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Month: January 2025

Unmarked speed camera cars to patrol PACA roads from spring 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
06/01/2025

Beginning in spring 2025, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region will join a growing number of French regions implementing unmarked speed camera cars as part of efforts to curb speeding on secondary roads. A total of 126 unmarked vehicles are due to be deployed across southern France, primarily targeting speeders on roads with speed limits of 80 to 90 km/h.

This new initiative represents a significant shift in strategy for the region, which has so far not joined other areas of France, including Normandy and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in implementing these mobile monitoring measures.

In addition to PACA, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie regions will also see the introduction of these vehicles in the spring. In total, 126 cars will be licensed to monitor local roads across these three regions.

The unmarked vehicles, managed by OTC, a private company, will operate for several hours each day, discreetly capturing speeding violations via sensors located on the front bumper, dashboard, or rear of the vehicle. Although designed for discretion, motorists may be able to recognise the unmarked vehicles based on these distinguishing features. The most common models in use will include the Peugeot 308 and 508, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia and Dacia Sandero.

See more: Drivers consider class action lawsuit against “cash machine” speed radar near Ventimiglia

OTC has been awarded a two-year renewable contract worth €34.5 million, with each vehicle costing approximately €68,409 annually.

Each unmarked vehicle is projected to generate significant revenue, with estimates suggesting an annual income of up to €390,000 per car, according to the Drivers’ Defense League (LDC). This highlights the dual purpose of the system: enhancing road safety and contributing to state finances.

The company is currently recruiting civilian drivers for the programme, offering salaries of €1,700 gross per month.

The decision to outsource the operation to a private company has sparked concerns, particularly regarding the collection of fines by the private sector rather than the government.

With the introduction of these unmarked cars, drivers on secondary roads in the south of France will face increased monitoring and stricter enforcement of speed limits. Roads that were once perceived as less policed will now be under heightened scrutiny. Tickets are expected to be issued starting in spring 2025.

To read more about OTC and the speed camera car system, click here.

Read related:

“Enough is enough”: Monaco Government unveils tough measures after serious car crashes

 

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: Why Kei, Unsplash

Flu crisis hits Côte d’Azur amid surge in cases across Europe

by: Stephanie Horsman
06/01/2025

France is facing a severe flu epidemic as 2025 begins, with all regions, including Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, now under epidemic conditions. The sharp rise in severe cases has prompted Public Health France to issue a warning about the intensity of this flu season, which is more severe than in previous years. The latest figures show that nearly 4% of deaths in the final week of 2024 were attributed to influenza—double the rate from the week before.

Health authorities across France have been reporting a sharp rise in flu cases in recent weeks, particularly among young people and those over 65. Hospitalisations have surged, especially in the elderly population, putting additional strain on healthcare systems already overwhelmed by a bronchiolitis outbreak and other seasonal illnesses.

Contributing factors to the flu epidemic include low vaccination rates and increased social mixing during the holidays. The gradual return of school and work routines is likely to further contribute in the coming days and weeks.

Around 4% of deaths in the final week of 2024 have been linked to the influenza virus, twice as many as the week before.

The local infection rate and demand for emergency services have surpassed levels seen in recent years, with both Alpes-Maritimes and Var now declared epidemic zones, in line with the rest of the country.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a major epidemic,” Dr. Jean-Luc Leymarie, a general practitioner in France, told EuroNews.

Health authorities are urging vulnerable individuals to get flu shots before the campaign ends in January, though they have indicated they may extend it if the epidemic continues to worsen.

EUROPE-WIDE IMPACT

France’s crisis mirrors that of many other countries in Europe, which are facing similar challenges.

Across the continent, flu cases are spiking after the holiday season. In Spain, influenza B is the dominant strain, with cases climbing rapidly. Hungary has introduced stricter public health measures to curb the spread, while Romania’s health authorities recently reported over 4,100 flu cases in one week—almost double the number reported a week earlier.

