For those wanting a rich and enlightening activity in Monaco, then look up towards the Jardin Exotique, where prehistoric Monaco can be discovered.
Here you’ll find the “grotte du Jardin exotique” (cave) and the Prehistoric Anthropology Museum, Monaco’s oldest museum, which traces the country’s first inhabitants.
Prince Albert I of Monaco, the great-great-grandfather of the current Sovereign, was a promoter of oceans and science, but he was also fond of archaeology. The Prince founded the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (MAP) in 1902 “with a view to conserve the relics of primitive humanity excavated in the Principality and neighbouring regions”.
For many years, the Prince had sensed the potential of the “Observatory Cave” to the northwest but it wasn’t until 1916 (five years after he introduced the constitution to the Principality) that a construction project revealed archaeological vestiges. Over the following four years, Canon Léonce de Villeneuve, the first Director of the Prehistoric Anthropology Museum in Monaco, oversaw excavations. (The Anthropology Museum moved to its current home at 56 bis boulevard du Jardin Exotique in 1959.)
In 1952, Louis Barral, a former museum director and lexicographer (he co-authored the Monégasque–French Dictionary in 1983), created the Association monégasque de Préhistoire. Today the Monaco Prehistory Association exists under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, and its current President, Patrick Simon, along with General Secretary Elena Notter, lead the association’s mission to promote research and education in prehistoric science – quaternary geology, paleoanthropology, archaeology, palaeontology and physical science dating.
Across the year, various events, including exhibition previews and special guided visits are held for members, and when weather permits getting together on the Museum terrace with breathtaking views of the Rock.
Terrace view. Photo: Gabrielle Darricarrere
In spring and winter, outdoor visits and discovery walks with a special archaeological and anthropological focus are regularly organised in the region, like at the Balzi Rossi Caves in the village of Grimaldi in Ventimiglia.
Members also have the opportunity to take part in Monegasque cultural and scientific heritage workshops, for 6 to 10 people, which take place in MAP’s research laboratories. These workshops, like all of the association’s events, are included in the annual membership fee: a very modest €20.
The Monaco Prehistory Association also puts on fascinating conferences by international researchers and professors, who come specifically to the Principality to share their scientific discoveries.
Dr Noisette Bec Drelon, from Aix-Marseille University, will be the next guest speaker on Friday, March 9, at 6 pm, when she will discuss European dolmens or sacred tombs. Entry is free but reservation is required (+377 98 98 80 06).
As you can see, the Association monégasque de Préhistoire provides a backstory to Monaco that you won’t find in a travel book. For more on membership, see map-mc.org.
Monaco Insider, Gabrielle Darricarrere, is Editor of Riviera Quality Life, which provides information in French about the region. See rivieraqualitylife.com or facebook.com/RivieraQualityLife. Article first published on March 1, 2018.
From March 6, the town hall’s Social Action Service will be offering the services of a public writer to help over-60s – Monegasques and residents of the Principality, as well as retired municipal staff – experiencing difficulties with administrative procedures.
This new free service “SOS Administratif” will include help with understanding documents (letters, forms, contracts, invoices …) and drafting personal or administrative short documents.
In addition, an explanation of the “administrative machinery” and support and assistance for difficulties encountered when making appointments with experts will be provided.
The SOS Administratif service, overseen by the Social and Family Economics Counsellor, will be available every Tuesday between 9 am and noon at the Social Action Service (Service d’Actions Sociales) at the mairie.
No appointment is necessary and the service is totally free. More info on +377) 93 15 28 83 or at unitesociale@mairie.mc
Article first published March 3, 2018.
HGTV still casting for new Mediterranean Life TV show
HGTV is still casting for Mediterranean Life, a new HGTV show set on the Mediterranean coast of Europe.
Similar to House Hunters International, Mexico Life and Caribbean Life, Mediterranean Life will tell the stories of English native speaking families/couples/individuals who’ve started their new life in Mediterranean Europe and are renting or buying a property here.
The satellite television channel is looking for energetic people who are in love with the Mediterranean lifestyle and searching for a new home by the Mediterranean Sea.
Anyone interested in being on the show should send an email with their story to mediterraneanlifecasting@tvn.pl. Make sure to include: your email, your name, phone number, location and a photo of you and your family.
HGTV, which reaches over 40 million households in the US and accessible in 70 countries, is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, “a leading developer of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the internet and emerging platforms”.
SNI’s lifestyle portfolio includes the popular television and internet brands DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively engage more than 190 million consumers each month.
The company’s global networks and websites reach millions of consumers across North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia the Middle East and Africa.
International operations include TVN, Poland’s premier multi-platform company; UKTV, an independent commercial joint venture with BBC Worldwide; Asian Food Channel, the first pan-regional TV food network in Asia; and lifestyle channel Fine Living Network.
