Experiencing Beyonce` Abroad, "Don't Dream your Life But Live Your Dreams."

"Renaissance is characterized by an effort to revive and surpass ideas and achievements of classical antiquity."

As a black woman, surpassing ideas is what we do.

IDEA: RWT South of France?!

How dare you (first) dream of the idea, (second) to see a cultural phenomenon like Beyonce` abroad and (third) explore the Côte d'Azur, while there.

Well, I am here to tell you when in doubt follow your dreams, surpass the idea and achieve your wildest dreams.

Read along, as I share some highlights of my visit to the South of France and some Renaissance World Tour tips.

Summer in the French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is a highly sought-after season due to the region's pleasant Mediterranean climate and stunning coastal landscapes. This summer my husband and I were planning our anniversary trip and as luck had it the Renaissance World Tour was headed to the South of France in June.

Travel has always been my favorite past time and what better way to compose the idea of celebration and seeing the Queen B in the South of France! Experiencing a cultural phenomenon like Beyonce` is a treat but seeing Beyonce` abroad was beyond my imagination but then put into reality with the help of better half!

The French Riviera is a glamorous and picturesque region located along the southeastern coast of France. It stretches from the city of Marseille to the border of Italy and encompasses several popular destinations such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco. In addition to its natural beauty, the French Riviera is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and events. Many celebrities, including musicians and artists, choose to visit or perform in the region due to its reputation as a glamorous and prestigious destination.

Our trip started from our hometown in New Orleans, LA to Nice, France, where we took car service to Cannes for a three-night stay at the iconic Carlton Cannes Hotel, which was recently renovated and reopened. Cannes is the type of place where you literally take it easy. There is no rush and no hustle, instead relaxation, beach clubs and gastronomy experiences. Cannes is a haven for luxury shopping, with designer boutiques along Rue d'Antibes and in the prestigious shopping district of the city. We had no specific plans and our main purpose during our time in Cannes was to relax before the concert in Marseille.

Additionally, the city offers a wide array of restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy bistros, where you can indulge in French and international cuisine. We enjoyed night life at Le’ Speakeasy which is a must for great food and live music. In between our day’s we shopped, walked through French Markets (like the ones in New Orleans) which filled the air with the aroma of fresh fruit, olives and flowers.

Beach Clubs are in demand and depending on your hotel, Beach Clubs will charge to rent day beds or chairs. Luckily our hotel offered a few options for guests and for the most part chair rentals at the beach clubs’ ranged between 50-70 Euros per person.

Honestly, we could have stayed in Cannes longer but by Sunday, the anticipation for the RWT (Renaissance World Tour) was seeping through my pores, and it was time to head to Marseille via train (which was approximately 2 hours). Marseille, located on the southern coast of France, is the country's second-largest city and a vibrant cultural hub with a rich history and diverse population.

Marseille is very busy compared to Cannes and instantly reminded me of the bustle in Paris, France. Depending on where your accommodations are, technically you can walk through some parts of the city. Marseille offers a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a lively atmosphere. It is a city that showcases the unique character and diversity of the Mediterranean region, making it an intriguing destination to explore.

We stayed at the NH Hotel Collection, which was about a 15-minute car ride to Orange Vélodrome. As we approached the stadium the scenery was indescribable, Beyoncé's voice filled the ears of spectators, as vendor lined the streets playing her music from various albums. The crowd dressed in their best Club Renaissance attire, which included sparkles, sequences, cowgirl hats trimmed in rhinestones and elements of an alien invasion. It was a sight to see through the long lines of fans and excitement.

One of the standout elements of the show was Beyoncé's stage presence. She exudes confidence and charisma, captivating the audience from the moment she steps on stage. Her performance was accompanied by a team of highly skilled dancers and musicians, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Her attention to detail when it comes to staging and production is like no other. The elaborate set, state-of-the-art lighting, and impressive visuals complement the music and enhance the overall atmosphere.

Beyoncé's diverse range of music caters to a wide audience and that is why she reigns as the Queen of her stage.

While the highlight of our trip included attending the RWT, we ended our trip in Monte Carlo to recover from Bey day!

Tips for your RWT “Bad Bit$h experience” be practical...preparation is key.

1. Download your tickets a head of time, the apps were working really slow and also take screen shots as a backup. 2. Wear sneakers- you will be standing up the entire time, there is no time to sit (and if you do, your view will be blocked). 3. Check the weather and bring an umbrella or poncho (for outdoor stadiums). It rained in Marseille, but the show went on! 4. Bring a portable phone charger. 5. Schedule your car service early (note the show will end a little after 11pm) and once it does, the crowd disperse fast. So have an idea where your pick up location is. 6. Get your Fan for HEATED.. it was SO part of the experience. 7. When choosing your outfit, go for cute but be practical. 8. Find the smallest crossbody you can. In Europe this was not a problem but, in the U.S., either find a clear small one or omit it from your outfit. You don’t want to deal with the stress of your handbag in the U.S. 9. If you are seeing the show outside of your hometown, make it an experience, explore another place but do your homework before traveling. 10. If you can avoid signs, don't bring them... it may start conflicts that will ruin your night. 11. Buy a souvenir from the show. I almost didn't and would have regretted it. 12. Have fun, enjoy the night and even though there are plenty of clips online nothing compares to the live performance. 13. Don’t forget to take a day to recover from the Beyonce` EXPERIENCE!

XOXO,

Mo

@mosrevue