In a significant gesture marking the Jubilee Year 2025, Monaco has issued a commemorative stamp featuring the official logo of the Jubilee, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, symbolising its deep connection to this sacred occasion.
On 18th December, His Excellency Philippe Orengo, Monaco’s Ambassador to the Holy See, had the honour of personally presenting this unique philatelic creation to His Holiness Pope Francis. The presentation included a triptych specially designed for the Pope, containing the commemorative stamp, a first-day-of-issue envelope, and a block of 10 stamps adorned with illuminations referencing the Jubilee Year 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis.
A numbered collector’s piece, symbolically bearing the number 2025, was also gifted. This exclusive item features the Jubilee stamp alongside stamps issued for the Jubilee Year 2000, showcasing depictions of the Twelve Apostles.
The heartfelt gesture was designed to reflect Monaco’s commitment to its Catholic heritage and its reverence for this milestone in the life of the Church.
The Jubilee festivities in Monaco will formally begin on 11th January 2025 with a special ceremony at the Cathedral of Monaco. The commemorative stamp is available for collectors and enthusiasts through the Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste (OETP).
The long-delayed Col de Tende Tunnel, a vital cross-border link between the Roya Valley in the Alpes-Maritimes and Piedmont in Italy, is finally approaching the finish line. During a recent visit to the site, France’s newly appointed Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that the tunnel is set to open to the public in June, following a trial launch in early spring.
Tabarot’s visit to the Roya Valley on 4th January heralds the imminent end to the long-term works on the tunnel, which began in 2014. As the initial project, already behind schedule due to a series of delays, neared completion, the tunnel experienced a devastating setback when Storm Alex swept through the region in 2020, washing away historic landmarks and vital infrastructure alike.
For the past four years, residents in the Roya Valley and the neighbouring Piedmont region in Italy have been forced to manage their daily lives without the tunnel connection—an underground road link that provided access between the communes located on either side of a mountain range impassable during the winter months. During the summer, the La Ça Canelle route offers an alternative to the tunnel but it is a lengthy and winding detour.
Now, more than a decade since renovations to the tunnel—first opened in 1882—began, the end is in sight.
Joined by a coterie of local officials including Patrick Amoussou-Adéblé, Secretary General of the Prefecture; Mayor of Tende Jean-Pierre Vassallo and Italian representatives, French Transport Minister Tabarot announced that the tunnel will reopen in June, following a trial period set to begin in either late March or early April.
Speaking to France 3, Mayor Vassallo said, “This is the big news. For me, it is the Christmas present for the valley. You should know that since 2013, no minister or prefect has come to see the Col de Tende Tunnel.”
The site visit, which was Tabarot’s first official engagement outside of the Paris region since his appointment, saw the minister taken on a cross-border tour along the length of the structure.
“The Italian authorities told us how essential the end of the tunnel was for the economy of their valley and the Po Valley, [and] we reminded them how important it was for the Roya Valley,” he declared.
The former senator from the Alpes-Maritimes added that the Tende Tunnel is a top priority and sought to address the persistent delays that have plagued the project, vowing to “get out of the impasse that the Col de Tende Tunnel has become.”
The final stages of construction, which must be completed ahead of the soft launch, involve finishing the last 800 metres of the tunnel on the French side and installing lighting, ventilation and safety systems, as well as completing sidewalks.
As the countdown to June begins, the Tende Tunnel’s completion could finally bring relief to the region, reconnecting communities and reinvigorating local economies on both sides of the border.
The 47th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival will bring together global circus artists and emerging talents for a week of competitions and performances under the Chapiteau de Fontvieille this January.
The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival is set to take place from 17th to 26th January under the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco. This year’s edition will be combining the festival’s signature performances with the 12th New Generation competition for young circus talents.
With artists hailing from around the globe, the event will showcase some of the greatest talents in the circus world, all competing for the Golden Clown award, the highest distinction in circus arts. Organisers have announced that several records are expected to be broken during this year’s programme.
2025 programme
The official programme for the 47th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival features an exciting lineup of events. The festival opens on January 17th at 8pm with the first Competition Show and continues on 18th Januarywith a second Competition Show at 2:30pm, followed by another showing of the first programme. On 19th January, a reduced-price two-hour show is scheduled in the morning, with the second programme of the Competition Show taking place later on.
A special Ecumenical Celebration will be held in the Chapiteau on the 20th January at 7pm. The Awards Gala Evening, including the presentation of the Golden Clown and other distinctions, will take place on the 21st January. Winner’s Shows will follow on the 22nd January in the afternoon and in the evening, as well as on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th January. On the 25th January, a reduced-price two-hour show will also be held. The festival concludes on the 26th January with Winner’s Shows.
For the first time, the festival will fully integrate the New Generation competition into its programme, offering a unique opportunity for rising stars of the circus world to compete alongside seasoned professionals. Young performers will vie for Gold Junior, Silver Junior, and Bronze Junior prizes, judged by a panel of international experts.
Tickets for the festival, which start at €20, are now available for purchase. For more information, click here: https://www.montecarlofestival.mc/en/.
