In memory of art lover Prince Rainier III, a special Chemin des Sculptures bearing his name is set to open in Monaco at the end of this month.
As of 31st May, a date that will mark the centenary of Prince Rainier III’s birth in 1923, Monaco’s Direction des Affaires Culturelles will officially open the Chemin des Sculptures Rainier III. The cross-Principality route will feature some 150 works collected by the Builder Prince throughout his lifetime, but particularly between 1987 and 2004 via the Festival International de Sculpture de Monte-Carlo.
Prince Rainier III, the father of current sovereign Prince Albert II, was a well-known supporter of the arts and artists, and it was his long-time wish to create an outdoor museum where the public could discover and appreciate some of the sculptures he loved most.
Amongst those set to be displayed are works by the likes of César, Arman, Fernando Botero, Jean-Michel Folon, Anish Kapoor and Giorgio de Chirico (pictured above). The story behind each piece will be made available to the public thanks to a QR code situated at the bottom of or close by the sculpture.
A website allowing visitors to plan their route will also be launched on 31st May. Although not fully operational quite yet, the website can be found here.
The final day of May is set to be an important one in Monaco, with vast celebrations planned to mark what would have been Prince Rainier III’s 100th birthday.
Travelling in and out of the Principality during the Monaco Grand Prix can be relatively seamless, if planned ahead.
The Grand Prix is the biggest event of the year hosted in Monaco, closing off roads and car parks and limiting access in certain areas of the Principality. For motorsports fans and businesses in Monaco, it’s a small price to pay for welcoming such an emblematic and iconic race.
But there are some knock-on effects for travel. Even getting into the Principality can be difficult during the event, so here’s our advice on how to achieve a smooth arrival and departure from this headline occasion.
Flying in
Taking just seven minutes from helipad to helipad, flying into the Principality via one of the many helicopter services available from Nice Côte d’Azur is without doubt the quickest and most stress-free way to get to the action.
It can take as long as two hours to cover the same distance by car or taxi during the Grand Prix so swapping traffic jams for scenic views is a great option if you’ve got the cash. Single seats start at around €350, but do increase in price for the big race day on Sunday 28th May, and even more so if you choose to charter your own private flight.
Taking public transport
Travelling in by train or bus is the preferred option for many motorsports pilgrims.
The train journey from Nice to Monaco takes around 20 minutes. On Sunday 28th May, trains will depart every 15 minutes for so and cost less than €5. But queues on the platforms aren’t uncommon, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time on either side to reach your destination on time.
The last train back to Nice on the nights of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May is scheduled for 11.53pm: ideal if you decide to stay late in the Principality to soak up the atmosphere.
While the bus might take longer than the train, especially given the extra vehicles and congestion on the road during the event, it is still a viable alternative to driving in yourself and struggling to find a parking space.
There are a variety of routes available, such as the Ligne Express 80 from Nice Airport, the 602 from the Vauban bus station in Nice to the Casino in Monaco or the 607 from Nice’s Square Normandie Niemen to Place d’Armes. There’s also a night bus, the 601, which runs between Menton and Nice via the Principality. This service runs from Thursday through to Saturday, but there is unfortunately no such service on Sunday.
Taxis and similar services
Travelling to and from Monaco via a taxi or similar ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt is another option, but is perhaps not as straightforward as one might think.
As it stands, Monaco-registered taxis are only able to pick up passengers from within the Principality. There is no agreement in place allowing them to collect passengers from French territory. Drivers from over the border in France are permitted to collect and drop off passengers inside Monaco, but only if they have obtained an official vignette. Just 320 of these exist currently, putting the taxi and similar services system under high demand, with prices that reflect those pressures.
Meta, owner of Facebook, has been fined a record €1.2 billion by the European Union for transferring EU user data to the United States.
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the European Union, said the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) had ordered it to collect “an administrative fine in the amount of €1.2 billion “.
The DPC has been investigating Meta Ireland’s transfer of personal data from the EU to the United States since 2020.
It found that Meta, which has its European headquarters in Dublin, failed to “address the risks to the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects” that were identified in a previous ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
In response, Meta said it was “disappointed to have been singled out” and the ruling was “flawed, unjustified and sets a dangerous precedent for the countless other companies”.
