Hello Monaco #24 — Summer–Autumn 2025

Taran , Founder, Editor-in-Chief of HelloMonaco

www.hellomonaco.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Dear Readers,

As summer envelops the Principality in sunshine and celebration, Hello Monaco is proud to bring you a season packed with glamour, stories of legacy, and the ever-evolving soul of Monaco.

We begin where speed meets spectacle—on the legendary streets of Monte-Carlo. From the all-electric thrill of Formula E to Charles Leclerc’s triumphant podium finish in Formula One™, the energy was electrifying. Our coverage takes you behind the velvet ropes and onto the deck of Hello Monaco’s superyacht, where the Grand Prix was celebrated in style—with caviar, champagne, and a front-row seat to history.

But Monaco is more than fast cars and flashing cameras. It is a living tapestry woven with history, heritage, and visionary people. This issue, we sit down with Thomas Brezzo, President of the National Council, for an exclusive interview on steering Monaco beyond the grey list and into the future. We also delve into the personal insights of three iconic figures—Louisette Azzoaglio Lévy-Soussan, Christophe Cussac, and Lawrie Lewis—who share the wisdom only Monaco can inspire.

Our pages explore the Principality’s unwavering dedication to art, nature, and wellness. Prince Albert II’s environmental crusade continues to protect our “blue frontiers,” while the Oceanographic Museum reminds us of Monaco’s role as a guardian of the sea. Meanwhile, art aficionados will revel in our guide to this summer’s most anticipated exhibitions.

In our lifestyle and wellness features, discover the world of Sublio water therapy, the revival of natural healing, and the much-anticipated Spa Métropole by Guerlain, which marks a new era of luxury wellbeing. And for food lovers, Monaco’s Michelin stars shine brighter than ever—we take you inside the kitchens that are redefining Riviera gastronomy.

From royal romances born in the waters of Mare Nostrum, to the 100-year-old opera haunted by scandal, and a remarkable encounter between Prince Honoré V and Napoleon Bonaparte, our history pages prove Monaco has never been short of drama—or destiny.

Whether you’re basking on one of Monte-Carlo’s finest beaches or exploring a hidden botanical gem like Val Rahmeh in Menton, let this summer issue be your passport to the most refined experiences the Côte d’Azur has to offer.

Wishing you a radiant summer,

Olga Taran Founder & Editor-in-Chief Hello Monaco Media

Olga

HelloMonaco № 24 • Summer–Autumn 2025

Periodicity: 3 editions per year

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EDITORIAL OFFICE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, FOUNDER: Olga Taran

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Olga Chereshneva

PROOF-READER: Justin Brisk

TRANSLATOR: Angelina Clibbens

CONTRIBUTORS/WRITERS:

Justin Brisk

Xania Keane

Nicole Laffont

Helena Litvak

Julia Saint-Germain

Angelina Clibbens

Olga Taran

Fulvio Piscitelli

Katya Taran

DESIGNER: Irina Roina

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Valentin Bréton

COVER PHOTO: Photographer: Yaroslav Treshchev @monacophotograperr

Buemi’s Back, Rowland Rules, And Monte-Carlo’s E-Prix Glitters With Princesses

Thomas Brezzo: Leading Monaco’s National Council Through the

International magazine

Michelin

A Chance Meeting Of Monaco Prince Honoré V And Napoleon Bonaparte

The Journey Of The Golden Nymph: From Bosio’s Sculpture To A Symbol Of Television

When Monaco Bonded With Lucciana: A Tale Of A Saint, Cities, And Shared Celebrations

Val Rahmeh In Menton: 150 Years Of Botanical Devotion

The

A Rejuvenation Cure With 24-Carat Sublio Water

A New Era Of Wellness In Monaco: Guerlain And Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo Unveil The Spa Métropole By Guerlain

Healing Through Nature With Isabella Vieira

The Heart Of Summer: Grace, Health, And The Art Of Living Well

A Regal Stage, A Diva’s Legacy: The Fifth Grand Prix Maria Callas Gala Shines Bright

Libertex’s Stylish Return To Monaco

The First UK Edition Of The Grand Ball Of Princes And Princesses

The Principality undeniably has a lead on the Mediterranean coast regarding the variety of events and entertainment, its cultural and social life being very diverse. There have been several important happenings and news worth recalling over the last few months. We offer you this list which features a kaleidoscope of noteworthy events that made the headlines in the media.

Princely Family attends legendary Bal de la Rose

The 69th Bal de la Rose took place at the Sporting on 29 March. Prince Albert II, Princess Char -

lène, Princess Caroline, Andrea Casiraghi, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Charlotte Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo Casiraghi,

Princess Alexandra and Ben Sylvester Strautmann attended the charity event. Designer Christian Louboutin orchestrated the Ball, which had a Caribbean theme, complete with a small beach café and a Sunset Bar. The ambience was enhanced by the rhythmic beats of reggaeton and Caribbean music. Journalist Stephane Bern hosted the raffle before a special performance by Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay. At the 69th Bal de la Rose, several internationally renowned artists delivered unforgettable performances that perfectly aligned with the Caribbean theme of this year’s edition. Celebrated Andalusian dancer, choreographer, and director Blanca Li captivated the audience with a performance blending contemporary dance and Caribbean influences, showcasing her eclectic and innovative style. The British group Ebony Steel Band, founded in 1969, brought a festive atmosphere with their signature steel pan melodies, emblematic of the Caribbean. Later in the evening, the group Ethnick’97, celebrating its 25th anniversary, infused the event with the vibrant spirit of Caribbean carnival through a dynamic performance highlighting the region’s cultural traditions.

Prince Albert II honours Josephine Baker on the 50th Anniversary of Her Death

Prince Albert II presided over a commemorative ceremony in tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the death of Joséphine Baker at the Monaco cemetery on 12 April. After the American, French, and Monegasque national anthems were solemnly performed by the Carabiniers du Prince orchestra, the Sovereign laid a wreath on Josephine Baker’s grave. Soprano Nathalie Nicaud then performed some of Baker’s most iconic songs. The musician, artist, resistance fighter and civil rights activist was a dear friend of Princess Grace. Following her entry into the Pantheon in 2021, Joséphine Baker is now featured on the French 20-cent euro coin.

From left to right: Beatrice Borromeo Casiraghi, Andrea Casiraghi, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Charlotte Casiraghi, Blanca Li, Christian Louboutin, Princess Charlène, Prince Albert II, Princess Caroline, Princess Alexandra, Ben Sylvester Strautmann

Crédit photos : Michaël ALESI / Palais princier

From Spain’s Surge to a Historic Monegasque Moment: Masters Tennis Magic in Monte-Carlo

In the amphitheatre of Monte-Carlo, on the Championship Centre Court, Rainier III, where tennis legends are made, new chapters were written in 2025. On 13 April, Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy, etched his name into clay court history by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in a riveting

New Census shows Monaco is home to 145 Nationalities

Afinal at the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. This victory marks Alcaraz’s first Monte-Carlo title and his sixth Masters 1000 crown, solidifying his position as a dominant force on clay. With this win, he ascends to World No. 2, overtaking Alexander Zverev, and positions himself as a formidable contender for the up -

new study by the IMSEE (Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) reveals that Monaco is a true melting pot of different Nationalities. Monaco is home to 38,423 residents made up of 145 different nationalities. That’s +0.1 % compared to the 2023 census, or 56 additional people. 18,910 men live in Monaco, or 49.2 % and 19,512 women, or 50.8 %. The average age of Monaco’s residents is 47.3 years old (46.6 years old for men and 47.9 years old for women). Just over half (50.7 %) of residents aged 18 and over are married. Nearly one quarter of residents are Monegasque (9,262 Monegasque residents). Residents are made up of an astounding 145 different nationalities. The largest groups are: Monegasques (24.1 %); French (21.8 %); Italians (19.5 %); British (7.6 %). New adult residents (people who arrived in 2022 or later) are mainly French (30.9 %); British (15 %) and Italian (9.4 %). The average age of new adult residents is 44.6 years old (45.7 years old for men and 43.4 years old for women).

coming French Open. In a historic and thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, Monegasque player Romain Arneodo and Frenchman Manuel Guinard clinched the doubles title, marking a significant milestone for Monaco’s tennis legacy. Monegasque Arneodo and Frenchman Guinard, entering the tournament as wildcards, faced the formidable British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in the final. After dropping the first set 1–6, they rallied to win the second set in a tense tiebreak 7–6 (10–8), and ultimately secured the championship in a match tiebreak (10–8). This triumph is particularly momentous as Romain Arneodo becomes the first Monegasque player to win a title at the Monte-Carlo Masters, bringing pride to the host nation.

Special Olympics Monaco athletes received a warm welcome to the Minister of State’s residence

Upon their return from the World Winter Games in Turin, Special Olympics Monaco athletes and their coaches were welcomed to the Minister of State’s Residence on 16 April by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Acting Minister of State. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï also praised Special Olympics Monaco’s employees and volunteers, including its President, Pierre Van Klaveren, and its Director, Marc Muratori, for all their hard work and dedication. Special Olympics Monaco represented the Principality in three disciplines at the event: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, bringing home 12 medals, including two gold.

Romain Arneodo and Manuel Guinard with Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, Prince Albert II and George Marsan

Carlos Alcaraz

© Chryslene Caillaud / MCCC

Discover the Secrets of the Amazon in an Amazing Evening in

Monte-Carlo

On April 19 the Opéra de Monte-Carlo hosted the world premiere of “Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia,”, a documentary directed by Isabella Vieira. The event coincided with Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day and served as a tribute to the late Chief Bené of the Huni Kuin community, who passed away 26 days after filming concluded. Nawa Sia is the name Isabella Vieira is known by in the Amazon. It was given to her by the chief of her community, following a tradition where each person is assigned a name that resonates with their essence and mission. (Nawa Sia means “Star of Truth”). The premiere featured a full house of 500 attendees, including environmental advocates, cultural figures, and Indigenous leaders. The screening was accompanied by immersive sensory elements, such as ambient jungle sounds and natural aromas, enhancing the audience’s connection to the Amazonian environment. The documentary has been recognized with the “Best Indigenous Native People’s Film” award at the World Film Festival in Cannes, highlighting its impact and significance. The moral support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation takes on its full

meaning here. Sensitive to environmental issues and the preservation of ecosystems, this true institution of the Principality supports the cinematic work in its mission of awareness-raising.

An update to the ‘Monaco Bus’ mobile app

The Prince’s Government announces a major update to the ‘Monaco Bus’ mobile app. The app, launched in late 2010 by CAM (Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco), provides information about the public transport network and bus timetables. The updated version now includes innovative features as requested by users: access to maps and timetables for all bus routes and stops, including new routes launched in 2024 (X1, X2, X3 and X4), live information on bus arrivals: arrival times at each stop, bus tracking, and passenger numbers, create a favourites list of preferred routes and stops when you first launch the app, live bus network notifications and announcements.

From Rome to Rugby: Princess Charlène Leads a Weekend of Wins and Warm Hearts

The 13th Sainte Dévote Tournament concluded on April 26 at Monaco’s Stade Louis II, with France’s Montpellier HéraultRugby emerging victorious in front of the royal couple in a spirited final against England’s Cobham Rugby. In a commanding performance, the young French players secured a 2-0 win, lifting the trophy amid scenes of joy and pride. The tournament, organized by the Monegasque Rugby Federation and supported by the Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation, once again proved to be much more than a competition — it was a true celebration of youth, sportsmanship, and international friendship. This year’s edition welcomed 24 teams from 21 countries, uniting children from all over the world under the values of rugby: discipline, respect, and camaraderie. Princess Charlène, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, attended the opening ceremony despite having only just returned from the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. Accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, Vice-President of the Federation, and rugby legend Tendai Mtawarira, Princess Charlène stood in solidarity with the players and spectators as a moving minute of silence was observed in memory of the late pontiff. On the field, Monaco’s team shone brightly during the first day of the

tournament but faced tougher challenges against Switzerland on the second. Ultimately, the young Monegasques proudly claimed the prestigious Sainte Dévote Trophy, achieving one of their main objectives for the weekend, and finished sixth overall in the tournament standings. Prince Albert II attended the award ceremony.

Crédit

Eric Mathon/Palais princier

From Football Legends to Paddle Pros: Monaco’s Weekend of Rallies and Rivalry

Padel Best Village 2025 returned in full force on 26–27 April, bigger than ever, introducing pickleball alongside two action-packed days of matches, celebrity guests, spirited business panels, and a charitable gala — all under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Monaco and organized by the Italian company BSG SRL. An elegant opening ceremony welcomed players and spectators, followed by a lively cocktail reception. Monaco’s Deputy Mayor Marjorie Crovetto and Sports Councillor Jacques Pastor were among the distinguished guests greeting participants inside the newly transformed Grimaldi Forum. Inside and outside courts provided a fresh, open layout this year, making the matches more accessible for players and fans eager to soak up the Riviera sunshine.

This year, Padel Best Village wasn’t content to stick to tradition — it officially added pickleball to the roster after organizers observed its skyrocketing popularity both in the U.S. and Europe. Pickleball, the fastgrowing blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, proved an immediate hit — with one court perched dramatically on the Grimaldi Forum’s Mediterranean-facing terrace.

Meanwhile, the GIVOVA Five Padel Cup stormed forward, capturing the attention of hundreds of fans and international media. Saturday’s matches delivered thrill -

ing showdowns like Gómez–Signori vs. Frossard–Dutto and Brocchi–Dida vs. Di Biagio–Pacifico across VIP, Women’s, Sponsor, and Inclusive categories. Legends such as Christian Vieri, Vincent Candela, Cristian Zaccardo, and Frankie Mezzancella joined the rotations, proving that a Champions League spirit translates just fine onto a padel court. Entrepreneurs, athletes, and executives from across Europe and beyond took advantage of the opportunity to forge new partnerships in a vibrant, sport-fuelled environment. On the courts, the VIP Man Tournament was clinched by Vincent Candela and Gigi Di Biagio, two icons of Italian

football whose teamwork and passion electrified the crowd.

Off the courts, a night of glamour and generosity unfolded at Twiga Monte-Carlo. The gala evening, led onstage by Dario Marcolin and media personality Jimmy Ghione, blended celebration with heartfelt purpose. A charity raffle, supported by HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco and sponsored by generous partners, raised funds for Fight Aids Monaco. Meanwhile, renowned flame-artist Dicò wowed guests with a special exhibition of fiery portraits, including one auctioned for the cause.

Celebrating 40 years of the Louis II Stadium

Following the official ceremony on 4 February, which marked 40 years since the construction and inauguration of the Louis II Stadium, a second event is now being held

to celebrate this iconic anniversary. A never-before-seen exhibition, this time dedicated to the stadium’s athletes, performers and visitors, opened on 28 April in the heart of this unique venue: the stadium’s indoor pedestrian zone. Completely renovated especially for the exhibition, the pedestrian zone inside the Louis II Stadium has been given a facelift. Work was carried out over a five-week period to redesign the floors, walls and ceilings, transforming this passageway into a pleasant, warm and welcoming space where people can enjoy a stroll. Fourteen display cases have been fitted for use by Monegasque sports associations and federations to showcase memorabilia, archives and highlights from their history at the stadium. Entitled ‘Il était une première fois’ (Once upon a first time), the exhibition highlights the ‘first times’ that mark the history of the Louis II Stadium since its opening. The first events, emotions and performances are all key, often defining and unique moments that demonstrate the abundance and diversity of activities hosted at the stadium. With press articles, archive photos, posters and items loaned by various figures from Monaco’s sporting world, the exhibition offers a lively and moving insight into the history of the Louis II Stadium.

© Padel Best Village

© Direction de la Communication / Stéphane Danna

Echoes of Grandeur: Monte-Carlo Opera’s Exhilarating Program for 2025/2026

Nearly 400 people gathered in the Salle Garnier of the Monte-Carlo Opera to attend the screening of the first part of the documentary Esultate, The History of the Monte-Carlo Op -

era, directed by Monegasque journalist Frédéric Laurent and his son, Jérémie. The evening was attended, among others, by HSH Prince Albert II, HRH the Princess of Hanover. The first act of four, lasting 64

minutes, was screened on April 28. It unveils the early years, from around 1879 to 1951. A prosperous period, during which more than 80 operas were created by composers who defined the era, and during which the greatest sopranos and tenors appeared one after the other. All orchestrated by Raoul Gunsburg, Director of the Opera from 1892 to 1951 and first Artistic Director of the Société des Bains de Mer, with the invaluable support of the Princes of Monaco, notably Albert I.This extensively documented in-depth work required dozens of interviews, more than 180 opera excerpts, and over 700 illustrations to retrace the first 72 years of this iconic stage. A few days later, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo unveiled its 2025–2026 season in the Salle Garnier. Artistic Director Cecilia Bartoli presented a program that pays tribute to women’s voices, heroic and fragile figures, the power of myth, and the collective dream that is opera. The season features seven operas, two concerts (one of which is operatic), a musical, a revue in homage to Joséphine Baker, and a recital, totaling 12 productions across 43 performances. These events will take place on three stages: the Opéra Garnier, the Grimaldi Forum, and the Auditorium Rainier-III.

Buemi Resurgent, Rowland’s on Fire, and Monte-Carlo’s E-Prix Weekend Shone with Princesses

Monte-Carlo did something new this year — they packed two Formula E races into one weekend for Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024–25 ABB FIA Formula E season. On Saturday, May 3, Oliver Rowland finally snagged his first Monaco win, showing some serious race smarts. He used the PIT BOOST perfectly to pass Taylor Barnard on lap 13. Even when Nyck de Vries took the lead for a bit, Rowland came back strong with a well-timed Attack Mode on lap 27 to finish first ahead of de Vries and Jake Dennis. That win bumps Rowland’s success rate to 50 % and puts him 34 points clear of reigning champ Pascal Wehrlein, who ended up sixth with 60 points.

Sunday was all about grit. Sébastien Buemi, racing for Envision, broke a six-year winless streak starting from eighth place. He handled the wet track like a pro and took advantage of Rowland messing up a pass on Jean-Éric Vergne. That gave Buemi his third Monaco E-Prix win — and yes, Prin -

cess Charlene was there to hand over the trophy. With these results, Rowland’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship has stretched to 115 points, with António Félix da Costa and

Pascal Wehrlein trailing behind. Over in the Teams’ battle, Porsche is leading the pack with 133 points, closely chased by Nissan. All of this went down on May 3rd and 4th.

Race winner Oliver Rowland of Great Britain, 3 May 2025

Photo by Joe Portlock/LAT Images

From Bark to Brilliance: Inside the Principality’s Glitziest Dog Show on Earth

Held under the grand marquee at Fontvieille on 10–11 May, the Principality went paw-deep into its annual tribute to man’s best friend. With 1,430 four-legged competitors representing 262 breeds from 29 countries, the show has officially gone global — and glamorous. From Peru to Finland, Ireland to Romania, the world’s most pampered pooches have converged on Monaco. The event also holds the

distinction of being a qualifier for Crufts 2026, the Wimbledon of woof. So yes, this is serious dog business — with the glitz of Monte-Carlo and the heart of Lassie. Nine European judges had to make a choice between them based on clearly defined criteria such as physique, behaviour, and rarity. First prize went to Simba, a Basenji. In second place was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Completing the podium was a smooth-haired Dachshund.

Princess Charlène’s Legacy Lives On in Monaco’s Mare Nostrum

The 2025 edition of the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour in Monaco on 17–18 May delivered two thrilling days of high-stakes international competition, hosted in the heart of the Principality at the Prince Albert II Nautical Centre. The final day of racing saw a blend of tactical swims, explosive sprints, and tight podium battles across the strokes and distances. Oleg Kostin won the men’s 50 butterfly in a blistering 22.96, just edging Egypt’s Abdelrahman Elaraby. But Elaraby would eventually secure gold in the finals in 22.80 seconds. Arina Surkova dominated the women’s 50 butterfly in 25.73 and took gold. World record holder Kliment Kolesnikov cruised to the men’s 50 backstroke win (24.74), showcasing smooth control ahead of Poland’s Ksawery Masiuk. Kolesnikov then took gold in a Meet Record of 24.44. Italy’s Benedetta Pilato, after posting a world-leading time in prelims, continued her dominance in the 50 breaststroke (30.13), then posting a gold medal winning final time of 29.90. On the freestyle front, Szebasztian Szabo (Hungary) dipped under 22 seconds in the men’s 50 free (21.95), and clinched gold in the finals. France’s own Beryl Gastaldello thrilled home fans by edging out her semifinal with a 24.72 in the women’s sprint. Though later Van Wijk would take the Gold. Lewis Clareburt (New Zealand) continued to impress in the individual medley, winning the men’s 400 IM in 4:17.14, showcasing stamina and strategy. Hungary’s Lilla Szabo outpaced the field in the women’s 400 freestyle (4:14.10), controlling the race from the halfway mark. France’s Michel Arkhangelsky stunned with a lifetime best in the 100 butterfly (51.48), announcing his presence as a serious contender this season. With many swimmers

fine-tuning for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and some nations (notably Singapore) using Monaco as a quali -

fication opportunity, the meet carried more than Mare Nostrum prestige—it was a pivotal proving ground.

Pit Stops and Penalties: Monaco’s Most Entertaining Football Match Before the GP

On May 21, just two days ahead of the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix, the Principality swapped race suits for football kits during the inaugural Racing Stars Football Cup — a one-of-a-kind char-

ity match that lit up Stade Louis II with star power, purpose, and passion. Organized under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the event saw the iconic Barbagiuans of Monaco take on the equally renowned Nazionale Piloti, in a festive showdown that united motorsport legends, professional footballers, artists, and entertainers. Taking to the pitch were celebrated figures including Ludovic Giuly, Matt Pokora, UFC fighter Benoît Saint-Denis, comedian Paul Mirabel, influencer Ragnar Le Breton, and Formula 1 stars Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, and Isack Hadjar. Their presence transformed the football field into a stage of camaraderie and goodwill, as fans witnessed a rare spectacle of celebrities playing for a cause rather than a cup. The match was held in support of two deeply meaningful organizations: the Jules Bianchi Association, which continues to honour the legacy of the late F1 driver, and Be Safe Monaco, a foundation that educates young people about the dangers of drunk driving — a cause especially close to the hearts of the Monegasque community. Former Uruguay international Javier Ernesto Chevanton stole the spotlight with a spectacular hat-trick, earning the Man of the Match honour and a warm congratulation from Prince Albert himself. Despite a spirited penalty by Pierre Gasly that mo -

mentarily narrowed the scoreline, the Piloti couldn’t keep up with the Barbagiuans’ offensive rhythm, who sealed a 6–4 victory after two fast-paced halves.

Barbagiuans of Monaco

Louis Ducruet

Prince Albert II and Charles Leclerc

Leclerc Shines Bright with Podium Finish on Home Turf Cannes Film Festival 2025 announced its winners

The Monaco Grand Prix weekend was a dramatic blend of high stakes, high pressure, and high rewards, especially for home favourite Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc, cheered on by passionate Monegasque fans, secured a strong starting spot alongside Lando Norris on the front row after a thunderous performance in qualifying. Shattering the

track record, Norris narrowly pipped him to pole by just over a tenth of a second, setting up a showdown for Sunday’s main event.

When the lights went out on race day May 25, Leclerc held his ground, retaining second place while keeping up pressure on Norris. The two exchanged strong lap times as the race settled into a battle of pure skill and strategy.

Leclerc stayed within striking distance, but Norris kept his lead all the way to the chequered flag. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri for McLaren crossed the line in third.

Max Verstappen finished fourth, a solid but somewhat quieter outing, without incident or penalties.

Leclerc’s strong performance, cheered by his home crowd, also earned him Driver of the Day. His P2 finish was a clear affirmation that he’s a superstar at Monaco, a place where skill and precision make all the difference.

That performance was a thrilling homecoming with Charles comfortably on the podium, passionately cheered, and recognized by fans. He proved once again that Monaco is his stage adding another dramatic chapter to the rich history of the Monaco Grand Prix.

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival took place from May 13 to 24 at the Palais des Festivals. Juliette Binoche served as president of the main jury, and Laurent Lafitte was the master of ceremonies for both the opening and closing events. Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or for his film A Simple Accident. During the Festival, a tribute was paid to Robert De Niro, the Hollywood legend, who received an Honorary Palme d’Or presented by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Appoints New Minister of State

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has appointed Philippe Mettoux as Minister of State. Mr. Mettoux is currently a member of the Conseil d’État (Council of State). He began his career in the judiciary as a public prosecutor in various courts, then joined the Directorate of Criminal Affairs and Pardons at the Ministry of Justice, as well as the Central Service for the Prevention of Corruption. He later served as an advisor to Dominique Perben at the Chancellery and to Dominique de Villepin at the Ministry of the Interior and the Prime Minister’s Office, before joining the Conseil d’État. Since 2013, Mr. Philippe Mettoux has been serving as Director of Legal and Compliance at the SNCF Group and as the company’s internal mediator.

Charles Leclerc

©ACMOlivier Caenen

©ACMOlivier Caenen

Photo by Yaro T.

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen

President Emmanuel Macron is Welcomed to Monaco by the Princely Family

President Macron and Brigitte Macron’s much-anticipated visit to Monaco began when they were welcomed by Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène and their children on June 7 on the Palace’s courtyard. Princess Gabriella presented Brigitte Macron

with a bouquet of flowers before the national anthems were performed. A review of the troops then included the Prince’s carabinieri and Monaco’s firefighters. Several French and Monegasque ministers were among the personalities present in the courtyard for

the formal ceremony. Afterwards, the Sovereign received President Macron in a private audience while Princess Charlène gave Brigitte Macron a tour of the Palace gardens. President Macron offered several gifts to the Sovereign, including a copy of Jules Verne’s Voyageurs du XIXe siècle (original Hetzel edition from 1880) with a rare blue binding. Prince Albert II also received a ceremonial gift: the naming of the “Albert II seamount”, which measures 1,958 metres, the number as the Sovereign’s date of birth. It is located in the Indian Ocean and was discovered by the French Navy’s Hydrographic Service. The Prince presented the President with the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles, while Princess Charlène received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron walked through Monaco. They made a brief stop at the Hôtel Hermitage. The couple then paused for a moment to exchange a few words with the Director of Monaco’s Public Security, Eric Arella, whose teams escorted the presidential couple and their bodyguards. Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron then wandered through the Jardins des Boulingrins, passing excited tourists as they crossed the Casino Square and the Promenade des Champions before returning to the Hôtel Hermitage. Stéphane Valeri, President of SBM, then gave a tour of the Hôtel de Paris wine cellars to the French President.

Princely Family launch 6th Grimaldi Historic Sites Meeting on the Palace Square

Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène and their children, hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, inaugurated the 6th Grimaldi Historic Sites Meeting on June 14 on the Place du Palais. Organized by the Grimaldi Historic Sites Federation, the event brought together eight French and Italian municipalities, united by their shared history with the Monegasque dynasty: Polignac, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, SaintPal-de-Chalencon (Haute-Loire), Ollioules (Var), Uzès (Gard), Villeneuve-Loubet (Alpes-Maritimes), Bardi and Compiano. Representatives from each municipality were presented with a plaque on stage by the Sovereign. During the weekend event, stalls featured products from local artisans beside tourism stands from various Grimaldi Historic Sites. The Prince and his family showed great interest in the products on display and visited the Grand Cordon d’Or Monaco stand, where the Prince spent time with French chefs. On stage, a commemorative plaque inscribed with the word “Sovereign” was ceremoniously unveiled. The event also featured a preview of the upcoming comic book “Monaco, l’épopée des Grimaldi” (Monaco, the Grimaldi Epic) published by Glénat, targeted to be available in bookstores from June 25.

Monte-Carlo Television Festival 2025

At the opening ceremony of the 2025 Monte-Carlo Television Festival, the distinguished French actor Pierre Arditi received the Crystal Nymph. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco personally presented this prestigious award to the guest of honour. Pierre Arditi is a pillar of the French-speaking stage and screen. Over a career spanning more than sixty years, he has appeared in over a hundred television productions, creating a gallery of profound and memorable characters.

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival 2025 also honoured American actress, director, and producer Robin Wright with the Crystal Nymph during the closing ceremony on 17 June at the Grimaldi Forum.

In 2025, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival once again celebrated the rising stars of the global television industry. This year, the prestigious Golden Nymph Award for Most Promising Talent was presented to American actress Jaz Sinclair, an accolade that highlights her remarkable contribution to the evolution of contemporary genre television drama.

Eighteen programmes from twelve countries were selected for the official competition. Among them were four world premieres, seven international premieres and two French premieres.

The winner of Best Film was “On a Day in September” (Germany, co-produced by ZDF/ARTE), the Prize of Best Series went to “Vanguard” (Sweden, FLX & SVT), and the one in Best Creation — “Don’t Give Up”

(South Africa). And then the personal accolades for the stars including Best Actress, Hélène Alexandridis for “On a Day in September” and Best Actor, Jakob Oftebro for “Vanguard”. The Jury Special Prize went to the ensemble cast of “Good Cop / Bad Cop” (Australia/USA). The Prince Rainier III Special Prize was awarded to “Rewilding Sharks”, a co-production by CNA and Kraken Films, praised for its compelling narrative and strong commitment to environmental preservation. The AMADE Prize was awarded to “Children in the Fire” (Ukraine / USA). The Monaco Red Cross Prize went to “L’Ange de Boutcha” (France).

This year, a special honorary Digital Award was created to recognize Squeezie for his

pioneering work and creativity in digitalnative content. This out-of-competition distinction also serves as a preview of the official launch of the Digital Award in 2026, which will spotlight the best original digital formats.

Prince Albert II and Pierre Arditi

Marie and Louis Ducruet, Prince Albert II, Jaz Sinclair, Camille Gottlieb

Buemi’s Back, Rowland Rules, and Monte-Carlo’s e-Prix Glitters with Princesses

By Justin Brisk

The 2025 Monaco E-Prix has made motorsport history as the first-ever doubleheader in the Principality, delivering a weekend brimming with drama, redemption, and royal flair.

