After a 13-year absence, the much-loved live music venue of Moods has been reopened with an exciting new look. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were on hand to formally inaugurate the iconic address, which will begin welcoming the public later this week.
Just over a year since the unveiling of the Café de Paris, it was the turn of Moods, now known as New Moods, to open its doors once again on Saturday 30th November.
In the presence of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer CEO Stéphane Valeri proudly unveiled the venue that heralds a new era of live music and stand-up comedy in the Principality at an exclusive press event attended by Monaco Life.
He described the relaunch of this celebrated address as an emotional moment, particularly as the renovations have paid tribute to Jean-René Palacio, the visionary behind the original Moods.
“This project of reviving Moods was close to my heart, as it was for so many residents and lovers of the Principality,” he said. “You may have noticed upon entering the New Moods that an homage has been made to Jean-René Palacio, with two of his electric guitars on display. He would have been proud of the reopening of this unique venue.”
The New Moods retains cherished elements of the original venue, which operated for just three years before closing 13 years ago, but the new-look site also embraces modern touches.
“It takes the best of the old Moods and updates it to contemporary tastes,” Valeri explained.
Once fully open to the public from 5th December, the venue will host a diverse programme of live performances, with tribute acts celebrating iconic artists such as The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Queen, as well as original performances by local and international talents.
The artistic programming is being led by Alfonso Ciulla, SBM’s Artistic Director, and includes a foray into stand-up comedy, with Hassan de Monaco set to perform later this month.
Gastronomy is also an important facet of New Moods, and Valeri spotlighted the venue’s culinary offerings, which will be crafted by Marcel Ravin, the two Michelin-starred chef of Blue Bay, describing them as “the best finger foods in the world”.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, surrounded by key figures from the Principality and SBM, at the grand inauguration of New Moods on 30th November. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department
As well as being a public venue beneath the Café de Paris, New Moods will be available for private events outside of its public opening days, ensuring its use as a versatile space for corporate and family gatherings.
The venue’s reintroduction is seen as part of SBM’s strategy to enhance Monaco’s cultural offerings, and Valeri expressed optimism about the venue’s prospects, saying, “I have no doubt that the New Moods will be a great success. It is already fully booked for its opening night next Thursday.”
New Moods will be open to the public every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm till midnight. A rich lineup of live music and entertainment has already been planned through to March 2025.
As Valeri concluded his speech, “Let the show begin!”
The Monegasque government has filed an extraordinary appeal with the Supreme Court, seeking to annul a €140 million penalty owed to Caroli Immo in the Esplanade des Pêcheurs case. According to Monaco Matin, the state alleges that the judgment, originally issued in 2018 and reaffirmed in 2020, was the result of fraud orchestrated by the property developer and its legal representatives.
This unprecedented move was one of the final acts of former Minister of State Pierre Dartout, who, on 30th July, filed a detailed dossier accusing Caroli Immo of manipulating the judicial process. The allegations include claims of financial and personal conflicts of interest involving key legal figures, as Monaco Matin reports.
The Supreme Court rulings and the state’s response
In 2018 and 2020, the Supreme Court declared the government’s abandonment of the Esplanade des Pêcheurs project illegal, ordering the state to compensate Caroli Immo nearly €137 million plus interest. However, the government has since resisted executing the ruling. Monaco Matin explains that the state now argues it was deprived of a fair trial due to alleged collusion between Caroli Immo’s lawyers, including Thierry Lacoste—childhood friend of Prince Albert II—and the former Supreme Court president, Didier Linotte.
The government claims its suspicions of impropriety were confirmed after criminal investigations initiated earlier this year. It alleges that Lacoste had concealed his role in the case while maintaining close financial and personal ties with Linotte, raising serious questions about judicial impartiality, Monaco Matin reports.
Allegations of fraud and conflicts of interest
The government’s 60-page submission details purported financial arrangements between Lacoste and another lawyer representing Caroli Immo, which included a shared fee agreement based on the court’s ruling in the developer’s favor. According to Monaco Matin, these fees were tied to a substantial percentage of the compensation awarded, raising ethical concerns.
