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Day: 2 October 2024

Monaco Life goes around the world: Paris

by: Niki Borisova
02/10/2024

In this second edition of Monaco Life‘s Around the World series, journalist Niki Borisova heads to Paris via Champagne to discover the French capital’s hidden gems.

Paris has enjoyed plenty of time in the spotlight this year, having played host to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but in this guide to the La Ville Lumière, we look beyond the bright lights of the city’s most famous establishments and instead visit some of the lesser known, yet equally alluring, Parisian addresses.

A taste of Paris

In the residential 16th arrondissement, Le Flandrin provides a sophisticated dining experience in a classic setting. Housed within the historic Maison Flandrin, the restaurant features an elegant interior reminiscent of the upscale L’Avenue bistro. It is the ideal spot for that authentic Paris experience, and Monaco Life highly recommends the classic dishes of oysters and escargots accompanied, of course, by a glass of Champagne.

Le Flandrin. Photo by Monaco Life

Another notable spot in the 16th arrondissement is Le Stella, a classic brasserie established in 1932 that is renowned for its traditional French cuisine. Again, it is the oysters and snails that reign supreme, but the homemade apple pie is also not to be missed.

Still in the 16th arrondissement, the Brach Hotel is a luxury establishment distinguished by its modern design and unique features. The hotel’s rooftop garden and bar offer visitors incredible views of the Eiffel Tower and include an unusual, but charming, addition: a flock of chickens. Could it be more Instagrammable? Downstairs, the hotel’s restaurant serves a menu focused on contemporary French cuisine, blending traditional techniques with a modern touch.

Maison Revka, also in the 16th arrondissement, is inspired by the vision of a Slavic bourgeois family. The brand, which has sister restaurants in Saint Tropez and Dubai, brings the essence of Slavic culture to Paris with its indulgent dishes of caviar, lobster and smoked salmon. An absolute must-try here is the Matryoshka cocktail, served inside a traditional Russian doll with a smoky effect.

Moving to the 12th arrondissement, Arnaud Nicolas is a notable restaurant recognised for its focus on traditional French cuisine. The restaurant is led by Chef Arnaud Nicolas, a man known for his expertise in charcuterie, and the standout feature of this place is its extensive display of various pâtés, foie gras and meat cuts.

L’Esplanade Paris, from the same owners as the famous Hôtel Costes, recently opened its doors in the 7th arrondissement. The new establishment offers a refined dining experience with a contemporary menu in an elegant atmosphere. While Hôtel Costes is renowned for its luxury and style, L’Esplanade Paris presents a fresh take on sophisticated dining. With an unparalleled view of Les Invalides, it’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a drink on the terrace.

L’Antre Amis, situated on the border of the 7th and 15th arrondissements, is located on the ground floor of a classic Haussmannian building. The chef and owner is known for his creative approach to French cuisine, sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from the famous Rungis market. L’Antre Amis is recognised in various guides and has earned a Bib Gourmand. The restaurant also offers a curated wine list featuring over 150 winemakers. Here, Monaco Life recommends the croque-monsieur and the cochon ibérique.

Cheers in the city of lights

Le Bristol After Dark, located in the Le Bristol Paris hotel, is a vibrant bar known for its energetic atmosphere; it represents a significant shift from the traditional atmosphere of the Bar du Bristol. At night, this historic bar transforms into a vibrant venue. Its centuries-old oak woodwork, plush sofas, marble fireplace and stone counter are reimagined by the lively music from top DJs, whose beats contrast the bar’s classic elegance. The Le Bristol After Dark experience takes place every Wednesday through Saturday, from 10pm till 2am.

Le Bristol After Dark. Photo by Monaco Life

Bar Hemingway, located in the Ritz Paris, is celebrated for its historic ambience and connection to the famous writer. A frequent visitor, Ernest Hemingway left his mark on the bar by creating the ‘Death in the Afternoon’ cocktail, which combines absinthe and champagne. The bar is also known for its strong martini cocktails, adding to its reputation for delivering classic yet potent drinks. If you indulge in a few of these martinis, be sure to keep your plans light!

Bar Hemingway’s legendary martinis. Photo by Monaco Life

Also located in the Ritz Paris, just beyond the Bar Hemingway, is the Ritz Bar, which offers a distinctive mixology experience. Beloved for its chic atmosphere and sophisticated setting, the bar features a unique approach to cocktails, with creations inspired by nature and the zodiac. Head Barman Romain de Courcy crafts original and subtle drinks that reflect the zodiac signs, providing visitors with a sensory journey.

A country escape en route to the capital

For those interested in exploring what lies outside of Paris, a train journey from Gare de l’Est to Reims provides an opportunity to visit the Champagne region. The trip, which only takes around 45 minutes, allows visitors to tour major champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, and sample their renowned produce.