A HISTORIC DOUBLE FEATURE ON THE RIVIERA

For the first time, the streets of Monte Carlo hosted two Formula E races in a single weekend, marking Rounds 6 and 7 of the 2024–25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The event, celebrating 10 years of Formula E on the iconic streets of Monaco, showcased the series’ commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the Gen3 Evo cars thrilling fans with their performance.

RACE 1 (SATURDAY): ROWLAND’S MASTERCLASS

Saturday’s race saw Oliver Rowland of Nissan clinch his first Monaco victory, demonstrating strategic brilliance. Utilizing the Pit Boost effectively, he overtook Taylor Barnard on lap 13.

Despite briefly losing the lead to Nyck de Vries, Rowland reclaimed it with a well-timed Attack Mode on lap 27, finishing ahead of de Vries and Jake Dennis.

This remarkable performance brought Oliver Rowland’s winning percentage to 50 % and allowed him to increase his championship lead to 34 points at this juncture over reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein, who finished sixth in this race, taking his total to 60 points.

RACE 2 (SUNDAY): BUEMI’S TRIUMPHANT RETURN

Sunday’s race was all about perseverance, as Sébastien Buemi of Envision Racing ended a six-year victory drought. Starting from eighth, Buemi navigated the wet conditions masterfully, capitalizing on a failed overtake by Rowland on Jean-Éric Vergne. Buemi has now secured his third Monaco E-Prix win.

Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images for Formula E

“I thought I would never win again,” Buemi stated after the chequered flag. “At some point you need a bit of luck, you need the right timing, you need the right car, a good team, and today, everything just worked together. So I’m so happy. I’m actually speechless because it’s been a long time.”

ROYAL PRESENCE AND GLAMOUR

Princess Charlène attending the event added to the weekend’s prestige presenting trophies and gracing the Monaco E-Prix Gala at the Hôtel de Paris. She was accompanied by Princess Alexandra and her partner, Ben Sylvester Strautmann,

highlighting the Princely Family’s support for sustainable motorsport. Pierre Casiraghi, Princess Caroline’s son was also present taking his turn to award prizes on the podium on the Saturday.

After the second race, the Princess had awarded the trophy to Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi, the prior two-time Monaco winner (2015, 2017).

Princess Charlène also attended the official gala at the Hôtel de Paris, where she presented the brand-new “H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco” trophy to British driver Oliver Rowland, who scored the highest number of points over the weekend and had claimed victory in Saturday’s race.

Oliver Rowland

Sébastien Buemi

Envision Racing team

Photo by Andrew Ferraro/LAT

Images

CHARLES LECLERC SECURES PODIUM FINISH IN FRONT OF HOME CROWD IN MONACO

By Justin Brisk

With low expectations and faced with high stakes Charles Leclerc approached the Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix тм with quiet realism. Given Ferrari’s recent performance woes and the car’s known discomfort with slow-speed circuits, just finishing inside the top ten would have counted as success. But once the helmet was on and the engines roared in his hometown, Leclerc’s ambitions naturally soared higher.

QUALIFYING HEARTBREAK

Saturday unfolded with a glimmer of possibility. Leclerc looked sharp in qualifying, briefly holding provisional pole and electrifying the Monte-Carlo crowd with every sector split. For a moment, it felt like a repeat fairytale might be in the making. But in the final run of Q3, Lando Norris executed a lap of surgical brilliance, smashing the lap record and nudging Leclerc off the top by just over a tenth of a second. It was a stinging outcome—so close, yet again just out of reach.

THE BATTLE FOR MONACO

Fr om lights out on Sunday, Leclerc drove like a man possessed. He trailed Norris relentlessly, never quite close enough to launch a move but always in the McLaren’s mirrors, a constant source of pres-

sure. The revised two-stop race format introduced new strategic angles, yet Monte-Carlo remained as resistant to overtaking as ever.

Even Norris, feeling the heat in the cockpit, signalled for support from his teammate, hoping to shift some of the burden off his back. But ultimately, he withstood the siege. Leclerc crossed the line in second— undoubtedly frustrated, but not defeated.

Though disappointed, he recognized that the race was effectively decided the day before, and that under the circumstances, this result exceeded expectations. Ferrari hadn’t anticipated fighting for the podium, let alone shadowing the leader all race long.

MONACO’S CROWN SLIPS— BUT NOT FAR

The near miss in qualifying hit hardest—not just strategically but symbolically. For Leclerc, who grew up dreaming of glory on these winding

Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc during the race

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) on the podium

streets, every Monaco Grand Prix тм carries the weight of heritage and home. Already having produced a Monegasque miracle to win here, he came heartbreakingly close to be the only Monegasque to make it two.

Yet even in defeat, there was something rejuvenating about his performance. He stayed in the hunt until the very last corner, always believing that Monaco’s unpredictability might yet swing his way. And while that twist never came, his determination resonated with the crowd.

Leclerc left the circuit with the sense that he had delivered something meaningful to his people—even if it wasn’t a win. The dream of becoming a two-time home Grand PrixTM winner remains alive. And when that day comes, the Principality will erupt.

A ROYAL AFFAIR

As ever, the Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix тм served as a showcase not only of elite motorsport but also of national pride. Prince Albert was

highly visible all weekend—touring garages, meeting drivers, and engaging with guests in the paddock and grandstands, particularly those arranged for individuals with reduced mobility. His presence reinforced how deeply intertwined the royal family is with this event.

Princess Charlène and the royal twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, added to the weekend’s symbolism. Their morning visit to the Mercedes garage included time with Lewis Hamilton, giving the young heirs a front-row seat to Formula 1 inner workings. The family’s shared appearances throughout race day—and later at the glamorous Salle des Étoiles gala—signalled continuity, heritage, and enthusiasm for the Principality’s most iconic tradition.

A WEEKEND OF MIXED EMOTIONS

Leclerc may not have repeated his 2024 victory, but he emerged with momentum. His spirited drive earned him the fan-voted Driver of the Day, and reminded the paddock and public alike that on the streets of Monte-Carlo, Charles Leclerc is more than just a contender … it’s his destiny to win multiple times.

The crown may have slipped for now—but it hasn’t rolled far.

Race winner Lando Norris and third-placed Oscar Piastri celebrate their victory with the McLaren team

The princely couple with the guests of the Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix

GLAMOUR AND SPEED: Hello Monaco at the Grand PrixTM

By Helena Litvak

Photo credits: Tom Claeren production

Hello Monaco had an amazing time at the 82nd edition of the TAG Heuer Monaco Grand Prix, hosted aboard the beautiful Sarastar yacht. With stunning views, this 60-metre superyacht was the perfect place for a weekend full of hospitality, excitement, and glamour while celebrating motorsport in style.

We were excited to partner with Libertex, a wellknown name in financial trading technology, for this event. They not only collaborated with Hello Monaco during this wonderful occasion but also play a key role as a partner for the Sauber F1TM Team. Their

decision to back Sauber reflects a shared vision of performance and innovation. By aligning with a top team in Formula OneTM , Libertex seeks to strengthen its brand and showcase the connection between high-stakes finance and high-speed racing.

Adding a touch of elegance to our event was Tom Claeren, the founder of Ultimate Superyacht Editions and a

Beat Zehnder (Sauber), Olga Taran (Hello Monaco) and Marios Chailis (Libertex)

talented film director. Tom was instrumental in putting together this exceptional experience, showcasing his sharp eye for detail and creativity.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was having the breathtaking McLaren Solus GT on board. This limited-edition hypercar, valued at around $6 million, features an amazing motorsport-inspired design and delivers an impressive 840 horsepower. It was a true honour to have this remarkable car aboard the Sarastar yacht, perfectly blending luxury and performance. Its beautiful presence added to the charm of our event and stole the attention of guests with its incredible design and engineering.

Nico Hülkenberg

Olga Taran and Domingo Zapata

We were honoured to have the famous artist Domingo Zapata as a guest on board, along with his beautiful race car artwork that decorated the entrance of the yacht. His artwork added a special artistic touch to the Sarastar, bringing a unique spirit to the Grand PrixTM

The culinary experience on board was outstanding, thanks to our talented chef, Andrea Pepè, who crafted a remarkable menu filled with delicious flavours. The incredible truffle pasta was a standout dish that guests won’t forget. There were generous servings of black caviar and plenty of fine champagne. The dining experience perfectly reflected the glamour and elegance of Monaco itself.

Another highlight of the weekend was watching the Grand PrixTM from the Sauber team garage at the pit lanes. There’s truly nothing better than being right in the middle of the action, and we’re so grateful to the Sauber team for that. It allowed us to fully enjoy the excitement and intensity of Formula OneTM racing, and there’s nothing that compares to it.

A standout moment for everyone was the presence of Sauber F1TM drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, along with team engineer Beat Zehnder. Having the drivers and engineer visit us on the Sarastar was a real privilege. We got the chance to connect with them in a relaxed atmosphere and hear about the world of Formula OneTM . It was truly amazing to have such talents on board!

Nico shared what makes racing in Monaco so special: “It’s always a thrill to be here. The track is challenging, and the energy from the fans adds so much to the experience. We prepare carefully because every detail matters.”

Gabriel, experiencing his first TAG Heuer Monaco Grand PrixTM , expressed his excitement, saying, “Being part of this race is a dream come true. The atmosphere is incredible, and I’m proud to represent Sauber alongside my teammates.”

Beat Zehnder, the legendary engineer with 601 races under his belt and a longstanding member of the Sauber team, shared some details about the team’s strategies and preparations, highlighting the unique challenges that Monaco presents. He mentioned, “Monaco is oneof-a-kind. There’s a fine balance between risk and reward, and we always have to be ready for whatever comes our way. It’s

Hello Monaco team

Olga Taran with the guests of the party

exciting to watch the drivers navigate this iconic track.”

Hello Monaco is truly grateful for this luxurious experience at the Grand PrixTM , where the excitement of motorsport came together with the elegance of fine dining and luxury. Our collaboration with Libertex, Tom Claeren, and the Sauber team has created unforgettable memories, and we look forward to future partnerships that will continue to showcase the excitement of Formula OneTM and the timeless charm of Monaco.

Matt Palmer (Northrop & Johnson)

Olga Taran with Kick Sauber F1тм Team drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

Tom Claeren and Federico Uribe

100th ANNIVERSARY OF A MONACO OPERA PLAGUED BY SCANDAL

By Xania Keane

“I don’t want to finish my homework!” exclaims a little boy in front of a large audience at the Opéra de MonteCarlo. All eyes are on him. His mother scolds the boy and he throws a tantrum. The audience murmurs and giggles as the boy breaks his toys. Then something magical happens. The objects come to life! And they are not happy. Even the boy’s homework morphs into an elderly man who sings out in pain.

The year is 1925 and L’enfant et les sortilèges: Fantaisie lyriqueen deux parties (The Child and the Spells: A Lyric Fantasy in Two Parts) is unfol ding onstage for the first time.

COLETTE’S SCRIPT IS LOST IN THE MAIL

The opera was written by Colette (who rose to fame in the English-speaking world for her 1944 novella Gigi). In 1916, Colette wrote the opera’s text in only eight days. Several composers thought that Colette should also write the music for the opera, but she was only excited by one composer: Maurice Ravel. If the opera was written in only eight days, how come it took nine years to complete? The answer is a story with more twists and turns than the opera itself!

During World War I, the Opéra de Paris director Jacques Rouché asked Colette to write a fairy ballet. She originally titled the story Divertissements pour ma fille (Entertainment for my daughter). After Colette chose Ravel to compose the music, a copy was sent to him in 1916 while he was serving in the war. However, the script was lost in transit: the opera’s first hiccup. One year later, Ravel finally received a copy and agreed to compose the score, replying to Colette, “I would like to compose this, but I have no daughter”: the opera’s second hic-

cup. Ravel and Colette eventually agreed that the composition would be more of an operetta, featuring a boy, but retain the ballet dance elements. Colette re-wrote the text and developed it into a libretto.

RAVEL IS PLAGUED BY ILLNESS

Ravel’s first opera, L’Heure espagnole, was much-loved by Raoul Gunsbourg, director of the MonteCarlo Opera. In the spring of 1920, four years after the text was originally written, Ravel suffered from physical exhaustion and poor health and had to stop working

A poster of “The Child and the Spells” created by André Hellé

A postage stamp issued in Monaco for the 100th anniversary of Maurice Ravel

“Diaghilev with Nurse” by Leon Bakst, 1906

on Colette’s project. However, Gunsbourg, director of the Monte-Carlo Opera, insisted that Ravel write a sequel to L’Heure espagnole. After Gunsbourg’s encouraging words, Ravel got back to work and became inspired by new American musicals from composers like George Gershwin. Ravel’s composition began to incorporate the musical style of these productions.

COLETTE LOVES THE MUSIC!

In 1924, Colette believed that the work would never be completed. But in early 1925, it was finally complete! Colette was thrilled and loved what Ravel had done, saying that her writing had been raised beyond its initial scope.

“Our work requires an extraordinary production: the roles are numerous, and the phantasmagoria is constant. Following the principles of American operetta, dancing is continually and intimately intermingled with the action. Now the Monte-Carlo Opera possesses a wonderful troupe of Russian dancers, marvellously directed by a prodigious ballet master, George Balanchine… And let’s not forget an essential element, the orchestra,” said Maurice Ravel about the production.

The opera’s first performance was booked for 21 March 1925 in Monte-Carlo, conducted by Victor de Sabata, with ballet sequences choreographed by George Balanchine and dancers from Les Ballets Russes.

SCANDAL BEFORE OPENING NIGHT

After the production was finally complete, one would think the opera’s troubles were over, but that was not the case! Just a few short weeks before opening night, an argument broke out in the lobby of the Hôtel de Paris. Maurice Ravel and Sergei Diaghilev, the man behind Les Ballets Russes, have a dramatic history. A few years earlier, after hearing a two-piano rendition of La Valse performed by Ravel and Marcelle Meyer, Diaghilev said it was a “masterpiece” but rejected Ravel’s work as “not a ballet. It’s a portrait of ballet”. Ravel, hurt by the comment, ended the relationship. As a result, La Valse was never performed as a ballet.

DIAGHILEV CHALLENGES RAVEL TO A DUEL!

When the two men happened to meet again in the Hôtel de Paris, Ravel refused to shake Diaghilev’s hand. The snub caused Diaghilev to reply that he was not convinced of

Raoul Gunsbourg, director of the Monte-Carlo Opera, walking with Camille Blanc, owner of the MonteCarlo Casino, son of its founder François Blanc (on the left)

Alamy.com

the opera’s merit and was reluctant to see his prestigious dancers associated with the “fanciful work”. In fact, Diaghilev was so upset, he challenged Ravel to a duel! Thankfully, the Russian’s friends persuaded Diaghilev to recant the challenge.

Following the argument, Gunsbourg, director of the Monte-Carlo Opera, quickly wrote to the director of the SBM, René Leon saying that Diaghilev is withdrawing his dancers as a result of Ravel refusing to shake his hand. “I beg you to use your authority to make the dancers understand that neither the administrator of the SBM nor the director of the opera have any business dealing with the personal feelings of a master such as Mr. Ravel, that they must immediately get to work because time is pressing to such an extent that even if you wanted to engage another ballet, it would not materially have time to be ready in five days,” wrote Gunsbourg.

René Léon immediately wrote to Diaghilev: “My dear Diaghilev, I wish to warn you of the seriousness of your refusal to have your dancers dance. Your contract obliges you to provide the ballets for the opera

without any personal questions being allowed to intervene. The SBM, in the event of failure, would be obliged to suspend your payments and ask you for damages.”

Diaghilev, in turn, sent his lawyer to René Léon. Léon then replied that if Diaghilev fails to comply, his contract would not be renewed for the following year. Faced with this dire ultimatum, Diaghilev finally backed down and allowed his dancers to participate in the show.

The Monte-Carlo premiere was a success. Critics praised the staging, costumes and the singers’ performance.

CELEBRATING THE OPERA’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

The 150th anniversary of the birth of Maurice Ravel and the centenary of the premiere of L’Enfant et les sortilèges was celebrated in Monaco in March 2025. Kazuki Yamada directed the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and prize-winning singer Gaëlle Arquez performed the title role.

Critics had positive reviews for the 2025 “L’Enfant et les sortilèges” production, calling it “refined”, “effective” and “elegant”. One critic said that tenor Cyrille Dubois “stole the show” and the singers in the Opéra de Monte-Carlo chorus were “impressive”.

HOW DOES THE OPERA END?

The little boy’s bedroom becomes a garden filled with singing animals and plants. The child attempts to make friends with them, but they’re still upset at him. In his loneliness, he cries out “Maman!” At this, the objects and animals suddenly attack the boy, but when the child is tossed aside, they end up jostling among each other and a squirrel is injured. The child bandages the squirrel’s wound and collapses exhausted. Seeing this act of kindness, the animals have a change of heart. They mimic his cry of “Maman” while they carry the child back to his home. The opera ends with the child singing “Maman”, as he greets his mother, in the last bar of the score.

MONACO RESIDENTS’ SECOND HOME Step into

Discover the Principality’s unique activities, build enriching friendships and share unforgettable moments with CREM.

Résidence le Mirabeau

1, avenue Princesse Grace - 98000 Monaco

T. +377 97 98 01 77 | info@crem.mc | @crem_monaco

www.crem.mc

HELLO MONACO PRESENTS: WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO

BUILDING A LIBRARY OF HUMAN WISDOM

Monaco is a unique place in the world. But in the wider public’s mind, the names Monaco and Monte-Carlo remain synonymous with casinos, Formula One™, luxury yachts, and offshore tax havens. But there is so much more to Monaco than these clichés. It’s the residents of the Principality who truly make Monaco unique: outstanding sportsmen, businessmen and women, film stars, artists, creative entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, art collectors and more.

We come from different countries with different cultural heritage, religions and traditions. People who move to Monaco have a different personality and outlook on life. And we all manage to peacefully co-exist, literally side-by-side, in 2 square kilometres of territory. It could be argued that Monaco is the perfect prototype for countries of the future, where multi-cultural people live and create together.

Our project, “HelloMonaco: Words of Wisdom in Monaco” (WOW), will introduce you to the residents of the Principality who have achieved much in life. We will also interview eminent guests of the Principality, visiting Monaco on tour, for a concert, or here on holiday. Each person’s experience in life is different, but they all have valuable lessons to share. These interviews will be an invaluable resource, vital to our mission of building a library of human wisdom. We won’t be asking the usual questions — we will be asking questions about life, love, wellbeing, success and more. And many answers could be life changing.

The heroes of our summer issue are outstanding residents of the Principality who have achieved great success in life by dedicating themselves to their favourite passion or business and giving it all their time and spiritual strength.

Louisette Azzoaglio Lévy-Soussan, the President of the Club of Foreign Residents of Monaco (CREM) remained the personal secretary of Princess Grace for 19 years. Louisette remembers working with Her Serene Highness as a period of absolute happiness and the Princess herself — an inquisitive person, infinitely kind and with a great sense of humour. Today, Louisette is actively involved in charity work and tries to do everything she can to make the people around her happy.

Christophe Cussac, Executive Chef and overall head of the kitchen teams at the Métropole Monte-Carlo, reflects on a person who significantly influenced his life — the great Joël Robuchon, “chef of the century”, holder of thirty-two Michelin stars. Working with Robuchon, Christophe managed to find his own style and create his own cuisine, based on simplicity and harmony of ingredients and textures. It is worth noting that this approach has fully justified itself, because Christophe Cussac has owned his personal two Michelin stars for 37 years!

Having decided to hold a groundbreaking car exhibition in Monaco, Lawrie Lewis was inspired by his love for driving and the desire to bring something special to local automobile life. Twenty years later, his brainchild, the luxury car salon Top Marques Monaco, is one of the most famous events held in the Principality and admired internationally. Today, at the Top Marques Monaco exhibition, you can take a ride behind the wheel of your favourite supercar, gaze at luxury watches and jewellery, and even see such an unusual vehicle as ... a lunar rover.

WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO WITH LOUISETTE AZZOAGLIO LEVY-SOUSSAN

By Nicole Laffont

Hello Monaco: You have Italian roots... What was your first contact with the Principality?

Louisette Azzoaglio Lévy-Soussan: I was born in Monaco to an Italian father, a native of the Principality, and a mother from Piedmont. I was actually born in the Palace since my parents both lived and worked there. My father was a butler. Prince Louis II

I knew it, she has a reputation for that. I was in for meeting a lady of a rare elegance. She looked so much younger than her age you might think she had forged her ID. But I was still in for a surprise. Louisette Lévy-Soussan dazzled me with her simplicity, refinement and her words, revealing a great liveliness of mind and a true intelligence of the heart. Grace Kelly’s private secretary, confidante, and in a way, friend, certainly had something in common with the sublime Princess of Monaco.

The president of the Club of Foreign Residents of Monaco (CREM) in the company of her faithful dog Joy settled in the Club’s opulent lounge for a candid interview. A cosy atmosphere, comfortable sofas, yacht-style woodwork and a welcoming bar. Chic and warm. In line with the lady who loves people, beautiful things, classical music, jazz, flowers... In a nutshell, life.

was my godfather. Before studying literature at the University of Nice, I attended the Collège Saint-Maur in Monaco. But I wasn’t very diligent...

: And what was your career path like after that?

Louisette: I fell in love with a medical student and just decided to become a nurse...

(laughs) Prior to that, I had spent a year in the United Kingdom and a year in Sweden to become perfectly fluent in English.

: And how did you happen to meet Princess Grace?

Louisette: I was already present at the Palace. By that time, I had held a few positions, namely that of Colonel Ardant’s secretary

Louisette Azzoaglio Lévy-Soussan with her inseparable dog Joy in her universe full of plants

(father of actress Fanny Ardant). One day, the Princess’ personal assistant just decided to return to her home country, Canada, for family reasons. I was asked to fill in before the new secretary was being appointed. And I stayed with her for 19 years, until she passed away!

: What memories do you have of your first encounter with the Princess?

Louisette: I was very impressed. In fact, I was scared to death... My English wasn’t necessarily that of an American either. So I was incredibly nervous. But I worked extra hard... in incredible conditions. For me, Princess Grace was a woman who changed my life. I still feel an extraordinary admiration, respect, and gratitude to her. She was a person of great intellectual curiosity and infinite kindness... Just like Prince Albert, by the way! She also

had a great sense of humour, and I love that! She dedicated her entire life to the Principality.

She granted me one... I was thus able to go to England where I did another job for three months. It took my mind off things.

I believe we must learn to always look forward to the future.

: Do you have any memorable moments with the Princess?

Louisette: The year I lost my husband, the Princess was preparing to leave for Paris to accompany Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie in their studies. I was completely distraught, and so she decided to take me on for a change of scenery. And she didn’t stop at that. Some time later, I was still very traumatized so I asked her for unpaid leave.

When I returned, she took me back immediately.

: You’re telling me she was a very humane person...

Louisette: She went far beyond the usual charitable actions a princess would take... On top of that, she received an absolutely enormous amount of mail. Letters from all over the world, people asking her for any -

Ceremony on the occasion of CREM’s 8th anniversary at Villa Key Largo in the presence of the Sovereign Prince

© Ed Wright Images

thing and everything. Even advice! People really pouring out their hearts...

: Talking about heart matters, you have created several charities. How did you come up with the idea of CREM?

Louisette: When I was working in Paris with the Princess, I did have a few friends. At the same time, I realized how difficult it was to truly integrate somewhere. It struck me what it was like to arrive in a place where you don’t know many people. Even though Paris is immense, here in Monaco, we’re in a microcosm. So I thought it would be nice to allow the new residents to meet and exchange ideas. I wanted to create a space for them, a house also open to the Monegasques, of course.

: I believe there are many different nationalities. Do people mix?

Louisette: Yes, absolutely so. Founded in 2010, the club has approximately 500 members representing 50 different nationalities enjoying a truly friendly atmosphere. We hold a variety of events. We welcome musicians, pianists, and violinists, regularly performing in our lounges.

We hold various lectures, from general topics and finance to those providing an indepth knowledge of the Principality’s various institutions. All of this helps us better understand the system’s inner workings, which aren’t exactly the same as in France, for example. We also organize cultural, festive and sporting trips.

: Are you involved in any other charitable work?

Louisette: After the Princess’s passing away, I started working as a secretary for Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie. That’s when I was contacted by the Founding President of “Action Innocence”, Valérie Wertheimer. Those were the early days of the internet, but we were already apprehending the dangers it may bring. I accepted to open this charity’s branch in Monaco with our motto: “Say yes to the internet, no to its dangers.” It’s all about protecting children. We work with psychologists in primary and middle schools in Monaco and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

I subsequently created “Stradivari” that lasted for a few years and focused on helping young artists, musicians in particular. And yes, I almost forgot! A friend suggested I start a women’s Lions Club which did not exist at the time. I chaired it for twelve years. And then came CREM. I had to knock

on every door. Prince Albert helped me, and the premises were generously provided by the Barclay family. Even today, Sir Howard Barclay very graciously continues to lend us this magnificent venue.

Princess Grace was a woman who changed my life. I still feel an extraordinary admiration, respect, and gratitude to her.

: Ultimately, you might say that you’re a woman who loves bringing people together...

Louisette: Yes. I think we’re privileged to live in a wonderful place, we should share it as much as possible.

: I met you just before the Grand Prix. You mentioned you were fleeing the Principality that time of the year...

Louisette: Yes. When I was young, I was a huge fan. I loved the pilots, the noise, even the smell of burning castor oil! But now I avoid the Grand Prix like the plague. It must be said I live next to the heliport. So you can imagine! I prefer retreating to my house in Piedmont to see my pets (chickens, rabbits, turtles, birds...) and my flowers. You know, I have peasant origins and I was raised in the countryside during the war. I love gardening.

: Besides gardening, what are your hobbies?

Louisette: Classical music and jazz above all. I am a fan of the” Printemps des Arts” festival. I also like ballet and theatre, I think in this regard we are very privileged in the Principality. I also love collecting trinkets, souvenirs... I don’t much care for bare designs or interiors at all. And I have lots of plants at home.

: What do you think is most important in life?

Louisette: Love! Only love lets us truly understand each other, not intelligence.

A special memory and souvenir of HSH Princess Grace pictured here with Louisette © DR

Love is the only language that works, even with animals. I like to see people around me happy. As we get older, we experience moments of loneliness. It’s important to have a gentle outlook on things. Also, if you don’t love yourself a little, it’s difficult to reach out to others.

: If you look back in time, are there things you regret?

Louisette: It’s difficult to say you have no regrets... But I believe we must learn to always look forward to the future, to the unknown we know nothing about. Christians entrust ourselves to God. Prayer, whatever it may be, is good. Praying takes us out of our own shell... The happiest people are those who accept a kind of balance between joy and pain.

Founded in 2010, the club has approximately 500 members representing 50 different nationalities enjoying a truly friendly atmosphere.

: And how do you see the future of the world?

Louisette: I can’t say I’m very optimistic! The most serious thing is the lack of values. We no longer respect human beings. How could we, for example, torture people for political reasons? It’s appalling. Regardless of race or religion, we all come from the same place and are going to the same place. All blood is red.

: Do you have a dream?

Louisette: Being able to still learn things that would interest me before I die. Astronomy, for instance, is a field that fascinates me. I’d like to quote Princess Grace who once gave an interview to “Playboy”. When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she replied: “As a decent human being.”

The inauguration of the Gold Members Plaque at CREM and the opening of the Michel Aubéry exhibition

© Ilan

Dehé

WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO WITH CHRISTOPHE CUSSAC

By Nicole Laffont

Discreet, dressed in black, simple and serene. Christophe Cussac is perhaps the only chef proudly bearing his 2 Michelin stars for… 37 years. All in all, he had the 2 of them awarded four times in a few different restaurants. Managing the prestigious “Le Métropole” kitchen in Monaco, the chef has also taken over the new gourmet “Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac”. He is thus asserting himself as the proud heir to his mentor and “Chef of the Century,” Joël Rebuchon. Having grown up in the shadow of this exceptional man, he eventually managed to find his own style, his signature, his DNA. It is all about a certain sobriety made of restraint, good taste, refinement and moderation. No avalanche of exotic products, or unique spice blends, or innovation, no whatever it takes approach. Rather a calm and thoughtful search for successful combinations with only three different flavours per dish and a good dose of love. Christophe Cussac is also a big music lover, especially the blues. For him, it’s all about finding three chords, much like one does with the blues notes. And the melody he composes makes your taste buds truly dance.

Photo:

Studio Phenix

Hello Monaco: You are following in your parents’ footsteps from a very early age...

Christophe Cussac: In a way, I do. My parents owned a château in Tonnerre in the Yonne area, Burgundy, a region famous for its gastronomy. It was an 11thcentury abbey that my grandmother had bought after the war. A good cook, she decided to turn it into a guesthouse. My father was then an engineer in Paris who loved old buildings. Overwhelmed by her success, grandmother turned to her children for help. He thus quit his job to start a new life. That’s how it all started...

: So you were born in Burgundy…

Christophe: No, back when my father still was in Paris. So I’m Parisian, but I arrived in Burgundy around the age of 8.

Striving for perfection year after year, my father turned the place into a château. He hired a Michelin star chef. As to my father, he’s never been a cook and never claimed to be one. He said he never wanted to pretend and remained himself.

: Ah! So, it was your grandmother who passed on the love of cooking and gastronomy.

Christophe: Some chefs would tell you they grew up in their mother’s or grandmother’s shoes. Not me. If anything, helping out over Easter was more of a chore. You know, when you’re 10, 12 or 14, you’re a bit of a rebel. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t passionate about it. Maybe an unspoken transmission happened, however…

: And what did you do after that?

Christophe: I went to a hotel school in Paris. It was more my parents’ choice. I wasn’t a brilliant student; school wasn’t really my thing. I liked something more real, something you could produce with your own hands.

So I got interested in cooking. And if you are into something, you have to do it well. That’s what my father believed, and I took it for myself. After my studies, I worked in the Royal Monceau for a year. Then it was military service, following which I was offered a job as a kitchen secretary.

: What was that job about?

Christophe: It was the first position created by Joël Robuchon at the Concorde Lafayette, Porte Maillot, the largest 1000-roomed hotel

Photo: Studio Phenix

in Paris. Back then, Robuchon was a chef well recognized by his peers, but not at all known to the general public.

