The popular wintertime Village des Sports will return to Port Hercule’s Darse Sud for the school Christmas holidays and offer plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, from obstacle courses to a zip line with incredible views of the Principality.
From Friday 20th December to Sunday 5th January 2025, the Village des Sports on the Darse Sud will run alongside the Village de Noël on the Quai Albert Ier.
Introduced last year as an additional feature of Monaco’s Christmas Village, the event proved highly successful and will be returning with a similar set-up of activities in less than a month’s time.
Among the offerings will be three obstacle courses inspired by the television show Ninja Warrior, a treetop adventure course and a climbing structure, catering to participants aged three and above. A highlight of the event will once again be the 180-metre-long zip line, allowing the daring to glide over the Route de la Piscine from the highest diving board of the Stade Nautique Rainier III.
Organised to complement the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Village, the initiative aims to provide an active, family-friendly attraction during the holiday season.
Further details, including opening hours and pricing, are available here.
AS Monaco Basket have earned a high-scoring EuroLeague win over Lyon’s ASVEL in the team’s first game without former head coach Sasa Obradovic.
Fuelled by a standout performance from Elie Okobo and an epic second-half surge in points, AS Monaco Basket secured an important win against their longtime rivals LDLC ASVEL on Thursday 21st November.
The game was the Roca Team’s first since the news broke that Sasa Obradovic would be stepping down as head coach. Assistant coach Manuchar Markoishvili has taken on the role in the interim.
Speaking after the game, Markoishvili said, “These last few days have not been easy for the group… The players showed incredible consistency and concentration tonight. They played together and fought together, and that collective effort was key.”
Okobo delivered an impressive performance at the EuroLeague fixture, which took place at home in the Salle Gaston Médecin at the Stade Louis II. The French player finished as the game’s top scorer with 27 points, six assists and three steals.
“Tonight, we found that collective spirit again,” he said. “We showed that we were happy to be on the court and fought together for the club. Personally, I felt great—I had energy and fire in my legs.”
Okobo’s offensive surge, particularly in the second half, was instrumental in securing the win. His efforts were complemented by a solid defensive display led by Matthew Strazel, whose high-pressure play disrupted ASVEL’s rhythm.
“We raised our defensive intensity, and that made the difference,” said Strazel. “We fought from start to finish and played with heart.”
The second half also saw Mike James and Alpha Diallo contribute key points, while Jaron Blossomgame’s defensive interceptions kept ASVEL at bay.
AS Monaco’s next EuroLeague challenge comes on 29th November as they face Panathinaikos in Athens.
Beking Monaco is set to deliver a thrilling day of cycling and community engagement on Sunday, highlighted by a charity auction supporting impactful causes.
Beking, Monaco’s flagship cycling event, is more than just a celebration of sport; it is a powerful platform for change. Returning this year with an array of activities, from the pro-am race to parent-child rides and children’s races, the event showcases its commitment to sustainability, education, and social good. Central to this mission is the much-anticipated charity auction, which will raise funds for the Fight AIDS Foundation, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Beking Foundation—an initiative established by professional cyclists following last year’s event.
The auction promises exclusive prizes, including a limited-edition World Champion Prologo/Tadej saddle, signed by cycling legend Tadej Pogacar, along with jerseys and a bike from the 2024 cycling season’s standout athlete. Motorsport enthusiasts will have the chance to bid on Charles Leclerc’s helmet from his Monaco, Monza, and Austin victories, as well as gloves from rising Formula 1 star Ollie Bearman, who will also make a special appearance. Tennis fans can vie for autographed rackets from Jannik Sinner and Marin Čilić, with Čilić also offering a full kit for auction. Other highlights include a signed jersey from football sensation Erling Haaland and a sleek Stajvelo City Bike, blending functionality and design.
Beking’s mission extends beyond the race track, aiming to inspire collective action around environmental sustainability and education. Last year, proceeds supported various organizations, including The Rayner Foundation, Regala un Sogno, Amigos de Ositeti, and Associazione Bambi, alongside Fight AIDS. This year’s event will expand on this legacy by backing new initiatives for vulnerable communities, with details to be announced soon.
Beking Monaco 2024 will be held between 9am and 5pm on Sunday 24th November at Port Hercule.
The British Boarding Schools Show is set to return to Monaco for its fifth edition on 28th November at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, offering families a unique chance to explore top-tier boarding schools from the UK and Europe.
This one-day event aims to assist parents in navigating the complexities of boarding school education, providing insight into the British education system and guidance on planning their children’s academic futures.