This coming weekend, Monaco’s Espace Léo Ferré will welcome some 165 cats to the International Cat Show, an event organised by the De Gati De Mùnegu association. More than 20 different breeds are expected to be on display, from Maine Coons to Persian and Siberian felines.
On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th January, some of the world’s most beautiful cats and their handlers will be taking part in the eighth Exposition Féline Internationale de Monaco at the Espace Léo Ferré.
In total, 165 cats and more than 80 breeders will participate in the showcase, with 23 different breeds represented, from Maine Coons, Scottish Folds, Devon Rexes and Chartreux cats to Persians, Bengals, Abyssinians, Somalis, Ragdolls, Siberians, Siamese and Turkish Angoras.
Seven respected judges from countries across the globe—including France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland and the US—will crown the winning felines in both Loof and Tica categories. Special Coup de Cœur prizes will also be awarded to the judges’ personal favourites.
The event will run from 10am to 6pm each day. Tickets are priced at €10 for visitors aged 13 and over, €5 for children aged six to 13 and free for children under six.
Monaco has long been synonymous with luxury and excellence, so it’s only fitting that residents and readers of Monaco Life approach the new year with the same ethos.
In 2025, health and performance are no longer just about physical fitness or fleeting resolutions—they’re about crafting a sustainable, balanced lifestyle that helps you thrive in every aspect of life. Let this be the year you embrace peak performance and mental fitness. Here’s your guide to starting strong and being able to maintain it!
Traditional New Year’s resolutions often rely on willpower and vague intentions—“I’ll get fitter” or “I’ll work less”—which is why so many fall by the wayside within weeks. The key to meaningful, lasting change lies in shifting the focus from outcomes to identity.
Instead of setting rigid goals, try identity-based behaviour change. For example, instead of saying you’re going to “run a marathon”, adopt the mindset: “I’m someone who enjoys running”. This approach makes habits feel natural rather than forced. Then build up to running that marathon with enjoyment, rather than going through hell.
The other game-changer I’ve found is setting micro-resolutions. These are small, manageable habits—like committing to a daily five-minute stretch or switching to herbal tea after dinner—that can snowball into significant transformation over time.
Actionable tip for Monaco Life readers: Incorporate change seamlessly into your daily routine. Whether it’s walking Monaco’s coastal paths or choosing to skip a breakfast or two for some intermittent fasting benefits, embrace changes that feel aligned with the health-conscious Monaco lifestyle.
Photo credit: Chelsea Gates, Unsplash
2. Mental Fitness: The Missing Link in Health and Performance
In the relentless pursuit of success, mental fitness often takes a backseat. Yet it’s the foundation of resilience, clarity, and focus—all essential for thriving in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
Mental fitness is about more than just managing stress—it’s about training your brain for optimal performance. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation and gratitude journaling have been proven to boost emotional regulation and cognitive function. Emerging technologies, such as neurofeedback and wearables like Muse, take mental fitness training to the next level, offering real-time insights into your brain’s activity.
Actionable tip to be a high achiever: Dedicate 10 minutes each morning to a mindfulness practice. Whether you prefer guided meditation apps like Calm or simply a moment of stillness overlooking the Mediterranean, these practices can recalibrate your mind for a more productive day.
Photo by Monaco Life
3. Fueling the Body and Mind: Nutrition for Peak Performance
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s a tool for enhancing physical and cognitive performance. As Monaco residents already appreciate fine dining, the next step is to embrace functional nutrition.
Focus on foods that enhance brain health and energy levels. Incorporate omega-3-rich options like salmon and walnuts, antioxidants from berries and dark chocolate, and magnesium-rich greens such as spinach and kale. Functional drinks like adaptogenic teas or nootropic-infused smoothies are also good. You no longer have to replace the taste with health, as you have so many great options in most stores around Monaco.
Emerging trend: Personalised nutrition is revolutionising health. Services that analyse your DNA and gut microbiome, such as Viome or Zoe, can help tailor a diet uniquely suited to your body.
Actionable tip for Monaco’s food enthusiasts: Visit one of Monaco’s organic markets or high-end grocers to stock up on brain-boosting ingredients. Pair these with some free vitamin D every morning for a naturally health-enhancing day.
Excercise at Larvotto beach. Photo by Monaco Life
4. Movement as Medicine: The Science of Intentional Exercise
Exercise is more than a path to physical fitness—it’s a daily prescription for better mental health, longevity, and energy. The modern approach to fitness emphasises intentional movement, combining strength, flexibility, and recovery into a balanced routine.
The beauty of Monaco is its natural playground: coastal trails for running, marinas for paddleboarding, and fitness centers for personalised workouts. Even short bursts of activity, micro workouts between calls, or taking the stairs over the escalator like Rocky Balboa can keep energy and productivity high throughout the day.
Emerging trend: Hybrid fitness routines are gaining popularity. These mix traditional workouts with recovery-focused practices like yoga, stretching, or low-impact activities.
