Three Monaco Yacht Club (YCM) teams battled it out at the front of the field during the Copa del Rey sailing tournament, held in Palma de Mallorca, over the weekend.
YCM’s crews were combative in the seas surrounding the Mallorcan capital last Saturday. The 41st edition of the Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) sailing competition was held amidst perfect sailing conditions. 70 boats competed in eight different categories in an exciting and jam-packed schedule.
Five days of competition came to a head on Saturday with three of YCM’s teams securing promising results. Moonlight’s crew, skippered by Graeme Peterson secured a fifth place in the ClubSwan 50 class. Peterson and his crew were closely followed by another YCM team, Cuordileone, skippered by Leonardo Ferragamo.
Saling coming closer ashore
There was another sixth-place finish for a Monégasque crew in Palma. In the ORC 2 class, Roberto Tamburelli on Rachistar concluded a strong weekend for the YCM’s crews and proved that they are up there with the best. Team Malizia’s exploits in the Ocean Race earlier this year are further proof the institution’s international competitiveness.
Sailing is coming to slightly more local shores later this month. The countdown is on for the 18th edition of the Palermo-Monte-Carlo, which will land on Monégasque shores on 27th August.
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Escaping to higher altitudes for some fresh mountain air is the perfect antidote to the busy coast and summer temperatures of the Côte d’Azur. Read on to discover the Monaco Life list of top rural hotels in the region.
From remote hotels with pristine mountain views to châteaux replete with luxury spas and excellent restaurants, there are some wonderful high-altitude resorts and venues to be found if you know where to look.
Thankfully, we do. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best.
Pure Montagne Resort & Spa
Found in the Vésubie valley, around an hour and a half from Monaco or a little longer if you take the scenic route, the Pure Montagne Resort & Spa reigns supreme as the finest “aparthotel” in a region sometimes described as a “Niçoise Switzerland”.
34 suites and rooms across five chalets sit alongside a Nordic-inspired spa, lounge rooms and a bar that make this destination the perfect place to unwind in stunning natural scenery. Here are tonnes of activities to be discovered outside too, from bike rides and hiking to wild swimming and the Vésubia Mountain Park, of which the hotel is a partner.
The spa facilities at Pure Montagne. Photo credit: Pure Montagne Resort & Spa
Fiocco di Neve Relais & Spa
Next up is the Fiocco di Neve Relais & Spa – meaning snowflake in Italian – in the Piedmontese village of Limone. This place is a bit harder to reach at the moment than it should be as works on the Tende tunnel, which was near destroyed by Storm Alex some years ago, are not yet complete and a provisional date for reopening has been pushed to sometime in 2024. Still, the beauty of this idyllic Italian mountain town continues to draw in tourists and visitors willing to “go the extra mile”.
Head into Piedmont for an alpine escape Italian-style. Photo credit: Fiocco di Neve Relais & Spa
The Fiocco di Neve Relais & Spa is found in the town centre, thus offers excellent nearby amenities and services. The rooms are spread across a range of suites suitable for those suitable for family groups to couples looking for a romantic getaway.
The inclusion of a spa at this hotel makes that a very real probability and it is luxuriously decorated in a way only Italians know how to achieve. The White Restaurant & Lounge Bar is also worth a visit and serves up exquisite gourmet cuisine inspired by regional produce that is backed up a wine cellar housing some 700 different labels.
Domaine Ribiera
The setting of the five-star Domaine Ribiera is perhaps more Provence than alpine, but it is situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department so we will leave the classification of this resort up to you.
Surrounded by greenery, from forests to rolling hills, this place certainly ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to a rural retreat thanks to its verdant locale and 12 hectares of landscaped grounds. But the Domaine Ribiera also comes with heaps of high-end amenities, not least its very own golf course, spa and restaurant, Le Ribiera.
The hotel has 20 rooms, six of which are luxury suites, and it is part of the Les Collectionneurs network of “hôtels de charme” picked by Monaco’s beloved Alain Ducasse.
The Domaine Ribiera has earned Alain Ducasse’s seal of approval. Photo credit: Domaine Ribiera
Villa Morelia
Back in the French alps, near the town of Barcelonnette and at the “gateway” to the Mercantour National Park, is the Villa Morelia. An elegant country house, it is set in a hectare of parkland with a swimming pool and boasts magnificent mountain views from every side.
There are multiple accommodation options, including a Grande and a Prestige suite, as well as a gastronomic restaurant that the Michelin Guide describes as offering “a certain bourgeois charm… a flattering setting for a market cuisine, seductive and faithful to tradition”.
