48th edition of the Annales Monégasques: A historical deep dive into Prince Albert I’s legacy

18/12/2024

The 2024 edition of the Annales Monégasques, the historical journal of the Palace Archives, has been published. This latest issue continues the exploration of Prince Albert I’s multifaceted life and achievements, presenting the second part of the interdisciplinary colloquium titled The Careers of a Prince – Lives and Territories of Albert I of Monaco (1848-1922).

Within the section Scientific Life and Contributions, the journal delves into Prince Albert I’s enduring ties with the French Academy of Sciences during his 30-year oceanographic career. A particular highlight is an analysis of his collaboration with Portuguese naturalist Francisco Afonso Chaves, viewed through the lens of stereoscopic photography.

In Militancy and Exercises of Power, two articles explore the Prince’s relationship with France, portraying him as a “French” prince who fostered close connections with both the scientific and political circles of Paris and the provinces. His engagement extended to local officials and prefects of the Alpes-Maritimes, reinforcing his role as a bridge between Monaco and its neighbors. Domestically, the Prince grappled with the emerging civic representation movement during the Belle Époque. Initiatives such as the Syndicat d’initiative des intérêts généraux (1907-1909) laid the groundwork for the constitutional reform of 1911.

A significant portion of this issue focuses on Images and Representations of Power. From the beginning of his reign, Albert I emphasised Monaco’s traditions while staging his ascent to the throne to strengthen ties with his subjects. He faced intense caricature during his rule, especially regarding the contentious reputation of the casino. Yet, like his predecessors, Albert I cultivated an institutional image through commemorative coins and medals celebrating key events. His numismatic passion is evidenced by his 1910 acquisition of a collection of Greek coins featuring marine life.

The section Sports and Outdoor Life is particularly timely in this Olympic year, revisiting Monaco’s Olympic debut under Albert I. It was during his reign that Monaco joined the International Olympic Committee, with its athletes participating for the first time in the 1920 Games.

The bibliographic section highlights recent publications on Monaco’s history and the Grimaldi dynasty, ensuring this edition remains a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts.

The 48th issue of the Annales Monégasques is available for €30. Subscriptions, priced at €25, include access to the full online archive dating back to 1977. Visit www.annales-monegasques.mc for more information.

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Photo taken from the front cover of the The 2024 Annales Monégasques, courtesy Palais Princier

Major victory against Bayern Munich puts AS Monaco Basketball atop EuroLeague standings

by: Elsa Carpenter

18/12/2024

AS Monaco Basketball delivered a statement performance on their home court on Tuesday night, defeating Bayern Munich 93-74 in the presence of Prince Albert II. The dominant win, Monaco’s third consecutive EuroLeague triumph, secured the Principality side’s position at the top of the standings, reinforcing their status as a contender for European glory in the 2024/25 season.

The Roca Team showcased their very best basketball against their German rivals on Tuesday 17th December, with eight players posting double-digit efficiency ratings and five scoring 10 or more points.

“We had a slow start and weren’t at the level we expect in the first quarter,” admitted new Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis. “But once the players understood what was needed, they gave everything—offensively and defensively. Everyone played with heart, and we showed why this group is so united.”

Despite the rocky start, AS Monaco Basketball soon surged ahead, with the team’s defensive adjustments and ball movement quickly turning the tide.

Georgios Papagiannis was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 14 points and making history as he crossed the 1,500-point milestone in the EuroLeague. Meanwhile, Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel hit key shots to fuel a 24-5 run that saw Monaco take control of the game.

“Our defense was the difference,” said forward Terry Tarpey. “We locked in after the first quarter, and you could see the results. Offensively, 28 assists show how much we’re sharing the ball. It’s a complete team effort.”

Monaco went into halftime with a 46-40 lead and carried that momentum into the second half.

Dominance in the second half

The Roca Team came out firing in the third quarter, with Mike James leading the charge as Monaco outscored Bayern Munich 31-20. Mam Jaiteh and Donatas Motiejunas dominated inside, while Strazel and Okobo dazzled on the perimeter.

“This is how we want to play every game—tough defense, fast transitions, and unselfish offense,” added Tarpey. “We weren’t great in the first 10 minutes, but the response showed our true identity.”

*Prince Albert II of Monaco was among the Roca Team’s supporters at the game on 17th December. Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball*

With a 77-60 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Spanoulis rotated his bench to give valuable minutes to players like Petr Cornelie and Juhann Begarin, much to the delight of the home fans.

Eyes on Real Madrid

With an 11-5 record in EuroLeague play, the Roca Team now looks ahead to their next challenge: an away clash against Real Madrid on Thursday 19th December.

“Every game in this competition is tough, and Real Madrid will be no exception,” Spanoulis cautioned. “We need to recover, stay focused, and be ready for a big battle.”

