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Day: 14 February 2023

Live music in Monaco: a guide to the Principality’s winter music scene

by: Elsa Carpenter
14/02/2023

There’s a vibrant music scene in the Principality, even in winter, from glamorous jazz lounges to acoustic performances, karaoke and DJ sets by the beach. Let Monaco Life be your guide. 

Let’s kick off with an event that’s making a welcome return to the Principality’s musical agenda, the Jazzy Evenings at the Hôtel Metropole. Jazz artist Jaffa will be performing twice this month in the Lobby Bar on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th February from 7.30pm. Tables can be reserved ahead of time to ensure the best spots at this high-end establishment.  

live music monaco
Jazz artist Jaffa is due to perform twice this month at the Hotel Metropole. Photo source: Hotel Metropole

Beachside in Larvotto, La Note Bleue describes its vibe as a “tribute to saxophonist Barney Wilen”. It regularly hosts themed music nights, but the mainstays on its events calendar are the Wednesday Live Sessions. They are the perfect antidote to the mid-week hump, with everything from funk to soul and Latin to Afrobeat to be expected.

Highlights this month include Grace Beauly with The Love Songs on Wednesday 15th and Nina Papa on Wednesday 22nd February. The Wednesday Live Sessions are typically preceded by a DJ set from 6.30pm to get patrons in the mood, before the star act takes to the stage at 8pm. Reservations are recommended.  

Also in Larvotto, head to Cova at Palais de la Plage every Friday to treat yourself with friends and chillout before the weekend starts. The ‘Aperitivo’ jazz bar features live jazz music, classic and signature cocktails, and hot and cold finger food. The cool Friday vibes kick off at 5pm every week.

Aperitivo at Cova Palais de la Plage, photo provided

Sass Café on Avenue Princesse Grace has been a destination for a goodtime since 1993. Its opulent décor transforms from restaurant to nightclub as the night draws in, and the musicians who entertain throughout the dinner setting are followed by a resident DJ into the early hours. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, with the party winding down at 4am. (Note: the club is closed for a month until 28th February).

A similar party atmosphere is to be found at Buddha Bar on a Friday night, albeit with a distinctly Asian flavour if you’re here to enjoy the food as well as the music. Until 31st March, the ‘Winter Party Season’ will feature resident live singer Akram or DJs back-to-back. Note that the Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo lounge will be closed for renovation from 13th February to 7th March 2023, so the entrance will be at the Private Entrance – Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Buda Bar Winter Season, photo source: SBM Monte-Carlo

Away from the swanky nightclubs, Monaco also has a roaring pub scene with live music throughout the week. Our favourites are Duke, with its karaoke nights on Wednesday and Saturdays as well as live music performances on the nights in-between, and Monaco’s Irish pub, McCarthy’s, which hosts bands and performers at the weekends. 

And finally, if you’re less of a night owl, we should also mention the musical brunches enjoyed by many in the Principality. Mozza and the Fairmont recently featured in our guide on the ‘Best Brunches in Monaco’ and both pair their gourmet offerings with great live music. 

New addition! Where to find the best brunch in Monaco

 

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Photo source: SBM Monte-Carlo

“Welcome to the big Monegasque family”: Monaco honors its newest citizens at Mairie reception

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/02/2023

There were 52 people naturalised as Monegasque citizens in 2022, and to celebrate their adopted country they were invited to a special ceremony at the Mairie.

After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the traditional reception was held on Thursday 9th February in the Wedding Hall of the Mairie, where some of the Principality’s newest nationals were welcomed by Monaco Mayor Georges Marsan and members of his council.

In his speech, Mayor Marsan welcomed invited guests into “the big Monegasque family” and said that acquiring this nationality is “above all an adherence to the culture, traditions and particularities of Monaco and to a community united around the Sovereign and His Family”.

The mayor then traced the history of the Mairie (Town Hall), nicknamed “the House of Monegasques”, saying that it is the oldest Monegasque institution and that its role is to support, at each stage of life, the compatriots and residents of Monaco.

The reception ended with the Monegasque Anthem, sung by the Children’s Choir of the Rainier III Academy and taken up by all the guests, before they were given symbolic gifts including a copy of the original handwritten Monegasque Anthem by Monegasque poet Louis Notari.

 

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco 

Ferrari launches SF23 challenger for upcoming F1 season

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/02/2023

It was a St. Valentine’s Day to remember for Scuderia Ferrari fans around the world with the unveiling of the SF23, the Maranello marque’s challenger for the coming Formula 1 season, at the company’s Fiorano track.

