Visitors to Bastien Soleil’s latest solo exhibition, Odyssée, can expect a deep dive into the ethereally exquisite underwater world of the celebrated undersea photographer. The exhibit, which is being hosted by the Comité National Monégasque de l’Association Internationale des Arts Plastiques, will be on show on Quai Antoine Ier from 31st October to 7th November.
French freediver and artist Bastien Soleil has built a career around his two passions: photography and freediving. His journey of self-discovery and adventure began with a soul-searching trip to Asia, where he was introduced to the sport—a form of underwater diving that relies solely on breath-holding rather than using breathing apparatus like oxygen tanks—and became captivated by the freedom and thrill it offered.
This adoration of the underwater realm led him to incorporate photography into his dives, resulting in a series of otherworldly images that could easily be mistaken for paintings or digital creations. Soleil uses no gimmicks, with each photo meticulously staged and shot using only his eye and a camera.
“In the age of artificial intelligence, the act of artistic creation finds itself being undermined,” he says. “My work has been an act of resistance since the start: the most natural conditions possible, compositions, lights, models, as well as myself, are without a net. I work ‘free solo’. No oxygen tanks, no special effects.”
Some of the works in the exhibition were shot in Monaco waters. Photo credit: Bastien Soleil
Now, he is bringing a selection of his finest works—some shot in and around Monaco—to the Principality for a solo exhibition at the Comité National Monégasque de l’Association Internationale des Arts Plastiques headquarters on Quai Antoine Ier from 31st October to 7th November.
For more information on the artist as well as a full catalogue of works, click here.
Hollywood legend Michael Douglas was awarded the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award by Prince Albert II of Monaco during the Princess Grace Foundation-USA’s 40th Anniversary Gala in New York. The glamorous evening celebrated four decades of supporting emerging talent in theatre, dance, and film, with Douglas receiving the night’s highest honour.
The milestone awards ceremony was held on 23rd October at The Pierre in Manhattan, celebrating 40 years of grant-making by the Princess Grace Foundation USA.
Prince Albert with the Princess Grace Awards winners dance class of 2023, photo credit: Luiza Pikora
In a touching moment, Prince Albert II personally presented Douglas with the award, speaking of the actor’s longstanding connection to Monaco’s princely family. “Michael and his family’s commitment to philanthropy echoes my family’s own dedication,” said Prince Albert. “I am delighted to present him with this year’s Prince Rainier III Award.”
Douglas was visibly moved, saying, “What an incredible honour it is to be the recipient of this year’s Prince Rainier III Award.I’ve always been a fan of Grace Kelly’s iconic screen work – as were my parents – and I cherished learning about my dad’s friendship with Princess Grace during their Hollywood days and beyond.I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to continue that family friendship with Prince Albert II of Monaco over the years.And so, to receive this esteemed award is extraordinarily special.”
From left to right: Dylan, Michael and Cameron Douglas. Photo credit: Patrick McMullen
The gala attracted stars from the worlds of theatre, film, and dance. It also celebrated the 2023 and 2024 Princess Grace Award winners, recognising their artistic contributions and potential.
The event featured performances including the song ‘I want to go to Monaco’ by Carly Hughes, previously performed by Liza Minelli at the 1985 Princes Grace Awards Gala, and the live auction of a rare Cartier necklace worn by Princess Grace, highlighting the timeless allure of Monaco’s legacy.
Carly Huges performing during the 40th anniversary gala. Photo credit: Patrick McMullen
Reflecting on the foundation’s milestone anniversary and the 900+ grants given since it was established, its president, Diana Kemppainen, said, “To honour the outstanding artistry and give-back of the legendary Michael Douglas and The Douglas Foundation at such a milestone event, marking the 40th anniversary for the Princess Grace Foundation, is extraordinary on so many levels. We are honoured to host a legendary event celebrating luminaries whose giving will continue to foster future talent for generations to come.”
Among the guests were Prince Albert II’s daughter, the actress and singer Jazmin Grace Grimaldi.
Prince Albert II with John Lehman, Chairman, PGF Board of Trustees (right) and Princess Grace Foundation USA President Diana Kemppainen (left). Photo credit: Patrick McMullen
Michael Douglas is donating his grant to The Douglas Foundation, founded by actors Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne Buydens Douglas in 1964. Its mission is to support a variety of causes, including healthcare, education, the arts, and improving the welfare of children.
Monaco’s National Council has given the green light to the 2024 Amending Budget. President Thomas Brezzo has called the development “a signal of shared confidence” following months of conflict between the Council and the Monaco Government. The budget was previously rejected in June.
The Principality’s National Council signed off on the 2024 Amending Budget on 15th October after several months of bad blood between the government and the elected body.
At the end of the public session, the final vote tallied 12 in favour, six against and three abstentions, sending a strong message that the Council and the government must join hands and reject the air of mistrust that has recently been cultivated.
“This positive vote must resonate as a signal of shared confidence, of willingness to work together within the framework of this renewed institutional partnership, and you must hear this message as an outstretched hand that must make it possible to overcome the culture of adversity that has developed far too insidiously between our two institutions in recent years,” said National Council President Thomas Brezzo in an open statement to the government and aired in full on social media channels.
