AS Monaco have secured back-to-back pre-season wins. Their latest victory came against Leeds United in what was a successful conclusion to the club’s UK-based training camp.
Following a 3-1 victory over Real Betis, Monaco beat Leeds United on Saturday 22nd July. The Yorkshire side are a regular opponent for LesMonégasques, with the two sides last meeting in a friendly in December. And just as they did at Elland Road on that cold winter’s night, Monaco once again ensured the victory at the weekend.
Captain Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland got both goals as Adi Hütter‘s side beat the Championship club 2-0 in York. Philipp Köhn, who recently joined from RB Salzburg, made his debut for Les Monégasques and kept a clean sheet.
Matches against Arsenal and Bayern Munich to come
The Principality club therefore end their training camp on a high. Monaco have been based at St George’s Park, the home of the England national team since mid-July.
But whilst their overseas training is completed, pre-season is for from over. The club will next face Bologna and Genoa before returning to the UK to face Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.
Monaco’s final pre-season game will come against Bayern Munich on 7th August before the curtain-raiser against Clermont Foot on 13th August. Prior to that, Hütter will be hoping to build fitness levels and familiarity with his new squad.
There will likely be further arrivals – and departures – before the end of the transfer window, which shuts on 1st September.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
It was all about life saving at Monaco’s Stade Nautique on Tuesday as the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation led a World Drowning Prevention Day full of fun and informative activities.
As part of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation took to the Rainier III Nautical Stadium for a day of awareness raising of the dangers of drowning. The event was held in partnership with the Mairie, the Monaco Red Cross, the Monaco Maritime and Airport Police Division, the Monaco Fire Brigade and the Monaco Academy of the Sea.
Throughout the day, entry to the pool was free for those under 18 years, and in total, 143 children were able to take advantage of the workshops.
Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace
Partner organisations set up stands to present their life saving activities, including the Maritime Police of Monaco who showed the specialist equipment that it uses in its rescue operations at sea, while the Monaco Red Cross gave first aid and CPR demonstrations.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation presented to the public the essential life saving measures that people should be taking to prevent drowning.
Meanwhile, every hour between 2pm and 6pm, water rescue demonstrations were carried out in the swimming pool by the lifeguards of the Stade Nautique Rainier III and the lifeguards of the Maritime Police.
Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Prince’s Palace
The date of 25th July was decided in April 2021 by the United Nations alongside the adoption of the Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, which calls on all Member States to take national and local measures in the face of this silent epidemic.
Drowning prevention is the main objective of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which was created in December 2012 and supports and funds educational projects worldwide.
Having battled through injury, Monegasque rider Laura Gramaglia will compete in the FEI U21 Endurance World Championships, which are set to take place in September.
The 2023 World Championships will take place in Castelsagrat in the Tarn-et-Garonne, and thanks to her impressive exploits this summer, Gramaglia will be there. The young rider, part of the EFG Monaco team, had to undergo knee surgery recently, but despite being rushed back to training in order to qualify for the event on 2nd September, she has successfully qualified for the tournament.
19-year-old Gramaglia and her team were pressed for time, but were determined not to miss out on the qualification deadline of 17th July. This meant that there was no option but for Gramaglia to ride Raya de Galonne in a CEI 120km endurance event in Barre-des-Cévennes earlier this month. A technically and physically demanding course, the Monegasque rider nonetheless got the job done and made the Top 10, a requirement for qualification for the World Championships.
A podium for another young Monegasque rider
A day later, Marie Roung, a 14-year-old rider from the Principality, also a part of EFG Monaco, rode Bahidja Al Mounira to second place in what was only her first CEN 20km race.
Gramaglia will next compete in a French Championship qualifier on 12th August in Gréoux les Bains, ahead of the World Championships taking place in just over one month’s time.
The future is seemingly very bright for Monaco’s young riders.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
The African Queen Restaurant in Beaulieu sur Mer has reopened under new ownership with a revamped look but all the charm that has made it a hot spot for over half a century.
