Posts Tagged ‘Group’

cannes photo call and group interview for ‘punch-drunk love’

absolute insanity at cannes, 2002. a ridiculous photo call and a wonderful little interview afterwards with emily watson, adam sandler, philip seymour hoffman, and paul thomas anderson.

Cycling Holidays in Provence – Heading South Easier than Ever for School Group Holidays

Zipping off to the southern reaches of France has become easier for school groups since the advent of daily flights from various airports around the UK to the likes of Lyons, Nimes, Nice and Marseilles.

The sunny and chic but one time elite Riviera is no longer just the preserve of the rich and famous.

While some high falutinâ?? types may bemoan the loss of its exclusivity, most of us celebrate the chance to parade the palm tree promenades of Nice, meander around the side streets of the casino capital Monte Carlo, take an hour or two to go celebrity spotting in Cannes or watch the world pass by in from the quiet of a tree-lined avenue in Aix-en-Provence.

Here, too, is chance to relish the rustic scenes which inspired great artists from Monet and Manet to Picasso and Degas, savour the food and wines which they savoured, take in the rustic scenes which so fired their imaginations, visit the one time â??Papal kingdomâ?? of Avignon.

Museums and art galleries offer a glimpse of great artistic and historic works and a walk around in hillside village trails in the Alpes Maritimes and the Var valley provide an insight as to how the Impressionists found the inspiration to produce such masterpieces.

This is now a region where international businessmen, film moguls and stage and screen celebs come to play, or seal deals while enjoying the comfort of the sun on their backs. Gazing at the rows of gleaming luxury yachts moored in Mediterranean marinas is an activity in itself – one which defies â??credit crunchâ?? headlines. Swish hotels and high priced restaurants are patronised by a designer suited clientelle. Flashy convertibles turn heads as they get caught up in Franceâ??s obligatory town centre traffic jams.

But dinted Renaults and standard model citroens also hold their own in the line. You do not have to â??come from moneyâ?? to enjoy the infinite array of rich vistas here, nor to explore market plazas or village squares, to sit by an ancient sculptured fountain or dip your feet into cool river waters.

This is a holiday spot to be enjoyed by all â?? a delight for school parties, gap-life travellers, or groups of retirees.

For those whose pockets arenâ??t too deep, there are mouth-watering menus aplenty, terrace cafes affording ample opportunity to people watch at leisure, while savouring a mid-morning coffee or chilling out with a glass of wine. Accommodation choices range from family and school group camp sites to self-catering apartments, country gites for rent, and friendly family-run hotels.

High temperatures in summer make it a favourite for annual holidays, and budget airline services have now turned the Cote dâ??Azur, in particular, into a popular destination for weekend breaks.

Cannes, a short hop from Nice airport is centre of the media spotlight every year as it hosts the worldâ??s most famous international film festival. Here you can stroll by the fashion houses and perfumeries of the Promenade La Croisette or catch a glimpse of whoâ??s enjoying nouvelle cuisine at the famous Palme dâ??Or restaurant, visit venues frequented by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta-Jones, pick up film festival memorabilia, take in a movie at a city cinema.

But it is not just Hollywood stars who are attracted to Cannes. Over the years it has been a port of call for artists of all generations – home to Picasso for ten years, a destination favoured by Renoir, Chagall and Matisse. More modern day artists now display their works at the weekly crafts and antiques markets near the town hall a stoneâ??s throw from the old port marina. Tourists can board the quaint â??little trainâ?? for a city tour, discover hidden away historic churches, elegant boulevards, the Palais des Festivals, Palais Croisette, casino plazas and flower markets.

From the marina visitors can take a 15 minute ferry to two unspoiled islands across Cannes Bay – St Marguerite and St Honorat. With their ancient forts, chapels, Roman relics and museum pieces, they offer a green and secluded rest from the more mainstream tourist trail.

It is easy to get about along the southern coast, on foot, on bicycle, by, bus, coach or train.

Frequent local buses and trains offer the options for one, two or three centre trips, to explore vineyards, enjoy the local culture, take part in hiking or cycling holidays â?? or simply to discover secluded beach spots along the coast. Summer or winter, there is a rich choice of those.

Pure Entertainment Group Unveils New Membership Program

Pure Entertainment Group Unveils New Membership Program
MONTREAL, February 11 /PRNewswire/ — – New Exclusive Membership Option From THE Luxury Concierge Service Pure Entertainment Group, a bespoke entertainment and luxury concierge service based in Montreal, is rolling out their first ever VIP Membership Program.

Read more on ITNews

Ships are the New Hotels — is a Ship Charter Right for your Group?

If you are planning a meeting for your company or your association or a big family reunion, should you consider chartering a ship? It is a growing trend, and gives the group a meeting to remember

What kinds of groups charter ships?

Companies and associations of all sizes. Companies charter ships for meetings at sea, while clubs and associations usually charter for locations. Birders might charter to go up the Amazon, a wine club might charter a river boat for a week to visit vineyards in France.

There are also more and more requests to charter ships for housing at special events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, or Mardi Gras. Many families are booking charters for wedding, birthday or anniversary celebrations. Non-profit organizations are booking charters for fund-raising.

Whatever the purpose, you can tailor programs for any interest, combining retreats and meetings with wine seminars, golf excursions, scuba diving, or other special interests.

In the U.S. most popular charters are to see wildlife in Alaska, to meander on the Mississippi on a paddlewheeler, do wine cruises along the California coast, cruise the Great Lakes, or cruise along the East Coast between Maine and Florida. The Caribbean, Greek Islands and barges in Europe are the other top charter destinations.

Is chartering a boat right for you?

Advantages: When you charter the ship, you have complete control over activities, and usually can choose port stops. The boat is yours, without any other passengers. You have no distractions, just bonding with group companions, being inspired by the sea, and being able to think with a clear head. You get out of a sterile hotel atmosphere onto the deck of a ship.

Disadvantages: Even though you may not fill the ship to its full capacity, the price will be based on the entire capacity of the vessel.

Tips: Try to charter a ship that already will be in the area that you want and has an itinerary that you like. Otherwise there may be additional delivery or port charges.

Charters require a substantial deposit up front so be certain of your intent before you sign a contract.

Make arrangements as early as possible, preferably a year or more ahead.

*****

Further information:

www.smallshipcruises.com

Linde@smallshipcruises.com