It was the first time that a kitchen secretary was required for a large team. The Chef did not want the sous-chefs to typically handle all the administrative work. He wanted them in the kitchen. A kitchen secretary was not an easy job. Doing the purchases, placing the orders, managing the teams. I had 90 cooks, pastry chefs, bakers and butchers…

As you may see, it was no easy matter having all this staff organized. There was a lot of interaction involved between the different hotel services. I never touched the food, however.

But life is full of opportunities. It was never my dream to be a kitchen secretary, and I knew I wouldn’t be one for the rest of my life.

When Robuchon left for a catering director position at the Nikko Hotel, I asked him what was to become of me. And he answered: “Your parents own a hotel-restaurant; you have to cook. Otherwise, you’d always be dependent on a chef, and it will be tricky for you.” So I agreed with that.

: Do you consider Joël Robuchon your mentor?

Christophe: More than just that! He’s my spiritual father! Upon his advice, I returned to the kitchen with a two-year detour into pastry as he believed it was necessary to

master both. Then I started working in the kitchen by his side. I spent a year with him when he bought his first “Le Jamin” which brought him one, then two, and finally three stars. I followed him in his choices, his actions, his passion for things. He truly was like a father. He actually called me “my little one.” We were very close...

: You then returned to your parents’ home in Burgundy?

Christophe: I spent a year at “Troisgros” in Roanne first. I then returned to my parents’ home as a chef. In three years, we earned our second star, and a little later, our third. The abbey was eventually sold and I ended up at “La Réserve” in Beaulieu. They were looking for a two-star chef for their restaurant which no longer had a star. A year later, we received our first star, two years later, our second…

A few years went by, the Métropole Hotel in Monaco was being renovated. In 2003, Robuchon had already opened his workshops in Paris, revolutionizing fine dining with a counter, coloured glassware, simple dishes and seasonal produce. That’s when the Boustany family asked him to take over the Métropole gastronomy. There was a lot to do, and Joël invited me over.

Having Robuchon as a coach was a tremendous opportunity. Unless you are over your job or just want to rest on your laurels, you can’t say no to that!

: What is the Robuchon style?

Christophe: It’s an open kitchen in every sense of the word. It’s all about simplic-

Photo: Studio Phenix

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

ity and conviviality. Customers can see the team at work, and the atmosphere is warm. It was Robuchon who had the idea of seasonal products, currently embraced by all other chefs. He was the one to set the fashion.

I’m talking about a time when menus were strictly set. With him, we could print a different one every day, in pursuit of the freshest produce. You know, when you’re a chef, you are sometimes going around in circles. He questioned himself a lot...

: Wasn’t it a little frustrating to start again without a star?

Christophe: I was already in the spotlight with my two Michelin stars. So I was fine

stepping back and taking a seat behind Mr. Robuchon. Incidentally, at that point, he no longer wanted a star. But you do get caught up in the star game, and today we’ve got two.

: Do you have your own style? How would you define it?

Christophe: There’s obviously a Robuchon imprint. As in all art, we’re influenced by our predecessors. It is that of simplicity and conviviality. Apart from that, everybody has his own cuisine. To define my style, I want my diners to savour the entire dish in their mouth from the very first bite. This means it must be balanced, perfectly measured. Not too many spices, different ingredients and textures must be in harmony. Sometimes you have to remove an ingredient from a

dish to make it better. Always aiming for harmony, never for cacophony.

: We often draw a parallel between music and cooking…

Christophe: Indeed, you got it! I’m passionate about music. Rock, soul, blues. I was even a DJ for a while. The blues is fundamental, its essence is basic: the three chords that come up all the time! In cooking, I have the same approach: three chords are all you need.

My cuisine is modern, Mediterranean, full of flavours. It is the balance I am always aiming for. I use saffron extensively which brings a truly warm colour and a unique, easily identifiable flavour. But you always have to do it sparingly…

Photo: Studio Phenix

: Didn’t a Burgundian struggle to adopt the French Riviera cuisine?

Christophe: It took me a while. In Burgundy, we work with just one olive oil. Here, we use three or four different ones depending on the acidity you need. To us, a capon is poultry. Here, it’s a freshfrom-the-water fish from the scorpionfish family… It’s definitely easier to sell to our customers than the coq de Bourgogne.

: What are your signature dishes?

Christophe: I’m interested in the entire Mediterranean region. I make a kind of paella drawing inspiration from Lebanon, Morocco, Crete, and Italy, of course.

My signature dishes? Sardines, widely popular on the French Riviera, but refined for gastronomic purposes. We eat them raw, marinated in lemon. Part of their flesh is mixed with a whipped cream for the sake of a nice presentation. It has become a signature dish for me.

I’m also quite proud of my lobster lasagna. Let me tell you the story of this dish. One day, when were in Portofino with the family, I was hesitating as to what to order. Then I saw a pretty wavy dish pass by and asked what it was. I was told it was a typically Italian pesto lasagna.

Photo: Studio Phenix

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

The green colour made the dish attractive. I took a picture. Back home, I thought it was much more aesthetically appealing than a usual lasagna thanks to its wavy presentation. Back then I was about to put lobster pasta on the menu. And then it all came together! I found the trick for the right colour combination. A bed of spinach, a wavy lasagna sheet and the lobster bathed in sauce as a final touch. People loved it!

Even if it’s the hardest part, you have to keep it simple. Three flavours, no more. Same as when we dress, we stick to three colours...

I’m lucky to have worked at “Troisgros”. Nothing could be simpler than their sorrel salmon, yet it’s been all around the world. Same for Robuchon’s mashed potatoes!

After a meal, I go see the guests. I don’t ask them if the food was good, just if they had a good time.

: “Les Ambassadeurs” has just reopened. It has a modern vibe to it. Is the dining hall important to you?

Christophe: It’s 50 % of the success! It was designed to welcome customers, not just for dining. There’s a corner where you can enjoy a drink, and the kitchen is open. The customers can always come see us after the meal. When I see happiness in their eyes, it’s the greatest gift, and I know why I do my job. It’s all about emotion. Like for a painter.

After a meal, I go see the guests. I don’t ask them if the food was good, just if they had a good time.

: Do you have children?

Christophe: I have three, one of my sons is working by my side in the dining hall.

My daughter lives in the United States, she is into event management. As for my youngest son, he recently came to dinner. After tasting the dishes, his praise was: “Dad, did you do this? You’re a hero!” The greatest reward.

: You love your job passionately, but do you have a dream? A third star, perhaps…

Christophe: The third star is, of course, the Holy Grail. But it’s not an end in itself. Do I have a dream? A good question.

No one’s ever asked me that. Maybe to live forever... ( smiles). That might sound presumptuous. My mother used to say: “What are we going to do with you? You are not into school…” But today, I’m living my dream. Head Chef at one of the most beautiful hotels in the Principality. The owners and management trust me and we are committed to the same goals. I’m in Monaco. When I go out and see the casino rooftops and the most luxurious cars in the world, I’m dazzled. Yes, life is beautiful, and I appreciate its every day.

Photo: Studio Phenix

WORDS OF WISDOM IN MONACO WITH LAWRIE LEWIS

By Helena Litvak

From 7 to 11 May 2025, the Grimaldi Forum hosted the twentieth edition of the Top Mar ques Monaco show. We visited the world’s most luxurious motor show to enjoy the incredible models on display as well as to talk to the founder of this event. Lawrie Lewis, the man who created Top Marques Monaco, shared his thoughts on the evolution of the show and spoke about the special features of this year’s event.

This year, Top Marques Monaco welcomed guests with the charming Junkers A50 Junior aircraft, gracefully displayed at the entrance of the Grimaldi Forum. This small, vintage masterpiece not only honours the rich legacy of aviation while setting a classic tone for the event and giving it a timeless elegance, but the Junkers A50 Junior is also available for purchase at the show.

Once inside, attendees were greeted by an impressive showcase of supercars, featuring remarkable models from prestigious brands like McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. Highlighting innovation at this year’s event, Venturi presented the FLEX 3 lunar vehicle, selected by NASA for its journey to the Moon. Celebrated manufacturers such as GMK, Laffite Automobili, and others displayed their masterpieces, drawing the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Among the highlights were Boutsen Classic Cars’ stunning Ferrari 250 Spyder California, valued at €14 million, and Group Segond Automobiles’ striking green Lamborghini Temerario. The latter, designed as a replacement for the old Huracan, boasts a V8 engine with electric assistance, delivering an exhilarating 920 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just

From left to right: Maximilian Lewis, Christophe Lewis, Lawrie Lewis

2.7 seconds. Laffite Automobili showcased its extraordinary 1,000hp, street-legal hypercar inspired by LMP1 racers, made entirely of carbon fiber. This vehicle features a 3.9-litre, twin-turbo hybrid V-8, capable of reaching 220 mph, with only 25 units available at €2.8 million.

This year’s exhibition not only highlighted these breathtaking supercars but also included a selection of rare classic cars, custom motorcycles, luxury watches, and beautiful jewellery, offering a truly exceptional experience for everyone. In addition to the supercars and luxury items, the presence of iconic classic vehicles underscored the event’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. The fusion of these elements created a captivating atmosphere where guests could appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that define these timeless treasures.

Within this luxurious setting, the blend of classic elegance and modern innovation was clear, reflecting

the essence of Top Marques. Each vehicle and creation presented told a story, inviting visitors to appreciate the beauty of both tradition and progress in the automotive world.

Marking the 20th anniversary of Top Marques, it’s important to acknowledge the visionary behind this renowned exhibition—Lawrie Lewis. We had the pleasure of speaking with him about the evolution of the show and what attendees can expect this year.

HelloMonaco: Thank you for speaking with us, Lawrie. It’s an honour to talk with the person behind such a remarkable event. How has Top Marques changed over the years?

Lawrie Lewis: It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since we launched Top Marques. When we started, it was all about passion—passion for cars and

Photo by Yaro T

Photo by Yaro T

Photo by Yaro T

Photo by Yaro T

the excitement of driving them. Over the years, the event has grown into a top destination for supercar lovers.

: What motivated you to create Top Marques back in 2004?

Lawrie: My journey began in the world of car exhibitions with the Moscow International Automobile Salon. After moving to Monaco, I wanted to bring something fresh to the automotive scene—an event where people could see, touch, and drive supercars right then and there. That’s how Top Marques came to life—a place where dreams and horsepower meet.

: How do you decide which cars are featured at the show?

Lawrie: The manufacturers play a crucial role. I’ve built strong relationships with key players in the industry. When talking to brands, I focus on the unique experience we offer—test drives right at the event. The excitement often leads to a sale, and it’s that simple and effective: See it, Drive it, Buy it!

: Test drives seem to be at the heart of the experience. Can you share some memories from past events?

Lawrie: Absolutely! In the early days, we had our challenges. I remember a test drive on the Formula One TM circuit that raised a few eyebrows with the local police. But once they understood what we were doing, everything fell into place. We even had celebrities like Ringo Starr come by. Moments like those made it all worthwhile.

: As the industry changes, how do you see the future of car exhibitions?

Lawrie: The automotive world is changing fast, especially with the rise of electric vehicles. While we face challenges like speed regulations, we keep our

Prince Albert II and Lawrie Lewis

© DR

Photo by

Yaro T

Photo by Yaro T

focus on showing the physical experience of driving. We want to create an environment where visitors can really connect with the cars.

: How does Top Marques reflect the luxury lifestyle here in Monaco?

Lawrie: Top Marques is a celebration of Monaco’s spirit—it’s not just about the cars. It’s a gathering that includes classic cars, luxury yachts, watches, and everything that defines high-end living. It provides an experience that reflects Monaco’s luxury lifestyle.

Honouring 20 years of Top Marques, it’s clear that Lawrie’s vision has been crucial to the exhibition’s success from the beginning. After being awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de Saint-Charles by Prince Albert II for his outstanding contributions to Monaco through Top Marques, Lawrie has turned his focus to new ventures. He is now the Chairman of his family office, SARL Lewis Investments, based in Monaco, specializing in property and finance. This venture is a collaborative effort with his two sons, Maximilian and Christopher Lewis, continuing a legacy of ambition, vision, and family values.

Lawrie Lewis with Sir Roger Moore and his wife

© DR

Photo by Yaro T

Photo by

Yaro T

Photo by

Yaro T

THOMAS BREZZO: Leading Monaco’s National Council Through the Grey List and Beyond

By Olga Taran

Photos: Valentin Bréton for Hello Monaco

As President of the National Council, Thomas Brezzo plays a key role in shaping Monaco’s policies and representing the concerns of its residents. From the grey list challenges to housing, healthcare, and the evolving business landscape, he discusses the priorities and practical steps needed to ensure Monaco stays competitive and secure. In this interview, Brezzo offers candid insights into the work ahead and how the National Council is addressing some of Monaco’s most pressing issues.

Hello Monaco: This is a sensitive topic— everyone wants to talk about it. In one interview you said there was a serious warning. What specific weakness do you think contributed most to this decision to include Monaco in the grey list?

Thomas Brezzo: Yes, it’s clear that the main weakness was the government’s

slow adaptation of international standards into Monaco’s legislation. When I was elected in 2018 and became president of the Legislation Committee, I had to translate the fourth European directive into local law—we were already 18 months behind, and Monaco risked being grey-listed then. I completed that in a few months.

Since 2018, we have voted on 16 laws relating directly or indirectly to money laundering. However, because of these delays, many professionals in Monaco hadn’t yet adapted to these requirements, which created compliance gaps. While the banking sector was better prepared—since they’re used to international AML obligations— other sectors needed to catch up quickly.

This lag meant that when international bodies like the FATF and MONEYVAL reviewed Monaco, they imposed stricter requirements and greater responsibility on compliance officers. Now, opening a bank account here can be harder than in other countries because of these obligations.

Frankly, I believe the government took too long, too lightly. I had been advising them to reform the SICCFIN into an independent authority, as recommended internationally, but they kept delaying.

Eventually, we were forced to act in 2023 and create a truly independent authority to become the Autorité Monégasque de Sécurité Financière (AMSF). The National Council, for its part, has complied fully with international standards. MONEYVAL has even commended us for this work, which was done in a short period and in close collaboration with the government’s legal teams.

: Monaco is in the grey list, actually it’s not the first time, right?

Thomas Brezzo: Yes, but it’s not the same list as before. The international pressure today is far greater than it was in 2009. End of March, I spoke with my Luxembourg counterpart at the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament. Luxembourg was also on the grey list in 2009, but they took it seriously and quickly adapted their laws to international standards. Since then, they’ve consistently kept up with new requirements and evaluations.

The challenge in combatting money laundering is that criminals evolve their tactics as soon as the rules change. International organizations must constantly update their evaluations to stay ahead. Luxembourg understood this early on and has kept pace. In Monaco, we didn’t adapt as quickly.

The MONEYVAL evaluation has two parts: first, whether the legislation aligns with standards (which in Monaco’s case it does), and second, whether those standards are applied effectively in practice. Here, we fell short because implementation lagged. Despite passing laws in 2018, there were delays in setting up the bodies needed to enforce sanctions. In a small country like Monaco, this was further complicated by reluctance to impose sanctions on known professionals.

If we don’t meet the required statistics on sanctions and enforcement, we’re deemed non-compliant and evaluated poorly. That’s exactly what happened. Monaco began addressing these issues only once we knew

the MONEYVAL evaluation was coming, which left us with just a few months to prepare—far too little time.

For example, we passed a law in 2018 creating a commission (the CERC) to oversee complaints and impose sanctions. Yet, it took two years before anyone was appointed to actually enforce those sanctions. In a small country like ours, where everyone knows each other, there was little willingness to take on this sensitive role.

Without proper sanctions, people continue to operate as they please, and the

system doesn’t meet international standards—hence our grey-listing. Now we’re playing catch-up. There’s been a surge of information and guidance for professionals in Monaco, and the mindset is finally shifting. People now understand the need for transparency and for knowing the origin of funds. It’s been a rapid and intense process—almost a shock—but it’s leading to real change.

: Can you name on a bigger scale what you need to do now, personally, as President of the National Council, in order to be excluded from the grey list?

Thomas Brezzo: Now we have to catch up with implementing the necessary formalities in Monaco. As a legislative body, the National Council’s role is to propose laws, not to enforce them directly.

That’s why in December we proposed legislation to streamline criminal proceedings: if someone admits guilt, they can avoid a full trial, which accelerates the process.

We also introduced a system for negotiating with the justice system in financial cases, similar to a plea deal. Here, the individual can agree to sanctions even without admitting guilt, which helps authorities

impose confiscations and improve statistics for MONEYVAL. This approach is essential for Monaco to leave the grey list.

: So, it’s a bit like the US model?

Thomas Brezzo: Yes, this kind of plea deal exists in the US, Italy, France—almost everywhere. In Monaco, we didn’t need it before because justice here was swift, so there was no urgency to update the process. But with these financial offenses, investigations often involve multiple countries.

Monaco can’t investigate abroad directly; it has to rely on foreign judges, which slows things down. That’s why we’re pro -

posing changes to speed up proceedings and deliver quicker results.

: So it’s not just a question of legislation?

Thomas Brezzo: Exactly. Our legislation is now fully compliant. The next step is to wait for any new international standards and adapt as needed. For now, there’s nothing more to do legislatively. What we can do—and have done—is put pressure on the government during budget negotiations to increase resources for the antimoney laundering authority (AMSF). Two years ago, there were only 12 staff; now, there are about 70.

We’ve also pushed for tailored guidance for each profession covered by anti-money laundering rules—bankers, notaries, financial activities, and even car dealerships, among 25 identified professions.

: So these businesses are directly affected by the grey-listing?

Thomas Brezzo: For professionals, absolutely. They’re now facing many new compliance obligations, and that means hiring staff just for compliance—adding a financial and operational burden. The National Council’s role is to pressure the government to support these professionals in meeting their obligations.

For residents and those with bank accounts here, the impact is limited because the banks—BNP, Société Générale, and others—are already used to applying these standards. But the grey list does mean more scrutiny: for instance, when making international transfers, individuals now have to provide more information. So far, I haven’t heard of transactions being refused solely because of the grey list, but there is definitely more red tape.

: You are very optimistic about excluding Monaco from the grey list.

Thomas Brezzo: I am, yes, for sure. I’ve been working on these issues for years and anticipated all these points. When we voted on money laundering laws and even during the 2018 budget discussions, I warned that if we didn’t act, we would end up on the grey list. The government said, “No, no, we have time,” but now here we are. So for me, it’s no surprise at all. But, yes, I am very optimistic!

: Let’s turn to your leadership style and broader role. How would you describe your leadership approach?

Thomas Brezzo: I believe in leading by example, not by instruction. If people see you actively solving problems, they’ll want to help. That’s how I was raised and how I operate as a lawyer. I rarely ask others to do something I wouldn’t do myself. My background as a lawyer and former head of the Legislation Committee also gives me a technical advantage that previous presidents didn’t necessarily have.

: What are your main priorities as President of the National Council, beyond the grey list?

Thomas Brezzo: Healthcare is the top concern for Monegasques. Our system is good, but we need to keep it strong and attract top doctors from abroad. Other important areas are security, traffic, property, and making Monaco more attractive for businesses. That’s why we’ve recently modernized company laws and plan to update four more in the coming years. People need confidence in the legal framework if they’re going to do business here.

Housing is another critical issue. Rents are so high that without government-supported housing, many Monegasques couldn’t afford to live here. For years, housing wasn’t a focus of the National Council, so we’re catching up now, pushing the government to build 80–100 apartments each year.

: Where will you build these new apartments?

Thomas Brezzo: Several sites have been secured: Bel Air, near the hospital, with about 200 apartments by 2027; the Exotic Garden area, with 76-90 units; Boulevard du Larvotto; and rue Louis Auréglia. These projects are part of a housing plan initiated by the Prince in 2019, but we’re urging the government to review it and plan better for the future. For example, there’s an area where a college has been set for demolition for 15 years, but no decision has been made on its redevelopment.

: What about traffic?

Thomas Brezzo: Yes. Traffic is a political challenge because elected officials often think in five-year cycles, but traffic solutions require 15–20-year planning. We’re advocating for a subway linking Nice to Ventimiglia to bring in workers. By 2050, Monaco will need 100,000 workers daily. Road expansion alone won’t meet that need. Collaborating with France and Italy on this is essential—not only for Monaco’s economy but also for the broader region.

We also need to remember that Monaco is only two square kilometres, hosting major events like the Yacht Show and the Grand Prix within that tiny space. Unlike places like Miami or Cannes, which have more room for such shows, we have to fit everything into this compact area. We know traffic is a problem during these events, but they’re essential to Monaco’s attractiveness—so we have to accept some inconvenience.

: What’s going on with the taxi situation in Monaco?

Thomas Brezzo: My cousin is actually the president of the taxi association, so I’m well aware of the situation. The main de -

mand for taxis is from April to June; outside of those months, there’s little work, so it’s hard to sustain a larger taxi fleet year-round. That’s why we supported introducing “white taxis” and asked the government to expand the number of authorizations—28 today isn’t enough.

: What about allowing French taxis during the high season. Is that a solution?

Thomas Brezzo: No, we’re firmly against that. Only taxis authorized by Monaco should operate here. If we let French taxis work here, it would undermine the whole licensing system that we fought to keep during negotiations with the EU.

If we open the door for foreign taxis, it sets a precedent: next, it would be foreign lawyers, doctors, and other professionals. Monegasques would be pushed out by wealthier foreign companies, rents would skyrocket, and our young people would have no future here. If there’s no Monegasque population, there’s no Monaco.

: Many newer residents of Monaco expect the same level of services they get elsewhere and come for tax reasons.

Thomas Brezzo: That’s true. As a former consultant and lawyer, I’ve helped many people set up companies and obtain residency in Monaco. The demand for better, faster service is real—residency cards now take four to six months, company authorizations three to four months. In places like Dubai, you get these in a week. But we can’t just copy that here. We do thorough checks to ensure people coming to Monaco aren’t linked to criminal activities, because security is paramount.

It drives me crazy that setting up a company still takes two to three months. The law we just passed reduced the maximum delay for company authorizations from three months to a month and a half— a real step forward. But residency is still slow, not be -

cause of laws, but because of the administrative system, which we can’t directly control. All we can do is put pressure on the government to act faster.

It’s not just about company authorizations. You also need quick access to tax numbers for invoicing and to employment numbers so you can hire staff. Previously, it could take a month just to get that employment number—completely unacceptable. We’re working on solutions and hope that by the end of this year, there will be real progress in streamlining these processes.

Still, we must be more efficient. When I started my professional activity, getting a residency card took about six weeks. Now, with digitalization efforts, it takes even longer—up to six months. We invested €700 million in digitalization eight years ago, yet we haven’t seen real improvements. That’s why we’re pushing the government to act: to maintain Monaco’s security and its attractiveness.

Attractiveness also means supporting services like schools. We recently expanded space for the International School of Monaco and I’m working with Mr. Muller at the University of Monaco to secure a new

5,000-square-metre facility. The current 3,000-square-metre space isn’t practical for a world-class university. Better facilities will help attract families to Monaco, because if people move here, they need good schools for their children.

: Monaco is a top destination, with security, climate, tax advantages, and a prime European location. But places like Dubai are also booming as tax havens. How does Monaco’s tax-free system compare?

Thomas Brezzo: The main advantage of Monaco is its proximity to the rest of Europe—you can be in Paris or Germany in an hour. Dubai is more remote. Monaco also has a long history of institutional stability and respect for human rights, which is not always the case in Dubai. Plus, Monaco is closely monitored by international organizations, ensuring a secure and transparent environment for long-term investment.

While Dubai offers great infrastructure, weather, and lifestyle, it’s farther from family ties in Europe. And from a credibility standpoint, doing business from Monaco carries more weight than from Dubai. That’s why, for many, Monaco is still the safer, more secure.

MICHELIN 2025: Monaco conquers the gastronomic Olympus

Monaco restaurants shone at the Michelin Guide France 2025 Ceremony, held on Monday 31 March in Metz.

Just eight months after opening in July 2024, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, a true temple of sushi art at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, has been awarded two stars. Elsa, the gourmet restaurant at the Monte-Carlo Beach, has been awarded one star, one year after the arrival of Chef Marcel Ravin and Chef Domenico D’Antonio. These three new stars mean that SBM has reinforced its status as the most starred resort in Europe, with 10 stars! In addition, the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, received the Passion Dessert 2025 Award.

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, a restaurant headed by the former disciple of Joël Robuchon, has retained its two stars received in 2024 after just nine months after its opening.

THE 2025 WINNERS

Two stars for L’Abysse Monte-Carlo

“The teams and I are particularly proud and grateful for these stars, which come only eight months after opening. They reward the hard work carried out every day by passionate teams who have worked alongside me for several years now. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo thus becomes the first two-star Japanese restaurant in Monte-Carlo,” said Chef Yannick Alléno.

L’Abysse Monte-Carlo is a restaurant where each dish tells a story of the seasons while respecting tradition. Sourced from local and responsible fishing, the seafood is caught according to their reproductive cycles to preserve the different species. Sushi master Yasunari Okazaki works closely with fishermen who practice targeted sustainable fishing methods and ‘ikejime’ to keep the fish intact. Beauty and respect for the product are essential in the art of sushi. By working with spring, summer, autumn and winter fish, sushi master Yasunari Okazaki evolves the menu according to the seasons and the fishermen’s catches.

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Two stars for Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, located in the heart of the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, creates authentic and refined Mediterranean cuisine. Last year, just nine months after its opening, the restaurant was awarded its first two stars in the Michelin Guide in March 2024, a distinction that recognized the passion and rigour of a team dedicated to excellence. This year, the Michelin Guide once again recognized the restaurant with two new stars.

“Receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year is a source of immense pride. These stars are, above all, those of the entire team, united by the same passion and unwavering commitment. Every day, we strive to enhance flavours with sincerity and precision, to provide our guests with a unique experience,” said Chef Christophe Cussac.

Photo: Studio Phenix

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

Photo: Matthieu Cellard

A star for Elsa

In the intimate setting of the Monte-Carlo Beach, the Elsa restaurant is a haven in the heart of the Riviera. Its elegant atmosphere, inspired by the 1930s, is bathed in azure tones. This distinction marks a highlight for Chef Marcel Ravin and Chef Domenico D’Antonio, just one year after the Chef took the reins of Elsa to develop a unique concept of a “marine garden”. From his native Martinique, Chef Marcel Ravin, who now has 3 Michelin stars, retains a deep respect for fishing and maritime culture. The menu at Elsa is a true marine garden with bold combinations, such as Piedmont squab with morels, squid ink, cauda sauce and herbaceous plin ravioli. Each flavour of the sea is as ethical as it is delicious.

“I am very happy and honoured by this distinction, which I owe to the passion of my kitchen and dining teams, and especially to Domenico. Elsa is a place that has always inspired me greatly,” said Marcel Ravin.

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Passion Dessert 2025 Awarded for the Blue Bay

Marcel Ravin

Special mention goes to the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin and Pastry Chef Floriane Grand for winning the Passion Dessert 2025 title. Since 2019, the famous red guide has highlighted pastry chefs who significantly contribute to the gastronomic experience. The Passion Dessert title recognizes these sweet artisans. Floriane Grand, the hotel’s Pastry Chef, has worked alongside Chef Marcel Ravin for six years. The culinary identity of the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin extends into the pastry world thanks to Floriane’s work. Together, the two chefs draw inspiration from the garden, aromatic herbs and seasonality. Floriane strives to strike a balance between lightness and sweetness, without forgetting indulgence.

© Monte-Carlo

Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

MEET OTHER MICHLEN-STARRED RESTAURANTS IN MONACO

Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris

A beacon of fine dining, Le Louis XV has long been synonymous with culinary excellence and is distinguished by 3 Michelin stars. Under the stewardship of Chef Alain Ducasse, the restaurant offers a refined Mediterranean menu that celebrates the region’s rich flavours. Only locally sourced products are used in its dishes: herbs and vegetables grown under the Riviera sun and fish caught in its sea and lakes.

Mediterranean

 Hôtel de Paris, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco

 +377 98 06 88 64

 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/ fr/restaurant-monaco/le-louis-xv-alainducasse-hotel-de-paris

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Blue Bay Marcel Ravin

The Blue Bay Marcel Ravin was awarded its Michelin star in 2015 under the guidance of Marcel Ravin. In 2022, Marcel Ravin’s magnificent cuisine was awarded a second star. Chef Ravin’s flagship restaurant continues to impress with its innovative fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines. The establishment has been honoured with the Passion Dessert 2025 award, highlighting its exceptional pastry creations. This modern and elegant gastronomic venue boasts a unique panoramic terrace with amazing sea views — a perfect background for its creative and unique cuisine.

Mediterranean, Caribbean panoramic terrace with stunning sea views, designer dishes, private organic garden

 40, Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco

 +377 98 06 03 60

 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/fr/restaurant-monaco/le-blue-bay

The Grill

The Grill, located on the Hôtel de Paris’ 8th floor with a retractable roof, offers truly breathtaking views. Its dishes are famously cooked on a charcoal grill. The restaurant’s interior is inspired by a Mediterranean colour palette — from intense blue to the more iridescent hue of its 85 velvet chairs in the dining area. Chef Dominique Lory works with the finest produce that the Côte d’Azur has to offer.

Mediterranean a panoramic terrace on the hotel’s 8th floor, under the stars dining

 Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco

 +377 98 06 88 88

 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/restaurantmonaco/le-grill

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Pavyllon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno

Pavyllon is the brainchild of Yannick Alléno, the three Michlen-star chef of Pavillon Ledoyen since 2019. This Monaco restaurant took up residence inside the sumptuous Hôtel Hermitage, with the interior designed by Chahan Minassian, and on the restaurant’s splendid terrace. This free-spirited, intuitive cuisine in perpetual renewal consists of cold or hot dishes, or 100 % plant-based dishes, made essentially from local ingredients. The tableware creates a harmonious link between the setting and Yannick Alléno’s cuisine, and has been exclusively made by the finest artisans.

