Cannes, since the 1920s, has been synonymous with luxury, sports cars, designer boutiques, movie stars, and breathtaking sea views. Its population triples in the summer as global millionaires arrive via private jets, helicopters, and yachts, many of whom reside in iconic establishments like the Majestic hotel on the Croisette, where a night in a prestigious suite can cost up to €40,000. The Croisette also buzzes with legendary parties, orchestrated by figures like Stéphane, known as "Mozart," a prominent organizer of Cannes' nightlife. He kicks off the season with an electronic music icon, but entry to his sought-after events is strictly controlled by Martin, the notoriously selective bouncer. Amidst this scene of high-end leisure, local families also strive to capitalize on the summer influx. The Cagetta family, for instance, has launched France's first floating pizzeria. Didier, his wife, and their two daughters operate their business from a catamaran, navigating a summer filled with the aroma of pizza and the occasional family tension. The iconic hotels of the French Riviera, such as the Carlton, Martinez, and Majestique, are pillars of Cannes' chic ambiance. Sylvie Dorio, the general housekeeper at the Majestique, manages a team of 40, ensuring flawless service for a predominantly affluent clientele. Her day involves meticulous briefing of her staff, coordinating arrivals and departures, and preparing for special events. One such event is a surprise marriage proposal planned in the opulent Dior suite. A wealthy French industrialist has booked the €32,000-per-night suite for this romantic occasion. Two housekeepers work tirelessly for six hours to prepare the 450m² Parisian-style apartment, complete with moldings, an oversized dining room, two XXL bedrooms, and a stunning bay view. Charles Henri, the suite's butler, is on hand 24/7 to cater to the couple's every need, ensuring their privacy and a memorable evening. The suite is transformed with rose petals, creating a romantic setting for the proposal. The Majestique also arranges for a live band, "The Johnny and the Walkers," to play the fiancée's favorite songs, adding a personal serenade to the proposal. The hotel anticipates about ten marriage proposals annually, each meticulously planned to be unforgettable. Thirty minutes by boat from Cannes lie the Îles de Lérins, a paradise of turquoise waters. It's here that Didier and his family anchor their floating pizzeria for the summer. Didier, the sole floating pizza chef in France, conceived this unique business in 2011. Facing initial skepticism from banks, he convinced his wife, Laurence, to sell their house to fund the purchase and conversion of a 12-meter catamaran into their home and restaurant. Despite the inherent risks, the dream of an unconventional life fueled their venture. Their pizzas, from margaritas to four-cheese varieties, are a hit with boaters. Their daughters, Julie and Marion, assist with ingredient preparation and order taking, respectively. Laurence handles deliveries, navigating the waters with a unique system of coastal landmarks to locate boats. One delivery proves particularly challenging, with a client misplaced and pizzas cooling. Communication difficulties at sea add to the frustration, with Laurence spending over 20 minutes to locate the intended recipient. The premium price of a pizza, around €20 for a delivery on the water, reflects the specialized service. Meanwhile, on the glamorous Croisette, the party scene is in full swing at the Gotha Club, a trendy private beach with a pool, sun loungers, and a DJ. Here, champagne flows freely, with bottles costing around €200. Two friends from the South of France are celebrating with a €5,000 champagne shower, aiming to attract attention. This daytime revelry is part of "Le Bal des Fous," an event conceived by Stéphane "Mozart," who has been organizing the most popular parties on the Côte d'Azur for 25 years. The Gotha Club itself is an expansive venue, capable of hosting up to 3,000 people and attracting global DJs and artists like David Guetta, Chris Brown, and P. Diddy. Mozart launches the summer season with a highly anticipated party featuring DJ Carl Cox. His signature neon triangles adorn the club's decor, meticulously overseen by Stéphane. He invests over €50,000 in organizing this opening night, emphasizing that a good ambiance directly translates to good business, as happy patrons tend to spend more. Mozart, who started organizing parties in the 1980s, maintains a deep passion for his work, describing the experience as magical and a continuous dream. The Gotha Club's success relies on a curated guest list, managed by Martin, the bouncer, and Johann, the public relations manager, who distributes exclusive VIP passes. Johann is selective, ensuring that only those who contribute to the party's atmosphere gain entry. Mozart, while focused on filling the venue to capacity, allows Martin's strict selection process to maintain the club's elite reputation. Martin, who has been refining his methods for years, views his role as crucial to the overall success of the evening, believing that not everyone is suited for a shared, vibrant experience. He acknowledges his reputation as the "most hated man in Cannes" but maintains it's for the benefit of those inside. Despite Mozart's desire to accommodate more people, Martin's firm stance on guest selection