Families attending the show will have the opportunity to meet with heads and admissions directors from prestigious institutions, gaining advice on school placements and future academic pathways. Educational consultants, including William Petty of Bonas MacFarlane, will also be on hand to provide expert consultation.
The event will feature keynote presentations covering topics such as the benefits and challenges of boarding schools, as well as advice on when to enroll children for key educational milestones like 11+, 13+, and 6th form.
Attendees can also consult with relocation and property experts to better understand the logistical and practical aspects of transitioning to a boarding school environment.
In line with Monaco’s National Day celebrations earlier this week, more than 1,200 medals recognising exceptional service and contributions to the Principality over the past year have been awarded to individuals working in sectors such as the civil service, healthcare, law enforcement, and the arts.
In the days leading up to and following Monaco’s National Day on Tuesday 19th November, some 1,230 medals and special distinctions were handed out to Monaco citizens for their service and achievements over the last 12 months.
Some recipients are more well-known, such as Charlotte Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover, who was elevated to the rank of Chevalier in the Order of Cultural Merit for her role as President of the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, and Robert Calcagno, the Director General of the Oceanographic Institute, who was honoured with the National Order of Agricultural Merit. Others are more behind-the-scenes, such as the many Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace employees and law enforcement officials who were rewarded for their efforts with a medal or special honour.
Minister of State Didier Guillaume, accompanied by Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health; Caroline Rougaignon-Vernin, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG); and Benoîte de Sevelinges, Director of the CHPG, is pictured with the CHPG workers who received a medal or special distinction this year. Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department
A system of recognition
Monaco’s honours system is designed to reward acts of courage, professional dedication, and significant contributions to the state and its people. The decorations, which include both civil and military awards, have a rich history, reflecting the Principality’s values and its recognition of exemplary service.
Among the most prominent orders is the Order of Saint-Charles, established in 1858 by Prince Charles III. This honour is granted to individuals—both civilians and military personnel—who have rendered significant services to the state or the Prince. Another is the Order of Grimaldi, introduced in 1954, which similarly acknowledges exceptional merit and service.
Other decorations include the Medal of Honour, first established in 1894. This award, one of the oldest in Monaco’s system, is presented to those who demonstrate dedication or perform exceptional acts of service. The Medal for Physical and Sporting Education, created in 1939, rewards remarkable contributions to sports and physical education in the Principality, whether through performance or teaching. There is also a Medal of National Merit for Blood Donation, introduced in 1993, which recognises the efforts of individuals who have contributed significantly to blood donation campaigns. 45 individuals were honoured with this medal in 2024, including Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, the Director of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.
The full list of 2024 recipients is available here.
Main photo: Charlotte Casiraghi is pictured to the right of Prince Albert II of Monaco and surrounded by members of her family during the medal ceremony. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco
The creative world of body art will take centre stage at the Menton Tattoo Expo next weekend. This three-day event will bring together some of the best—and best-known—tattoo artists from across Europe for an unforgettable celebration of self-expression and artistry.
The Menton Tattoo Expo, which will take place at the Palais de l’Europe from 29th November to 1st December, will feature 66 booths and over 100 tattoo artists from across the continent, offering attendees a unique chance to witness live tattooing and the intricate artistry involved in the process.
For those feeling inspired, there will also be opportunities to get a new custom-made tattoo—or to correct a past attempt—by one of the many professionals on hand.
Visitors will be treated to an immersive experience filled with art and entertainment. An expert jury will award prizes to the best tattoos created during the event, with categories designed to highlight a range of styles and techniques.
Live performances and piercing workshops will add a layer of fun to the festivities, offering something for both tattoo enthusiasts and those curious about body art. Food and drink options will also be available, with a bar on-site and plenty of nearby restaurants providing refreshments for attendees.
A special highlight of the expo will be the Belin Mentounasque competition on 29th November. Participants with small tattoos (up to 10x10cm) that they wish to transform can register at the jury office before 5pm. The winning tattoo artist of the day will create a custom cover-up tattoo for one lucky participant, turning a past regret into a personalised masterpiece.
NO LONGER ON THE FRINGES
Tattooing, once a niche form of expression, has grown into a widely respected art form. Originating as an ancient practice, tattoos have evolved from symbols of rebellion to mainstream cultural phenomena.
Since a rise in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, tattooing has transitioned from a rebellious gesture to a mainstream cultural trend. Today, with over 20% of the French population sporting tattoos and the number of tattoo artists increasing by 50% in the last decade, the art form continues to thrive.
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the experience, a special three-day pass and student rates are available. Tickets can be purchased online here.
