UNESCO adds 63 new cultural traditions to heritage list

28/12/2024

UNESCO has expanded its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, adding 63 new traditions and practices during its 19th session in Asunción, Paraguay. This brings the total number of recognised cultural elements to 788, each showcasing the richness and diversity of global traditions.

Some highlights from this year’s additions include France’s craftsmanship of Parisian roofers and ornament makers, celebrated for their artistry and skill, and the fairground culture shared by France and Belgium. UNESCO recognises the cultural importance of this funfair community that, every year, from February through November, travels around following a set itinerary, returning to the same places. Hosted by local authorities, they install their attractions – food stalls, games and rides – in a public space, where they stay anywhere from one day to several weeks. The attractions – an integral part of the funfair heritage – are preserved and used by the same family over several generations.

It is one of the many traditions recognised by UNESCO that highlight the importance of community, cultural diversity, and preserving historical practices for the future.

Also making the list are collaborative entries like ‘Henna: rituals, aesthetics, and social practices’, submitted by the United Arab Emirates and 15 other countries. Recognition was also given to traditions in conflict-affected areas, such as Ukraine’s ‘pysanka’ egg-decorating art and Palestine’s centuries-old tradition of making Nablus soap, emphasising resilience and cultural preservation under challenging conditions.

Representing Monaco at the session was Séverine Dusaintpere, Deputy Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. Monaco, a signatory of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, plays an active role in protecting living traditions and contributes to UNESCO’s heritage fund. The Principality’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to preserving culture worldwide.

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage was held from 2nd to 7th December.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Historic de Gaulle auction achieves record-breaking success in Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti

27/12/2024

A monumental auction dedicated to the writings and personal items of General Charles de Gaulle captivated bidders in Paris, achieving a remarkable total of €5.6 million. Organised by Artcurial and featuring items from the estate of de Gaulle’s son, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle, the sale saw all 318 lots snapped up, with numerous acquisitions made by prestigious French institutions.

The auction, which took place on Monday 16th December after a 10-day exhibition at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault that welcomed 5,000 visitors, drew a full house of over 200 attendees, 1,500 registered online bidders, and hundreds more watching via YouTube. With an atmosphere as charged as its historical significance, the sale quickly turned into a record-setting event. Notably, the LIP Calibre R 27 “Patent Pending” watch, worn by de Gaulle himself, became the highlight of the evening, fetching an extraordinary €537,920 and setting a world record for the famed French watchmaker.

A chronological journey through de Gaulle’s legacy

The auction was nothing short of a walk through history, tracing Charles de Gaulle’s life from his youth to his time as a key figure on the world stage. A small lead toy soldier from his childhood set the tone, selling for €6,560—more than 20 times its estimate.

Other highlights included a manuscript titled Campagne d’Allemagne, written by a 14-year-old Charles de Gaulle in 1905, which imagined a victorious “General de Gaulle” defeating the German enemy. It soared to €28,864 within minutes. His high school report card and baccalaureate diploma also sparked fierce bidding, achieving €52,480 and €41,984, respectively.

The sale continued to reveal rare and deeply personal pieces. The National Library of France (BnF) secured de Gaulle’s 1920 Campaign of Poland manuscript for €62,976 and his 1950 notes on the organisation of Free France for €104,960. A particularly moving lot—a letter to his wife Yvonne written after the Liberation of Paris, beginning with “Ma chère petite femme chérie”—was claimed by the French National Archives for €31,488.

One of the most touching pieces was a signed manuscript titled Pour mes obsèques (For my funeral), dated January 1952, which fetched €118,080.

Symbolic treasures and personal connections

The auction also included treasured objects from de Gaulle’s personal life and relationships. A vermeil Companion of the Liberation insignia achieved €34,112, while a Baccarat crystal rooster belonging to the General was sold for €65,600. The silver-bound Annuaire des Compagnons (Companions of the Liberation Directory), gifted to de Gaulle in 1945, was acquired by the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération for €65,600.

Letters from notable figures also featured prominently. A heartfelt 1947 letter from Joséphine Baker, signed “Votre fidèle et sale Gaulliste soldat Joséphine Baker,” sold for €26,240, while a handwritten note from Winston Churchill during his time as Prime Minister fetched €107,584.

A sale for the ages

The auction’s finale was its crowning moment, with General de Gaulle’s iconic LIP Calibre R 27 watch smashing expectations and achieving €537,920—an unprecedented world record for a LIP timepiece.

In total, the sale was a resounding success, with 135 acquisitions made by major institutions, including the BnF, National Archives, the Ministry of the Armed Forces, and the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération. Adding to its significance, part of the proceeds will benefit the Fondation Anne de Gaulle.

Photo source: Artcurial

Monte-Carlo SBM reveals name of new Courchevel hotel and international brand

by: Cassandra Tanti

27/12/2024

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) has announced that its new hotel in Courchevel 1850 will be named Monte-Carlo One – Courchevel. The reveal also marks the launch of the company’s international brand, Monte-Carlo One – Hotels & Residences, which will spearhead SBM’s expansion into the global luxury market.

The announcement comes one year after SBM acquired the iconic Palace des Neiges in Courchevel, as part of ambitions to extend its Monte-Carlo lifestyle to destinations beyond Monaco. This new identity ties the property to its roots in Monaco’s Place du Casino while setting the stage for a fresh era of international development.

A name that bridges legacy and future

“Monte-Carlo One” reflects SBM’s vision for a new chapter of ultra-luxury hospitality, combining tradition with innovation. Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of SBM, explained that the “One” evokes the modern, sophisticated aesthetic of Monaco’s One Monte-Carlo district, which stands at the heart of the principality alongside the famed Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and the newly renovated Café de Paris.

