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Month: September 2023

Rugby World Cup: Wins for England, Australia, Ireland and France

by: Luke Entwistle
10/09/2023
Gilbert Rugby Ball being placed for a penalty

Hosts France won the first match of their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, beating New Zealand in the opener, whilst England, Ireland and Australia also began with victories.

France 27-13 New Zealand

Ill-discipline and the boot of Thomas Ramos helped France get the party started in the Stade de France as they beat New Zealand, one of the favourites for the title.

Italy 52-8 Namibia

Italy scored seven tries in a dominant victory over Namibia on Saturday. They are currently top of Pool A with five points, however, they will have their work cut out trying to progress from a group that contains France and New Zealand.

Ireland 82-8 Romania

Ireland ran riot against Romania. They scored an impressive 12 tries in a victory that sees them get their campaign off to the perfect start. They are in the so-called ‘pool of death’ that includes South Africa and Scotland.

Australia 35-15 Georgia

Australia made light work of Georgia, quickly racing into a 21-3 lead by half-time. They will face sterner tests in a group that includes Fiji and Wales.

England 27-10 Argentina

Despite a Tom Curry red card in the third minute, England miraculously prevailed against Argentina at the Vélodrome in Marseille. George Ford for the protagonist in an extraordinary, scoring all 27 of England’s points with his boot.

Japan 42-12 Chile

Debutants Chile couldn’t contain Japan, the hosts of the last Rugby World Cup. Japan scored six tries on their way to a comfortable victory, earning them a perhaps crucial bonus point.

South Africa 18-3 Scotland

South Africa came out on top in one of the crucial contests in this “Pool of Death.” The reigning champions were impressive and looked in control, capable of finding another gear when needed. Scotland manager Gregory Townsend said he was left “really disappointed” by the defeat, which saw his side kick off their campaign on a negative note.

Wales 32-26 Fiji

Fiji are one the teams that could cause an upset at this World Cup, however, despite a late surge, they couldn’t beat Wales. In a tight match, Wales made a break early in the second half, but Fiji came charging back, registering two late tries and fumbling a golden opportunity in the final second to potentially grasp victory from the jaws of defeat.

 

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Photo by Fanny Schertzer

Riviera Electric Challenge: From Cagnes to Monaco via Dolceacqua

by: Luke Entwistle
10/09/2023
Riviera Electric Challenge 2022

The ninth edition of the Riviera Electric Challenge will be the most international one to date, covering three countries: France, Italy and Monaco.

Beginning in Cagnes-sur-Mer on 12th September, the electric fleet of vehicles competing in the event, which has been co-organised by the Nice Automobile Club, the Ponente Ligure Automobile Club as well as the Town Hall of Monaco, will first head towards the Italian border before winding up in Monaco on 14th September.

Cagnes to Monaco using the least energy possible

The purpose of the now annual event, founded in 2015, is not only to promote sustainability within the borders of the Principality and beyond, but to bring together businesses and exemplary communities in integrating electric vehicles into their fleets.

And whilst there is a leading social objective to the event – to promote sustainable solutions – there is a also a competitive element.

The cars will gather at the Hotel Indigo in Cagnes-sur-Mer on Tuesday ahead of a speech from the Mayor of the Riviera town, Louis Nègre, the same evening. The departure will take place from the Hotel Indigo in Cagnes-sur-Mer the following morning as the fleet embark on a 405km journey, ultimately leading them to the Principality.

Prince Albert II involved in prize-giving ceremony

Using the least amount of energy possible, the 30 teams will make their way to Monaco’s twin town in Italy, the picturesque Dolceacqua, before heading back across the border towards Monaco.

The cars will then begin to arrive in Place du Palais Princier, Monaco from 17:00 on Thursday. Prince Albert II will be involved in the prize-giving ceremony with eight trophies, including the Prince’s Cup, being handed out to the victors of the ninth edition of the Riviera Electric Challenge.

 

 

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Photo source: Riviera Electric Challenge. This article was originally published on 4th September. 

Meet Reef Pulse, the innovative French company using acoustics to listen in on coral reefs

by: Stephanie Horsman
10/09/2023

By tracking the health and functioning of coral reefs using AI and passive acoustics, French company Reef Pulse is on the cutting edge of marine protections.  

The world’s coral reefs are home to 30% of marine biodiversity. They also provide vital goods and services to about 850 million people through coastline protection and tourism, as well as being a major source for food.  

But human impacts are destroying these fragile ecosystems at an alarming rate, with experts saying the planet could lose 70% to 90% of all coral reefs by 2050.  

Steps are being taken to protect the reefs, but, as their health is deteriorating rapidly, there are fears that they are not extensive enough to help solve the crisis facing reefs in a timely manner.  

Enter Reef Pulse, the French company that is offering “continuous monitoring services for the state and functioning of coral reefs with an innovative approach”. 

