As a next step in the digital transition of Monaco, Monegasque companies can now switch to the “dematerialised salary slip” – an electronic version of the standard pay slip.
Private sector companies in Monaco currently generate 620,000 payslips per annum. By changing over to an electronic salary payment system, companies can save paper, ink, space and time, and therefore money, as paper pay stubs cost roughly threefold that of the digital versions.
The digital payslips will include identical information and have the same retention period as paper versions and are touted as being a safe, as well as environmentally-friendly, option. Employee rights are protected, as the slips will be tranferred in a confidential and secure way. The e-salary notices will be certified by a stamp or electronic signature giving them equal legality as the paper ones.
For the time being, the switch to digital is not compulsory. Each company may choose whether they want to go this route, and conversely, each employee may decide to retain the paper option or to go electronic. Both parties are free to revert or change at any time.
The changeover gives companies a triple bonus of modernity, economy and ecology. By making a New Year’s resolution to change to digital now, the participating companies and employees will be taking leading roles in the inevitable total transition to electronic systems being implemented by the Principality.
As of now, state employees and civil servants do not have the option to switch, though the government has stated this will be forthcoming in a second step in the near future.
Already obtainbalbe under the digital transition are forms and old documents, and more recently online payments for parking and requests for civil status acts have become available.
By mid-December of 2019, Nice saw 14 million passengers travel through Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, a giant leap of 4.7% on the previous year.
For the 8th consecutive year running, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport has seen records on the previous years’ passenger traffic smashed, reaffirming its vaunted spot as France’s second airport and paving the way for the justification of future growth.
Only one year after seeing the 13 million mark barrier broken, translating to more than one million visitors or travellers per month, the airport expects growth to continue into 2020.
Whilst passenger numbers climb, less aircraft came and went from the airport. The contradiction is easily explained in that airlines now have extraordinary capabilities to fill planes, especially during peak summer months, to 99% capacity – great news for airlines, bad news for travellers who already feel the conditions for civilised air travel diminishing.
The environment is a winner though, as less air traffic means less pollution. Couple this with the use of more modern and lower polluting aircraft, and the ecological impact could be significant to the region over time.
New direct routes to popular long-haul destinations such as New York and Beijing have also created more interest in the airport, as have the 12 new connecting flights introduced last winter. The number of direct flights into and out of the airport now stands at 117.
This dramatic rise in traffic of course is impetus for the powers that be to finally grant the long asked for expansion of Nice Côte d’Azur.
As of the end of 2019, the Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes had granted authorisation to expand Terminal 2, adding more than 25,000m2 of floor space to the existing space, under the stipulations that they take into account the potential noise pollution and the integration of the aesthetics of the new plan. Thus, the airport will be equipped to accommodate four million additional passengers by 2022, roughly 18 million total per year.
The archaeological site under the Exotic Garden, the Observation Cave, will be closed to the public indefinitely due to security works.
At the bottom of the Exotic Garden’s cliff, the Observation Cave – named because of the former presence of a little astronomic observatory – opens an underground cavity specially equipped for visits.
The limestone rock, dug by water full of carbonic gas, is sprinkled with ornate caverns: stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, columns, spaghettis… it has been a hit with tourists for many years now.
Normally, specialists conduct guided tours of the cave, which goes almost so far as sea level and is often studied by local speleologists.
Bone fragments of the animals consumed by prehistoric men here are just some of the exciting finds in the caves.
But due to security works, the Monaco City Council has announced that the Observation Cave will be closed indefinitely. The Exotic Garden and the shop remain open.
Everything you need to know about the Circus Festival
The Principality is transformed each January into the circus capital of the world with a series of big top related events and exhibitions for both the young and young-at-heart to enjoy.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is back celebrating its 44th year in the Principality from 16th to 26th January. This year, horses will be spotlighted as the horsemen from the Swiss National Circus Knie will present their steeds to the audience, leaving them in awe and respect for these noble creatures.
Of course, a circus wouldn’t be a circus without hilarious clowns, amazing acrobats and a myriad of other international acts, including a flying plate act from China, all culminating in the best of the best being presented with the Golden Clown Awards for 2020.
In addition to the circus itself, there will be circus-related events taking place all over town.
The Marriott will be hosting the European Circus Association and World Circus Federation meetings on Friday 17th January.
On Saturday 18th January, the famous Clowns en Folie will be performing at the Condamine market from 11am. Additionally, from 3pm to 4pm, the public is invited to come see ‘Animals at the Circus’, a special inside look at how the circus’s horses are trained by Freddie Knie, junior of the Swiss National Circus Knie. Entry is free and open to all.
Monday the 20th sees the ecumenical ceremony performed under the tent at 7pm, followed at 8.20pm at Stade Louis II by a distinctly unique, and most likely comical, football match between the Prince’s Barbaguians team and the International Team of Circus Artists. The teams will have backup by some of the soccer world’s great players and all proceeds will go to Fight AIDS Monaco. Entry is free with the presentation of a circus ticket or €5 without.
More than 800 local students from 32 classes have been asked to join performers in the marquee on 23rdJanuary, attending a rehearsal and seeing what it is like behind the scenes at the circus.
Fast forward to 1st and 2nd February for the 9th annual New Generation Festival, the only competition in the world for young and upcoming new artists on the circus scene.