Monaco’s recent form, fueled by a cohesive team effort and improved defensive intensity, has firmly established them as a title contender in the EuroLeague.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball

France: Shocking report reveals dangerous levels of pesticide residues in non-organic produce

by: Stephanie Horsman

18/12/2024

A recent report by Générations Futures has revealed alarming levels of pesticide residues in non-organic fruit, vegetables and cereals sold in France. The study, which analysed 1,996 samples from 35 types of food, found that 62% of the samples contained at least one pesticide residue, with 54% having quantifiable amounts.

Générations Futures, an environmental protection association approved by the French Ministry of Ecology since 2008, published the findings of its latest study on 17th December, focusing on “the frequency of detection of pesticide residues in non-organic plant foods and their detection frequencies according to their hazard classes.”

The eye-opening report indicates that fruits are the most likely to contain pesticide residues, with 80% of samples testing positive. Among vegetables, 48% contained residues, while cereals showed a detection rate of 56%. Wines were not exempt from the study, with 73% of samples containing pesticide traces. Certain fruits showed particularly concerning results, with 100% of cherry, 98% of grape and 97% of clementine samples found to contain residues.

Exceeding the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) was most frequent in passion fruit (15%), ready-to-eat olives (13%) and rice (11%).

The study also investigated hazardous substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR). Over half—56%—of the fruits analysed contained at least one CMR pesticide residue, with cherries (90%), limes (88%) and clementines (84%) being the most affected. For vegetables, 23% contained CMR residues, with fennel, salads and zucchini being the most frequently contaminated. Similarly, 32% of wines and 17% of cereals contained CMR residues.

Endocrine disruptors and PFAs residues

Endocrine-disrupting (ED) pesticide residues were also prominent, detected in 67% of fruit samples. Clementines, grapes, plums and cherries had the highest rates, with up to 92% of samples containing endocrine-disrupting substances. Vegetables such as cucumbers, cereals and wines were also frequently contaminated, with rates of 62%, 32%, and 32%, respectively.

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) pesticide residues was another significant finding. These “forever chemicals” were detected in 34% of fruit samples, with cherries and strawberries showing the highest contamination rates. Among vegetables, 21% tested positive for PFAS residues, with cucumbers and endives being the most frequently affected.

Fluopyram, a fungicide in the PFAS chemical family, was identified as the most commonly detected active substance.

Générations Futures has called for immediate action to reduce pesticide residues in food, emphasising the serious health risks posed by CMR, ED and PFAS substances.

See more: Ambition Bio 2027: France’s plan to encourage more people to buy organic produce

The organisation has urged the French government to implement measures supporting organic farming and to promote organic food consumption, particularly in collective catering. Additionally, it has called for the revival of the Ecophyto plan, a French-based European directive that aims to reduce the use of plant protection products by 50% within 10 years through binding targets to significantly reduce pesticide use in agriculture.

The report also underscores the pressing need for regulatory changes to safeguard public health and minimise the environmental impact of chemical pesticides.

Read related:

Exploring Monaco’s organic shopping scene

Photo credit: Roksolana Zasiadko, Unsplash

Winter sun at Lucia Cannes: a chic take on Christmas festivities

by: Niki Borisova

18/12/2024

Lucia Cannes recently invited Monaco Life to swap the Principality for the Croisette in honour of the launch of the beachside bar and restaurant’s new festive experience: Holiday Lucia Sundays.

Just an hour down the coast from Monaco, the famous Croisette of Cannes offers a change of scenery from the skyscrapers of the Principality. The beach in Cannes stretches the length of the iconic promenade, which is backed by world-famous hotels, designer boutiques galore and chic cafes.

Down on the sand, Lucia Cannes is one of the newest beach bar/restaurants to open, but it has quickly established itself as a go-to destination – a place where fresh and inventive cuisine meets a cool vibe.

Following the launch of Chef Yvon Mbiavanga’s winter menu in late November, the beachfront address has started hosting Holiday Lucia Sundays, and Monaco Life went along to the first edition on 15th December to try the concept out.

Blending maximalist tropical chic with bold leopard print patterns and glittering disco balls, the venue is currently sporting a unique and lively décor that’s the perfect alternative to the classic Christmas aesthetic.

The Holiday Lucia Sundays concept, which will run on 22nd and 29th December, is centred around an array of freshly prepared Christmas-inspired dishes and creative workshops for both children and adults. All of it was delicious, but the panettone is a must-try for dessert.

The launch event featured an open-fire cooking demonstration by a chef who formerly worked at Beefbar. There was also a performance by a gospel choir, gift-wrapping workshops and an espresso martini experience.

At the heart of the event was the ‘Generosity Christmas Tree’, a partnership project with Rayon de Soleil, a local Cannes-based charity dedicated to supporting children facing difficulties. Guests were invited to leave wrapped gifts under the tree for families in need, receiving a voucher for mulled wine in return. This thoughtful initiative perfectly captured the spirit of the season.

Festive feasts

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests at Lucia Cannes will be invited to enjoy a specially curated selection of festive dishes, ideal for gatherings with family and friends.