Modern, creative chic terrace

 Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco

 +377 98 06 98 98

 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/fr/restaurant-monaco/ pavyllon-monte-carlo-un-restaurant-yannick-alleno-hotelhermitage-monte-carlo

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

La Table d’Antonio Salvatore (Rampoldi)

In 2021, this Monaco restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star by the famous guide, joining the ranks of the most prestigious venues on the French Riviera. It also happens to be the first 100 % organic restaurant distinguished by the Michelin guide. Its chef Antonio Salvatore is famous for both his classical recipes and original, signature dishes. The chef had the idea of transforming the former Rampoldi cigar salon into a dining area, treating us to modern, delicious and refined Italian cuisine. His premium quality products are locally sourced from the neighbouring towns of Menton and San Remo. Some ingredients are specially brought from the south of Italy.

Italian

cozy, comfortable, 100 % organic restaurant

 3, Avenue des Spélugues, Monaco, 98000

 +377 93 30 70 65

 http://www.rampoldi.mc/fr/la-table-dantonio-salvatore/

©

© Rampoldi

© Rampoldi

A MASTERPIECE IN EVERY BITE: CÉDRIC GROLET DEBUTS IN MONTE-CARLO

There is another touch of sweet and starry magic that is coming to Monaco this year. World-renowned pastry chef Cédric Grolet will officially join the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer family as Executive Pastry Chef of the legendary hotel, unveiling a new address that promises to blend creative brilliance with refined indulgence.

His new space will encompass an elegant tea room and boutique nestled in the hotel’s patio. This marks Grolet’s first venture in Monaco, joining a constellation of global locations including Paris, London, Saint-Tropez, Val d’Isère and Singapore.

Cédric Grolet, who was crowned World’s Best Pastry Chef by The World’s 50 Best in 2018, is internationally celebrated for his astonishing trompe-l’œil creations — pastries shaped like fruit and flowers that are as delicious as they are beautiful. His arrival further enriches SBM’s world-class gastronomic offering, reinforcing Monte-Carlo’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury and culinary excellence.

In addition, his tea room will offer an all-day menu, from healthful breakfasts and savoury lunches to signature desserts that show-

case his signature artistry. Guests can look forward to creations like the Mango Flower, Vanilla Flower, and the Raspberry Diamond, alongside seasonal novelties imagined exclusively for Monaco.

With seating for up to 96 guests (36 inside, 60 outside), Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo is set to become a must-visit address for gourmands and aesthetes alike.

Photo:

Maia Chamayou

Photo:

Maia Chamayou

MONTE-CARLO FESTIVAL DES ETOILÉS 2025

For the past five years, the Monte-Carlo Festival des Etoilés has established itself as an unmissable gastronomic event in the Principality. This is a unique opportunity not only to taste the best Michelin stars cuisine of Monaco’s chefs, but also to dive into the gastronomic paradise of invited world-renowned chefs that will bring their masterpieces to Monte-Carlo during the Festival.

The central theme of this year’s edition features new dinners prepared by two chefs. Michelin-starred chefs of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer will welcome some of the biggest names in French and international gastronomy, before reuniting for the grand finale: a seven-Michelinstarred gala dinner.

The Festival began at Le Grill on 10 April , atop the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Dominique Lory, Executive Chef of the Monegasque palace and its iconic Le Grill, welcomed Pierre Gagnaire whose res-

taurant in Paris has had three stars since 1996. Chef Pierre Gagnaire is one of the most celebrated figures in contemporary French gastronomy, renowned for his avant-garde approach that blends tradition with innovation. In total, he collected 14 Michelin stars through his restaurants.

On April 27, the spotlight turned to L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, which earned two Michelin stars just eight months after its opening. Nestled in the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and founded by Yannick Alléno and sushi master Yasunari Okazaki, the restaurant welcomed Chef Hirotaka Wada of the one-starred Sushi Kanesaka in London. The duo presented a refined Omakase menu celebrating the pure artistry of Japanese cuisine.

On 20 June, the opus took place at the Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, where the world’s most Michelin-starred chef, Alain Ducasse, welcomed Spanish chef Albert Adrià alongside Emmanuel Pilon. The master-

mind behind the famous elBulli (Roses) with his brother Ferran, Albert Adrià is currently at the helm of the Michelin-starred Enigma in Barcelona.

On 13 July, another duo will take over the heart of the Hôtel des Connaisseurs, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. MultiMichelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno will welcome Italian chef Davide Oldani, a twoMichelin-starred chef from the Milanese province, to Monaco. Considered one of the most influential chefs of his generation, Davide Oldani is also the inventor of “Cucina Pop,” which blends simple products and ingredients with sophisticated flavours and textures.

On 18 July, the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the MonteCarlo Bay Hotel & Resort, will deliver the fifth instalment of the Festival. ThreeMichelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin has invited Anne-Sophie Pic, chef of the PIC restaurant in Valence with 12 stars, to share her sensitive and daring cuisine. The dinner will bring these two great chefs together for the first time.

Finally, on September 23, the serene setting of Elsa at Monte-Carlo Beach will host a collaboration between its chef Marcel Ravin and Florent Pietravalle, chef of the Michelin-starred and Green-starred restaurant La Mirande in Avignon, France. Sharing a commitment to sustainability and culinary innovation, the chefs will craft a seasonal “Jardin Marin” menu, showcasing responsibly sourced seafood and organic produce from the nearby Agerbol estate.

Dominique Lory and Pierre Gagnaire

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

© Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, Partner (left), and Regina Griciuc, Counsel

MOVING TO MONACO? Avoid These Legal Challenges

By Helena Litvak

As more and more people consider moving to the stunning haven of Monaco, understanding the local legal landscape becomes essential. With its blend of luxury and culture, Monaco offers an attractive lifestyle, but moving comes with a unique set of legal challenges. In our effort to create a helpful guide for those looking to relocate, I spoke with Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, one of the founding partners of CMS Monaco and co-head of the Private Clients team, along with Regina Griciuc, Counsel in the Private Clients team and fluent in Russian, English, and French. They were generous in sharing their expertise, providing insights that can make the transition smoother for newcomers. Christine and Regina clarify the implications of relocation—from estate planning to family law—offering practical advice to help individuals and families manage their financial and personal affairs effectively. This conversation serves as a valuable guide for HelloMonaco readers and anyone considering making Monaco their new home.

Managing Financial and Personal Affairs

Hello Monaco: Christine and Regina, what should people moving to Monaco know about managing their financial and personal affairs?

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla: Relocation to Monaco has an important impact on personal status. A foreign national who holds a Monaco resident card is considered domiciled in Monaco, unless proven otherwise. Domicile, which is defined by Monegasque law as the place where a person’s main establishment is, is an important factor in determining jurisdiction and the applicable laws for private client matters such as family law, inheritance law, and the protection of minors and the elderly. Consequently, moving to Monaco has significant implications that individuals should be aware of when managing their assets and personal affairs.

Common Legal Mistakes

: What common mistakes do newcomers to Monaco make with their legal matters?

Christine: Wealthy individuals are attracted by the security, the Mediterranean climate, quality of life, world-class education and medical services, and the favourable taxation Monaco offers its residents. However, what many tend to

Beyond the exceptional quality of life, Monaco offers its residents favourable taxation, political stability, a robust regulatory environment, and effective legal tools for wealth planning and asset management.

disregard is that moving to Monaco also means getting used to its legal culture and rules.

Regina: Unfortunately, quite often, it is only when faced with a legal issue—be it a separation or divorce, child custody, succession dispute, or incapacity—that people realize the civil law implications that relocation triggers. The key to avoiding unexpected issues is to seek professional legal advice prior to or upon relocation.

Impact on Families

: How does the law in Monaco impact families who are relocating, particularly in terms of family arrangements?

Christine: Monaco’s courts have jurisdiction to rule on all personal matters concerning Monaco residents. For example, the Monaco courts will handle the divorce of a married couple living in Monaco, determine child custody arrangements for a child residing in Monaco, rule on changes to the marital property regime for foreign spouses living in Monaco, and deal with the estate of a Monaco resident.

Regina: With some exceptions, Monaco’s courts generally apply Monegasque law. This makes it important to seek legal advice to ensure the validity and enforceability, from a Monegasque law

perspective, of any marital planning arrangements (such as prenuptial or postnuptial agreements made in a foreign country) and estate planning documents.

Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals

: Estate planning is a crucial topic for high-net-worth individuals. What steps should private individuals relocating to Monaco undertake to ensure effective wealth transmission?

Regina: From an estate planning standpoint, moving to Monaco has major consequences. The private international law of Monaco will determine the jurisdiction and laws that apply to the estate of a foreign resident. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for any legal issues by making a will or reviewing any existing estate plans to ensure they are valid and effective according to Monaco’s laws.

Christine: Furthermore, as part of a wider reflection on estate planning, in light of the challenges of today’s aging society and the need to protect vulnerable adults, it is also important to consider advance arrangements for the event of loss of capacity by making a lasting power of attorney to ensure one’s protection, both in terms of personal welfare and asset management. We therefore strongly recommend our clients to simultaneously consider matrimonial, suc-

cession, and incapacity planning as part of a comprehensive approach to wealth planning to ensure better legal predictability and to anticipate future issues or disputes.

Advantages of Monaco for Wealthy individuals

: What advantages does Monaco offer wealthy individuals in terms of taxes and asset protection?

Christine: Beyond the exceptional quality of life, Monaco offers its residents favourable taxation, political stability, a robust regulatory environment, and effective legal tools for wealth planning and asset management.

Regina: We often hear that one of the primary reasons why high-net-worth individuals choose to settle in Monaco is its unparalleled security and safety.

Common Private Client Cases

: What are the most common cases in Monaco in the private client area?

Regina: Most private client cases are of a personal or family nature. Key areas include divorces and related maintenance and financial compensation claims, child custody and visitation rights, succession disputes, and matters related to the protection of vulnerable adults.

Christine: Due to the private and sensitive nature of such disputes, they tend to be lengthy and acrimonious and sometimes drag through generations, which is particularly unfortunate and destructive. In our experience, and irrespective of the underlying causes, well-established family governance significantly mitigates the risks of disruptive and costly disputes.

Cultural Differences and Relocation

: How do cultural differences affect the experience of moving to Monaco?

Christine: Legal culture varies greatly between different countries and legal systems, so it’s important to understand these differences when relocating. A clear example is how testamentary freedom is viewed. Monaco is a civil law jurisdiction, which has strict inheritance rules. According to Monegasque law, children—regardless of their age—have a legal right to a portion of their parents’ estate, known as forced heirship rights. This means parents cannot fully disinherit their children. However, the surviving spouse can be excluded from the will. In contrast, common law jurisdictions allow for complete freedom in making a will. Additionally, there are cultural differences in how people view estate planning. In common law countries, people are usually comfortable using tools like wills or trusts, but in other cultures, making a will can be less common due to fears or reluctance.

Regina: Another example of cultural differences across legal systems is with respect to matrimonial planning. In certain countries, prenuptial agreements are common practice, while in others, they are less common. Discussing finances prior to marriage is indeed not very romantic, but it is necessary, and we have witnessed a spike in nuptial agreements in recent years. There are also significant differences among jurisdictions in terms of matrimonial property regimes. For example, the default matrimonial regime in Monaco is that of separation of assets, which may come as a surprise for nationals of countries where the community of property regime prevails. The applicable matrimonial property regime is crucial in the context of divorce and succession settlement. Finally, while it is regulated in certain jurisdictions, cohabitation is not regulated in Monaco. Consequently, unlike marriage, cohabitation does not give rise to any financial support or maintenance rights, which sometimes comes as a surprise for couples living in long-term relationships.

Regina Griciuc

Anticipating Potential Challenges

: What advice would you give to couples looking to anticipate potential challenges?

Regina: Having difficult conversations in good times can help manage expectations should bad times arise. Entering into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement creates predictability. Such agreements could prevent emotionally and financially draining court battles.

Future Changes and Legal Landscape

: Looking ahead, what changes are you seeing for people moving to Monaco, and how can they prepare for shifts in the legal and financial landscape?

Christine: We live in a world where transparency has taken over privacy considerations, with increased compliance and financial disclosure. Monaco has adapted its regulatory framework to embrace the change, which shall have positive longterm effects and increase its attractiveness to foreign investors and wealthy individuals wishing to live in a stable and secure financial and banking environment.

Key Takeaways for Readers

: What are the key takeaways that our readers should keep in mind?

Christine: It is essential to anticipate by seeking professional advice to better prepare for unforeseen life events and circumstances.

Regina: Communication within the family and the early involvement of the younger generations in the family business and affairs is crucial to ensure smooth intergenerational wealth transmission and preservation and to avoid costly legal disputes and family rifts, which can cause major disruption to business. This is another area where we are commonly asked for assistance.

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla (Partner)

Regina Griciuc (Counsel)

Christine Pasquier-Ciulla

THE LEGACY OF MARE NOSTRUM : A Royal Romance Born in the Waters of Monaco 25 years ago

By Justin Brisk

Worlds Apart but bound by the sea, indeed thousands of miles apart—one born under the sun of Rhodesia, raised on South African soil, the other in the opulent halls of the Grimaldi Palace overlooking the Mediterranean—two lives unfold with surprising symmetry. Both driven by discipline. Both shaped by sport. And both with a deep reverence for the sea.

Charlène Wittstock found her calling early in the water. Graceful, powerful, focused—she rose quickly in the ranks of elite swim mers, representing South Africa at international meets with an Olympic dream in her heart. Meanwhile, Albert of Monaco— an heir to history, a royal with a restless spirit—chose to compete, to test himself. He raced bobsleigh in five Winter Olympics, a black belt in judo, always drawn to the physical and mental rigour of sport.

They didn’t know it yet, but their paths would cross in a very specific current: Mare Nostrum — an international swimming event for elite swimmers.

Prince Albert II and Charlène Wittstock in 2006

MONACO, 2000 — WHEN LANES CONVERGE

In the summer of 2000, Charlène arrived in Monaco for the Mare Nostrum meet—a jewel in the international swim circuit. She wasn’t just there to race; she was there to win. And win she did, clinching gold in the 200m backstroke.

Presiding over the competition that day was Albert, at that time Hereditary Prince of Monaco, later to formally become Prince Albert II. It wasn’t the first time he had opened international events in the Principality, but this time was different. There was a presence among the athletes that caught his eye—an athlete whose grace in the water mirrored the quiet strength he valued.

Their first meeting wasn’t flashy. It was simple, respectful, mutual. But in that moment, destiny dipped its toe in the pool.

SHARED TIDES — PASSION FOR SPORT, SEA, AND SOLITUDE

As months turned into years, the connection between Charlène and Albert deepened. What drew them together wasn’t so much the spectacle of royal attention—it was their shared love for the natural world, for physical challenge, and for a life that often required more discipline than frivolity.

They strolled. They swam. They kayaked. And most importantly—they listened to each other. She brought a swimmer’s single-minded drive; he brought a sovereign’s global perspective. Together, they saw the sea not just as beauty, but as responsibility.

A ROYAL UNION AND GLOBAL PURPOSE

They made their public debut as a couple at the 2006 Winter Olympics and announced their engagement in 2010. Their wedding in July 2011 was a lavish, multi-day affair, attended by celebrities from around the world and included a performance by French musician Jean-Michel Jarre as part of the festivities. Charlène wore a custom Armani Privé gown adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. The dress featured em -

broidered flowers, crystals, and pearls, and had a dramatic train.

The world watched as Charlène Wittstock became Princess Charlène of Monaco, and brought her own Olympic legacy into the royal fold. But marriage was not an end—it was a beginning.

Charlène created the Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation, commit -

ted to teaching children water safety and preventing drowning—still one of the leading causes of accidental death in children worldwide. Her goal: every child a swimmer, every swimmer a survivor.

While swimming may have been the sport that first brought Princess Charlène international acclaim—and ultimately led her to Monaco—it wasn’t the only one

Prince Albert II and Charlène Wittstock at their wedding ceremony in 2011

to shape her values. Away from the pool, Charlène has long championed rugby, particularly for its powerful role in charac-

ter development and inclusion for young people particularly underprivileged or at-risk children.

“Rugby is a sport that has always been close to my heart and the values of discipline, teamwork and respect for others are

Princess Charlène of Monaco attends the 13th Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament, April 2025

The princely family and four Monegasque torchbearers meet the Olympic flame in Monaco, June 2024

© Eric Mathon / Palais princier

© Hello Monaco

ones that set an example to the sporting community.”

Rugby teaches you how to get up when you’re knocked down—literally and in life. It’s about community, discipline, and courage. These are values every child deserves to grow up with.

In Monaco, Charlène would bring rugby into schools and public events to complement a vision of holistic development through sport. Whether it’s in water or on the pitch, Charlène’s mission has remained consistent: to give every child, regardless of background, a chance to build strength, confidence, and hope through movement.

And through her foundation and partnerships with grassroots rugby initiatives, Charlène has helped bring coaching, gear, and mentorship to kids in townships, refugee centres, and inner cities. Her support also extends to women’s rugby, where she has been a vocal ad -

vocate for expanding access and media coverage.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert continued his lifelong environmental mission through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, focusing on marine conservation, sustainable development, and combatting climate change. Under his reign, Monaco became more than a symbol of luxury—it became a hub for environmental leadership and international sport.

MONACO, REIMAGINED –A NATION OF SPORT

Mare Nostrum became more than a stop on the swim tour—it became a symbol of legacy. The 2025 edition, held at the Prince Albert II Nautical Center, showcased the world’s top talent under banners of sustainability, performance, and peace. Charlène’s presence was felt not just in history—but in the very lanes that shaped her.

Monaco today is a nation that punches well above its weight. It is home to Formula 1тм, to international rugby and judo, to elite sailing, and yes, to Olympic swimmers. Its leadership, both royal and symbolic, has turned sport into a force for diplomacy, discipline, and change.

TWO CHILDREN, ONE FUTURE

Now parents of twins, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, Albert and Charlène continue to nurture the values that brought them together. Love for the outdoors. Respect for the ocean. And an unrelenting belief in the power of sport to shape character and destiny.

From different hemispheres, they met surrounded by the sea.

From competition, they built compassion. From a gold medal meet, they made a monarchy matter.

MARE NOSTRUM — THE FASTEST WATERS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Founded: 1994

Stops: Canet-en-Roussillon (France), Barcelona (Spain), and Monaco

Format: Three-meet tour over 10 days, known for sprint showdowns and Olympic-level talent.

Why Monaco Stands Out:

w Intimate pool setup at the Prince Albert II Nautical Center creates a high-energy, pressure-cooker environment.

w Frequent season-best and personal-best swims due to sea-level conditions, calm water, and fast turns.

w Known for producing breakout performances right before Olympic and World Championship seasons.

Record Highlights:

w 2007 Therese Alshammar (Sweden) set a world record in the 50m butterfly with a time of 25.46 seconds at the Mare Nostrum meet in Barcelona.

w 2001–2008: Pieter van den Hoogenband, Alexander Popov, and Ian Thorpe use Mare Nostrum to test peak form ahead of global meets.

w 2021: Katinka Hosszú (Hungary), three-time Olympic champion and a nine-time long-course world champion, swims across medley events.

w 2025: Several swimmers post Olympic qualification times, including:

w Szebasztian Szabó (Hungary): At the Monaco leg, Szabó won the men’s 50m freestyle with a time of 22.01 seconds, narrowly missing the sub-22-second mark.

w Kliment Kolesnikov (Competing as a Neutral Athlete): Kolesnikov set a new Mare Nostrum record in the men’s 50m backstroke with a time of 24.44 seconds at the Monaco meet.

w Benedetta Pilato (Italy): Pilato achieved a world-leading time in the women’s 50m breaststroke, clocking 29.87 seconds at the Monaco leg of the tour.

Mare Nostrum Today: A magnet for Olympic hopefuls, world champions, and rising stars.

The 2025 Mare Nostrum at the Monaco Prince Albert II Nautical Center

CHARLÈNE’S SWIM CAREER — FROM DURBAN POOLS TO OLYMPIC GLORY

Born: January 25, 1978 – Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia)

Nationality: South African

Disciplines: Backstroke, Freestyle

Milestones:

w 1996: Wins South African National Championship at age 18. This win solidifies her place among the top swimmers in the country.

w 1998: Competes in the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. w 2000 Sydney Olympics: Part of the women’s 4×100m medley relay team that places 5th in the final—South Africa’s best Olympic relay result at the time.

w 2000 Mare Nostrum (Monaco): Wins gold in the 200m backstroke, drawing the attention of Prince Albert, who was presiding over the competition. Their meeting marks the beginning of a personal and royal connection.

w 2002 Commonwealth Games: Charlène won a silver medal in the 4×100m medley relay.

w 2002 Swimming World Cup: Charlène secured multiple medals, including gold medals in the 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke events. Her overall World Cup medal tally includes 5 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals.

Retirement: Charlène retired officially in the early 2000s—but her passion never faded. She would later channel her experience into global water safety advocacy.

Legacy: A trailblazer in South African swimming, Charlène remains an icon for many women in sport and a role model for using athletic fame as a platform for humanitarian work.

PRINCE ALBERT’S OLYMPIC JOURNEY — WINTER ICE, ROYAL FIRE

Full Name: Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi

Title: Sovereign Prince of Monaco

Olympic Discipline: Bobsleigh

Olympic Appearances: 5 (1988, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002)

Quick Facts:

w Competed in both two-man and four-man bobsleigh events, representing Monaco with distinction.

w Trained alongside athletes from Switzerland, the U.S., and Canada in alpine centres like Lake Placid and St. Moritz.

w Was praised by fellow athletes for his grit, humility, and work ethic, refusing special treatment despite his royal status.

w His best Olympic finish was 25th place in the two-man bobsleigh event at the 1988 Calgary Games in a stacked field of seasoned competitors .

Beyond the Games:

w Serves as a long-time member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

w Advocates for sport diplomacy and environmental protection through athletics.

Legacy: Albert remains the only reigning monarch to have competed in the Winter Olympics—and he brings a rare blend of prestige and athletic authenticity to international sport.

Charlène Wittstock participates in the Midmar Mile Swimming Race, South Africa, in 2011

Prince Albert II at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

Photo: Stéphan Maggi - Comité Olympique Monégasque

Learn to Swim

PROTECTING BLUE FRONTIERS: PRINCE ALBERT II’S ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNEY

By Julia Saint-Germain

Since ascending the throne in 2005, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has established himself as one of the world’s most committed heads of state in the defence of the marine environment. Heir to a strong maritime tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Principality, the Prince has spent nearly two decades spearheading determined action to protect the seas and oceans, combining environmental diplomacy, scientific support and the funding of concrete initiatives on a global scale.

A FOUNDATION WITH A GLOBAL MISSION

Founded in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) is the cornerstone of this commitment. It supports innovative projects around the world, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean, the polar regions and the least developed countries.

In April 2006, Prince Albert II undertook a significant expedition to the North Pole, becoming the first reigning head of state to reach this remote location. Traversing nearly 100 kilometres over four days by dog

sled from the Russian base of Barneo, he aimed to observe firsthand the impacts of climate change on the Arctic environment. This journey was also a homage to his greatgreat-grandfather, Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanography who had conducted exploratory campaigns around Spitsbergen a century earlier.

The stark realities witnessed during this expedition, melting ice caps, disrupted ecosystems, and visible pollution, galvanised Prince Albert II to take decisive action. Recognising the urgent need for environmental stewardship, he established the FPA2 to address the planet’s pressing ecological challenges.

Prince Albert II’s commitment to the Arctic extends beyond his initial expedition. In January 2015, he attended the Ninth Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromsø, Norway, emphasising the global significance of Arctic protection due to its pivotal role in climate regulation. During this visit, he engaged with various stakeholders, including indigenous communities and scientific organisations, to discuss sustainable practices and the development of marine protected areas in the region.

Geographically, the Foundation concentrates its efforts on the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions, and the world’s least developed countries, recognising these ar-

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Prince Albert II at the closing ceremony of the Blue Economy & Finance Forum. Monaco, June 2025

eas as critical fronts in the fight against environmental degradation.

MONACO BLUE INITIATIVE

The Monaco Blue Initiative (MBI) is a think tank launched in 2010 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, in collaboration with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. This initiative aims to bring together key stakeholders in ocean conservation and governance to discuss current and future challenges related to sustainable ocean management.

Each year, the MBI organises workshops bringing together representatives from governments, international organisations, civil society, the private sector, the scientific community, and the media. These meetings aim to promote synergies between marine environmental protection and the development of a sustainable blue economy. The results and recommendations of the MBI are then presented at high-level international discussions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, negotiations on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and the International Congress on Marine Protected Areas.

Thus, the MBI has played a central role in integrating ocean-related issues into international environmental negotiations. It has notably helped raise awareness among policymakers on marine governance issues, the need to protect at least 30 % of the oceans by 2030, and the importance of supporting marine protected areas.

OACIS: SCIENCE AT THE SERVICE OF THE OCEAN

Believing that knowledge is the primary tool of protection, on the initiative of the Prince several farreaching scientific programmes have been launched. Among them is OACIS (Ocean Acidification and other Ocean Changes — Impacts and Solutions), run in partnership with the IAEA and the Monaco Scientific Centre. It is a Monegasque association created in 2013 at the initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to study the impact of climate change on the ocean, such as acidification, as well as potential

solutions to mitigate its impacts. It focuses on tackling ocean acidification by supporting research, training and scientific cooperation.

Recognising the urgency of this issue, Prince Albert II initiated the Monaco Declaration on Ocean Acidification in 2009. Signed by more than 150 scientists from 26 countries, the declaration aimed to alert the international community to a phenomenon that was then still little known.

In 2024, a new partnership agreement was signed between the Foundation and the IAEA to strengthen their collaboration on ocean acidification and ocean-based climate solutions. This includes joint training programs,

expert meetings, and public awareness events at major gatherings such as Monaco Ocean Week and the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 that was held in Nice.

FROM MONACO TO THE UNITED NATIONS: PRINCE ALBERT’S OCEAN LEGACY IN ACTION

This year, on the 7th and 8th of June, Monaco hosted the Blue Economy & Finance Forum (BEFF). This key event served as a prelude to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, held in Nice from June 9 to 13. These events could not go without the dedicated attention of the Prince of Monaco,

Prince Albert II of Monaco is pictured with the Monegasque flag at the South Pole, 14 January 2009. His Serene Highness is the first acting head of state to have visited all five continents including the North and South Poles during his term of office.

Prince Albert II with the participants of the 2023 Monaco Blue Initiative at the steps of the Monaco Oceanographic Museum

whose heart is deeply committed to the protection of our oceans.

Hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco, the forum welcomed Prince William of Wales, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, underscoring the event’s legitimacy and high-level reach.

During the event in Monaco Prince Albert II noted that viable blue-economy models already exist—from biotech to fisheries— and urged readiness for widespread implementation. On the occasion of World Ocean Day, and ahead of the third United Nations Ocean Conference, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and France’s President Emmanuel Macron issued a historic joint declaration reaffirming their countries’ shared and unwavering commitment to ocean protection. Adopted in Monaco on June 8, 2025, the Franco-Monegasque Declaration on the Ocean emphasizes the strategic role of the ocean in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. France and Monaco pledged to advance marine science, support ambitious international agreements including the BBNJ treaty, promote a precautionary

approach to deep-sea mining, and champion sustainable blue finance and maritime decarbonization. The declaration calls for urgent, collective international action to address threats such as plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and climate-driven ocean changes—placing the Ocean at the heart of global environmental and development agendas.

At the end of the Monaco Forum, Prince Albert II noted that “positive momentum does occur” — and with Monaco’s platform, key building blocks are now aligned. The global financial momentum underway includes the BEFF highlighting over $25 billion in already identified investments in concrete ocean transition projects across diverse sectors. New financial commitments announced include an additional €8.7 billion by 2030.

Leaders left Monaco to advance these discussions at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Speaking at the opening, Prince Albert II warned that the ocean is “a treasure in peril” and called for urgent, sciencebased action. He emphasized that “all mineral exploitation of the deep seabed should take place within a regulatory framework based on reliable scientific data, under the auspices of the International Seabed Authority.” Finally, he reaffirmed Monaco’s

support for the precautionary principle and the creation of an International Platform for Ocean Sustainability, echoing the themes of responsible ocean stewardship discussed days earlier at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco.

MR. GOODFISH: SUSTAINABLE FISHING AS A LEVER FOR CHANGE

Since 2013, the the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has backed the Mr. Goodfish programme, which promotes sustainable fishing. By encouraging consumers and professionals to favour seasonal species in line with responsible fishing quotas, the initiative helps combat overfishing — a major threat to marine biodiversity.

Launched in March 2010 by three European aquariums —Nausicaá (France), Acquario di Genova (Italy), and Aquarium Finisterrae (Spain) — under the aegis of the World Ocean Network, the Mr. Goodfish initiative aims to promote the sustainable consumption of seafood. Its principal objective is to encourage consumers to choose abundant and seasonal marine species, thereby reducing pressure on overexploited stocks.

Since 2013, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has served as the South-East regional coordinator for the Mr. Goodfish campaign. In collaboration with partners such as the Mare Nostrum and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the Foundation raises awareness among professionals — from fishermen to restaurateurs — about the importance of offering and clearly labelling seafood recommended for sustainable consumption.

In 2023, the programme included 204 restaurateurs and caterers, 123 fish wholesalers, 62 educational institutions, 14 fishmongers, 4 processors, 7 fishing vessels, 2 distributors, and 19 producers committed to the initiative. Renowned establishments such as the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, Maona, Café de Paris, Le Deck, Fairmont Monte-Carlo, L’Hirondelle, Elsa, Hôtel Metropole, and many other Monegasque restaurants and venues have incorporated Mr. Goodfish recommendations into their menus, offering sustainably sourced species to their guests.

BEMED: TACKLING PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Prince Albert II has also made the fight against plastic pollution in the Mediterranean a priority. Launched in 2015 under the impetus of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Tara Ocean Foundation, Surfrider Foundation Europe, the MAVA Foundation, and the IUCN, the Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed) initiative aims to tackle plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, the most polluted sea in the world, with over 3 trillion microplastic particles. The initiative focuses on prevention, education, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable solutions.