In addition to the events, there are a number of exhibits pertaining to the circus, including one by Claude Draimbourg at the Hotel Columbus from 16th January to 2nd February, another for the same dates at the Hôtel de Paris by Dan Walck, a photography show by Peter Lavery at the Marriott from 16th to 20th January and a special exhibition at the Musée Massena in Nice until 3rd February entitled The Enchanted Circle with works borrowed from the museum of Dr Alain Frère.
The roundabout between Avenue des Ligures and Avenue des Guelfes will be decorated by the Urban Planning Department’s Gardening Section honouring the grace and elegance of the honorary stars of this year’s festival: horses.
Finally, a special commemorative stamp will be issued, drawn by acclaimed artist Alain André of Petit Gougoufame. The stamps will be on sale at the Stamp Office for €1.40.
This year, I decided to take a trip to the snowy mountains in Gstaad during my Christmas Holidays. It’s my favourite winter destination, especially in February when there’s more snow. I always get excited to finally wear my mountain-chic outfits! [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
Gstaad is an upscale ski resort in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps and I consider it the best place for socializing, enjoying the beauty of the mountains, the charming chalets, the great restaurants and the beautiful cross-country trails. I would not exactly recommend Gstaad for professional skiing because the slopes are quite short compared to other ski resorts in Switzerland.
Gstaad is mostly known internationally for the prestigious boarding school Le Rosey that has made it a popular holiday spot amongst high society and royalties. It is the oldest school in the country and perhaps one of the most expensive in the world, with a glamorous alumni list. Once a year, in mid-February, the alumni organisation of Le Rosey puts together a weekend during which thousands of old alumni around the globe get together in Gstaad. This is the most happening week of the season in Gstaad.
The village is located 1,050 meters above sea level, so the temperature is very pleasant. I could spend the whole day on the terrace of Palace Hotel to get a tan, while having lunch. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable. Enjoy the regional specialties such as deer meat and rösti, finished with berries, home-made sour cream and meringue.
The Palace Hotel is making an incredible brunch every Sunday in February. I celebrated New Year’s Eve at a private party in a luxurious chalet, wearing a black leather dress by Saint Laurent.
Where to stay:
The Palace Hotel is an institution in Gstaad, built on a hill overlooking the town, with a breathtaking view of the Alps from the room.
The hotel offers a wide choice of restaurants but my favourite is Le Grill and La Fromagerie, which is a traditional alpine hut that only serves fondue and raclette. The legendary nightclub Greengo is located in the basement. After a nice day of skiing, there’s nothing better than getting pampered in the Spa. I love their spa with the heated outdoor pool and fireplace in the relaxing area. Alpina Hotel The Alpina Hotel is a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic, opened in 2012. It was built in an elegant and modern chalet style, featuring natural materials like marble, sandstone and aged wood. Restaurants include Megu, serving Japanese cuisine.
The Six Senses Spa is fantastic and features holistic treatments and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the mountains.
Here are just a handful of the many activities you can enjoy:
Shopping in the Promenade. Each little chalet is a luxury boutique with pittoresque chalet style storefronts and of course the local brand Lorenz Bach, established in Gstaad, that designs the traditional jackets. These jackets are very chic and unique and you can wear them with jeans or elegant wool pants.
Evening Spa at the Alpina Hotel and at the Palace Hotel.
Skiing
Cross-country ski and sleigh ride in the snow-covered valley of Lauenen.
The Mirror House by American artist Doug Aitken’s – Mirage Gstaad.
Restaurants: La Cave at the Olden Hotel, Sonnenhof, Le Grand Chalet, Le Grill Palace Hotel, Megu at Alpina Hotel.
La Fromagerie, wearing velvet dress by Tom Ford
Hotel Olden even kindly served me a stylish cappuccino personalised with my own logo printed of the foam!
Monaco’s rich and exciting racing history will form the basis of this year’s Summer Exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum. Among the highlights will be winning grand prix cars and never-before-seen footage of the princely family.
The theme of the 2020 Summer Exhibition was announced on Tuesday 7th January by Grimaldi Forum General Manager Sylvie Biancheri.
“Although Monaco is a major location for the automobile, no retrospective of this kind has yet been organised,” said Ms Biancheri.
It will be the first time that many items will go on show, including 50 unique vehicles and rare documents, photographs and videos connected with the princely family, Monegasque drivers and two legendary races – the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte-Carlo Rally.
The event is being supported by the Prince’s Palace, the Automobile Club of Monaco and the Automobile Club of France, who, together with the general curator and the Grimaldi Forum, have joined forces for this two-month exhibition.
“After the exhibition devoted to Dali, which met with a great deal of success last summer, a very powerful idea connected with the Principality was needed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grimaldi Forum,” said Ms Biancheri.
“This theme seemed obvious to us, and after two and a half years of work, we are now delighted to see this project taking shape. More than an automotive exhibition, this exceptional event will bear the artistic and cultural signature we apply to all our major events.”
The summer exhibition will be titled ‘Monaco and the Automobile, from 1893 to today’ and will take place from 11th July to 6th September at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
“Firstly, there is the unique relationship between Monaco and the automobile, which has existed since the end of the 19th century,” said Rodolphe Rapetti, General Curator of the exhibition, General Heritage Curator and Director of the National Domains and Museums of Compiègne and Blérancourt. “Then there is the quality of this exhibition, which will bring together rare objects that will generate powerful emotions in all generations of visitors. Through this panorama, the whole history of the automobile will be seen by the visiting public who file by.”
The full list of vehicles, documents and items on show will be revealed at a press conference held on 26th March at the Automobile Club of France, Place de la Concorde, Paris.
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