More than four in 10 startups that were launched in France during 2023 were headed up by women, according to a new report released by URSSAF.
Between 2022 and 2023, the portion of businesses created by women in France rose from 40.6% to 43.7%. In numbers, this means that a total of 378,000 new companies were founded by women last year, with the vast majority – 308,000 – having the auto-entrepreneurs status.
TYPICAL PROFILE
The women holding auto-entrepreneur status are, on average, 42 years of age, while freelancers, also known as travailleuses indépendantes in France, tend to be a little older at 46 years of age.
Female auto-entrepreneurs, a third of which blend their startup with other forms of employment, earned €6,598 from their business, according to URSSAF’s data from 2022. This was 19% less than what their male counterparts made, but is explained by the report as being partly due to the larger proportion of women working in lower paid jobs, such as hairdressers, health care workers, aestheticians and administrative services.
In the freelance realm, women made 20% less per annum when compared to men. The average take-home in 2021 was €39,363.
In an exclusive interview with Monaco Life, Mayor Flavio Di Muro discusses Ventimiglia’s incredible transformation from border town to luxurious international hub, powered by strategic investments from neighbouring Monaco.
Amidst Mayor Flavio Di Muro’s tenure from 2023 to 2028, Ventimiglia is experiencing an exciting transformative phase.
“Ventimiglia’s transition from a border town to an international destination is underway, fuelled by Monaco’s investments and innovative urban development projects,” Di Muro tells Monaco Life.
The impact of Cala del Forte
Mayor Flavio Di Muro is at the helm of a fast-moving ship, steering Ventimiglia towards its destiny as an international hub and leveraging the success of the Cala del Forte marina, officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II on 2nd July 2021 after its October 2020 opening, to increase the town’s visibility on the world stage.
“The marina has not only generated wealth within itself, but has become a catalyst for economic activity throughout Ventimiglia,” says the mayor, highlighting the new port’s role in boosting local tourism and community engagement. “Many locals and tourists alike choose the port for their leisure activities.”
The Principality funded Cala del Forte to serve as an extension to the Ports of Monaco by accommodating the overflow of superyachts that wish to the berth in the Principality each year. The Italian port is linked to Monaco thanks to a fast shuttle, Monaco One, which delivers passengers to the Principality by sea within 10 minutes.
Cala del Forte and Monaco One. Photo credit: Cala del Forte
The development also allowed for the creation of 577 new parking spaces, 15,000 m2 of promenades and gardens, and 35 businesses, including restaurants, bars, offices and boat services.
Among them is the prestigious new fine dining restaurant La Rocca, currently under development, which will further elevate Ventimiglia’s appeal through upscale developments.
Mayor Di Muro is also spearheading efforts to enhance the educational opportunities in Ventimiglia, particularly at the Borgo del Forte Campus, a key feature of the €200 million Marina di Ventimiglia urban regeneration project. Led by Marina Development Corporation and managed by the esteemed Chatsworth Schools, the international school earmarked for a 2026 opening will mark a significant milestone in the city’s educational and urban development. The campus promises to transform Ventimiglia into a vibrant hub for education and tourism, accommodating 800 students and surrounded by a public park, sports facilities and student accommodations.
There is also the revival of a new school project in Ventimiglia Alta as well as the introduction of an elevator linking the marina to the old town, which is set to improve city connectivity significantly.
New elevator connecting marina and the old town of Ventimiglia. Photo by Monaco Life
But Mayor Di Muro believes it is important to have a balanced approach to both public and private initiatives, so the municipality is therefore making significant investments in seismic upgrades for local schools, including Biancheri and the city centre middle schools.
“These upgrades are critical for providing our children with a safe and favourable learning environment,” says the elected official.
A major aspect of Mayor Di Muro’s vision for Ventimiglia is actively enhancing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination. He champions the development of new hotels and the repurposing of historical buildings for hospitality, including the conversion of a former convent in Ventimiglia Alta into a hotel. The abandoned historic building, which had to be bordered up to prevent squatters from settling in, will be able to accommodate dozens of rooms and boasts a view over the bay of Ventimiglia.
“Our goal is to make Ventimiglia even more inviting by supporting the development of new hotel structures,” he says.
Meanwhile, as part of the Borgo del Forte development, there will soon be a new five-star hotel featuring 70 rooms and a luxurious residential component, all overlooking the new port, underway.
Ventimiglia old town. Photo by Monaco Life
Investment in infrastructure
In addition to tourism initiatives, Mayor Di Muro is deeply involved in Ventimiglia’s development of infrastructure and improvements being made to better manage traffic issues and bolster residents’ quality of life.
“We’re working on significant projects, including progress on the Aurelia Bis, a vital road that will alleviate Ventimiglia’s traffic congestion during peak times and certain seasons,” he reveals.
The economic and social benefits of these initiatives are evident, says the mayor, with improvements in safety and cleanliness already resulting in a surge in tourism.
“We’ve seen a 14% increase in overnight stays, a clear indicator of our growing appeal as a tourist destination,” Di Muro says proudly.
