The south of France, just like much of the rest of the country, experienced major rainfall during September, which has gone down as one of the wettest in recent history.
For locals living on the Riviera, it felt as though the region was battered by storm after storm last month. In one particularly heavy downpour, vehicles floated down the Avenue de la République in Cannes, while record lightning strikes hit the Var during an earlier orange weather-alert storm.
In all, some 162mm of rain was recorded, on average, across the Alpes-Maritimes last month. It was the first September that the department experienced a rainfall surplus exceeding historical averages since 2012.
This unusually soggy month has significantly contributed to the year’s overall rainfall surplus. So far in 2024, Nice has recorded 850mm of rain, considerably above annual precipitation averages. Nationally, France is on course for its wettest year since 2000.
In comments shared on social media, meteorologist Guillaume Séchet summed the situation up by noting, “As of 30th September, 2024 is the wettest year in France since the beginning of the century, with a cumulative total of 766mm over nine months. Depending on the end of the year, it could (or could not) dethrone the year 2000, which totalled 969mm over 12 months.”
MORE TO COME?
It seems that fickle Mother Nature isn’t quite done yet with the Côte d’Azur either. Météo France forecasting more rain on five of the next 10 days for southern France and Monaco, and a thunderstorm is looking increasingly likely for the start of next week.
To stay abreast of the latest weather conditions where you are, click here.
The Principality of Monaco has reached the significant milestone of 20 years of active participation in the Council of Europe, an anniversary that was celebrated with a series of special events, as well as an important new appointment, in Strasbourg over the last few days.
Prince Albert II of Monaco headed to the Council of Europe’s headquarters in Strasbourg on 2nd October to attend the inauguration of a multi-media exhibition at the Palace of Europe that explores the Principality’s accession to the Council.
In a speech made before those gathered at the event, Prince Albert said, “On 5th October 2004, I came to this historic building for the first time to sign, on behalf of my father, Prince Rainier III, the act of Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe. 20 years later, we are gathered here again to celebrate this anniversary and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the three pillars of this institution. The exhibition, the film and the artwork that you will soon discover are all testimonies illustrating our past and present determination to share our common values. These are the values of human rights, the rule of law and democracy.”
The display is the result of a collaboration between Monaco’s National Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in collaboration with the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, the Central Archive and Administrative Documentation Service, and the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco. The Prince was joined at the event by: the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset; the President of the National Council, Thomas Brezzo; Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadei; and the Principality’s official Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Gabriel Revel.
Prince Albert II with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department
Revel recently assumed the Presidency of the Council’s Rapporteur Group on Legal Questions, an appointment lauded as a positive reflection of Monaco’s ongoing commitments to European cooperation and legal reform.
Revel held his first meeting in this capacity on 26th September, having been appointed to the role by the Council’s 46 member states. He will serve a two-year term, expiring on 31st August 2026.
The Rapporteur Group on Legal Questions is one of seven key subsidiary bodies of the Committee of Ministers, and it is responsible for monitoring the activities of intergovernmental committees focused on the rule of law. The Group also plays a vital role in discussing draft international conventions. This marks Monaco’s second presidency of a Rapporteur Group, following the former Ambassador Rémi Mortier’s tenure at the head of the Rapporteur Group on External Relations between 2019 and 2021.
A piece of artwork by Monaco’s resident street artist extraordinaire, Mr One Teas, was also unveiled during Prince Albert’s time in Strasbourg. Entitled ‘Ode to Freedom’, it is said to represent an open window on human rights and will be gifted to the Council of Europe.
Prince Albert II of Monaco with Mr One Teas. Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department
Prior to the Monegasque sovereign’s visit, a delegation from the Mairie de Monaco made the trip to the northeast of France to attended a series of commemorative events and occasions marking the Principality’s 20-year anniversary.
Led by Deputy Mayor Marjorie Crovetto, who serves as Vice-President of Monaco’s Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the group included: Jacques Pastor, Deputy Mayor and substitute for Crovetto in the Chamber of Regions; and Nada Lorenzi, Municipal Councillor and substitute for the Mayor in the Chamber of Local Authorities.
Christie’s Paris is set to host one of its most highly anticipated auctions this year, as Angelina Jolie’s iconic Ferrari 250 GT PF Pininfarina Coupé takes centre stage on 20th November. Estimated at €600,000 to €800,000, the rare 1958 model will be one of the highlights of The Exceptional Sale, known for offering extraordinary objects from various categories.
The Ferrari 250 GT, an automotive masterpiece by Ferrari and Pininfarina, has a glamorous provenance, having been owned by one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Unveiled beneath the iconic glass dome of the Grand Palais 76 years ago, the car’s appearance at auction just steps away from the Grand Palais adds a touch of cinematic history to the occasion.
