Ahead of the launch of the annual Les Voiles Blanches campaign, spearheaded by Georges-Olivier Kalifa AKA the White Pirate, the Mairie de Monaco has announced that it will once again be joining the charity project by collecting toys and games for sick children cared for by the Lenval Foundation.
Between 24th August and 9th September, the White Pirate and his sailboat, Skaf, will be sailing into ports along the Riviera to pick up the caches of toys, games and gifts that have been generously donated by the public over the summer.
These treasured items will be given to the Lenval Foundation at the end of the mission, after which staff members will distribute the presents among the young patients under the care of the foundation.
Monaco stage
The White Pirate will be heading to Monaco’s port in Fontvieille on 7th September before heading on to Port Hercule the following day. Les Voiles Blanches will be wrapping up on 9th September with a final leg between Monaco and Nice. The yacht is due to depart Monaco at 11am that day.
To support the mission, the Mairie de Monaco has arranged for two treasure chests to be set up: one in the town hall itself and another in the Marché de la Condamine.
The chests will allow members of the public who would like to participate in Les Voiles Blanches to drop off gifts in a secure environment. Due to hygiene controls, only new and unopened donations can be accepted.
For more information about Les Voiles Blanches and its support for the Lenval Foundation, click here.
Representatives from the Principality of Monaco and the South American country of Bolivia came together at the United Nations headquarters in New York last month to sign a joint agreement formally establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
On Friday 26th July, the Plurinational State of Bolivia became the 160th state to have forged official diplomatic ties with the Principality of Monaco following a meeting between Isabelle Picco, Monaco’s Permanent Representative at the United Nation, and Diego Pary Rodriguez, her Bolivian counterpart.
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America that has a hugely diverse population of just over 12 million people. Spanish is the common tongue, but the country also recognises 36 other official languages. It boasts the largest proportion of indigenous people on the continent and adopted its official name as the Plurinational State of Bolivia in 2009 in an effort to better recognise the diversity of its population.
At the signing of the agreement between the Principality and Bolivia, which was hosted by the United Nations headquarters in New York, Picco and Pary Rodriguez spoke about the commonalities between Monaco and Bolivia, notably touching on the “importance of culture and multilingualism in mutually understanding and respecting differences”.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations on the Pact for the Future, a non-binding agreement that UN member countries are expected to adopt at the Summit of the Future in New York next month.
The pact is intended to help the world better prepare for current and future challenges. It will provide an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to make commitments and present initiatives that could help restore trust and revitalize global governance.
Ventimiglia, a charming Italian coastal town found just over the border from France, is well-known locally for its bustling Friday market, but there are lots of other things to see and do in this historic place. Monaco Life’s Stephanie Horsman shares her favourite activities and recommendations.
From prehistoric caves and botanical gardens to medieval architecture and an ultra-modern marina, Ventimiglia is rich with attractions that make it a perfect destination for a day trip from the Principality.
No.1
The shopping, whether that be in the marketplace or out on the streets of the town, is an obvious draw, with excellent bargains to be had on clothes, housewares, leather goods and many other interesting items. Make sure to time your visit for a Friday so you catch the market at its best.
No.2
Go back in time with a trip to the Museo Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi e Zona Archeologica. Centred around a series of caves at the foot of a rocky mountainside wall of dolomitic limestone, this site dates back to the Paleolithic Age. Experts believe that the caves have been used as a place of shelter, as well as a burial ground, for around 230,000 years.
The adjacent museum houses exhibitions featuring the fascinating artefacts collected here over the years. It is open every day except Monday from 8.30 am to 7pm. When the weather permits, the caves can also be visited between 11am and noon, and again from 3pm to 4pm.
No.3
Another must-see place is the Giardini Botanici Hanbury, or the Hanbury Botanical Gardens, which are now operated by the University of Genoa, but were founded by Sir Thomas Hanbury after he purchased the property in 1867.
The estate’s spectacular gardens are an exceptional example of the integration of acclimatising plants, particularly extra-European exotic plants, along slopes and in a rugged Mediterranean landscape. The gardens are often included in lists about Italy’s finest gardens and have been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
No.4
Make sure to find the time to explore the medieval old town of Ventimiglia at length. The Città Vecchia overlooks the newer parts of the town and houses the 10th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo, as well as a rabbit warren of winding streets that are lined with a jumble of lovely sun-drenched houses.
