Football: Monaco back up Champions League triumph to go top of Ligue 1

22/09/2024

Ben Seghir celebrates his goal, Monaco's second, with Akliouche during a 3-1 victory over Le Havre.

AS Monaco avoided the Champions League hangover to beat Le Havre (3-1) at the Stade Louis II on Sunday and go top of Ligue 1.

There was a feeling of the day after the night before at the Stade Louis II. After the euphoria of Thursday night, where Monaco signed their return to the Champions League with a victory over Barcelona, it was a quieter affair as they welcomed Le Havre.

There is always a fear after such big European nights that there will be a drop-off but early on there didn’t look to be a question of that being the case as Les Monégasques raced into a lead through an unexpected source – Jordan Teze. The summer signing was in the right place to tap home Takumi Minamino’s ball across the goal line.

However, thereafter, there was evidence of a hangover as the intensity dropped and Le Havre were allowed to gain a foothold in the game. “I had the feeling that we allowed the game to slip out of our hands. We were too passive,” analysed Adi Hütter post-match.

Disallowed goal ‘the turning point’

Daler Kuzyayev netted a deserved equaliser for Le Havre, mid-way through the first half as Monaco, through their new-look midfield duo of Lamine Camara and Soungoutou Magassa failed to exert the levels of control so often evidenced by the Principality club this season.

It didn’t come as a huge surprise when both gave way at half time, replaced by captain Denis Zakaria and Eliesse Ben Seghir. Whilst those substitutes would pay dividends, they would not do so immediately.

Upon the return from the dressing room, Monaco were given a scare as Josué Casimir gave the visitors a surprise lead, latching onto Yassine Kechta’s through ball and finishing past Philipp Köhn.

However, the game was ruled out for a minute offside. “It was the turning point in the match,” reflected Le Havre manager Didier Digard post-match. Monaco were patient in the second half and their patience, as well as their intense pressing, was rewarded.

Wilfried Singo won the ball back high in the La Havre half, feeding Ben Seghir, who still had plenty to do, but cut inside and launched an impressive curled effort past Arthur Desmas and into the top corner.

Balogun ends unwanted run

Monaco effectively ended the game moments later. Once again, it was a ball recovery deep inside Le Havre’s side, this time from Zakaria, which created the opportunity. He fed George Ilenikhena, who found Folarin Balogun. The USMNT forward, short on confidence having not yet scored this season, took the first-time finish well.

That goal brought an end to an unwanted record for Balogun, whose last goal at the Stade Louis II came against Olympique de Marseille on 30th September 2023. “Today is like a weight off his chest. It’s a really nice feeling for him,” said Hütter.

Monaco succeeded in seeing the game out, avoiding a potential banana skin and going top of the table after Paris Saint-Germain drew to Stade de Reims on Saturday evening.

“First of all, I’m really happy for his victory. It is a very important one when you see the results from yesterday. But I wasn’t happy; it wasn’t our best performance today. These are the most difficult games, the ones that follow wins against [the likes of] Barcelona,” said Hütter.

Described as “an important step” by CEO Thiago Scuro, this victory could be a key one if they are to challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title.

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Photo source: AS Monaco / Icon Sport

SBM details strong financial results alongside major renovation and expansion projects

by: Cassandra Tanti

22/09/2024

Stéphane Valeri, President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), on Friday shared the company’s impressive financial performance and detailed an ambitious roadmap for 2024/25, highlighting both local and international development projects.

For the first time, SBM’s revenue surpassed €700 million, reaching €704 million in the past fiscal year (1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024), compared to €667 million the previous year. This revenue is divided between hotels and restaurants (50%), gaming (over 30%), and real estate (under 20%), with hospitality emerging as the primary driver. Operating profit also saw a slight increase, rising from last year’s record €72.2 million to €73.16 million. Consolidated net income jumped to €103.9 million, largely due to a €36.9 million boost in financial income.

Looking ahead to 2024/25, SBM recorded a 7% increase in first-quarter revenue, bringing the total to €218.4 million. The hotel sector stood out, posting €130 million in revenue, up €19 million from the same period last year. The growth was attributed to the reopening of the Amazonico restaurant and the newly renovated Café de Paris, which now performs 40% better than pre-Covid figures.