Furthermore, the state accuses Linotte of accepting favors, such as paid travel and other undisclosed benefits, from individuals connected to the case. It also highlights Linotte’s personal relationship with Lacoste as a factor undermining the court’s neutrality. Monaco Matin notes that the accusations have been described as “shocking” by those implicated, who categorically deny any wrongdoing.
Both Lacoste and Linotte have rejected the allegations. Linotte, as reported by Monaco Matin, defended his actions as transparent and professional, asserting that his relationship with Lacoste was no secret. Lacoste, meanwhile, argued that his involvement in the case was appropriate and dismissed the fraud accusations as “bad faith” on the part of the state.
Lacoste further criticized the government for basing its claims on documents allegedly obtained through illegal means, including hacked emails. According to Monaco Matin, he remains adamant that the evidence presented by the state lacks credibility.
Broader implications
This case, as Monaco Matin highlights, has drawn attention to Monaco’s judicial and governance systems, with the stakes reaching beyond the immediate financial implications. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how the Principality handles disputes involving large-scale development projects and the judiciary’s independence.
The Roca Team secured two consecutive wins under new Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis over the weekend, the first a thrilling EuroLeague victory against Panathinaikos, and the second a strong conquest of Bourg-en-Bresse in the Betclic Elite league. The side is now looking ahead to a home game versus Olympiacos, Spanoulis’ former team.
AS Monaco Basketball began their successful weekend with a 91-88 win over Panathinaikos on Friday 29th November.
Despite being pushed to their limits by the Greek side, Monaco held their nerve in the final moments to snatch the win. With the game tied at 85-85 in the closing minutes, key players like Mike James, John Brown and Mathias Lessort played pivotal roles, while standout performances from guards such as Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd ensured Monaco pulled away with crucial points in the closing seconds.
The win marks a significant achievement for Monaco, especially as they came from behind after a close first half, maintaining their momentum and staying competitive in the EuroLeague standings.
Then came a second victory under new Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis, with the Roca Team beating Bourg-en-Bresse in the domestic French league on Sunday 1st December.
The team showed spirit and purpose as they took on the tough opponents, flying past the century mark with a 109-94 win. High scorers on the night were Alpha Diallo with 17 points, followed by Loyd with 16 and James with 15.
Roca Team pivot Donatas Motiejunas praised his team’s opponents, saying, “I’ve been here for several years, and I don’t remember a season where we’ve had an easy game [against Bourg-en-Bresse]. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we always fight to the maximum. Obviously, leaving here with the victory is a good thing, especially considering our travel conditions.”
The back-to-back wins have been a boon for Coach Spanoulis.
“This is how we want to build our identity as a team,” he said after the Bourg-en-Bresse game. “Let’s say that for me, the important thing is not who will score, but rather who will make the right decision and what is the best moment to score. We have to become a family. We have to become united, care for each other, and have team spirit. This is very important for the group. The most important thing is to be ready for every game, to have the team spirit to win. I want to say that it is not easy, once again, for the players to adhere so quickly to my philosophy.”
The Monaco side is now looking ahead to a much-anticipated home game on Wednesday 4th December. The EuroLeague fixture will see AS Monaco Basketball face Olympiacos BC, Spanoulis’s former team, where he played for eleven seasons and won eight club championship titles.
Tickets for the game are on sale now. Click here for more information.
In a revolutionary move for sustainable transportation, France has introduced Electreon’s pioneering recharging system to the A10 motorway southwest of Paris. This world-first concept allows electric vehicles to recharge their batteries “dynamically, without stopping or physical contact” using a groundbreaking induction system.
The future of electric vehicle travel in France has arrived with the announcement of the rollout of the ‘Charge as you Drive’ scheme on 28th November.
