A chapel of rest has been set up at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde in Monaco, allowing residents and visitors to pay their respects to Didier Guillaume, the Principality’s Minister of State, who passed away suddenly on Friday 17th January.
The chapel is open to those wishing to honour his memory and bid a final farewell before his funeral, which is set to take place on Thursday 23rd January, at Monaco’s Cathedral.
The news of Didier Guillaume’s unexpected passing has deeply affected the community in Monaco, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes. To commemorate his service and legacy, a minute of silence was observed across the Principality at 11am on Monday 20th January. This moment allowed residents and officials alike to reflect on his contributions to Monaco during his time in office.
Didier Guillaume’s death has left a significant void within Monaco’s political and social circles. His tenure was marked by a dedication to public service and a deep commitment to the betterment of the Principality. Tributes have continued to pour in from local residents and international dignitaries, underscoring the lasting impact he made during his career.
The Principality has come together in unity during this time of mourning, offering support to his family and loved ones as they prepare for Thursday’s service.
As part of a brand-new series at Monaco Life, Richard McCreery gets behind the wheel of the all-electric Alpine A290 to see if this compact city car has the right balance of looks and specs for day-to-day driving in a place like the Principality.
The French sports car marque Alpine has enjoyed a long relationship with Monaco. In 1973, the Alpine A110 1800 took first, second, third, fifth and sixth in the Monte-Carlo Rally, securing a place in the history books for the brand.
The launch of the new Alpine A110 in 2017 further cemented the carmaker’s reputation for speed, agility and lightness, as they managed to create one of the best sports cars on sale in the world today.
Fast forward to 2025, and Alpine has added a second car to its range: the all-electric A290. It is, however, nothing like the cars of the past.
That doesn’t mean it’s not a good car. In fact, for many people, the new Alpine A290 could be the perfect city runabout—especially in Monaco, where the winding streets can be quite narrow and car park entrances are always filled with various shades of expensive metallic paint. While the fashionable runabouts of choice for Monaco residents might be a Mercedes G-Wagen or a Land Rover Defender, the A290 might have quite a few aces up its sleeve for those who prefer to avoid the stress of driving something the size of a truck.
It was also just awarded European Car of the Year.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
In its relatively small package, it contains a few features that are actually quite desirable. Its looks are both modern and retro, resembling a version of the original Renault 5 from the 1980s, albeit significantly enhanced.
The layout of the four headlights mimics the Alpines of old, and there are several nice details, such as the French tricolore badges and the Alpine-blue strip running across the top of the windows. Anyone who appreciates a luxury product knows that little details can make all the difference.
Inside, the cabin is a step up from the car it is based on, the electric Renault 5. The steering wheel is almost a work of art, with its beautiful blue dial for adjusting the braking regeneration level and a small red button for an extra overtaking boost—the EV equivalent of the NOS seen in the Fast & Furious films. There is also a circular button for toggling between driving modes, perfectly placed so you can switch into Sport mode without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.
Inside the Alpine A290. Photo source: Renault
Elsewhere, the dashboard is swathed in stitched leather, the seats are comfortable without being too sporty, there are physical switches for the air conditioning (thankfully), and the screen is relatively easy to use. The infotainment system offers serious drivers live telemetric data about how the car is performing and even provides coaching tips to improve driving. The battery will take you up to 380km before it needs charging, assuming you drive conservatively. But even if you have a heavy right foot, it’s good to know that it will go from 15% charge to 80% in just 30 minutes—enough time for a coffee and a croissant!
The A290 is more than nippy when you put your foot down—it has more power than the standard R5—and its relatively small size makes it more usable than most of the wide, powerful cars driven around the Principality. You sit quite high up, so you don’t feel too intimidated by larger vehicles, and the steering is light but accurate.
Prices start at under €37,000 and rise to €44,000, depending on the spec you choose, which makes it good value for something that is surprisingly desirable.
The Alpine A290 price starts at under €37,000. Photo credit: Renault
What’s more, this is a car that you’ll want to drive as often as possible. Not only is it relatively practical, nice to look at inside and out, and almost luxurious, it is clearly aimed at people who enjoy being behind the wheel. It will appeal to the owners of Ferraris and Porsches, as well as to the owners of Range Rovers, Bentleys and other large SUVs.
