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Day: 16 July 2024

Tourists and locals warned of fake QR code scam targeting Nice’s parking meters

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/07/2024
qr code scam nice

A new scam involving fake QR codes on parking meters is circulating in Nice. Although the city has taken steps to combat the crime, officials are urging citizens to be vigilant and only use the official PayByPhone app when paying for parking spaces.

Using QR codes to pay for parking has become commonplace as fewer people carry cash and many prefer the convenience of using their smartphones. However, this digital transition does come with some risks.

In the last few days, reports of fraudulent QR codes on parking meters in Nice have surfaced, prompting the authorities to take action. Despite their efforts, however, a number of citizens have already fallen victim to the scam.

The phishing scheme involves placing fake QR codes on parking meters, which direct users to a website mimicking the official PayByPhone site. Once on the fraudulent site, criminals can access their victims’ personal and banking information, enabling them to withdraw funds from their accounts. These fake QR codes are often placed just below the instructions for installing the mobile app, making them difficult to detect.

To ensure that payments are secure, the municipality of Nice is advising people to only download the PayByPhone app from trusted sources, such as the Apple Store or Google Play.

Read related:

Monaco Government warns residents of threatening scam calls

 

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: JP Valery, Unsplash

Jamiroquai to play at Monaco’s legendary Red Cross Gala

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/07/2024
Jamiroquai

The English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, with its quirky hat-wearing frontman Jay Kay, will provide the musical entertainment for the annual Red Cross Gala in the Salle des Etoiles on 19th July. 

The Red Cross Gala, a staple soirée in the Principality’s social calendar, has been rolling with the times since 1948. It has managed to retain an air of dignified glitz while bringing in top performers of the day to the delight of the many prestigious guests to turn out for the event each summer. Over the years, the greats of the musical world have come to entertain at the Gala, including Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Alicia Keys and John Legend, to name but a few.  

Chaired first by Prince Rainier III, then by Princess Grace and now Prince Albert II, the ball is truly a family affair and is a show of solidarity for an organisation that does so much to help those in need in Monaco and beyond its borders.  

As a fundraiser, this flagship event generates crucial funds that allow the local branch of the Red Cross to organise social awareness activities and intervene in international emergency situations.  

For its 75th anniversary year, the Gala is set to be another one for the history books, and will have all the traditional touches people have come to expect, such as the raffle draw and a sumptuous meal at Sporting, followed by the opening of the ball by Prince Albert.  

At this point, the English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai will hit the stage at the Salle des Etoiles. Headed up by frontman Jay Kay, the group took the world by storm in the early 1990s. Their 1996 hit Virtual Insanity topped charts around the world and the band was catapulted into international stardom.  

The Red Cross Gala will take place on 19th July. Like every year, it is a sold-out show, with all tickets snapped up months in advance of the big night.  

Read related:

Photos: Monaco’s Princely couple dazzles at Red Cross Gala featuring Robbie Williams

 

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: Jamiroquai, Facebook

Wannenes auction brings in over €3.2 million in sales

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/07/2024

Luxury jewels, watches and handbags were hot items in a recent Wannenes auction, with more than €3.2 million achieved in the two-day sale in Monte-Carlo. 

Wannenes Auction House, the well-respected Italian auctioneers with a Monaco branch, held a 570 lot sale on 8th and 9th July at the Hôtel Metropole.

The company reported an excellent turnout, which in the end, generated sales of €3,279,000.

Amongst some of the stand-out pieces in the jewellery division were an 8.74 carat unmounted Columbian emerald that fetched €533,400 and a 10.85 carat “almost perfect” diamond, that went for €501,650. 

The 8.74 carat unmounted Columbian emerald that fetched €533,400 at the Wannenes auction

Additionally, a collection from Italian jewellers, Bulgari, marking their 140th anniversary, also went under the gavel. Of the 30 lots sold, one notable piece was a coral and diamond necklace that sold for €62,230. 

Two Audemars Piguet watches topped the watch department with the first being a limited-edition Royal Oak model in platinum and rose gold that sold for €279,400. The timepiece was one of only 25 ever made, making it truly special. 

The Audemars Piguet limited-edition Royal Oak watch in platinum and rose gold sold for €279,400

Then there was another Audemars Piguet with perpetual calendar operation in stainless steel and platinum. This lot, which featured the intense black Grand Tapisserie dial, was sold for €95,250. 

Finally, there were 94 exceptional or rare handbags that were up for grabs. In this sale, a 1996 Kelly Sellier 32 by Hermès in black box calfskin with gold metal finishes was a big hit. The bag, which was reported to be in excellent condition, went for an astonishing €11,811.

The 1996 Kelly Sellier 32 by Hermès in black box calfskin

For more on Wannenes Auction House and to see their upcoming events, visit their website here.

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. 

Discover the best arts, crafts and foods of the region at Monaco Méditerranée

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/07/2024
Monaco Méditerranée

From east to west, and from Southern Europe to the shores of North Africa, the upcoming Monaco Méditerranée event at the Grimaldi Forum at the end of July will celebrate the cultures, fashion, food and traditions of nations around the Mediterranean. 

Producers and artisans from countries throughout the Mediterranean basin, including France, Italy, Lebanon, Greece and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Tunisia for the first time, are set to congregate at the exhibition centre in Monaco’s Larvotto neighbourhood for three days of exchange and networking later this month.  