“We intend to appeal both the decision’s substance and its orders including the fine, and will seek a stay through the courts to pause the implementation deadlines,” Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg and chief legal officer Jennifer Newstead said in a blog post.
“There is no immediate disruption to Facebook in Europe,” they added.
Meta said it hopes to see the US and EU adopt a new legal framework for the use of personal data in the coming months, following an agreement in principle last year, which could allow it to continue its data transfer practices.
It is the fourth fine in six months that EU regulators have slapped on Meta over data breaches by its Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook services.
Monaco Life with AFP. Photo by Dima Solomon on Unsplash
There are 18 corners on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, some treacherous, some notorious and some quirky. But together, they make up the most celebrated racetrack in the history of Formula 1. Here’s the story of how they came to be known by their unique set of names.
It’s one of the motorsport world’s most iconic and glamourous racing circuits, and the Monaco Grand Prix’s fabled urban track has been dazzling drivers and fans alike since 1929. This coming weekend, it will celebrate its 80th edition and prove that it can still capture the imagination of any and all who love the sport.
Die-hard fans will probably know the name of each of the 18 corners of the race, but few know why and how they earned them. Monaco Life is here to fill in the gaps on the turns that turned into legends.
THE FIRST STRETCH
Let’s start at the start: Sainte Dévote. Named for the chapel of the same name that represents the patron saint of Monaco, the Sainte Dévote corner is part devil, part angel. This section is known for its exit barrier, which has seen quite a bit of action over the years as drivers have underestimated the turn and found themselves in the small tiled courtyard in front of the chapel. Some have been able to save themselves and continue with the race. Divine intervention? Perhaps, but misjudging Sainte Dévote is something few do twice.
Next up is Beau Rivage, which isn’t exactly a corner as much as a bend in the road leading up from Sainte Dévote. Beau rivage means beautiful shore, and the view from this spot is a certainly a stellar one… Not that the drivers have time to notice such things.
Turn three is Massenet, named after French composer Jules Massenet. The sweeping left-hand corner passes the Opera House, where a bust of the man himself is perched. It should be a quick corner, except that it leads into Casino Square, which requires a slower pace. Many drivers underrate it, leaving a goodly share of dents on the barriers edging Massenet.
Speeding through Massenet to Casino Square. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre
Casino Square follows and it’s a heck of a spot. Boasting some of Monaco’s most instantly recognised landmarks, like the Casino and the Hôtel de Paris, racers blow by in seconds, but not before slowing down just a bit to take this not-so-easy turn, which has seen its fair share of crashes, not least of which involved the son of racing legend Michael Schumacher, Mick Schumacher, while racing F3 in 2021.
Drivers will then find themselves approaching Mirabeau Haute. It was named after the old Mirabeau Hotel, which was torn down to build apartments, and is – shall we say – complicated. Before the braking area, there is a hump in the road that drivers have had to manoeuvre around for years, passing by everyone’s favourite 3am nightcap spot of Tip Top before heading downhill to the right with significant camber. The inside angle was used in days of yore, but is so steep that today’s cars would likely end up on three wheels if they tried. Nico Rosberg got a yellow flag in this spot whilst qualifying in 2014, though it didn’t hurt him as he already was in P1.
THE NEXT TRANCHE
This next turn has had more names than a divorcee on a marrying spree. Originally called the Station Hairpin, as it was the site of the old train station, it was then renamed the Loews Hairpin after the hotel built on the site. It got more confusing as the hotel changed hands, and the corner became the Grand, Sun Casino and then Fairmont Hairpin in succession. It’s one of the few that keeps changing names, despite it also being one of the most recognisable turns on the circuit. It’s incredibly tight and F1 pilots have been known to try all kind of fancy tricks to get around it faster. The typical speed in modern F1 cars for the turn is 65kmph and the odd driver does try to overtake here, though it usually ends badly.
After that comes Mirabeau Bas. It wasn’t that organisers liked the name so much they used it twice, it is simply the twin of Mirabeau Haute, but at a lower elevation.