Brezzo also stressed the importance of transparency and trust between the two bodies, noting, “It is through actions that we will determine whether we were right to place our trust in you and whether we will maintain it for the upcoming deadlines.”
In rejecting the initial budget back in June, Brezzo had said that the government’s budget announcements did not live up to the “promises that had been made”, and that “elected officials found themselves in a situation where they had no choice but to vote against this budget”.
A healthy surplus to maintain
Monaco is by no means in danger of falling into debt imminently. With a comfortable €2.25 billion in the coffers, the country is fiscally healthy, but care with funds is essential for this situation to continue—a fact both the Council and the government are acutely aware of.
The country faces growing vulnerabilities, including reduced construction activity, which has led to lower VAT revenue, and its recent placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List. This list highlights jurisdictions under increased monitoring due to shortcomings in their efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Monaco’s Minister of State Didier Guillaume has publicly echoed these concerns, saying, “Without new revenues and without strict control of expenditure, the state would find itself facing a structural deficit, which is unthinkable for the Principality.”
The passing of the 2024 Amended Budget marks a crucial moment for Monaco, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the government and the National Council in securing the Principality’s financial future.
Another bout of unsettled autumn weather is expected to sweep through Monaco, the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var this coming weekend, with rain and thunderstorms expected from Thursday afternoon until Sunday.
Météo France has forecast unpredictable weather for the next few days, with intermittent rain starting on the afternoon of Thursday 24th October, continuing overnight and into Friday 25th October. After a brief dry spell, rain will resume in the evening.
The weekend will see worsening conditions in the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes, with increasing instability reaching the coast by Saturday 26th October.
The Var is expected to be the hardest hit, with severe thunderstorms predicted from Saturday evening and through Sunday 27th October. Rainfall could total 100 to 120mm in some areas, affecting large stretches of the coast, including areas in the Alpes-Maritimes, where localised flooding and overflows are anticipated.
Sunday is likely to bring some improvement over Saturday, though heavy rain, thunderstorms and grey skies could still affect both coastal and inland areas.
“This Mediterranean episode, although less intense than the one on 16th and 17th October, stands out due to its duration and the gradual accumulation of rainfall over several days,” warns Météo France. “Significant rainfall over short periods cannot be ruled out, particularly in the coastal departments, which will be the most affected.”
The Club Suisse de Monaco is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary, a milestone that highlights decades of Swiss contributions to the Principality’s growth, from engineering marvels to cultural and economic ties that continue to shape Monaco’s future.
This year marks a monumental milestone for the Club Suisse de Monaco. Since its founding in 1949, the club has served as a key link between Switzerland and Monaco, strengthening the ties between the two nations through cultural exchanges, social events and international collaboration. Today, under the leadership of President Dr. Arik Röschke, the club has evolved into a vibrant community of over 300 members, serving as a platform for bringing together Swiss nationals and their Monegasque counterparts.
“When I became president in 2020, the club had only 54 members, and the average age was high,” shares Dr. Röschke. “The best way to rejuvenate the club was through engaging events, with interesting speakers like politicians and experts, while always maintaining a strong link with Switzerland—its neutrality, business orientation and values.”
His efforts have transformed the club into one of the most active associations in the Principality, attracting members from all age groups and professional backgrounds.
According to Dr. Röschke, there is a strict in-house vetting process to ensure as much as possible that all members are reputable individuals who have joined the club with genuine intentions.
Prince Albert II with, from left to right, Club Suisse de Monaco President Arik Röschke, Vice President Silvia Mischler and Treasurer Marcel Huber. Photo credit: Romain Lechevalier
Celebrating Swiss contributions to Monaco’s success
Switzerland has a long-standing presence in Monaco, with notable Swiss figures leaving a mark on the Principality’s development and international standing. The Swiss community, currently the fourth largest expatriate group in Monaco with around 1,300 residents, includes individuals who have shaped Monaco’s architecture, financial sector, digital landscape and cultural scene.
One of the most influential figures is Giovanni Lombardi (1926–2017), the renowned Swiss engineer known for his expertise in tunnel and dam construction. Lombardi made Monaco his home and brought his engineering prowess to global projects like the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland and the planned Gibraltar Tunnel between Spain and Morocco. His innovative solutions and economic efficiency made him a respected name in the international engineering community.
Heinz Gloor, a visionary Swiss real estate developer, is another key figure whose legacy can still be seen in Monaco today. Gloor was the driving force behind the development of the Holiday Inn (now Le Méridien Beach Plaza), Monaco’s only hotel with a private beach. His work helped redefine Monaco’s hospitality scene, aligning it with the high-end luxury image the Principality is known for.
Celebrating Swiss-Monegasque relations at the 75th anniversary Club Suisse de Monaco Gala on 15th October. Photo credit: Romain Lechevalier
In the realm of digital transformation, Frédéric Genta, the son of famed Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta, is spearheading Monaco’s efforts to position itself as a leader in innovation and technology. Appointed as the government’s delegate for digital transition, Genta is advancing projects such as Smart City, e-government initiatives and digital security. His role is pivotal in ensuring Monaco remains competitive and technologically advanced, further solidifying the strong Swiss presence in shaping the principality’s future.