On the sustainability front, Valerie said that SBM is taking significant strides to reduce its carbon footprint. The company now generates all its heating and cooling energy through geothermic systems and has introduced more electric and hybrid vehicles to its fleet.

Expanding internationally: Courchevel, cruise casinos, and new restaurants

SBM’s international development is in full swing. In Courchevel, renovation work on the Palace des Neiges is moving forward, with Herzog & de Meuron leading the project. Construction is set to start in April 2024, with the Monte-Carlo One Courchevel slated to open in time for the 2026 winter season. Valeri expects this property to generate significant profits, especially with the 2030 Winter Olympics taking place nearby, making Courchevel an Olympic resort.

SBM is also launching its first Monte-Carlo casino aboard the Crystal Symphony cruise ship in Venice on 14th November. Another ship will follow in the Caribbean by the end of the year. SBM will manage the casino operations, from croupier training to game selection, earning a percentage of gaming profits without financial risk.

A new Monegasque restaurant brand, Monte-Carlo Club 1863, will also debut internationally. Partnering with Dream, a luxury dining group, the first restaurant is set to open in Dubai in autumn 2025. The menu will feature Monegasque classics and Mediterranean dishes with French and Italian influences, accompanied by iconic images of Monaco.

Monaco projects and new openings

SBM’s development focus remains in Monaco, said the head of SBM, with several major projects in the pipeline. Renovations at the Hôtel Hermitage and Monte-Carlo Beach are planned, while the Terrasses du Casino project, which encompasses the land around the famous Casino Square and includes the buildings housing the Rothschild Bank and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, will create luxury residences, a spa and retail spaces by late 2030/early 2031, after the Rothschild bank relocates.

Exciting new venues are also set to open. Moods, an “affordable” winter club featuring live music, comedy, and a menu by two Michelin-starred Chef Marcel Ravin, will reopen on 30th November. Marlow, an English-style restaurant and bar, will open in January 2025 in the new Mareterra district. Additionally, The Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, set to open in the spring of 2025, will be an exclusive and luxurious venue located in the historic office of SBM founder François Blanc, within the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The club will offer a high-end experience for cigar enthusiasts, featuring a carefully curated selection of premium cigars. Partnering with Dominique London, a luxury cigar and spirits expert, the club aims to become one of the world’s most prestigious cigar lounges, providing a refined atmosphere for tastings and special events.

Finally, Stéphane Valeri revealed that SBM is a candidate to oversee the reconstruction of the Le Méridien hotel in Monaco. However, since the land is state-owned, the project will be awarded through a competitive bidding process, which SBM fully expects to participate in.

Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Monaco Yacht Show 2024: Top lunch spots near Port Hercule

by: Elsa Carpenter

21/09/2024

From dine-in restaurants for important client meetings to quick and tasty cafés for those trying to pack every single business opportunity into their schedule, here’s the Monaco Life guide to the best lunch spots to visit during your time at the Monaco Yacht Show—all of them within an easy five to 10-minute walk from Port Hercule.

Between the business meetings, the conferences, the networking events and, of course, the yacht tours, the Monaco Yacht Show is always a busy time for the thousands of visitors and exhibitors who come to this major industry affair each year.

All this activity can leave little time to grab a meal or even a snack, so knowing where to go is key. No one wants to be left grabbing the last sorry sandwich from a supermarket shelf when there are so many other excellent options in the area—if you know where to look.

See more: Monaco’s must-visit restaurants without a Michelin star

We couldn’t do a guide to cafés and restaurants in the port area without featuring the Marché de la Condamine. In fact, you could probably come here every day of the show without getting bored of the excellent food on offer at this vibrant address, located mere minutes from the port in the direction of central Place d’Armes.

From Truffle Bistro to sushi, and from the flavourful Mezze Deli counter to the fresh and locally-inspired seafood snacks down at Maison Mer, there really is something for everyone at this covered market. The best bit is that no reservations are required. Simply turn up, grab a seat at a counter or a spot at one of the communal tables in the centre of the market and place your order.

A good place to head if you’re in a group is Norma Monaco, which is found on the rooftop of the market. There are several round tables suitable for a catch-up over lunch as well as long dining tables for larger numbers.

