Dive into the history and legacy of the famous Lascaux caves in the company of Muriel Mauriac, the curator of the historic site in the Dordogne, with a special conference and tour of the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco later this month.
At 6pm on Tuesday 17th September, Muriel Mauriac, the curator of the Lascaux cave system and the regional curator of historical monuments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, will be hosting a fascinating 45-minute conference at Monaco’s dedicated prehistory museum.
She will be revealing the secrets of this incredible site, covering everything from the story of its discovery to the meticulous conservation efforts taken to preserve its state and, of course, the meaning and narrative of the art that adorns the walls of this world-famous cave system.
The event will take place on Tuesday 17th September at 6pm. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna
The talk will be followed by a guided tour of the museum and its current Lascaux exhibition, which opened back in April and will remain on display until 21st November.
The event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. To reserve a spot, please contact the museum by emailing map@gouv.mc or calling +377 98 98 80 06.
The ultra wealthy are on the move, with a record 128,000 millionaires likely to relocate to a new city, country or even continent this year. But what are their motivations, and why is Monaco proving so popular?
According to Henley & Partners, some 128,000 millionaires are set to relocate over the course of 2024, a 6.6% increase on the previous record of 120,000 that was established in 2023. Their desire to up sticks is being fuelled by a variety of reasons, from changes to tax and visa policies to more favourable market conditions elsewhere and a will to seek out a better life for themselves and their families.
Knight Frank’s newly released European Lifestyle Report tells the same story, but points to Europe as one of the most attractive destinations for HNWIs (high net worth individuals) looking to put down new roots.
In the report, Head of European Residential Research Kate Everett-Allen notes Europe’s strengths, from its cultural richness, high quality of life and excellent healthcare to its global connections and accessibility, relatively stable political outlook and economics, education facilities and, importantly, “transparent and mature property markets”.
Another source of appeal, she explains, is the diversity of lifestyle options available on the continent. Potential new residents can choose from a dynamic, cosmopolitan city such as London, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm or Barcelona, or opt for the different pace of a resort destination, defined by Knight Frank as sun, ski or rural location.
Four out of five HNWIs are likely to plump for the former, but the interest in a resort relocation is not insignificant.
When asked to rank their favourite resorts by the Knight Frank team, the more than 700 HNWIs interviewed by the real estate firm placed Monaco as the second most desirable location after the Swiss ski resort of Verbier and followed by the south of France in third.
The Principality proved particularly popular with GenX and Post-War HNWIs, as well as with the younger GenZ and Millennial groupings.
Knight Frank also delved into data produced by Oxford Economics and the European Commission to anaylse why certain destinations have more appeal than others to HWNIs. 20 “premier destinations” were considered – 10 city locations and 10 resorts – in the rankings, with Monaco returning a top rating in three of the five categories and earning the highest average position.
The Principality topped the board when it came to quality of life, the environment and human capital, placed second for infrastructure and mobility, and achieved third place for economy.
The south of France, which benefits from a close proximity to Monaco, also performed well, coming first for infrastructure and mobility, third for the environment and fourth for economy.
To read the European Lifestyle Report, click here.
The Mairie de Monaco-run Espaces Parents sessions for new parents and their children are back this autumn with a well-rounded programme of classes and workshops covering topics from breastfeeding and weaning to first aid and navigating the ‘terrible twos’.
In recent years, a national strategy to improve childcare facilities and services in the Principality has played out across Monaco in the form of new crèches and an increase in the number of childcare places for young children, as well as through investment in more family-friendly activities and events.
The Espaces Parents sessions, which are run by the team at Monaco’s Early Childhood and Family Department at the Foyer Sainte Dévote on Rue Philibert Florence, are another example of this overarching mission, and have been available to all parents and children residing in Monaco for the last two years.
The Foyer Sainte Dévote on Rue Philibert Florence. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco
During September and October, the team will be hosting a number of helpful and supportive sessions for parents and their children that will feature input from various early childhood professionals, including psychologists, paediatric nurses, early childhood educators and psychomotor therapists.
These sessions and events are typically held on Tuesdays between 5pm and 6.30pm, and on Fridays from 12.30pm until 2pm, but there are some exceptions, such as a Monaco Red Cross visit on Thursday 12th September, which will teach parents how to deal with choking incidents and simple wound dressings. This will take place between 2pm and 4pm.