It is the 69th car built by Ferrari to compete in motor racing’s blue riband category, which starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 5th March.

On Tuesday, over 500 fans packed the grandstand specially erected at the Fiorano track for the first real launch to be staged after two years of virtual car presentations. Before the launch, drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz greeted the exuberant crowd.

The SF-23, whose name marks a return to the format of the Scuderia Ferrari initials combined with the year of competition, was first seen on video. Then on the big day, a coin toss determined who would get behind the wheel first and Charles Lerclerc won, driving the SF23 for its first couple of laps, while Carlos got his turn shortly afterwards.

Special livery

The SF-23 livery features some parts in naked carbon, while the historic “long F” logo appears on the rear wing. The red colour is also brand new, created by Ferrari Design: a matt version on the Formula 1 car, and glossy on the 499P Hypercar, which makes its endurance racing debut this year.

“Our whole team has put a lot of work into this new car and seeing it in front of us for the first time just feels amazing,” said Charles Leclerc. “It means that the start of the season is very close, which is always an exciting moment. It felt great to drive it here at Fiorano today, sharing the experience with our tifosi and partners. We still have to wait for the first real laps at testing to make any real assessments though.”

Leclerc said that his team’s target is to better last season and bring home more victories, more consistently.

“The biggest goal will be to win both championships and we will do everything to achieve this,” added the Monegasque driver.

Frédéric Vasseur takes on the team challenge

It was announced in December 2022 that the Italian team will be led by new Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, replacing Mattia Binotto this year.

“Over the past five weeks, I have had the chance to get to know many members of our team. We have a great group of people here and it is clear that motivation is high throughout the team,” said Frédéric Vasseur. “We have two talented drivers who are both eager to win and have the skills needed to achieve this.”

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in their Ferrari kit
Scuderia Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

The new car dynamics

According to Enrico Cardile, Head of Chassis Area, the 2023 car is an evolution of the one they raced last year, but it has been completely redesigned. “On the aerodynamic side, we increased vertical downforce, to adapt further to the new aero regulations and achieve the desired balance characteristics. The suspension has also been redesigned, to support aerodynamics and increase the range of adjustments that can be made to the car at the track.

The most obvious changes are in the area of the front suspension where we have moved to a low track rod. The front wing is also different, as is the construction of the nose, while the bodywork is a more extreme version of what we saw last season.”

For Enrico Gualtieri, Head of Power Unit Area, preparation work for the new season is usually one of the busiest times of the year and this winter was no exception. “PUs have been frozen since last year, including fluids, oil and fuel and the only modifications allowed are those related to reliability, which was our Achilles Heel last season,” said Gualtieri. “We tried to understand the root causes of the problems we encountered last year on track and used all our available tools to try and solve them.”

Check out a video of the unveiling on the Monaco Life YouTube page by clicking here.

 

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SEE ALSO:

How to do the Monaco Grand Prix on a budget

 

Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

Work the red carpet: Cannes Film Festival hiring hundreds of recruits

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/02/2023
cannes film festival

The Cannes Film Festival has opened up 400 job vacancies for hosts and hostesses to work the prestigious annual event in May, and a good command of English is at the top of the requirements.  

The glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, running from 16th to 27th May this year, is something most only see on television, but for 400 lucky recruits, this is a chance to experience the inner workings of the event first-hand. 

Hiring agents Randstad will be in charge of filling the positions, which number 600 less than last year, making competition tight. Applicants should speak fluent English – with French and an additional language being an advantage – and have experience in the premium and VIP hospitality professions.  

Flexibility in work hours is a must, and there is the possibility of weekend and overtime work. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The jobs listing can be found here.  

In addition to the paid positions, there are also volunteer spots for Critics Week. The association will need helpers to welcome the public to the Miramar Hall in Cannes and to the Plage de la Semaine de la Critique on the Croisette. Goodie bags, posters and even tickets to screenings are often given to volunteers at the event. Head to www.jeveuxaider.gouv.fr for more information.  

 

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Photo source: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès / Facebook

How to do the Monaco Grand Prix on a budget

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/02/2023

It is T-100 days until the Monaco Grand Prix, so for fans who are making plans, Monaco Life is sharing insider tips on how to get the most out of the experience without splashing out thousands of euros.  