CLOSE TO PORT HERCULE

All of the eateries on this list are located either within the Condamine neighbourhood or just outside of it, such as La Môme on Avenue J. F. Kennedy, which we have featured previously in a round-up of our favourite brunch spots in the Principality. It’s a lively and highly Instagrammable address, with a menu that includes all the classy ingredients one would expect from a glamourous rooftop restaurant in Monaco, from caviar and truffles to lobster and Kobe beef.

There are lots of Italian options in the Condamine, from the hearty portions of La Bionda on Rue Suffren Reymond to Bella Vitta on Rue Princesse Caroline and Casa Amadio on Boulevard Albert Ier. These aren’t fine dining establishments by any measure, but the food is good, the prices are fair, the service is warm and you certainly won’t be leaving hungry.

If you need to stay even closer to the show, try Caffè Milano, which has a great open-air dining setting overlooking the port. Meanwhile, Crazy Pizza will tempt any pizza lover with its luxury take on the Italian staple. Other go-to eateries near the show include the recently opened Marius Monaco and the Quai des Artistes, a classically Parisian-style bistro.

*Crazy Pizza: elevated Italian cuisine in the midst of all the action on the Route de la Piscine. Photo source: Facebook*

For something altogether more healthy, try a Buddha bowl, salad or sandwich from Woo at the top of Rue Princesse Caroline. This fully organic café is open most days of the week from 7am until 5pm, so it’s a great option for those who need to replenish their energy levels outside of standard lunch hours.

Nearby is Supernature, a wine shop that specialises in natural wines, but also serves up some really delicious plates. Their colourful salads and sharing boards are perfect for a light lunch, paired with an excellent glass of wine, of course.

Another popular restaurant on this street is Huit & Demi, which is found on the Rue Langlé corner. The menu flits from Italian to Asian-inspired, which might sound like a peculiar combination, but it actually works rather well. One guest can enjoy spaghetti alle vongole while another orders fricassée of prawns with coconut milk and green curry.

Meanwhile, Il Pacchero on Rue de Millo brings the flavours of the sea and the land together in a sophisticated setting where authenticity is everything.

Read related:

Your guide to sustainable seafood restaurants in Monaco

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Main photo source: La Môme, Facebook

*Adapted from an original article published on 25th September 2024

Innovation in the spotlight at Monaco Business event

by: Niki Borisova

20/09/2024

From cybersecurity and banking to health and wellness, shopping and everything in between, the recent edition of Monaco Business, held at Le Méridien Beach Plaza’s Sea Club, sought to shine a light on the innovations and innovative ideas being nurtured in the Principality.

Monaco Life attended the event on 19th September to meet with a range of entrepreneurs and spokespeople from the engaging businesses that took part in the 12th edition of Monaco Business.

Among them was the well-known app Carlo, a payment app designed to enhance shopping experiences in Monaco. It is now in its fifth year of operations and was present for the third consecutive year at the event.

Camillo Rubesa, who is part of Carlo’s Customer Success team, shared, “We decided to exhibit again because we are working a lot with other businesses and want to bring on a few new ones. Monaco Business is a great opportunity to meet these other enterprises and establish B2B partnerships.”

Monaco Wellness System, represented by Laurent Devivi, was another returning exhibitor. The company uses innovative tools and methods to provide tailored health and well-being support to both individuals and companies.

The company has recently released a new massage chair, which debuted at the exhibition and caught the eye of a number of visitors.

“We are pleased so far with the exposition results, as quite a few individuals and businesses have approached us regarding the new massage chair,” said a representative from Monaco Wellness System.

*Monaco Wellness System’s new massage chair exhibited for the first time. Photo by Monaco Life*

Financial services were well represented at Monaco Business, notably by Crédit Agricole Monaco, a partner of the show. A longstanding player in Monaco’s business landscape, the private bank branch has been operating since 1990 as a specialist in wealth management. Since October 2015, it has provided corporate banking services to support businesses through their developmental stages.

“We are involved in local events like Monaco Business with the goal of discovering new companies and innovations entering the Monaco market, as well as connecting with potential clients who may need our advice,” said Lucas Allegre, Client Advisor for Entrepreneurs at Crédit Agricole Monaco.