OCEAN DECADE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN GLOBAL ALLIANCES

The Principality of Monaco, under the leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, is actively engaged in international alliances for ocean conservation, particularly through the Ocean Decade for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. In November 2021, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation formalised a partnership with the IOC-UNESCO, thus reinforcing its role as a founding member

of the Ocean Decade Alliance. This agreement aims to support the mobilisation of resources and foster partnerships to achieve the Decade’s vision.

In parallel, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation collaborates with UNESCO and the IUCN to identify and protect exceptional marine sites through the Marine World Heritage network. This initiative seeks to identify sites of outstanding universal value, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Arctic, with the goal of inscribing them on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

MEDFUND: FINANCING CONSERVATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

To ensure sustainable funding for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation invested €1 million in the MedFund, an environmental trust fund dedicated to marine conservation. This partnership was formalised during the Monaco Ocean Week

in March 2019, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

Since its creation, MedFund has allocated more than €15 million, with €9 million in capitalisation, to support 9,588 km² of MPAs, including 232 km² under strict protection. The goal is to reach a capital of €30 million in the medium term to sustainably finance around 20 MPAs.

THE PELAGOS INITIATIVE: A MODEL OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR MARINE CONSERVATION

In 2021, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, WWF, IUCN, and the Mediterranean Protected Areas Network (MedPAN) launched the Pelagos Initiative. This collaboration aims to strengthen the protection of the Pelagos sanctuary by supporting conservation projects, raising public awareness, and coordinating actions between the different marine protected areas within the sanctuary.

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco carries out extensive scientific work to preserve marine flora and fauna.

Photo: Valentin Bréton for Hello Monaco

To fund these initiatives, fundraising events are regularly organised. For example, in September 2023, a philanthropic evening in Monaco raised 864,000 euros, thanks to the participation of 60 philanthropists, with part of the funds being matched by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and the UBS Optimus Foundation.

Thus, the Pelagos Sanctuary represents a model of international cooperation for the preservation of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean, actively supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its partners.

“MAN AND THE OCEAN”: A CALL FOR BALANCE BETWEEN

HUMANITY AND THE SEA

In 2022, on the occasion of World Oceans Day, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco published his book titled “Man and the Ocean”, a work that reflects his personal commitment and deep respect for the oceans. This book highlights the major challenges the oceans face, such as climate change, plastic pollution, and the loss of marine biodiversity.

In “Man and the Ocean”, Prince Albert II explores the vital and close relationship between humanity and the ocean, emphasizing the need for a sustainable balance to ensure a harmonious future for both. Through personal testimonies and contributions from scientists and experts in the marine field, the Prince offers concrete solutions to preserve the oceans while underscoring their essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of the planet.

SAVING ENDANGERED MARINE SPECIES

Some of the Prince’s efforts are directly aimed at the survival of iconic species. This is the case with the Mediterranean monk seal, which is critically endangered. The Foundation has supported its protection for over a decade, notably through the creation of marine protected areas such as the one around the Greek island of Gyaros. In 2019, the Foundation spearheaded the creation of the Monk Seal Alliance (MSA), which brings together five donor organizations (the Prince Albert II of Mo -

naco Foundation, the MAVA Foundation, the Fondation Segré, the Sancta Devota Foundation and the Thalassa Foundation).

Another landmark initiative was launched in 2008, when Prince Albert II made Monaco the first country to ban bluefin tuna consumption. This pioneering move aimed to raise awareness about the species’ alarming overfishing in the Mediterranean.

A COMMITMENT THAT INSPIRES

Through his consistent actions, Prince Albert II of Monaco demonstrates that protecting the oceans is not just an ideal, but a concrete, scientific, diplomatic and civic commitment. By combining ecological vision with on-the-ground diplomacy, he has placed the Principality at the heart of major international environmental efforts.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface — and in Prince Albert II, they have found a tireless advocate. His actions serve as a model for both nations and individuals around the world.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince William of Wales, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and other participants of the Blue Economy & Finance Forum. Monaco, June 2025

THE OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF MONACO: TEMPLE OF THE SEA

By Xania Keane

Photos: Valentin Bréton for Hello Monaco

Our planet is a vivid blue when viewed from space because over 70 % of the Earth is covered with ocean. The ocean makes all life on our planet possible. It plays a vital role in our weather systems, provides food, helps us travel and generates tremendous amounts of energy. The ocean’s seemingly endless depths hold secrets that are almost impossible to reach. But the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco carries us into the depths and brings us face-to-face with the incredible mysteries of our extraordinary ocean.

HOME TO PRINCE ALBERT I’S COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS

Built on a cliffside 85 metres above the sea, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco (Musée Océanographique de Monaco) is one of the most visited

marine science museums in Europe (over 650,000 visitors per year). Described as a “lighthouse” and a “temple of the sea” the museum holds 6,500 m2 of exhibition spaces with over 350 species of fish and 6,000 specimens, including rare and endangered marine life.

Created in 1889 by Prince Albert I of Monaco, the museum was intended to be

a “Palace entirely dedicated to Art and Science”. By opening the museum, the Prince’s goal was to make the study of the oceans more publicly accessible. More than half of the museum’s Natural History sections consist of specimens collected by Prince Albert I during twenty-eight explorations conducted in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Cousteau’s submarine Anorep I

BUILT ON EIFFEL BEAMS

The first stone of the future museum was laid on April 25, 1899. Constructed out of limestone from La Turbie, the Oceanographic Museum is an architectural feat that took 11 years to build. The building is supported by a metal structure of Eiffel beams, reminiscent of the tower in Paris. By the way, Prince Albert I himself visited the World Expo of 1889, where the Eiffel Tower was first unveiled, as he presented results of his oceanographic explorations in Monaco’s pavilion. On 5 March 1908, Gustave Eiffel, the civil engineer behind the Eiffel Tow -

er, visited the Oceanographic Museum and initialed the museum’s guestbook. On March 29, 1910 the Oceanographic Museum was officially inaugurated.

JACQUES-YVES COUSTEAU, MUSEUM DIRECTOR FOR 31 YEARS

Famous ocean explorer, film-maker and researcher Jacques-Yves Cousteau served as one of the museum’s directors from 1957 till 1988. Cousteau made underwater filming history in the 1960s when his team photographed

microscopic plankton and filmed underwater at a depth of 1,000 feet in a submersible, something which had never been done before. The resulting documentary, Le Monde Sans Soleil (The World Without Sun) won an Academy Award in 1965 for Best Documentary. In total, Cousteau had got three Oscars and the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Interestingly, Cousteau was born in 1910, two and a half months after the opening of the museum with which he was to be associated for a long time.

PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN MARINE CONSERVATION

Today, the museum plays a key role in ocean conservation and research. It is active in the preservation of brown groupers and Posidonia seagrass in the Larvotto Marine Reserve, as well as red coral in the Tombant des Spélugues reef.

In-house nurseries breed species of clownfish and seahorses. The museum also cares for injured sea creatures before releasing them back into the wild. To keep its marine life safe, monitoring systems in the museum’s tanks constantly check for changes in salinity, temperature and oxygen. The sophisticated systems alert staff if any changes are perceived.

A TOUR OF THE MUSEUM

Outside the museum’s entrance stands a yellow submarine named Anorep I, which Cousteau used during some of his expeditions. It was built in 1966, the same year that the Beatle’s chart-topping single, Yellow Submarine was released.

An architectural masterpiece

Designed by French architect Paul Delefortrie, the building itself is a marvel to behold, with marine life depicted in sculptures on the façades. Twenty names of scientific ships chosen by Prince Albert I are carved on the exterior. Two towering sculptures, eight metres in height, greet visitors on either side of the entrance. On the left, Progress coming to the aid of Humanity. On the right, Truth, revealing nature’s forces to the world of Science. They are made of Brescia limestone and were created by Louis Gustave Dussart.

The entrance

Mosaic of the Princess Alice II yacht and a statue of the founder of the Museum

In the entrance hall, a circular mosaic portrays Prince Albert’s third ship. The second Princess-Alice took Prince Albert I on the most important oceanographic expeditions of his career. Flying fish and octopus can be seen surrounding the ship. The piece was created by Italian artist Giuseppe Tamagno.

A marble statue of Prince Albert I of Monaco, the work of the French artist Denys Puech, was created thanks to a subscription launched by Prince Louis, son of Prince Albert I, among the Prince’s relatives, collaborators and the Monegasque people.

The hidden Grimaldi Coat of arms

During restoration work leading up to the centenary of the Oceanographic Museum in 2010, a hidden Grimaldi coat of arms was discovered. The beautiful piece, surround -

The Grimaldi Coat of arms in the Conference Room

The portraits of three Monaco Princes in the ‘Monaco and L’Océan’ hall

ice II at sea by Edouard Monchablon. Why was it covered for so long? Nobody knows. But after over a century in the

the precious coat of arms is back in the limelight. We can see it in the Conference Room.

Natural History Collections

The permanent Natural History exhibitions on the first floor include an impressive Cabinet of Curiosities called Océanomania, designed by artist Mark Dion. The large display case is filled with models, diving equipment, fossils, stuffed animals, scientific tools and vintage books.

The Monaco and L’Océan hall takes visitors on a scientific expedition with Prince Albert I through photographs, model ships and a replica of the floating laboratory aboard the Prince’s research ship, L’Hirondelle. The Salle de la Baleine (Whale Room) showcases suspended whale and seal skeletons, life-size models of marine specimens and jars full of pickled sea life.

ed by gold monograms of Prince Albert I had been hidden since 1910 behind a huge 8-metre-wide painting of the Princess Al -

darkness,

Cabinet of Curiosities

Mosaic of the Princess Alice II yacht

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions of art, photography and science. Previous exhibitions have featured artists like Damien Hirst and Philippe Pasqua. The museum has recently incorporated cutting-edge technology into its exhibitions, including interactive digital screens and virtual reality experiences.

Terrace

On the rooftop terrace, visitors can find ‘La Terrasse’ restaurant, a play area and Turtle Island (L’Ile aux Tortues) which is home to turtles from Mali. The terrace

also features incredible panoramic views of Port Hercules and the Principality.

Aquarium

The lower part of the museum is dedicated to living nature. The Aquarium of Monaco is one of the oldest in the world. There are one hundred aquariums featuring more sharks, tropical fish, rays, jellyfish, crustaceans, sea anemones, coral and more.

The main aquarium, located on the basement level, houses tanks for Mediterranean species, including a moray eel who has

lived at the aquarium for over 30 years, as well as fauna of tropical seas. The basement is where visitors can also find the ‘Shark Lagoon’, an enormous tank, six metres in height, containing 450,000 litres of seawater. The tank’s pressure is so strong that viewing windows are 35 centimetres thick. The Shark Lagoon is a highlight of the museum and replicates life on a coral reef with colourful fish, rays and a variety of shark species. In 1989, the aquarium transported several species of coral from the Red Sea and became the first aquarium in the world to reproduce coral in captivity, making the living coral found at the museum unique.

The ‘Shark Lagoon’

PRACTICAL INFO:

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is open every day except December 25 and Formula 1 Grand Prix тм weekend.

July, August: 9.30am – 8 pm; September: 10am – 7pm; October — March: 10am – 6pm; April — June: 10am – 7pm

To fully experience the museum, a two-hour visit is recommended. https://musee.oceano.org

I love Turtles!

The Oceanographic Museum’s open-air exhibit takes visitors on a majestic journey with sea turtles. Following the trail of these migratory and endangered animals, the exhibit is a chance to view turtles who are being rehabilitated. After sustaining injuries in the wild from boats, fishing nets, ingesting plastic or hooks, the turtles undergo care and treatment before being placed in a 160 m³ outdoor rehabilitation area. Then, they will be set free. Some of the turtles will be equipped with a high-tech backpack which will collect data on their movements, behaviours, and feeding areas. The public can also follow the journey of the rehabilitated turtles online.

Here one can see the oldest fish of the Monaco aquarium.

MEDITERRANEAN 2050: A SPATIO-TEMPORAL JOURNEY

At the end of March Prince Albert II inaugurated the Mediterranean 2050 exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum. The immersive experience is spread over 1,000 m² of interactive devices and spectacular projections. The exhibition features a 16-minute scenario that propels viewers to the year 2050 aboard a futuristic submarine in the heart of a marine protected area full of life; a future where the promise of 30 % of marine spaces remaining protected has been kept. The Mediterranean 2050 exhibition runs until 31 December 2025.

BMW XM LABEL RED: The Beast no one seems to understand

By Fulvio Piscitelli

In a world already crowded with BMW SUVs, from the X1 to the X7 without skipping a single number, one might wonder: did we really need another high-riding Bimmer? The answer lies not just in market trends, but in BMW’s bold decision to reimagine what an SUV can be.

The surge in global SUV demand over the past decade and a half has transformed the automotive landscape, and BMW has capitalized on this with a full lineup that caters to almost every niche. Yet, amidst all this SUV madness, the XM emerges as something entirely different. It even defies the typical X-series naming convention, there’s no number following the “X” this time, but rather a single, powerful letter: M, the legendary symbol of BMW’s motorsport heritage.

Since the 1970s, the M Division has represented the pinnacle of BMW performance, originally conceived to support the brand’s racing endeavours. Which brings us to a remarkable point: the XM is the first standalone M car since the iconic BMW M1. Launched in 1978, it remains one of the brand’s most revered creations. Designed by Giugiaro and developed in collaboration with Lamborghini, it was BMW’s first and only mid-engine supercar. With just 453 units built, the M1’s rarity and racing pedigree cemented its status as an icon of the M division.

So why evoke the M1 now? BMW insists that the XM carries the same spirit: a bold,

standalone statement that challenges expectations. While the M1 redefined the brand’s motorsport ambitions in the late ’70s, the XM seeks to redefine what a modern M car can be in an era of electrification, luxury, and SUV dominance. It’s not a tribute to the M1’s form, but rather to its disruptive intent. Still, the Bavarians couldn’t resist a subtle nod to the original twin BMW roundels, now placed on either side of the rear glass.

Before diving into what makes this the ultimate SUV, it’s worth clarifying that the standard XM is already an impressive machine on its own. But the Label Red edition, the one we’re focusing on today, raises the bar even higher, mainly by boosting power and torque by 100 and 200 units respectively. More on that in a moment. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, this is as rare as a Bugatti Chiron. However, while you might be drawn to the “1/500” engraving on the centre dash, it’s important to note that this production cap applies specifically to the special edition featuring the BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic paint and unique red accents. BMW also offers a non-limited version of the Label Red with the same performance, but without this exclusive paint and trim package.

Engine: 4.4-litre Twin-Turbocharged V8 with integrated electric motor (Plug-in Hybrid)

System Power Output: 748 hp

System Torque: 1.000 Nm

0–100 km/h: 3.8 seconds

Top Speed: 290 km/h (electronically limited)

Drivetrain: M xDrive All-Wheel Drive

Dry Weight: 2,785 kg

Starting Price: Approximately €205.000

Part of that package includes a series of distinct red visual cues. Red accents frame the kidney grille and side windows, flow through the wheels, highlight the interior stitching, and even colour the air vents and dashboard’s carbon fiber trim. These dramatic elements contrast boldly with the deep black exterior, giving the XM Label Red a look that I would define as more aggressive rather than elegant.

But there’s more than just mean looks to this 2.8-ton SUV. Ironically, this colossus represents the most powerful M vehicle BMW has ever built. Under the hood lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor, delivering an as -

Photos: Alexander Bazhenov @a1exbazhenov

tonishing 748 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. That power launches this beast from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, topping out at an electronically limited speed of 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package, raised from the standard 250km/h. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but once you realize they’re coming from a nearly 3-ton SUV, they border on the absurd.

Acceleration and numbers aside, what’s truly shocking is how the XM handles and feels. I seriously wonder how BMW managed to defy the laws of physics, because despite its mass, this behemoth corners

with astonishing confidence: flat, precise, and composed. There’s virtually no understeer or oversteer. Truth be told, it feels more like a grand tourer coupe than a highriding SUV.

This remarkable balance is the result of the seamless integration of several highperformance technologies working in harmony. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles, constantly adapting to traction demands to maintain control and confidence. Working in tandem, the M Sport Differential fine-tunes power between the rear wheels, ensuring the XM

launches out of corners with remarkable poise and grip.

Layered atop, or rather sideways, is what BMW calls Adaptive M Suspension Professional, a suite of electronically controlled dampers that continuously respond to both the road surface and the driver’s inputs, delivering precision when it’s needed, and comfort when it’s not. Equally crucial, the Active Roll Stabilization uses active antiroll bars to dramatically reduce body lean, allowing the XM to stay flat and composed through tight bends where low-speed agility is enhanced by the rear-axle steering, which subtly shifts the rear wheels coun

Photos:

Photos: Alexander Bazhenov

Photos:

ter to the fronts. At higher velocities, the rear wheels instead turn in sync with the front ones to grant high-speed stability and quicker response.

Surely, all these clever systems working together are the actual ingredients of the magic potion that make the XM feel so nimble. But even knowing the recipe, it’s still shocking to feel how this SUV moves once you’re behind the wheel. It handles just as tightly and perhaps even more confidently than competitors like the Lamborghini Urus, which weighs nearly half a ton less. When it comes to the interior, two elements stand out to me, not specific to the Label Red, but to the XM as a whole. First, the rear M Lounge seating, which forgoes individually separated seats in favour of a continuous bench designed for both comfort and connection (pretty sure BMW borrowed one or two know-how’s from its subsidiary Rolls-Royce here). The backrests curve into the sides of the cabin, creating a cocoon-like space that encourages relaxed conversation between passengers. This lounge-like environment is further enhanced by the inclusion of two soft, quilted pillows, colour-matched to the interior, adding an extra layer of comfort and exclusivity.

Second, the sculptural headliner, featuring a striking three-dimensional prism structure with discreet ambient lighting, adds a distinctly extravagant and modern flair to the interior. Beyond its visual impact, the headliner also improves the cabin’s acoustic insulation, which pairs perfectly with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System: easily one of, if not the finest in-car audio experience I’ve ever encountered.

It’s genuinely hard to find things to dislike about the XM. Even for someone like myself, not particularly fond of EVs, I have to admit that the presence of the electric motor is a welcome addition. Not only does it provide a boost in power, but it also allows for a fully electric driving mode with a theoretical range of up to 75 kilometres. This feature proves especially handy inMonaco, where the short distances and tight roads don’t require the use of the V8 power, and where you can recharge for free, essentially cruising around the Principality and its surrounding areas without spending a cent.

That said, a few quirks stand out, and chief among them, a flaw that plagues many modern cars: the overreliance on the infotainment system. With most functions

requiring interaction through the touchscreen, even simple tasks become needlessly complex. A prime example is the lack of physical climate control buttons, which forces you to navigate menus for even the smallest adjustment. And for a top-of-theline model, it’s surprising to see that keyless entry is missing on the rear door handles — a small detail, but one you notice

in everyday use, especially if you’ve seen it included on lesser BMW models.

Other than that, the XM comes impressively equipped as standard, with nearly all the bells and whistles already included, leaving only a handful of optional extras available for those looking to fully spec their ultimate M SUV.

Photos: Alexander Bazhenov

ON TWO FRONTS: MONACO’S ROCA TEAM’S HISTORIC EUROLEAGUE RUN AND FRENCH TITLE QUEST

By Julia Saint-Germain

The 2024–2025 season will go down in history for the Monaco basketball team, marked by outstanding performances on both the national and European stages.

8th June 2025 –

Betclic Élite – Season

2024/2025 – SemiFinal – Playoffs

Game 3 – AS MONACO

BASKET vs ASVEL –

Monaco

EUROLEAGUE JOURNEY: A HISTORIC FINAL

Under the leadership of Vassilis Spanoulis, appointed head coach in November 2024, AS Monaco (Roca Team) enjoyed its best-ever EuroLeague campaign. Finishing fourth

in the regular season, the team faced FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals, winning the series 3–2 thanks to a decisive shot by Mike James in Game 5.

In the semi-finals, the Roca Team caused an upset by defeating top-seeded Olympiacos 78–68. The Monegasques, led by the steely brilliance of Mike James and the versatile dominance of Alpha

Diallo, were everywhere—diving for loose balls, locking down on defense, and outmuscling a Greek squad that blinked just long enough for Monaco to sprint ahead. It was a defining moment, not just for the club, but for French basketball. AS Monaco had become only the second French team in modern EuroLeague history to reach the championship game.

Salle Gaston Médecin,

The final, held on 25 May 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, saw Monaco narrowly defeated by Fenerbahçe 70–81, despite a strong performance from Mike James with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Monaco had beaten them twice in the regular season—a 99–69 blowout in Istanbul and a commanding 91–82 win at home. Yet in the high-stakes theatre of a final, past victories are mere shadows. Monaco started strong, leading for much of the first half. However, Fenerbahçe closed the half with a 12–1 run, taking a 35–33 lead into halftime. The third quarter remained tightly contested, but Fenerbahçe dominated the final period, outscoring Monaco 27–19, to clinch the victory.

In the shimmering heat of Abu Dhabi, under the bright lights of the Etihad Arena, AS Monaco carved out their name in European basketball history—not with a trophy, but with heart, hustle, and a heroic journey that took them all the way to their first-ever EuroLeague Final.

AS Monaco has gone from EuroCup winners in 2021 to EuroLeague silver medallists in 2025—a climb as fast as it was fearless. Along the way, they’ve built a roster respected across Europe, forged a team identity of grit and flair, and given their fans a taste of the top.

FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP: IN PURSUIT OF ANOTHER TITLE

After finishing the Betclic Élite regular season in third place, behind Paris Basketball and LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne, AS Monaco Basket entered the playoffs with high ambitions. Backed by an experienced squad and a strong sense of redemption following last year’s lost final, the Roca Team made its intentions clear from the outset.

In the quarter-finals, the Monegasques faced Le Mans Sarthe Basket in a bestof-three knockout series. The opening game, held at the Salle Gaston Médecin, went in favour of the Principality side (76–69), thanks to disciplined defence and strong control of the game’s tempo. The return leg at Antarès saw Le Mans level the series in a hard-fought contest (88–87), reigniting the suspense. Back on home soil, Vassilis Spanoulis’s men sealed their place in the semi-finals with a wellmanaged 85–76 win, marked by efficient offence and composure under pressure.

In the semi-finals, AS Monaco came up against ASVEL once again — a clash between two giants of French basketball. In the first leg at the LDLC Arena, ASVEL

dominated proceedings, handing Monaco a heavy 94–74 defeat, fuelled by a strong start and impressive long-range shooting. The home team came out blazing, leading 31-21 after just 10 minutes. Monaco made a game of it fighting well for the rest of the first half levelling the game, after which they even took a short lead which sadly quickly evaporated. Turnovers piled up, rhythm was missing, and Monaco only managed 29 points in the second half.

True to their reputation, however, the Roca Team responded with character. Just two days later, still in Lyon, they delivered a solid, well-balanced performance. Monaco was firmly in charge by half-time leading 47–28 to win 94–77 and level the series.

If Game 3 had a soundtrack, it was a jazzfuelled storm, electric, and relentless. Elie Okobo conducted the chaos with poise, dropping 14 points slicing through defenders. Around him, Strazel danced, Diallo drove, and the entire squad moved like a welloiled machine. By the third quarter, Monaco weren’t just playing — they were performing. Villeurbanne’s resistance wilted under the weight of Monaco’s tempo. The Rock shook. Score: Monaco 94 – Villeurbanne 77.

We were in for a dramatic twist in Game 4 with Monaco trailing and the tides

10th June 2025 – Betclic Élite – Season 2024/2025 – Semi-Final –Playoffs Game 4 – AS MONACO BASKET vs ASVEL – Salle Gaston Médecin, Monaco

turned. Trailing by 10 points entering Q4, you wouldn’t know it from the scoreboard by the end. The comeback wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. There was an immense fourth-quarter rally (25–8) that Roca unleashed. In the final 8 minutes, Roca unanimously bulldozed Villeurbanne’s advantage by 20 points, winning Game 4, 91–86. With this roller-coaster triumph, Monaco sealed

the semi-final series at 3–1 and punched their ticket to the finals.

This top-tier showdown once again highlights the consistency and ambition of a club determined to reclaim the national title.

At the time of going to printing of this magazine, the final games had yet to be played, and the Monaco team was focused

and preparing for the final push. Hello Monaco wishes the Roca Team victory in the finals and hopes they claim the welldeserved championship title.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES AND STRATEGIC REINFORCEMENTS

Mike James was a key figure throughout the season, extending his contract until 2027 and becoming the all-time leading scorer in EuroLeague history. The arrival of German world champion Daniel Theis further strengthened the squad, bringing with him valuable NBA experience.

With a record budget of €29.4 million for the 2024–2025 season, AS Monaco Basket has solidified its status as a powerhouse in both French and European basketball. Reaching the EuroLeague final and performing strongly in the domestic league reflect the club’s ambition and steady progress.

The Roca Team continues to write its story, driven by strategic vision, exceptional talent, and unwavering determination.

10th June 2025 – Betclic Élite – Season 2024/2025 – Semi-Final – Playoffs Game 4 – AS MONACO BASKET vs ASVEL – Salle Gaston Médecin, Monaco

8th June 2025 – Betclic Élite – Season 2024/2025 – Semi-Final – Playoffs Game 3 –AS MONACO BASKET vs ASVEL – Salle Gaston Médecin, Monaco

RIVIERA LUXE: MONTE-CARLO & RIVIERA BEACH GUIDE

The French Riviera is renowned for its stunning coastline, where azure waters meet sandy shores and charming beach clubs. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot, a luxurious getaway, or a hidden gem, this region has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches of Monte-Carlo and the surrounding Riviera, each offering a unique experience and breathtaking views.

MONACO

LARVOTTO

Monaco’s main public beach is perfect for families and well-known for its clean waters. The beach offers both public access and a variety of private beach clubs, making it a fantastic destination for everyone.

Private Beach Clubs: – La Rose des Vents

The place to be since May 2024

Reservation: +377 99 90 64 40

– Le Neptune

Day rate starts at €40 and up Reservation: +377 93 30 05 51

– La Note Bleue

Day Rate starts at €35 and up Reservation: +377 93 500 502

– Le Miami

Day Rate starts at €35 and up Reservation: +377 93 50 94 16

Larvotto Beach offers convenient amenities, including restrooms, showers, sunbed rentals, water sports, and nearby bistros. It also features a “Handiplage” area for guests with reduced mobility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful coastline.

Note: The beach is pebbly, so consider bringing water shoes for your comfort.

LE MÉRIDIEN BEACH PLAZA

A beachfront hotel featuring a private sandy beach, La Plage & More Monte-Carlo, with stunning views of the bay, offers two outdoor pools, direct beach access, and various water activities.

Sunbed rentals and a vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for relaxation and beach fun. Perfect for guests seeking a leisurely escape.

Reservations: +377 93 30 98 80

La Rose des Vents

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

MONTE-CARLO BAY HOTEL & RESORT

This luxury hotel features a private beach with exceptional amenities. It has access to a lagoon-style swimming pool and a lovely sandy beach area.

Water sports, tennis courts, and a wellness centre make it ideal for families and couples looking to unwind. Guests can enjoy exclusive beach access and hotel activities.

Reservation: +377 98 06 03 60

MONTE-CARLO BEACH CLUB

Located next to the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club reflects the luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle that Monaco is known for. It offers a beautiful escape, perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Enjoy delicious food and comfortable sun loungers with gorgeous sea views. Guests can enjoy an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a variety of water sports, and relaxing wellness treatments for a complete beach day.

For July and August, the price to rent a cabin or tent ranges from €90 to €390, with an entrance fee of €195 per person.

The Beach Club boasts several exceptional restaurants:

l Elsa: A Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant celebrated for its commitment to organic and local ingredients, offering a menu that reflects the best of French cuisine.

l La Vigie Lounge & Restaurant: A vibrant venue where guests can enjoy delicious food in a lively atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying the sunset.

l The Deck: A charming brasserie located by the Olympic pool, serving a delectable seasonal menu that highlights fresh, regional flavours.

Be sure to reserve your dining and sunbeds in advance, especially during the busy season.

Reservations: +377 98 06 52 45, +377 98 06 52 46.

SOLARIUM BEACH (PORT HERCULE)

An artificial beach area at the foot of Fort Antoine with great views of the harbour. A nice spot for sunbathing, with deep wa -

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

ter for experienced swimmers. Swimming is not allowed during rough sea conditions for safety reasons.

PLAGE DES PÊCHEURS

Plage des Pêcheurs, or Fishermen’s Beach, is a secluded natural cove nestled at the base of the Rock. Tucked away from the crowds, it offers a peaceful escape and can be reached by descending the steps along the Chemin des Pêcheurs. This charming little beach remains one of Monaco’s quietest coastal gems.

Plage des Pêcheurs

Solarium beach

Solarium beach © Hello Monaco

CAP D’AIL

La Réserve de la Mala: A scenic cliffside beach known for its relaxed vibe and delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine. This beautiful spot is perfect for enjoying a meal with stunning views.

Reservation: WhatsApp +33 6 42 14 53 95

Eden Plage Mala: A hidden gem located next to La Réserve, offering yoga sessions, delightful brunches, and vibrant evening events.

High Season Details:

– Minimum spend of €70 per person at the bar or restaurant.

– Pricing: €50 and up; €250 (Big Bed)

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 93 78 17 06

EZE

Anjuna Beach: An exotic beach with a bohemian atmosphere, open from April to September, featuring great food and fun parties.

Reservation: +33 (0) 6 98 46 48 36

BEAULIEU-SUR-MER

Anao Plage is a lovely private beach where you can relax in style and enjoy delicious Mediterranean-inspired food at its elegant restaurant. It’s a wonderful place to spend your day by the sea.

A helpful valet service is also available for guests from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Arriving by boat? Anao Plage has a jetty just for that.

Right next to Anao Plage, you'll find the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat watersports facility, offering paddles, kayaks, and more for exploring the beautiful shoreline.

Open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun lounger, an umbrella and a towel — €38.

Reservation: +33 (0) 6 38 22 93 19

SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

Plage de Passable: A peaceful beach featuring clear waters and lovely views, making it the perfect spot for a quiet day.

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 93 76 06 17

VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

Marinières Beach: A quiet, sandy beach that’s perfect for relaxation. It offers both private and public options. With water sports, refreshing cocktails, and delightful desserts available, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely getaway.