Which other car offers the same combination of retro style, a plush interior and properly sporty dynamics in a small, eco-friendly package? Maybe the MINI, but that design has been around for over 20 years. If you’re looking for a fresh, stylish city car for zipping around town, perhaps it’s time to try something distinctly more Gallic.
The Rosary Chapel in Vence, known locally as the Matisse Chapel due to the legendary artist’s work in designing and decorating the site for its Dominican nuns, has been officially recognised as a French national heritage site. The chapel joins two other iconic sites in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region—the Sainte-Baume sanctuary and Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille—in being newly granted this prestigious status.
Henri Matisse, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists, designed and decorated the Rosary Chapel for the Dominican sisters of Vence during the 1940s. At this point in his life, Matisse was staying at his much-loved Villa Le Rêve in Vence, a place he made his home from 1943 to 1948 after fleeing Nice to avoid the bombings of WWII.
Completed in 1951, the chapel is renowned for its striking design. The white and blue tiled roof and the towering 13-metre wrought iron cross stand as symbols of beauty as well as worship.
Inside, the chapel houses Matisse’s vibrant stained-glass windows and minimalist designs that convey a sense of spiritual serenity. Adjacent to the chapel, a small museum showcases preparatory works by the artist, including drawings, engravings, models, photographs and liturgical vestments. The museum, which also offers stunning views of Vence and the Côte d’Azur, remains closed during the winter months.
The announcement of the Matisse Chapel’s new heritage site status was made by Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, during her visit to the city of Marseille on 16th January.
The recognition of the Matisse Chapel, along with the Sainte-Baume sanctuary and Notre-Dame de la Garde, underscores the cultural and spiritual heritage of the area.
In comments made to France 3, Renaud Muselier, the president of the PACA region, shared, “This recognition is a source of immense pride for our region and a tribute to three places that embody the soul of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. For months, we have worked to ensure that the State recognises the historical, cultural and spiritual importance of these unique sites and that they are thus protected for future generations.”
Now safeguarded as a national heritage site, the Matisse Chapel will remain a cherished landmark, inspiring future generations and preserving the artistic vision of one of France’s greatest artists.
A group of students who may one day enrol at the future school site being built within the Cœur de Carnolès development in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin were recently invited to join Mayor Patrick Cesari and other regional officials in laying the first foundation stones at the site. The name of the school is still to be decided, and Cesari has asked young members of the local population to put forward their ideas in a bid to foster a sense of ownership and involvement among the youth.
On 13th January, the town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin officially began working on a new school project within the larger Cœur de Carnolès site. The establishment will replace the ageing La Plage school group and is to cover a vast 3,000sqm once complete. The facility, which is set to open in time for the start of the 2026/27 academic year, will be home to 14 classrooms designed to accommodate up to 420 students.
The pledging of strong environmental values and practices has been key to getting this project off the ground, and as such, the project will incorporate eco-friendly materials and features into its design, including 225sqm of solar panels.
Additionally, the new school’s design prioritises green spaces and community engagement. The grounds will feature a playful courtyard space, a mini sports stadium to encourage physical activity, and a library with flexible spaces for artistic and educational activities. Classrooms will be bright, spacious, and constructed with health-conscious, ecological materials.
The symbolic laying of the first stone ceremony was attended by Roquebrune’s mayor, Patrick Cesari, along with Alpes-Maritimes Senator Dominique Estrosi-Sassone, local Academic Inspector Malamine Sissoko, and children and teaching staff from La Plage.
Following speeches by the mayor and some of the schoolchildren, the group sealed two time capsules containing drawings and messages, before slotting them safely within the blocks. The time capsules will remain in place for the next 100 years.
The Ville de Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is leading the project, with architectural design by the Vollenweider and Atelier Fernandez group, supported by the Artélia design office.
The €15.5 million project is being funded without the need for loans, thanks to financial contributions from the French government, the Department of the Alpes-Maritimes, Société Publique Locale d’Aménagement (SPLA), Communauté d’Agglomération de la Riviera Française (CARF), and the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF). The ZAC Carnolès itself is contributing €2.5 million to the initiative.
This state-of-the-art school symbolises not only educational advancement, but also a commitment to sustainability and community values, setting a benchmark for future projects in the region.
For more information about the Cœur de Carnolès development, click here.
Monaco’s cherished tradition honouring the Principality’s patron saint, Sainte Dévote, will return this coming weekend. Two days of religious ceremonies, historic rituals and cultural events, including a nighttime drone show, are being planned for the occasion.
