France’s national rail service, the SNCF, has officially launched its new unlimited train pass on TER and Intercités lines for 16 to 27-year-olds. Here’s how it works.
During the months of July and August, young people aged between 16 and 27 will be able to enjoy endless travel and adventures aboard the nation’s TER and Intercités networks.
Though the SNCF’s TGV services, the Eurostar, Ouigo and all travel within the Île-de-France are exempt from the pass, it still offers young passengers the chance to travel widely within the Hexagone for just €49 a month.
The pass is also valid from foreign stations served by the SNCF network, including the Gare de Monaco, Ventimiglia, Geneva, Basel and Vallorbe.
The pass offers access to seats in the 2nd class on TER trains as well as day and night seats on Intercités services. Passengers travelling overnight have the option of booking a bunk on a night train for an extra €19.50. Travellers can also bring their bicycles along, but there may be an additional fee on some local lines.
The passes can be purchased via the SNCF Connect website or on TrainLine, and are valid for 31 days from the date of purchase.
This means that a pass bought on 15th July will be valid until 14th August. The passes will not be usable after 31st August even if a pass was purchased less than 31 days prior.
Despite the unlimited nature of the pass, seats must be reserved for the dates the user wishes to travel, and the passenger must present the rail pass, a booking and an ID card when requested by ticket officers.
To an outside eye, the Principality of Monaco may look as though it is all skyscrapers, superyachts and flashy cars, but those who call this place home know that it is also a haven for beautiful gardens and green spaces.
From the Japanese Garden near the Grimaldi Forum to La Petite Afrique in Monte-Carlo and the incredible collection of succulents and exotic plants at the Centre Botanique, Monaco boasts at least a dozen public parks and gardens of all styles and sizes.
So, let’s begin our tour in the beating heart of the Principality, the Monte-Carlo neighbourhood.
The gardens in the Carré d’Or, the square ringed by some of Monaco’s most famous landmarks, such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris.
These gardens, which include the Boulingrins Garden and La Petite Afrique, blend French-style landscaping with tropical planting, as well as more than a few palm trees.
La Petite Afrique in Monte-Carlo. Photo by Monaco Life
The Boulingrins are a wonderful place to pause and relax after a day of hitting the shops and galleries that dot this central district, while La Petite Afrique offers something altogether more exotic, with lush and dense vegetation that provides plenty of shade from the summer sun.
Behind the Casino, you will find the Terrasses de la Casino and more green spaces. Take a walk along the Promenade des Champions, which overlooks Port Hercule and the Mediterranean Sea, to admire the yachts bobbing in the harbour. Although this area offers limited shade, its open design allows visitors to enjoy a refreshing sea breeze. The area also features famous Botero sculptures and other notable artworks, as well as the footprints of football legends like Maradona.
In the Larvotto neighbourhood, near the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, is the enchanting Japanese Garden designed by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu. Reflecting Zen design principles, this garden features a stream, waterfall and pond with koi carp, which combine to create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and cooling off from the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest parts of the Principality.
At the opposite end of Monaco is the Parc de Fontvieille, where a children’s play area sits alongside a pond popular with ducks and geese. It is home to a mix of Mediterranean and exotic plants, which thrive here in the Principality’s micro-climate.
Also in Fontvieille is the Princess Grace Rose Garden. More than 315 varieties of rose grow in the park, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this spring. Roses were the favourite bloom of the late Princess Grace, and this aromatic sanctuary was founded in her honour in 1984.
Skirting the Rock of Monaco are the Rainier III Zoological Gardens, also known as the Jardin Animalier de Monaco, which are home to nearly 300 animals from around 60 species. The creatures that have found a home here were either donated, abandoned or seized, and now enjoy their days beneath the leafy greens that provide shade and benches for both the animals and visitors alike.
Located between the Palais Princier de Monaco and the Oceanographic Museum on the Rocher, the Saint-Martin Gardens offer stunning views of the Mediterranean from yet another perspective. With a mix of Mediterranean and exotic plants, this garden provides a tranquil atmosphere that is popular with residents of the Rock and the tourists who have travelled to see the palace and explore Monaco’s oldest neighbourhood.
Up in the Jardin Exotique quartier of Monaco, you will – as perhaps expected by the name – find a treasure trove of stunning gardens.
The Parc Princesse Antoinette in the Jardin Exotique neighbourhood is perfect for families. Photo by Monaco Life
This is, of course, the Jardin Exotique, which gave the neighbourhood its moniker, but this is unfortunately closed to the public at the moment as the space is in the midst of major renovations. It will remain shut throughout 2024.
You can, however, get up-close and personal with many of cacti and succulents that are usually on display in the Jardin Exotique by visiting the nearby Botanical Centre. These huge glasshouses are home to a wide array of species, many of them protected, and are themed on different parts of the world.
Our final stop is in the Parc Princesse Antoinette, which should definitely be on your list to visit if you are coming to Monaco with children. From the petting farm to the pond, the massive sandpit and many play areas, it is perfectly catered to young children, as well as those in their teenage years thanks to free sports facilities and a mini-golf course.
