14 ° C
Profile

Day: 31 December 2024

Key dates for the winter sales in Monaco and France

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/12/2024

The eagerly anticipated soldes d’hiver, or winter sales, are set to begin very soon, with specific dates varying depending on your location. Here’s what to expect in Monaco and France for the 2025 sales season, along with important consumer rights to keep in mind.

Now that the holiday gift-buying frenzy has ended, shoppers can look forward to filling in the gaps on their Christmas wish lists by taking advantage of the annual winter sales in Monaco and France. This highly anticipated event offers the chance to score serious bargains on items from popular brands and stores across the region.

In Monaco, the winter sales officially kick off on 2nd January for all businesses, except sporting goods stores. These regulated sales periods, which occur twice a year, are established by ministerial decree. For 2025, Monaco’s winter sales will run until 15th February.

Monaco has a slight head start compared to France, where the sales traditionally begin on the second Wednesday of January. However, if this date falls after 12th January, the start date is moved to the first Wednesday. For 2025, the winter sales in most of France will begin on the morning of 8th January and will end on 4th February. Special provisions apply to the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle and Vosges, where the sales start earlier, on 2nd January, and conclude on 29th January.

Shoppers should be aware of their rights during the sales period. According to the Ministry of the Economy, items purchased on sale are subject to the same guarantees as non-sale items. For example, it is illegal to limit warranties on sale products, and buyers are protected against hidden defects, lack of conformity and after-sales issues. Consumers can request a refund or replacement in such cases.

However, if there are no defects, sellers are not legally required to provide exchanges or refunds, though many do as a courtesy. Any advertised store policies, such as returns or exchanges, must be honoured. To avoid misunderstandings, it’s always wise to check store policies before making a purchase.

Additionally, products advertised as on sale must have been offered for sale and paid for by the seller at least one month before the sales period begins. Retailers are not allowed to restock during these sales, unlike during promotional periods.

 

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 by Monaco Life

IPBES nexus assessment: Fragmented governance puts biodiversity, climate, and health at risk

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/12/2024

A major report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlights the severe risks posed by fragmented governance across biodiversity, climate change, food, water, and health. The ‘nexus assessment’ warns that addressing these issues in isolation exacerbates their interconnected challenges, undermining both planetary and human well-being.

The report stresses that biodiversity is vital for food and water security, public health, and climate stability. However, biodiversity has declined significantly over the last half-century due to human activity, including unsustainable land use, pollution, and climate change. This loss compounds other crises, with the absence of cohesive policies leading to unintended trade-offs. For instance, unsustainable agricultural practices aimed at food security often harm biodiversity and water resources while driving climate change.

Professor Pam McElwee, co-chair of the report, emphasised the need for integrated approaches, stating, “These are interlinked crises… Treating them as single-issue problems wastes resources and worsens outcomes.”

Co-chair Professor Paula Harrison added that fragmented governance, with departments operating in silos, fails to address these interdependencies, causing policies to contradict or duplicate one another.

The report identifies actionable solutions, including transitioning to sustainable diets, reducing food waste, and investing in ecosystem restoration. These measures, it says, can simultaneously combat biodiversity loss and climate change while improving health and food security. Protecting ecosystems such as forests, peatlands, and marine areas could yield significant co-benefits, but achieving these goals requires cohesive, globally aligned strategies.

Financial reforms are also critical. The report notes that funding for activities harming nature vastly outpaces investments in its preservation. It calls for regulatory changes to incentivize biodiversity-friendly practices and redirect resources towards sustainable development.

IPBES aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, offering evidence-based solutions to protect biodiversity while achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement targets.

See also: 

IPBES releases Value of Nature report

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 of Nyingchi, Tibet, China by Chenhsi Duan on Unsplash

 

AS Monaco Basketball: all the home and away games this January

by: Elsa Carpenter
31/12/2024

The Roca Team has been on a strong run lately, with recent games producing commanding victories for the Monaco side against Limoges in the Betclic Elite and Anadolu Efes in the EuroLeague. The players, along with their new head coach, Vassilis Spanoulis, will be looking to maintain this winning momentum as they head into the new year, which will see them play no fewer than 11 games in January alone.

Here’s a breakdown of all the upcoming fixtures, from home games at the Salle Gaston Médecin to challenging away matches against some of Europe’s top teams.

On 2nd January, AS Monaco Basket will take on the EuroLeague’s bottom-placed ALBA Berlin at home. This will be followed by another home fixture against Élan Chalon on 5th January in the Betclic Elite. The third consecutive home game will see the EuroLeague’s FC Barcelona visit Monaco to face the Roca Team on 9th January.

Monaco will then hit the road for three consecutive away games: against Nanterre in the Betclic Elite on 11th January, against FC Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague on 15th January, and then against Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, also in the EuroLeague, on 17th January.

The team will return to the Salle Gaston Médecin for a Betclic Elite matchup with Nancy on 19th January before heading back on the road. They’ll face Virtus Bologna in the EuroLeague on 23rd January and Le Mans in the Betclic Elite on 26th January.

The month will conclude with a high-stakes home fixture on 31st January, as Monaco hosts Real Madrid in the EuroLeague.

For more details on the upcoming games or to reserve tickets to any of the home dates, click here.

Read related:

Vassilis Spanoulis confirmed as new Head Coach of AS Monaco Basket

 

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 credit: Anna Sullivan on Unsplash

Partial swimming ban in Larvotto for four months

by: Elsa Carpenter
31/12/2024

For the first four months of 2025, swimming in the waters off Larvotto Beach will be prohibited as the Monaco Government carries out essential coastal stabilisation and protection projects ahead of the summer season. The beach will, however, remain open for the duration of the operations.