is a key element of the club's exclusivity. Roger Baston, a 65-year-old chief concierge at the Majestic with 40 years of service, embodies the hotel's commitment to exceptional client care. He orchestrates a symphony of requests, from booking tables at exclusive restaurants to arranging last-minute errands. His team of "hunters," like Axel, a 28-year-old concierge, are tasked with fulfilling these demands. Axel is dispatched to retrieve a bottle of wine from the Île Saint-Honorat for an American client departing for New York. The tight deadline and a delayed boat present a logistical challenge, but Axel's swift action ensures the client receives his souvenir. The hotel's dedication extends to extraordinary measures, such as arranging an emergency helicopter transfer to retrieve a child's lost teddy bear from Centopé, 100 km away, costing nearly €700. This level of service underscores Cannes' economy of luxury, catering to clients who spare no expense for comfort and sentiment. Back in Golfe Juan, due to limited space in Cannes' port, larger yachts are moored. This is also the base for Renault's luxury yacht business. Renault and his partner, Catherine, manage 16 boats, some valued at €25 million. They handle sales, rentals, and management. Renault, the commercial face, is in negotiations with a Polish client interested in a €12 million yacht. The client, who visited a month prior, has sent a broker to inspect the vessel. The 35-meter yacht, a floating palace with six cabins designed by Philippe Starck, a gym, and luxurious amenities, is a significant asset. The broker is impressed, particularly by the spacious shower and the ability to stargaze from a cabin. The negotiation progresses, with the client expressing interest in renting the yacht before purchasing. Annual operating costs, including a six-member crew, are estimated at €550,000. Renault is optimistic about the deal, anticipating a rental period followed by a purchase offer. Meanwhile, Catherine manages the operational challenges, such as electrical blackouts, engine failures, and delayed payments. Her immediate concern is replacing a head chef who resigned just before an upcoming Mediterranean cruise. She secures a qualified chef from Italy, who will join the crew on a trial basis. The new chef, Tamaran, an Australian, arrives ready to work on the yacht, excited about the professional kitchen. The yacht, having been docked for three months, requires thorough preparation. Tamaran, with assistance from the team leader Candis, embarks on a shopping trip for provisions, surprisingly opting for a local supermarket rather than a luxury supplier. The extensive grocery run for a week-long cruise for ten people costs €700. The yacht's owners, described as demanding and from South America, are expected to arrive soon. Tamaran prepares a grilled prawn salad for her first meal, aiming to impress. The owners, though satisfied, suggest a slightly lighter dressing. Gilbert Dubiosi, a 65-year-old fisherman with 50 years of experience, navigates the waters near the Îles de Lérins. However, the increasingly tourist-dominated environment makes it difficult to find productive fishing spots. He shares the waters with numerous yachts, both private and chartered. His catch, which includes sea bream and scorpionfish, is often destined for local restaurants. His son, Gill, also a fisherman, reports similarly poor catches. Their combined efforts yield about 6 kg of fish, earning them a modest €50. Despite the financial challenges, Gilbert finds freedom in his work, likening himself to a shepherd who loves his life. Gill has found a way to supplement his income during the summer by offering water sports activities on the Croisette. He has invested €30,000 in modern equipment to cater to the affluent tourist clientele. A 10-minute wakeboarding session costs €35, and Gill estimates earning approximately €70 in just 20 minutes from a tourist and his children enjoying a tube ride. Back at the Gotha Club, Johann prepares to welcome DJ Carl Cox, a global electronic music star who is in Cannes for Mozart's opening party. Carl Cox, a long-time friend of Mozart, has agreed to perform. Mozart, arriving late due to oversleeping, apologizes for the delay to the legendary DJ. Their shared history, spanning over 25 years since their early careers, forms the basis of their strong bond. Carl Cox expresses his appreciation for the enduring connections in the music industry. As night falls, Cannes transforms. The beach scene gives way to the vibrant nightlife. Gill Dubiosi finishes his day of water sports, having earned significantly more than a day of fishing. He encounters a returning Israeli tourist, a former student of his father, Gilbert, who reminisces about a more familial Cannes. Gilbert, a lifelong resident of Cannes, has witnessed its evolution into a hub for parties and luxury. Mozart, Gilbert, and Gill, all born in Cannes' Le Suquet district, represent different generations and aspects of the city's identity. Gilbert, who initially influenced Mozart's musical taste, now enjoys a quiet evening with a traditional "soupe au pistou" while Mozart prepares for his major summer party. The Gotha Club is packed, with nearly a thousand people queuing to see Carl Cox. Martin, the formidable bouncer, is in his element, rigorously vetting attendees. He seeks individuals who will contribute to the party