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Month: July 2024

Nice to spend €35 million on short-life building for UN Ocean Conference 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/07/2024

Following deliberations on whether to host the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in the Palais Nikaïa or build a new conference centre in Port Lympia, it has been confirmed that the city will build a structure set to last up to 15 years in the marina. 

Organisers of the UN Ocean Conference 2025 have announced that a “semi-provisional” building set to last between five and 15 years will be built in Nice’s Port Lympia.  

“After hesitating, the State has finally decided that both the Blue zone, reserved for official delegations, and the Green Zone, open to the public, would be brought together in the Lympia area,” said Mayor Estrosi in comments to the Nice-Matin following the reception of an official letter from Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, French Ambassador for the Poles and the Oceans and French President Emmanuel Macron’s Special Envoy for the organisation of the major event.  

Initially, an idea was floated that the Palais Nikaïa would be the epicentre of the event, but after consideration, it has been decided that it would be more practical to construct a purpose-built site in the port.  

See more: Monaco to host Blue Economy and Finance Forum as part of 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Reports indicate that a building permit was submitted earlier in July, but what the main structure and its satellite buildings will look like is yet to be officially confirmed.  

According to Mayor Estrosi, the site is “intended to last” and will have a shelf-life of five to perhaps 15 years, similar to the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris, which has been home to exhibitions in the French capital since 2021 while the Grand Palais was being given a facelift for the Olympic Games.  

“This main building will remain a legacy to the people of Nice after the conference,” Estrosi told the local newspaper. “We already have reservations (for future events) for September, October and November 2025.”  

This type of construction is intended to be less expensive to build than a permanent facility, as well as be more practical in terms of long-term city planning. Many purpose-built sites outlive their use and become eyesores over time, whereas this type of structure can be dismantled when its best days have passed.  

The cost for the site, which will serve as the main pavilion, is being estimated at €10 million, which will be paid for by the City of Nice with the potential support of the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region and the Alpes-Maritimes department. The French State has agreed “to take charge of all the interior fittings”.  

The price tag is expected to go up to €35 million when the satellite buildings for the summit are added in.   

An estimated 30,000 representatives from governments and nations across the globe, as well as members of the media and international scientific community, are expected to attend the  meeting, which will seek to generate transformative action in the name of ocean protections and sustainable ocean management.  

Read related:

Nice wins bid to host United Nation’s Ocean Conference in 2025

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Isaac Walker, Unsplash

Apricale, a countryside getaway in the Ligurian hills

by: Niki Borisova
31/07/2024

Join Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova as she heads into Liguria to visit the medieval village of Apricale and uncover its historical connections to the Principality’s ruling dynasty, the Grimaldis.

The drive to Apricale takes you through the picturesque town of Dolceacqua, which was officially twinned with the Principality of Monaco at the end of 2023.

Just like its bigger neighbour, Apricale was also once a Grimaldi-owned fiefdom. The village can trace its connections with the Principality back to the 13th century, when Oberto Grimaldi took control of the hilltop fortress, which had prospered during the early Middle Ages. Under the Grimaldis, Apricale was fortified further and became an important local stronghold for the family.

See more: Photos: After 500 years of family ties, Monaco and Dolceacqua are officially “twinned”

In November 2023, Prince Albert II of Monaco paid a visit to Apricale and was given the honour of unveiling a commemorative plaque in the main piazzetta that celebrates these historical ties. Months later, Monegasque flags can still be observed fluttering from balconies and buildings in the village, flying proudly alongside a combination of Italian and European Union flags.

Apricale’s name comes from the Latin word apricus, meaning ‘sunny’. It is clear to see why and how it earned this moniker. Basking in sunlight on a Ligurian hillside, the stones of the village’s buildings seem to glow, turning golden as the day progresses.

See more: Prince Albert II traces the Italian branches of the Grimaldi family tree in Liguria

Apricale is a honeycomb of narrow streets and tall houses that lead visitors through to a central piazza. The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is the principal gathering place, and locals and tourists alike can be found enjoying the signature Italian Aperol Spritz in the square in the afternoon.

Among the most popular sites to visit in Apricale are the Romanesque Church of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the Castello della Lucertola, which offers views of the surrounding countryside.

The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele in the centre of Apricale. Photo by Monaco Life

For those searching for traditional gastronomy, Monaco Life recommends the Apricus Osteria, located just before the village entrance on Via Roma. The terrace, perched atop a cliff, provides unobstructed mountain landscape views.

The food here is delicious and represents the true Ligurian spirit. The Vitello Tonnato is perfect for antipasti, as it is light yet rich in flavor, while the Trofie Ligure for a main is typically Ligurian and features the region’s essential ingredients of potatoes, carrots and beans. Be sure to leave room for dessert, especially if you fancy the homemade blueberry pie.