ANTIBES

Plage Keller: A stunning sandy private beach located at La Garoupe Bay, known for its fantastic dining options and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 93 61 33 74

CANNES

Plage du Midi, the public beach, is a popular choice for a relaxed beach experience.

SAINT-TROPEZ

Saint-Tropez is famous for its stunning beach scene, featuring beautiful private beaches and lively beach clubs. Remember to make reservations directly over the phone to secure your spot at these popular destinations.

Le Club 55

Bagatelle

Pampelonne Beach: Renowned for its soft white sand, this beach is home to some of the most luxurious and iconic private clubs in the area. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm sun.

l Le Club 55 is the most famous beach club in Saint-Tropez, this legendary spot attracts celebrities from around the world. Reservations are essential for a table or sunbed.

Reservations: +33 (0) 4 94 55 55 57

l Bagatelle offers a unique dining experience that transforms into an unforgettable party as the sun sets. Enjoy delicious food, stylish surroundings, and a lively atmosphere while celebrating with friends.

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 94 79 83 25

l Nikki Beach is the ultimate party destination, where glamour meets fun. With top DJs and fresh seafood, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the lively beach atmosphere.

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 94 79 82 04

For a more peaceful experience, La Bouillabaisse is a hidden gem. This serene beach is less crowded, offering stunning views of the Maures Mountains and a quiet spot to enjoy the day.

Reservation: +33 (0) 4 94 97 54 00

La Réserve de la Mala

Eden Plage Mala

La Bouillabaisse

@labouillabaissesainttropez

SLAVA GUERCHOVITCH: Taking Monaco to the Music World

By Helena Litvak

In the heart of Monaco, where the stunning Mediterranean coastline meets a lively cultural scene, we had the pleasure of meeting Slava Guerchovitch in one of the charming cafés in the old town, located in the historic district of the Principality. He is a talented young pianist whose skills are quickly gaining recognition. Born in Monaco to a family of musicians—his father from Minsk and mother from Vitebsk, Belarus— Slava has chosen his own unique path with the piano. His journey includes impressive achievements, such as winning the 1st Grand Prize at the Epinal International Piano Competition, the 1st Prize in the Roma Piano International Competition, the 2nd prize at the Claude Bonneton Competition in Sète, the Bronze Medal at the Claude Kahn Competition in Paris, along with releasing his debut album in January 2025, “Born in Monaco,” under the Odradek Records label.

Hello Monaco: Hello, Slava! It’s a pleasure meeting you. Can you share your earliest memories of playing the piano and what drew you to this instrument?

Slava Guerchovitch: Well, it’s difficult not to be drawn to music when you grow up in a family of musicians. My home was filled with the sounds of violins, especially with my father and brother practicing. I was surrounded by the beauty of classical music from an early age. Although my first attempt at playing the violin led me to declare my dislike for it at just five years old, I found myself irresistibly attracted to the electric piano when I discovered it at home. The sheer joy of experimenting with different sounds reignited my passion for music.

: Growing up in a family of violinists, what influenced your decision to pursue the piano instead?

Slava: I had my brief stint with the violin, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. The piano felt like a natural fit, allowing me to express myself creatively without the constraints I felt with the violin. The larger ambitus of notes and nuances, and the possibility of playing multiple voices, are part of the rich complexity offered by the piano.

: What was your experience like at the Rainier III Music Academy in Monaco? How did it shape your musical journey?

Slava: The Rainier III Music Academy became the place where it all started. I remember this atmosphere, almost a family setting, not only because my mother has worked there since 1995, but because my piano and music theory teachers saw my potential and always considered me someone who could pursue music professionally. My music theory foundation was actually very strong when I started higher studies in Paris, thanks to them. That’s why I visit them sometimes at the Academy as a mark of gratitude, and I happily discover the next generations in their classrooms.

: You were accepted into the CNSM in Paris at just 15, which is young compared to the typical acceptance age. How did that transition feel for you?

Slava: It was an important step in my life as a young musician and a young adult. Living alone at just 16 in a big city like Paris

was a significant test of responsibility for me, starting a piano bachelor’s degree while finishing my school curriculum! There was a mix of excitement and sense of being overwhelmed; in fact, my colleagues at CNSM were older, which made it slightly delicate to find friends. I still managed to do it while progressing as a musician and artist with my teachers’ guidance and advice.

Photo: Daria

Korotkova

: You recently released your debut album “Born in Monaco.” How is that event important in the path of a young musician?

Slava: A debut album is always a synonym of entering the professional classical music world. I am very happy that it was recorded here, in the Auditorium Rai nier III, where my father works as a member of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, making it all the more special. The album reflects not just my journey but also my deep connection to Monaco. The support from the Sancta Devota Foundation made this project possible, and I will never be grateful enough for their generous help.

: Can you tell us about your current teacher, the legendary Rena Shereshevskaya, and how she has influenced your artistic view and understanding of the works you perform?

Slava: The particularity of Rena’s path is that she had to teach since the age of 25 due to health reasons affecting her right hand. She actually transformed this terrible event (which is the worst fear for any pianist) into an opportunity to go deeply into the art of transmitting pianistic and musical knowledge to other people. This probably allowed her to make an even better analysis of all the details of any score. Some details that may seem trivial

to many musicians are, in contrast, seriously considered by her. That is one of the many aspects of Shereshevskaya’s pedagogy, along with the technical advice that transforms a talented student into a serious performing and artistic personality.

: You have another album, “Ravel Imaginaire,” coming soon, featuring your brother on the violin. What can you tell us about it?

Slava: I am incredibly excited about this project, which is my first collaborative album with my brother David, with whom I have shared the stage for 14 years. It was also the perfect occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ravel by recording two well-known works for violin and piano (the “Violin Sonata in G major” and the “Tzigane” rhapsody) and a unique transcription of the famous ballet “Ma Mère l’Oye”, which is a world premiere recording! All of this makes this second recording project very special.

: What are some of your favourite pieces to perform? Why do they resonate with you?

Slava: My dear friend, this is such a hard question for a musician! Jokes aside, there are too many favourite composers and pieces for one musician, especially in one lifetime! As time goes on, we discover new masterpieces day by day... Sometimes, contemporary composers even write works specifically for you! A few months ago, I had the privilege of receiving a gift from my friend Christian Lauba, a talented French composer who wrote a piece for me called “Cartoon,” which I happily added to my repertoire.

As our conversation with Slava comes to an end, it’s clear that his love for music goes beyond a career; it’s a part of who he is. Growing up in Monaco, surrounded by its rich culture and his family’s musical heritage from Belarus, he truly represents the spirit of creativity and dedication that defines this community. With his incredible talent, commitment, and recent achievements—including his debut album and the upcoming “Ravel Imaginaire”—Slava is set to inspire the next generation of musicians. In a time when art and culture need our support more than ever, Slava’s journey reminds us of the beauty and importance of supporting artistic voices in our world.

Photo: Daria Korotkova

LOCAL SPECIALTIES

By Nicole Laffont

THE UNMISSABLE CHICKEN PIE AT “BISTROT DE JAN” IN NICE

The universe of Michelin-starred chef Jan in the port of Nice is surprising, exotic and refined. Expertly blending original flavours, he is

playing with textures, discoveries and innovations. This South African has truly retained a taste for unexpected pairings, offering an original and seductive cuisine with all its generosity and exotic accents.

On top of the gastronomic restaurant, favoured by the most discerning of gourmets for years, Jan has opened a bistro breathing a greater simplicity, but maintaining the same spirit. “This is a playful and lively bistro, where we break the mold with no compromise on elegance. Here, we cook with passion, but also with pleasure. We play, we dare, we laugh. Designed as a sensory interlude where each plate is telling a story and every detail is carefully chosen, it is a place that is both sincere and daring.” The highlight of its menu is a traditional chicken pie, inspired by a grandmother’s recipe. A family dish eaten around the table, whilst sharing memories. A free-range chicken and roasted vegetables come together under a spiced and fresh herbed béchamel, topped with a truffle sauce. All wrapped in a delicious and crispy homemade short crust pastry.

Conviviality around the table with several small dishes to share

Refined decor with bouquets of flowers and crystal chandeliers

Two more dishes perfectly embody “Bistrot de Jan’s” spirit. Its lentil bobotie is a vegetarian interpretation of a great South African minced meat classic. This time, soft lentils, apricot jam and honey are creating a beautiful balance between sweetness and spice.

The Malva pudding, meanwhile, is truly reminiscent of Proust’s madeleine. This soft, caramelized South African dessert is served warm with a homemade vanilla ice cream. “For me, it evokes childhood, Sunday meals, the sweetness of a moment suspended in time.”

Emotion, tenderness, joie de vivre. These ingredients come abundant in “Bistrot de Jan”.

Bistro de Jan  12, Rue Lascaris, Nice  +33 (0) 4 93 26 81 62

LOBSTER PASTA AT “CHEZ LOUIS” IN ITALIAN BORDIGHERA

This Italian restaurant is a favourite with many French from all over the French Riviera and Monaco. “Chez Louis” has built a solid reputation since the 1960s. Nestled in the heart of the charming town of Bordighera in nearby Liguria, the Novembre family restaurant has been excelling for decades. With a large number of artists and painters who favoured it back in the day, it was even nicknamed the arty bistro. A father of romantic lovers, the illustrator Raymond Peynet, was famously among its guests.

Set up just a few steps away from the beach, its refined decor is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean, with fish and shellfish in the spotlight. Among the restaurant’s specialties is the lobster pasta, attracting gourmets from far and wide.

This typically Italian festive recipe brings the ancestral chef expertise of handrolling homemade pasta and a delicate aroma of the king of shellfish. For extra flavour, the fish comes with exquisite cherry tomatoes.

A long, hollow pasta with cheese and pepper, garnished with raw scampi, the bucatini, is another one of its highlights. These two dishes truly stand out for surprising and incomparable flavours.

As to desserts, traditional Italian specialties are rubbing shoulders with a lemon

curd here topped with meringue to satisfy the most discerning palates.

A beautiful, elegant and refined address in a city of many treasures. Take a digestive stroll across its streets heading to the “Cita Alta,” the old town particularly dear to Claude Monet’s heart.

Chez Louis  Corso Italia 39, Bordighera, Italy  Tel (+39) 184 26 16 03

Chic entrance to Le Bistro de Jan

Famous chicken pie by Jan

The restaurant’s signature dish, the famous lobster pasta

DR

Crédits: @ Jan Innovation Studio

Crédits: @ Jan Innovation Studio

A refined decor for an Italian restaurant widely frequented by the French

THE BOUILLABAISSE AT “MAISON DE BACON” IN ANTIBES

The Bacon, a genuine Antibes institution since 1948, is internationally renowned for its bouillabaisse. Nestled in the rocks of the Cap, this restaurant is offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour mountains. For the past three years, it has gained a new momentum, embarking on a true renaissance under the name of “Maison de Bacon.” Nicolas Davouze, a former of “Bocuse” and “Bristol”, is honouring the restaurant’s staples while adding a touch of modernity.

“As a Tour de France compagnon, I was learning my trade from the greatest chefs until the age of 40. Now is the time for me to pass it on. It’s hard to keep things simple and at the same time, that’s what it takes. That’s what I am striving for.”

Thanks to him, the restaurant is boasting a solid local clientele, favoured by gourmets from all walks of life. The presentation of the famous bouillabaisse is revisited here preserving the legendary house’s DNA. “The fish soup is made with rock fish caught in the Gulf of Antibes. We serve a plate of poached capon pieces, John Dory, gurnard red mullet, Mediterranean red mullet, and monkfish tail, while the waiter is pouring the soup over the fish.” Nicolas Davouze is evoking a true ceremony here, occasionally highlighted by the presence of a lobster on the plate. A contemporary touch to this traditional dish from the south of France.

In homage to his masters, namely Paul Bocuse, the chef has also added a lobster ravioli and sea bass en croute, wrapped in a brioche pastry. A nod to the expertise of the most illustrious French gastronomy figures.

Maison de Bacon

 664, Boulevard de Bacon, Cap d’Antibes  +33 (0) 4 93 61 50 02

A dream location with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean

Chef Nicolas Davouze, Bocuse d’Or France, inventive and attentive to every detail

Dishes combine aesthetics and taste

The legendary bouillabaisse from Maison Bacon, a real ceremony!

@ Gabriel MARTINEZ, Coline CIAIS, Cedou Cedou

@ Gabriel MARTINEZ, Coline CIAIS, Cedou Cedou

@ Gabriel MARTINEZ, Coline CIAIS, Cedou Cedou

@ Gabriel MARTINEZ, Coline CIAIS, Cedou Cedou

TOP SUMMER AND AUTUMN ART EXPOSITIONS I ART

By Nicole Laffont

The Grimaldi Forum is inviting us to experience this summer in colour. A major chromatic exhibition is bringing together some hundred masterpieces of modern and contemporary art, with its vast spaces and smart scenography making the visit even more enjoyable. Drawn from the Centre Pompidou collection, which is closing its doors for a complete renovation, these works of art witness the importance of colour both yesterday and today. This truly sensory and visual journey is

IMMERSION INTO COLOUR AT THE GRIMALDI FORUM IN MONACO

Until August 31

inviting us to reinterpret the perception of colour in modern art. According to the poet Baudelaire’s emotional statement “Perfumes, colours and sounds echo each other”. This exhibition is thus exploring the synesthesia that occurs as we indulge in contemplation.

Alternately dedicated to blue, red, pink, yellow, white, black and green, the seven monochromatic spaces are enhanced by sound creations by Roque Rivas and olfactory atmosphere by the Fragonard “nose”, Alexis Dadier. These unique installations are inviting us to experience colour not only visually, but also through hearing and smell.

Among the artists on display: Matisse, Miró, Picasso, Derain, Kandinsky, Magritte, Goncharova, Modigliani, Soutine, Chagall, Klee, Dalí, Basquiat, Dubuffet, Klein,

Pierre Bonnard. L’Atelier au mimosa (Studio with mimosa)

Gerhard Richter. 1024 Farben (350-3) (1024 colours (350-3)), 1973

de Chirico, Bacon, Guston, Baselitz, Kupka, Kelly, Richter, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Ron Arad, Jean Prouvé, Ettore Sottsass, Philippe Starck... A selection of leading modern artists in an exceptional setting indeed.

At the end of the visit Espace Beaubourg is paying homage to the Georges Pompidou Centre, inviting us to enjoy the genesis of colours of the pipes adorning the iconic facades by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers.

Renzo Piano is also a key name for the new eco-district Mareterra entirely reclaimed from the sea and adding some 6,000 m² of additional modular spaces to the Grimaldi Forum.

Couleurs! Chefs-d’œuvre du Centre Pompidou Grimaldi Forum 10, Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CATHERINE ISSERT GALLERY IN SAINT-PAUL DE VENCE

Until September 20

Passionate, watching over her artists, keen to embrace new creative impulses, Catherine Issert has been a leading French Riviera gallery for the past 50 years. Many visual artists have passed through this Saint-Paul de Vence art centre, just a few steps away from the legendary “Colombe d’Or”. Over the years, this legendary restaurant has seen a number of celebrities pass through its doors, with its walls bearing a significant collection of modern art. Catherine Issert is therefore at the heart of the art scene, open to nature and sensitive to the avant-garde. This summer to celebrate its 50th anniversary it is welcoming some twenty artists.

This vast selection is reflecting the eclectic spirit of this talent scout who has always steered clear of trends and fashions. A former member of the École du Louvre, Catherine Issert has always had the concept of

heritage in mind. “The value of an artist is always associated, to a greater or lesser extent, with art history,” she says. Drawing on her in-depth knowledge of this subject, going back to the dawn of time, the gallery owner has consistently made both the most shrewd and diverse choices.

Among the artists invited to celebrate its 50th anniversary are Jean-Michel Alberola, John M. Armeleder, Jean Charles Blais, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Denis Castelas, Minjung Kim, François Morellet, Bernard Pagès, Pascal Pinaud, Adrian Schiess, Xavier Theunis, Gérard Traquandi, and Claude Viallat. This wide range reflects the gallery’s past exhibitions.

Having supported numerous artistic movements over the past fifty years, Catherine Issert is determined to continue her work. This magnificent exhibition is yet another witness to that.

Catherine Issert // 50 Ans de la Galérie La Galérie Catherine Issert 2, Route des Serres, Saint-Paul de Vence

Andy Warhol. Big Electric Chair

View of the exhibition ‘Collection of drawings’

Exterior view of the Catherine Issert gallery in the heart of Saint-Paul-de-Vence

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Jean Charles Blais, one of the emblematic artists of the Catherine Issert gallery

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BAO VUONG: THE SEA HALFWAY BETWEEN ABYSS AND HOPE AT THE ASIAN ARTS MUSEUM IN NICE

Until October 19

Honouring the men it has either consumed or safely carried to the shores of hope, the sea has forgotten its azure here. Dressed in black with its changing, alternately gray, alternately gold reflections, it is smoothing its surface in anticipation of a long journey.

The sea is thus opening a new perspective, telling us its stories here. That of Bao Vuong, for example, facing mysterious and frightening waves in the arms of his loving family at the tender age of 12-months.

In his work, the artist is resurfacing his entire past through a memory quest he had undertaken upon his return to Vietnam. He certainly can’t remember that crossing aboard a makeshift boat. But revealing scars that have healed

to varying degrees on the smooth texture of his mind, he is rediscovering the connections having forged his identity.

“This artist is not just painting seascapes, but landscapes of soul with the waves symbolizing inner struggles and the stars being our guiding aspirations,” is writing Simone Dibo-Cohen, the curator of the Asian Arts Museum exhibition as the “Biennale of Arts and the Ocean” is unfolding in Nice.

Bao Vuong is gently taking us “behind the waves,” inviting us to an active con

templation captivating to all audiences alike. Nothing is static here. We truly get an impression of the waves moving, rippling under the moon, searching for the light. We feel part of the scene, even if it’s just overlapping layers of oil on canvas, scattered pigments creating an optical illusion.

This summer the sea is also being celebrated in the Principality. A painting by Bao Vuong is being exhibited in Monaco from July 4 to September 7, 2025, as part of “Demain l’Océan?”, a question at the heart of our modernity that artists wholeheartedly embrace. Bao Vuong certainly does.

Bao Vuong. Derrière Les Vagues Musée des Arts Asiatiques 405, Promenade des Anglais, Nice

One of the visions of “The Crossing”, black becoming light

Bao Vuong in front of one of his paintings telling his story

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N.L.

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Contemporary paintings interact with the leaders of Asian art

Photo N.L.

OTHONIEL’S PEARLS OF LIGHT AT THE MALMAISON IN CANNES

Until January 4, 2026

This luminous exhibition is celebrating the opening of La Malmaison in Cannes. After a complete renovation, this French Riviera Art Center is now directly associated with the Croisette and... contemporary art. Enjoying its vast and functional spaces, Malmaison is ready to host internationally scaled events.

Today it is Jean-Michel Othoniel who is taking over its sun-bathed spaces. A major name on the international art arena with his exhibitions in New York, Tokyo and Seoul, Othoniel was the one to design the famous “Night Owl Kiosk” in 2000 at the Parisian metro entrance facing the Louvre and the Comédie Française. In its own way, this sculpture of many lights is celebrating the union of all arts. More recently, Othoniel’s gilded glass fountains have given a spectacular revival to the gardens of Versailles.

This summer, the artist is revisiting the emblematic sites and museums of Avignon, with his exceptional exhibition spreading across a dozen legendary locations.

In Cannes, Jean-Michel Othoniel has created a marvellous universe merging the colours of the Film Festival and the Mediterranean with some hundred works, most of them specifically designed for La Malmaison. The oldest residence on the Croisette, with its three monumental outside sculptures, is now making all heads turn.

Multiplying the reflections, Jean-Michel Othoniel’s infinite game of light is truly enchanting. Its magic is suddenly taking over the reality of things, erasing the boundaries between the real and illusionary. This “stardust” is tickling our imagination, opening the doors to dreams, just a few steps away from the temple of cinema.

Jean-Michel Othoniel. Poussière d’étoiles

La Malmaison

47, Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes

A golden necklace on the terraces of Malmaison

Jean-Michel Othoniel in the salons of the Art Centre

А luminous fountain

A CHANCE MEETING OF MONACO PRINCE HONORÉ V AND NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

History is often full of incredible coincidences. One of these is a chance meeting of the rejected emperor and the Duke of Valentinois, future Prince of Monaco Honoré V.

On March 1, 1815, Napoleon is leaving his place of exile, the island of Elba, and landing in Golfe-Juan, marking a start of his last epic “Hundred Days.” On the same day, the hereditary Prince of Monaco, Honoré Gabriel, arrives in Cannes. Each of them intends to take over their respective States.

It must be said that one year prior to that, Monaco, effectively abolished for twenty years by the Revolution and integrated into France, regains its status as a Principality thanks to the patronage of the French king Louis XVIII. Having replaced Napoleon on the French throne, the latter plays a significant role in Monaco’s restoration.

On March 1, 1815, the future Honoré V is thus heading from Paris to his native Principality. Little did he know that this was a fateful day for Europe: Napoleon landing

By Angelina Clibbens

in Golfe-Juan. Once in Cannes, Honoré Gabriel is the one to witness it firsthand. He is stopped with total politeness but firmness. A mysterious meeting is scheduled for him that night...

SQUIRE OF THE EMPRESS

The two men already know each other. Enlisted in the French army at the age of 20, Honoré Gabriel

Napoleon I, the first Emperor of the French (1768–1821)

was part of Napoleon’s Grand Army. Seriously wounded at the Battle of Hohenlinden in 1800, he returns to service only in 1807. The future Prince of Monaco then takes part in the famous battles of Eylau and Friedland and is awarded the Legion of Honour.

Leaving his military career due to injury, Honoré is appointed squire to Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, remaining faithful even after her divorce in December 1809. Napoleon treasures his true service. Due to some obscure financial dealings, however, the Emperor is forced to send him away. Finding himself in difficulty, in March 1813, Honoré Gabriel is even selling furniture from the family Torigny castle. In his detailed and touching letter to the Empress’s lady-in-waiting, Madame de Ségur, he is lamenting his financial situation preventing him from shining at the court.

The Grimaldi and Napoleon Bonaparte families are intrically connected throughout history.

But let’s go back to the night of March 1, 1815. Napoleon and his comrades set up camp near Cannes. It is well after midnight when Honoré Gabriel is escorted to the Emperor. Their meeting being all confidential, just one interesting conversation stayed in people’s memory. According to a legend, the Prince answered the Emperor: “I am heading home, to Monaco.” Whereas Bonaparte retorted: “Me too, to the Tuileries.”

One way or another, Honoré Gabriel found himself in quite a dubious situation. Fearing accusations of disloyalty to King Louis XVIII, who had done so much for the Principality, that very night he seeks support from a famous royalist, the Mayor of Cannes. The latter readily undertakes to write a letter clearing the future Prince of Monaco of suspicions. One has to be cautious, one never knows how history may turn around!

The further life of the two rulers developed quite differently. On March 20, 1815, Napoleon returned to power in France, but in June he abdicated in favour of his son François. This period of his reign went down in French history as the “Hundred Days.” Six years later the emperor died on St. Helena. As for Monaco, Honoré Gabriel remained regent for four years, and after the tragic death of his father (Prince Honore IV drowned in the Seine river), he ascended the throne under the name Honoré V and ruled Monaco for more than two decades.

UNDER THE PEN OF ALEXANDRE DUMAS

Since the conversation between Honoré and Napoleon remained secret, the chroniclers of that time did not fail to fill in the blanks, inventing some most bizarre remarks between the two. Alexandre Dumas himself describes the meeting in an ironic and not quite reverential way. His article is published in the “Le Voleur” (Thief) newspaper dated June 30, 1841.

Shortly before his death on October 2, 1841, Prince Honoré V writes a letter to the editor: “... in his attempt to go down in history, the author created a fiction...” The Prince made amendments to the circumstances of the meeting. Never had he denied its very fact, however...

THE NAPOLEON FAMILY AND THE GRIMALDI DYNASTY

The Grimaldi and Napoleon Bonaparte families are intrically connected throughout history. Prince Honoré V of Monaco served in the Imperial Army in the rank of captain and was eventually named Baron of the Empire. He also had the honour of being squire to the Empress Josephine.

As to the great-grandfather of the current Prince of Monaco, Louis II remained an ardent admirer of the Emperor and King of Rome throughout his life. Prince Louis II’s maternal great-grandmother was Stéphanie de Beauharnais, first cousin once removed of Alexandre de Beauharnais, first husband of Josephine, the future empress of France. Napoleon I bestowed upon Stéphanie the title of

Princess of France and solemnly adopted her. Prince Louis II collected hundreds of items related to Napoleonic history. Some of them, in particular, regimental eagles, have a specific historical value. Others, like the Saint Helene medals, are more common. In 1968, Prince Rainier III opened specially a museum in the Palace dedicated to this collection, counting more than a thousand items.

An unprecedented exhibition exploring links between the Principality and the Napoleons takes place in the Grimaldi Forum this summer. “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies,” is on display from July 11 to August 31, 2025. Held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the event unveils deep and unique ties between the Principality and the First and Second Napoleonic Empires for the very first time. Louis Ducruet, who is actively involved in promoting Monegasque historical heritage, serves as the exhibition’s ambassador. Through a precious selection of artworks, documents, and objects, visitors are invited to explore the many facets of this little-known historical relationship, thanks to rigorous research by three curators.

Prince Honoré V of Monaco (1778–1841)

Wikipedia.org

The Journey of the Golden Nymph: from Bosio’s Sculpture to a Symbol of Television

By Julia Saint-Germain

When Prince Rainier III founded the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 1961, he did more than establish a cultural tradition, he created a symbol that, decades later, remains a benchmark of television artistry and creative excellence: the Golden Nymph. This elegant statuette, awarded to the finest talents in the global television industry, embodies far more: its form unites history, fine art, and centuries-old artisanal tradition.

The Nymph figure is inspired by a masterpiece by Monegasque sculptor François-Joseph Bosio, a celebrated artist of the Napoleonic era. His sculpture The Nymph Salmacis, now on display at the Louvre, served as the model for the statuette— transforming the Golden Nymph into a cultural bridge between past and present, art and television.

Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace present the Golden Nymph awarded to the winners of the International Television Festival. January 19, 1961

OFFICIAL CATEGORIES AND SPECIAL AWARDS OF THE FESTIVAL

Entry into the Festival’s official competition is free and open to all international television networks, distributors, and production companies. The competition spans three primary categories:

l Fiction (six Golden Nymphs are awarded);

l Documentaries and news (three Golden Nymphs);

l The Prince Rainier III Special Prize for the best documentary addressing environmental issues and nature conservation, awarded within the news documentary category. This prize is personally selected by the Festival’s Honorary President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

In addition, the Golden Nymph is awarded each year as a special prize from the Festival’s partners in several distinct categories, including:

w The Press Prize of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), established in 2003 with support from the Monaco Red Cross. This award recognises the documenta -

ry film that best reflects the principles of international humanitarian law and sheds light on armed conflict through the lens of civilian suffering.

TSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène with Michael Douglas at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 2019

© Monte-Carlo

TV Festival

© DR

w The Monaco Red Cross Prize honours fictional works (miniseries or TV films) that illustrate at least one of the seven fundamental principles of the Monaco Red Cross founded in 1948 by Prince Louis II: humanity, impartiality, independence, neutrality, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

w The AMADE Prize (World Association of Children’s Friends), awarded to programmes that promote the principles of non-violence and the protection of children’s rights.

w The SIGNIS Prize—the “Silver Dove” of the World Catholic Association for Communication—recognises works of high

artistic and technical merit that inspire reflection and promote values such as respect, justice, and Christian ethics.

Another key component of the official competition is the Public Prize, decided by a dedicated panel of TV series enthusiasts. This award reflects public opinion and highlights the bond between creators and viewers. The winner is chosen from the official fiction selection and the award is presented during the prestigious Golden Nymphs Ceremony. This ensures that not only the professional jury but also the most passionate viewers of modern television have their say.

Each award is handcrafted by the Monegasque company Mylord. The statuette is cast in bronze, gilded, and perfected through a process requiring not only the precision of a jeweller but also artistic sensitivity. This is not just a trophy—it is a tribute to outstanding contributions to the television arts, immortalised in noble materials.

THE CRYSTAL NYMPH — A TRANSPARENT POEM FROM MURANO

Since 2016, the Festival has awarded the Crystal Nymph crafted by Murano glass master Giancarlo Signoretto. From the age of 14, he devoted himself to the art of glassblowing, which, over the decades, became his personal form of poetry.

Each crystal statuette is unique. Traditional glassblowing techniques are employed, requiring precise temperature control and deft motion. The statuettes are inlaid with gold leaf, which adds depth and a sophisticated shimmer to the award. To complete each piece, artisans must slowly cool the glass and polish it by hand — final touches that ensure the flawless beauty of every piece.

The Crystal Nymph symbolises the harmony of tradition and innovation. It honours outstanding international television personalities recognised for their lasting impact on the industry. In 2024, the award was presented to the legendary Morgan Freeman, who accepted it with humour and warmth, thanking Prince Albert II and the Principality for this high recognition of his life’s work: “For me, receiving an award like the Crystal Nymph feels like a great friendly pat on the back. It’s a wonderful honour, the culmination of a lifetime, and I thank Prince Albert II and Monaco for this.” he said. “You know you are in excellent company when you join a list that includes Donald Sutherland, Dame Helen Mirren and Michael Douglas. Now they can no longer ask me why I don’t have a Crystal Nymph.”

THE HONORARY NYMPH — A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Honorary Nymph is the rarest of them all. It is awarded only to extraordinary individuals whose names are etched into the history of tel -

The stages of production of the Golden Nymph statuette in the workshop in Monaco

evision. The statuette is produced using the same methods as the Golden Nymph but undergoes an even more elaborate process. After casting and polishing, it is silvered, mounted on a special base, and engraved with the laureate’s name.

The manufacturing involves the Lauragaise Bronze Foundry, one of the most respected foundries in Europe. The final result is more than an award, it is a work of art, worthy of museum display.

