Olympics: Stade Louis II selected as venue for Rugby 7s qualification stages

stade louis II

Ahead of the Olympic Games this summer in Paris, Monaco’s Stade Louis II will be hosting the Rugby 7s qualification stages for hopeful men’s and women’s teams from around the world. 

Between 21st and 23rd June, the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille will play host to the official Qualification Tournament for the Olympics’ Rugby 7s event.  

24 national teams will be participating in the hope of securing a place at the Olympics, which will be held in Paris and in sporting venues across France during July and August.  

In the men’s field, teams will represent nations including South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Tonga and Uganda. The South African Blitzboks, as well as the teams from Canada, Great Britain and Spain, are among the favourites to go through to the final 12.

The women’s tournament is also expected to be highly competitive, featuring teams from Argentina, China, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Kenya, Jamaica, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Samoa and Uganda. 

Following the three-day tournament, the Olympic hopefuls will be confirmed during a press conference in the Salon Honneur at the Stade Louis II. The captains of the qualifying teams, representatives from World Rugby and a delegate from Paris 2024 will attend this event. 

Tickets for the three days of play have been available online since 27th May. Contact billetterietqo2024@monaco-rugby.com to reserve a seat. 

For more information about the tournament, click here.  

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Photo credit: Fédération Monégasque de Rugby 

 

* Originally posted 31st May 2024

1,600 trendsetters attend The Unique Show’s Luxury Monte-Carlo event

True to its name, the recent edition of The Unique Show’s Luxury Monte-Carlo event blended the worlds of high-end fashion and jewellery with an exclusive experience that offered its 1,600 visitors the opportunity to enjoy personal consultations with specialists and enjoy the signature Monaco lifestyle at its best.

Held at Le Méridien Beach Plaza earlier this month, the three-day event from 7th to 9th June saw 30 international exhibitors present their latest collections and share their expertise with upwards of 1,600 guests.

The event was organised by Five Stars Events and led by Dalila Daffara, a jewellery expert with more than two decades of experience. Notable personalities in attendance included Italian influencer Elisabetta Gregoraci and model and Monaco resident Victoria Silvstedt.

See more: Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo hosts debut fashion show

The event displayed the latest in high jewellery design and craftsmanship from renowned brands, such as Alessi Domenico Spa, Alexander Laut, Brarda, Cédille Paris and others.

In addition to the jewellery displays, the event featured an exciting poolside party on 8th June, when a haute couture fashion show by Isabell Kristensen Couture, a DJ set and an array of spectacular live performances took place. Monaco Life enjoyed the catwalk show from the front row before exploring the bountiful jewellery exhibitions.

One of the standout pieces was a dazzling three-carat diamond ring by Mia Masterpiece, as well as an elegant gold hummingbird encrusted with gems by Vahe Zart, a Manhattan-based jewellery designer.

Among the events held on 9th June was an insightful colour analysis by Sabrina Cecutto, an image consultant from Milan, who combined her fashion expertise with jewellery recommendations.

Future editions of The Unique Show are planned for Lugano in November and St. Moritz in February. The next Luxury Monte-Carlo event by The Unique Show is scheduled for June 2025.

To see more of the 2024 edition, watch the Monaco Life Instagram reel:

 

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Photos supplied

International Yoga Day: Free sessions for the public on the Casino’s Terrasses du Soleil

international yoga day kate powers

Co-hosted by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and the Kate Powers Foundation, the upcoming International Yoga Day event on the Terrasses du Soleil of the Monte-Carlo Casino will offer yogis of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a series of free classes led by local and international professionals.  

On Friday 21st June, the day after the Summer Solstice but falling on International Yoga Day, the Kate Powers Foundation, in partnership with Monte-Carlo SBM, will host a special wellbeing and mindfulness event in the gardens of the famous casino.

See more: Interview: Rhonda Hudson, President of the Kate Powers Foundation

The day’s schedule is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, from frequent yoga practitioners to beginners and children.  

Nico Luce will be leading a yoga session for sponsors at 2.30pm, followed by a children’s class at 4pm that will be taught by Sarah Clark. 

At 5pm, people of all ages and abilities will be able to join an open yoga session, again led by Nico Luce. The evening will then transition into an ecstatic dance session from 7.30pm to 9pm. This portion of the event will be directed by Romain Vigna.  

The day will wrap up with a chill time from 9pm to 10pm. 

All sessions are free of charge and anyone can attend. International Yoga Day reminds us of the balance between our body and mind, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. 

Read related:

A guide to Pilates and yoga studios in and around Monaco

 

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Monaco Communications Department

Menton to host ‘Donyale Luna Supermodel’ documentary film

Donyale Luna changed the face of fashion in the 60’s. Now the revolutionary black model is finally getting her due in a documentary to be aired in English in Menton this weekend.

On Saturday 22nd June at 4pm, the Eden Cinema in Menton will be screening ‘Donyale Luna: Supermodel’, the HBO documentary film, in English, on the life and career of the iconic supermodel, Donyale Luna, one of the first black models to be featured on the covers of major European fashion magazines.

This is a unique opportunity to see this film in France, produced by the Academy and Emmy-Award winning Lightbox production in association with Jeff Friday Media and the American Black Film Festival, and in collaboration with Donyale Luna’s daughter Dream Cazzaniga.

