Photos: Prince Albert celebrates as Monaco Impis are crowned victors of the Dubai Sevens

05/12/2023

The opening event in the 2023/24 calendar of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which took place in Dubai over the weekend, has been won by the Monaco Impis for the first time in the team’s history, and Prince Albert II of Monaco was there in person to celebrate with the victorious players.

Monaco Impis have triumphantly clinched the title of ‘International Open Men’s Cup Winners’ at the Dubai Sevens event, which was held between 2nd and 3rd December. The win marks a significant achievement in the young team’s sporting journey.

Monaco Impis, a bi-national team combining players from Monaco and other nations, was established in 2017 and has been representing the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco Rugby Federation and the colours of Monaco at the Dubai Sevens for the seven years since. Gareth Wittstock, brother of Princess Charlene, is the honorary president of the Monaco Impis.

Their win in Dubai on 3rd December, a first for the Monaco Impis in the Dubai Sevens, is a proud moment for all and highlights the team’s growing talent as well as Monaco’s rising status in the rugby world.

Prince Albert of Monaco, who was in Dubai at the time for the ongoing COP28 climate summit, proudly celebrated the team’s landmark win with them at the Sevens Stadium.

*Prince Albert II of Monaco, who was concurrently in Dubai for COP28, was able to join the victorious team in person to celebrate their win. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco*

Players from AS Monaco Rugby on the books

The Monaco Impis side in Dubai included AS Monaco Rugby players Augustin Slowik, Loris Lefebvre and Maxime Martin, but they weren’t the only Monaco stars on the pitch.

The final against the Nissa Sevens saw the Impis come up against Logan Tosello and Dylan Ouisly from AS Monaco Rugby. The Impis ultimately took home a 29-12 win, and this victory was the pinnacle of a series of impressive victories, which saw triumphs in the group stages and a 22-12 win over the Butchers 7s in the quarterfinals, followed by a strong 26-14 against Speranza 22 in the semifinals.

Expanding horizons

Beyond the Dubai Sevens, where they are familiar faces, the Impis have further expanded their horizons. They also took part in, and won, the Melrose Sevens tournament in Scotland in April.

In 2024, the tournament will take place between 11th and 13th April, where the Impis are sure to make another solid appearance.

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Photo credits: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

AS Monaco Rugby to usher in new era with imminent new clubhouse opening

by: Niki Borisova

05/12/2023

AS Monaco Rugby’s 2023/24 season, marked by significant infrastructure developments and remarkable team successes, reflects a period of substantial growth and community engagement for the club.

Very soon, AS Monaco Rugby will have a brand-new clubhouse complete with a modern rehabilitation room at the Stade Prince Héréditaire Jacques in Beausoleil. Both enhancements promise to significantly improve the training and recovery experiences for the players of a team that is growing steadily in popularity.

Dubbed the “World Cup effect”, AS Monaco Rugby has witnessed its number of licensees swell by 20% this year and the club now boasts 400 members.

The team has also participated a range of “extra-curricular” activities in the last 12 months, from the Monaco Water Games to the Rugby Solidaire Challenge, and has proved itself a keen promoter of women’s rugby. These efforts underscore the club’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the sport.

AS Monaco Rubgy — *AS Monaco Rugby took part in this year’s thrilling Monaco Water Games in front of the Yacht Club de Monaco. Photo via Facebook*

International impact and local dominance

AS Monaco Rugby’s players have also shone in the international rugby arena as of late, with standout performances in prestigious tournaments like the Dubai Sevens that took place on 3rd December. Augustin Slowik, Loris Lefebvre and Maxime Martin represented the eventual winners of the tournament, the Monaco Impis, while Clément Rodor played with the France military team, and Logan Tosello and Dylan Ouisly formed part of the Nissa Sevens teams, but all helped to raise the Principality club’s profile on the global stage.

See more: Prince Albert celebrates as Monaco Impis are crowned victors of the Dubai Sevens

Back on the home front, AS Monaco Rugby’s First Team also demonstrated its dominance in a match on 3rd December that ended 54-31 against Bièvre Saint Geoirs Rugby Club. The AS Monaco Rugby Youth Team played too, earning themselves a 41-29 win against Bièvre Saint Geoirs’ young side.

Clubhouse grand opening

The grand opening of the clubhouse is scheduled for 17th December. Starting at 11.30am with a Christmas celebration for the children of the Rugby School, the day will include a reception with a buffet and culminate in a match between AS Monaco Rugby and Saint Marcellin Sport.

