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Day: 5 March 2024

Students from the Lycée Albert 1er head to New York on educational school trip

by: Niki Borisova
05/03/2024

In a week-long journey, 44 students from  lycée Albert 1er broadened their horizons with a visit to New York City, blending cultural, historical, and educational experiences.

From February 16th to 23rd, Monaco’s Albert 1er high school students ventured to New York City for a cultural and historical exploration. This educational journey, meticulously planned for a year by educators and funded by sponsors, was designed to enhance the participants’ academic and life skills through a richly varied curriculum.

Kicking off the adventure, the group explored the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, delving into symbols of American freedom and immigration. Their itinerary also led them to Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the cradle of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

A poignant moment unfolded as the students visited the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center, followed by a refreshing experience in the vast expanses of Central Park.

Highlighting the educational emphasis, the itinerary included stops at prominent museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim, and the Met. Here, students connected with artworks previously studied in class, deepening their appreciation for art history.

The journey also offered a platform for students to immerse in different lifestyles and engage in discussions on cultural diversity. Embracing technological advancements, they were assigned to create blogs in either English or French to chronicle their experiences, integrating modern communication methods into their educational fabric.

Among the individual projects, student Jérémy embarked on a creative endeavor, distributing custom-designed stickers across New York, illustrating the trip’s inspirational impact on their academic pursuits.

An enlightening session at the United Nations headquarters introduced the group to the intricacies of children’s rights, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and underscoring the humanistic ethos of their expedition.

Through hands-on learning and global exploration, the trip showed the importance of understanding diverse cultures and histories, providing the students with invaluable life lessons beyond the classroom.

 

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photo credits: Unsplash

Espace Lamartine looks to boost younger membership with Open Day event

by: Niki Borisova
05/03/2024

The community-centric leisure centre on Boulevard Princesse Charlotte is hosting an Open Day event later this month with the goal of introducing a younger audience to the vast array of activities available at the Espace Lamartine.

After three years of renovations, the Espace Lamartine opened its doors last September with a programme packed with a broad range of activities and workshops from the creative to the sporting.

See more: Inside Monaco’s new and improved Espace Lamartine activities centre

The 1,000m2 centre is a membership space for Monaco residents aged 16 and up, but while many in the community have been keen to join its subscription list, the Espace Lamartine is hoping to introduce more teenagers and young adults living in the Principality to its offerings.

On Saturday 23rd March from 12pm to 9.30pm, the team at the Espace Lamartine will be hosting an Open Day specifically for individuals aged 16 to 23.

The day’s itinerary will begin with an opportunity for guests to enjoy some gourmet treats and interact with the centre’s team. Then visitors will be encouraged to tour the building before a series of demonstrations of the types of activities on offer at the Espace Lamartine. Later in the afternoon, guests will be able to take part in games and challenges, and the evening will culminate with a DJ set and a party vibe.

Attendance is open and free upon showing a Monegasque identity card, a resident card or proof of schooling in the Principality. For more information, click here.

 

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Photo credit: www.mairie.mc

France makes abortion a constitutional right

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/03/2024

France has become the world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution.

Lawmakers from both houses of the French Parliament voted 780 to 72 on Monday in favour of the measure, easily clearing the three-fifths majority needed to amend the French constitution.

The vote was the final step in the legislative process. The French Senate and National Assembly each overwhelmingly approved the amendment earlier this year.

The amendment states that there is a “guaranteed freedom” to abortion in France.

Lawmakers hailed the move as a way for France to send a clear signal of support on reproductive rights, with abortion under threat in the United States following the reversal of Roe vs Wade, as well as in parts of Europe, like Hungary, where far-right parties have come to power.

Following the vote, the Eiffel Tower was lit up with the words “my body my choice.

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Photo source: Human Rights Watch

 

 

Valérie Bruell-Melchior confirmed as Monaco’s new Ambassador to France

by: Niki Borisova
05/03/2024

A new chapter looks set to be written in Franco-Monegasque relations following Valérie Bruell-Melchior’s appointment as the next Ambassador of Monaco to France.

In a formal ceremony held at the Élysée Palace on Thursday 29th February, Valérie Bruell-Melchior, the newly appointed Ambassador of Monaco to France, officially presented her credentials to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Following the official ceremony, Ambassador Bruell-Melchior and President Macron attended a private meeting, where discussions focused on their shared commitment to further enhancing the already strong diplomatic ties between the Principality and France.