Coming up this month is a session on Tuesday 10th September on how to support young children when they start at crèche. This will be followed by the Red Cross first aid class then a talk on how to manage the ‘baby blues’ and how to address your own needs after welcoming a new baby on Friday 20th September. On Tuesday 24th September, a registered dietitian will be present to talk through the importance of healthy food practices during the first three years of a child’s life.
Then, a breastfeeding support group will meet with the Early Childhood and Family Department’s in-house lactation consultant Brigitte Fino on Friday 4th October. This will be followed by a session on the ‘terrible twos’ on Tuesday 8th October, a talk on sleep on Friday 18th October and a meeting with Dr Catherine Roehrig regarding screen time during early childhood on Tuesday 22nd October.
The team at the Foyer Sainte Dévote also runs parent-child play sessions every Wednesday from 9.30am to 11am. There will be two psychomotor workshops over the next two months: on Thursday 19th September and Thursday 24th October, both from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
For more information or to sign up for a session, call +377 93 15 61 85 or email espacesparents@mairie.mc.
In honour of World Cleanup Day, The Animal Fund (TAF) is organising a large-scale beach and port cleanup at the ‘Petite Afrique’ beach and the Port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. This hands-on event brings together passionate locals, visitors, and eco-conscious organisations with one common goal – protecting our beautiful Mediterranean coastline.
Partnering with Ville de Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Port of Beaulieu Plaisance, Blue Coast Brewery, Restaurant Baia Bella, and Breathe & Rebreathe, TAF invites everyone to participate in this important mission to keep our seas clean.
Local residents and visitors alike are invited to join the cleanup effort, which will take place on Saturday 28th September from 9:30am to 11:30am. Participants will gather at the TAF tent on Petite Afrique beach at 9:30am sharp.
TAF and Baia Bella will be welcoming volunteers with refreshments, including coffee, tea, water, and biscuits, as a gesture of appreciation. To make the experience even more rewarding, the first six winners of TAF’s ocean quizzes will be treated to a six-pack of beer, generously donated by Blue Coast Brewery.
All cleanup materials, including garbage bags and gloves, will be provided by Port of Beaulieu Plaisance, ensuring that participants have the tools needed to make a meaningful difference.
This event is not only an opportunity to take action in preserving the stunning Mediterranean shoreline but also a chance to foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals who care deeply about the planet’s future.
Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of time by contacting TAF at email.info@theanimalfund.net.
Over three days in mid-September, the Tremé Jazz Festival will be replacing the usual acoustics of the pretty seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer with the vibrance and spirit of the iconic New Orleans neighbourhood. Here’s what to expect from the programme.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is set to host a weekend dedicated to the distinctive sounds of Tremé jazz, a genre deeply rooted in New Orleans’ cultural heritage, between Friday 13th and Sunday 15th September.
There will be plenty of free daytime activities to enjoy alongside ticketed concerts by night, where entry prices will range from €15 to €30.
The first day of the festival will feature a market showcasing an array of items linked to Tremé style, as well as an opening parade that will kick off the festivities. In the evening, the La Citadelle auditorium, located on Place Emmanuel Philibert, will host a concert led by prominent musicians from the Tremé neighbourhood in New Orleans between 9pm and 11.30pm.
Saturday’s activities include another sale of Tremé-related objects and a concert by Big Chief, a renowned Tremé community figure, who will perform alongside the French Hot Brass Band. The concert will take place at the Théâtre de Verdure de La Citadelle, also from 9pm to 11.30pm.
The festival will conclude on Sunday 15th September with a gospel mass at the Saint-Michel Church at 10am.
For more information about the festival, click here.
Ilma, the Ritz-Carlton’s newest “superyacht”, embarked on its inaugural voyage from Monaco this Monday, but before setting sail, Monaco Life Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti was invited aboard to witness first-hand how this esteemed hotel brand is charting a new course in the high-end cruise sector.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest vessel, Ilma, which arrived in Port Hercule early last week, drew significant interest with its impressive 790-foot length and sleek, modern design.
