AS Monaco Basketball registered a sixth consecutive win in the Betclic Elite on Sunday, defeating Paris (103-81) to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Monaco were coming off the back of an agonisingly narrow defeat in the Euroleague against Real Madrid but produced the perfect result in front of another sizeable crowd at the Salle Gaston Médecin.
The victory is the Roca Team’s seventeenth in the French division, three more than their closest rival Boulogne-Levallois (14 wins). The usual suspects, Mike James (18 points) and Élie Okobo (11 points) were on hand to keep the Monaco scoreboard ticking.
Jaron Blossomgame (18 points, seven rebounds) was also instrumental, the American growing into the season, and becoming increasingly influential as it progresses. Chima Moneke (18 points, six rebounds), who replaced the departed captain Adrien Moerman is also proving to be an astute piece of business, and certainly made his presence felt against Paris during a solid 30-minute showing.
It was also a special day for youngster Ambroise Couture, who made his Monaco debut, and also registered his first points, advancing into the key for a simple, but well-executed two-pointer. The Roca Team’s impressive efficiency and attacking flair allowed them to pierce the 100-point mark for the thrid time since January 26th.
The omens are positive this season, not just in the Euroleague, where Monaco, in their second season, are showing clear signs of growth, but also in the Betclic Elite. Sasa Obradovic’s men seem to be advancing serenely towards qualification for the end of season play-offs, allowing them to blood in younger faces, whilst resting central figures for those big European nights.
“I had a very good Sunday. It’s for this kind of match that we play basketball. It was impressive to witness, especially after a difficult week. Now, we have a bit of time to rest and to prepare for Asvel. That will be handy for us,” said Obradovic post-match.
Monaco are next in action against French rivals Asvel in the Euroleague at the Salle Gaston Médecin on Friday night.
The Carnival of Nice begins this Friday and it’s going to be a big one as the city’s favourite winter event celebrates its 150th official anniversary, but it’s been around a lot longer than that…
Every February for two weeks, the streets of Nice are transformed into vibrant, colourful spaces filled with thousands of dancers, floats and music. This year, the party begins on Friday 10th and runs until Sunday 26th February, when a huge closing ceremony – free of charge for whoever wants to share in the celebrations – will take place.
The theme in 2023 is the King of the World’s Treasures and alongside the king and his queen, countless legends will be honoured with a float, such as Medusa, the Gardens of Babylon and Pachamama.
A history of the Nice Carnival
The Carnival we recognise today came about thanks to one Andriot Saëtone who set about establishing a festival committee in early 1873 and organised a vast show of processions and entertainers with the carnival’s celebrated creator Alexis Mossa, the first in a longline of “ymagiers”. But that’s centuries later than the true origins.
A painting depicting Andriot Saëtone’s 1873 carnival in Nice. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice
As far back as 1294, Charles of Anjou, the Count of Provence, mentionned visting the city of Nice to revel in its “joyous days of Carnival”. By the 1830s, this had become a major feature for the Niçois populace, and Charles-Félix, the then King of Piedmont-Sardinia was honoured with a dedicated carnival event on the Cours Saleya during his winter séjour in the city.
One of the Carnival’s longest traditions is the ‘Berner Lou Paillassou’, which symbolises the erasing of worries from the past year by tossing a puppet up into the air with a bedsheet. Those who have experienced this tradition in recent years include figurines of Donald Trump, Jacques Chirac and Gérard Depardieu.
Nice Carnival in 1860. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice
Best for families
The day-time shows are the best choices for families. The first – and the Anniversary Parade of the festival – takes place on Saturday 11th at 2.30pm. A series of afternoon Flower Parades that are around an hour-and-a-half in length are organised over the next fortnight.
A Flower Parade along the Promenade des Anglais. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice
Evening shows
Also known as the Carnival Parade of Lights, you must try to make one of these night-time corsos, which are held at 8.30pm every Saturday and Tuesday during the carnival. This is a real sound-and-lights experience, with dance troupes leading the festooned procession around the Albert I Gardens near Place Masséna.
Lou Queernaval: France’s first gay carnival
Did you know that the Carnival of Nice holds the title of hosting the first gay carnival in France? This popular event was launched back in 2015 to promote the values of sharing and inclusion. It’s totally free to attend and is held in Place Masséna, featuring over 150 volunteers from the city’s LGBTQIA+ community. Click here for more information.
How to buy tickets to the Nice Carnival
Tickets can be purchased in-person at the ticket office on the Promenade du Paillon, near the mirrored water feature, everyday from 10am to 6pm. A separate ticket office on the Quai des Etats will be open several hours before each parade too. Online ticketing is also possible via the official website.
A Parade of Lights in Place Masséna. Photo source: Carnaval de Nice
Hugo Nys secured his place in Monaco’s sporting hall-of-fame by becoming the first tennis player to reach a Grand Slam final, which he told Monaco Life was “one of the most beautiful sporting performances in Monaco’s history”.