Ambassador Bruell-Melchior conveyed her dedication to advancing the interests of Monaco while continuing to work closely with the Embassy of Monaco in Paris to support bilateral initiatives.

President Macron reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the deep-seated friendship and cooperation that exists between France and Monaco. He specifically acknowledged his relationship with Prince Albert II and expressed his appreciation for Monaco’s active engagement in addressing issues such as security, climate change and environmental preservation.

This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when both nations are navigating complex global challenges, making the reinforcement of their partnership increasingly significant.

As Ambassador Bruell-Melchior begins her tenure, the focus will remain on promoting mutual interests and strengthening the bonds of friendship that have long characterised the Monaco-France relationship.

 

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Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Ferrari 250 GT among exclusive models set to be showcased at Bonhams car auction in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
05/03/2024
Bonhams car auction in Monaco

Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques à Monaco is returning to Villa La Vigie, best known as the Monaco home of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, for a glamourous day of vintage car auctions.   

Some truly extraordinary vehicles will be going under the gavel, but none as quite as rare and exciting as the bespoke Ferrari 250 GT Coupe that will be the event’s centrepiece on 10th May.  

The car, which is anticipated to sell for €2,500,000 to €3,000,000, features custom-made coachwork and is particularly special in that it is one of the rarest 250 GT models.  

It remains in pristine condition and was recently resprayed to its original silver; the Chassis 1717GT Ferrari was originally a Pininfarina-bodied coupe, but was transformed under the guidance of Piero Drogo of Carrozzeria Sports Cars fame in the 1960s. 

This rare Ferrari 250 GT Coupe is set to be the centrepiece of the event. Photo credit: Bonhams Cars

It has been owned by known Ferrari collectors and, over the years, has been driven by the likes of American racing driver Duncan Dayton, Australian racing driver David Clark and Swedish Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson.. 

It has also been on the show circuit, having been presented at events around the globe that include the 55th annual Geneva Motor Show in 1985 and the Ferrari 75 Years exhibition at Autoworld Museum in Belgium in 2022. Additionally, it has been showcased at a number of historic car races in Europe, such as the Carrera des Dolomites in 1988, the 31st Annual Rolex Monterey race at Laguna Seca in 2004 and the TT at Goodwood’s Revival. 

OTHER NOTABLES 

Other fabulous specimens due to be auctioned off include: a 1950 Delahaye 175 S, with auctioneers’ estimates sitting at €450,000 to €650,000; a 1955 Facel Vega FV, which is likely to go for €200,000 to €250,000; and a extremely rare 2015 Touring Superleggera AERO 3 that could fetch between €600,000 and €900,000 in the sale.  

 

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Main photo courtesy of Bonhams Cars

Olympic and Paralympic Village for Paris 2024 Games officially opened

by: Stephanie Horsman
05/03/2024

French President Emmanuel Macron has inaugurated the Olympic and Paralympic Village ahead of the upcoming summer games in Paris in an event that evoked pride and emotion from the head of state.  

Located around seven kilometres from the centre of the French capital, and less than five minutes from the Stade de France, the new purpose-built Olympic and Paralympic Village is a marvel to behold. 

SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES 

The 51-hectare compound is positioned in an overlap of the towns of Saint-Denis, Ile Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen. 

Once the big event rolls around, a full 60% of participating Olympic athletes will be able to train on site and 85% accommodated in the park will be within 30 minutes of their competition venues.  

Additionally, there are recreational areas along the banks of the Seine, designed specifically to create a soothing and relaxing environment for the 6,000 inhabitants who are expected to be housed in the Village during the height of the Games, and heritage buildings like the Cité du Cinéma and Maxwell Hall have been integrated into the plans as the dining hall and fitness centre, café and information centre respectively.  

OFFICIAL OPENING 

On 29th February, the site was officially opened by President Emmanuel Macron, who was accompanied by France’s Minister of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. 

“I am very proud of all the work that has been done. It has been done on time, on budget,” said an emotional Macron. “It also is contributing to changing the lives of the people of this town, this department, this city, this region. Collectively we are all in the process of participating in the adventure of the century.”  

SECOND LIFE 

Once the Olympics are over, the Village will serve another worthy purpose: it will be transformed into social housing for the people of the area.  

“After the Games, 6,000 people will benefit from housing in the converted village, and as many employees will come to work there, thus realising our ambition for a sustainable and transformative Games for Seine-Saint-Denis,” said Oudéa-Castéra. 

 

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Photo source: Gouvernement.fr