Champagne tasting en route to Paris. Photo by Monaco Life

Monaco Life advises stopping by at the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa. Here, guests can savour expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of local Champagnes while taking in panoramic views of the vineyards and the serene landscape.

 

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. 

 

All photos by Monaco Life

Sanlorenzo Monaco hosts first ‘Flow’ exhibition during Monaco Yacht Show

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/10/2024

The Sanlorenzo lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show has welcomed the ‘Flow’  exhibition by Polish artist Dominik Drygas. This innovative art display provided visitors with a fresh perspective on yachting through six unique paintings, created especially for the occasion.

The exhibition, which highlights the Principality’s rich yachting culture, was not only a celebration of art but also a charitable initiative. Proceeds from one of the paintings will benefit Fight Aids Monaco, the charity founded and chaired by Princess Stéphanie, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024.

CEO of Sanlorenzo Med, Ferruccio Rossi, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Opening our doors to a talented artist and a local charity like Fight Aids Monaco is an honor.” Dominik Drygas echoed these sentiments, sharing that supporting such an important cause is a source of pride.

Exhibition on yachting by Dominik Drygas

The private opening event on 25th September offered guests the opportunity to view Drygas’ work while supporting Fight Aids Monaco, with a video presentation highlighting the charity’s ongoing work. The exhibition remained open to the public over the following two days, inviting both art and yachting enthusiasts to experience the world of yachting through a new artistic lens.

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: Dominik Drygas and Christophe Glasser in front of the painting created and sold by the artist in aid of Fight Aids Monaco

The masterpieces of Puccini: Opéra de Monte-Carlo to honour late Italian composer this autumn

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/10/2024

100 years after the death of Giacomo Puccini, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo will be breathing new life into three of the great Italian composer’s best-known masterpieces – La Rondine, La Bohème and Tosca – this autumn.

The Opéra de Monte-Carlo will be paying homage to the legendary composer with a series of tributes this October and November, including one very special invite-only performance on 19th November, Monaco’s National Day.

The tributes will begin on 30th October with a concert version of La Rondine, Puccini’s classic tale of Magda, a woman who dreams of flying like a swallow – a rondine – from her tedious Parisian existence to the south of France and sunnier climes, as well as toward true love. The opera has special meaning locally, as it premiered in Monaco on 27th March 1917, during some of the darker days of WWI.

Conductor Giacomo Sagripanti and choirmaster Stefano Visconti will lead Pretty Yende as Magda, Roberto de Candia as the man who keeps her, Rambaldo, and Charles Castronovo as her paramour, Ruggerio.

This will be followed by four glorious nights of one of the operatic world’s most famous works, La Bohème. The opera is a sad story of four creatives trapped in poverty in Paris whose lives are forever changed when the beautiful Mimi knocks at their door one Christmas Eve. Rodolfo, a poor poet, falls desperately in love with Mimi, but it is not to be, as it is soon evident that death will be Mimi’s only suitor.

Conducted by Marco Armiliato and directed by Jean-Louis Grinda, La Bohème will be performed 8th, 10th and 13th November. A special invitation-only performance will also be given on 19th November, as part of Monaco’s National Day celebrations. Mimi will be portrayed by Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov will take his turn as Rodolfo.

See more: Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival: Global talent and compelling cinema at the Opera Garnier

In another concert version, Armiliato and Visconti will present the timeless tale of Tosca on 15th November. In the story of the Roman diva Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, a painter and rebel, and the corrupt Chief of Police, Baron Scarpia, the title character finds herself between a rock and a hard place when Mario is arrested. She must choose whether to demean herself and betray her love by becoming Scarpia’s lover, or see her beloved die a traitor’s death.

First performed in Rome in 1900, the 2024 cast sees Maria Jose Siri in the title role, with Roberto Alagna as Mario and Luca Salsi as Scarpia.

Finally, on 17th November, a celebratory centenary festival is taking place in memory of the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s death at age 65. Following in the footsteps of the musical homage to Enrico Caruso in 2023, this event, called Viva Puccini, will feature the conductor’s greatest arias sung by tenor Jonas Kaufmann and soprano Valeria Sepe under the direction of Armiliato.

“I’m a great admirer of Puccini, and his music has fascinated me since I was six or seven,” says Kaufmann. “Puccini’s music is so effective, it never goes out of fashion despite the passage of a century, even though we are saturated with all kinds of sounds and images these days. This is why I believe that Puccini will remain for the public the key to the magical world of opera.”

For further details on the shows, and for reservations, click here.

Read related:

Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s Cecilia Bartoli unveils 2024/25 season programme

 

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.