Next comes Portier, a quartier once known as Le Portier, but is now slowly becoming Mareterra. This turn has a sea view to die for, but can be deceptively treacherous. It’s known for Ayrton Senna’s 1988 crash that ended his chances of a win, handing it over to his teammate – and foe – Alain Prost.
The Tunnel is a bit of a misnomer as it’s not really a corner at all, but is problematic as the lighting is a nightmare and the aerodynamic conditions are completely different to the rest of the track. The really cool thing about the tunnel is that the exit is one of the best places to see an overtake in the race.
The next two turns make up the Nouvelle Chicane, renamed in 1986 from Chicane du Port. It’s another potential overtaking spot, but it isn’t ideal as the drivers emerge from the tunnel into blinding sun just as they hit top speeds. The downhill grade is tricky as braking is difficult here and the gradient changes partway through the drop, which can cause the terrifying possibility of seeing these hugely expensive cars get accidentally airborne. Numerous crashes have occurred in this very spot, making it one of the most dangerous parts of the race.
The drop down into Port Hercules is one of the most dramatic sections on the track. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre
This next one is slightly comical and very French. The corner is called, quite simply, Tabac after the small tobacconist that has resided in the crook of the turn for as long as most people can remember. The turn is not that memorable, but the owner of the tabacmust get his money’s worth renting out that space year after year.
THE FINAL CORNERS
The next corner is really four, making up the collective known as the Swimming Pool. Until 1973, there was a straight run from Tabac to the final corner. Clearly that wasn’t fun enough so, when the Stade Nautique was built, the organisers decided to take the opportunity to use the space as part of the track.
Now, there are two chicanes that take the cars around the pool, the first of which is called the Virage Louis Chiron, named after the local F1 driver who captured the bronze at the first F1 championship in Monaco in 1950. The best drivers tend to love this section, as it’s fast and hard to negotiate, weeding the wheat from the chaff.
Exiting the Swimming Pool sector en route to La Rascasse. Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre
Then there is La Rascasse, named after the bar of the same name that sits on the corner. The bar has been transformed over the years from an old fisherman’s hangout to a grungy live music bar to the sleek nightspot it is today. It’s an amazing place to catch the race and an even better one to catch some après-race fun.
Last up is Virage Anthony Noghes. It used to be a hairpin called Gazometre until the 1970s, when it was redesigned in a tribute to the founder of the Monaco Grand Prix, Anthony Noghes. Michael Schumacher passed Fernando Alonso on this corner on the last lap in 2010. The race was still under a safety car, although it had pulled into the pits, giving Schumacher a 20-second penalty and landing him in a disappointing 12th place.
The launch of a new water management plan, foreign language scholarships and a raft of new ambassadors arrive in the Principality: here’s the weekly Monaco government news round-up.
GAMERDINGER REPRESENTING MONACO IN INDIA
Didier Gamerdinger (pictured above) has been assigned as the latest Ambassador for Monaco to India. He presented his Letters of Credence to President Droupadi Murmu at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on 11th May.
During his trip, Gamerdinger met with heads of the Western Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and several regional players from the worlds of investment, energy transition, culture and university education.
NEW AMBASSADORS ARRIVE
On 17th May, the Principality welcomed four new ambassadors. After presenting their Letters of Credence to Prince Albert II, Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera, Monaco’s Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations and representing the Government Counsellor-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, held a luncheon at the Hermitage Hotel for the newcomers.
New ambassadors to Monaco (left to right): Bojana Kondic-Panic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Unnar Orradottir Ramette from Iceland, Jan Theophile Versteeg from the Netherlands, and Asim Iftikhar Ahmad of Pakistan. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department
The incoming diplomats are Bojana Kondic-Panic from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland’s Unnar Orradottir Ramette, Jan Theophile Versteeg from the Netherlands and Asim Iftikhar Ahmad from Pakistan.
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The government has adopted a system to ensure “the rational use of water resources” as the Principality faces up to drought conditions this summer and potentially beyond. Made up of four alert levels ranging from vigilance to crisis, the plan was developed to significantly reduce water use, prolong reserves and delay the necessity of using emergency crisis measures.