The Hungarian Grand Prix was one of the most exciting races to date, with a one-two punch for McLaren, Hamilton back on the podium, and Monaco’s Charles Leclerc gaining ground to take out fourth.
The Hungarian Grand Prix, held in the country’s capital city of Budapest on 21st July, was a seriously action-packed event filled with thrills and not a little controversy.
The biggest news was the one-two punch landed by McLaren, though even this was not without drama. Oscar Piastri came out in the top spot, followed by teammate Lando Norris, but the outcome may have been different. Behind-the-scenes tensions mounted as a Norris pit stop- orchestrated to prevent Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton from gaining ground- set the scene.
Despite Piastri leading most of the race, this pit put Norris in front and he seemed quite unwilling to let it go, despite pleas from his team to do so. With only two laps to go, Norris finally and grudgingly relinquished, allowing Piastri the win and giving himself a shiny silver instead that was clearly without lustre, if the look on his face on the podium was any indicator.
The fight for the final podium spot was initially between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, with Ferrari favourite Charles Leclerc in fifth. A battle ensued and an ill-tempered Verstappen collided with Hamilton, sending him into fifth, with Leclerc taking fourth – a place he held onto until the end.
His teammate, Carlos Sainz, took sixth behind Verstappen.
“We turned it around today,” said Leclerc after the race. “We had a solid race, with the right tyre management and a good pace. A P4 is not the result we want of course and we know that we have lots of work ahead, however, we were in better form than expected.
“It’s difficult to overtake on this track and we had to manage overheating, being just behind Lewis (Hamilton) on the last stint, which was tricky. We took all our opportunities today and it’s good to bring home these points for the team.”
Formula 1 returns for one more race before the break, with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on 28th July at 2pm.
This summer, the night skies of the Côte d’Azur will be lit up by beautiful fireworks displays emanating from towns and cities right along the coast. Here’s when and where to catch the very best of them.
It is a tradition in the Principality, dating back to 1966, that fireworks masters from around the world are invited to Monaco’s Art en Ciel festival during the summer months to showcase their finest pyrotechnics. Two dates have been confirmed so far for 2024: 27th July and 9th August. Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer will be hosting a series of special dining experiences at the Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Hermitage on these nights. For more information, click here.
Meanwhile, Cannes has already begun its legendary Pyrotechnics Arts Festival. The first of six shows took place on 4th July, with the second occurring on Bastille Day, but there is still time to catch the remaining four on 22nd July and 7th, 15th and 22nd August. The festival is said to attract upwards of 150,000 fireworks fans every summer, and it has been a mainstay event on the city’s events programme for more than 50 years.
In August, Juan-les-Pins will host its own Pyromelodic Festival in the waters off the seaside town. Fireworks shows are scheduled for three Thursdays: 15th August at 10.30pm, and at 10pm on 22nd and 29th August.
Further to the west, Fréjus will be celebrating with fireworks displays on 22nd and 29th July as well as 5th, 19th and 26th August. All will begin in the port, allowing for a stunning mirror effect, at 10.30pm.
For more information about the Riviera’s fireworks shows, click here.
Gastronomy in Monaco has reached a new pinnacle with the arrival of l’Abysse Monte-Carlo. Renowned Chef Yannick Alléno introduces his highly acclaimed two-starred Japanese restaurant to the Principality, along with prized Sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki.
The Crystal Bar in the Hôtel Hermitage has made way for this intimate fine dining restaurant, where the culinary genius of 16-Michelin star Chef Yannick Alléno collides harmoniously with the meticulous expertise of Sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki, holder of two Michelin stars.
It’s become obvious now that, at the encouragement of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), French Chef Yannick Alléno is transporting the distinguished successes of his renowned Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris, which boasts six Michelin stars among its three restaurants, to the shores of the Mediterranean, much to the delight of Monaco.
Chef Yannick Alléno at l’Abysse Monte-Carlo
Alléno now has two restaurants at the esteemed Hôtel Hermitage. Within metres of his starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, guests can find a sanctuary in l’Abysse Monte-Carlo, where a zen ambiance designed by Laurence Bolnnel-Alléno featuring stone, marble and origami sculptures is enhanced by a large ceramic wall of coral motifs created by American Artist William Coggin.
The atmosphere is further enriched by beautiful handmade tableware crafted by Parisian ceramist Karen Swami, completing an exquisite dining experience.
The intimate ambiance of l’Abysse Monte-Carlo
A new fine dining experience
Reflecting Chef Alléno’s deep passion for Japan, the menus create a bridge between the two countries, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of both. This culinary experience is designed for true fine dining connoisseurs, rather than those seeking the westernised sushi that has become ubiquitous worldwide.
The Empreinte menu (€240) showcases Chef Alléno’s mastery and meticulous techniques: an “expression” of sole, abalone with tangy vegetable petals, and a sasanishiki rice dome with glazed turnip and seafood jelly. This last recipe is from Auguste Escoffier, the culinary legend whose techniques revolutionised cooking. Like Escoffier, Alléno charted a new course in modern cuisine when he created his groundbreaking method of “extractions”, an innovative technique where he meticulously extracts and concentrates the pure flavours and essences from ingredients, creating highly refined and intense culinary experiences.