It was first revealed in June 2023 by Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, that Electreon, a leading provider of wireless charging solutions, had won a tender to install its innovative technology on a portion of France’s motorway network and thus create the country’s first wireless Electric Road System (ERS). The project is part of a wider collaboration between France’s Ministry of Transport—now under the Ministry of Ecological Transition—and Vinci Autoroutes, the company that finances, designs, builds and operates many motorways in France. Together, they aim to revolutionise greener and cleaner forms of transportation.
Now, a two-kilometre section of the A10 motorway features Electreon’s wireless dynamic charging system, complemented by an additional static wireless charging system at a designated stop en route.
Excitement surrounding the project is high, not only because of its cutting-edge technology but also for its potential to promote eco-friendly transportation.
In a statement shared on social media, Vinci Autoroutes stated:
“World first! Launch of the ‘Charge as you Drive’ project on the A10 highway. This induction system will allow you to recharge without contact and without stopping… This experiment is intended to support the decarbonisation of road freight transport, which represents a significant part of CO2 emissions in the mobility sector. The environmental emergency is indeed pushing us all to find solutions and test them in the field.”
ERS technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of road freight. According to a 2021 report by the French Ministry of Transport, electrifying approximately 8,850 kilometres of France’s roads over the next decade could cut CO2 emissions by up to 87% compared to diesel-powered systems.
The ‘Charge as you Drive’ project marks an important first step in the French government’s long-term plan to position the country as a global leader in green transport innovation, paving the way for broader adoption of ERS technology across Europe and beyond.
It wasn’t just sleek supercars that were drawing the attention of car spotters at the iconic Fairmont Hairpin last week. Stealing some of the limelight was the PAL-V Liberty, a revolutionary hybrid that effortlessly shifts between driving and flying. In Monaco’s world of luxury and innovation, this cutting-edge vehicle is captivating onlookers and piquing the interest of forward-thinking investors.
Robert Dingemanse, CEO and Co-Founder of PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle), was invited to Monaco by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou to address an Air League Monaco event. The occasion allowed this trailblazing entrepreneur to spotlight his Netherlands-based company and its groundbreaking creation, the Liberty, the world’s first commercially available flying car.
With both the testing phase and road certification successfully completed, the focus is now on securing orders for the Liberty. On land, this innovative vehicle seats two passengers, offers a range of 1,315 kilometers and reaches a top speed of 160km/h. Then, in just five minutes, it can transform into a gyroplane capable of flying up to 500 kilometers at a maximum altitude of just over 3,350 metres.
Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti spoke with the man some have dubbed the “Elon Musk of low-altitude flying” to explore the practicality of this groundbreaking concept, which could be in the skies within a year.
The PAL-V Liberty has now completed its roadadmission test. Photo source: PAL-V
Monaco Life: Let’s start with the obvious question: Why a flying car?
Robert Dingemanse: The idea actually originated from something practical. First off, we don’t even call it a “flying car” anymore. Why? Because everything that flies nowadays is called a flying car, which causes confusion.
We’re in the business of sustainable flight-drive solutions. What makes our vehicle unique is that it can fly and drive, which is much more versatile than one that just flies. Flying, especially at low altitudes, hasn’t been a mobility solution so far – it’s been more of a hobby or sport. People fly recreationally on weekends, but they rarely use flying to get somewhere specific.
Our vehicle can take you from door to door by combining flying and driving. With traditional flying, you often leave a car, plane or helicopter behind, and that adds hassle. Another big advantage is weather flexibility. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, which happens often despite forecasts, you can drive part of your journey until it clears up and take off from another location.
This eliminates much of the hassle associated with private flying and makes it a viable mobility option. That’s why the market for flight-drive solutions is much bigger than for helicopters or planes.
Who is looking for this kind of transport solution in their lives?
More than half of our current order book consists of governmental or professional customers. Examples include law enforcement, first responders and water control. One recent application is firefighting. With our vehicle, these experts can fly to the scene quickly, assess the situation from above and direct ground crews more effectively. It’s faster, safer and cheaper than using helicopters.