No.5
For a blend of history and culture, check out the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in the 8th century, but has been in its present Gothic/Venetian Renaissance form since the early 1500s. The interior doesn’t disappoint, with high vaulted ceilings and arches made from cool, light-coloured stone.
No.6
A quirkier place to explore is the Cactusmania di Manera Bruno, a place that is exactly what it says on the tin. This family-run business sells a huge variety of succulents and provides their plants to innumerable international collectors, professional designers and landscapers, as well as the regular passing customer who wants a nice cactus for their desk.
No.7
History buffs will adore the Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi. Housed on the ground floor of the Annunziata Fortress, on the former site of the 16th century convent of the Observant Friars Minor, the current building was erected by the Savoy family between 1831 and 1836.
The Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi. Photo via Marventimiglia.it
Today, the museum contains more than 700 finds made by Girolamo Rossi, who discovered the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Albintimilium in the 19th century. The diverse collection of items includes everything from cups and jugs to lamps and ornamental paterae.
No.8
Follow a tour of the Museo Civico Archeologico Girolamo Rossi up with a stop at the Area Archeologica di Nervia, where the actual Albintimilium site lies!
No.9
For those with more modern tastes, the gleaming new Cala del Forte marina complex will certainly appeal. A satellite port for the Principality of Monaco, this amazing cross-border collaboration is run on the philosophy of “sustainable port management, ecological responsibility, hospitality, service and security.” With a regular shuttle service for yacht owners and their guests between Monaco’s Port Hercule and Cala del Forte, it’s also incredibly convenient to visit. Top-notch restaurants and boutique line the quays… You’d need days and days here to try them all!
Finally, no trip to Ventimiglia would be complete without a visit to the beach, and the lovely Spiaggia di Latte fits the bill beautifully. A little less well-known than the Spiaggia Le Calandre, this beach features a deceptively sandy-bottomed seabed with a mix of rocks and sand onshore. The shallow shoreline is great for kids, and the water is pristine.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have come to a close. Over the last few weeks, the athletes who represented the Principality on the world stage have proudly embodied the values of sport so often promoted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene: determination, unity and passion.
Following the Games’ Closing Ceremony on Sunday 11th August, the six Monegasque athletes have reflected on their individual and team experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Since that incredible opening night on Friday 26th July, these young sportsmen and women have experienced sweet success, bitter defeat and endured challenges beyond what would normally be expected of them.
29-year-old rower Quentin Antognelli, who carried the Monegasque flag at the Closing Ceremony alongside swimmer Lisa Pou, delivered a particularly strong performance at the Games by winning the D final in the single sculls. He finished 19th overall.
Table tennis player Xiaoxin Yang, who is ranked 10th in the Olympic standings and 15th globally, faced a tough challenge in her opening match and was narrowly defeated by the Czech Republic’s Matelova (2-4). Despite this setback, Yang, who earned a silver medal at the 2023 European Games in Krakow, says she remains optimistic about her future in the sport.
Swimmer Lisa Pou, 25, gave her all in the 10km marathon swim in the Seine, finishing 18th in her race. While she may have hoped for a higher placement, Pou’s efforts and determination remain impressive, especially considering her recent 9th-place finish at the World Championships.
Young swimmer Théo Druenne, 19, also delivered a great performance in the 800m freestyle, clocking in at 8:25:01 and showcasing his potential for future growth.
Sprinter Marie-Charlotte Gastaud, meanwhile, brought joy to Monaco by setting a new personal best of 12:41 in the 100m, where she finished 6th in her heat.
Judo competitor Marvin Gadeau (+100 kg) faced a formidable opponent in Cuban Andy Granda, the world’s 5th-ranked judoka and 2022 World Champion. Although he was ultimately eliminated, Gadeau’s performance demonstrated his potential on the international stage.
Prince Albert II proudly stated, “Of course, we would have liked to see different results, not necessarily talking about medals. We thought we would be ranked a bit higher, but that’s sport.”
He continued, “The Olympic Games are a competition that goes far beyond sport. It’s very special. You need to be able to adapt to different conditions… But I am very proud of our overall participation. Our athletes honoured the Principality.”
From sunken wrecks in Monaco to the crystal-clear waters of the Esterel coastline, an underwater museum off Cannes and a series of caves between Nice and the Cap Ferrat peninsula, there are countless incredible diving sites to discover and explore along the Côte d’Azur. Here are some of our favourites.
The ideal time of year for scuba diving in the region is between May and September, when sea temperatures range from 20 to 29°C, but those willing to tolerate cooler waters will be pleased to learn that sea temperatures rarely drop below 13 or 14°C, even in the depths of winter.
There is a wealth of different diving sites to visit on the French Riviera, whether you are a seasoned pro or come armed with only your mask and snorkel, so let’s dive in and explore some of the best.
Marine reserves
The Port Cros National Park is the oldest marine reserve in France and indeed in Europe. Found off the coast of Hyères, the park encompasses some 29sqkm and is home to hundreds of native species of flora and fauna.
Among the top dive sites within the park are La Gabinière, which is celebrated for its dramatic underwater cliffs, and La Pointe de la Galère, where schools of fish dart in and out of rocky reefs. Snorkellers can enjoy the rich variety of life living within these protected waters by visiting either of the two main islands, Port Cros itself or Porquerolles, or the nearby Île du Levant, although this latter spot is a nudist colony!
The Port Cros National Park is found just off the coast of Hyères in the Var. Photo source: Benjamin Lecomte, Unsplash
The Réserve Marine du Cap Roux covers the stretch of coastline between Cannes and Saint Raphaël that hugs the Esterel mountain range. This area is like another world; red rocks plunge into scintillating waters that teem with life thanks to widespread restrictions on fishing. There are caves and reefs below the waterline, and dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches above. Parking is limited along this part of the coast, so be sure to get there early to enjoy the best spots.
Wrecks
Monaco is home to the wreck of Le Toulonnais, a tugboat that once called Port Hercule home. Located in the waters just off the MuséeOcéanographique de Monaco, the vessel was intentionally submerged decades ago with the goal of creating an artificial reef for marine life.
Other popular dive sites further along the coast include: the Donatorcargo ship near the Porquerolles island; the Rubis submarine off the Cap Camarat, which is home to Saint Tropez’s iconic lighthouse; and Le Ramon, a vessel found in shallow waters in Cavalaire-sur-Mer.
Scuba diving and snorkelling sites
There are dozens of easy-to-access diving sites along the Riviera, from those off the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrart peninsula – La Pointe Caussinière stands out as one of the area’s most spectacular – to the Cap d’Antibes.
For more adventurous – and experienced – divers, there are also a number of underwater caves, such as the Grotte du Sémaphore near Villefranche-sur-Mer.
The Crau Nao is another prime spot for well-prepared divers, while the Grande Baie on the western side of the Cap Ferrat peninsula is suitable for all abilities.
One of the most exciting dive sites in the region is Cannes’ Ecomusée Sous-Marin, which lies off the southern shore of Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the four Lérins Islands.
Visitors are invited to explore, for free, six colossal sculptures in waters ranging up to five metres in depth. The artist who created these 10-tonne works, Jason deCaires Taylor, is said to have been inspired by the faces of locals living on the mainland.
The Courchevel Job Fair is heading to the Riviera on a three-stop mission to recruit keen hospitality workers for the coming winter season. Here are all the details.
Summer might still be in full swing, but the luxury Alpine resort of Courchevel is already looking ahead to winter.
Representatives from the ski haven are making preparations for a series of job fairs in locations right along the Côte d’Azur in a bid to fill the more than 175 positions still available in a range of hospitality-related sectors, from chefs and waiters to receptionists, spa workers and maids.
The Principality of Monaco is first up on the list, and on Tuesday 27th August, the Fairmont Hotel will be hosting the recruitment-focused event from 10am until 5.30pm.
A similar event will follow in Cannes on Wednesday 28th August before the third and final Riviera-based jobs fair in Saint Tropez on Thursday 29th August.
Jobseekers are encouraged to come along equipped with their CV and any questions they may have about living and working in this world-famous ski resort. Managers and senior staff from the participating companies will be on hand to meet with their potential new employees and conduct initial interviews.
For a full list of the job offers that will be up for grabs, click here.
