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Month: November 2023

Extreme E becomes newest partner of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance 

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/11/2023

With a hydrogen-powered version of the electric off-road motorsports racing series Extreme E in the works for 2025, the event’s organisers have solidified their support for the alternative fuel source by announcing a new partnership with the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance.  

Among the exciting developments to come out of this week’s Monaco Hydrogen Forum, which was held at the Hôtel Hermitage on 27th and 28th November, was the news that the trailblazing Extreme E racing series has become a member of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance.  

The inaugural season of Extreme E only took place in 2021, but by 2022, the organisers had revealed their intentions to expand the groundbreaking series, which sees teams of mixed genders driving electric cars in the remotest corners of the world to draw attention to climate change, with the creation of an Extreme H version.  

Set to debut in 2025, the future Extreme H series will see hydrogen-fuelled cars take centre stage and become the first-ever off-road race to feature vehicles powered exclusively by hydrogen fuel technology.  

The decisionmakers behind the FIA Championship series have now taken a step further in promoting the use of the hydrogen as a clean fuel source by becoming official members of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance, which runs the Monaco Hydrogen Forum.  

“We are delighted to become an official member of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance,” said Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E. “The potential for utilising green hydrogen is huge and, like the Alliance, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable, zero-emission mobility while significantly reducing the impact on the planet… As the energy transition continues at pace towards a low carbon future, it is crucial to collaborate with industry leaders and pioneers to deliver sustainable solutions that can have an enormous impact, especially as we move towards Extreme H and the first-ever hydrogen racing world championship.” 

John Rossant, the chairman of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance, said of the new partnership, “Extreme E has been instrumental in pushing battery electric technology to exciting new limits, and will soon expand to hydrogen with the launch of the Extreme H series in partnership with the FIA.” 

Click here for more information.  

Read related:

Hydrogen-fuelled drones among exciting innovations presented at Monaco Hydrogen Forum   

 

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Photo via Extreme E

The Prime de Noël and other changes in France this December

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/11/2023

As the final month of the year begins, the government of France has a few new changes in store, including an updated list of 23,000 training courses for students, financial incentives for the purchase of low emission vehicles and the ‘Prime de Noël’ for those in need. 

The French government always puts out a list of what’s new and what has changed ahead of each new month, and from 1st December, there will be some changes affecting students, potential car buyers and financially vulnerable households.  

EDUCATION 

First up is a reminder that the Parcoursup information site, the national pre-registration platform for the first year of higher education in France, will be updated with the latest training options as of 20th December. Further information can be found here. 

ENVIRONMENT 

On 15th December, the Environment and Energy Management Agency of France will release an updated list of vehicles eligible under the national “ecological bonus” scheme, which favours the purchase of new or used vehicles with a low carbon footprint. This financial grant is conditional according to a set of specific criteria that can be found in detail here.  

AID FOR THE VULNERABLE 

Finally, the French state will be giving out Christmas bonuses to households who receive “minima sociaux” – guaranteed minimum income in English – during the month of December.  

Minima sociaux are non-contributory social benefits, meaning that they are paid without compensation for contributions. The aim is to guarantee a minimum income to people in precarious situations. 

The bonuses will be paid out by the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) or the Mutuelle Sociale Agricole (MSA), with amounts varying depending on situation of individual households.  

To find out more, click here. 

 

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Photo source: S. B. Vonlanthen, Unsplash

France’s 3919 hotline for victims of violence is now available in 12 additional languages

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/11/2023

France’s 3919 advice line for women who have been exposed to or suffered violence or domestic abuse has been expanded to offer contact with “professional listeners” in 12 languages.  

Following on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November, and the subsequent solidarity marches all over France on 26th November, the government is seeking to reassure victims that they can find support and help via the national violence and domestic abuse hotline: 3919.  

The government-backed number, which is managed by the Solidarité Femmes federation and has been operational 24/7 since 30th August 2021, is there to “provide an initial reception for all women victims of gender-based violence”.

The situation is then assessed by professionals before the caller is directed to an appropriate local or national partner organisation or association that can further assist.   

Additionally, Solidarité Femmes operates a website that includes extensive information on the legal rights of victims. The federation, which groups 81 associations across the country, also offers more than 3,000 emergency or long-term shelter spaces, equalling half the total number of dedicated accommodations for victims of violence in France.  

ALL TYPES OF VIOLENCE 

The hotline can be used in relation to any kind of violence, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriages, female genital mutilation and workplace abuses. 

The number is free and anonymous, and can be reached by mobile or landline throughout mainland France. A team of experienced responders are on the other end of the line to provide guidance or information on what to do in the face of violent acts for both the victims themselves and those close to them. 

The service is now available in 12 languages in addition to French. They are English, Arabic, Creole, Dari, Spanish, Hebrew, Kabyle, Mandarin, Persian, Polish, Portuguese and Turkish, though speakers of each are not all on-site full-time.  

To speak to a person in a certain language, callers may be offered a time slot for a call back.  

The hotline is there for all, but in the case of immediate danger, it is recommended that the victim call 17 or 18 to reach the emergency services. 

For more information, click here.

 

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Photo source: Kev Costello, Unsplash  

Restaurants in Ventimiglia: a guide to the Italian city’s new dining and leisure scene

by: Niki Borisova
28/11/2023

Ventimiglia has undergone a major transformation with the opening of Cala del Forte, and the new marina has established the coastal Italian town as a hub of culinary delights and leisure activities that complement its famous farmers markets and diverse shopping options.

The Cala del Forte marina was inaugurated by Prince Albert on 2nd July 2021. This new addition, located just a brief journey from Monaco and owned by the Principality, has been developed by Monaco Ports and is part of a major new economic strategy for Ventimiglia.