The Golden Nymph, like her sister awards, is more than just a prize. It is the cultural emblem of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, a symbol of the enduring dialogue between craft and art, between tradition and progress. In every line and curve of these statuettes is reflected the spirit of Monaco: a principality where elegance, creativity, and reverence for history coexist in perfect harmony.

HSH Prince Albert II and Morgan Freeman in 2024

The Honorary Nymph

© Monte-Carlo Television Festival

When Monaco Bonded with Lucciana: A Tale of a Saint, Cities, and Shared Celebrations

By Justin Brisk

Monaco and the Corsican town of Lucciana have shared a special “twin city” relationship since 2009, celebrating a unique bond rooted in shared history, culture, and the legacy of their patron saint, Sainte Dévote. This connection centuries old, now formally in its sixteenth year in its modern form, is celebrated annually with events, cultural exchanges, and mutual visits that underscore a profound spiritual and historical connection between the two communities.

Sculpture of Sainte Dévote by Cyril de La Patellière was inaugurated in front of the chapel in Monaco on January, 26, 1997.

THE STORY OF SAINTE DÉVOTE: A SPIRITUAL BOND

The link between Monaco and Lucciana centres on the story of Sainte Dévote, a revered figure whose life and legend have become a cornerstone of both communities’ heritage. Born in Corsica, Sainte Dévote was martyred around 303 A.D. in Lucciana for her faith. According to tradition, after her death, her body was set adrift in a small boat to prevent desecration. Miraculously, a dove is said to have guided the vessel across the Mediterranean to Monaco, where it reached the coast, signifying her protection over the Principality. This journey forged a lasting spiritual and cultural bond, making her Monaco’s patron saint. Sainte Dévote’s legacy lives on as a symbol of faith and resilience, celebrated both in Monaco and her birthplace of Lucciana.

In 2003, Prince Rainier III, accompanied by his son, the then Hereditary Prince Albert, undertook a marine pilgrimage celebrating the 17 hundredth anniversary of the young Saint’s remains journey from Lucciana to Monaco. On June 9, 2003, Pentecost day, they arrived to Corsica. Prince Rainier III of Monaco then donated a reduction of the sculpture of Saint Devota made by

Cyril de la Patellière and honoured the Fiera di a Canonica with his presence in the company of his son Albert.

And as recently as at the end of 2023, the Sovereign, his younger sister Princess Stéphanie and several elected officials went to Lucciana in order to inaugurate and discover everything included in the exhibition there on the pilgrimage of Prince Rainier III. Pentecost day became

a special day in the calendar since that visit by Prince Rainier III for future visits by Monaco delegations to Lucciana.

ESTABLISHING THE TWIN CITY PARTNERSHIP

This shared devotion inspired Monaco and Lucciana to formalize their relationship with a twinning agree -

Lucciana Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lucciana, also called La Canonica and Santa Maria Assunta of Bastia, in the town of Lucciana, Corsica

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco unveiling the plaque commemorating Lucciana’s membership in the “Grimaldi of Monaco Historical Sites” association in 2022

© Gaëtan

Luci / Palais princier

ment. The twinning ceremony between Monaco and Lucciana took place on 26 September 2009. Monaco was represented by its mayor, Georges Marsan, who signed the twinning oath alongside Lucciana’s mayor, Joseph Galletti, and local councillors. The ceremony included performances of the Monegasque and Corsican anthems. During the event, oaths were read in both Corsican and Monégasque, symbolizing the deep cultural resonance between them and emphasizing the bond of tradition and shared heritage. This twinning is not merely symbolic; it is actively celebrated and reinforced through ceremonies, annual visits, and cultural events, which have strengthened ties between the people of Monaco and Lucciana.

Other strong symbols, in 2009 the jetty at the entrance to the port Hercule was named Lucciana and the same year Prince Albert laid the first stone to a new archaeological site museum in Mariana, where Saint Devote was martyred. This future-named Prince Rainier III Museum was opened in 2021 and inaugurated by the Sovereign in 2022.

As part of the relations established between the Principality of Monaco and the City of Lucciana, the Mariana Archaeological Site Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco are united by a partnership agreement which aims to establish lasting scientific and

cultural cooperation for the benefit of researchers and the public.

And in 2022 H.S.H. the Prince also officially unveiled the plaque commemorating Lucciana’s membership in the “Grimaldi of Monaco Historical Sites” association. The commune rests the only Corsican town to belong to this network.

RECENT CELEBRATIONS AND CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP

In November 2023 Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie visited Lucciana. The visit underscored the significance of this enduring partnership and provided an opportunity to discuss future cul -

WHAT TO SEE & DO ON A VISIT TO LUCCIANA

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lucciana. The heart of any pilgrimage, this 12th-century Romanesque church is built on the ruins of an early Christian site where Sainte Dévote’s journey began. Inside, visitors can admire the simplicity of Corsican sacred architecture and reflect on the saint’s legacy. Here they can also see a statue of Sainte Dévote presented by Prince Rainier III in 2003.

Lucciana offers visitors breathtaking views over the sea and surrounding countryside, along with other ancient monuments, like the Roman ruins at Mariana. These are a testament to

Lucciana’s long history and cultural richness.

If visiting around January 27, you can witness the local celebrations honouring Sainte Dévote, which mirror the famous Monégasque traditions. Although smaller, these Corsican festivities are rich in tradition and devotion, with processions and services that connect Lucciana with Monaco.

Beyond religious sites, Lucciana and its surroundings feature the rugged, beautiful Corsican landscape, local markets, and crafts that immerse visitors in the region’s distinct culture and hospitality.

Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie at the Prince Rainier III Museum in Lucciana in 2023

Sainte Dévote in the Saint Nicolas Cathedral

© Frédéric

Nebinger / Palais princier

tural initiatives and tourism partnerships that could benefit both towns. Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie’s presence highlighted the importance of the twinning agreement.

During the anniversary visit, Monégasque and Corsican officials explored ways to enhance cultural and economic ties. The discussions included new projects to promote sustainable tourism and increase awareness of Sainte Dévote’s story, thus encouraging visitors to explore both Monaco and Lucciana.

ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS AND RECIPROCAL VISITS

The twin-city relationship between Monaco and Lucciana is particularly vibrant during annual celebrations dedicated to Sainte Dévote. Each year on January 26, a delegation from Lucciana travels to Monaco to participate in the Sainte Devote feast day. This Monégasque tradition, celebrated since 1874, includes a series of solemn and festive activities: the highlight is the symbolic burning of a boat to commemorate Sainte Dévote’s arrival on the shores of Monaco. This annual event draws local and international attention, uniting people in Monaco to honour the beloved patron saint. During Pentecost, Monaco reciprocates with a delegation visiting Lucciana to pay homage to Sainte Dévote’s birthplace.

THE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TWIN-CITY RELATIONSHIP

For Lucciana, this connection with the internationally renowned Principality of Monaco brings increased visibility and economic opportunities, especially in tourism. Visitors to Monaco often become intrigued by the story of Sainte Dévote, and many seek to experience her roots in Lucciana, just as did Prince Rainier and Prince Albert … not such bad examples to follow! For Monaco, the connection provides a tangible link to Corsica, emphasizing the Principality’s respect for its regional heritage and historical roots. So the twin-city bond stands as a reminder of Monaco’s broader role as a custodian of regional heritage, particularly as it pertains to the history of the Grimaldi dynasty, which has maintained ties to Corsica for centuries.

AN AMUSING DID YOU KNOW?

An amusing little quirk about Lucciana is that despite being steeped in deep history and home to the birthplace of Monaco’s patron saint, it’s often confused with Luciano, a popular first name in Italy. So, if you tell someone you were visiting “Lucciana,” they might wonder if, in the past, you were off to meet Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian opera icon, known for his larger-than-life presence and who had a strong connection to Monaco. He was a regular performer at Monaco’s prestigious cultural events, especially at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, where he cap -

LOOKING AHEAD: A RELATIONSHIP ROOTED IN TRADITION AND FUTURE COLLABORATION

As Monaco and Lucciana continue their partnership, both towns are committed to maintaining the vitality of this unique twin-city relationship. Plans for future collaboration include enhancing educational exchanges and introducing cultural programs that promote the story of Sainte Dévote to a broader audience. By shar-

tivated audiences with his powerful voice. Additionally, he was a personal friend of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, often visiting the Principality for both performances and personal gatherings. Pavarotti himself has spoken about his admiration for Princess Grace’s grace and charm, and the warm welcome he received in Monaco. Pavarotti has the distinction of being made a Commander of Monaco’s Order of Cultural Merit.

In 2007, after Pavarotti’s passing, Monaco honoured his memory with tributes, even though he wasn’t a resident.

ing the legacy of Sainte Dévote, Monaco and Lucciana aim to inspire future generations with her story. This twincity relationship offers a model of how two communities, united by a saint and shared values, can work together to preserve their unique heritage and build a meaningful future.

Monaco and Lucciana have been twinned since 26 September 2009. The Principality towards late 2024 was celebrating the 15th anniversary of its twinning with the Corsican town of Lucciana.

The princely family during the traditional celebration of Sainte Dévote day in Monaco, 26 January 2025

VAL RAHMEH IN MENTON: 150 Years of Botanical Devotion

By Nicole Laffont

These extraordinary gardens overlooking the sea, next to the Italian border, are celebrating their 150th anniversary. A true symphony of greenery and citrus, it is home to ferns, bamboo, ancient trees, flowerbeds and artificial ponds.

HISTORY OF A “VALLEY OF TRANQUILLITY”

Having resisted the onslaught of real estate developers, the gardens with all sorts of Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical species are now property of the National Museum of

Natural History. Sheltered from the winds, in a humid and warm environment, Val Rahmeh is fully enjoying the unique French Riviera microclimate. Its 1,800 species constitute an invaluable heritage.

Over the years, its many owners undertook a number of redevelopments, enlarging the gardens according to their own taste. In its 150 years, Val Rahmeh thus witnessed a suc-

cession of nine occupants. Back in 1875, this agricultural estate, property of the Monléon family from Menton, was but an olive grove with a few lemon trees. Henriette Marguerite Françoise de Monléon, aged 72, had the Villa Henriette built, with its wrought iron gate still witnessing its construction date.

In 1921, Rahmeh Théodora Swinburne, a new owner, had the English-style pleas -

ure gardens added. With her South African experience, she enriched the gardens with exotic plants. Later the villa rebuilt in an Italo-Provençal style took the name Val Rahmeh in memory of Rahmeh Théodora who died prematurely in 1924.

In 1957 Val Rahmeh was subsequently owned by a true botanist, a wealthy, whimsical and determined Englishwoman. Miss May Sherwood Campbell purchased new plots to enjoy the sea views, increasing her collection of plants from different continents. Facing the pressure from real estate developers, she was eventually forced to sell the property. She then turned to the French government that acquired the property and entrusted its management to the National Museum of Natural History. Since 1967, the botanical garden of Val Rahmeh (that means “a valley of tranquillity” is classed as a national heritage site open to the public.

THE HOTTEST BOTANICAL GARDEN IN FRANCE

Val Rahmeh owes its exceptional lushness and a remarkable diversity of species to unique climatic conditions. Southernmost for the Museum, these botanical gardens are also the hottest. As part of an amphitheatre open to the sea, the Garavan Bay, Val Rahmeh

is sheltered from the north winds by the Alpine mountains. It thus enjoys a warmer microclimate in winter, more humid than elsewhere on the coast. Its average annual temperature ranges between 16–17 degrees, with the 70 to 88 % air humidity rate practically all year round. Another one of its particularities: on a clear winter morning, you can see the outlines of Corsica, 180 kilometres away.

This gentle and temperate little paradise is home to all sorts of flourishing species, which the Museum’s scientists consider living beings. Man is thus at the service of nature, carefully nurtured and preserved here. Val Rahmeh is offering us a journey through both hemispheres with its plants both from humid and dry tropical and Mediterranean regions. Medicinal, magical and toxic plants, tropical fruit trees, a collection of aromatic herbs, a citrus orchard and ornamental beds... No words can truly give credit to this extraordinary garden full of “enchanted flowers” where the nature goddess Artemis is in its reign.

As you stroll through its lush spaces, explore all sorts of palm trees, including the native of the Andes growing at a 3000-metre altitude, American coconut palms, giant bamboos, centuries-old olive trees, hydrophobic plants (including the Egyptian papyrus) embracing the ponds, an Arabian coffee tree, a Java cedar, a century-old kumquat, a lychee tree, an impressive cit-

ron tree and a Canary Island dragon tree, very rare in mainland France.

Labelled EcoJardin, Val Rahmeh is implementing eco-friendly, water-saving and biodiversity-friendly practices. Its gardeners are the best guarantors of preserving this landscaped heritage. A heritage that since 1967 has welcomed an ever-increasing number of visitors from all walks of life.

Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden Avenue St. Jacques, Menton Open every day except Tuesday

https://www.jardinbotaniquevalrahmehmenton.fr

A REJUVENATION CURE WITH 24-CARAT SUBLIO WATER

By Nicole Laffont

The story of Sublio is truly mind-blowing. This revolutionary technique, hydrating and regenerating your skin, was invented by a Frenchman from the Vendée, “more ingenious than an engineer,” in his own words. Frédéric Esnault is at the origin of a unique hyperionizing water concept. Thanks to this technique, water (which despite a popular belief is not a friend to the skin) truly becomes a natural beauty and health ally with its scientifically proven effects.

An outdoor swimming pool with numerous jacuzzis to make the most of Sublio water

Frédéric Esnault, an ingenious and inspired inventor

SUBLIO, A MIRACULOUS WATER INSPIRED BY A CORSICAN TORRENT

“Hyperionization consists of naturally modifying minerals by poly-fragmenting them at a very high resonance level, up to 1,500 fragments from their original size, which makes them highly efficient and much more penetrating. We neither add nor remove anything from the water. This patented, 100% natural process just unlocks its potential” making it sublime, thence the name “Sublio.”

The extraordinary adventure of this cutting-edge technology is owed to pure chance. Exploring Corsica in 1993, near Corte, Frédéric Esnault discovered a river with clear, stormy waters. Plunging into the torrent, he experienced an incomparable sense of well-being. Through conversation with regular swimmers, he then learnt that this Restonica river was renowned for its regenerative properties. Children suffering from eczema, various skin conditions or sunburn were regularly taken here.

“Inventing a technology that could reproduce this natural revitalization process using any water, I wanted to make this experience universally accessible.” Its development required fifteen years of research and a considerable investment totaling four million euros.

Today, Frédéric Esnault has proudly equipped a large number of residences in Morocco (where he launched his business and developed his technology) and in France, particularly near Béziers with a high-end campsite “Les Sablons” and the hotel “La Ferme d’Augustin” in Ramatuelle.

Its customers famously notice immediate effects on their skin and hair. Hydration, shine, radiance. And once you enter the “capitalization” phase, you feel even better in your skin. From the very first contact with the hyperionic water, your skin is enjoying the Sublio water cumulative effect which is at its utmost on days 2 to 4. “The challenge for our skin longevity is that of the humidity level, same as oil for a thermal engine. Our unique hyperionization process addresses a number of skin problems. Sublio technology will soon be classified as a Medical Device; we are in the final stages of certification.”

This is definitely not the last time we will hear about this revolutionary skincare technology. It’s safe to say, once you try it, you’ll definitely love it.

SUBLIO FRANCE

 8 Rue René Coty – CS 40 747 85 018 La Roche-sur-Yon Cedex, France  +33 (0) 2 52 63 02 11

“LES SABLONS”, A 5-STAR CAMPSITE IN FRENCH OCCITANIA

Well-being is becoming increasingly important in our lives, especially on vacation. Looking after yourself is no longer perceived as luxury, but a necessity. Relaxing, recharging your batteries and enjoying beauty treatments are now among the basics.

Nestled in the heart of Occitania, between Agde and Béziers, “Les Sablons” campsite has thus proclaimed “well-being” its motto … in harmony with yourself, nature and others. And its team is sparing no effort in terms of premium facilities, high standards and conviviality. You truly bathe in a world of smiles and kindness here. A lead -

Small, comfortable and spacious chalets of the 5-star campsite

© Les Sablons

Tailor-made treatments provided by a beautician who listens to her clients’ wishes

er in high-end outdoor accommodation, this 5-star campsite is offering a selection of homes comfortably spread over its vast 60-hectares. Spaced far enough from each other, they let you barely notice the summer crowds. In the heart of its lush, wild nature, with direct access to a vast, golden sand beach and a view of a pond where herons and flamingos roam, you feel truly at home.

This is chance to pet fairy tale white foals and explore a farmyard with eggs of an unparalleled freshness in a picture-postcard setting.

Learn more about the permaculture, with most of the campsite’s fruit and vegetables, expertly prepared by the chef, being produce of the local garden.. True to its environmental commitments, “Les Sablons” is developing a unique ecosystem around its most precious resource. Optimized through “hyperionization”, its water is preserved

thanks to sustainable and respectful tourism. Here, every drop of it is a promise of well-being and harmony... All water points are Sublio Hyperionized and promote cellular repair and skin rejuvenation.

Thanks to all these precious assets, the campsite has become a benchmark in terms of environmental protection. A winner of a number of eco-responsible awards, it has set a goal of preserving our planet and its people. For this purpose, “Les Sablons” has invested in a revolutionary concept. Its unique wellness approach is going well beyond traditional beauty treatments. “Sublio”, a name evoking the sublime, is based on a unique invention. Its hyperionic water is truly working miracles on your skin and hair.

The campsite also boasts a huge heated swimming pool and several outdoor jacuzzis, immersing you in its rejuvenating baths in all tranquility. Better still, thanks to an impressive machine with its secrets close -

ly guarded, all the water on the property gets the same processing. This allows for a “capitalization” effect on the shower water, transforming even a mere tooth brushing into a genuinely pleasant experience. Just a short stay here thus brings a marked improvement. Your skin is smooth, soft and satiny, your hair is as shiny as ever.

The cuisine is yet another one of its strong points. Small dishes prepared with love, Provençal scents and flavours, fish from the nearby Mediterranean, Italian specialties... No compromise on quality or variety, the campsite is offering its guests the very best selection.

As to accommodation, its chalets truly rival in comfort and tranquility. Well-spaced from each other by a carefully designed vegetation, they bring peace and quiet to parents whilst children are enjoying specially provided activities. As to grown-ups, yoga, aqua gym and comforting massages are on the agenda. A particularly expert beautician relieves all your tensions, preparing your skin to absorb all the Sublio water benefits.

Combining one-on-one with nature, well-being and conviviality the campsite truly stands out. Enjoy its peace and quiet, especially during the off-season, when the weather is pleasant and the temperatures mild.

Les Sablons  Avenue des Mûriers 34420, Portiragnes-Plage, France

 +33 (0) 4 67 90 90 55

“LA FERME D’AUGUSTIN” IN RAMATUELLE, THE FIRST HOTEL TO ADOPT SUBLIO

“There, restraint and order bless luxury and voluptuousness.” As soon as we step into “La Ferme d’Augustin”, these lines by Charles

Small dishes simmered with love

Everyday is party day at Les Sablons campsite

© Les Sablons

© Les Sablons

© Les Sablons

Baudelaire resonate with this place. Bearing its four stars, well deserving a fifth, this family-run hotel is the very first one to have adopted “Sublio” for its 32°C heated outdoor pool. Surrounded by pine trees, a stone’s throw away from the legendary Pampelonne beach, this is an undeniable asset this charming hotel is boasting among many others. Enjoying a loyal clientele, “La Ferme d’Augustin” is welcoming its guests as old friends (which they often become). Its silky water also immediately seduces the newcomers with its almost instantaneous effect, visible from the very first dips. Your skin and hair truly regain their radiance. Some customers even note beneficial effects on their joints. The inventor of this revolutionary hyperionized water concept, Frédéric Esnault, briefly explains how its many trace elements act on your skin as an 18-day spa treatment. Very impressive. Come here to test it on your own skin.

“La Ferme d’Augustin” does stand out in every way. Nestled among the pine trees, this virtually secret spot is just a five-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. “My grandfather was a farmer from Italy. He settled here back in the day when the land was not that precious. Buying fish from local fishermen, he was making bouillabaisse and inviting his friends, often painters dazzled by this azure light. He wasn’t rich by any means. But in the 1950s, he opened a small restaurant, with just a few rooms on top, and eventually a hotel...” is telling us the owner, Christophe Vallet.

Building a swimming pool equipped with hydromassage jets back in 1992, his parents truly were pioneers... The innovation is carried on with the “Sublio” concept.

Devoted to preserving the local spirit, Christophe Vallet has renovated the place while respecting the authenticity of the family home. The hotel thus combines luxury and a human scale with its fifty rooms and suites. Its fields are plowed by the family mare, Vodka by name.

Gastronomy is a synonym of well-being, even happiness here. The guests of

“La Ferme d’Augustin” famously enjoy exclusively local fish provided by two dedicated fishermen. A close friend and head of the kitchen, Sophia is watching over the kitchen like a mother over her baby. The result is fish of incomparable flavour and perfect texture. John Dory, sea bream, scorpionfish, monkfish and even dentex. Often called “queen of the sea” by Greek fishermen, dentex is one of the most expensive Mediterranean fish. Due to its imposing size, it is a rare guest on restaurant menus.

Sugar is banned from all recipes, yet the desserts are delicious. What’s the trick

you would ask? Natsuc! A birch bark extract from an eco-friendly forest in Finland. A naturally sourced alternative to sugar, it is a sublime gourmet pleasure with no compromise for your health. The cuisine thus truly reflects the local spirit. Authentic and high-quality without ostentation.

In a word, true luxury, a haven of peace, sheltered from prying eyes, with panoramic views of the countryside and the sea. Its “Maison Fleurs de Coton” is inviting you to enjoy a high-tech treatment by a renowned massage therapist.

T he softness of cotton in the spa, the silky water in the pool... Bathe in its peace and serenity in all tranquility.

La Ferme d’Augustin  979 Route de Tahiti – Saint-Tropez – 83 350 Ramatuelle, France

 +33 (0) 4 94 55 97 00

Luxury suites at La Ferme d’Augustin in Ramatuelle

24-carat water in a dream setting just a stone’s throw from the famous Pampelonne beach

© La Ferme d’Augustin

© La Ferme d’Augustin

A NEW ERA OF WELLNESS IN MONACO: GUERLAIN AND HÔTEL MÉTROPOLE

MONTE-CARLO

UNVEIL THE SPA

MÉTROPOLE BY GUERLAIN

A new sanctuary of luxury and well-being is set to open its doors in July 2025 in the heart of Monaco’s Carré d’Or. The Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, the Belle Époque landmark renowned for its elegance, is joining forces with the iconic French beauty house Guerlain to launch The Spa Métropole by Guerlain — a destination spa that promises to give new meaning to the art of wellness on the Riviera.

A HARMONIOUS FUSION OF LUXURY AND SERENITY

As part of the hotel’s extensive renovation, this spa is shaped to be a holistic experience designed to balance body, mind, and soul. Crafted by renowned inte -

rior architect Samy Itani of Itani & Courtois, the spa’s aesthetic is a masterclass in quiet sophistication. Think soft natural tones, raw wood, textured stone, and gentle lighting that together create a space of calm introspection. The design serves as a tranquil contrast to the buzz of Monte-Carlo just beyond its doors.

At the heart of the spa are ten treatment rooms offering Guerlain’s revered rituals,

led by the luxurious Ultimate Black Orchid treatment. This skincare masterpiece combines precise techniques with the rare regenerative properties of the Black Orchid, delivering radiant, revitalized skin in a sensory-rich setting.

In addition to its signature treatments, Guerlain has developed three exclusive rituals inspired by Monaco’s charm:

© Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo

w Monaco Glow: A celebration of Riviera femininity, this facial treatment incorporates white quartz, cotton veils, and expert massage to refresh the eyes and illuminate the complexion — finishing with a flawless Guerlain makeup session.

w Puissance du Rocher: A powerful fullbody experience that blends deep massage, and stone therapy to energize and renew from within.

w Golden Sand: Evoking the warmth of a Monegasque afternoon, this body ritual uses golden quartz crystals and soft wraps to create a cocoon of relaxation, transporting guests to a place of complete serenity.

BESPOKE BEAUTY FOR ALL

Whether you’re seeking a solo escape, a romantic couple’s ritual, or a family-friendly wellness moment, the spa offers treatments tailored for men, women, and even children. The Art of Guerlain Makeup also takes centre stage, offering bespoke beauty services that merge artistic precision with luxurious care.

Further elevating the spa’s appeal is an exclusive collaboration with Bastien Gonzalez, internationally renowned for his innovative approach to hand and foot care. A dedicated space within the spa will offer his curated manicures and pedicures — perfect for guests who appreciate detail and finesse.

MORE THAN A SPA — A PHILOSOPHY

This new retreat isn’t just about beauty and relaxation — it’s about living well. Alongside its treatment areas, the spa includes a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a hammam, and a sauna, all designed to complement Guerlain’s holistic wellness philosophy: that true beauty stems from a deep harmony between inner balance and external care.

A MEETING OF ICONS

The Spa Métropole by Guerlain is a meeting of two storied houses that share a passion for refine -

ment, innovation, and heritage. Guerlain, with nearly two centuries of expertise in beauty and wellness, brings its Parisian legacy and cutting-edge techniques to this glamorous address in Monaco. Hôtel Métropole, known for its Michelin-starred dining, timeless architecture, and impeccable service, now adds this new chapter of wellness to its legacy.

Opening July 2025, the Spa Métropole by Guerlain invites guests to indulge in a sensory journey where tradition meets modernity, and every detail is designed to awaken the senses and soothe the soul.

https://metropole.com/en/

© Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo

© Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo

HEALING THROUGH NATURE WITH ISABELLA VIEIRA

By Helena Litvak

Isabella Vieira is an advocate for the rich heritage of the Huni Kuin people, a group deeply connected to their land and culture. Living in Monaco, she promotes their traditions and shares her passion for traditional healing. Inspired by her background, Isabella has created a unique approach to wellness.

Isabella’s father, a naturopath with deep ancestral wisdom, shared valuable knowledge with his daughter throughout her life, encouraging her interest in holistic therapy. From her family, she learned the secrets of healing practices that draw inspiration from the Amazon rainforest. “The trees, leaves, and plants of the Amazon are filled with amazing healing qualities,” she explains warmly. Isabella comes from a family with a strong shamanic lineage, further enriched by her connection to the spiritual leader of the Huni Kuin people, Chief Ninawa, who continues to guide her on this path.

Before settling in Monaco, Isabella spent time in Corsica, working with elite athletes and helping them reconnect with nature through her holistic methods. Her wellness line, developed with partners in France, used local practices and resources. “I’ve always believed that my work should honour the land and its gifts,” she shares. “That’s why I’m excited to announce that the next line will be produced entirely in the Amazon using the rich resources from the forest itself.”

The idea for Isabella’s documentary, “Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia,” came to her in dreams. “I often have strong visions that guide my path,” she says. “The forest speaks to me, and I feel a deep responsibility to share its stories.”

When Isabella and her production team travelled to the Amazon, they adopted a spontaneous and natural creative process— there was no written script. “We let the story reveal itself as we engaged with the environment,” Isabella explains. “It was a powerful experience, allowing the essence of the Amazon to flow through the film.”

Now, Isabella continues to blend her cultural knowledge into her work, guiding others toward wellness and harmony with nature.

Hello Monaco: Can you share a bit about your background and how your upbringing has shaped your journey as a filmmaker and holistic therapist?

Isabella Vieira: Growing up in Brazil, I was surrounded by my family’s deep spiritual connection to the Amazon. My father was a naturopath with deep ancestral wisdom, and he shared his healing knowledge with me, as did my grandparents. They taught me a deep understanding of the earth’s healing gifts, which has shaped my approach to wellness and storytelling.

: What inspired you to move to Monaco, and how has living here influenced your work and personal life?

Isabella: I moved to Monaco to connect with my many clients here. Initially, I found it challenging to be away from nature, but I soon realized the importance of bringing that connection to this beautiful place. I wanted to create a space where wellness and nature could coexist, so I opened my holistic spa and began offering therapies that honour my roots.

: Your documentary, “Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia,” is incredibly powerful. What led you to create this film, and how did your connection with the Huni Kuin people shape its message?

Isabella: This documentary reflects my commitment to sharing the wisdom of the Huni Kuin people. The inspiration came to me in dreams, where I felt a strong calling to convey the importance of the Amazon. My relationship with the Huni Kuin people shaped every aspect of the film, as I wanted to honour their culture and the unique bond they have with the forest.

: While filming in the Amazon rainforest, were there any memorable experiences or challenges that stood out to you?

Isabella: Yes, every moment in the Amazon was memorable. We approached the filming process without a written script, allowing the story to develop naturally. It was beautiful to connect with the landscape and trust our instincts—letting the forest guide us.

: How does your holistic approach to wellness tie into your filmmaking and the themes you explore in your documentary?

Isabella: My holistic approach is all about finding balance and harmony. In both my therapy practice and filmmaking, I encourage people to reconnect with their inner selves and nature. “Nawa Sia” reflects this philosophy, inviting viewers to reflect on their own relationships with the environment.

: You have a wellness line that includes unique products from the Amazon. What makes these products special, and how do they reflect your holistic philosophy?

Isabella: My wellness products are crafted from the amazing gifts sourced from the Amazon. My first line was developed in collaboration with partners in France, using local forest supplies. With the next line, I’m excited that we’ll use materials sourced directly from the Amazon rainforest, reflecting the healing qualities of the forest while honouring indigenous knowledge.

: For readers in Monaco interested in your wellness line, where can they find your products?

Isabella: While our first line sold out quickly, I am hard at work on a new line produced entirely in the Amazon. These will be available online and will feature partnerships with local artisans to ensure we honour their knowledge and the land.

: What do you hope viewers will take away from “Nawa Sia,” particularly regarding the importance of the Amazon and its indigenous cultures?

I sabella: I hope that viewers develop a deeper appreciation for the Amazon and its indigenous cultures. It’s important to understand our interconnectedness with nature and the significance of protecting these sacred lands for future generations.

hoto: Liam Fabre

: Can you talk about any specific messages your documentary delivers about our connection to nature and the need for its protection?