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES 

Reef Pulse takes ambient sound recordings collected from coral reefs and translates them into instantly usable data via state-of-the-art technologies such as passive acoustics, signal processing and artificial intelligence (AI). The company can then use this information to establish conservation methods tailor-made for each situation.  

More specifically, the company records the sounds in the reefs over a continuous period to allow its analysts to determine the state of the reef. Compared against a range of data points and indicators, this information is translated into visuals to help those working to save the reefs do their jobs as effectively as possible.  

The data is analysed daily to allow a thoroughly understanding of the effects of the Earth’s cycles – lunar and seasonal – and identify peak periods of activity. This combination of acoustic analysis and data visualisation provides detailed insight into ecosystem life and health. 

REEF PULSE AND FRANCE 2030 

Launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in October 2021, France 2030 is a programme that supports start-ups, companies and organisations with projects that have real potential to make a difference. To date, more than €8.4 billion has been dedicated to toward 60 projects and 1,700 recipients.  

Reef Pulse is one such beneficiary of France 2030 funding, which has been instrumental in helping refine the company’s tools to make them readily available to marine parks, design offices, research laboratories and local communities. 

 

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Photo via Reef Pulse

Programme for World Heritage Days in France now available in interactive map

by: Stephanie Horsman
09/09/2023

An interactive map is now available detailing the concerts, workshops, tours and fun events being organised as part of European Heritage Days celebrations in France this month.

Under the dual themes of Sports Heritage and Living Heritage, the 2023 European Heritage Days are back for their 40th year.

Taking place in France on 16th and 17th September, these days are a chance for people to discover more about the culture, customs and traditions in a fun and family-friendly way.

NATIONAL TAKE

Under this Sport Heritage banner, the public is invited to discover France’s sporting venues and infrastructure, as well as practices. This theme is tied in with the Cultural Olympiad calendar, “a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural program that will run until September 2024” that is part of the run up to the 2024 Olympic Games being held in Paris.

Another fun event starts early, on Friday 15th September. Schoolchildren will be able to participate in ‘Look up!’ in association with the Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports.

Intended for students from kindergarten to high school, this operation allows them to discover or rediscover the heritage of their region. This meeting is an opportunity to meet heritage professionals to discover their knowledge and know-how.

LOCAL EVENTS

A few of the local events to look for in the French Riviera include a pneumatic piano demonstration at the Villa Camélias Museum in Cap d’Ail on 17th September at 11am and 3:30pm. The villa itself is worthy of a trip featuring photos from the late 19th century through to the 1950s, as well as the Ramiro Arrue collection that has a selection of letters, paintings and drawings depicting what life in Cap d’Ail was like. The gardens are also magnificent, with a wild beauty harbouring olive trees alongside century-old carob trees, mimosas, a young Ginko biloba, Judas trees, bougainvillea, camellias and also fragrant jasmine.

In Beausoleil, a Tour De France and cycling exhibit is being held on the 16th from 10am to 6pm at the Centre Histoire et Mémoire Roger Bennati. Thanks to the recent donation of the Beausoleil Cyclist Club archives, the municipal archives of Beausoleil offer visitors the opportunity to discover the history of the Tour de France, which had it last visit back in 2009.

Additionally, the Eileen Gray villa, E-1027, the Camping Units, the Cabanon and Le Corbusier’s workshop are all united under one event in Roquebrune Cap Martin celebrating 20th century architecture on the 16th from 10am to 3:45pm.

There are loads more wonderful events nearby. To find them all, a handy interactive map has been created by the government https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/programme#/pinpoints/52255282 that shows what towns in and around the region, as well as all over Europe, are doing. The map shows pertinent information such as the date, the theme, who the event is geared to, what type of event, costs, accessibility and the like, so that visitors are armed in advance with the knowledge they need to see the sites they prefer.

Monaco will celebrate its Journées Européennes du Patrimoine on Sunday 24th September. Stay tuned to Monaco Life to read more about what is happening for the event in the Principality.

Do you have an event you would like us to cover? Send an email to editor@monacolife.net

Photo of Villa Camélias Museum courtesy Tourism Office of Nice

 

Getting to know Monaco: the vibrant district of Larvotto

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/09/2023
Larvotto monaco

Monte-Carlo may be Monaco’s most famous neighbourhood, but any local will tell you that Larvotto is where most of the action takes place. With uber-cool restaurants and cafés, art galleries, nightclubs and beaches, Larvotto is undoubtedly Monaco’s most vibrant district.

Not that long ago, Larvotto was a tired-looking, primarily residential area of Monaco most famous for the Grimaldi Forum and the beach. Located in the east of the Principality, it is the most densely populated district and the second largest, after Fontvielle.

In recent years, much to everyone’s delight, Larvotto has undergone a major transformation. The sleepy seaside district is now a bustling, slick and modern neighbourhood featuring a bounty of activities to enjoy, as well as properties that are among the most expensive in the world.