The Villa Morelia near Barcelonnette. Photo credit: Alpes-Haute-de-Provence
Château de Taulane
For the first of our recommendations in the Verdon area, we head to the four-star Château de Taulane. This is a great destination for couples and groups looking to blend a spot of golf with some true relaxation at a top-notch spa. There’s also a great restaurant within the grounds, which is open from April through to October.
The Château de Taulane is a vast 18th century estate, with some 29 rooms typically available, but another 18 on offer if you’re looking to book the place out for an event or wedding. One thing to note is that if you were hoping to get away with your pet in tow, no animals are permitted at this address.
Château Taulane combines relaxation, sport and haute cuisine. Photo credit: Château Taulane
Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon
Finally, we come to the Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon, which is located at almost 1,000 metres above sea level in the heart of the Verdon area. This four-star hotel is also very close to the jaw-droppingly beautiful canyon that makes this region famous. It is home to a Cinq Mondes Spa that will also take your breath away too.
Each of its 30 rooms and suites, including one duplex for those needing extra space, opens onto a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding landscape that promises to “lift your spirits” and fulfill those desires to escape from the urban coast.
There’s an onsite restaurant with an equally lovely terrace, as well as a sister restaurant called Le Styx in the nearby village.
Views galore from the Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon. Photo credit: Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon
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New manager, new sporting director: the 2023/24 season heralds a new era at AS Monaco, but perhaps one that doesn’t mark such a radical departure from its predecessor.
As Adi Hütter and Thiago Scuro, the replacements for Philippe Clement and Paul Mitchell took their seats for their first media outing in July, the page had been officially turned. Mitchell’s departure as sporting director had been planned, Clement’s less so. The Belgian paid the price for a poor end to the season, which leaves Les Monégasques without any form of European football this campaign.
A sprinkling of continuity in an evolving project
However, Scuro and Hütter may not represent the most radical of departures from their predecessors. The project hasn’t been torn up and re-written over night. Scuro’s appointment in particular feels like a natural evolution of the project. The Brazilian arrives from Bragantino, and like his predecessor Mitchell, has a history of working within the Red Bull system. Mitchell is conscious of not being a “volatile element” in the project, and through the appointment of Scuro, as well as his assistance throughout the summer, he is hoping to maintain an element of stability.
Adi Hütter (left) and Thiago Scuro (right) at their unveiling. Photo source: AS Monaco
“We will keep the same philosophy over multiple seasons,” said Scuro upon his presentation. Hütter also shares similarities with Clement, although from the outset, the former has seemingly managed to instil a more dynamic, fluid attacking system. “It is by pressing high that we can put an aggressive style in place,” said Hütter.
The Austrian isn’t, therefore, the most radical of departures from his predecessor either. That is ultimately the plan at Monaco. Following years of turbulence prior to Mitchell’s arrival, there is a need for stability: the calm after the storm.
A perfectible roster
The most important positions filled, Monaco’s attention turned towards creating the optimal conditions to allow Hütter to thrive. Scuro’s South American connections perhaps allowed Jean Lucas’ departure to finally materialise. The Brazilian has been on the transfer list for some time, and he has now joined Santos. However, unlike in some previous seasons, it hasn’t been a revolving door at the club’s Performance Centre in La Turbie this summer.
Monaco’s Philipp Köhn in action against Arsenal. Photo source: AS Monaco
Much of Monaco’s business was dependent on outgoings. Axel Disasi and Youssouf Fofana were both expected to depart this summer – and for big money. However, the suitors were not necessarily forthcoming. Disasi was on the shortlists of many clubs, but at the top of none of them. Chelsea finally came to the table in August and quickly concluded a deal. The €45m figure received for the France international gives the Principality club some wriggle room in the market, and further arrivals seem imminent. Despite links away, Fofana remains at the club.
Philipp Köhn and Mohammed Salisu are the only two arrivals so far. It is hoped that Köhn will be an improvement on Alexander Nübel, who didn’t always live up to the big occasion. The Swiss goalkeeper’s performances for Monaco in pre-season are a source of optimism.
A reduced margin for error
Salisu has yet to feature for Monaco since his arrival from Southampton, but the Ghanaian international has already accrued considerable experience given his young age. Extra depth is needed in defence, but the foundations have been well-laid for a more solid campaign at the back.
