Chocolate, charity and creativity will come together at the inaugural Chokolashow, with the chosen theme for the event taking its inspiration from the upcoming Historic Grand Prix of Monaco.
On Thursday 9th May, the Riva Tunnel in Port Hercule will play host to the very first edition of the Chokolashow, a celebration of chocolate artistry and up-and-coming talents from the local art world.
Eight students from Monaco’s Pavilion Bosio and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Sanremo, the Fine Arts Academy of Sanremo, will be putting their sculptural skills to the test by carving eight large blocks of chocolate into sleek reproductions of the single-seaters that have raced on the famous Monaco street circuit over the years.
Following the event, these sculptures will be auctioned off by Wannenes, with the proceeds going to a selection of Monaco-based charities.
“Artists usually work with paint, so this will be an interesting challenge working with chocolate,” says Caroline Bergonzi, a Monegasque artist who will be guiding the students.
The Chokolashow concept is the brainchild of Maria Bologna, the president of the Monaco International Hub and a life-long lover of chocolate.
“I am from Turin so chocolate runs in my blood,” she says.
Alongside the sculptures, visitors will also be able to enjoy a range of workshops, tastings and ice creams made specially for the event by Claudio Rossi from the Bottega del Gelato.
The display will be open to the public at 8 Quai Antoine 1er from 10am to 6pm on Thursday 9th May.
Online applications for Monaco’s foreign language learning support scheme have now opened.
The Department of National Education, Youth and Sports has launched a scheme to help improve the foreign language skills of the population.
It is open to students enrolled at schools or higher education establishments, civil servants, Monegasque nationals and their families, and foreign residents who have lived the Principality for a minimum of 10 consecutive years.
The types of courses covered by the scheme vary according to the applicant.
Secondary school pupils, for example, must choose a language that is already being taught at a state or private school in Monaco. The funding will help cover the costs of five courses lasting between two weeks and two months outside of school hours. For students that are studying English+ or are enrolled in a European Section or International Section, the number of stays are unlimited in number, but are covered by the same time periods.
University students can benefit from a similar offer, with funding available for two stays lasting between two weeks and two months or one stay lasting two months to the equivalent of a university year.
All applications must be submitted by 30th August. For more information, click here.
The creative minds behind Nikki Beach have breathed new life into the Croisette with Lucia Cannes, a vibrant and delicious new cocktail bar and restaurant that encompasses the very best of the Mediterranean in a lux but casually-Cannes way.
Inaugurated in early March, Lucia Cannes is the new “baby” of the luxury hospitality group Nikki Beach Global, adding to an ever-expanding list of Nikki Beach venues in other sought-after travel destinations like Monte-Carlo, Saint-Tropez, Miami Beach, Marbella and Koh Samui.
This new culinary adventure, right here on the shores of the French Riviera, offers a unique vibe, a very different look and an exciting journey for the tastebuds across the Mediterranean Bassin.
Cannes’ new beachside drawcard
Situated on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, Lucia Cannes is strategically located opposite the famous Carlton Hotel and is mere metres from the Palais des Festivals, wedged among the seaside private beach restaurants that line the iconic strip.
With an open-all-year commitment, Lucia is pushing the length of the Cannes season, offering a menu and ambience that changes with the seasons.
In summer, the restaurant will swell in size to include a large shaded terrace, outdoor bar and full-service sun loungers with a curated menu selection from the restaurant.
The cuisine at Lucia Cannes is a Mediterranean fusion, befitting its beachside location
Mediterranean fusion cuisine
The menu focuses on ‘Cuisine du Soleil’, with ingredients that have been touched by the sun and meticulously prepared by Lucia Chef Yvon Mbiavanga and Nikki Beach Executive Chef Allessandro Pizza.
Like the restaurant itself, the menu is a kaleidoscope of vibrant Mediterranean colours and flavours: zucchini and feta fritters, roasted marinated peppers with harissa compôte, sautéed prawns with halloumi, Iberian Bellota jambon, tuna crudo à la Niçoise… The entrée options are extensive and designed to be enjoyed beachside, under the intoxicating Riviera sunshine.
The mains are another celebration of the flavour-filled Mediterranean: Sisteron lamb cutlets, entrecôte panzanella, Italian seafood soup, Bomba rice with lobster bisque… It is a veritable “How to do Mediterranean-fusion”, with ingredients lovingly sourced from many of the French Riviera’s Mediterranean neighbours.
As Chef Yvon Mbiavanga tells us, “Nikki Beach is festive, Lucia is family.”
The tuno crudo is a delicious interpretation of the Niçoise classic
While Nikki Beach has a “let’s be wild and free” attitude, Lucia embraces a La Dolce Vita vibe, embodying a lifestyle of indulgence, pleasure and enjoyment of the finer things. At Lucia Cannes, amazing food collides with fine wine, impeccable service, creative cocktails and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Lucia invites guests to indulge in its chic, laid-back atmosphere during the day, with lively dinner service and great DJ sets offered during the summer months.