Around 50 exhibitors have been confirmed for the 2024 edition, and they will be selling and showcasing a wide range of goods and produce from their native lands, such as food items, drinks, fashion, art, tableware and gifts.  

The purpose of the event is to “directly connect the public with the many artisans, artists, creators, producers and manufacturers” while offering an immersion into the diversity of Mediterranean culture through gastronomy, crafts, art and fashion.  

There will be a strong focus on art this year, according to Bouran Hallani of Global Events Organizer, the company behind the event, and visitors can expect to discover an array of works both inside the Forum and outside on the esplanade. 

“We wanted to test another location for the organisation of the show and to do it at the Grimaldi Forum during the summer exhibition dedicated to Turner makes sense,” says Hallani. “We are counting on the passage of tourists to introduce other artists from around the Mediterranean.” 

The wonders of the Monaco Méditerranée show can be explored on 26th and 27th July from 11am to 8pm and from 11am to 6pm on 28th July. Admission is free. 

Read related:

Turner’s triumph: Grimaldi Forum unveils ‘Turner’s Sublime Legacy’ summer exhibition

 

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 credit: Monaco Mediterranée 

International stars to headline Billionaire at the Salle des Étoiles this summer

by: Niki Borisova
16/07/2024

Flavio Briatore’s high-end clubbing Billionaire concept is returning to the Monte-Carlo Sporting venue this summer for 25 incredible nights of live music, top notch entertainment and gourmet dining experiences. 

It has been announced that the Italian businessman’s Billionaire franchise is partnering with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) for a second consecutive summer of glamour and partying under the stars at Monte-Carlo Sporting’s Salle des Étoiles.

“Following the success of last summer’s Billionaire, we’re delighted to propose the renowned evenings to our Monegasque and international clientele once again this year,” said Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of SBM, at the press event unveiling Billionaire’s summer residency at the famous Monaco venue.

This year’s programme has been designed by Billionaire’s Artistic Director Raffaele Riccio. Beginning 22nd July and running until 21st August, the line-up of 25 shows will feature more than 30 talented artists, including top dancers, singers and former Cirque du Soleil acrobats.

Among the special acts set to perform are: the Acero brothers from Colombia, known for their hand-to-hand act; Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake, who gained fame on Britain’s Got Talent; and Ukrainian acrobatic duo Alex and Liza, who will be making their debut in the Principality. Guests to certain nights will also be transported to Buenos Aires through an Argentine tango show in collaboration with the London Tango Academy.  

Alessandro Ristori & The Portofinos will be back for two shows this summer on 23rd July and 14th August, while singer-songwriters Luciano Bassi, Geniris Mena and Noah Domínguez are also confirmed to be making an appearance at Billionaire, an international party concept that blends live entertainment with luxury hospitality.  

To this end, Billionaire’s culinary team, led by celebrity chef Batuhan Piatti, will be presenting two distinct set menus: the Italian menu aims to recreate traditional flavours, while the New-Asian menu will be a fusion of flavours from the continent.

“We are confident that this summer we will be able to offer an even more elevated experience and 25 memorable evenings to Monaco’s visitors and residents,” Briatore told Monaco Life the event. “What we always aim to do is improve our establishment, improve the show, improve the restaurant… My goal is that people have fun, enjoy good food and party. [We want to] make them happy so that they return to Billionaire every season.” 

For reservations and more information, click here. 

Read related:

Twiga Monte-Carlo unveils exciting summer line-up with cabaret shows and DJ sets

 

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: Monaco Life 

Second home tax on empty or unused properties to rise in 1,500 communes across France

by: Elsa Carpenter
16/07/2024

Local authorities in some 1,500 communes across France have chosen to increase the taxe sur les logements vacants levied at owners of empty or unused second homes, with over 500 choosing to impose the maximum 60% tariff.  

The taxe sur les logements vacants (TLV) is different from the standard taxe d’habitation. Until August 2023, only empty, unused or unfurnished second homes in communes with 50,000 residents or more that were classed as having a housing shortage, referred to in French as a zone tendue, were liable for the levy, but then the rules changed. Since last summer, the population limit has been lifted, allowing authorities in any town or city in a zone tendue can opt to charge the TLV.  

Across France, almost 3,700 communes are now able to collect the TLV. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that close to 1,500 of these would be enacting their right, up from just over 300 in 2023. 

The rates vary from place to place, as well as on the potential rental value of the property in question, a calculation that is reevaluated each year and is adjusted according to inflation. This taxable base is then subject to the rate determined by the local town hall.  

In total, 539 communes will be increasing the TLV and charging the maximum 60% surcharge. At the other end of the scale, 359 will be applying a surcharge of 20% or less.  

See more: Tax obligations in Monaco: What every resident needs to know

Nearly 300 communes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region will be imposing the TLV on empty second homes, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Grasse, Mougins, Valbonne, Cogolin, Fayence, Callian, La Garde-Freinet, Gassin, Grimaud, Ramatuelle and Saint Tropez. 

For the complete list of communes affected by the TLV in 2024, click here. For details and rates in your local area, contact your town hall directly. If one or more of your properties is subject to the TLV, you will be notified of the rate when you receive your taxe d’habitation bill later this year.  

Read related:

France: Plans for automatic long-stay visas for British second home owners scrapped

 

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: Unsplash