The government has rolled out a new online system for Monegasque students to apply for foreign language scholarships via the monguichet.mc portal under the education section.
To be eligible, the pupil must be: enrolled in a Monaco-based secondary or higher education establishment; and of Monegasque nationality, a spouse of a Monegasque or of foreign nationality dependent on a Monegasque, a foreign nationality or an orphan dependent on a state employee, or of foreign nationality residing in Monaco for at least 10 years.
The chosen language must already be on the curriculum of a state or private school in the Principality, and applications must be submitted no later than 31st July 2023 to be considered. For more information on the programme, please click here.
The Monaco Grand Prix is the most famous F1 race on the planet, so it’s no wonder that everyone is vying for a spot on a superyacht, rooftop or grandstand. And with just days until lights out, you’d be surprised to see what’s still available.
The Monaco Grand Prix is famous for a reason. It takes place in the legendary Principality, with A-list celebrities and sports stars pouring in off their helicopters, and spilling out onto the superyachts that line the race circuit.
The energy during the Monaco GP is palpable, and everyone must experience it at least once in their lifetime.
If you think you’ve left it too late to secure a place at Monaco’s biggest event of the year, F1 Experiences shares with our readers some of the options that are still available.
F1 Experiences
F1 Experiences has strengthened its strategic position in hospitality in the Principality, teaming up with local company Monaco Star Events and extending its multi-year contract with the Automobile Club de Monaco.
F1 Experiences provides official F1 Ticket Packages to Formula 1 races worldwide and offers a range of exclusive grandstand seats and hospitality packages for the Monaco Grand Prix. It also provides access to pit lane walks, driving tours of the track, behind the scenes tours of the F1 Paddock and team garages and priority access to the post-race podium ceremony. There’s also access to the Formula 1 Paddock Club, and Q&A sessions with some of the sport’s biggest names.
One of the most unique positions to watch F1 in the world – from a super-yacht in the Monaco harbour. Photo provided
Superyacht trackside
Superyacht parties are synonymous with the Monaco Grand Prix. Tickets are still available onboard Tatiana I and the Formula 1 Paddock Club Yacht. Both have prime position in Zone 1 near the Nouvelle Chicane where the drivers will navigate turns 10 and 11. Prices start at around €3,200 per person.
Grandstands
Grandstand tickets tend to sell out fast, so it’s refreshing to know that some are still available for the big weekend.
The last free positions with F1 Experiences are in Grandstand K, which stretches from Tabac to the Piscine chicane section. It is a great spot to see the impressive performance of an F1 car as they corner at high speed between the unforgiving barriers. This stand also provides a view up to the Tunnel exit chicane, and a panorama of the harbour.
Grandstand V is situated on the outside of turn 19 just after the La Rascasse corner, and fans can even drop in to the nearby Norma Restaurant for food and beverages in between all the action. Priced at around €2,600.
Up close in a Monaco GP grandstand, photo provided
Rooftops
Thankfully, Monaco is a state of high-rises, so there are some great vantage points to be found on private terraces and hospitality establishments. Among them is the Miramar Terrace, which overlooks turn 12 (Tabac). This hospitality package combines premium views with an open bar and gourmet food, as well as Grandstand T access. Prices start at €2,500.
There are also places still available on the Heracles Terrace, a fifth-floor rooftop terrace situated on the left of the swimming pool with views of the pit lane exit, starting grid and the harbour. Once again, an open bar and premium hospitality are matched by one of the best views Monaco has to offer for €4,450 per person.
The Heracles Terrace overlooks the starting grid and Port Hercule, photo provided
The Shangri La Rooftop, on the 11th floor, also offers incredible panoramic views of the starting grid, pit lane, podium celebration. Grandstand K seating is included in the package, together with reserved table dining, bar, driver appearances and live music. All priced at €3,995.
The Monaco Grand Prix kicks off on Friday 26th May, with the main race taking place on Sunday 28th at 3pm.
F1 Experiences is a sponsor partner of Monaco Life. For more information on their packages, visit their website: www.f1experiences.com