Between 2nd January and 30th April 2025, swimmers will be unable to access the waters off Larvotto Beach as the government undertakes a series of protective undertakings designed to reinforce the beach and prevent erosion.

The section between the central groyne and the eastern edge of the beach will be most affected, as workers will be removing the geotubes currently in place and replacing them with eco-designed rock islets. These structures are intended to curb erosion and limit the formation of sand mounds, an issue that has affected the area in recent years. Similar projects are scheduled for the western part of the beach in 2026.

As the operations will largely be carried out in the water, a temporary swimming ban will be in effect for the duration of the work to ensure public safety. The restricted zone will be clearly marked for beachgoers.

In addition, retention nets will be installed to protect the adjacent marine reserve from sediment displacement, helping to preserve the site’s biodiversity.

Despite the operations, the beach itself will remain accessible to the public, and all restaurants and shops within the Larvotto complex will continue to operate without any restrictions.

These measures are part of ongoing efforts to secure Monaco’s coastline and enhance its resilience to environmental changes.

Read related:

A guide to Monaco’s four secret swimming spots

 

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: Monaco Communications Department

End of inter-lane circulation for motorbikes

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/12/2024

After years of trial and debate, the experimental authorisation of inter-lane circulation for two- and three-wheeled motorised vehicles in France is set to end on 31st December 2024. From 1st January 2025, motorcyclists will no longer be permitted to weave between vehicles during dense traffic, marking a return to standard road regulations under the Highway Code.

First introduced in 2016 in select areas and expanded in 2021 to 21 departments, including the Var and Alpes-Maritimes, inter-lane circulation (CIF) was allowed as part of a national effort to evaluate its potential to ease congestion and improve safety. However, despite years of experimentation, no conclusive data has emerged to justify its permanent integration into French road laws.

The announcement has sparked confusion and concern among motorbike advocacy groups, who argue that the practice has tangible benefits, including reduced travel times, lower emissions, and improved safety for riders when conducted within the established rules. Laurent, a member of the Fédération Française des Motards en Colère, told France 3, “Inter-lane circulation lets riders escape traffic safely. Most riders follow the rules, and the system works well.”

Mixed safety results and enforcement

Despite its perceived advantages, CIF has not been without challenges. In the Alpes-Maritimes, motorcyclists accounted for more than half of the 55 road fatalities in 2024. Authorities attribute these accidents to speeding, reckless behaviour, and substance use. 

Starting in January 2025, motorcyclists caught practicing inter-lane circulation will face penalties, including a €135 fine and the loss of three points on their driving license. This enforcement marks a significant shift for riders accustomed to the trial’s flexibility.

A conclusive report on the trial is expected soon, but it may come too late to influence the decision.

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 credit: Anna Sullivan on Unsplash

Mark your calendars: Monaco’s public holidays for 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/12/2024

Wondering when Monaco’s public holidays fall in 2025? The Principality has a rich calendar of jours fériés, offering residents and workers compensated days off to enjoy special traditions, cultural events, and national celebrations. From New Year’s Day to Christmas, here’s a breakdown of the dates to look forward to in the coming year.

Monaco has a significant list of jours fériés – public holidays in English – that give workers a compensated day away from the office for days deemed special by the government. These days do not impact an employee’s overall yearly entitled leave and can be traditional, cultural, religious or national in nature. They reflect the Principality’s commitment to worker welfare and to guaranteeing special days and events can be enjoyed by all. In 2025, there are a number of such days. 

It all begins with Le Jour de l’An (New Year’s Day) on Wednesday 1st January, marking the start of the new year. Later in the month, on Monday 27th January, Monaco celebrates Sainte Dévote Day, dedicated to the Principality’s patron saint and punctuated with religious ceremonies and fun festivities such as the bonfire in front of the saint’s namesake chapel. 

In 2025, Easter Monday falls on  21st April, a significant Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Christ and a day often marked by family gatherings. 

May brings two important holidays. Le 1er Mai, or Labour Day, on Thursday 1st May, is a day to celebrate workers’ rights and achievements followed on the Thursday 29th May by Ascension Day, which will is another Christian event that celebrates Christ’s ascension into heaven. Both of these days land on Thursdays, and many employers allow workers to faire le pont, or make a bridge which gives them a four-day weekend. 

June also features two major holidays. Whit Monday is Monday 9th June, marking the day after Pentecost, which celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit. Then on Thursday 19th June, Corpus Christi will honour the Eucharist with religious observances and is another Thursday event which means the possibility for some to enjoy a long weekend. 

In the summer, Monaco observes Assumption Day on Friday 15th August, a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s ascending into heaven and which sees special religious services, often attended by the Prince and his family. 

November begins with All Saints’ Day on Saturday 1st November, a time to honour ancestors and departed loved ones. Legend has it that the “veil” between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest on this day, giving people their best shot at connecting with those who have passed. 

Up next is Monaco’s most patriotic celebration, La Fête du Prince or National Day. This takes place on Wednesday 19th November, with parades, ceremonies, and festivities celebrating the nation. National Day changes depending on the current Prince, and usually comes on the Prince’s saint’s day. In the case of Albert II, he kept the same day as his father in a loving tribute to his legacy.

The year concludes with the December holidays. The Immaculate Conception will be observed on Monday 8th December, in another Catholic feast honouring the Virgin Mary. Finally, Christmas Day will come on Thursday 25th December, bringing families together in a time of festivities and celebrations as the old year wanes and the new one approaches.  

These holidays provide opportunities for both solemn reflection and joyous celebration, making them important dates for residents and visitors to remember.

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 credit: Blessing Ri on Unsplash