Lewis Gilbert, who directed three James Bond films – You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Moonraker – died in Monaco on February 23, at the age of 97.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli confirmed Gilbert’s death in a statement. “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend Lewis Gilbert.
“Lewis was a true gentleman. He made an enormous contribution to the British film industry as well as the Bond films … His films are not only loved by us but are considered classics within the series. He will be sorely missed.”
Speaking to the BBC, the director’s son, John Gilbert, said his father “died peacefully in his sleep”.
Born in Hackney, Gilbert directed more than 40 films and was also a prolific writer and producer. He won two BAFTAs, for Reach for the Sky (1956) and Educating Rita (1983). His 1966 film Alfie was nominated for numerous Academy Awards.
In 1997 Gilbert was appointed a CBE for his achievements in film, and five years later directed his final picture, Before You Go (2002) with Dermot Crowley (Major Kamp in the 1983 Bond film Octopussy) in one of the roles.
In his autobiography, All My Flashbacks, published in 2010, he said that The Spy Who Loved Me was the high point of his career.
Monaco resident Steven Saltzman, son of Harry Saltzman, told Monaco Life: ”The Bond family in Monaco weeps again, less than a year after the passing of Sir Roger Moore, at the news of Lewis Gilbert CBE’s death last Friday.”
The co-founder of Top Marques Monaco added, “Lewis was the director who took James Bond to Japan in You Only Live Twice with a script penned by Roald Dahl, which gave the world the first real views Japan after WWII. We saw Sumo wrestlers, Japanese Supercars and extraordinary gyro Little Nellie! His direction and reveal of Donald Pleasence as Blofeld is a Bond masterclass in menace.
“Hilary and I send our condolences to his family.”
The funeral for Lewis Gilbert, who had lived in Monaco since 1975, is expected to take place next week in Monaco.
Gilbert’s death comes less than a year after Monaco resident and iconic James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore died in May of last year, after a short battle with cancer. He was 89 years old.
I’m back! Your ever on the scene Style Editor and I have been BUSY! Milan Fashion Week is finally over which means a much-needed full night of sleep is in my immediate future but not before I catch you up on what happened during this week of fashion shows, celebrity-studded front rows and late-night after-parties.
On the night before the shows began, Moncler unveiled their much awaited “Genius Building”, a space to house collaborating designers whose collections will be available for purchase every month beginning this summer. A slew of international influencers and celebrities – supermodel Naomi Campbell, Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown, Instagram stars Caroline Daur and Toni Mahfud and singer Justine Skye – were on hand for the inaugural private gala dinner in a gorgeous historic library. This was followed by a late night after-party at Apophis Club where Naomi Campbell danced the night way with hot young DJ, Argentina’s Babygirl spinning in the console.
Photo: Instagram iamnaomicampbell
Day 1 The highlight for me was Gucci, who transformed its show into a hospital operating theatre where models walked down the runway carrying baby dragons, lizards and replicas of their own heads. The collection, of course, was amazing because the designer Alessandro Michele is a genius.
Photo: Instagram Gucci
On the Moschino runway, Jeremy Scott gave us a Jackie O-inspired collection with Kaia Gerber (Cindy Crawford’s daughter) opening the show. The Moschino after-party – with its open bar of Ciroc vodka and performance by Italian rapper Sfera Ebbasta – knocked out till the next afternoon.
Day 2 All I cared about on Day 2 was Fendi and Prada. Fendi collaborated with Instagram artist REILLY, known for his satirical pop culture collages, for a Fendi-Fila mashup that had everyone talking. Prada unveiled a new show space, the 8-storey Fondazione Prada Tower, where outside large neon Prada signs lit up the dark night while Miuccia proposed a fluo-coloured freedom for women to feel safer without being bothered on such nights. I ended day 2 in bed with Netflix; my liver in an open rebellion against me.
Photo: Instagram Prada
Day 3 Only had one name worth space in this piece and that name is Versace. Technicolor and tartan are on the books for next fall: who’s ready for their Cher Horowitz from Clueless moment? Side night I discovered an interesting little brand called Mua Mua Dolls, they had me at sequin covered trench coats and sparkling dresses emblazoned with “Too glam to give a damn” and “Think rich look poor”. It’s eco-friendly and they are promoting an initiative to keep plastic out of the ocean. I’m already looking forward to their upcoming menswear.
(Stylist Marco Ferra and rapper Gordon Ranzy wearing Mua Mua at the presentation. Photo: Instagram
I started another long night out with a stop to check out shoe brand VFTS at their event followed by La Martina’s polo party with a guest performance by Ne-Yo. The flashbacks to high school were in full .