Similarly, farmers in Australia see the PAL-V as an easy way to get around their property or to travel into town to get supplies. It has numerous applications, depending on people’s needs.
The PAL-V Liberty design. Photo source: PAL-V
You mentioned derivatives of the platform. What does that mean?
The platform we’ve developed allows us to create various versions of the vehicle. The first derivative is the Liberty Pioneer Edition, which is the first commercial flying car ever produced. It’s a limited, numbered edition, and it will likely have historical value in the future. This is what we are exhibiting here in Monaco.
We can also create professional versions for specific uses. For instance, police might need specialised cameras and communication devices, which we can integrate into aviation-certified models.
What about sustainability? What fuels does it use?
The current models use sustainable fuels, like biofuels, or standard gasoline. We’re working with fuel distributors to ensure availability at small airfields for our customers.
In the future, we anticipate moving toward hydrogen, ammonia or hybrid solutions. While battery technology is advancing, it’s not yet viable for flying long distances. A battery-powered version might only fly 50 to 70 kilometers, which isn’t practical.
How practical is it for someone to use the flying car? For example, what about access to airstrips or airports?
The flying car is designed to be highly practical and convenient. Accessing airstrips is often much easier than people realise. In Europe, for instance, there are tens of thousands of small, underutilised airstrips, and in countries like Germany, the average person lives within 20 kilometers of one. Many of these airstrips are rarely used, and in places like the UK, private airstrips exist that haven’t seen activity in years.
Using the flying car typically involves driving a short distance to one of these smaller airfields. Unlike large commercial airports, which require advance scheduling, reserved slots, and strict operational procedures, smaller airfields are much more accessible.
Once you arrive at an airstrip, the transition from driving to flying is quick and seamless. The vehicle switches from car mode to flight mode in just a few minutes. You can then fly to your destination, covering distances of up to 500 kilometers or more, and land at another small airfield nearby. From there, you simply drive to your final destination. This eliminates the need for expensive airport transfers or worrying about leaving vehicles behind.
The PAL-V in flight mode. Photo source: PAL-V
What about regulation? How will this be controlled in terms of airspace?
Our vehicle complies with existing aviation regulations. In the air, it’s considered a standard plane. You can fly in uncontrolled airspace without a flight plan or higher in controlled airspace with one. Most small airstrips don’t require special clearance, so it’s straightforward to operate.
How does someone get certified to fly the PAL-V?
Operation requires a sport pilot license, as it is classified as a light sport aircraft under existing aviation regulations. For someone unfamiliar with flying, the process of obtaining a license is straightforward and similar to getting a private pilot’s license.
The first step is our ground school training, where you’ll learn the basics of aerodynamics, navigation, weather conditions and air traffic rules. This theoretical training is followed by practical flight lessons with an instructor, covering everything from takeoffs and landings to emergency procedures. Depending on the country’s regulations, most individuals need to complete between 20 to 30 hours of flight training to qualify. Finally, you’ll need to pass a written test and a practical flight exam to demonstrate your knowledge and competence.
To make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve partnered with certified aviation schools that offer tailored training programs specifically for our vehicle. These schools ensure that customers not only meet licensing requirements but also feel confident operating a vehicle that seamlessly transitions between flying and driving.
In fact, you will be surprised at just how easy it is to fly a gyroplane and how smoothly it soars through the sky. If you consider that a gyroplane cannot stall and that it practically floats in the air, your flying experience will be relaxed and highly addictive.
What stage are you at in terms of production?
We’ve finished testing. Now we’re focused on production. Everything is being assembled in the Netherlands, with our supply chain sourced entirely from Europe.
The first PAL-V’s are expected to hit the road, and the sky, in a year. Photo source: PAL-V
And the price?
The limited edition starts at €500,000. The standard version will cost between €400,000 and €450,000, depending on the region and specific requirements.
Are there particular regions where demand is higher?