The African Queen has been a staple of the port in Beaulieu since 1969.
Its reputation has attracted celebrities and millionaires, with it not uncommon to see famous faces such as Sylvester Stallone, Linda Evangelista, Elton John, Tina Turner, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss or Bono lounging in the sun and sipping rosé on a summer afternoon over the years.
Now, it has been revived by three Monegasque friends – Riccardo Giraudi, Philippe Schriqui and Patrick Gioannin – who grew up coming to this near-mythic place and who are intent on preserving the “soul” of the past, whilst setting the stage for the future.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The restaurant was founded by Lila and Pierre Brizio, who were great fans of the 1951 John Huston film of the same name and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. It was then taken over by one of the restaurant’s former waiters, Gilbert Vissian, who, along with his wife and daughter, turned it into the legend that it became.
“Having grown up on the Côte d’Azur, the African Queen has always been one of my favourite destinations,” says new co-owner Philippe Schriqui. “For more than 40 years, I have been devouring the Niçoise salad and the truffle pizza, which are for me essential dishes emblematic of the restaurant. The African Queen has always been a reference, so it is an honour for me to bring this establishment back to life for a second time.”
AND NOW…
The 2023 version of African Queen keeps the spirit of what made it so popular alive, like its 1970s devil-may-care vibe, but the restaurant is modernised with a design by local architectural firm Humbert & Poyet, who have added ethnic textiles, rattan chairs, emerald green tiles and leather touches.
Another new addition is a bar that is being constructed on the roof and will be ready for 2024. It boasts views over the Mediterranean that can’t be beat.
“African Queen evokes a feeling of escape; in the 1970s, it was the crazy place where we went out and where everything was allowed,” said Christophe Poyet, co-designer on the project. “The superb panorama is unforgettable. The cliffs of Beaulieu and the luxuriant vegetation give an impression of being at the edge of a tropical world.”
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?
Longtime patrons of the establishment can still enjoy the signature dishes of the old version, such as the Salade Africaine loaded with hearts of palm and pecans, as well as fresh grilled fish, but some new taste temptations are being added.
Atarte tatin with candied tomatoes and parmesan shortbread, warm prawns with olive oil and Menton lemon, and a tender Wagyu rib steak as well as black cod with miso and pastis are some of the sumptuous new dishes that are on the menu.
Desserts include a scrumptious baba aux rhum, a vanilla praline-infused Tropézienne cake and banoffee-style crepes for those with a sweet tooth.
The African Queen is open seven nights a week for dinner, and will soon also be open for lunch. For more information, please click here.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
With summer in full swing, many of us find ourselves yearning to look our best and shed those extra kilos accumulated over the year. However, in our quest for quick results, we often stumble upon misleading information and fall into the trap of ineffective or even harmful practices.
There are many misconceptions that should be avoided when aiming to burn fat and get in shape, so let’s debunk these myths and focus on science-backed strategies for a healthy and sustainable transformation.
DITCH THE “MIRACLE” FAT BURNERS
One of the biggest mistakes people make when attempting to burn fat quickly is resorting to fat-burning supplements or pills. These products promise miraculous results. Most of them claim a boost of your metabolic rate which increases the amount of daily calories burnt. Others will put forward the enhancement of fat oxidation which means that your body will use fat as the primary source of fuel. However, they often lack scientific evidence to support their claims and when there are some, they are mostly industry-funded. Moreover, some fat burners may have adverse side effects, potentially posing risks to your health. Instead, prioritise a well-rounded approach that focuses on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and proper rest.
STEER CLEAR OF EXTREME HEAT EXERCISING
Exercising in the scorching summer heat might seem like an effective way to sweat out excess weight. However, it’s important to be cautious. Sweating primarily leads to water loss, which can be quickly replenished by drinking. This means that the weight you lose during a sweaty workout is mostly water weight, not fat. Furthermore, subjecting yourself to intense exercise in extreme heat can put you at risk of hypohydration and other heat-related illnesses. Opt for exercising in cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening), hydrate adequately, and listen to your body’s cues to avoid any potential dangers.