Further reinforcements are being targeted further up the pitch in the midfield and attack, and the need for an extra striker has been made much more pressing in the wake of Breel Embolo’s ACL injury. Monaco will be looking to conclude as much business as early as possible to avoid the slow starts that have plagued previous campaigns.
Adi Hütter at his unveiling. Photo source: AS Monaco
It is all the more important to start quickly this season. With the reduction of the top flight from 20 to 18 teams, there will be four fewer games, reducing the margin for error. Slow starts will be more severely punished with less time to make up the deficit.
“We want to bring stability.”
The strength of the club’s rivals makes the race for Europe an exciting one. Rennes and Marseille look particularly strong following considerable recruitment this summer, Lille have retained many of their key assets, Nice will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign, whilst Strasbourg, now backed by BlueCo, could represent a fresh challenger. With the expansion of the Champions League from next season, there will be four spots up for grabs in Ligue 1 – as the club prepares to celebrate its cententary in 2024, there is a determination to once again compete on the continent.
Adi Hütter alongside Aleksandr Golovin at the Emirates Stadium. Photo source: AS Monaco
Heading into the season, which kicks off against Clermont Foot on Sunday, there is no denying that Monaco are one of the league’s most unknown quantities. But equally, this is no longer a club that will change its entire orientation and philosophy at the drop of a hat – the project is what it is, and it is here to stay.
“My history confirms it. I have always had long relationships with my coaches. We want to bring stability. Working with the same people over the long-term allows you to get results,” said Scuro. Working within the same confines breeds success too. This new duo in many ways are an extension, not a deviation, from the old regime, and that is no bad thing for a club that is looking to reassert itself in France’s elite.
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Summers were made for barbeques but the smoke, smells and potential fire hazards can be annoying, and even dangerous, to those not on the receiving end of that juicy burger. Here’s what the rules are to keep everyone happy and safe.
Who doesn’t love a barbeque, especially in the summer? The warm nights and sun-filled days are just right for al fresco dining and cooking outdoors keeps the house, and the cook, from overheating indoors in a stuffy kitchen.
But there are limits to a good thing and the French government has put out some regulations on BBQ-ing to ensure that everyone is safe and undisturbed.
RULES AS THEY STAND
Whether living in a house or an apartment, there are no legal restrictions on the use of barbeques, so long as the user is respectful and isn’t cooking non-stop for days on end. Whilst the law says its ok to occasionally partake, clauses in the terms of a rental contract, or the rules of copropriétés, may limit how and when BBQs are used.
“Some clauses or decrees only restrict the use of barbecues running on charcoal and not those running on gas or electricity, restrict the use of barbecues on balconies or on terraces, and others limit it to certain time slots,” clarifies the government on their website.
Additionally, during certain times of the year, and in regions where the climate is dry and prone to fires, the departmental Prefect or local mayor may decide to ban BBQ-ing as a matter of fire prevention.
WHAT TO DO IF A NEIGHBOUR CROSSES THE LINE
Excessive use of a barbeque can be deemed an “abnormal neighbourhood disturbance”, defined as nuisances that exceed the normal inconveniences of the neighbourhood. In these cases, residents have the right to protest.
In order to prove the barbequing neighbour is an annoyance, proof is required. Blackened walls, ashes flying all over adjoining properties or live embers scorching lawns, furniture or the like are reasons to file a complaint.
There are also legal criteria which must be met. These include the frequency of the act and its duration as well as the intensity, whether it occurs in the day or night, where it occurs – for example in an urban or rural area, and if the regulations in force permit it.
The government suggests the first step is to have a friendly chat with the neighbour and alert them to the inconveniences. If this doesn’t produce a satisfactory solution, send a formal notice by registered mail to move the barbecue or limit its use.
If this still doesn’t work, call the trustee of the copropriété or town hall and get them to alert the offender that they are out of compliance with rules. The last resort, which is time-consuming and costly, is to go to court, but this cannot even be considered until the previous steps have been tried and have failed.
At the end of the day, just having common courtesy will avoid these kinds of situations. Maybe just offering the neighbour a burger straight off the grill will keep the mood light and tempers cooled!
The annual Perseid meteor showers are back throughout the month of August, with the 13th being a particularly good night to catch them in the skies above Monaco and France.
Look up, everyone! The August night sky is filled with wonders, notably from the spectacular return of the Perseid meteor showers, which light up the heavens over France until 24th August.