On Tuesday 29th August, President and Chief Financial Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Collection Ernesto Fara welcomed on board a small number of prestigious guests, including Monaco Life, for ‘An Evening in Monaco’, a showcase event for the Ritz-Carlton’s stunning second cruise ship, which it affectionately calls a superyacht, that was delivered by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on 12th July.
Ilma set sail on its first grand voyage from the opulent shores of Monaco on 2nd September, a fitting departure for a brand celebrated for its heritage, service and exclusivity.
A variety of luxurious suites, some the size of a Monaco apartment, are available on Ilma. Photo by Monaco Life
Celebrating luxury at sea
Ilma is designed to offer a luxurious, intimate experience at sea while accommodating 456 guests and almost as many staff. In fact, Ritz-Carlton takes pride in boasting the highest ratio of space and crew members per passenger in the luxury cruising industry.
The designers from Chapi Chapo and AD Associates have successfully prioritised space and comfort, creating the intimate atmosphere of a private yacht while offering the amenities of a larger vessel.
Adorned with all the refined touches expected from Ritz-Carlton, Ilma invites guests to admire a curated collection of artworks throughout the yacht – including Warhol’s ‘Turtle’ – alongside pieces created exclusively for Ilma, which fittingly means ‘water’ in Maltese.
Ilma’s onboard infinity pool. Photo by Monaco Life
There’s a full-service spa, hairdresser, two swimming pools, fitness centre and marina-style platform that can transport guests directly to the water for water sports. Entertainment options include a theatre for live performances, as well as smaller venues for concerts and lectures.
Shoppers, meanwhile, will love the dedicated Bulgari boutique.
The Bulgari boutique. Photo by Monaco Life
Exceptional dining experiences
Dining options span five distinct restaurants, each offering its own unique atmosphere and culinary experience, ranging from fine dining to casual, al fresco settings.
I had the pleasure of dining at Seta, the fine dining gem helmed by Chef Fabio Trabocchi. His culinary genius is truly something special, and it’s exciting to see how he’s brought his unique style to the luxury cruise scene.
Seta fine dining restaurant by Executive Chef Fabio Trabocchi. Photo by Monaco Life
Chef Trabocchi’s dishes are a beautiful blend of traditional Italian roots with a modern twist, infused with global influences and made with only the best ingredients.
The result? A menu that feels both innovative and comforting, a combination that has earned him multiple Michelin stars and a lot of well-deserved praise.
Michelin-standard dining at Ilma’s Seta restaurant. Photo by Monaco Life
Chef Trabocchi is perhaps best known for his D.C. restaurant, Fiola, which has become the gold standard for Italian fine dining in the U.S. This reputation will definitely resonate with the predominantly North American guests, who make up over 80% of Ilma‘s passengers.
Paired with exquisite Italian wines and flawless service, Seta is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning fine dining enthusiasts.
The luxurious suites
Ilma offers a variety of suites, with neutral colour palettes that are contrasted by rich marble stone-tops and warm oak wood finishes.
Each suite is decked out with luxurious finishings and features a private terrace. Photo by Monaco Life
While the Terrace Suites are among the most popular options, featuring spacious layouts and private terraces that offer stunning views of the surrounding waters, the Signature Suites boast additional space, including separate living and sleeping areas, while the Grand Suites feature large private terraces, generous living and dining areas, and additional amenities such as a personal butler service.
The most exclusive offering aboard Ilma is the Owner’s Suite, which spans two levels and includes a private whirlpool, floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, delivering the ultimate in privacy and indulgence.
Another of Ilma’s five onboard restaurants. Photo by Monaco Life
Itinerary and schedule
The inaugural voyage will see Ilma sailing from Monaco towards destinations including Saint-Tropez, Portofino and Amalfi, before concluding the journey in Athens. Then, Ilma is scheduled to continue offering cruises throughout the Mediterranean, with itineraries that include the Greek Islands, the Adriatic and the Iberian Peninsula.
Industry impact
Ilma’s introduction is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to expand its presence in the luxury cruise sector.
Industry analysts will be watching closely to see how the vessel performs in a competitive market where demand for high-end, personalised travel experiences is on the rise.
Come on board Ilma with Monaco Life in our video below…