“The Principality of Monaco is known for its tennis, but not necessarily for its tennis players, but Hugo Nys, a native of Évian-les-Bains, changed that, almost overnight in Melbourne. His rise, as well as that of his doubles partner Jan Zielinski, has been incremental, but their partnership, still in its infancy almost bore silver-plated fruit in late January.
“We haven’t been together for long, but we already have appearances in a Grand Slam quarter-final and a final. We also won a title on the circuit in Metz. I think that good doubles partnerships are about [stability]. You need automatisms, alchemy, lots of time together and lots of work,” Nys told Monaco Life.
“That work during the off-season showed on the hard court of Melbourne at the Australian Open. The Monaco player, 40th in the ATP World rankings going into the tournament, had already fought off an all-Australian doubles cast of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson on their way to the final, their first in a Grand Slam.
A tough Aussie crowd
“However, a different kind of challenge awaited Nys and Zielinski in the final. “Playing against Australians in the Australian Open, they are some of the most fervent fans in the world, perhaps the most fervent. It was mad to play against them; it was very hostile,” said Nys.
“Within that context, Nys and Zielinski lost in straight sets to Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler (6-4, 7-6), in what was a bitter-sweet moment for Nys. “It is always difficult. That creates memories that are at the same time incredible and horrible. It was a bit of a mixed feeling. Lots of sadness after the final, but also a lot of pride having reached a Grand Slam final and to realise that my objectives are achievable,” he said.
Photo of Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo by Manuel Vitali
“Arriving back in Monaco last Monday afternoon, Nys was already back in training by Tuesday, in preparation for last weekend’s Davis Cup tie against the Dominican Republic. In stark contrast to his experience just a week earlier, Nys was given a warm welcome back to the Riviera by the Monégasque public that packed the stands of the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Nys and his partner Romain Arneodo lapped up the home support on their way to the decisive victory in the tie, which ensured that Monaco remain in Group Two. He will now rejoin Zielinski and set his heights higher once more.
Setting big goals
“Nys isn’t lacking in ambition. Last season he set himself the goal of winning the French Open, and whilst that didn’t come to pass, he hopes that the positive momentum created from this early-season achievement will allow him to pull off the exploit this year. However, there is no room for complacency.
“[Winning Roland Garros] was realistic last year, and even more so this year. Every tournament is different. A Grand Slam is six matches to win and lots of things can happen during that time. It’s not because we reached one final that we’ll do the same at the next. They are the most difficult competitions to win in the world. Our job is to work hard and to arrive ready at every big tournament, be it the Monte-Carlo Masters or Roland Garros. We’ll give the maximum and see where that leads us match-by-match,” Nys told Monaco Life.
Winning the French Open isn’t the only objective that Nys has set himself. After 10 years of representing the Principality “with pride”, Nys now says he feels like “a Monaco player in [his] own right”. Naturally, therefore, the prestigious Monte-Carlo Masters on the iconic clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club is high on Nys’ list.
“I have Monte Carlo in the back of my mind. I know it’s coming soon, and I want to play well here. But to play well in Monte Carlo in April, I need to be in the present. To win it would be great, more than great,” he began.
“More long-term, Nys described representing the Principality in the Olympic Games as “a dream”, and for the Frenchman to compete at Paris 2024, which represents a home Olympics, would be particularly special.
Photo of Hugo Nys by Manuel Vitali
“Having got the 2023 season off to the (almost) perfect start, and counting on a stable and successful partnership with Zielinski, there is reason for optimism for Nys, who regardless, has written an ineffaceable chapter in Monaco’s sporting history.
“It’s true that it’s the first time that a sportsperson from the Principality has reached that level. There is Charles Leclerc in Formula One. In other individual sports, I think it is one of the most beautiful sporting performances in the history of the Principality. I am very, very proud of that. I have represented the Principality for many years, and I want to give many more. If that can give joy to Monégasques, be it to the club, to the federation, to the Palace and to everyone, then that just makes me so happy,” concluded Nys.
At the peak of his powers, the 22nd highest-doubles player in the world has the ambition and the capacity to create many more performances like those displayed in Australia, both this season and beyond.
The Monaco Run, the annual two-day racing event taking place on Quai Albert Ier, attracts everyone from world-class athletes to weekend warriors and families looking for a bit of fun and exercise. To sweeten the pot, Pink Ribbon Monaco will also be joining with their famous five-kilometre walk to bring awareness and raise funds for breast cancer.
The Monaco Run returns to Port Hercule on 11th and 12th February with five separate events made for young and old.
The 1,000-metre races will take place on Saturday in a succession of races depending on age. Children and adults can both take part in this fast-paced run, with the first race kicking off at 2pm on the Quai Albert Ier. This a free event, but all runners must be signed up beforehand.
Sunday features the five-kilometre run at 10am. The race will start from Port Hercule before heading to Monte Carlo Bay, passing through the famous F1 Grand Prix tunnel and then onto Larvotto. This race, though not long in duration, has seen many records broken, including a world record set by Joshua Cheptegei in 2020.