To celebrate the start of the new year, Lucia Cannes will host a celebratory lunch on 1st January, offering elegant dishes and a relaxed environment to mark the arrival of 2025. The address will also host an Epiphany celebration on 5th January, where guests can savour a traditional galette des rois, crafted by pastry chef Justine Gonzales, and champagne.

For corporate gatherings, Lucia Cannes is offering tailored festive lunch options, with menus starting at €60 per person.

For reservations or more information, email reservations.cannes@luciarestaurants.com.

To see more photos of the inaugural Holiday Lucia Sundays event, click on the images below:

Read related:

New restaurant: Lucia Cannes brings Mediterranean fusion to the Croisette

Photos by Monaco Life

Trains now running every 15 minutes along the Côte d’Azur

by: Stephanie Horsman

18/12/2024

Now that a new operator, Sud Azur, has taken over the running of the local train line from Cannes to Menton, passengers are enjoying a substantial increase in services. Since 15th December, there has been a train every 15 minutes between 5.45am and 10pm, including on weekends.

Rail passengers may have noticed that the number of TER trains on the Côte d’Azur, from Cannes to Nice, Monaco, and Menton, has increased.

The frequency of services has actually risen by 75%, with a train now running every quarter of an hour from 5.45am until 10pm every single day of the week, including Sundays.

This new era in train services on the Riviera is the result of a decision to open rail transport to competition. The new regional operator, Sud Azur, a private subsidiary of SNCF, recently took over the local TER network. Transdev is set to follow suit for the Marseille-Nice line next June.

Improvements extend to other lines, with further increases in services between Nice and Drap, Cannes and Grasse, and Les Arcs and Cannes. Furthermore, the operator has pledged to improve on-time performance to 98%, addressing past delays that saw TER trains on the Côte d’Azur ranked last for punctuality in 2023.

“This (extended train service) meets a real need because the train is increasingly asserting itself as the backbone of new modes of transport. Between Nice and Menton, Cannes and Grasse, and Nice, Breil, and Tende, there are 60,000 users per day who choose the train to travel. It is the busiest line in France outside the Île-de-France,” said Jean-Pierre Serrus, Vice President in charge of Transport and Sustainable Mobility for the PACA region, in comments to Monaco Matin.

A €164 million plan is underway to renovate 40 trains by 2026, with 23 already upgraded and two new trains on order, co-funded by Monaco. These changes aim to double peak-hour capacity in the Principality, where trains are often extremely crowded during these periods. Additionally, a new maintenance centre in Nice Saint-Roch will eliminate the need to send trains to Marseille for repairs, boosting operational efficiency.

To top it off, the company has confirmed that ticket and subscription prices will not increase in 2025.

Read related:

All aboard the Eurostar Snow train to the Alps

Photo credit: Stephane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

ISM gala commemorates 30th anniversary and new beginnings in Testimonio II

by: Cassandra Tanti

18/12/2024

The International School of Monaco (ISM) has marked its 30th anniversary with a spectacular gala at the Salle des Etoiles. With Prince Albert II as guest of honour, the occasion celebrated three decades of the school’s contributions to international education in the Principality and its successful transition into a new state-of-the-art campus.

The gala on Tuesday 10th December brought together members of the ISM community, including parents, alumni, staff, and prominent figures from Monaco, in a reflection on the school’s achievements and future ambitions.

*The 30th anniversary gala was held at the Salle des Eotiles*

“The ISM 30th Anniversary Gala provided a spectacular culmination of our capital fundraising campaign for our wonderful new school in Testimonio II,” ISM Director Stuart Bryan told Monaco Life.

“It also brought our entire ISM community together in celebration of 30 years of aspiring to achieve our vision of international education with distinction in everything we do. A huge thank you to the Board of Trustees for hosting the event and to our ISM Gala Committee and dedicated Performing Arts staff for leading and planning every aspect of the entire event.”

*Students performed throughout the evening*

Student performances, spanning from early years to the graduating Year 13 class, were a highlight of the evening and showcased the school’s emphasis on creativity and cultural engagement.

Auctions, led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury and organised under the auspices of Maître Grimaud-Palmero, raised additional funds to support ISM’s continued growth and innovation in education.

*The gala also raised additional funds for the school’s transition to Testimonio II, which took place in September*

The event was co-hosted by Francesca Agostinelli, an Italian entrepreneur and philanthropist, alongside Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and a Monaco resident.

Their contributions lent a polished and professional tone to the celebration, which also saw widespread praise for the efforts of the ISM Gala Committee and Performing Arts staff in ensuring a successful evening.

*Prince Albert II with the gala organisers and MCs.*

Having settled into its new campus earlier this academic year, ISM used the occasion to reflect on its rich history while looking forward to a future of continued distinction in international education.

See also:

Inside the new state-of-the-art International School of Monaco campus

All photos credit: Robert Shack Photography

Day: 18 December 2024

48th edition of the Annales Monégasques: A historical deep dive into Prince Albert I’s legacy