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.
From the start of next year, approximately 80% of French households will notice a drop of up to 10% in their electricity costs, according to the French government. This positive development comes in response to declining global energy prices and the recommissioning of several nuclear power plants across the country following an extensive maintenance programme.
Maud Bregeon, a spokesperson for Michel Barnier, France’s new Prime Minister, has announced that four-fifths of homes across the country should expect lower energy bills from January 2025. A 10% drop is expected for households who pay for electricity on regular tariffs.
The anticipated decrease is due to several factors, including falling energy prices and the reopening of several of the nation’s nuclear power plants, which had been fully or partially offline for maintenance and repairs in recent years.
The new lower rates are set to kick in from the new year and will coincide with the scheduled increase in the taxe intérieure de consommation finale sur l’électricité (TICFE), or the internal final consumption tax on electricity, which will also come into effect at the beginning of 2025.
The rise in the TICFE has been a sore point with the public, who are still reeling from the high energy prices of the last two years. However, the government hopes that the reduction in overall bills will remedy any complaints by at least partially offsetting the costs.
The TICFE was shelved during the 2022 energy crisis and is now being re-established as a way to bring much-needed funds into state coffers.
“It’s not a hike, it’s a return to normal,” said an anonymous government-related source to France Inter in an interview in October.
Though the exact figures are not yet available for the TICFE, as the specific details of the increase are still under debate, the general consensus is that it will bring in anywhere from €1.5 to €4 billion in revenue.
Consumers with non-regulated rates may also see their bills decrease, but as decisions surrounding this are in the hands of individual energy providers, no assurances can yet be made.
On Tuesday 15th October, Monaco Life headed to the Paul Ricard Formula One race track in Le Castellet for the Monaco Luxury Experience, which promised car enthusiasts a unique immersion in the world of supercars with exclusive previews, test drives of iconic brands, and stomach churning driving sessions on the Paul Ricard circuit.
Amidst the thunderous roar of high-performance engines, Editor in Chief Cassandra Tanti caught up with Guido Giovannelli, General Manager of Monaco Luxury and BPM Exclusive and the mastermind behind this extraordinary event.
After visiting Milan and the nearby Lake Maggiore, the next stop on Monaco Life journalist Niki Borisova’s tour of northern Italy is the luxurious Lake Como, a destination that has long captivated celebrities and tourists with its charm and picturesque scenery.
Known for its stunning landscapes and VIP appeal, Lombardy’s Lake Como can be overwhelmingly crowded with tourists during the summer months. In the autumn, however, a hush of calm falls over the lake, making October or early November the perfect time to visit – before the temperatures really start to fall and the hotels begin to close for the season.
Located around four and a half hours from Monaco by car, Lake Como’s shores are home to an array of charming towns, such as Varenna and Menaggio, but Bellagio stands out as the most picturesque and Instagrammable. Indeed, it has gained significant traction on social media in recent years, and it is here that Monaco Life decided to put down some temporary roots from which to explore the area.
Stay in style
For our weekend trip, we stayed at the Bellagio Guest House in Pescallo Bay, a three-floor apartment offering picturesque lake views. The guesthouse is well regarded for its warm hospitality, with thoughtful touches such as complimentary wine, Prosecco, snacks, tea, and coffee. The accommodation features two bedrooms, a small workout area, and a terrace overlooking the lake. In all, it was a well-equipped base for exploring the region. For two nights in October, the guesthouse costs €500 to €550 – more during the high season. For more information, click here.
Bellagio bites
Dining options in Bellagio include the Hotel Ristorante Suisse Bellagio, a centrally located restaurant with lake views that is suitable for both lunch and dinner. The most convenient aspect here is that the kitchen operates throughout the day. The pizzas are excellent, whatever your choice of topping.
Another recommended venue is Hotel Ristorante La Pergola. Situated by the water, the moon’s reflection dances on the lake surface, making it a particularly romantic setting. Monaco Life recommends the octopus with cherry tomatoes and Taggiasche olives for an entrée and the homemade tortelli for mains. This restaurant is a two-minute walk from the Bellagio Guest House.
Bar gems
For those looking to enjoy a drink, Enoteca Cava Turacciolo offers a unique experience with its wine-cellar-like atmosphere. Monaco Life sampled the orange wine here, a niche wine distinct for its production method that allows white grape skins to remain in contact with the juice, resulting in a fuller and more complex flavour.
Orange wine and charcuterie at Enoteca Cava Turacciolo. Photo by Monaco Life
Bar Pasticceria Rossi is another notable spot, known for its casual yet refined atmosphere. The bar exudes old-world charm with its intricate wooden décor and bistro-style seating, reminiscent of a vintage European café. Monaco Life suggests the establishment’s classic Negroni.
Lake Como wonders
Bellagio’s narrow streets and quaint shops provide ample opportunity for exploration. Visitors can discover local boutiques offering fine leather goods, artisanal foods, and regional crafts. Among the must-visit shops are Aperitivo et Al, known for its gourmet products, and Bellagioseta, which specialises in high-quality scarves and silk accessories. Lake Como has been a historic hub for silk production since the 15th century.
Bellagio’s honeycomb streets and quaint shops are perfect for exploring on a peaceful afternoon. Photo by Monaco Life
Of course, while Villa d’Este often claims the spotlight, a lesser-known gem worth visiting is Villa Carlotta. Accessible via a ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzina or Cadenabbia, Villa Carlotta features expansive botanical gardens and a collection of classical sculptures and paintings, offering a tranquil escape from the usual tourist spots.
For those with a car, a scenic drive up to Santuario della Madonna del Ghisallo is highly recommended. On the way, a brief stop at the Civenna Helipad offers unparalleled views of the lake below. The sanctuary itself is a small church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cyclists and houses a collection of cycling memorabilia and historic photographs.
The views on the way up to Santuario della Madonna del Ghisallo. Photo by Monaco Life
For a different perspective of Lake Como, renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Bellagio Water Sports is a great option. The rental prices typically range around €65 per hour for a kayak session in a small group or €175 for a private kayak/SUP tour. For more information, click here.