For a taster of what Apricale has on offer, watch the Monaco Life reel below:

 

Read related:

Exploring the history, culture and culinary traditions of the Principality of Seborga

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photos by Monaco Life 

Prince Albert II shows up in Paris to support Monaco’s Olympians

by: Niki Borisova
31/07/2024

Monaco’s Prince Albert II has thrown his full support behind the Principality’s six Olympians as they compete in Paris, cheering on his countrymen and women as they seek glory for the Monegasque nation. 

As a former Olympian and the current President of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, there was never any doubt that Prince Albert would miss a chance to witness the efforts of the six young sportsmen and women from Monaco at the 2024 Olympic Games. 

Having already made his presence felt at a series of high-profile events in the French capital over the last few days, Prince Albert has since been photographed attending competition events as well as greeting Monaco’s rowing hopeful Quentin Antognelli. 

On Monday 29th July, for example, Prince Albert was seen watching the swimming trials at the Paris La Défense Arena. That day, Monegasque swimmer Théo Druenne competed in the 800-metre freestyle heats, where he placed seventh. 

Prince Albert II watches the swimming in the Paris La Défense Arena. Photo credit: Stéphane Maggi / Comité Olympique Monégasque 

“I started at my pace… I tried to accelerate from the 400m mark, but I lacked a lot of references. Technically, I wasn’t at my best,” said Druenne following the race. “Ultimately, I optimised what I know how to do, considering the small issues I encountered during preparation.” 

Meanwhile, Monaco’s table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang was facing challenges of her own. Despite a comeback attempt, she was knocked out in the first round against Czech player Hana Matelová. 

Monaco’s table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang was sadly knocked out in the first round. Photo credit: Stéphane Maggi / Comité Olympique Monégasque 

Following her defeat, Yang said, “I am a bit disappointed. I didn’t play very well. I put a bit too much pressure on myself.”  

Prince Albert had some words of encouragement to share, saying, “Unfortunately, there are days when things don’t go our way, but we must continue and move forward. I believe good results are to be achieved for the athletes still in the competition… We will be there to encourage them and help them give their best.” 

See more: Lisa Pou and Théo Druenne to lead Monaco’s Olympic athletes in Paris

Thankfully, there has been better news in the rowing discipline following Antognelli’s fierce efforts during the Men’s Single Sculls quarterfinals on Tuesday 30th July, where he placed fifth.  

“I was focused on myself more than on others. I tried to keep my rhythm and accelerate at the end. I’m quite happy, as my second half was faster than the first,” said Antognelli, who finished 15th at the 2020 Tokyo Games, after the race. “These will be high-level races. I’ll fight for the best possible place. I still aim to do better than in Tokyo, but it will be very tough, given the competition.” 

On wednesday 31st July, Quentin Antognelli competed in the C/D semifinal for rowing single sculls but did not finish in the top three. The race was won by the American Plihal, followed by the Bulgarian Vasilev and the Paraguayan Insfran, who qualified for Final C. Antognelli placed 5th and will compete in Final D on Friday 2nd August, aiming for a ranking between 19th and 24th place.

Read related:

In pictures: Monaco at the Olympics

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo credits: Stéphane Maggi / Comité Olympique Monégasque 

 

 

Monaco to celebrate the Olympics with huge drone show in August

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/07/2024

With Olympic fever at its zenith, the Mairie de Monaco has revealed that the upcoming drone show in Port Hercule in August will be a tribute to the prestige and legacy of the Games. Here are all the details. 

At 10pm on Friday 9th August, the skies above the Principality will be filled with an incredible 12-minute light show featuring some 800 drones.  

The theme of the event, which will centre around Port Hercule, is to be the Olympic Games, which began on Friday 26th July and will come to a magnificent close just two days after Monaco’s tribute on Sunday 11th August. 

The Principality sent a delegation of six athletes to the Olympics in Paris, representing disciplines such as swimming, judo, table tennis, rowing and the hurdles, and these sportsmen and women will be the focus of the display.  

See more: In pictures: Monaco at the Olympics

“In total, 14 scenes produced by the drones will make up the show, bringing together the disciplines of Monegasque athletes, as well as several symbols of Monaco,” says a representative for the Mairie. “[With] a scenography entirely designed for the occasion, this show promises beautiful moments of emotion and wonder.” 

High spectator numbers are expected so head down to the port early for the best viewing spots. Access is entirely free of charge. 

Read related: 

Where to watch the Art en Ciel: Monaco’s annual fireworks competition

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Luca Dugaro, Unsplash

Louis and Marie Ducruet throw gender reveal party for Baby No. 2

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/07/2024

Just over a month after the couple shared the happy news that they are once again expecting, Louis Ducruet and his wife, Marie, have taken to social media to reveal whether their 15-month-old daughter, Victoire, is going to have a little brother or sister.  