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Main photo of AS Monaco Rugby from 3rd December via AS Monaco Rugby, Facebook

Financial aid now available for domestic abuse victims in France

by: Stephanie Horsman

05/12/2023

From December 2023, all victims of domestic abuse in France are eligible to receive government assistance to help get them out of imminent danger and cover pressing expenses.

The constant fear and uncertainty of being in an abusive relationship often traps the victim in a situation that is not safe or healthy for that person, not to mention for any dependents living in the home.

Now the French government has decided to offer a helping hand to those who feel stuck or unable to leave due to financial circumstances. As of 1st December, the government will provide a stipend to enable the victim to “quickly leave the home, take shelter and meet immediate expenses” with an amount dictated by their level of resources and the number of children to support.

HOW IT WORKS

This universal emergency assistance for victims of domestic violence can be claimed by spouses, people who are in a PACS or legal civil partnership or agreement, or persons in a committed relationship.

The funds will be paid in one instalment within three to five days of the request and documentation of an act of violence. This can be done by lodging a formal complaint, alerting the public prosecutor and being issued a protection order by the family courts.

The victim must then submit one of these documents to the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) or to the Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) in person or online via www.caf.fr or www.msa.fr. Any documentation presented must be less than a year old. Alternatively, the victim can request the application be filed at the same time as the lodging of their complaints via a simplified form.

Depending on the situation, assistance will come in the form of a loan or an outright grant.

For those with no children, they will get 1.5 times the minimum wage (SMIC), currently €2,029 per month. With one child, that figure increases to a monthly stipend of €3,044. For two children, it is €3,653, and for those with three or more dependents, it is €4,465 monthly.

For those being gifted the funds, there is a review each 1st April to reassess the victim’s circumstances.

The perpetrator of the abuse may be ordered by the courts to repay the loan, rather than the victim. This is not a guarantee, but a likelihood.

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Photo source: Kirk Cameron, Unsplash

Karting track in Monaco closes “with heavy heart” after 10 years

by: Stephanie Horsman

05/12/2023

Kart Indoor Monaco has been forced to close its doors after 10 years to make way for electric charging stations for the Principality’s fleet of municipal buses.

Kart Indoor Monaco, the popular winter attraction that had taken up a whole level of the Pêcheurs carpark for nearly a decade, is no more.

Over the years, this beloved driving course has enticed F1 stars including Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Mika Häkkinen, Nico Rosberg and David Coulthard, not to mention slews of motoring enthusiasts young and old just looking for a fun day out behind the wheel.

E-CHARING STATIONS REPLACING TRACK

The news was announced on 27th November by manager Clivio Piccione via social media, who said, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the definitive closure of Kart Indoor Monaco. After more than 10 years of activity, we are obliged to leave this place… The parking service, having a need for additional space as the Principality makes its energy transition, has decided to equip the carpark with charging stations for its new electric buses. We must therefore leave room for this work and for what follows.”

Whilst the closure here is definitive, the Kart Indoor Monaco team has hinted that they might have something else up their sleeves, optimistically declaring, “The story doesn’t end there, obviously we have other plans. A page turns, but another chapter will open.”

According to the Monaco Matin, Piccione had put off making the announcement that the track would be closing for several months in the hopes that a solution could be found or, barring that, that Kart Indoor Monaco would have been allowed one last season to bid a proper goodbye to their loyal clientele.

Furthermore, the French language newspaper has reported that the closure has put the karting business in a bit of a pickle financially as “substantial investment” had been made for a renewed fleet, batteries and fast charging stations only recently, and four employees have had to be let go.

GOVERNMENT’S TAKE

A statement from the Department of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning that was published recently by the Monaco Matin indicates that the decision to close the track was based on the government’s overall commitments towards reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050.

“This new technology requires buses to be recharged at night at depots located in strategic areas of the Principality, namely in Fontvieille, in the future Salines carpark and at the Pêcheurs carpark, which makes it possible to optimise journeys to and from terminals,” reads the statement.

The Department also highlighted how it was necessary “to keep the ground floor of the Pêcheurs carpark free for tourist coaches, of which we have noted a strong increase [in numbers] compared to 2022.”

The government has reportedly said that it isn’t insensitive to the plight of Karting Indoor Monaco, nor does it want to lose this activity so adored by locals, and has said that there are hopes the track and facility can continue at another location in the future.