As Europe continues to battle the epidemic, health experts stress the importance of vaccinations and timely medical intervention to reduce hospitalisations and fatalities in the coming weeks.

Read related:

Monaco urges vulnerable groups to get vaccinated ahead of flu and Covid season 

 

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: Polina Tankilevitch, Pexels

Football: Adi Hütter extends contract until 2027, Monaco lose to PSG

by: Elsa Carpenter
06/01/2025
Adi Hütter

Adi Hütter has confirmed that he has signed a contract extension with AS Monaco, ensuring the experienced Austrian will remain Head Coach until the end of the 2027 season. The announcement came over the weekend, just one day before a cruel defeat for Les Rouge et Blanc at the hands of PSG in the Trophée des Champions.

Hütter joined AS Monaco in July 2023 on an initial two-year contract, succeeding Belgian coach Philippe Clement. Over the past 18 months, the 54-year-old Austrian has managed the team in just over 60 professional fixtures, achieving an impressive victory rate of nearly 60%.

In a statement released on 4th January, AS Monaco highlighted Hütter’s “resolutely forward-looking game” and praised the former international midfielder for nurturing young talents developed at the club, including Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Soungoutou Magassa.

Trophée des Champions

Celebrations surrounding Hütter’s contract extension were short-lived, as AS Monaco suffered a disappointing defeat the day after the announcement in the French Trophée des Champions.

Monaco faced Paris Saint-Germain for the second time in less than a month. After a bitter 2-4 loss at home in the Stade Louis II in mid-December, Hütter was optimistic about overcoming their Parisian rivals, but it wasn’t to be.

See more: Football: Monaco’s Ligue 1 title hopes dealt big blow by PSG

Both teams created numerous chances. AS Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn was heroic early on, deflecting Désiré Doué’s shot onto the crossbar in the ninth minute and making key saves against Ousmane Dembélé and Vitinha throughout the game.

Monaco responded with strong efforts, including Maghnes Akliouche’s curling shot and Takumi Minamino’s near-post strike, both of which tested PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The second half started with a flurry of activity. Eliesse Ben Seghir came close to breaking the deadlock, while Vanderson struck the post. Köhn continued his stellar performance, making crucial saves against Achraf Hakimi and Gonçalo Ramos. However, Monaco’s resilience was undone in stoppage time, with Dembélé scoring in the 92nd minute to secure a 1-0 victory in Doha for PSG.

“We have to be honest, Paris had many more chances than us, but we had a game plan that the team tried to respect, so I want to congratulate them for that,” admitted Hütter post-match. “You can imagine that every player was sad in the locker room after losing in the last moments because it was a big blow for us. We must now raise our heads and think about the next match against Nantes. In any case, I think that tonight the spectators saw a very good match.”

AS Monaco will resume their Ligue 1 campaign with an away game against Nantes on 10th January.

 

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

Two new French Riviera hotels rated among the best in the world by Luxury Travel Intelligence

by: Niki Borisova
06/01/2025

Two standout French Riviera hotels, one in Nice and the second in Saint-Tropez, have earned top spots on the prestigious list of the Luxury Travel Awards, highlighting the world’s best new luxury openings for 2024.

Two hotels on the Côte d’Azur have made it into the Top 15 on Luxury Travel Intelligence’s (LTI) list of the world’s best new luxury hotels for 2024.

Saint-Tropez’s Arev, ranked 15th, boasts 50 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a fine dining experience at The Strand Restaurant and an exceptional cocktail menu at Q’s Bar. Adding to its charm is the intimate Arev Spa, a tranquil retreat in one of the Côte d’Azur’s most glamorous locales.

In Nice, Hôtel du Couvent, ranked 14th, has been a decade in the making. Once an abandoned convent, it has been transformed into a stunning oasis in the heart of the Old Town. The property blends heritage charm with modern comforts, providing a truly unique stay in one of the Riviera’s most vibrant cities.