For a bit more of a trial, the 10-kilometre run is hugely popular, and starts at the same time and place as the five, only participants are challenged to do the course twice. This race too will have professional runners taking place, looking to set records and beat personal bests.
Sunday also is host day to the City Trail race, which this year can be done in a timed 12-kilometre race or as an untimed seven-kilometre fun run-style event. This unique race takes runners through Monaco’s parks and backstreets as well as past monuments and places of interest such as the Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. The race has an early 8am start.
Last but not least, Pink Ribbon Monaco’s five-kilometre walk has a 10am start from Port Hercule where participants are asked to get their pink on for a good cause. This easy walk for all was created by Pink Ribbon’s founder Natasha Frost-Savio in 2011, and has grown to the premiere breast cancer awareness event in Monaco.
To be a part of Pink Ribbon, register online. To register for any other of the Monaco Run events, visit the website.
After launching Pavyllon Monte-Carlo in 2022, Yannick Alléno, one of the most Michelin-starred chefs in the world, will open Pavyllon London this summer.
The restaurant will be set within the acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane and bring Chef Alléno’s refined neighbourhood dining style to London.
“Partnering with the iconic Four Seasons brand has always been a dream of mine, and I am so excited that this partnership will be conceived in London, where I have long wanted to open,” says Chef Yannick Alléno. “Together, we’ve created a concept that will reflect the contemporary and vibrant nature of the city it will call home, while appealing to locals, visitors, and all who enter its doors.”
Pavyllon London will champion laid-back luxury, pairing fine cuisine with a modern and warm environment – a reflection of the French chef’s long-standing love affair with London and his firm belief that restaurants form the backbone of the city’s social scene.
Pavyllon London will be designed in the same style as Pavyllon Monte-Carlo at the Hôtel Hermitage, with a restaurant counter for guests to take front-row seats at his theatre.
On the menu at Pavyllon London
The menu at Pavyllon London will feature dishes that are rooted in French gastronomy and techniques, while Chef Yannick Alléno draws inspiration from seasonal British produce to create a modern dining experience.
In keeping with Yannick Alléno’s philosophy that chefs have a responsibility to look after the good health of their guests, he will reform classical approaches to cooking by reducing the amount of sugar, fat, and salt in his dishes without compromising flavour or sense of indulgence. Underpinning his philosophy of modern French cuisine are multiple pillars, including Extraction, a technique he developed in 2013, as well as fermentation.
The wine offering has been considered with the help of superstar sommelier Vincent Javaux, and will include prestigious references from some of the world’s best vineyards alongside family-owned chateaus. There will also be a significant selection of wines available by the glass.
The legendary Chef Yannick Alléno
Chef Yannick Alléno is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest chefs, holding 15 Michelin stars across his 14 global restaurants.
Since the beginning of his career, he has become known for his reinvention of Modern French cuisine with dishes rooted in French gastronomy but taking inspiration from modern techniques and seasonal ingredients. His three restaurants in Pavillon Ledoyen hold six stars – three at Alléno Paris, two at L’Abysse and one at Pavyllon – making it the most star-rated independent establishment in the world. His restaurant Le 1947 at Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, also holds three Michelin stars.
The European Union has put further fuel price caps on Russian oil exports, which it says will help stabilise global energy markets.
The European Commission (EC), together with the international G7+ Price Cap Coalition, on 4thFebruary said it had adopted further price caps for seaborne Russian petroleum products, such as diesel and fuel oil. “This decision will hit Russia’s revenues even harder and reduce its ability to wage war in Ukraine,” said the EC in a statement.
It comes on top of the price cap for crude oil in force since December 2022, and will complement the EU’s full ban on importing seaborne crude oil and petroleum products into the European Union.
“We are making Putin pay for his atrocious war,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. “Russia is paying a heavy price, as our sanctions are eroding its economy, throwing it back by a generation. Today, we are turning up the pressure further by introducing additional price caps on Russian petroleum products. This has been agreed with our G7 partners and will further erode Putin’s resources to wage war. By 24th February, exactly one year since the invasion started, we aim to have the 10th package of sanctions in place.”
Two price levels have been set for Russian petroleum products: one for ‘premium-to-crude’ petroleum products, such as diesel, kerosene and gasoline, and the other for ‘discount-to-crude’ petroleum products, such as fuel oil and naphtha, reflecting market dynamics. The maximum price for premium-to-crude products will be 100 USD per barrel and the maximum price for discount-to-crude will be 45 USD per barrel.
The Price Cap Coalition is composed of Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, the UK, and the US.
EU says price caps are working
The EU says it’s sanctions against Russia are proving effective. “They are damaging Russia’s ability to manufacture new weapons and repair existing ones, as well as hinder its transport of material while reducing its revenues from fossil fuels exports. In response to Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, the EU has also adopted a variety of sanctions against Belarus in 2022,” it said in the statement.
As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission monitors the enforcement of EU sanctions across the EU.
