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Month: January 2025

Twins join Prince Albert and Princess Charlene for NY message to Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/01/2025

During his traditional New Year’s address, delivered from the historic Guard Room of the Palais Princier de Monaco and in the presence of his wife and their children, a composed Prince Albert II reflected on the challenges and achievements of 2024 while sharing his inspiring vision for the year ahead.

The Prince of Monaco struck a tone of optimism, unity and resilience in his annual address, reaffirming his commitment to the Principality’s prosperity and wellbeing.

His words carried a message of gratitude for the solidarity and accomplishments of the Monegasque people, as well as the broader international community, while highlighting both the opportunities and potential challenges of 2025.

“The year 2024 draws to a close; this is a special moment for me to address you with all the respect and affection I have for each and every one of you,” he began. “The past year has been marked by challenges but also by numerous successes and the unwavering solidarity that characterises our Monegasque community.”

Prince Albert extended his gratitude to Monaco’s associations, businesses and institutions, commending their contributions to the Principality’s progress over the past year. True to his steadfast dedication to environmental stewardship, the Sovereign also emphasised the importance of sustainability and social responsibility as core values for the future.

“At this time, as we turn a page to write a new one, I would like to pay tribute to your commitment, your resilience and your spirit of brotherhood,” he continued. “The coming year will bring new projects: opportunities to strengthen our environmental commitments, to increase our solidarity with the most vulnerable and to celebrate our common identity.”

As his speech came to a close, his wife, Princess Charlene, and their 10-year-old children, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, joined Prince Albert II to personally extend their own New Year’s wishes. In a touching display of inclusivity, the twins expressed their greetings in Monegasque, French and English, reflecting the Principality’s multicultural heritage.

“May this new year bring you happiness, health and success, as well as to all those who are dear to you,” the Prince concluded. “Bonne année, Happy New Year, bon anu noevu.”

The heartfelt address, delivered with sincerity and warmth, serves as a reminder of the Princely Family’s unwavering dedication to Monaco and its people. It also paves the way for a 2025 imbued with hope, unity and an enduring sense of community.

Read related:

Princess Charlene and twins shine at Monaco’s enchanting Christmas Village launch

 

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: Palais Princier de Monaco

An inspiring start to 2025 awaits at the Médiathèque de Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
02/01/2025

The Mairie-run Médiathèque de Monaco is ringing in 2025 with a rich and diverse cultural agenda that offers something for everyone, from film screenings and literary events to hands-on workshops and activities for children.

Following the announcement that access to the Médiathèque de Monaco will be free from 1st January 2025 onwards, the cultural hub and network of community venues has unveiled an engaging and interactive roster of events for the first month of the new year.

See more: Open to all: access to the Médiathèque de Monaco will be free from 2025

The programme, which is spread across the Médiathèque’s three locations—Bibliothèque Louis Notari, Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, and Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque—features a wide array of free events and activities, some of which require prior registration.

At the Bibliothèque Louis Notari, highlights include two ciné-club sessions exploring Andean narratives. The first, on 9th January, will present Animal by Sofia Exarchou, while the 23rd January screening will feature Felipe Gálvez Haberle’s Les Colons.

Literary enthusiasts can look forward to book signings with Violaine Bérot on 14th January and Pauline Déroulède on 17th January. Music lovers will enjoy the Picnic Music events at 12.15pm each Tuesday of the month at the Vidéothèque-Sonothèque José Notari, while the Jeudi Série event will showcase popular TV series on Thursdays at the same time (excluding 30th January).

The January programme also includes a traditional music workshop, a writing session, and a zero-waste sewing class. A conference on eye health by optician Ksenia Jarnova on 30th January and a classical guitar concert by Blagovest Georgiev on 31st January will round out the month.