With the new marina comes new opportunity, both in the water and on land. One of the most visible is the emerging culinary scene that is steadily growing in popularity.

New culinary highlights

Just next to Cala del Forte, Margunaira stands out as a destination for Argentinian cuisine enthusiasts. Here, visitors can savour the rich flavours of dry-aged châteaubriand steak and traditional empanadas washed down with a selection of fine wines from the nation. Some of the best come from the Mendoza region.

Margunaira offers spectacular food and hearty Argentinian dishes. Photo by Monaco Life

Pasta e Basta, a long-standing favourite in the town for 30 years, recently refreshed its look alongside the marina’s development. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, inviting guests to choose from a variety of homemade pastas presented on a tray and then pair them with their choice of freshly prepared sauces.

As one ventures into Cala del Forte, a range of other gastronomic experiences await. Olivia, a quaint establishment, serves up delightful gelato, pastries and coffee. It is the ideal spot for those seeking a quick refreshment.

La Tana del Porto emerges as a premier destination for those looking to unwind and socialise, especially during its live music-filled aperitivo hours. With a terrace that offers a view of the port, the ambience is perfect for a relaxed evening. Adding to the charm is their dynamic weekly cocktail menu, and among their culinary highlights, the rabbit leg alla Liguria comes highly recommended.

For a diverse culinary journey, Palosanto offers a vibrant blend of Argentinian cuisine and South American wines, complemented by the energy of live DJ music. This place caters to all dining needs, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and remains a lively spot for after-dinner drinks. It is open from 8am to 1am.

Vibrant South American cuisine combines with excellent wines from the New World in Palosanto. Photo by Monaco Life

Marixx, a more upscale dining choice, caters to dinner crowds from Tuesday to Sunday and lunch guests from Wednesday to Sunday. It is renowned for its raw bar, seafood pasta and oyster bar. This establishment is the brainchild of Chef Riccardo Marcenaro, a prominent figure in the culinary scene of the Riviera di Ponente. His approach to cuisine is about preserving traditional Italian culinary art while infusing it with touches of elegant modernity.

More than just dining

The port area is also poised to welcome new attractions like Minimall, a collection of luxury boutiques, and already houses the Boutsen classic cars store, a gym, a café-bistro and various yachting agencies.

At just a short distance from Monaco, Ventimiglia’s Cala del Forte is well-positioned to serve the overflow of yacht owners, sailors and visitors from the Principality. Photo by Monaco Life

Cala del Forte’s strategic location and regular maritime transfers to Monaco via the high-speed shuttle Monaco One ensure seamless connectivity. This marina is a centrepiece in Ventimiglia’s evolution into a destination that offers a blend of gastronomic and leisure experiences.

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RELATED ARTICLE:

La Rocca: work starts on haute cuisine restaurant in Ventimiglia

 

All photos by Monaco Life

 

 

“Leave and Take” libraries launched in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/11/2023

As part of efforts to promote the reduction of waste, the Mairie has opened the first of a series of municipal libraries featuring books donated in the Principality.

The Mairie’s Marjorie Crovetto and Chloé Boscagli Leclercq inaugurated the shared libraries on Friday 24thNovember, during European Waste Reduction Week (SERD).

In addition to containing books for the general public, the shared library located at Parc Princesse Antoinette includes a selection of children’s books such as comics and novels, while a second, installed at the Condamine Market, has works intended for a wider audience, including novels, essays and poetry. All of these books were received during a collection organised at the Condamine Market for SERD 2023.

Soon, other shared libraries dedicated to early childhood and parenting will see the light of day in the Principality’s childcare centres.

“Resulting from a project aimed at promoting the circular economy, the ‘Làscia e Piya!’, (leave and take!), give users the opportunity to drop off books and borrow works left by other readers in a specially dedicated place designed by the Municipal Technical Services teams,” said the Mairie in a statement. “This local cultural approach allows us to build social links and create moments of sharing, and is part of the project to fight against all forms of waste initiated by the Municipal Institution.”

Among the waste reduction initiatives also launched and supported by the Mairie de Monaco are the Mùnegu Repair Café, plant donations, and clothing collections.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

 

 

Scouts and Guides join with Prince Albert to plant trees at reforestation site in La Turbie

by: Elsa Carpenter
28/11/2023

To dually mark the centenaries of Prince Rainier III and the existence of the Scouts and Guides in Monaco, 100 native trees were planted on a parcel of land in La Turbie over the weekend by the association, which was joined in its endeavour by Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie.  

On Saturday 25th November, members of the Scouts and Guides of Monaco association headed up to a plot of land between the A8 toll in La Turbie and the Grande Corniche to plant 100 trees indigenous to the region.  

Prince Albert, ahead of his departure for Malaysia, joined the youngsters along with his sister, Princess Stéphanie, and both mucked in with the task of digging the rough and rocky terrain.  

Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie helped the proud youngsters get the 100 native trees in the ground. Photo credit: Direction de la Communication / Frédéric Nebinger

The symbolic number of trees commemorates both the 100 years since the birth of the late Prince Rainier III and 100 years of the Scouts and Guides in Monaco.  

From cedars to Alep pines and flowering ash, the trees chosen and the project are also part of a much wider reforestation plan managed by France’s Office National des Forêts (ONF) that covers 305 hectares of land between Eze, La Turbie and Monaco.  

Back in 1986, a vast forest fire swept through the area and razed much of the woodland. In the last 30 or so years, an estimated 440,000 trees have been planted in this zone thanks to the ONF, the Principality of Monaco and the nearby French communes.  

 

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Photo credits: Direction de la Communication / Frédéric Nebinger