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Month: January 2023

La Turbie announces big plans for 2023

by: Stephanie Horsman
19/01/2023

Just over the French border, La Turbie will see some exciting developments this year, including a new veterinary hospital, a modern command centre for emergency services and a state-of-the-art shooting range.

Mayor of La Turbie Jean-Jacques Raffaele held his annual meeting in the community centre last weekend. It was an opportunity to share with the assembled crowd, among them the mayors of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beausoleil, Cap-d’Ail and Eze-sur-Mer, as well as representatives from Nice and Menton, a number of upcoming proposals as well as those already in the works for the coming year.

Raffaele first talked about the new shooting centre, which opened its doors the same weekend as his announcements. This new facility replaces the one demolished in 2018 to make way for the AS Monaco training centre. It is located in Peille and provides a dedicated space for the 200 members of the Turbiasque Sports and Cultural Association, who have been without an official home for over four years.

“This shooting range is certainly the most beautiful and most modern in the Alpes-Maritimes,” declared the proud mayor.

A new cycling experience and training centre is also to be built near La Tête de Chien and a gate has been erected to stop cars from driving onto the protected areas around the popular hiking spot.

The town has also made progress in a deal regarding the so-called France Telecom villas on the site. A decade-long back-and-forth has led to a €5 million debt incurred by the town and little in the way of progress. The stalemate may be lessening, with the news that an individual may be purchasing one of the villas, Petit Clos, for €2.5 million.

Raffaele also revealed an impending move in April by the municipal police department from its current location at the mairie to a state-of-the-art facility and command centre on the entrance to the road to Nice. The premises can also accommodate firefighters, gendarmes and elected officials as well as anyone else who is “on call” during emergency situations.

Finally, a new veterinary hospital is in the works, with the papers soon to be signed for the site. The project is being led by Valérie Freiche, who is set to present her full project to the mayor and his team in detail in the coming weeks.

 

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Photo source: La Ville de La Turbie/Facebook

Ineos enter bid to acquire Manchester United

by: Luke Entwistle
19/01/2023

A spokesperson for Ineos has confirmed that the OGC Nice owners are “fully in the process” of attempting to acquire Premier League giants Manchester United.

Things are looking up for the Red Devils on a sporting level, but the club is still up for the sale after the Glazers, owners of the Premier League club since 2005, stated their desire to sell the club back in November 2022.

According to The Times, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the head of Ineos, has been keen on purchasing Manchester United since August and was vocal in his interest in the club. The Monaco resident had previously made an official bid to buy Premier League rivals Chelsea back in April 2022, but that ultimately failed, with the club being bought by Todd Boehly.

An Ineos spokesperson has now confirmed that the company are “fully in the process” of attempting to buy Manchester United. Ratcliffe is himself a fan of the club, having been born in Manchester.

It is unclear what the potential purchase of the club would mean for their current club, OGC Nice. Rules dictate that two clubs with the same owner cannot face off in European competition, meaning that should Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, Les Aiglons could only feature in the third tier of European competition, the Europa Conference League.

 

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Photo source: Manchester United/Facebook

Romeo Beckham features in Brentford B win against Monaco’s Groupe Elite

by: Luke Entwistle
18/01/2023

AS Monaco’s Groupe Elite were beaten in La Turbie 4-1 by a Brentford B side that featured Romeo Beckham, son of David, who is currently on loan at the club from Inter Miami. 

A late flurry from Brentford B gave a glossy sheen to a very tightly contested fixture for large parts, especially in the first half. The defences were well set in the opening stages, with neither side managing to find the key to unlock the game.

Towards the end of the half, Malamine Efekele struck the post, and just seconds later Brentford went close themselves. The deadlock was broken shortly before the break by Yegor Yarmoliuk, who pressed Mayssam Benama into making an error deep inside his own half before curling past Yann Liénard.

Their lead was then doubled with the final kick of the half by Michael Oluwakorede Olakigbe, whose sumptuous curled effort from the edge of the box gave Liénard no chance.

Les Monégasques were unlucky to head into the break two down but quickly reduced the deficit in the second half, Valentin Decarpentrie getting on the scoreline after some good collective pressing. There was an intensity to Monaco’s game, but little incision and they failed to work an opening to level the scores.

Instead, it was Brentford B who added to their lead thanks to a brilliant Olakgibe strike. The winger then departed the scene, ceding the place to Beckham. There was then a late fourth goal from Ryan Trevitt. The 4-1 scoreline perhaps unfairly reflects the game, but the victory well deserved for a strong Brentford B side.

Speaking to Monaco Life post-match, Olakigbe reflected on his personal performance, as well as the significance of the result. “I went out there with a lot of confidence. My finishing was unbelievable today. Monaco is obviously a great club that develops so much young talent with players like Kylian Mbappé. To play them is a great experience, and to win against a top side, is something to be buzzing about,” he said.

Groupe Elite coach Damien Perrinelle pointed out the positive in the defeat: “We prepare to confront a certain reality, a certain difficulty in order to allow them to develop quicker. When you play teams that suit you, I’m not sure that the progression is the same as when you face stronger teams, where you have to adapt and rival them.”

When the Groupe Elite was conceived prior to the start of the current season, it was to create experiences, such as the one that they faced at La Turbie on Wednesday. Ultimately, these formative experiences will be a positive for the continued development of Monaco’s young players.

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SBM’s award-winning year

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/01/2023

What a year it was for Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, with numerous awards and accolades handed out to its stellar portfolio in 2022. Monaco Life rounds up its greatest achievements.  

Striving for excellence has always been one of the hallmarks that unites the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) establishments. Last year, they certainly lived up to that goal.   