Angelina Jolie, known for her passion for adventure and high-performance vehicles, brings a unique personal touch to this sale. Her Ferrari is just the latest in a string of Hollywood treasures that have graced Christie’s auctions, including Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels and James Bond’s Aston Martin. Car collectors and film fans alike will find themselves vying for a piece of this legendary fusion of Hollywood glamour and Italian craftsmanship.
The Ferrari is estimated at between €600,000 and €800,000. Photo courtesy Christie’s
The Ferrari 250 GT is a highly sought-after classic, admired not only for its elegance but also for its power. With only 353 examples ever produced, Jolie’s model stands out as the 11th built, adding further rarity and allure to this auction. The car has also made an appearance at the prestigious Concours d’Élégance in Antibes, where its sleek design and perfect proportions captivated onlookers.
This extraordinary vehicle is expected to draw significant interest from collectors worldwide, providing an opportunity to own a piece of both automotive and cinematic history.
The recent ban on the dog meat trade in South Korea marks a monumental victory for animal welfare and a turning point in history. In this exclusive Monaco Life interview, Chris DeRose, Founder and President of Last Chance for Animals (LCA), shares his unique perspective on the relentless advocacy and hard work that helped bring an end to this cruel and outdated practice.
With the closure of 1,100 slaughterhouses across South Korea, this victory will save up to two million dogs each year, setting a hopeful precedent for other nations to follow. After more than a decade of effort, the timing was finally right, reflecting shifting societal values, especially among the younger generation, who are increasingly concerned about animal welfare. While dog meat has a long history in South Korea, the rise in pet ownership and changing attitudes have made it a subject of growing controversy. In 2023, lawmakers introduced a bill to officially ban the breeding and slaughter of dogs for consumption, which passed in early 2024.
LCA and its fully funded sister organisation, Animal Liberation Wave (ALW), played a key role in winning government support and were instrumental in passing the legislation. They spearheaded global protests, including the largest demonstrations against the dog meat trade, with support from numerous celebrities like Kim Basinger, Priscilla Presley, and Clint Eastwood. These high-profile efforts helped keep the cause in the spotlight, both in South Korea and internationally.
Sitting with Chris at a cozy Italian restaurant in Hollywood, it’s clear how deeply rooted his passion for animal rights is. Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Chris speaks with a distinct East Coast accent and carries with him the strength and integrity instilled in him by his mother. Inspired by her teachings to stand against oppression, Chris has spent his life fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Over 40 years ago, he founded LCA, dedicating his life to raising awareness about the inhumane treatment of animals for human consumption. Remarkably, just a few years ago, many Americans were still unaware of the dog meat trade in Asia—a reality Chris has worked tirelessly to change.
Mp Pyo, Kim Basinger, Jiyen and Chris DeRose. Photo provided
Monaco Life:When did you start the ‘Stop Dog Meat’ campaign?
Chris DeRose:We were heavily involved in the Stop Dog Meat campaign in China starting in 2010, which lasted for about four years. Eventually, we decided to shift our focus and move our efforts to South Korea, where I believed we had a better chance of ending the dog meat trade sooner.
After two years of working there, we initiated the Animal Liberation Wave (ALW) with all Korean advocates, rather than an outside organisation imposing Western ways.
While working with ALW, we managed to get some great investigations going which prompted some positivity.
We generated a lot of media attention because of our actions. We were using laser lights to project messages onto the Blue House, which is like their version of the White House, and that got us all kinds of press. We even dropped a 500-foot banner from a high-rise; everything had meaning.We made sure the issue always stayed in front of their parliament.
It felt like every day there was something new happening. We kept the momentum going, with newspapers and news media consistently covering our efforts and simultaneously conducting undercover investigations, something no one else in South Korea was doing.
Protests in South Korea to end the dog meat trade. Photo provided
I love how LCA has garnered so much local support and is focused on real action, not just social media posts, tears, and talk. As you always say, “That alone does no justice for the animals”…
Absolutely, and the local support was strong, especially among the younger generation. But it wasn’t just the young people; the older generation was also on board to stop the dog meat trade. It’s been around for hundreds of years and we put an end to it! In South Korea, I made a promise to those dogs that we would stop it, and I kept my promise.
But it’s not just me, it was Animal Liberation Wave, and its President and Founder Jiyen Lee. She’s a one-person warrior; she’s sharp, smart, and courageous and we backed her 150% – her advice, financially and in any way we could through our donations. Now, we’re going to stay on top of it to make sure it’s enforced
What did you expose with your investigations?
We documented the entire process, from dogs being raised in puppy mills to being butchered after about a year, or a year-and-a-half. They were killed in horrible ways because the people believed that if the animal suffered while still alive, it would release a hormone that provided health benefits.
Animal Liberation Wave. Photo provided
How many other animal welfare organisations were working with you in South Korea?