Swiss contributions to Monaco’s cultural heritage are equally notable. In 2002, the Swiss community donated a sculpture, The Sign of Time, by Swiss artist André Bucher to Prince Rainier III, a symbol of the enduring artistic exchange between the two nations. Bucher, celebrated for his works made from molten lava, left an indelible mark on Monaco’s artistic landscape, and his unique style continues to be admired by art enthusiasts in the Principality.
Guests at the Club Suisse de Monaco 75th anniversary gala. Photo credit: Romain Lechevalier
The club’s grand 75th anniversary gala
To celebrate the club’s milestone, an extravagant gala was held on 15th October at the iconic Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris. Among the 230 guests were Prince Albert II, Consul General of Switzerland in Marseille Christophe Vauthey, and Prince Philipp and Princess Isabelle of Liechtenstein.
The evening was a spectacular showcase of Swiss culture, with traditional performances including Appenzell music, yodelling by Monika Kaelin, opera singers performing the Swiss and Monegasque national anthems, break dancers and an LED dance show by Swiss artists The Blackouts.
The gala featured traditional Swiss performers and specialities. Photo credit: Romain Lechevalier
Among the auction items generously donated by members of the Swiss community were bespoke men’s and women’s suits by Crisoni Monte-Carlo, an Akris handbag – one of Princess Charlene’s favourites, a jersey signed by AS Monaco football club players and worn by AS Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, two nights at the luxury hotel Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, a six-day detox treatment at the famous Swiss Clinique La Prairie, and a Swiss-designed Microlino electric vehicle, which was signed by Prince Albert II and auctioned off for twice the price of the purchase.
The money raised will go towards various charities including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Swiss swimmer Noam Yaron, Monaco Aide et Presence, the Centre Cardio-Thoracique De Monaco and the Casa Dos Curumins charity in Brazil.
The celebration cake. Photo credit: Romain Lechevalier
It was an exceptional celebration that prompted a spur of new memberships, Dr. Röschke tells Monaco Life.
“This anniversary was a significant moment for the club, and we wanted to make it a celebration to remember,” says Dr. Röschke.
A shared vision for the future
As Dr. Röschke reflects on the club’s history and its future, he envisions the establishment of a permanent clubhouse where members can come together regularly to exchange ideas and engage in impactful projects.
“Both Monaco and Switzerland have to rely on their people and talent since neither has natural resources,” he points out. “Bringing these individuals together in Monaco to create something meaningful can be beneficial for both nations. We have the brainpower and the shared goal of achieving excellence.”
The club’s mission goes beyond social gatherings; it aims to serve as a forum for intellectual and cultural exchange that mirrors the contributions of prominent Swiss figures to Monaco’s growth.
“We are not a business club,” Dr. Röschke stresses. “Our aim is to bring people together to share ideas, foster understanding, and contribute to both nations.”
Main photo, left to right: Club Suisse de Monaco Treasurer Marcel Huber, Vice President Silvia Mischler, and President Arik Röschke, credit: Alena Borodina
The Principality’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, spent five days in Burundi on a visit intended to strengthen ties and formalise commitments between the two countries following the signing of an agreement earlier this month that reestablished Monaco’s support for health, education, child protection, and food and nutrition security programmes in the East African nation.
Berro-Amadei was in situ in Burundi between 15th and 20th October for a working visit that saw the minister meet with a number of local partners and beneficiaries of projects supported by the Monegasque Cooperation for Development scheme, as well as hold meetings with Burundian authorities. It was the first ministerial-level visit to the country by a Monaco official.
Earlier in October, Berro-Amadei had met her Burundian counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, Albert Shingiro, at the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts. The two signed a framework agreement that sought to reinforce the bonds of friendship between the nations and confirm Monaco’s enduring commitments to contributing to and supporting development priorities in Burundi.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi. Albert Shingiro, with Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, at the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department
Berro-Amadei’s overseas visit was an extension of this agreement, and the trip marked a renewal of the partnership between Monaco and the World Food Programme (WFP), which implements the National School Meal Programme in Burundi. The scheme provides nutritious meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients to 82,000 children from 100 schools in three provinces.
The minister also met with organisations and associations on the ground in Burundi that are involved with Monaco-supported programmes in the fields of health, food security, education, child protection, and access to work.
Along with an extended delegation from the Principality, Berro-Amadei was introduced to representatives from FVS Amie des Enfants, Comunità di Sant’Egidio, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières, WeWorld GVC, FXB International, and United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme, the High Commissioner for Refugees, and UN Women. The delegation also met with the teams working at the local branches of Fight Aids, Peace and Sport, and the World Association of Friends of Children. The latter association was present at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Children’s Friend School in Matana, an inclusive educational project for orphans and vulnerable children that is supported by the Monegasque Cooperation for Development scheme.
