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Day: 24 August 2024

Unique wine experiences in the South of France

by: Niki Borisova
24/08/2024

When it comes to wine tasting in the South of France, the experience extends beyond the traditional. This region, with a rich history of winemaking, offers a diverse range of activities that immerse visitors in the intricacies of a wine experience. Here are Monaco Life’s top picks. 

Specialised Wine Tastings

In the Courthezon region, not far from Montpellier, Chateau de Beaucastel stands out as a significant destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of fine wines. This winery has been voted 34th out of the 50 best vineyards in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards. Here, visitors can taste a selection of the estate’s Grand Vin wines, though it’s important to note that these tastings are by appointment only.  For more information, click here: Château de Beaucaste

Chateau de Beaucastel

In Provence, Chateau la Canorgue is known for its organic winemaking. Managed by the fifth generation of the same family, this estate prohibits using chemicals in its wine production. The estate has also gathered significant attention for its appearance in the 2006 film ‘A Good Year’. For more information, click here: chateaulacanorgue.com.

Chateau la Canorgue

Wine and wellness

Château de Berne, located in the Var region, takes the wine tourism experience one step further. This estate, dating back to the 18th century, offers more than wine tastings. Visitors can explore the vineyards, participate in educational sessions, and indulge in vinotherapy treatments at the spa. For more information, click here: Château de Berne.

Other places that offer wine-infused spa experiences are Domaine de Manville in Baux de Provence and Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence. These spas, set among vineyards, incorporate the beneficial properties of grapes and wine into their treatments, offering options such as wine baths and grape seed exfoliations. 

Bandol wine tour in Cassis

Wine tours

For those interested in exploring multiple wine regions in a single day, the full-day wine tour from Marseille, covering the Bandol and Cassis regions, is a noteworthy option. The tour includes visits to three wineries, where participants can engage in tastings and deepen their understanding of the French wine classification system. For more information, click here: Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille (tripadvisor.com).

A more leisurely option for exploring the region’s wine offerings is a cruise along the Rhône River. This journey includes stops at various wineries along the river, with guided tastings that provide insight into the wines of the Rhône Valley. For more information, click here: vikingrivercruises.com.

Chateau Saint Martin and spa

Perfect pairings

Wine and truffles are a known combination that complements each other. Provence offers unique experiences, such as truffle hunting with wine in Luberon. This activity combines the region’s famous truffles with its wines, offering participants a chance to witness truffle hunting firsthand and then enjoy a tasting that pairs the earthy flavours of the truffles with local wines. For more information, click here: lespastras.com.

Another unique offering in Provence is the olive oil and wine pairing experience. This activity showcases the region’s tradition of olive oil production and explores the relationship between olive oil and wine. Participants can learn about olive cultivation and then enjoy a tasting session that pairs different varieties of olive oil with local wines. For more information, click here: lespastras.com.

See more:

The top vineyards near Monaco to visit with family and friends

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: Chateau de Massillan

Mpox: WHO declares outbreak a global public health emergency, France readies more than 230 vaccination sites

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/08/2024

France has reacted to the rising number of Mpox cases in Europe, in Africa and across the globe by readying more than 230 vaccination centres around the country, with more in the works, according to Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. France has also pledged to send 100,000 vaccines to the African nations most affected by the outbreak.  

Writing on social media platform X on 20th August, Attal confirmed that the nation’s health system “is on maximum alert” in light of the rising number of cases of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. 

“We are prepared to face all scenarios and risks,” he continued. “Healthcare professionals have been alerted to the symptoms of the virus and the necessary actions to take. We are also working to strengthen the diagnostic capacities of our laboratories and hospitals to better detect the new, more deadly Clade 1 variant.” 

In total, 232 vaccinations centres are understood to be prepared and ready to issue vaccinations against Mpox. It is still unclear exactly who the vaccinations will be recommended for, but Attal has asked the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) to “update its vaccination recommendations by the end of August”.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared Mpox a global public health emergency, and international pledges to send vaccines have been pouring in over the last few days, including from the United States, Japan and the European Union. France’s contribution of 100,000 doses is expected to be distributed within the coming days to the hardest-hit areas in Africa.  

Symptoms 

Mpox is an infectious disease similar to, but typically less severe than, smallpox. Infected individuals may develop painful rashes, fever, sore throat, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Lesions can appear anywhere on the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks, and while most people recover, the disease can be debilitating. 

The virus spreads through contact with infected individuals and can be transmitted through kissing, touching or sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be contracted from animals or contaminated items such as sheets and clothing. Pregnant women who contract the disease can pass it to their unborn children. 

According to the WHO, vaccinations can be effective even for those who have recently been exposed to the virus. The vaccine should be administered within four days of exposure or up to two weeks after if no symptoms have appeared. 

 

 

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: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Unsplash