In photographs shared on their social media accounts, the son and daughter-in-law of Princess Stéphanie, Prince Albert’s younger sister, have confirmed that they are expecting a second baby girl.  

The set of five images, which features the couple along with their firstborn daughter, whose face is concealed by a pink flower, and the family’s cherished dog, Pancake, depict the gender reveal as it happened.  

Surrounded by balloons and with the words ‘He or She’ on the wall, their happy news is played out as pink confetti fills the frames.  

The Ducruets are expecting a second baby girl. Photo source: Louis and Marie Ducruet, Instagram

The couple married on 27th July 2019 at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco following a long courtship that began in 2011 when both were attending the Skema Business School in Nice. Their first child was born in April 2023.  

Louis, who is an Advisor for International Projects for British football club Nottingham Forest, is Princess Stéphanie’s eldest child from her bodyguard-turned-husband, Daniel Ducruet. He also has a sister, fashion designer Pauline, and a half-sister, Camille Gottlieb, who is an anti-drunk driving campaigner.  

Marie is Head of Marketing Events and Protocol at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. 

Read related:

Double the joy: Louis and Marie Ducruet announce happy baby news

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Louis and Marie Ducruet, Instagram

Where to find the best public outdoor swimming pools on the Riviera

by: Elsa Carpenter
31/07/2024

From Cagnes-sur-Mer’s new ‘ocean pool’ to Roquebillière’s natural swimming spot at the foot of the Mercantour mountain range, Monaco Life explores the best public outdoor swimming pools that the region has to offer. 

One of the largest and most modern municipality-run swimming pools in the Riviera can be found in Cannes. The Grand Bleu pool boasts a full Olympic-sized outdoor swimming space, as well as a 25-metre pool. Both are heated to a comfortable 28°C. There’s also a children’s pool, a beach volleyball court and green spaces for visitors to enjoy and relax in between dips.  

Entrance prices start at €4.50 for adults and €3.40 for children. The facility is open year-round. For more information, click here.

The Grand Bleu pool on Rue Amador Lopez in Cannes La Bocca. Photo credit: Ville de Cannes

Just along the coast is Antibes’ Piscine Jean Bunos. The aquatic centre is currently in the midst of major renovations inside, but access to its wonderful outdoor spaces is being maintained throughout the works. There are two Olympic-length pools, which are divided into swimming lanes, a splash pad for young children and plenty of picnic spaces for families and groups.  

Tickets start from €3.50 for locals and range up to €6 for visitors to the area. During the summer, the pool is open every day of the week from 8.30am until 10pm. Click here for more information. 

Antibes’ outdoor swimming centre is located on Avenue Jules Grec. Photo credit: Ville d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins

Although not quite a swimming pool by usual standards, the ‘ocean pool’ concept being trialled by the town of Cagnes-sur-Mer this summer is worth a mention.

Just along from Port du Cros, an anti-jellyfish net has been strung up to protect bathers in the seawater enclave that has been established between Point 17 and Point 18. At the edge of the space, where the sea reaches a depth of up to seven metres, two swimming lanes of 25 metres by six metres have been strung up to give dedicated swimmers an area to practise their laps in peace.

The space is entirely free for the public to use and a team of lifeguards will be on duty throughout the summer holidays to give families peace of mind.

The new ‘ocean pool’ in Cagnes-sur-Mer. Photo credit: Ville de Cagnes-sur-Mer

Up in the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur is where we find our next alternative swimming experience: the Bassin Biologique de Roquebillère. This glorious outdoor pool, which is found around an hour and 20 minutes from Monaco, is totally chlorine-free and is naturally-filtered thanks to planted borders. It measures 1,350 m² and offers visitors beautiful views of the scenic Vésubie Valley, as well as tennis courts, football pitches and even a leisure fishing pond.  

Adult entry costs €6 and children’s tickets cost €4. For more information, click here.  

Roquebillère’s popular natural swimming pool is managed by the Pure Montagne resort. Photo credit: Pure Montagne

And last but certainly not least, Monaco’s own Stade Nautique Rainier III is certainly worth a visit. From the exceptional views of the mountains to the north, the Principality’s cityscape to the east and west, and the superyachts in the marina to its generously-sized swimming space, diving boards, a slide and a programme packed full of fun exercise classes, this family-friendly pool in the heart of Port Hercule has everything going for it. 

A standard day pass for a non-resident of the Principality costs  €12 for an adult and €9 for children between the ages of three and 17. Residents can benefit from a range of reductions and discounted prices.  

This swimming pool will remain open until 19th October. Click here for more information. 

Monaco residents enjoy discounted entrance rates to the Stade Nautique Rainier III. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco

Read related:

A guide to Monaco’s four secret swimming spots

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Main photo credit: Pure Montagne