Isabella: “Nawa Sia” highlights that we are stewards of the earth. By honouring our connection to nature and supporting indigenous communities, we can create a more sustainable future. The film serves as a reminder that nature has incredible wisdom and healing potential.

: Looking ahead, do you have any exciting projects or goals you’d like to share with us?

Isabella: Yes, I’m thrilled about expanding my wellness line and continuing to work closely with indigenous communities in the Amazon. My mission is to ensure that every collaboration not only respects but helps preserve their rich cultural heritage while promoting truly sustainable practices.

Right now, I’m working hand in hand with Chief Ninawa to bring a powerful vision to life: the creation of the very first university dedicated to the transmission of ancestral Huni Kuin knowledge. This isn’t just a school—it’s a living sanctuary of wisdom, where elders become teachers

and ancient practices are passed on to the next generations.

We’re also launching an exciting audiovisual training program designed specifically for the youth of the Huni Kuin community. Through this initiative, they’ll gain the tools and skills to become storytellers, filmmakers, and cultural guardians—able to share their worldview with the world, through their own voice and lens. It’s about empowerment, cultural pride, and giving them the stage on which they deserve to shine.

Isabella Vieira’s journey reflects a unique blend of traditional wisdom, holistic healing, and respect for nature. Through her documentary “Nawa Sia – The Secrets of Amazonia,” which had its first screening in Monaco, she highlights the beauty and importance of indigenous cultures and their connection to the environment. As her wellness line focuses on sustainable production in the Amazon, Isabella inspires others to reconnect with nature and embrace its healing power. Her documentary offers a transformative experience for those seeking harmony with themselves and the natural world.

Photo: GIU MONTE-CARLO

THE HEART OF SUMMER: Grace, Health, and the Art of Living Well

Summer in Monaco brings sunshine, energy, and a perfect reminder to prioritize heart health — not just for ourselves, but for those we love. Inspired by Monaco’s first Heart Day held at the Princess Grace Theatre in 2023, this season invites us to embrace prevention over treatment. With heart disease still affecting so many, now is the time to focus on proactive “healthcare” rather than reactive “sickcare.” Let’s make this summer a celebration of vitality, connection, long-term wellness and, of course love.

WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?

Heart disease refers to a variety of conditions that affect the heart — from genetic defects to blood vessel diseases. It can mostly be prevented with healthy lifestyle choic-

es, yet heart disease is the number-one global health threat. Many people don’t realize they have it because they have no symptoms.

The arteries that supply blood to your heart are called the coronary arteries. If your heart’s blood vessels narrow, the amount of blood they supply to your heart may become insufficient to pro -

HelloMonaco is pleased to introduce Susan Tomassini, a licensed nutritionist and co-owner of The Clever Kitchen and Foodwise in Monaco. She contributes a column on healthy lifestyle to give our readers important information on eating well, staying healthy and finding balance in our often-hectic lives. Susan spent over 20 years as a model in Milan and after having children, devoted her life to studying health and nutrition. Her website, Foodwise (www.foodwise.life), offers practical nutrition and lifestyle advice. Through Monaco-based The Clever Kitchen (www.thecleverkitchen. com), Susan offers nutrition workshops with inspirational and realistic ways to stay healthy, featuring healthy recipes based on fresh, seasonal produce and nutrient-dense Superfoods.

Susan Tomassini

vide the oxygen your heart needs. This oxygen deprivation is what causes the type of chest pain called “angina pectoris”. If the coronary arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart become obstructed, the flow of blood is cut off completely and a heart attack can occur, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries and the presence of a clot in the blood vessel are the most common causes of obstruction.

WHO’S AT RISK?

We usually think of heart disease as a disease that affects men, yet it is increasingly an issue for women too. In fact, it’s the number one killer worldwide for both men and women of all races. Aside from excess weight and lack of exercise, less obvious risk factors for developing heart disease include:

w Age —Aging tends to narrow arteries and weaken heart muscle.

w Sex —Men are more at risk, but a women’s risk increases after menopause.

w Family history—Having a parent who developed it at a young age increases your risk.

w Smoking —Nicotine constricts blood vessels and increases the likelihood of heart attacks.

w Poor eating habits —Heart disease is linked to a diet high in animal fat, salt and sugar.

w High blood pressure —Narrows the vessels through which blood flows.

w High blood cholesterol levels —Promotes the formation of plaques and atherosclerosis.

w Diabetes Shares similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.

freepik.com

w Stress —High cortisol levels and unrelieved mental stress damages your arteries.

Unfortunately, the first sign of heart disease may be a life-threatening emergency. Disorders of the cardiovascular system are often far advanced before they show symptoms.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Many different medicines are used to treat heart disease. Usually their purpose is to reduce blood pressure or widen the arteries, but cholesterol-lowering medications are often used too. Sometimes medications like these are necessary—but they all have unpleasant side effects.

KEEPING YOUR HEART HEALTHY NATURALLY

Ahealthy diet and lifestyle can usually provide all the support your heart needs to function properly.

Basically, the aim is to safeguard blood supply to the heart and support energy production within the heart muscle itself.

One of the advantages of living on the French Riviera is that we tend to enjoy a high life expectancy and excellent overall health. This is often attributed to the famous “Mediterranean diet”, based on abundant fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. What makes it even more unique is the addition of olive oil, oily fish and moderate consumption of red wine with meals.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil has antioxidant properties that help reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, boost ‘good’ cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels and lower the formation of plaque build-up in artery walls—all factors which help to keep arteries clear and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Moreover, virgin olive oil contains a plant compound

called oleocanthal, which possesses similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen—but without the side effects. Hence it protects not only against heart disease, but against many other health issues that involve chronic inflammation, such as cancer, diabetes and degenerative diseases.

RED WINE

Another reason to enjoy a daily glass of red wine is because it contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant with disease-fighting and anti-aging properties. Scientists speculate that it might

Try this simple heart-healthy meal — it’s one of my favourites!

TUSCAN WHITE BEAN AND KALE SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small red onion

•2 cloves diced garlic

• 5 cups, kale, cabbage, or spinach

• Pinch Himalayan salt

• Ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 ½ cup vegetable stock

• ¼ cup black or white chia seeds

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme (fresh or dried)

• 500g cannelloni beans, drained

• ¼ cup fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

w Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

w Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

w If using kale or cabbage, remove any hard spines from the softer parts.

w Stir in the kale or cabbage or spinach, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, broth, chia seeds, lemon juice, and rosemary and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered while stirring occasionally until kale is tender, about 5 minutes.

w Add the beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are fully heated, about 3 minutes.

w Stir in the parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve.

Bon Appétit!

even help explain the “French Paradox”— the observation that few people seem to die from heart disease in France, despite relatively high levels of dietary saturated fat and smoking. Resveratrol continues to generate scientific interest primarily for its ability to inhibit cancer, but also for its protective role against age-related diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research shows that it also has protective effects against the ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress responsible for skin damage and premature aging — something to consider when basking in the Riviera sun. Other sources of resveratrol are red grapes, nuts and berries — all locally produced fruits that we eat on a regular basis.

OILY FISH

Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and anchovies are also an integral part of the “Mediterranean diet”. As well as being an excellent source of low-fat protein, these oily fish are also rich in the essential Omega-3 fatty acids needed to help boost our metabolism and burn calories more efficiently. Omega-3 also helps boost fat-burning and reduce insulin levels, resulting in more fat being used as fuel, instead of being stored in the body.

BOTTOM LINE

Keeping your heart healthy includes following a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding excess sugar and saturated fats, along with maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise. And remember: eat oily fish regularly, use olive oil liberally and enjoy red wine wisely — it comes naturally with the Mediterranean lifestyle!

A Regal Stage, A Diva’s Legacy: The Fifth Grand Prix Maria Callas Gala Shines Bright

A night of elegance, emotion, and exceptional artistry unfolded in the heart of Monaco during the 5th edition of the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards. Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, this prestigious event has firmly established itself as an annual highlight in the cultural calendar of the Principality.

This year’s gala, with its noble focus on children, brought together a distinguished crowd for an unforgettable evening at the historic Salle Garnier of the Monte-Carlo Opera. Organized by the event’s visionary President, Ioanna Efthimiou, the celebration was a grand tribute not only to classical music but also to generosity, innovation, and timeless icons.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The 2025 edition was especially poignant, with a moving homage to the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey, who received the Lifetime Achievement Music Award. Her presence graced the stage with emotion and humility, touching every heart in the audience.

The gala was hosted by Greek PR Manager and opera singer George Davlas, whose passion for Maria Callas lit up the room. In addition to guiding the evening with charm, Davlas also delivered a stirring operatic performance, seamlessly blending his role as both presenter and performer.

Serving as this year’s Honorary Ambassador was the striking Greek attorney Theodora Michaloliakou, who took to the stage to present awards to promising young classical talents from around the world— artists who captivated the audience with their remarkable performances.

The festivities spanned two memorable days. It began with an exclusive gourmet dinner at Café de Paris, one of Monaco’s most cherished landmarks. The following evening, April 25, saw the main Gala unfold in tribute to the ultimate diva, Maria Callas. The awards ceremony honoured not only excellence in music but also philanthropic and environmental achievements.

Joining Shirley Bassey among the honorees were Plácido Domingo Jr., son of the legendary tenor; Princess Olimpia Colonna Di Paliano, making a rare and enchanting appearance; philanthropist John Christodoulou; the esteemed humanitarian organization AMADE, founded by Princess Grace of Monaco; ocean advocate Fabien Cousteau; and maritime visionaries Nicolas Sarrut and Vasiliki Grigoratou.

The night culminated in a spellbinding opera concert featuring stars such as Plácido Domingo Jr., Victoria Bulieieva, Elena Kelessidi, Simone Piazzola, Greta Cipriani, Giuseppe Vaccaro, and once again, George Davlas.

MAGICAL MOMENT

Atruly magical moment came when the spirit of Maria Callas was brought back to the stage through

an astonishing AI projection, leaving the audience breathless as the diva appeared to sing once more in the theatre that once echoed with her voice.

The 5th Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards proved to be more than a tribute—it was a celebration of legacy, artistry, and the enduring power of giving. A glittering evening destined to be remembered as one of the most captivating in the history of the event.

Libertex CEO Michael Geiger and CMO Marios Chailis with guests

LIBERTEX’S STYLISH RETURN TO MONACO

High Finance Meets High-Octane Glamour at Monaco

GP’s annual Ultimate F1TM Superyacht Event

Few destinations embody prestige and performance like Monaco during Grand PrixTM weekend. In 2025, Libertex made a dazzling return to this legendary locale, co-hosting once again the Ultimate F1TM Superyacht Party and reaffirming its position at the crossroads of global influence, innovation, and elite motorsport.

CRUISING INTO A WEEKEND OF DISTINCTION

At the heart of this year’s Superyacht event was the breathtaking McLaren Solus GT — a trackonly hypercar, one of only 25 in the world, with a futuristic silhouette and bearing bold Libertex branding. Poised on the deck of Sarastar, a 60-metre superyacht anchored in Port Hercules, the car captivated guests against a backdrop of panoramic race views and Riviera glamour.

The event was co-hosted with luxury lifestyle entrepreneur and influencer Tom Claeren, whose refined aesthetic and influential network brought an added layer of elegance and energy. This year’s affair raised the bar even higher, following the success of the 2024 edition, where a Libertex-branded Bugatti Chiron stole the spotlight aboard Seven Sins.

F1TM

MEETS FINTECH: THE KICK SAUBER F1TM TEAM PARTNERSHIP

Adefining moment of the weekend was the celebration of Libertex’s newly announced multiyear partnership with the KICK Sauber F1TM Team. Now serving as the team’s Official Online Trading Partner, Libertex will feature prominently on both the race cars and drivers’ gear throughout the season — a clear statement of the ambition, precision, and forward-

Crédits : Tom Claeren Productions

Libertex CMO Marios Chailis and Tom Claeren with Kick Sauber F1тм Team drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto

thinking performance that both entities share.

Following Saturday’s qualifiers, F1TM drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, along with senior team executives, joined guests aboard Sarastar. Their presence added a palpable sense of excitement, as they mingled freely, shared racing insights, and posed for photos with attendees.

“At Libertex, we believe in the power of partnerships that embody both performance and prestige,” said Marios Chailis, Chief Marketing Officer of Libertex Group. “Teaming up once again with Tom Claeren, and now collaborating with KICK Sauber F1TM Team, reflects our commitment to trusted, forward-thinking partnerships. Monaco, with its natural elegance and edge, is the ideal stage.”

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Founded in 1997, Libertex has built a reputation as a reliable and awardwinning name in the financial technology space. The company offers access to a wide range of products across multiple asset classes and is known for its user-focused innovation, regulatory transparency, and global footprint. Its excellence has been recognised with over 45 international awards — most recently the 2025 FinTech Breakthrough Award for “Best Online Trading Platform.”

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER

The Ultimate F1TM Superyacht Party was more than an event — it was a multisensory journey through the worlds of speed, sophistication, and

strategy. Guests were treated to gourmet cuisine from world-class chefs, bespoke cocktails, and captivating live performances. The atmosphere was as dynamic as it was elegant, drawing an exclusive guest list of investors, celebrities, influencers, and motorsport insiders.

From the striking presence of the McLaren Solus GT to the bespoke experiences curated aboard Sarastar, the evening exemplified the Libertex ethos: a dedication to excellence, a passion for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to curating exceptional moments.

As Libertex continues to expand its presence through world-class partnerships and iconic events, it is shaping a brand identity rooted in performance, prestige, and modern luxury — a name increasingly associated with the world’s most celebrated stages.

Libertex CMO Marios Chailis and guest

THE FIRST UK EDITION OF THE GRAND BALL OF PRINCES AND PRINCESSES

London witnessed the magnificence and sumptuousness of one of Monaco’s most majestic events: “The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses”, solemnly inaugurated by the Royal British Army Orchestra of the Grenadier Guards.

An acclaimed success for the first UK edition of The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses, which delighted 150 participants at the iconic Dorchester. At the end of an unforgettable evening, the guests discovered the magic of royalty and were transported into the world of fairy tales.

Glamour, amazing decorations and a dreamy atmosphere have made the Ball a particularly refined setting for London. The event took place in one of the most beautiful British heritage establishments which had been transformed for the occasion into a princely palace. At the close of an unforgettable gathering, glittering with the most glamorous of personages, the guests

of The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses, who were swept up in the magic of MonteCarlo, returned to reality after a phantasmagorical affair.

The majestic and elegant Princely Ball was a night to remember for the acclaimed guests. Entertainment was in abundance for all the esteemed guests with something to delight everyone. The performers were chosen as being some of the best at their chosen profession to put on a truly wonderful show. Fashion added to the magical feel of the night with luxurious gowns, lavish accessories and handsome suits. All in a princely fairytale atmosphere. The distinguished guests, present at the event came from all over the world to pay tribute to the elegance and memory of the balls of Grace Kelly.

An ideal setting took the guests to an imaginary and distant land for a few hours and the starred gourmet cuisine enchanted them with a refined menu which immersed them for a night in the atmosphere of Monaco, where luxury and refinement are the order of the day. Other senses were tantalized with music, dance and a spectacular show into the night.

Celebrities, elite business people, high profile politicians and members of royal houses were part of this memorable event, that glorified culture, art, and romance. They discovered the magnificent performance of a true artistic production involving more than 100 artists, opened by the Royal British Army Orchestra of the Grenadier Guards and continued with opera and variety singers, performers, instrumentalists, champions of artistic dances, a national dance company as well as international ballet stars.

Guests were transported to a magical world thanks to the artistic direction of the opera singer and UNICEF ambassador Delia Grace Noble. Together with International partners (Rimova, Bloomsbury Flowers, April Black Diamond, G&G Party Service and Micallef), she imagined an evening dedicated to the Principality of Monaco, with decoration, colours, music, dance and culture.

The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo will continue to spread sparkling glamour in other magical places in the world. Next destinations of this royal story in 2025 are Capri Island, Romania, Monaco and Egypt.

See you on July 19th at Jumeirah Capri Palace, for the “La Dolce Vita” edition of The Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses!

noblemontecarlo.mc +377 6079 34575

© Noble Monte-Carlo

© Noble Monte-Carlo

Monaco is entering a vibrant season, with each month bringing new expe riences and fresh sources of in spiration. A series of remarkable events will unfold across the Principality this summer and autumn. Set against the backdrop of Monaco’s pictu resque landscapes, the programme will combine environmental innovation, prestigious cultural exhibitions, openair musical evenings under the stars, and iconic sporting events. It will once again affirm Monaco’s status as a magnet for those who value style, pro gress, and inspiration.

Monte-Carlo Summer Festival

July 5 – August 15

The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025 is set to deliver an extraordinary lineup, blending rock, pop, and, for the first time, electronic music, catering to a diverse audience. Under the artistic direction of Alfonso Ciulla, this year’s festival promises unforgettable performances from both legendary and contemporary artists. The festival opens with a heartfelt tribute to Jean-Jacques Goldman by the Goldmen, supporting the Fight Aids Monaco initiative. In a festival first, electronic music

pioneer Paul Kalkbrenner will bring his hypnotic techno beats to the Salle des Etoiles, creating a new synergy with the adjacent Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo club. The festival introduces ten special dates dedicated to the golden age of soul, featuring the Motown All-Stars, bridging musical heritage and contemporary revival. These performances will take place on: July 30 & 31 / August 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.

https://www.montecarlosbm.com/

Art Monte-Carlo

The Art Monte-Carlo’s 2025 edition will take place from the 7th to the 9th of July at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. This year, Art Monte-Carlo will present as usual a very exclusive and original format with a selection of prestigious contemporary galleries. A multidisciplinary platform, the fair will be punctuated by a programme of talks led by passionate collectors and market professionals. Pierre Yovanovitch, guest of honour

July 7–9

at Art Monte-Carlo, presents “Bleu Méditerranée”, an immersive scenography blending furniture and contemporary art. The event will bring together Monegasque and international modern and contemporary art galleries. Art Monte-Carlo is a leading artistic platform for contemporary art, modern art and design.

www.artmontecarlo.ch

© Centre Pompidou,

© Jasper Johns / Adagp, Paris, 2025

Monaco Art Week

July 7–12

Monaco Art Week will take place from the 7th to 12th July 2025, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. For this edition, the members are delighted to welcome H.R.H. Princess Alexandra of Hanover as their patron. Galleries, auction houses and art lovers are joining forces to offer the public an artistic journey through some of the Principality’s most emblematic districts. This tour, punctuated by exhibitions, lectures and meetings with artists, will highlight the diversity of practices

and periods. Sculpture, painting and fine jewellery will be represented, with works ranging from ancient to modern and contemporary art. Monaco Art Week brings together 15 participants: Artcurial; Christie’s; collect|mc; Hauser & Wirth; HOFA; Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo; Kamil Art Gallery; Elisabeth Lillo-Renner; Moretti Fine Art; Opera Gallery; Almine Rech; Galerie Adriano Ribolzi; Sotheby’s; Teos Gallery Monte-Carlo; M.F. Toninelli Art Moderne.

https://www.monaco-artweek.com

Exhibition “Colours! The masterpieces of the Centre Georges-Pompidou”

July 8 – August 31

This summer, the Grimaldi Forum will host “Colours, the masterpieces of the Centre Georges-Pompidou”, which will be the first exhibition outside the centre. It is an exhibition dedicated to a modern history of colour through some of the greatest masterpieces of the 20th century. About 125 pieces, including 60 known masterpieces will celebrate the great artists. Curated by Didier Ottinger, Deputy Director of the Musée National d’Art Moderne, the exhibition will feature over a hundred works, including paintings by some thirty major artists — from Sonia Delaunay to Jean-Michel Basquiat, via Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse, and Vassily Kandinsky. The upcoming exhibition has been described as “multi-sensory”, with an original and inventive scenography. .

https://www.grimaldiforum.com/

Exhibition “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies”

July 11 – August 31

An unprecedented exhibition exploring links between the Principality and the Napoleons is coming to the Grimaldi Forum this summer. “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies,” will be on display from July 11 to August 31, 2025. Held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the event will unveil deep and unique ties between the Principality and the First and Second Napoleonic Empires for the very first time. Louis Ducruet, who is actively involved in promoting Monegasque historical heritage, will serve as the exhibition’s ambassador. Through a precious selection of artworks, documents, and objects, visitors will be invited to explore the many facets of this little-known historical relationship, thanks to rigorous research by three curators. Stories of when Emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III, as well as Empresses Joséphine and Eugénie crossed paths with the Grimaldi dynasty will be unveiled. A ma -

jor highlight of the exhibition will be exceptional contributions from the private collection of David and Mikhail Iakobachvili.

https://www.grimaldiforum.com/

Jasper Johns. Figure 5, 1960

Herculis EBS, Monaco Wanda Diamond League

The Monaco Red Cross Ball

July 12

The Red Cross Ball will be the undeniable peak of the summer season in Monaco. One of the most influential charity gala evenings in the world unites the international elite, cultural personalities and superstars, in the prestigious Salle des Étoiles, Monte-Carlo Sporting. The solemn opening of the event from year to year is traditionally given by the Princely couple. Traditionally, the event also includes a superstar. This year the rebellious spirit of British punk and rock icon Billy Idol will be honoured at the Monaco Red Cross Gala.

https://www.croix-rouge.mc/en/

July 11

Herculis EBS 2025 meeting will take place on July 11. Fans can buy their tickets and rediscover the world athletic elite at Stade Louis II. The program for the 2025 meeting is already rich, and it’s clear that the middledistance events will be closely watched once again this year! It is already known that the reigning Olympic champion and pole vault phenomenon, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, will once again grace the Stade Louis II, promising a spectacle Monaco won’t soon forget. We can expect some additional events and numerous animations to be added as every year.

https://monaco.diamondleague.com

The 20th anniversary of

the reign of HSH Prince Albert

TII of Monaco

July 19

he Prince’s Palace has announced that a special reception will be held on Saturday, 19 July 2025, to mark the 20th anniversary of the reign of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Initiated by the Sovereign himself, the event will honour two decades of dedication to the Principality. On this occasion, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene will welcome Monegasque citizens to a cocktail reception on the Palace Square, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Details regarding access and participation will be announced at a later date. This celebration promises to be a significant moment of unity, reflecting the deep bond between the Prince and the people of Monaco.

© Matthew Quine

© La Croix-Rouge de Monaco

Photo: Valentin Bréton for Hello Monaco

The Grand Ball Of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo

July 19

The glamorous Grand Ball Of Princes and Princesses Monte Carlo is to be held in the striking Jumeirah Capri Palace, luxury exclusive venue, delightfully located on the Capri Island. Luxury and Mediterranean style are the inspiration and driving philosophy at the iconic Jumeirah Capri Palace, one of the most recognized symbols of elegant island hospitality in the world, which embodies the ideal of Dolce Vita and where innumerable European jet-setters have hung their hats for who knows how many decades! The stunning sea views and throwback Roman Empire elegance of Capri Palace are chief among its charms. Whitewashed architecture and impeccably manicured gardens lend an aristocratic air, and the accommodations are fit for royalty.

http://www.noblemontecarlo.mc/

Ladies Rally of Vintage Cars

September 7

TMonaco Business

September 18

Mhttps://www.childcaremonaco.com

his is a charity event organized by Child CARE Monaco to raise funds for underprivileged children in India, to give them the possibility to go to school. This year our dress code theme is “French Riviera - Chic & Glamour”. Ladies meet for breakfast and the distribution and discovery of the road book governing the route of the Rally. During that glamorous day, there will be around 20 different nationalities present to share a nice moment and to meet new people as well as to support a great cause. The Ladies Vintage Cars Rally starts in Monaco and ends in Monaco.

https://www.childcaremonaco.com/en-gb/ladies-rally-fundraising

onaco Business 2025 which will be held on September 18, is the trade fair devoted to businesses. The Principality’s B2B event brings together Monegasque entrepreneurs to enable them to exchange ideas, while presenting visitors with Monaco’s economic specificities. For one day, this meeting analyzes the current challenges in the field of economics, and gives the means to businessmen to increase their success.

http://monacobusinessexpo.com

art3f Monaco

September 19–21

The new edition of art3f, the international contemporary art fair will be held from 19 to 21 of September 2025, in Chapiteau de Fontvieille. art3f is a new approach to traditional contemporary art fairs, bringing a human warmth to these cultural events. art3f is an expertly concocted blend of popular, accessible art and the very finest artistic representation of the moment. The perfect way to discover great art with the whole family.

https://www.art3f.fr/monaco/

Monaco Yacht Show

September 24–27

In September, the yachting industry turns its focus exclusively on the Monaco Yacht Show where forty or so new launches are annually unveiled in a worldwide debut. Hundreds of exhibiting companies and partners participate in the growing success of the MYS. Monaco provides the ultimate showcase for industry influencers from the most reputable superyacht builders, award winning yacht designers, luxury suppliers, influential brokerage houses to the most soughtafter water toys, prestige cars, helicopter and private jet manufacturers. Beginning with the 2025 edition, MYS will ensure that innovations with stronger eco-responsibility are seamlessly integrated across the event, reflecting the industry’s increasing commitment to a more sustainable future. The MYS is reinforcing its role as a key platform for industry progress with the launch of Blue Wake, a new initiative that will enhance the visibility of more environmentally sustainable solutions throughout the show. From 24 to 27 of September, more exclusive superyachts built by the world’s largest shipyards will be exhibited in Port Hercule.

https://monacoyachtshow.com/en/

LUXE PACK MONACO

September 29 – October 1

Following the parade of luxury yachts, the Principality of Monaco is welcoming the key players from the packaging industry, specializing in original and high quality packaging. In October, the Grimaldi Forum will thus become an international venue bringing together

creative and innovative packaging solutions called LUXE PACK MONACO. As always well-qualified delegates will present their prospective partners with numerous packaging development projects, all in a positive working atmosphere and with numerous conferences and workshops. This

https://www.luxepackmonaco.com/

annual event offers industry professionals a selection of exhibitions, conferences and workshops focused on the latest packaging trends. The event is open to professionals only.

https://www.luxepackmonaco.com/

Pink Ribbon Monaco October 11

The Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala, taking place on Saturday, 11 October 2025 in the luxurious Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris in MonteCarlo, is an elegant event held under the honorary patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlène. This prestigious evening aims to combine philanthropy with sophistication, raising vital funds to support breast cancer research and awareness, in partnership with leading luxury brands. The programme includes a red carpet arrival, a gourmet dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, artistic performances, an exclusive charity auction, and musical entertainment featuring international artists. All proceeds will be directed towards early screening programmes and research initiatives conducted in Monaco, further reinforcing the Gala’s commitment to women’s health.

Sportel October 19–21

Monaco National Day

Monaco National Day is traditionally celebrated on November 19 and is the principal day of the year for the residents of the Principality to demonstrate their commitment to the state and the Prince. In addition, it is the day of the commemoration of the independence of the Principality, a holiday that was celebrated for the first time on May 16, 1734 under Prince Honoré III. A little more than a century later, Prince Charles III changed the date of the celebration to 4th November. However, the current Prince of Monaco Albert II decided to make this day also a Memorial Day to his father Rainier III and postponed the date to the 19th of November. You have an important opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to the Principality of Monaco on this special day!

Sportel Awards is meeting you this year from October 19 to 21 and will once again offer you a program of public events rich in screenings, meetings, exclusive conferences, always in the presence of numerous champions. The Sportel Awards ceremony will close these 3 days of festivities and will honour the most beautiful images from the world of sport in this year. Sportel Awards is also an opportunity for sports fans to experience unique moments with renowned elite sporting champions. This year’s poster, the artistic creation by Aurely Antzemberger, brilliantly illustrates the diversity of sport through a single silhouette in motion—breaking boundaries and symbolizing the pursuit of excellence. With water splashing across the poster, there’s a nod to the Olympic swimming feats of the most recent Games. Created in 1990 on the initiative of Georges Bertellotti, Monegasque journalist and passionate sportsman, and placed under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, Sportel Awards is an international competition which rewards the best sporting sequences but also exclusive meetings between sports fans and renowned sports personalities.

https://www.sportelawards.com/en

November

19

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène with their children at the 2024 Monaco National Day

Cannes Film festival red carpet 2025

The «Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning» team. From left to right: Greg Tarzan Davis, Hayley Atwell, Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff, Simon Pegg, Christopher McQuarrie

Eva Longoria and F1TM star Carlos Sainz Jr.

Emma Stone and Austin Butler

Quentin Tarantino and wife Daniella Pick

Bella Hadid

Tom Cruise

Robert De Niro and partner Tiffany Chen

Elsa Hosk in a vintage Mugler gown

Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Lawrence, director Lynne Ramsay, and LaKeith Stanfield

Denzel Washington with A$AP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Spike Lee

A$AP Rocky Alessandra Ambrosio in emerald Zuhair Murad

Naomi Campbell and Edward Enninful

Denzel Washington

Diane Kruger in Dolce & Gabbana

Irina Shayk in a polka-dot

Armani Privé gown

Andie MacDowell

Barbara Palvin

in a feathered

Miu Miu gown

Chopard Gala during Cannes Film festival

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport Hangar 16

May 19, 2025

All photos by Yaro T. Instagram @monacophotograperr

Izabel Goulart

Helena Christensen

Toni Garrn

James Franco

Eva Herzigová

Katya and Olga Taran

and

Caroline Scheufele, Artistic Director

Co-President of Chopard, posed with Eva Herzigová, Helena Christensen, Shanina Shaik, and fellow models who walked in her dazzling fashion show during the Chopard “Universe” gala

Katya Taran, Xavier Fuller (director of Chopard Monaco) and Olga Taran

Halle Berry

Olga Taran, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Katya Taran

Shanina Shaik

Carla Bruni

Travis Scott took over Lilly’s Club Monte Carlo on May 24, 2025 — an unforgettable night of Grand PrixTM glamour and high-energy elegance. All photos by Yaro T. Instagram @monacophotograperr

19 Galerie Charles III Avenue de la Madone In the Golden Square

LA VILLA

COLLECTION N°5

COLLIER ETERNAL N°5 EN OR BLANC ET DIAMANTS.