Collaborating with English-Italian artist Chiara Perano, the brand infuses creative, nostalgic designs into various elements, from the glassware and tiles to sun umbrellas and ceramics, drawing inspiration from vintage Italy and the vibrant hues of the Amalfi coast.
Nearly every detail has been crafted specially for Lucia by the brand’s Interior Design Architect Remi Viale.
The glasses are as creative as the cocktails at Lucia Cannes
Cocktails to complement the setting
As a self-declared cocktail connoisseur, I can confidently say that the cocktails at Lucia are like liquid poetry, with flavours that dance on your palate, and every sip is a journey of discovery.
These “ambience enhancers”, as Lucia calls them, have been skillfully crafted with herbs, liquors and aromatics to complement the setting: ‘Watermelon Sugar’ with Patron Silver Tequila, watermelon and passionfruit; ‘Mama Mia’ with thyme-infused gin, bergamot and rosemary; and the the barman’s favourite, ‘Light my Fire’, made with Del Maguey Mezcal, honey, finger, basil and cardamon are among the highlights.
A new era to mark 25 years
Lucia Cannes marks a new chapter in the 25th anniversary year of Nikki Beach Global. Established in 1998 by entrepreneurs Jack and Lucia Penrod, the luxury lifestyle brand pays tribute to the couples’ daughter Nicola, who was tragically killed in a car accident at the age of 18. Lucia celebrates the brand’s co-founder while also referencing the Latin word “lux”, meaning light.
Every detail has been considered in the design of Lucia Cannes
Cannes Film Festival and private events
Nikki Beach Global is accustomed to hosting events during the Cannes Film Festival with its pop-up space on the Croissette. This year, from 14th to 25th May, it will make the most of its firm foothold by hosting ‘Forever More: A Film Festival Celebration’, with music by resident DJs and special guest performers.
Lucia Cannes is open year-round for lunch from 12pm to 6pm, and dinner additionally in June, July, August until 11pm. The bar is open until midnight in high season, and closes at 10pm most other months.
See more in our experience in the Instagram reel below…
From blockchain and AI to cybersecurity and cloud technology, the upcoming ‘Ready for IT’ event at the Grimaldi Forum will unite digital and tech companies for three days of strategic talks and networking opportunities.
Ready for IT, which will be taking place from 14th to 16th May, will offer a unique platform for discussion to an array of tech companies, their clients and potential investors.
Around 750 people are expected to attend, with some 2,000 face-to-face meetings, conferences, business lunches and networking parties on the agenda.
The event’s format combines one-on-one and B2B meetings with keynote speeches and workshops, and its organisers, DG Consultants and Les Assises de la Cybersécurité, describe Ready for IT as an ideal place for “CIOs, CISOs, CTOs and Innovation Directors” to meet and discuss their advancements in the realms of the digital transition and security.
Among the sectors set to be represented at the industry conference are AI, blockchain, data, cybersecurity, strategy and consulting, and cloud technology.
For more information on the event, its full programme of events and to buy passes, click here.
Born in 1969 near Paris, Stéphane Herpe’s career in finance spans from Wall Street to Monaco. After earning dual degrees in engineering and business, he honed his expertise in derivatives and structured products at major financial institutions. His leadership roles at Credit Lyonnais, CACIB, and CFM Indosuez have cemented his reputation as a visionary in wealth management. Now, as Head of Wealth Management Monaco Markets, Stéphane continues to shape the industry with his dedication and expertise.
Monaco Life spoke to Stéphane about his reasons for moving with his family to the Principality, his passions, hobbies, and what made him join the Monaco Ambassadors Club.
Monaco Life: What brought you to Monaco, and how long have you resided in the Cote d’Azur?
In 2008, market activities declined, and I wanted to take on a new challenge. I had been proposed to move to Monaco to take a new position as chief investment officer, leaving a sales role to join a buyer position behind the mirror. I had the opportunity to manage the Principality’s most prominent trading room and joined CFM Indosuez, which has the largest investment product platform with more than 50 experts in financial markets, private equity, wealth planning, and more.
After living the Parisian life to the fullest, my family and I were excited to move to the beautiful French Riviera. We have been residing here for over 15 years, and we do not have any regrets. I do work in Monaco, but we live in a small, perched village next to Nice.
What do you like the most about working in Monaco?