The awards also spotlighted the Cheval Blanc Seychelles, named the best new luxury hotel of 2024 by LTI’s Luxury Travel Awards.

The magnificent property has ties to the French Riviera through its sibling property, Cheval Blanc St-Tropez. The iconic Riviera retreat, originally opened in 1936, underwent extensive renovations under LVMH ownership and was reopened in 2019. It features 30 exquisite rooms, a private beach, a Guerlain spa and the famous La Vague d’Or, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Arnaud Donckele.

Other winners from around the world included luxury openings in London, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.

Read related:

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

 

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: Arev, Saint-Tropez

New British restaurant Marlow set to open in Mareterra this January

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/01/2025

Mareterra will be inaugurating its first restaurant – Marlow – on 16th January. The eagerly awaited venue promises to blend English charm with Mediterranean sophistication, offering a fresh addition to the Principality’s dining scene.

Located in the heart of Mareterra, Monaco’s innovative six-hectare district reclaimed from the sea that was inaugurated on 4th December, Marlow will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the area’s luxury residences and high-end amenities. The restaurant will feature a spacious 300 sq.m interior and a 100 sq.m terrace, designed to accommodate everything from leisurely breakfasts to festive evenings.

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

Marlow’s design will reflect the vision of acclaimed Franco-Mexican designer Hugo Toro, who is known for his work in Paris and London. The interior will showcase natural materials, warm tones, light marble, and inviting furnishings, all centered around a striking bar. Details such as art books and biographies of English lords will add a unique and whimsical touch to the space.

The restaurant will be led by Bryan Gaillard, an experienced restaurateur who honed his craft in some of London’s most prestigious venues. Under his guidance, Marlow will serve an enticing menu featuring English breakfasts, indulgent Sunday brunches, and Anglo-Saxon specialties such as lobster rolls paired with champagne. Guests will also have the option of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a takeaway service for enjoying Marlow’s cuisine on the go.

Afternoon tea, complete with cozy armchairs and fine pastries, will be a highlight of the experience, while evenings will focus on expertly crafted cocktails, aged whiskies, and a refined dinner menu.

See also – Mareterra revealed: The story behind Monaco’s bold architecture

Marlow is the latest restaurant to join Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s (SBM) extensive portfolio. The company also plans to open 99 Sushi in the new Mareterra district.

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 Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

See also: 

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

Energy-efficient light replacements continue in Monaco’s Dorsale tunnels

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/01/2025

In line with its commitments to establishing greener infrastructure, the Monaco Government will continue its extensive lighting replacement and modernisation project in tunnels across Monaco throughout 2025. The works will require a series of closures and diversion routes, with three tunnels set to close to the public for a month starting on 6th January.

Since 2021, the Urban Development Directorate of Monaco (DAU), which operates under the Department of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, has been systematically replacing outdated fluorescent and sodium lamps in the Principality’s tunnels with advanced LED lighting systems.

These LED lights are significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable, boasting lifespans of 80,000 to 100,000 hours. This upgrade will dramatically reduce energy consumption and minimise the need for frequent replacements, as the new equipment requires renewal only once every decade.

Following the successful completion of lighting upgrades in the Sainte-Dévote-Débarcadère and Digue tunnels, the DAU is extending its campaign to the entire Dorsale underground network. To carry out this work, various tunnels will be closed on a rolling schedule between 9.30pm and 6am, based on a set calendar from 6th January to 4th August.

The first phase, running from 6th January to 5th February, will involve the closures of the Rocher Nice tunnel under the Rocher, the Rocher tunnel and the Canton tunnel.

The second phase, scheduled from 10th February to 28th February, will see the closure of the Colle, Dorsale, Hélios, Fontvieille descent and Rocher Nice tunnel under the Rocher.

The final phase, taking place between 16th June and 4th August, will include the closure of the Dorsale tunnel, Canton tunnel (T2ter) and Larvotto tunnel.

 

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