Actionable tip to turbo charge your day: Schedule movement into your day. A morning swim at Larvotto Beach or a brisk walk in Le Rocher can energise you before meetings or social events.
Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev, Unsplash
5. Digital Wellness in a Hyperconnected World
Monaco may be known for luxury and exclusivity, but even here, the pull of screens and constant connectivity can take a toll. The overuse of technology is linked to anxiety, disrupted sleep, and reduced productivity.
Digital wellness is about taking control of your tech habits. Tools like screen time trackers and apps like Forest help encourage focus, while blue light-blocking glasses or evening digital detoxes can improve sleep.
Actionable Tip for the connected professional: Implement a “digital sunset” every evening. Power down devices an hour before bed and replace them with screen-free relaxation activities like reading, journaling, or simply enjoying the night view over the Riviera.
6. The Art of Recovery: Why Rest is the New Hustle
In the Principality’s high-performance culture, it’s easy to equate success with constant action. But rest and recovery are the secret weapons of true achievers. From sleep optimisation to stress reduction, recovery is where progress happens.
The importance of quality sleep can’t be overstated. It’s during sleep that your body repairs, your brain processes information, and your performance resets for the next day.
Emerging trend: Recovery tools like the Oura Ring and Eight Sleep mattresses provide insights into your sleep cycles and recovery needs. Monaco’s luxury spas and wellness centers also offer cutting-edge treatments, from cryotherapy to infrared saunas.
Actionable tip for the night owls: Create a bedtime ritual. Wind down with calming scents like lavender, dim lighting, and perhaps a soothing herbal tea before heading off to snooze town.
Photo credit: Andres Urena, Unsplash
7. Future-Proofing Your Health: Trends to Watch in 2025
The health and performance landscape is evolving, and you are perfectly positioned to benefit from emerging innovations. Here are three key trends to watch:
• Wearable Tech: Devices like WHOOP and Fitbit are becoming more advanced, offering insights into everything from heart rate variability to sleep quality.
• AI-Driven Health Coaching: AI is making personalised health advice more accessible, whether through tailored fitness plans or dietary guidance.
• Longevity Science: Breakthroughs in cellular reprogramming and supplements like NAD+ are paving the way for longer, healthier lives.
Actionable tip for the innovators: Stay ahead of the curve by investing in one piece of health tech that aligns with your goals. Whether it’s a device to track recovery or an app to refine your workouts, the right tool can elevate your performance.
2025 is your opportunity to redefine health and performance, aligning your aspirations in your pursuit for excellence. By embracing small, consistent changes in your mindset, habits, and routines, you can unlock a life of peak mental and physical fitness.
This year, let every decision—whether it’s a morning mindfulness session, a brain-boosting meal, or a luxurious spa recovery treatment—be a step toward the best version of you. After all, there’s no better place than Monaco to live your healthiest, most inspired life. Let 2025 be “your year”.
A new report by France’s Centre for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility, and Development (CEREMA) has identified more than 860 primary residences and holiday homes along the coastline of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region that could be at serious risk of damage or destruction due to coastal erosion by 2050. The situation is expected to worsen by the end of the century, with more than 22,000 homes projected to be at risk by 2100.
CEREMA’s report casts a long shadow over the futures of the municipalities located on France’s Mediterranean coastline, many of which are likely to be at risk of coastal erosion and rising sea temperatures caused by global warming before this century is out. In the PACA region alone, a staggering 22,189 homes are projected to be threatened by considerable damage, if not complete destruction, by 2100, up from an already alarming 868 homes that will be at risk by 2050.
PACA’s coastline spans 1,035 kilometres, equivalent to 43% of France’s Mediterranean shore. Approximately 5 million PACA residents, or 80% of the population, live close to the sea, with the majority residing in major cities such as Marseille, Toulon, Cannes, and Nice.
By 2050, CEREMA forecasts that coastal erosion will affect 224 homes in Bouches-du-Rhône, 433 in Var, and 211 in Alpes-Maritimes. These figures account for both permanent and holiday residences.
By 2100, the erosion risks will intensify, affecting 10,703 homes in Bouches-du-Rhône, 9,809 in Var, and 1,677 in Alpes-Maritimes.
The threat extends beyond private homes too. In 2050, 464 business premises and around 10 campsites are expected to be at risk. Additionally, transportation infrastructure, including roads and railways, will require significant adaptations.
Experts say that the challenge will be to find solutions for each unique site, from land restoration and renaturalisation projects to strategic withdrawal, that respond to the diverse geographical and socio-economic demands of the zones while not further endangering the population and the environment. They stress that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to the issue.
To compile the report, CEREMA’s team of researchers cross-referenced data on climate events, infrastructure vulnerability and exposure to identify key areas at risk, using the IPCC’s temperature projections for 2030 (+2°C), 2050 (+2.7°C) and 2100 (+4°C), to determine how natural hazards and extreme events, such as floods, heatwaves and coastal submersion, will evolve and ultimately impact the region.
In the last five decades, France’s coastline has contracted by around 30 km² – around 4,200 football pitches.