AVOID STARVATION DIETS
Another misguided approach to fat loss is drastically reducing your food intake or skipping meals altogether. While it may seem logical that eating less leads to weight loss, this approach often backfires. Severe calorie restriction over time can result in a significant drop in energy levels, leaving you feeling lethargic and fatigued. In hot summer months, with higher temperatures, this can be particularly dangerous.
On top of this, you may lose some muscle because of not exercising enough or eating less protein. Instead, focus on creating a balanced eating plan that includes nutrient-dense foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will provide the necessary fuel to sustain your workouts and overall well-being.
Photo source: Thought Catalog for Unsplash
DON’T FALL FOR FAD DIETS
The internet is flooded with trendy diets promising quick weight loss, whether it’s eliminating entire food groups, relying solely on liquids, or following extremely low-calorie plans. While these diets may lead to rapid initial weight loss, they are often unsustainable in the long run and can negatively impact your metabolism and overall health.
Moreover, you should remember that even if a specific diet plan worked for someone it may not work for you, everyone is different. If you are looking for tailored advice, you should refer to a professional to guide you to the best-suited diet that will support your workouts and overall well-being.
When it comes to burning fat and achieving a desirable physique, there are no shortcuts or magical solutions. Instead of falling for gimmicks, it’s crucial to adopt a science-based approach that focuses on sustainable practices.
By avoiding fat burners, refraining from exercising excessively in heat, and steering clear of starvation diets, you can safeguard your health while making progress towards your goals. Remember, true transformation takes time, consistency, and a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself.
Tristan Boetti is a sports nutritionist. Through his company Performance & Bien-Être Monaco, he works with professional athletes as well as recreationally active individuals to help them achieve their goals through customised nutrition plans and expert advice.
The negotiations between the European Union and Monaco on a prospective Association Agreement have been long in the making. Now, the government has presented the findings of a report that considers the potential economic, legal and political impacts of such an accord.
For the past eight years, Monaco and the European Union (EU) have been slowly hashing out details for an Association Agreement, which would effectively make Monaco part of the internal market.
This seems straightforward enough, but there are concerns for the Monegasque regime over certain sovereignty issues given “its unique geographical, demographic and economic features”, according to government sources.
To gain a clear picture of the overall situation, Monaco’s government commissioned a prospectus on the economic, legal and political consequences – positive and negative – that an agreement with the EU could have on the Principality. Also considered in the study was a “possible failure of the negotiations in progress with the European Union”.
The government tasked the August Debouzy and Accuracy law firms and advisory services with the production of the report.
Two of the resulting documents, a summary report and an economic report, were presented at a meeting on Tuesday 25th that included numerous members of the Monegasque government, Monaco’s High Commissioner for European Affairs, Isabelle Costa, and Minister of State Pierre Dartout.
A WAY FORWARD?
In thanking August Debouzy and Accuracy for their work, as well as the team acting under the leadership of Costa, Dartout said, “We must continue to make progress in the negotiations that we are carrying out with the European Commission, while being more vigilant than ever on the issues that are essential for the Principality.”
Caution on the Monegasque side is tempered with a spirit of open-mindedness, though with little room for give when it comes to protection on certain internal matters.
The EU and Monaco are in accord on several points, such as human rights, security, multilateralism, climate and environment, and a rules-based international order.
Some sticking point remain, however, as explained in a Monaco Life article on the Principality’s current EU status.
The EU, for its part, also has ideas on how an agreement would look.
Statements previously made by EU spokespeople in relation to the Association Agreement include: “The European Union and the Principality of Monaco are like-minded close neighbours, sharing history, culture and language and have signed several agreements of cooperation. Since 2015, the EU and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino are negotiating an Association Agreement on their participation in the EU internal market. This would be a far-reaching agreement to be compared only with the European Economic Area Agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.”
