Stars, secrets and phobias: behind the scenes at Nuits du Sud in Vence

Eric remembers August 8, 2009, precisely. It was on that day that he discovered the Nuits du Sud in Vence: "I was fascinated by the place, the warm and family atmosphere. I was also fascinated by the challenge of introducing other voices from around the world, such as the Canadian Thérèse Montcalm, who was on the bill that evening." He then offered to lend a hand to Teo Saavedra, the founder of the festival, who stepped down in 2021. Eric became a driver, the same role he has held for 15 years within "a supportive family of a thousand volunteers."

Backseat Confidences

Having worked at Nice Airport for 35 years, he benefits from a close proximity to welcome artists from the moment they arrive. He takes care of them during their stay and always strives to promote Vence. He often collects the secrets of the artists sitting in his car. " One day, Thomas Dutronc spoke with emotion about his love for his parents, the transmission of music, and Corsica," commented the chauffeur to the stars during the Nuits du Sud interlude.

In 2018, invited by Alain Souchon, François Hollande shared "his passion for live performance and showed interest in the festival. At the end of the evening, he spontaneously wanted to meet the volunteers to thank them for their commitment," recalls Éric, who, on other occasions, had to manage delicate situations, such as when taking care of Beth Hart. "I sensed the American singer was anxious. I was able to put her at ease; she had confided in me that she suffered from a phobia after a recent attack. We agreed that I would be present when she left the stage, with the car ready to start."

Eric also convinced the airport to partner with the festival, offering VIP evenings in exchange for promoting Nuits du Sud in the terminals. Starting tonight, Eric is available to host the band Deluxe. "I love them," he says.

Another pillar of the musical event: Claudine. She has been a volunteer for 25 years and, like Eric, she was a driver. "I never imagined I'd meet these people," beams the Vence native, who, among other things, brought Jacques Higelin on. A strange first dialogue that comes from her. "Hello, I'm Claudine, driver - Hello, I'm Jacques, singer."

She remembers exceptional encounters, such as Cesária Évora, " not always easy but whom I was able to tame" or Faudel " at first perceived with a priori, but who turned out to be very endearing". Her best memory? Grand Corps Malade " It's the meeting of my life". A special bond unites her with the interpreter of Nos plus belles années , since the slameur was on stage on July 14, 2016. An unfinished concert before his big return to the Grand-Jardin stage in 2019. On the evening of the attack in Nice, Claudine was in contact with the police to avoid creating a crowd movement and to evacuate the audience calmly.

As the years passed, Claudine stopped driving stars and turned to teaching. Today, she supports and trains new volunteers. She believes, moreover, "that it was [her] commitment that led to [her] employment at the Vence Museum ."

Accomplices, the two volunteers are delighted to find "the great atmosphere ! It's like meeting up with friends from vacation."