There’s global interest, but we’ve focused initially on Europe. For example, China has shown significant interest, as they’ve identified low-altitude flying as a future market worth trillions. We’re also seeing demand from the Middle East, where we’ve received orders for vehicles to be used as escort vehicles in Dubai.
What’s the timeline for deliveries?
We expect the first operational customers in Europe by 2026. We’ve already sold out the first year of production in the Netherlands.
What’s next for the company?
Our focus is on fulfilling pre-orders, expanding globally and continuing development. We’re also attracting private investors, which is why we’re here in Monaco. Sir Stelios invited us to showcase the vehicle and explore opportunities for partnerships and investment.
What’s been the reaction here in Monaco?
The response has been fantastic. We’ve received serious interest from buyers and potential investors.
You’ve come a long way. When did you start this journey?
We started flying the prototype in 2012. Aviation innovation typically takes two generations, but we’ve managed to bring this to market in about 16 years.
Any final thoughts on where this is headed?
The potential is enormous. We’re ahead of the competition in the flight-drive market and expect this technology to revolutionise mobility. The plan is for the PAL-V to be fully automate in 10 years.
Prince Albert II, the patron of the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, graced the red carpet for the conclusion of the 21st edition over the weekend, joining a host of comedy talents including La Casa en Flames’ Director Dani de la Orden, whose production stole the spotlight by winning both the Best Film Award and the Audience Prize.
The 21st Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie, which took place from 27th to 30th November at the Grimaldi Forum, was a celebration of comedy in film. This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with a great number of top stars and celebrities in attendance and an amazing array of content on display.
2024 winners
This year’s Festival saw Spaniard Dani de la Orden walk away with both the Best Film Award and the Audience Prize for La Casa en Flames, a hilarious story of a divorced mother who lets nothing get in the way of a holiday at the soon-to-be-sold family beach home with her two estranged children.
Other top honours reflected the international scope of the festival: Matthew Rankin received Best Director for the Canadian film Universal Language, praised for its inventive storytelling; Marcelo Subiotto was awarded Best Actor for his amazing performance in the Argentinian film Puan; and Marie Benati’s comedic talent in the English film Paul & Paulette Take a Bath earned her the Best Actress accolade. The Best Comedy in the Short Film category went to the Belgian production Alllégresse, directed by Gillie Cinneri and starring Clara Yelin and Georges Siatidis.
Tributes and special guests
Special tributes and guest appearances added to the final evening’s splendour. Giuseppe Tornatore, the legendary director of the Oscar-winning Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, received the MCFF Award of Excellence, an award presented by Prince Albert II. Peter Chelsom, known for works like A Sudden Case of Christmas and Shall We Dance?, was honoured for his illustrious career, and French legend Andréa Ferréol was celebrated for her 50-year journey in cinema with iconic films like La Grande Bouffe and Le Dernier Métro, as well as for her ongoing contributions to the art form.
Giuseppe Tornatore on stage with Prince Albert II of Monaco at the gala awards ceremony. Photo credit: S. Chiappalone / MCFF
Salvatore Esposito, known for his roles in Fargo and the upcoming series Piedone – Uno Sbirro a Napoli, received a special award and showcased his literary work, Le Streghe di Lourdes. Paola Minaccioni was celebrated for her versatile performances in Italian cinema, while Ricky Memphis, a beloved figure in Italian comedy, was recognised for his enduring popularity.
Rising star Federica Sabatini, noted for her roles in Suburræterna and Prophecy, was awarded the Young Generation Prize, highlighting the festival’s commitment to supporting new talent.
Founded by comedian Ezio Greggio, the festival remains a unique platform for celebrating comedy as a universal language. This year, Marlù Gioielli introduced the Your Words Can Make the Difference award, emphasising the power of words to inspire change and address social issues. Supported by the Italian Embassy and Radio Monte Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Film Festival de la Comédie continues to shine as a global beacon of comedic excellence.
As the curtains close on this year’s edition, the festival’s legacy grows stronger with the promise of another vibrant celebration of laughter and storytelling in 2025.