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Dream about the film, with insights into the incredible story of Donyale Luna and her pivotal legacy in the history of fashion and visual arts.

To see the trailer, click here.

Further information can be found on www.donyaleluna.love

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Club La Vigie unveils new gourmet experience with evening dining and boat service 

Club La Vigie has elevated Monaco’s most beautiful peninsula with a new gastronomic offering, the return of dinner, and a convenient shuttle boat, all in keeping with the timeless elegance of Monaco.

Nestled in the heart of a pine forest and within a bird protection refuge, Club La Vigie has long served as a sanctuary from the bustling streets of Monaco during the warm summer months.

Now, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is maximising the potential of this oasis, expanding restaurant service to include dinner as well as lunch.

A shaded terrace with the peaceful sound of waves lapping in the background serve as the perfect setting for a revamped Mediterranean menu. 

The shaded summer terrace at Club La Vigie features an incredible sea view. Photo by Monaco Life

Chef Marcel Ravin, who’s now taken the reins at Elsa as well as managing his two Michelin starred restaurant Blue Bay, has handed the running of the kitchens at Club La Vigie to Monte-Carlo Beach Executive Chef Pascal Garrigues. The result is two summer-infused versions of his fabulous Mediterranean cuisine. 

The lunch menu focusses on sharable plates, seasonal vegetables, salads and locally caught fish, grilled to perfection.

Monte-Carlo Executive Chef photo by Monaco Life

In the evening, the enchantment of Club La Vigie truly comes alive. Guests can indulge in a romantic dinner under the stars, with endless sea views and a refined menu featuring exceptional dishes like Catalan lobster, a trilogy of raw fish, and Black Angus beef Tomahawk with Salmoriglio sauce.

The desserts are not to be missed, particularly the exceptionally smooth and theatrical tiramisu, Club La Vigie’s version of pavlova, and the chef’s signature refreshing red fruits with pink lychee.

Lounge areas offer relaxing moments on the peninsula. Photo by Monaco Life

Also new this year, and in keeping with the luxury lifestyle of Monaco, SBM is offering a complimentary boat shuttle from Port Hercule to Club La Vigie. This service is also available for a fee from Cap d’Ail, Eze-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Guests can also enjoy cabanas nestled in the pine trees for secluded privacy, perfect for relaxing with family or friends, while a live music trio and a resident DJ ensure a lively atmosphere throughout the night.

Club La Vigie is open from midday to midnight during the summer months. 

Monaco Life’s resident foodie Cassandra Tanti was there, take a look in our Instagram post below…

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All photos by Monaco Life

Princely couple shine on Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s blue carpet

The 2024 Monte-Carlo Television Festival ended with a bang, featuring four world premieres, over 200 VIP guests and a glamourous blue carpet appearance by Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II, who presented an Honorary Golden Nymph to legendary actor and director Olivier Marchal.  

Celebrities and stars of the small screen walked the blue carpet for the final evening of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival at the Grimaldi Forum on Tuesday 18th June. The night was a celebration of all the great work done in the industry over the past year and gave recognition to those whose projects stood out from the crowd. 

Hosted by French actress Laury Thilleman and TV and radio star Vincent Niclo, the closing ceremony was also the scene of the presentation of the truly international Golden Nymph Awards, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival’s most prestigious prizes. 

WINNERS 

Prince Albert II personally handed the Honorary Golden Nymph to director and actor Olivier Marchal, whose 35-year career all started when he was working as a policeman and taking acting lessons on the side.  

monte-carlo television festival olivier marchal
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II awarded the Honorary Golden Nymph to legendary actor and director Olivier Marchal (third from right). Photo credit: Stéphane Danna

“I was thrilled to present special distinctions, recognising their talent and outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry, to both Olivier Marchal and Morgan Freeman,” said the Prince. “I send my sincere congratulations to the laureates and all the nominees of the Golden Nymphs competition, which celebrates the very best international scripted and factual programming.” 

See more: Morgan Freeman: “It felt really nice to receive such a great honour from Prince Albert”

Winners in the fiction category included Swedish offering Little Did I Know for Best Film, The UK’s The Gathering for Best Series and Madam from New Zealand for Best Creation. 

The Best Actress award went to Eva Morgan for The Gathering, while her co-star, Warren Brown, won Best Actor. The Jury Special Prize went to the Israeli drama Night Therapy.  

Helgoland from Germany nabbed the BetaSeries Public Prize, and the AMADE Prize was taken home by Sweden’s chilling Mines of Death. The Monaco Red Cross Prize went to The Law of the Sea, a dramatic film from Spain about the selflessness of a group of people who risked their lives to save refugees stranded in the Mediterranean. The Prince Rainier III Special Prize was awarded to Germany’s How Extreme Will The Weather Be, Sven Plöger?, a documentary on the El Niño phenomenon and its effects on the planet.  

The News and Documentary category saw the Best News Programme award go to France’s La Guerre de l’Info: Israel/Hamas, while The UK’s Ukraine’s War: The Other Side won Best Documentary. The Special Jury Prize went to Italy’s Broken Dream.  

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Climate and humanitarian productions earn special recognition at Monte-Carlo Television Festival

 

 

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna