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Day: 18 September 2024

Concerns in France, Germany and the Netherlands threaten to delay launch of EU Entry/Exit System

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/09/2024
ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM

The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will feature fingerprint and facial recognition checks at borders, is due to launch on 10th November, but reports have begun to surface that three nations, namely France, Germany and the Netherlands, may not be ready in time.  

The EES, a long-term project for the European Union, is an automated IT system that will register travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers, each time they cross the external borders of any Schengen country. 

Once fully up and running, the system will register the traveller’s name, type of travel document, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, and the date and place of entry and exit, “in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection”, according to the European Commission.  

The purpose of the system is to streamline and modernise border checks, while allowing EU authorities to more easily identify overstayers and illegal migrants, combat identity fraud and improve overall security in the bloc. 

See more: France launches streamlined digital visa system

The launch of the system has already been delayed twice. It is now scheduled to come into effect on 10th November, but Ylva Johansson, the EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner, has confirmed that there is a contingency plan to push it back to 17th November if more time is needed.  

According to a recent report published by British newspaper The Guardian, even this additional week of grace may not be enough for a certain three countries.  

Johansson is understood to have requested a declaration of readiness from all Member States by 5th September. According to the newspaper, the replies from France, Germany and the Netherlands indicated that they would not be ready.

Read more: All European visitors will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2025

Sources cited by The Guardian have suggested that France, Germany and the Netherlands are not fully prepared for the launch of the new system and are concerned about the level of EES field-testing.

A French source told The Guardian, “The problem is that the testing has been desktop. We need live testing. Everyone is now waiting for the response from the Commission.” 

Germany, meanwhile, is said to be concerned about the impact of the new checks on smaller, regional airports. In the Netherlands, the focus is on how Schiphol Airport, one of the continent’s busiest travel hubs, will be able to cope with the initial demands of the new system.  

For more information on the EES, click here. 

Read related:

EU Entry/Exit System expected to be operational by November 2024

 

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Photo source: Pim de Boer, Unsplash

Givenchy Spa launches winter wellness programme to revitalise the body and mind

by: Niki Borisova
18/09/2024

From yoga and meditation to boxing and family fitness, along with make-up masterclasses by the celebrated Joe Ghannam, the Givenchy Spa at the Hôtel Métropole has unveiled a diverse fitness and wellness programme for the incoming autumn and winter months that promises to rejuvenate both the body and mind in a luxurious setting. Join Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova as she balances her chi at one of the new Qi Gong classes.  

From September through December, the Givenchy Spa at the Hôtel Métropole will offer guests and visitors a comprehensive wellness programme designed to boost vitality and well-being.

This month, guests can begin their day with a revitalising yoga session led by yoga instructor Florence, followed by meditation and deep breathing exercises. These sessions, held every Monday, Friday and Saturday at 10am, are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and recharge in the spa’s tranquil setting. Classes cost €60 per person.

As the season transitions into October, the Givenchy Spa will be introducing clients to Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese practice designed to calm the mind and body while boosting energy. Its focus on gentle movements and deep breathing is the ideal way to relieve stress and improve flexibility during the cooler months. Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova was invited to try out a Qi Gong class on 18th September, finding it a deeply relaxing way to balance one’s chi and calm the mind. Sessions are scheduled for every Tuesday throughout the month, from 10am to 11am. The cost per person is €60.

Qi Gong session at the Givenchy Spa. Photo by Monaco Life

In November, the programme takes on a more dynamic tone with boxing sessions designed to reveal participants’ inner strength. Suitable for all levels, these classes focus on endurance and agility under the guidance of an expert coach. The sessions will be held every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm.

December’s offerings include ‘Fit Family’, a series of duo training sessions that allow parents and children to bond while staying active. Whether it’s yoga or boxing, these tailored activities aim to strengthen family ties and promote fitness for all ages. Sessions are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays by appointment, and are priced at €210 for two people, with a recommended minimum age of eight.

For those interested in beauty and rejuvenation, the Givenchy Spa will also be hosting make-up masterclasses led by Joe Ghannam, a celebrated make-up artist based in Monaco. Taking place once a month from September through December, these 90-minute sessions will teach attendees the professional techniques needed to achieve a more youthful and radiant look. Priced at €80 per person, the masterclasses are scheduled for 24th September, 17th October, 14th November and 12th December, from 6pm to 7pm.

Reservations for all sessions can be made by calling the Givenchy Spa on +377 93 15 13 70 or via email at spa.givenchy@metropole.com.

Check out Monaco Life’s reel on the spa and the Qi Gong session:

 

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Публикация от Monaco Life | News from Monaco (@monacolife_)

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

Retrospective tribute to Michel Sima, photographer of great artists, opens on Quai Antoine Ier

by: Niki Borisova
18/09/2024

Michel Sima’s iconic photographs of legendary artists, including Picasso, Chagall and Matisse, have gone on display at the Salle d’Exposition on Monaco’s Quai Antoine Ier. Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova headed down to the vernissage of ‘Des Ateliers aux Ateliers’ to explore this fascinating collection of 20th century photographs. 

From 18th September until 24th November, the Salle d’Exposition on Quai Antoine Ier will be hosting ‘Des Ateliers aux Ateliers’, ‘From Studios to Studios’ in English, an exhibition featuring over 150 photographs by Michel Sima. Organised by Monaco’s Department of Cultural Affairs, the show offers a retrospective view into the lives of the major players in 20th century art, conveyed in black and white photographs taken by the Polish visual artist.

Sima (1912-1987) was a photographer, a sculptor and even Pablo Picasso’s assistant at one point. Today, he is most well-known for his photographic body of work, which captured notable figures of the art world in the post-WWII era, including Picasso himself, who is seen in one image at the Château d’Antibes. Other iconic artists featured in the collection, many of whom appear inside their own studios, include Alberto Giacometti, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.

Alberto Giacometti through Michel Sima’s lens in 1953. Photo by Monaco Life

But the photographs are just one aspect of the exhibit. Alongside the main show, young artist Théo Casciani has been tasked with the exploration of what a studio means to an artist. Separated by a glass partition, Casciani, who was chosen for the project by the Department of Cultural Affairs, will use his own space to ruminate on the evolution of an artist’s studio, an atelier, in the years between himself and Sima.

The exhibition’s curator, Donatien Grau, said to Monaco Life, “This is a layered project with a lot of depth to it as we are telling a story of this great artist. This classic exhibition offers a physical, emotional and perspective experience.”

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 1pm and 7pm. It is free to visit, but bookings are required for guided tours. Artistic workshops for young visitors will also be proposed by the organisers over the next two months. For more information, email infodac@gouv.mc or call +377 98 98 83 03.

Watch the Monaco Life Instagram reel below to see more of the exhibition:

 

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Публикация от Monaco Life | News from Monaco (@monacolife_)

 

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

Club Suisse de Monaco forms new partnership with Julius Baer Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/09/2024

The Club Suisse de Monaco has announced a new sponsorship collaboration with the respected wealth management firm Julius Baer Monaco, a partnership driven by a mutual interest in promoting cultural, social and sporting exchanges in the Principality. 

The Swiss Club of Monaco and Julius Baer Monaco share intertwined roots in their Swiss heritage, as well as strong connections to the local community in Monaco. 

As such, Julius Baer Monaco has announced that the firm will be stepping in as the primary sponsor of the Club, enhancing its support for the Swiss expat community in the Principality, as well as the broader population of Monaco. This partnership aims to elevate the Swiss Club of Monaco’s various initiatives, which range from hosting cultural events to fostering links between the local international communities of Monaco and France, and with those simply interested in getting to know the culture and people of Switzerland. 

Arik Röschke, President of the Swiss Club of Monaco, has expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, saying, “We are very pleased to partner with Julius Baer Monaco, a leading company known for its strategic focus on wealth management and its strong Swiss roots. This cooperation will allow us to expand our activities and offer our members exclusive, enriching experiences.” 

See more: Inaugural Club Suisse de Monaco gourmet rally tours Provence

For Julius Baer Monaco, the collaboration goes beyond financial backing. It reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to the Swiss community in Monaco and underscores its role as a key supporter of cultural and social initiatives in the Principality. 

Albert Henriques-Pascoal, CEO of Julius Baer Monaco, says of the collaboration, “The Swiss Club of Monaco plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchanges and strengthening networks within both the Swiss and Monegasque societies. We are proud to support this important work and look forward to the exciting joint projects that will come from this collaboration.” 

With Julius Baer Monaco’s backing, the Swiss Club of Monaco, one of the Principality’s oldest and most prestigious associations dating back to 1949, is poised to offer an even more extensive calendar of events, from exclusive cultural gatherings to fun and festive dinners, group trips and exciting sporting occasions, all aimed at building a more vibrant and interconnected community. 

Upcoming events hosted by the Swiss Club include an apéro on 10th October, the association’s 75th anniversary celebrations on 15th October and an as-yet undisclosed date for the annual Christmas Dinner. 

For more on the organisation and its events, click 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. 

 

Photo credit: Romain Chevalier / Club Suisse de Monaco

Richard Lee and Yannick Alléno team up for a stunning four-hands finale at Festival des Étoilés

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/09/2024

The stars aligned over Monaco on the weekend for the grand finale of the Festival des Étoilés four-hands dinners. Chef Richard Lee and his team from San Francisco’s Saison joined forces with the renowned Chef Yannick Alléno at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, creating an unforgettable, celestial gastronomic journey. 

The Festival des Étoilés de Monte-Carlo (Stars Festival of Monte-Carlo) was first introduced in 2021 by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) as a prestigious culinary event, and celebrates the talents of the resort’s Michelin-starred chefs in a showcase series of gourmet dinners and culinary collaborations. Each edition offers diners a once-in-a-lifetime pairing and gastronomic experience.

