Question 1

What does Riviera Organisation do?

Accepted Answer

We are an independent event company, creating events on the French Riviera for more than three decades. We grew from music and entertainment, and that spirit still runs through everything we do, but today we shape the whole experience: venues, design, production, entertainment and the local knowledge that holds it together. You have one experienced team and a single point of contact, from the first idea to the final guest departure. Think of us as a strategic partner rather than a supplier, the trusted local intelligence you put in place once and rely on for years.

Question 2

How do clients usually start working with you?

Accepted Answer

It begins with a relaxed conversation, usually a 30-minute call with a senior member of our team. We listen to your event, share what is possible for the date, the place and the people you have in mind, and agree what kind of partnership fits. Most projects then begin with a short, paid first phase, where we develop the creative direction, early concepts and budget guidance together, so you can test the working relationship before committing to full production. Some clients involve us in a smaller role. The call helps both of us see the shape.

Question 3

How far ahead should we start planning?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better: the finest venues and artists are often booked a year or more ahead for peak summer dates. That said, we are used to working to tighter timelines, and have brought events together in a matter of days. Whenever you start, we will tell you honestly what is possible.

Question 4

Do you only deal with events on the French Riviera?

Accepted Answer

The French Riviera is our home, and where most of our work takes place. But our reach extends well beyond the coast: over the years we have produced events and booked artists across France, Italy and the UK, and as far afield as Morocco, Malta and the Maldives. Wherever your event takes you, we can bring the same team and the same standards.

Question 5

We’re a non-French company. Are we obliged to pay tax?

Accepted Answer

If your event takes place on French or Monegasque territory, French sales tax (TVA) is automatically added to all invoices, without exception. For corporate events, France has arrangements with some countries that allow us to invoice without tax. Please ask for details. TVA is not charged on French artists who perform abroad.

Question 6

Is it awkward dealing with the French administration?

Accepted Answer

It is certainly not easy, especially if you do not speak the language, and it can be particularly tricky when arranging fireworks, booking casinos or chartering yachts. There is no need to worry: we handle all the administrative and legal details for you.

Question 7

Our event is in Monaco, does the French tax system still apply to us?

Accepted Answer

France and Monaco have a mutual agreement, so taxes and social security charges are the same in both countries for everyone not resident in Monaco.

Question 8

Parlez-vous français ?

Accepted Answer

Oui, bien sûr. Nous sommes multilingues. Nous avons des chefs de projet francophones et nous pouvons préparer tous vos devis en français.

Question 9

Why are artists more expensive in France?

Accepted Answer

All French artists have a special status and are registered with a specific social security system. Employers of artists must hold a special licence and ensure that all social security payments are made, along with taxes, insurance and other obligations. It is a complicated and time-consuming procedure that more than doubles the actual wage paid to the artist.

Question 10

Can I pay in any other currency?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you can pay in whatever currency you choose. However, it is the amount credited to our bank account in euros that will be taken into consideration. Please check the procedures in your country and with your bank to find the best option, as exchange rates and bank charges can vary.

Question 11

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Our preference is for international bank transfers. Credit card payments can also be made online on this site, with a 3% bank fee added. Please ask for details.

Question 12

Is there a discount for cash?

Accepted Answer

We understand the question, but we still have to pay French taxes and charges. All our events are declared, and we make sure you are fully covered and protected in case of any incident. We will always give you the best price and the maximum value for your budget.

Question 13

Can I have your bank details?

Accepted Answer

Our bank details are available on request, and they appear on your invoice.

Question 14

How do you calculate your fees?

Accepted Answer

After a first conversation, we agree a clear management fee for the work we hold on your behalf, set once the scope and brief are known. All third-party costs, artists, suppliers and technical, are presented to you at net for your approval before anything is committed, with no hidden mark-ups. Because our advice is independent, what we recommend is shaped by what fits your event, not by what we have to sell. Many clients find that the savings we negotiate on their behalf offset much of the fee.

Question 15

Do we lose our money if we cancel?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit confirms your booking. If you cancel more than 30 days before the event, you lose this deposit, as we will have committed to suppliers on your behalf. If you cancel 30 days or less before the event, for any reason, the full amount is due. This includes cancellations due to weather. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period after signing, unless the work has already begun at your request.

Question 16

What happens if we need to postpone?

Accepted Answer

Where circumstances beyond your control require a change of date, we will do our best to help you postpone rather than cancel. Wherever possible, we will transfer deposits to a new date, subject to the availability of the artists, staff and equipment.

Question 17

We don’t know you, so how can we trust you?

Accepted Answer

We have been here since 1991, while many other event companies have come and gone. Several thousand clients have trusted us, and 90% of our business comes from repeat clients and word of mouth. We are also official event partner to seven of the region's most distinguished houses, relationships built over many years.

Question 18

How do you handle discretion and privacy?

Accepted Answer

Discretion is part of how we work. We are used to looking after high-profile guests and private clients, and we handle every detail, and every name, with care. We are happy to work under confidentiality agreements where needed, and we never share details of an event without permission.

Question 19

I don’t need an events company. I just need help with one or two local suppliers?

Accepted Answer

That is no problem. We offer a range of support, depending on how involved you would like us to be, from simply introducing you to trusted local suppliers, through to managing the whole event. You choose the level that suits you, and we fit around it.

Question 20

How come you’re so strong in entertainment?

Accepted Answer

It is where we began. Riviera Organisation grew from Riviera Entertainments, and music has been our speciality ever since. Today that expertise lives in Maestro, our entertainment production arm, and in The Riviera's Finest, our roster of the coast's leading performers. We have spent years researching and filtering local talent to offer programmes that would stand out anywhere in the world.

Question 21

Are you an entertainment agency?

Accepted Answer

No, but we are very well connected in the entertainment industry. We focus on developing entertainment programmes around specific projects and objectives. That said, we are an authorised agent for a handful of internationally renowned acts.

Question 22

You’re exactly what I need. How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

We would be delighted to hear from you. Send us an email, call +33 (0)4 22 13 60 60, or message us on WhatsApp at +33 (0)6 20 26 20 88.

Frequently asked questions