For younger visitors, the Bibliothèque Princesse Caroline-Ludothèque will host a family yoga session on 11th January, a Kamishibai storytelling performance on 15th January, and a number of creative workshops, including a clown-making session on 29th January. Toddlers up to the age of three can enjoy musical awakening and sensory exploration sessions every Tuesday throughout the month.

All events are free unless otherwise specified. Be sure to check the schedule and register in advance where required.

 

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: Mairie de Monaco

New rules for 2025: Major changes in health, housing and the environment in France

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/01/2025

Since 1st January 2025, several significant reforms are now in effect in France, impacting children’s health, caregiving policies, housing standards, and environmental protections. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing and what’s new.

The new year is bringing a host of regulations to France aiming to improve public health, enhance social support, and promote sustainability.

HEALTH

First up are alterations to the Carnets de Santé, the booklet used to monitor and track children’s health, growth, vaccinations, well-being and the like. In 2025, it is being redesigned to offer more comprehensive guidance for families. The updated record will include prevention advice on screen use, a detailed follow-up of the 20 mandatory health examinations to detect neurodevelopment disorders early, and strategies to support adolescent mental health. These additions reflect a growing emphasis on preventive care in the French system. 

Also on the health front, informal caregivers, who provide critical support to those facing serious illness, will benefit from enhanced provisions under the Daily Allowance for Informal Caregivers (AJPA). The updated policy allows caregivers to receive compensation for up to 66 days per person they assist, with a lifetime maximum of 264 days. 

ENVIRONMENT

In an effort to reduce plastic waste and limit exposure to harmful substances, childcare facilities, schools, and medical establishments in towns with more than 2,000 residents will no longer be allowed to use plastic food containers for cooking, reheating, or serving meals. This ban represents a step in France’s ongoing push for more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to package food items and reduce plastic use overall in society. 

HOUSING

The calculation of Personal Housing Assistance (APL) will be updated with revised resource parameters, ensuring the financial aid aligns more closely with the economic realities of 2025. These adjustments are expected to impact thousands of households, making housing support more responsive to current needs.

Finally, in fire-prone areas, property owners will now have to inform potential buyers or tenants about their obligation to clear vegetation near forests. This requirement is intended to mitigate wildfire risks, a growing concern as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such disasters.

To find out more in-depth information on each of these new regulations, click here https://www.info.gouv.fr/actualite/ce-qui-change-en-janvier-2025 

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: Yulia Khlebnikova, Unsplash

 

Air Corsica to launch new Nice-Florence flight route this summer

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2025

Air Corsica has announced the launch of a new flight route between Nice and Florence, marking a first for the French Riviera airport. The twice-weekly service will begin on 27th June. 

The route, operated with ATR72-600 aircraft, will run on Mondays and Fridays, making it the first direct connection between Nice and Florence. The airline says it aims to meet growing demand from travelers in the region while strengthening links between southern France and Italy.

Bridging Corsica, the Côte d’Azur, and Tuscany

The new route is part of Air Corsica’s broader expansion into the Italian market, which began in 2022 with services to Rome, Milan, and Olbia. This latest addition enhances connectivity between Corsica, Nice, and Florence, offering easy transfers for passengers traveling between the Mediterranean islands and Tuscany.

Air Corsica has scheduled the Nice-Florence flights to align with connections to Corsica’s four airports—Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari, and Calvi. This setup will allow Italian travelers to access Corsica easily, while Corsican residents gain new access to Florence via Nice.

Strategic growth and potential

The introduction of the Nice-Florence route also reflects Air Corsica’s efforts to make better use of its ATR fleet, stationed year-round at Nice Airport. The airline sees the route as an opportunity to capitalise on both business and tourism potential in the region.

Affordable travel options

Tickets for the new route are already on sale, with one-way fares from Nice to Florence starting at €99. Round-trip tickets that include travel from Corsica through Nice are available from €269. The fares include a 23kg checked bag and an 8kg cabin bag, with special rates offered for group bookings.

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: Lorenzo Turroni, Unsplash