Arguably the most famous of the Formula One events, the Monaco Grand Prix’s reputation is well deserved. The event is notoriously posh, with celebrities, millionaires and, of course, billionaires setting themselves up in every VIP box and on every yacht deck and balcony overlooking the circuit, some of which can go for €30,000 or more for just a few hours.  

But you don’t have to be a mogul to enjoy the race and it’s certainly possible to have an amazing time at the Monaco Grand Prix without breaking the bank. Let us tell you how.  

Tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix 

The Monaco Grand Prix’s Sector Rocher is one of the cheapest general admission areas in the world, with tickets going for €120 on race day and just over €300 for the whole weekend. The enclosure is standing room only and is located on the slopes heading to the Rock, with views onto La Piscine and the Anthony Noghes corner. To get the best spots, arrive early as there’s no allocation.  

We’ve found the best place to buy tickets is officially through the Automobile Club of Monaco, which can be accessed by clicking here. But places are selling out fast, so don’t waste any more time if you are considering going to this year’s event. 

The official ticket price list for the Monaco Grand Prix 2023, source: Automobile Club de Monaco

Accommodation near Monaco during race weekend

Staying in Monaco is handy, but perhaps not very practical for those on a budget. Rooms sell out for thousands of euros way ahead of the race so to get the best deal, try staying in Nice or one of the other towns along the train line, like Menton or even Antibes or Cannes.  

Don’t discount crossing the border into Ventimiglia either, where hotel prices will be considerably less, leaving more money for fun.  

Transport into Monaco 

Whilst arriving by helicopter may be more glam, coming by train has its charms as well. Train tickets are less than €10 for a return trip from Nice or Ventimiglia if booked in advance, although prices do rise for on-the-day bookings.  

The trip takes 20 minutes from Nice or 36 minutes from Ventimiglia, and each journey showcases one of the most stunning stretches of coastline the region has to offer.  

Fill your Monaco Grand Prix schedule

To really make the most of your trip, there are plenty of sideline activities to be enjoyed as well. If racing is all-important, there are two car events – the Porsche Super Cup and Formula 2 action – both the same weekend on the circuit.  

For car enthusiasts or just lovers of beautiful machines, the Car Collection of the Prince of Monaco can’t be beat. More than 100 cars ranging from 1900 to now are included in this unique collection. It moved into its new modern setting in July 2022, next to the Rainier III water sports stadium, and entry is a modest €10 for adults. It’s open all day from 10am to 7pm. 

For general sight-seeing, the Principality is pretty consumed by the Monaco Grand Prix during that weekend, but the beaches are still accessible and free. The villages of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer have retail opportunities and lovely cafés for a coffee or a bite to eat. Nice is worth a trip on its own, but even with limited time, there is no end to the wonderful bistros, bars, nightclubs and restaurants to check out.  

 

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Photo: Monaco Grand Prix, source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

 

Team Malizia arrive in fourth place in Cape Town

by: Luke Entwistle
14/02/2023

Monaco’s Malizia-Seaexplorer team, skippered by Brit Will Harris have arrived in Cape Town in fourth place in the second stage of the ongoing Ocean Race.

The team, which was founded by Pierre Casiraghi, Vice President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and nephew to Prince Albert II, got off to a slow start from Cap Verde. It was dogged by technical issues, which at one point led to the team trailing by 180 nautical miles.

However, skippered by Harris, the Mailiza-Seaexplorer placed itself to the west of the fleet, allowing for substantial inroads to be made on their competitors, to the extent that the team even led.

The win looked to be within their grasp, however, light winds 500 nautical miles away from Cape Town blocked the Monaco flagged team’s route to victory. The Malizia-Seaexplorer placed itself to the south of the fleet, hoping to profit from increased pressure, and it was a winning strategy until the final miles of the race when the winds abated.

Ultimately, the Malizia-Seaexplorer was passed by three of its rivals in the final miles, with Team Holcim ultimately taking the win in the South African port of Cape Town on Sunday 12th February.

Yacht Club de Monaco member and leader of the Malizia-Seaexplorer’s quest for victory in the Ocean Race Boris Herrmann reflected on a topsy-turvy second leg of the round-the-world sailing race.

“The last hours of the race weren’t in our favour, but the team fought on. We are so proud of them and this great racing, and even though we’d have loved them to win, we couldn’t have asked for more. They pushed till the end, took us on this journey with them and also showcased the amazing sport of sailing engaging people around the world. The final score is fourth, but they won in many ways,” he said.

Leg Three, which will see the fleet from South Africa to Itajaí, Brazil, will begin on 26th February.

 

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Photo by YCM