Day 4 Giorgio Armani staged a show, which, in his own words, was an “ode to coexistence”. Berets are still in fashion for another season. Over at Paul Andrew’s debut collection for Ferragamo, Big Little Lies star Shailene Woodley and Black Panther star Danai Gurira made a front row appearance. Comfort and tonal looks are what’s in store for the Ferragamo customer this fall. Over at Missoni, Angela Missoni was in the mood for easy luxury, nothing too fussy but still sophisticated and a bit kooky. On my way home from the shows, I stumbled upon the pop-up store for shoe brand Giannico, the brainchild of Nicolo Beretta that lit up the street with a glow from the pink splashed interior.
Over on Via della Spiga, another shoe brand feted their new collaboration collection with architect Jean-Marie Massaud transforming their downstairs space into a nightclub with lasers, hip hop, free flowing Dom Perignon and Krug and caviar. Aigner Munich celebrated their new store opening with a huge party DJed by Matteo Ceccarini filled with IT girls such as Veronica Ferraro and Catherine Poulain.
What everybody was talking about, however, was fashion icon Anna Dello Russo’s party in a palazzo that had been transformed on Corso di Porta Romana where she auctioned off her iconic wardrobe, starting with a catwalk that featured the Who’s Who of social media glitterati followed by an over-th- top sit down dinner and dance party.
Anna Dello Russo. Photo: Instagram Tatler Magazine
As famous faces and boldface names left the unforgettable evening, the night raged on with more partying at VOLT club, where Giovanna Battaglia and Peter Dundas danced on tables. I made my way out because by that point, I’d fallen down and shattered my iPhone and probably kneecap (thanks you vodka). I passed Luka Sabbat on the stairs, we took a selfie. As I got into the car it started snowing.
Day 5 On the last day (FINALLY), on 4 hours of sleep, I dragged myself to the Stella Jean show where she had me shaken with her heavily streetwear-influenced collection, something I didn’t expect would be in her repertoire but it was cute. At the Dolce & Gabbana show, drones flew purses around a show that was dedicated to love. In typical Dolce fashion, their was religious iconography, crowns, looks that veered towards carnival, and slogan T-shirts that will be a hit on Instagram.
Clearly Stefano and Domenico know what they are doing. For the year ending March 2017, the brand recorded revenues of €1.3 billion.
Photo: Instagram bazaaruk
The last show of fashion week was the much awaited and publicised Tommy Hilfiger extravaganza, the last part of his collaboration with model Gigi Hadid. The collection was shopped live during the show, as well as bought on sight. The venue was transformed into a huge race track with Formula 1 cars … complete with Lewis Hamilton. The front rows were packed with celebrities, I can’t even begin to go down the list, it was outrageous. Backstage (thanks Riccardo Corti) the likes of Hailey Baldwin ran around posing for pictures, Youtube sensation Cameron Dallas jumped around, Lewis Hamilton and Tommy Hilfiger chatted, Golden Barbie pranced around. It was a scene. I ate some couscous in the corner.
Photo Instagram Gigi Hadid
Before all that happened, I swung by Larusmiani where they were toasting their collaboration with Attico, a sumptuous and excessive brand headed by IT girls Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini, it was a decadent little affair, champagne and gourmet popcorn, ostrich feathers and diamonds.
Just down the street Roberto Cavalli was having a little do for their eyewear line. Some day I need to calculate how many glasses of champagne I drink in one day during fashion week.
Later that night Fiat heir Lapo Elkann threw a party for his sunglasses brand, Italia Independent, and to cap off a long week Italian model and television personality Andrea Marcaccini had a very, very, very late night party at Volt for his brand. I don’t remember how I got home.
On the occasion of the 60th birthday of Prince Albert II, a multi-sensory show will be offered to Monegasques at the Cathedral of Monaco.
Presented in the form of five tableaux evoking alternately Earth, Water, Fire, Air and the Celestial, “Elements” has been conceived as a 30-minute sensory show immersing viewers in a succession of reconstructed environments projected onto the interior of the Cathedral.
With the Grand Organ as the centrepiece, acting as the guiding thread of illustration, all the musical entities of the Principality will be represented: the Petits Chanteurs, the Monte-Carlo Opera Choir and the singers of its International Professional Training Artist-Choir, the Monaco Brass formation from the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Children’s Choir from the Rainier III Music Academy, the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra, the Monoïkos Quartet and finally, a group of ten solo singers present especially for the occasion.
In total, some 150 professional musicians and singers of world renown, attached to the Principality and its service for many years, will take part in the settings of music images projected on the pillars, arches and walls of the Cathedral.
“Elements” will take place on Wednesday, March 14, at 8:30 pm and again at 9:45 pm. Tickets can be collected at the Monaco Town Hall, from March 1 to March 7, 8:30 am to 4 pm, on presentation of a Monaco identity card. Places limited.