Chef Alléno’s langoustine en chaud-froid with midori mayonnaise, black lemon, and sesame
Fortunately, there is no “fusion cuisine” at l’Abysse Monte-Carlo. While Alléno may take cues from Japan, Chef Yasunari Okazaki stays true to his culinary roots, crafting nigiri with room-temperature rice and the finest sustainably-sourced fish and seafood, all prepared with meticulous precision to achieve the perfect balance of air and moisture in each piece.
This is a collaboration, often referred to as a four-handed menu in the culinary world, rather than a blending of two cuisines.
Sardine sushi at l’Abysse Monte-Carlo
The culinary journey continues with lobster-filled zucchini flower and pollen sauce, iced almond milk with dried beef and Yuzu ponzu, and an incredible selection of desserts prepared by Pastry Chef Maxime Vaseline, all complimented with skilfully paired wine, tea, extractions and, of course, sake.
“I would like to thank the Société des Bains de Mer for their trust in this unique and wonderful project,” said Chef Yannick Alléno. “L’Abysse Monte-Carlo is a delicate treasure, a precious gem of the Mediterranean, with sushi and emotions tinged with azure. It is a beautiful gastronomic adventure that we continue to write hand in hand, leaving our clients with a truly memorable experience.”
Pastry Chef Maxime Vaseline’s shiratawa, candied fruits, and spiced broth
How it all began
Yannick Alléno’s journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine began at the age of 20, when he embarked on a three-week exploration of Tokyo, Sapporo, and Kyoto. This profound cultural immersion sparked a passion that has driven him back to Japan more than 30 times over the years. His fascination with Japanese culinary arts, particularly shaped by his internship with the esteemed three-star chef Hachiro Mizutani, has been a cornerstone of his culinary evolution.
A pivotal moment came in late 2016 when Alléno met Yasunari Okazaki during a visit to Tokyo. This meeting reignited his desire to bring the sophistication of Japanese cuisine to Paris. Okazaki, who honed his skills under the tutelage of his father and various kaiseki and sushi masters, saw this as a perfect opportunity.
In 2018, he relocated to France, bringing his expertise and artistry to a new audience.
Entrusting Okazaki with the opening of L’Abysse Paris, Alléno delved into the intricate world of nigiri, which demands both precision and a deep understanding of the “cuisine of time”. The collaboration proved successful, with L’Abysse earning its first Michelin star in 2019 and a second in 2020, establishing it as the most Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Europe.
Now, the culinary journey continues with the opening of L’Abysse at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, with Chef Yasunari Okazaki bringing his exceptional expertise to this new endeavour.
Prince Albert II cuts the ribbon at the new l’Abysse Monte-Carlo with, from left to right: Chef Yasunari Okazaki, SBM President Stéphane Valeri, Chef Yannick Alléno, and National Council President Thomas Brezzo.
Prince Albert II cuts the ribbon
One day after the exclusive press dinner, l’Abysse Monte-Carlo was officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II, alongside SBM President-Delegate Stéphane Valeri, National Council President Thomas Brezzo, and Hôtel Hermitage General Director Louis Starck. Guests were treated to the Omakase menu (€360).
Guests can also choose dishes a la carte.
“L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, an exceptional culinary adventure offered by our partner Chef Yannick Alléno and Japanese Sushi Master Yasunari Okazaki, further enhances the dining options not only at the Hôtel Hermitage but also throughout our entire Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer resort,” said Stéphane Valeri. “This new gastronomic journey beautifully meets the often-expressed desires of our clientele.”
l’Abysse Monte-Carlo is open every evening for dinner only, from 7pm to 11pm.
See more of l’Abysse Monte-Carlo in our Instagram reel below…
Monaco’s Minister of State Pierre Dartout was one of 40 heads of state and government to be welcomed by King Charles and the UK prime minister for Thursday’s European Political Community meeting in England.
A delegation from Monaco, led by Minister of State Pierre Dartout, participated in the 4th meeting of the European Political Community, held Thursday 18th July at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the birthplace of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, provided a historic backdrop for the summit.
Political leaders gather for the 4th meeting of the European Political Community, photo credit: Lauren Hurley
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the event, welcoming over 40 heads of state and government, including the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary General of NATO, the Secretary General of the OSCE, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, with the summit focusing on strengthening cohesion and cooperation among European countries on current issues such as migration, democracy preservation, and energy security.
Pierre Dartout participated in a roundtable discussion on ‘Energy and Connectivity’, saying “in order to overcome the energy crisis, it is necessary to work towards diversifying energy sources. However, we must not lose sight of the fight against climate change.”
Monaco’s Minister of State Pierre Dartout with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo credit: Zara Farrar
The minister of state also took the opportunity to engage with his counterparts from Andorra and San Marino to reaffirm the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the three states, and with Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta.
The day concluded with a reception hosted by His Majesty King Charles III for all the leaders.
The next European Political Community meeting will be held in November 2024 in Budapest, under the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