I enjoy working in Monaco as it is an independent and prosperous country with a dynamic economy and a gross domestic product (GDP) among the top five in the world. I also like to be in a cosmopolitan universe with more than 140 nationalities, where the residents have an exceptionally safe and discreet environment.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I am a sports enthusiast, and I enjoy playing tennis and golf. My wife and I are members of the Golf Club in Saint-Germaine-en-Laye, built in 1922, one of the oldest and most beautiful clubs in France, and we play there a few times a year. As a tennis fan, I enjoyed taking clients to the recent Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
But my main interest is wine. I have been a member of the Tasting Committee and Wines Guide of the Cercle Wine Business (CWB), founded in 1991, the first European network of business leaders and liberal professionals who love wine. Inspired by WBC three years ago, I created the private Wine and Wealth Club, dedicated to wine professionals and lovers among our clients.
I like to spend weekends and holidays with the family, returning to my roots in our family cottage in Morbihan, Brittany, and Etretat, Normandy. It is an excellent way to escape the French Riviera heatwave and the summer inflow of tourists.
Do you consider yourself a friendly person? Do you like to be part of a club?
Yes, I have a reputation for being sociable. I have always been involved in teaching and lecturing at universities and in diverse associations. Joining a club is an excellent way to be part of a collective action to achieve projects or exchange different visions of the world.
When and why did you join the Monaco Ambassadors Club?
I joined the MAC two years ago because I knew a few members who gave me good feedback. I also wanted to be involved in promoting Monaco’s attractiveness and taking part in humanitarian activities.
MAC is an excellent club with high-level members from all over the world.
MAC events are outstanding, with “must” events like the Goodwill Gala and the Summer Party. They occur in beautiful places with a “tip-top” organisation, as we say in French.
Does MAC’s mission resonate with you? What are the advantages of being a MAC member?
Promoting the Principality of Monaco has always been one of my principal motivations for my job and personal life. As Head of investment at CFM Indosuez, I am also dedicated to promoting sustainable finance and investing in the blue economy, both of which are shared by MAC missions.
Another point in common with MAC is my strong interest in Education. I worked for many years as a lecturer for First Finance and a French leader in professional financial training for bank employees. I transmitted this passion to my son, who works for a French member of parliament at the Education Commission of the National Assembly, Palais Bourbon.
The advantages of being a member of MAC are sharing the passion for Monaco with other members, meeting unique people with fascinating backgrounds, and participating in charity events because our world is suffering from constantly growing inequalities.
Do you have ideas or events to propose to MAC?
I took part in an initiative to organise a breakfast discussion group about sustainable development. It was successful and should be renewed and multiplied on the same thematic or other themes, such as education and geopolitics.
I propose to help create a Wine “inside MAC” Club with regular events. I am sure there are many wine enthusiasts in the club. I could also help organise additional cultural visits outside Monaco in this beautiful way to discover the French Riviera!
The winners of this year’s Concours International de Roses Nouvelles de Monaco have been announced, but there’s one prize yet to be awarded: the Prix du Public.
The Princess Grace Rose Garden is in full bloom, with roses of every colour, form and perfume filling the park in Fontvieille.
Some 75 roses from producers the world over were submitted ahead of this seventh edition of the competition, including 24 hybrid tea roses, 36 cluster flowering varieties, seven ground-cover roses and eight miniature roses.
France is most represented, with 13 breeders of roses submitting 33 varieties, but there have also been contributions from specialist growers in the United States of America, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand.
Prior to going on display at the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the roses have all been cared for at a site managed by Monaco’s Department of Urban Amenities, the Pépinière de Saint Laurent d’Eze, in a bid to reduce the environmental footprint of the festival. The six-month incubation period has also been a 100% organic endeavour.
The producers were allowed to grow on 10 examples of their each of their new roses, but the unusually wet and cold weather of this spring seems to have held some of the specimens back as a small proportion still remain in bud.
Nevertheless, on Thursday 2nd May, it was announced that the international jury, a panel composed of rose specialists from across the continent, as well as Cécila Casiraghi of the Monaco Garden Club and Françoise Gamerdinger, the head of Monaco’s Department of Cultural Affairs, had already chosen their winners.
A Danish rose, No.27 Orange Sunrise, won the Hybrid Tea category while the No.10 hybrid tea Jean Carles picked up the prestigious Trophée Piaget Rose and the Coupe du Parfum.
Orange Sunrise, the winner of the Hybrid Tea category. Photo source: Monaco Communications Department
An ivory rose, No.36 Madame, also caught the eye of the panel, who proclaimed it the winner of the cluster flowering category and this year’s Coup de Cœur des Amis de la Roseraie Princesse Grace.
In the ground-cover category, a delicate pale pink German cultivar, No.68 Pashmina, emerged as the winner, while the flawlessly white No.77 Rosa Bonheur was awarded the top prize in the Miniature category.
Prix du Public
There is one prize yet to be attributed: the Prix du Public.
Between 3rd May and 16th June, the global public is being invited to choose their favourite by liking the most beautiful specimens in a photo gallery on Facebook. The image that garners the most likes, the winner, will be announced on 19th June.