Under the “Monte-Carlo One” banner, each hotel and residence will carry a distinct character informed by its location, while adhering to SBM’s renowned standards of elegance, exclusivity, and world-class service.

Courchevel’s latest luxury address

The Monte-Carlo One – Courchevel hotel will open in the Jardin Alpin area for the 2026/2027 winter season. Designed by the acclaimed Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the property promises to combine cutting-edge design with environmental sustainability, aligning with SBM’s commitment to responsible luxury.

Courchevel Mayor Jean-Yves Pachod has welcomed SBM’s investment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Monte-Carlo One – Courchevel, an ambitious project that is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of excellence and refinement of Courchevel… We can’t wait to see this new prestigious hotel establishment enhance the exceptional offer of our region, particularly in the run-up to the Winter Olympics in 2030.”

A global vision for Monte-Carlo excellence

The launch of the Monte-Carlo One – Hotels & Residences brand signifies SBM’s strategic push to establish its presence in leading international destinations. Known for its historic ties to the Principality of Monaco, SBM is now looking to bring its expertise in luxury hospitality to where its clientele travels most, promising bespoke experiences inspired by its 160-year legacy.

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. 

Image of Monte-Carlo One – Courcheval by Herzog & de Meuron

2025 brings ID checks to France’s public transport to curb fare evasion

by: Stephanie Horsman

27/12/2024

Starting in 2025, taking public transport in France will come with a new rule: passengers caught without a valid ticket must provide proof of identity and address. This bold move, part of the government’s crackdown on fare evasion and security breaches, gives transport agents unprecedented authority to verify personal details, ensuring every traveller is accountable.

France’s new public transportation rules, coming into effect from the start of 2025, empower authorities to verify the identity and address of passengers caught without a valid ticket.

Sworn transport agents will be authorised to collect personal data, including name, date of birth, and address, from offenders. They may also cross-check this information with public administration and social security databases to confirm its accuracy.

This initiative stems from the broader Le Roux-Savary Law enacted in 2016, which allows transport companies to link tickets to passengers’ identities. This ensures that each traveller can be held accountable for their ticket and any potential violations. Passengers must carry documentation proving their identity and address to comply with the new measures.

The scheme aims to address the persistent issue of fare evasion. Under this legal framework, the government not only seeks to curb fraud but also to enhance overall security on public transport by enabling better identification of individuals involved in public safety incidents.

Photo by Monaco Life

Europe’s hottest property markets to watch in 2025

by: Elsa Carpenter

27/12/2024

Prices in luxury markets across the continent, including here in Monaco, are expected to rise in 2025, driven by a combination of low inflation, low interest rates and the enduring appeal of Europe’s most dynamic and affluent cities.

According to Knight Frank’s European Prime Residential Forecast for 2025, all of the agency’s Top 10 tracked markets on the continent are expected to see price growth over the next 12 months.

“Low growth, low inflation and low interest rates define Europe’s outlook for 2025. While challenges remain, our 2025 Prime Residential Price Forecast reveals continued growth in key luxury residential markets,” notes Kate Everett-Allen, Head of European Residential Research at Knight Frank.

She continues, “Economic growth may not significantly drive wealth creation in the region, but tax and policy changes abroad are expected to attract global wealth to Europe. Recognised for its stability, transparency, excellent education and high quality of life, Europe remains a magnet for affluent investors.”

Leading the charge is Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, where prime property prices are anticipated to increase by 6%. Spain’s Marbella and Madrid complete the Top 3, with expected price growth of 5% each, ahead of the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where Knight Frank predicts a rise of 4.5%.

Next is the Principality of Monaco, with Knight Frank forecasting price growth of 4% across the microstate in 2025.

A key contributor to this will likely be the final sales of properties within the €2 billion Mareterra development. Most units have already been snapped up – some reportedly commanding upwards of €100,000 per square metre – but a few still remain on the market. Supply and demand remain a tricky balance in Monaco, with demand consistently outstripping supply due to the nation’s limited land area.

Rounding out the hottest Top 10 prime markets in Europe for 2025 are Milan, Geneva, Paris, the Côte d’Azur and London, with expected price growth ranging from 3.5% to 2%.

Read related:

The mighty Mareterra: Prince Albert II inaugurates “his vision” of sustainable urban development

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

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Monaco’s ambassador presents credentials to the co-prince of Andorra

by: Cassandra Tanti

27/12/2024

Monaco’s Ambassador to Andorra, Valérie Bruell-Melchior, has officially presented her credentials to Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília, the Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra. The formal ceremony took place in the Throne Room of the Episcopal Palace in La Seu d’Urgell, the residence of the Co-Prince.

The event on 29th November was attended by Imma Tor Faus, Andorra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Josep Maria Mauri Prior, the Co-Prince’s personal representative. Following the credential presentation, a private meeting was held between Archbishop Vives i Sicília and Ambassador Bruell-Melchior.

During their discussion, the Co-Prince extended his greetings to Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, along with well-wishes for Prince Hereditary Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong ties between Monaco and Andorra, which are built on mutual values and friendship.

Both principalities maintain close collaboration, particularly following the signing of a General Cooperation Memorandum in 2022 that has further strengthened bilateral relations.

Photo: Valérie Bruell-Melchior, Monaco’s Ambassador to Andorra, presenting her credentials to Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília, Bishop of Urgell and Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra. Source: Monaco Department of Communication

Month: December 2024

UNESCO adds 63 new cultural traditions to heritage list