Fostering local economic growth
The economic impact of Ventimiglia’s transformation can not be understated, including the jobs that it creates for locals both during and after construction. Luckily for developers, there is a very skilled workforce at hand, who in turn are grateful to have this very significant employment opportunity.
“We have a resident population skilled in construction and manual labour,” says the mayor. “Having quality investments in the territory of Ventimiglia also allows these labourers to work close to home, so I believe it’s positive for everyone.”
Borgo del Forte development. Photo by Monaco Life
Integrated approach to affordable housing
Mayor Di Muro acknowledges the challenges of ensuring affordability in premium locations, yet he remains optimistic about Ventimiglia’s strides in affordable housing, thanks to the collaboration with Aziende Regionali Territoriali per l’Edilizia (ARTE). Through initiatives like repurposing the Frati Maristi convent for public housing and the strategic acquisition of homes across the city, Di Muro says Ventimiglia is taking significant steps toward fostering an inclusive and accessible community.
The transformation of the Frati Maristi site, backed by a €5 million investment from the regional authority in Liguria, and the ongoing asbestos removal in Via Caduti del Lavoro signals the beginning of these ambitious projects. The city also plans to purchase 13 additional apartments, on top of the 14 acquired in 2023, for social housing. Meanwhile, a co-housing project, designed to blend private living with communal spaces, is setting a precedent for social cohabitation in Italy that could greatly benefit families and the elderly.
The Sisters de Ordo convent is set to be turned into a hotel. Photo by Monaco Life
Underscoring the benefit of significant investment from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) for public housing redevelopment in Ventimiglia, Di Muro says, “ARTE has been acquiring various homes throughout the city, a strategy I fully endorse. Our goal isn’t merely to avoid isolated neighbourhoods, but to actively promote social integration. This approach ensures we’re nurturing a unified, inclusive community rather than just distributing housing.”
The Terre Bianche initiative
The list of new and exciting projects for Ventimiglia appear to be never ending. As recently revealed by Monaco Life, the Terre Bianche development project, backed by the Municipality of Ventimiglia and utilising land owned by Monaco’s Princely Family, is set to feature a new international botanical school by autumn 2026. Located at the historic Cava Grimaldi site, the project aims to extend Monaco’s space creatively while boosting Ventimiglia’s economy through educational, residential, and recreational facilities.
“This project showcases our commitment to environmental sustainability and educational services,” says Mayor Di Muro.
Central to the environmental sustainability initiative is the expansion of the Euro Velo 8 cycle and pedestrian route and the restoration of the ancient Via Romana path.
“The project meticulously addresses legal standards while showing a profound respect for the landscape, avoiding haphazard construction to ensure that developments are in harmony with the environment,” says the mayor.
The project also includes the creation of a green park, the restoration of historical paths including the Roman Iulia Augusta route, and environmental improvements along the coast. This strategic development aims to preserve the area’s natural and historical heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and local connectivity.
As the city gears up for the development at Terre Bianche project to begin, Mayor Di Muro envisions a future where Ventimiglia will emerge as a model of international cooperation and sustainable development.
“We are ready to sign the urban planning convention, marking the beginning of a new era for Ventimiglia,” he says confidently, highlighting the substantial impact that yet another exciting new project will have on this Italian seaside town.
Daylight Saving Time is set to commence on 31st March at 2am, the same day as Easter Sunday, which has come particularly early this year. We explain the reasoning behind both.
Thanks to digital devices like mobile phones, chances are you won’t miss the Daylight Savings Time change on Sunday, but it’s good not be caught by surprise.
So, prepare to see the clocks move forward 60 minutes from the standard time at 2am on Sunday 31st March, effectively setting it to 3am.
It’s here to stay, for a while at least
The purpose of Daylight Saving Time (DST) during the warmer months is to conserve energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting, to promote leisure activities and economic productivity during the longer evenings, and potentially improve road safety by reducing driving in darkness.
Since 1998, the dates for time changes have been synchronised across the entire European Union, with winter time ending on the last Sunday in October, and summer time begining on the last Sunday in March.
While Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of abolishing the biannual time change in March 2019, Covid-19 put a stop to discussions and the topic is not expected to be revisited in the near future.
Why is Easter so early this year?
The time change uniquely occurs on Easter Sunday this year, which is falling earlier on the calendar.
Easter, a Christian celebration, always falls on the first Sunday following the Paschal Moon, which is the full moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox. While Christmas is fixed on a solar calendar, Easter is dependent on lunar cycles, hence the date might change.
A decade ago, in 2014, Easter fell on 20th April. Six years later, in 2020, it was 12th April. This year, it’s 31stMarch.
But rest assured, Easter dates are planned well in advance. Next year, Easter won’t take place until 20th April.
The brand-new three-day Padel Best Expo show will be taking place in and around the Grimaldi Forum in just over a week’s time. Here’s what to expect from the event.
The Grimaldi Forum is gearing up for the premiere of the Padel Best Expo, which will be held from 7th to 9th April.
The fresh new concept from Italian company BSG is essentially a celebration of all things Padel, a sport experiencing rapid international growth and a boom in popularity, through a blend of competitions, networking opportunities, exhibitions and social impact initiatives.