This shooting star show will best be seen on the night of 13th August from midnight onwards when an estimated one meteor per minute will be visible to the naked eye. This year’s event will be more dramatic than last year, when a Super Moon vied for the showers’ attention and dimmed viewing.
WHERE TO LOOK
Clear nights will aide in being able to see the showers, which are best seen when looking toward the northeast and the Perseus constellation. The bottom of the “W” formed by the constellation Cassiopeia is where the shooting stars originate from, and emanate from the tail of the Swift-Tuttle comet… which takes 133 years to circle the sun.
HOW BEST TO SEE
Minimising the amount of light pollution helps when looking for the Perseid showers. This means heading out to the countryside, a nearby park, the beach or even just turning your back to streetlamps if heading out of town is not possible. People’s eyes need at least 15 minutes to adjust to the dark to catch the fainter meteors so avoid looking at any light source, including phones, during this time. Finally, don’t forget to make a wish, or wishes…may they all come true!
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, the moment when a snack magically appears and our willpower wavers. For those on a strict diet, it can be a real killer, derailing progress and leaving us feeling defeated. But here’s the good news: snacks don’t have to be the enemy.
When well-planned and chosen wisely, they can actually be a delightful addition to your daily diet, packed with both pleasure and healthiness to keep you energised throughout the day.
So, get ready to discover the perfect snack mix that will nourish your body, satiate your cravings, and help you stay on track to achieve your goals.
REFRESHING FRUITS
When it comes to satisfying and nutritious snacks, seasonal fruits take the crown. Bursting with flavour and brimming with essential nutrients, these nature’s delights are a guilt-free pleasure that keeps us refreshed throughout the summer.
Whether you’re enjoying a sun-soaked day at the beach or hustling through busy errands, these hydrating wonders are always at your fingertips. Think of succulent watermelon, sweet strawberries, juicy oranges and tangy pineapple. Not only are they low in calories, but they also offer a bounty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, K, manganese, or fibres.
Grab a handful of these colourful delights, and you’ll find yourself invigorated and ready to take on any adventure that comes your way. But remember, it’s important not to overindulge in fruits to maintain a balanced diet as they contain a lot of sugar (even if it’s natural sugar). Moderation is key to enjoying the best of what these delicious, nutritious treats have to offer.
VEGETABLE DIPS
Enter the unbeatable duo of vegetable sticks and dips. Colourful and crunchy veggie sticks, like carrot batons, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices, team up with creamy, flavour-packed dips to create a snack that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or having a picnic in the park, this combo is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling fresh and energised. Plus, the fibre content in the vegetables will keep hunger at bay between your meals.
Dip options are endless, from classic hummus to zesty tzatziki, or even a creamy avocado-based dip. Not only do these veggie sticks provide essential vitamins and fibre, but the dips also add healthy fats and protein to keep you full and fuelled. So, grab your veggie sticks, dunk them into your favourite dip, and savour the goodness of this summer snack sensation.
Photo by Mor Shani, Unsplash
SUMMER DRINKS
When it comes to quenching your thirst in a healthier way than sugary sodas, there’s a whole world of delightful and nourishing options to explore. Step away from those fizzy drinks and dive into the goodness of fresh smoothies and flavourful juices.
Blend up a tropical fruit smoothie with a mix of mangoes, pineapples, and bananas for a taste of paradise. If you prefer a green boost, try a refreshing spinach and cucumber smoothie with a splash of zesty lemon. Craving something more hydrating? Opt for a naturally sweet watermelon or cucumber-mint cooler.
The best part? These beverages are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a tasty and nutritious choice that your body will thank you for. So, swap out those sodas and sip on these revitalizing drinks that’ll keep you refreshed and feeling fantastic all summer long.
DAIRY DELIGHT
Indulge in the goodness of dairy treats that offer a burst of essential nutrients, perfect for any time of the day. Dive into a creamy pot of Greek yogurt adorned with mixed berries, delivering a protein-packed and antioxidant-rich delight that satisfies your cravings.
You could also elevate your snacking with a cottage cheese bowl topped with sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes, a delightful source of protein and vitamins. These dairy snacks effortlessly infuse your moments with nourishment, keeping you energised and resilient.
REMEMBER THESE TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT NOURISHING BITE
In the delightful world of summer snacking, vibrant choices nourish and invigorate. From refreshing fruits to veggie sticks with tempting dips, and revitalising drinks to creamy dairy delights, each bite and sip adds vitality to your days. Embrace these options as allies on your wellness journey, satisfying both taste and nourishment.
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.