SBM’s restaurants had a fantastic 2022, with Chef Marcel Ravin being awarded a second Michelin star for Blue Bay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.  

“The chef has created his own culinary universe, and with great talent has put his philosophy into practice. It makes us all the more proud that his passion and excellence were developed within the SBM group,” declared Pascal Camia, SBM’s director of operations.  

Restaurant Elsa at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel received kudos too, making it into the prestigious Gault & Millau guide. Additionally, its chef, Melanie Serre, was given the guide’s “Grand de Demain” trophy for her environmentally- focused philosophy of short supply chains and serving only seasonal produce.   

Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo also made it to the podium in The List, a ranking of the world’s best restaurants.   

Several SBM addresses received international praise, with the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel Hermitage acknowledged as being among the best hotels by the Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Award 2022 as well as making it onto Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in 2022. Both are in the running for the latter’s “World’s Best” award in 2023.   

Last but not least, the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo won two esteemed prizes last year, notably “Best Casino Operator” at the International Gaming Awards 2022 and “Best Overall Casino” at the Casino Awards 2022 in London.   

These merits, said Camia, “represent recognition for all the professionals at work there for having made it both an essential contemporary entertainment venue and a private setting for customised and personalised gaming”.  

   

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 Photo source: SBM

Monaco Life’s ‘Best Of’: Top Places to Buy Vintage

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/01/2023

Vintage stores in Monaco have an advantage: a designer-loving population keen to pass on its gently or never-been-worn apparel. Monaco Life visits the Principality’s best addresses.

Pre-loved, vintage, second-hand… All are words used to sum up a booming fashion industry that offers more benefits than merely lowered prices.

In and around the Principality, customers looking for deals on pre-loved designer or often still ticketed clothes, shoes and accessories have several fantastic places to choose from.

First up is The Queen Bee. Located just a smidge outside Monaco on Place de la Crémaillère in Beausoleil, this cosy shop has been proffering a hand-picked selection of items, including handbags, shoes and clothing, since 2015.

Owner Katie Holmes believes that “luxury should not be defined by price” and has put together a range of beautiful pieces priced just right. Alongside designer names like Alexander McQueen, Chloé, Dior, Hermes and Jimmy Choo are items from lesser-known designers such as Melissa Odabash, Marella Black and David Meister. She works on consignment so that donators benefit, and customers get great deals. Win-win!

The Queen Bee can also be found online for those who prefer their retail therapy online.

Next up is Le Dressing, located at 1 Rue Princess Florestine in Monaco. Since 2000, Helen Rimsberg has worked under the theory that many of the glamourous ladies of the Principality don’t re-wear luxury outfits and thus need a place to go to that will give their beautiful pieces a second life.

“Condition is excellent or like new [and] prices comparable to vintage platforms,” says one reviewer on Google.

The team at the shop pre-screens for authenticity; it is something particularly important when it comes to handbags, of which they have several, from Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton to name a few. The clothing selection is also excellent and mainly high-end designer. You can check out what Le Dressing has to offer before popping in via the online shop.

Finally, there is something for the men. OnlyVintage by Corrado Mattarelli at 41 Boulevard des Moulins has a vast collection of exquisite timepieces sure to make anyone drool, including those from Patek Philippe, Rolex and Tag Heuer.

Mattarelli has been a vintage watch seller and collector for over 30 years, and his reputation has made him a go-to for auction houses and dealers worldwide. His pieces are often rare, and he is the ultimate in discretion with regard to his client list.

“It has been 30 years since I bought my first watch and I still get excited every time,” he enthuses on his website. “Is there anything better than turning a passion into work?”

For a glimpse at what is available in store or online, check out the OnlyVintage website.

 

 

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Main photo source: The Queen Bee

What’s On in Monaco this January?

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/01/2023

There’s no need to suffer with post-holiday let-down this month given the Principality’s packed schedule of fun events and happenings. Monaco Life rounds up the highlights. 

January and February get a bad rap. Sure, it’s cold, dark and sometimes a bit dreary, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do to stay entertained. In the Principality, there are numerous dates planned in the coming weeks that are sure to keep the winter blues at bay.  

Fun-for-all Pick – The Roller Station, this year’s replacement for the ice-skating rink, has been such a hit that the mairie has decided to keep it going until 26th February. Enjoy a little skate every day from noon to 9pm in the Port of Monaco. Kids under five are free and rental skates are available. Click here for more information.  

Family Pick – The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is back after a two-year hiatus and is going to be bigger and better than ever. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the show will be on from 20th to 29th January with world-famous magicians, jugglers, acrobats and more. This year, the Circus will be extra special as it is being combined with the New Generation Festival, showcasing up-and-coming talent. For tickets and information, click here.

Discovery Pick – On 21st January, the Munegu Repair Café returns from 3.30pm to 6pm at the Condamine Market, giving people a chance to fix everything from clothes and toys to small appliances and furniture. More information can be found here. 

Food Pick – Also at the Condamine Market is the sea urchin market on 6th February from 6pm. This delicacy is much sought-after by those in the know and the event will encourage newbies to have a try. Six urchins with bread and butter will be served for €15. To attend, reserve a space no later than 30th January on +377 93 15 06 04 or click here. 

Sport Pick – The Historic Monte-Carlo Rally is coming up from 27th January to 2nd February, featuring cars that participated in the Rallyes Automobiles Monte-Carlo between 1955 and 1980. The race ends on 1st February and a big gala will be held the following night to wrap things up. For more information, click here.

Music Pick – Mozart in Monaco runs from 27th January to 5th February, with five different concerts dedicated to one of the world’s best known and admired composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. For full details, click here.  

Don’t forget to check our events calendar regularly for details on everything that’s happening in Monaco!

 

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Photo source: Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo/Facebook