“We are well aware that this activity was popular with young people and families, and searches for alternative sites will continue for this purpose,” concluded the published statement.

For now, though, there will not be any karting this winter in the Principality. For a place known worldwide for its Grand Prix and Formula 1 legacy, that is a sad thing indeed.

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Photo source: Kart Indoor Monaco, Facebook

Christmas in Monaco: Families welcomed warmly to the Fairmont’s Winter Wonderland

by: Stephanie Horsman

05/12/2023

It’s all about the food this Christmas at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, which is laying on a delicious spread of gourmet meals and menus for guests of all ages. There’s a Kids Club with a baby-sitting service too!

From 5th December to 8th January, the Fairmont hotel will be transformed into a veritable Winter Wonderland complete with Santa’s sleigh on the concourse and a majestic tree in the lobby.

Festive meals

Great food is the main focus of this year’s festive programme at the hotel, and the Lobby Lounge will be hosting a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner menu for €95 per person. It features foie gras with quince and pistachio, seabass glazed with champagne and a sumptuous chocolate mandarin dessert. An à la carte menu is also available.

On 25th December, there will be a special Christmas Day brunch of unlimited champagne and vast buffet selection for €195.

New Year menus

The Grand Salon will be hosting a “grand buffet” dinner party on 31st December. Expect everything from lobster to truffles, scallop carpaccio, free-range capon done Cocotte-style, beef Wellington, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. The dessert menu is crammed with treats like a chestnut and blueberry tartlet, a Norwegian omelette flambé, a tangy lemon-lime tart and a chocolate cream dome as well as an extensive cheese board.

A live band and DJ will round out the night in the Lobby Lounge. The experience costs €485 for unlimited servings and half a bottle of champagne.

*A magnificent gold-themed tree fills the lobby of the Fairmont this Christmas. Photo credit: Cedou*

Finally, the New Year’s Day brunch will serve up a feast along with free flowing Taittinger champagne in the Galerie Cristal. Oysters, herb-crusted sea bass, lamb confit and saffron rice pilaf are amongst some of the delicious options available. Desserts include holiday favourites such as gingerbread along with more exotic choices like pistachio and Amarena tiramisu, as well as tempting cheese selections. The brunch costs €195.

Family-friendly

At each of the lunches and dinners, children aged six to 12 can join in for €65, while under-fives are free. The Fairmont will also be laying on a baby-minding service and Kids Club.

Patisserie Chef Fabrice Didier’s Bûche de Noël

During the month of December, Pastry Chef Fabrice Didier is reinventing the traditional bûche de Noël with a delectable chocolate biscuit and caramel with fleur de sel. Sprinkled with pecan nuts and smothered in delicious 72% dark chocolate from Venezuela, a light vanilla mousse and a tonka bean cream finish off this proper Christmas treat. It’s the ideal sharing dessert to enjoy after a hard day of shopping in town: individual slices cost €12 while a full six-to-eight Yule log costs €85.

For more information or reservations, click here.

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All photo credits: Cedou

More holiday fun to be had at the new Sport Village on Quai Albert Ier

by: Stephanie Horsman

05/12/2023

The Prince Rainier III-themed Village de Noël in Port Hercules will soon be joined by the new ‘Sport Village’ on Quai Albert Ier. Here are all the details.

If you’ve completed the Christmas Village just next door and need a place for the kids to let off a bit more steam, or maybe work off a few of those Christmas cookies and cakes yourself, then look no further than the brand-new Sport Village that is being laid on by the Mairie de Monaco.

At 4pm on 15th December, and on the Quai Albert Ier, the new action-packed facility will be launching mere steps away from the dazzling Christmas Village that opens a week earlier, on 7th December.

The Sport Village is being touted as a “vast area of fun and sporting activities” with multiple attractions to get the young and the old moving.

Among them are: a treetops adventure course for kids aged eight and up; a climbing structure made up of several different routes of varied levels of difficulty, and appropriate for those six and older; and three Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, with the first aimed at the three to six-year-old crowd, then one for those aged six to 12, and a final option for over 12s. These last two courses are over 50 metres long!

Additionally, there will be a 180-metre long zipline for thrill-seekers brave enough to try. People can soar over the Route de la Piscine with a start from the high dive board at the Stade Nautique Rainier swimming pool.

The Sport Village will stick around until 7th January at 10.30pm.

Read more:

Dates announced for Monaco’s Prince Rainier III-themed Christmas Village

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Photo source: Unsplash

Day: 5 December 2023