The annual Sainte Dévote celebrations, one of the Principality’s oldest traditions, will take place on 26th and 27th January.
The story of Sainte Dévote originates in the early 4th century when Devota, a young Christian from Corsica, was martyred under the Roman Empire during the rule of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. According to legend, her body was secretly taken by fellow Christians and placed on a boat destined for Africa, but adverse winds redirected it to the shores of Monaco.
Her remains are said to have been buried in the Vallon des Gaumates, where a chapel named in her honour still stands today, on 27th January. Over time, Sainte Dévote became a symbol of faith and protection for Monaco, and she was declared the Principality’s patron saint under Honoré II in the 17th century.
One of the highlights of Monaco’s Sainte Dévote celebrations is the tradition of burning a ceremonial boat. This ritual dates back to 1874 and is inspired by another legend linked to the saint: thieves once attempted to steal her relics but were unsuccessful, and the boat used in their escape was captured and burned. This act has since been recreated as a powerful expression of faith and unity.
2025 Sainte Dévote programme
The 2025 celebrations will begin on Sunday 26th January with a traditional mass in Monegasque at the Église de Sainte-Dévote at 10.30am. Later in the day, at around 6.30pm, a procession carrying Sainte Dévote’s relics will start at the Grand Prix chicane and make its way to the chapel.
This will be followed by a Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament at 7pm. At approximately 7.45pm, the ceremonial burning of the boat will take place on Quai Albert Ier, an event presided over by the Princely family.
An eight-minute drone show will follow at 8.15pm, with the display set to illustrate key moments from the life of Sainte Dévote, including her martyrdom and canonisation.
Two public zones will be accessible for these evening events from 5.30pm: the Parvis de la Place Sainte-Dévote and Quai Albert Ier near the swimming pool. Both areas will feature large screens broadcasting the ceremonies live for better visibility.
The festivities will continue on Monday 27th January with a Pontifical Mass at Monaco Cathedral at 10am. The mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Paul-Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, and is usually well-attended by the Princely family, government officials, and key figures from the Principality.
After the service, a procession carrying Sainte Dévote’s relics will wind through Monaco Ville, stopping at the Palais Princier de Monaco for a blessing in view of the Princely family and the public. The procession will conclude at the cathedral, where a final blessing will be given to the sea and fishermen.
The day will end with a candlelit spiritual concert at 6.30pm in the cathedral. Performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, the concert will feature works by Mozart.
AS Monaco Basketball delivered a commanding performance against Nancy over the weekend, securing a 117-96 victory at the Salle Gaston Médecin that takes the Roca Team within touching distance of the Top 3 in the Betclic Elite. The Monaco side showcased their depth and offensive prowess, with every player contributing to a well-controlled game that will no doubt have given the players a morale boost after their defeat to Red Star Belgrade.
Nancy started strong on Sunday 19th January and took an early lead, but Monaco quickly responded through Terry Tarpey, Mike James and Nick Calathes. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Matthew Strazel closed the first quarter with Monaco ahead 30-25.
Juhann Begarin then made a significant impact off the bench, hitting four three-pointers to help his team establish a comfortable 58-46 lead at halftime.
Despite a spirited effort from Nancy’s Walker and Thompson, Monaco maintained control and surpassed the 100-point mark in the final quarter, sealing the win in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Reflecting on the victory, Begarin highlighted the team’s determination to bounce back from its recent defeats in the EuroLeague, saying, “It was a revengeful Monaco today. After a tough week with two EuroLeague defeats, we wanted to return to our standards and show Nancy it wouldn’t be easy. We shot with confidence and capitalised on their defensive gaps. The coach stresses the importance of the collective, and having such depth is crucial in a long season.”
Just days earlier, on Friday 17th January, AS Monaco Basketball had played Red Star Belgrade at their home court in the Serbian capital.
Despite leading for much of the game and having a chance to win in regulation, the Roca Team failed to make the most of their final possession, echoing a previous loss to Bayern Munich in mid-January.
Jaron Blossomgame and Donatas Motiejunas led Monaco’s efforts, but defensive lapses and a costly scoring drought in the second quarter allowed Red Star to take control. Mike James briefly put Monaco ahead in the closing seconds, but the hosts forced overtime and ultimately sealed their 88-82 victory.
The team will next play Virtus Segafredo Bologna away on Thursday 23rd January.