Echoing his sentiments, Paul Brossard from the sales team at ITSB, an important player in Monaco’s information systems consulting sector for over a decade, remarked, “Events like Monaco Business are key for us to showcase our expertise and connect with potential clients.”

From the well-established to the newcomers in the Monegasque landscape, cybersecurity firm Cyber Panther was launched in Monaco just two months ago. The company was represented at Monaco Business by CEO Gia Fisher, a cybersecurity specialist from the United States who has worked with some of the country’s largest intelligence agencies. Fisher was invited to establish Cyber Panther in the Principality to address the growing need for cybersecurity solutions.

*Gia Fisher, CEO and founder of Cyber Panther. Photo by Monaco Life*

She explained, “In Monaco, there was a clear need for my services, which is probably why I was approved so quickly. While the Principality has many companies eager to assist with data protection, there isn’t a firm that offers what I do in the same way. My goal over the next few years is to strengthen local businesses by ensuring they are secure in their data protection, providing peace of mind for their clients. I’m here to showcase what Cyber Panther offers and to put us on Monaco’s map.”

Photos by Monaco Life

Nice-Ventimiglia night train: new deal to keep trains running during rail upgrades

by: Cassandra Tanti

20/09/2024

The Principality of Monaco and the Région Sud have successfully negotiated a new plan for the upcoming rail works on the Nice-Ventimiglia line, ensuring that disruptions to train services will be minimised while essential infrastructure upgrades are carried out.

The revised plan was agreed upon during a high-level meeting on Friday 20th September, attended by Monaco’s Minister of Infrastructure Céline Caron-Dagioni, Région Sud Vice-President Jean-Pierre Serrus, and representatives from SNCF.

According to a statement by the Monaco government, the revised schedule, which covers works from 15th September 2024 to 26th June 2025, introduces several key changes aimed at accommodating both daily commuters and major event-goers.

Train services, initially set to stop at 9pm, will now run until 10pm. Additionally, on nights when significant sporting events take place, such as Champions League matches with late start times, the works will be postponed to avoid service disruptions. In order to accommodate these changes, morning works will be extended, although without affecting the regular morning transport schedule.

This agreement follows earlier efforts by Monaco and the Région Sud to contest the original SNCF proposals. Both parties had voiced concerns over the potential impact on travellers, especially those commuting regularly between Nice and Ventimiglia. Previous meetings held on 13th and 16th September had already succeeded in delaying the start of the works and in ensuring that key matches, such as AS Monaco’s recent game against FC Barcelona on 19th September, were not affected by evening rail closures.

The Principality of Monaco and the Région Sud have both expressed satisfaction with the revised schedule, which they believe reflects the needs of travellers as well as the authorities in Monaco.

Photo: Government Communication Department

Autumn fun fair returning to Port Hercule with more rides and attractions than ever before

by: Stephanie Horsman

20/09/2024

Monaco’s popular autumn fun fair will be back in Port Hercule for a full month, starting from 18th October.

The changing of the seasons means one thing for the children and young people of Monaco: very soon, Port Hercule’s popular fun fair will be returning to the Quai Albert Ier, and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Running from 18th October until 19th November, the fun fair has become synonymous with Monaco’s All Saints’ half-term break.

This year’s edition will feature a grand total of 78 attractions and stands, from rides and games to sweet and savoury delights that will appeal to all ages. Little ones will enjoy the Palais du Rire and the Cars-themed and Astrojet rides, while thrill-seekers can test their boundaries on the Aviator or the Atmosfear.

Visitors will also be able to indulge in classic fairground delights such as waffles, Hungarian brioches and crêpes, as well as hot dogs and the region’s perennial favourite snack of socca.

PRACTICAL INFO

As with previous years, safety remains a top priority at the Mairie de Monaco-organised event. Eight entrances, located on both the upper and lower parts of Quai Albert Ier, will provide access to the fairgrounds, and all bags will be checked upon entry. Once capacity is reached, access to the fair will be temporarily suspended, so be sure to check the live attendance updates on the Mairie’s website before heading over.

The fair will operate daily, with the food stands and children’s rides opening at 11am and closing at 11pm on weekdays. On Fridays, Saturdays and the eves of public holidays, the fair will stay open until midnight. On 18th November, the eve of Monaco’s National Day, the fun fair will run until 1am.

For more information, click here.

Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco

Month: September 2024