Primarily, it was LCA and ALW but there were two other welfare groups: Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA) and the Korean Animal Rights Association (KARA). They had been working on it a long time but it didn’t go anywhere until we came along and did the investigations, which gave them the power – and everyone else the power – to get this ban into motion.
During your multiple visits to South Korea, you were joined by your longtime friend, the actress Kim Basinger, and ALW in protest. Were you also involved in rescuing animals and relocating them to the United States?
Yes, LCA brought some dogs to the United States and to Los Angeles. This wasn’t our main focus but a part of our mission to keep the issue in the media and spotlight and to help expose the act of civil disobedience. Bringing the rescued dogs to Los Angeles was a reminder that these dogs are real, with faces, names, and unique personalities. They have all the traits we love about animals, which is why we brought them here and found them loving homes.
Seoul, South Korea, protests against the dog meat trade. Photo provided
What positive message does this send to the world about not eating man’s best friend?
That’s a very good question. It makes a major difference in giving animals their rights, especially dogs.
We were invited to parliament where the bill was unanimously passed, with the South Korean government completely opposing the dog meat trade. This year at our gala, we will honour the international politicians who introduced the bill based on LCA investigations.
Ultimately, we hope this will set a precedent for other countries to do the same and we hope this will be the beginning of a ban on dog meat worldwide.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I reiterate that we should not point a finger at other cultures when we are doing the same thing with our animals. We have prioritised and categorised animals as food, pets, companions, work animals, etc. But we should look at all of them as living sentient beings.
Prince Albert II of Monaco’s “extraordinary contributions to humanity” are to be feted at the Prix Galien USA Awards Ceremony later this year in New York, where he will receive the Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for Global Health Equity.
The Galien Foundation, a globally recognised organisation in the life sciences, announced last week that Prince Albert will be the recipient of the esteemed Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for Global Health Equity. The award, which acknowledges the Monegasque sovereign’s “extraordinary contributions to humanity”, will be presented at the Prix Galien USA Awards Ceremony on 7th November at New York City’s Natural History Museum.
Prince Albert has long been an advocate for environmental conservation and protections, innovation and leadership. His commitment to fostering a more sustainable and equitable world has not only inspired global action but also established a lasting benchmark for future generations, notably through his eponymous Prince Albert II Foundation.
“The Galien Foundation is honoured to present Prince Albert II of Monaco with an award that celebrates his unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, scientific innovation and humanitarian leadership on a global scale,” said Kenneth C. Frazier and Dr. Michael Rosenblatt, Co-Chairs of the Prix Galien USA Committee, in a joint statement. “We express our sincerest gratitude to Prince Albert II for his visionary leadership and tireless dedication to fostering a more sustainable and equitable world.”
Named after its first recipient, Roy Vagelos, the former Chairman and CEO of Merck & Co. and Chairman of the Board at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the award highlights the impact of outstanding philanthropic work in improving global health in developing or underserved populations via biomedical science.
As the 2024 honouree, Prince Albert joins a distinguished list of recipients known for their dedication to advancing healthcare and wellness for those most in need.
The 10th edition of the Women of Monaco lunch has once again raised important funds for the Princess Grace Foundation, featuring a fashion show, auction, and insights on women and philanthropy by Barclays Private Bank.
The latest edition of the ‘Women of Monaco Lunch’, organised by 5 Stars Events Agency, a creation of Sandrine Knoell, and supported by Barclays Private Bank, took place on 1st October at the Hotel Métropole. Each event is organised around a specific theme, with the 10th edition’s theme being blue.
The lunch, which supports the Princess Grace Foundation, gathered members of the international ‘Women of Monaco Club’, alongside influential women from various nationalities and professional backgrounds.
The Women of Monaco Lunch was themed ‘Blue’. Photo courtesy 5 Stars Events
“It’s always wonderful to bring this community together for meaningful causes. I truly appreciate all of you for being here and supporting this effort,” said Sandrine Knoell.
The lunch featured a fashion show by Lithuanian designer Donata Davidoff, showcasing a collection aimed at empowering women. The event also included a presentation by Juliet Agnew, head of philanthropy at Barclays Private Bank, on ‘Women and Philanthropy’. With 20 years of experience advising individuals and families on philanthropic strategies, Agnew shared insights from her career, which spans work across charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy.
“What we are seeing increasingly with our female clients is that they recognise that wealth offers so many opportunities and privileges and also offers the opportunity to give something back to the community,” Agnew stated.
An auction was also held, featuring four items. A London trench coat by Donata Davidoff was sold for €1,100, a dinner for four at the BeefBar in Milan went for €1,200, a pair of Gianvito Rossi shoes fetched €750, and a Brooklyn colours photograph was auctioned for €1,100. The total amount raised from the auction was €4,150 for the Princess Grace Foundation.
Monaco Life was there! See more in our video below and scroll down to see more photos from the event.