Roberta Ceccarelli, the CEO of BSG says, “This first edition will be a homage to Italian excellence… The Padel Best Expo will bring knowledge, innovation and new trends to the forefront in order to highlight and promote Padel in its entirety.”
Roberta Ceccarelli, CEO of BSG. Photo supplied
The event is structured around three pillars: an exposition on the sport of Padel, the FIP Rise Monaco of the Cupra FIP Tour 2024 and the Givova Five Padel Cup. This latter event will feature five tournaments suitable for a range of abilities, from club-level competitions to tournaments for wheelchair athletes, women, youth players and VIPs from the sports and business sectors. High-profile participants, such as former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko, will add some star power to the event.
The Barbagiuans of Monaco, led by Louis Ducruet, are also set to participate.
“I’m delighted that the Barbagiuans are taking part in this prestigious event, in the presence of a host of celebrities,” said Ducruet. “Padel is a fast-growing sport. Hosting such an international event in Monaco is a real opportunity to continue its development in the Principality.”
A notable aspect of the Padel Best Expo is its commitment to social causes: a portion of the proceeds will benefit Fight Aids Monaco, which was founded by Princess Stéphanie in 2004, and footballer Shevchenko will also be promoting the ‘Football for Ukraine’ movement.
Hervé Aeschbach of Fight Aids Monaco said of the event, “Taking advantage of major sporting events to get health messages across is a great way of reaching a wide audience. That’s why Fight Aids Monaco’s visibility at the Padel Best Expo is a real opportunity.”
Tickets to the Padel Best Expo are available here.
Following dozens of alarming reports about the serious side effects of fluoroquinolones, commonly prescribed treatments for bacterial infections, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office – the Parquet de Paris – has launched an inquest into the dangers of the drugs.
Tavanic, Ciflox and Oflocet are all brand names for a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. This type of drug is often prescribed by French doctors to patients suffering from severe bacterial infections, but the fear is now that the medication could be doing more harm than good.
Reports of side effects including heart problems, neurological disorders and damage to nerves and tendons have been blamed on fluoroquinolones, causing authorities to take a closer look at the treatment option and around 20 individuals are believed to have lodged complaints about the side effects they have suffered, which the French National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) says can “appear from the first 48 hours of treatment and up to several months after stopping treatment”.
INVESTIGATION OPENED
The investigation was formally opened on 27th March, according to a report by RMC. The Parquet is reported to be taking the case very seriously, with charges of involuntary manslaughter and deception being bandied about.
“I can no longer lift a plate, I need someone to go with me to the toilet. It has made me completely dependent even though I was someone independent. I am destroyed,” one patient, Françoise, who had used the drug for four days to treat salmonellosis, told RMC.
AUTHORITIES ON THE CASE
An awareness on the potential dangers of the drugs has been circulating since 2015.
Indeed, France’s Ministry of Health has reached out to healthcare professionals in a bid to warn them about fluoroquinolones and, over the past nine years, prescriptions for fluoroquinolones have decreased by 39%.
For the time being, French authorities have advised, “Particular precautions must be taken in patients treated simultaneously with corticosteroids, in the elderly, in those with renal insufficiency and in patients who have received a solid organ transplant.”
However, there is no legal obligation of doctors to inform their patients of the possible effects of fluoroquinolones before starting treatment.
If patients experience any odd symptoms during or after taking fluoroquinolones, they are advised to contact their doctors or head straight to an emergency room if sudden back, chest or abdominal pain arises.
The intersection of art and film is to be explored at the new ‘Pasolini en Clair-Obscur’ – or ‘Pasolini in Chiaroscuro’ in English – exhibition at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco’s Villa Sauber, which will be opened to the public on 29th March.
The exhibition will be delving into how classical and contemporary painting influenced the cinematic portfolio of Pier Paolo Pasolini, as well as how his work as a filmmaker was intertwined with his fascination for painting.
Although he was primarily recognised as a writer, Pasolini gained worldwide fame through to his unique contributions to cinema, which featured influences from the Baroque to the modern. His truly individual approach was rich in art references and he loved sets to be decorated with artworks.
Exploring the legacy of Pasolini
The very name of the ‘Pasolini en Clair-Obscur’ exhibition takes its inspiration from the chiaroscuro technique, reminiscent of Baroque art, that featured prominently in Pasolini’s black and white films. It demonstrates his innovative use of celebrated art pieces, such as those by Caravaggio, as dynamic elements in his movies, either transformed into ‘living paintings’ or seamlessly integrated to capture their essence in cinematic moments.
The ‘Pasolini en Clair-Obscur’ exhibition at the Villa Sauber will run until 29th September. Photo by Monaco Life
Demonstrating Pasolini’s deep ties to the art world, the exhibition will also reveal more about his interactions with Francis Bacon and his collaborations with Fabio Mauri. It provides a comprehensive look at Pasolini’s diverse outputs, including his films, poetry and essays.
The exhibition will run until 29th September. Access to the Villa Sauber on 17 Avenue Princesse Grace costs €6 and the site is open daily from 10am to 6pm. During the summer months, these hours are changed to 11am to 7pm.