Photo by Monaco Life

MONACO’S MOST POPULAR BEACH

Larvotto Beach is home to a brand-new Renzo Piano designed esplanade that overlooks the sea and provides access to the beach below. It features outdoor gym facilities, 130 new trees, a cycling path and the iconic Lartigue fountain, which was reinstalled in 2022.

Down below is a promenade that takes visitors past a wide variety of delicious – and often reasonably priced – eateries and ice cream parlours as well as shops that sell beachwear, homeware and everything in between. It’s a wonderful place to pass the day, and is equally as pleasant at night after the heat of the day subsides and on certain evenings, live music fills the air.

Since the beach area was renovated and reopened in summer 2021, it has been a huge drawcard, and it is the place where locals tend to congregate to get away from the crowds.

Summer nights at Twiga

FOODIE HEAVEN

Larvotto is home to several exceptional fine-dining eateries including the legendary Sass Cafe, Twiga, La Table d’Elise, the relatively new The Niwaki Japanese restaurant and the popular Italian café Cova. This is also where most of the Principality’s live music venues and nightclubs are located: Twiga, Jimmy’z and Le Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Then there is Sexy Tacos on the promenade, La Note Bleue beach bar, which offers live music all summer, long-time faves Miami Plage and Neptune Beach, and the Italian themed restaurants Giacomo, Marco-La Rose des Vents and Avenue 31.

Another area to have undergone a complete renovation is Rue du Portier, which boasts a number of affordable restaurants and a pub.

These are only a portion of the amazing food offerings in the district. A visitor could spend weeks munching their way through the Larvotto’s many delectable choices and never get bored.

Larvotto monaco
The Grimaldi Forum Monaco at night. Photo by Monaco Life

GRIMALDI FORUM AND GARDENS

Just along from the beach is the Grimaldi Forum Monaco (GFM), host to Monaco’s biggest events, conferences and forums each year. Among the headline events each year are the supercar show Top Marques Monaco and the GFM’s summer exhibition, which this year was the exceptional Monet in Full Light.

Next to the Forum is the stunning Japanese Garden. Designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, the garden covers over 7,000m2 overlooking the Mediterranean. More than a collection of plants, it also incorporates stonework, water features and shade huts to make it a truly special place.

Larvotto monaco
The Japanese Gardens in Monaco, photo by Monaco Life

ART GALLERIES

The Villa Sauber is one of the last Belle Epoque villas left in the Principality. Though the exact date of construction is blurred by time, what is known is that the villa belonged to the Blanc family at the turn of the 20th century. The Blancs were instrumental in developing the Société des Bains de Mer and the Casino.

The property has been owned by Monaco since 1969, becoming part of the National Museum in 1972. Today, it holds exhibits pertaining to Monaco’s historic, cultural and, of course, artistic realms.

Another popular gallery is Tina Green’s G&M Design Gallery, which features a regular display of contemporary artists that never cease to amaze.

For a place to relax whilst getting a mix of culture and sun, Larvotto is a great part of Monaco to immerse yourself in.

 

 See more in our Instagram video below! 

By Cassandra Tanti and Stephanie Horsman. All photos by Monaco Life. 

 

RELATED ARTICLE:

Getting to know Monaco: The timeless and traditional Moneghetti

 

 

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Pleas to keep Menton beaches open rejected by French courts

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/09/2023

Menton’s seafront promenade is to have a €6 million makeover, but not all support the project, which has required the mandatory closure of its beaches since the end of August. Now the courts have had their say.  

Four owners of Menton private beach establishments came together under the banner of the Etablissements Balnéaires et des Usagers de la Riviera Française association to ask the Nice Administrative Court to postpone the closure of their beaches until mid-November.  

They argue that the obligatory closure at the end of August, as reported last month by Monaco Life, will cause significant loss of income by cutting short their potential earning period for the summer and autumn.  

On Thursday 7th September, the court rebuked their request, following an earlier hearing on Monday 4th September, putting the nail in the coffin for the hope of reprieve and perhaps even the future presence of the premises concerned.  

NEW PROBLEMS 

This hearing opened another can of worms, as it also determined that the establishments refusing to finance their part of the project, which is believed to be in the region of several hundreds of thousands of euros, could risk losing their spot on the beaches of Menton.  

In order for their concessions to be renewed, the beach operators of Menton must follow certain regulations, including paying the sums of money requested to pay for the infrastructure and new equipment of the project. 

A press release put out on Thursday 7th September by the mayor of Menton, Yves Juhel, stated that he was “delighted” by the ruling, “which confirms that the public service delegation procedure for the operation of Plage Sablettes was respected in all respects, as argued by the lawyer for the City of Menton”.  

The renovations to the seafront will begin on Monday 18th September. 

Read more about the situation here:

Why are Menton’s beaches closing down at the end of August?

 

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Photo source: Canmandawe, Unsplash