On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, the 2024 series of dinners came to a close with an evening featuring Chef Yannick Alléno, holder of 16 Michelin stars, and Chef Richard Lee of the two-starred Saison restaurant in San Fransisco. 

Over two dazzling evenings, guests were treated to an exploration of culinary innovation, from Alléno’s famous extraction sauces to Lee’s focus on fermentation and cooking over an open flame. Saison is recognised as the original fine dining pioneer of open hearth cooking in the U.S., and holds two Michelin stars as well as a spot on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list as a result.

Chef Richard Lee’s gambero rosso, mussels, corn curry and swarnadipwa spice. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Chef Lee brought his signature precision and creativity to Monaco, impressing diners with his respect for quality ingredients. His first dish, red prawns with corn curry and a swarnadipwa spice blend inspired by an 800-year-old recipe from Southeast Asia, showcased the complex, layered flavours rooted in his Chinese heritage. The flame-seared Wagyu beef, served with bone marrow and soubise sauce, reflected his classical French training and famous Saison cooking style. Pastry Chef Nasir Armar’s hot chocolate dessert with smoked pistachio and beurre noisette was a stunning finale, both visually and in taste.

Chef Alléno’s contributions to the Festival des Étoilés menu showcased his refined approach to classic dishes. His trouchia torte elevated a traditional Niçoise recipe, while the turbot and bone marrow paired with girolle mushrooms offered a masterclass in French culinary tradition. The milk cloud dessert with wild strawberries was a testament to Chef Alléno’s talent for creating indulgent sweets without relying on processed sugars.

Chef Yannick Alléno’s opening dish of thinly sliced ​​line-caught sea bass, seasoned with ginger gel, Dashi and pearl caviar in dill oil

Wine pairings presented by Mark Bright, Co-Founder and Beverage Director of Saison Hospitality, and the lively beats from the house DJ, as well as the infectious energy emanating from the open kitchen, all came together to complete another unforgettable Festival des Étoilés dinner.

This year’s four-hands dinners were held: in April, when Alain Ducasse welcomed Chef Simon Rogan of the restaurant L’Enclume*** to Louis XV – Alain Ducasse*** at the Hôtel de Paris; in May, when Marcel Ravin welcomed Chef David Toutain of the restaurant David Toutain** to the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin** at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort; and in June, when Chef Dominique Lory welcomed Chef Yoan Conte of the restaurant La Table de Yoan Conte** to Le Grill* at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. 

It will all culminate in the closing gala of the Festival des Étoilés de Monte-Carlo 2024, which will be held on the Patio of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on 11th October. 

Experience the final four-hands dinner through Cassandra Tanti’s lens in the video below…

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: Saison Executive Chef Richard Lee (left) and Pavyllon Monte-Carlo Executive Chef Yannick Alléno. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

 

Hôtel Métropole to host debut Art & Luxury Fair later this month

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/09/2024

Visitors to the upcoming Art & Luxury Fair at the Hôtel Métropole will be invited to immerse themselves in worlds of exceptional craftsmanship, elegance and design. Among the artists and creatives set to present their designs are Her Royal Highness Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme and Dutch Royal Family hat designer Berry Rutjes Jr.

Between 26th and 28th September, the five-star Hôtel Métropole will host the inaugural edition of the Art & Luxury Fair, a unique celebration of artistic excellence and sophisticated living.

See more: Hôtel de Paris and Hôtel Métropole earn ‘Michelin Key’ status in new prestigious guide

The three-day event will bring together world-renowned brands, artists and artisans, including several with royal connections.

Among those set to feature at the event: Her Royal Highness Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, displaying her exquisite jewellery collection; Dutch sculptor Daphné du Barry; Danish designer Isabell Kristensen; Moldovan painter Liudmila Sun; Dutch hat designer Berry Rutjes Jr.; sculptor Sonja Vishnudart; and renowned art restorer Zuhura Iddi, best known for her work with Banksy and Breitner. Guests will have the rare opportunity to witness some of these creators and craftspeople at work in their on-site ateliers, allowing them to observe the creative process up close in a dynamic and interactive setting.

The fair will also showcase an impressive roster of brands and artisans, including De Parme Design, Royal Blue Collection, Spadafora, De Akelei, Perrier Jouët, Monacqua, La Distillerie de Monaco and Feadship.

A special highlight of the event is the Dutch Design section, which aims to foster a deeper artistic and cultural connection between the Netherlands and Monaco, thanks to the vision of the event’s organiser, Annette Wijdom.

Exclusive tastings and degustation events will further elevate the visitor experience.

The fair will be open every day from 11am to 7pm, with guided tours possible at 11.30am, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm on each of the three days.  

For more information, click here.

Read related:

Michelin Guide 2024: Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac earns two stars in its first year

 

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: Hôtel Métropole, Facebook