Men’s health takes centre stage at Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco seminar

Earlier this month, the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco hosted two prominent specialists from the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace for a talk and seminar on men’s health. Dr Hervé Quintens, head of urology at the hospital, and Dr Carol Burte, an expert in andrology and sexual medicine, shared their insights and expertise during an engaging and informative session that covered a broad range of topics and key health issues affecting men.

On 16th January , the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco (CREM) welcomed Dr Quintens and Dr Burte to speak about the importance of early screening and regular health assessments—two simple actions that are often overlooked, particularly by the male population. The specialists also discussed the innovative treatments available at CHPG, as well as Monaco’s advanced resources for addressing men’s health challenges, while underscoring the need for proactive measures to maintain well-being.

The pair introduced their audience to two specialised centres at CHPG dedicated to men’s health: the Monaco Prostate Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering a one-day prostate cancer screening pathway where patients can undergo a complete examination, including a prostate MRI and, if needed, a biopsy; and the Sexual Medicine Centre, a multidisciplinary clinic open on Mondays that provides consultations and treatments for a range of sexual health issues.

Dr Quintens and Dr Burte also offered practical advice and encouraged attendees to make better use of the exceptional resources available in Monaco.

The evening’s discussions highlighted the significant role of these centres in bridging gaps between routine medical care and specialist services, with the message that together, they offer men in Monaco comprehensive and accessible solutions for their health needs.

The event aimed to foster awareness and action on men’s health among CREM’s members and their families and friends by promoting prevention and presenting the tailored solutions available in the Principality to address a range of medical concerns.

 

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Photo courtesy of the Club des Résidents Étrangers de Monaco

Rallye Monte-Carlo 2025 officially kicks off at Casino Square

The Rallye Monte-Carlo kicked off the 2025 WRC season at Casino Square on Thursday, with Monaco Life on-site to witness drivers prepare for a demanding route featuring new challenges, night stages, and iconic landmarks.

The ceremonial start of the 93rd Rallye Monte-Carlo took place on 23rd January at the iconic Casino Square, marking the official beginning of the 2025 World Rally Championship season. Drivers set off in front of a crowd of dedicated fans who braved the chilly winter air to witness the launch of this event.

Speaking before the start, nine-time Rallye Monte-Carlo winner and Monaco resident Sébastien Ogier reflected on the significance of starting at such a historic location. “Casino Square is a special place—it reminds us of the heritage of this event. It’s an honour to start here and represent Monaco on the world stage,” he said.

Despite the wintery conditions, the crowd turned out for the launch of the rally. Photo by Monaco Life

Defending champion Thierry Neuville, another Monaco resident, spoke about the rally’s unique appeal. “This rally is always one of the highlights of the season. Starting in the heart of Monaco adds something extra—it’s a moment we all look forward to,” he said.

Drivers are already anticipating a tough event this year, with new routes and night stages adding to the challenge. Another driver, Elfyn Evans, noted the complexity of the rally, saying, “The Rallye Monte-Carlo is always unpredictable, but this year’s mix of unfamiliar roads and night-time driving makes it even more challenging. You’re constantly adapting to changing conditions, and in the dark, it’s a whole new level of intensity.”

Photo by Monaco Life

Following the ceremonial start at Casino Square in Monaco, the 2025 Rallye Monte-Carlo’s itinerary includes a series of stages that take competitors through various regions. After departing from Monaco, drivers will tackle stages such as Digne-les-Bains / Chaudon-Norante, Faucon-du-Caire / Bréziers, and Avançon / Notre-Dame-du-Laus, among others.

The rally features a mix of familiar classics and new additions, with significant changes to the itinerary compared to previous years. The event concludes with the iconic power stage on the Col de Turini, a favourite for spectators and a test of endurance for competitors. 

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Photos by Monaco Life.

Solar power overtakes coal in EU energy mix as renewables surge

Solar power surpassed coal in the EU’s energy mix in 2024, marking a significant shift toward renewable energy, according to new data. Solar generation increased by 54 TWh in 2024, a 22% rise compared to 2023, reflecting the technology’s expanding role in the bloc’s energy transition. Coal, meanwhile, dropped to just 10% of the production share, making it only the sixth-largest energy source in the EU for the first time.

The European Union recorded a significant increase in solar energy generation in 2024, according to a report by energy think tank Ember, with production 22% higher than in 2023.

Over the course of 2024, an additional 66 GW of solar capacity was added to the EU network—equivalent to over 450,000 panels installed daily. This places the bloc ahead of its interim REPowerEU solar target of 400 GW installed capacity by 2025, putting the EU within reach of achieving the 2030 target of 750 GW if current trends continue.

All EU member states recorded growth in solar generation and capacity in 2024. Notably, 16 countries generated more than 10% of their electricity from solar, three more than in 2023. The report also highlighted the increasing interest in agri-photovoltaics, the dual-use of land for farming and solar energy.

Interestingly, more than half of the EU countries now have either no coal power or a share below 5% in their energy mix. This is a stark contrast from the figures reported in 2019, which put coal as the third-largest energy source in the EU. Gas power generation also fell in 2024—the fifth consecutive contraction. Last year, coal had a 10% share of overall production, while gas accounted for 16% and renewables made up 47%.

Challenges

While solar power is becoming increasingly abundant, the report identified certain challenges in integrating this growth into the energy market. Hours of negative or zero electricity prices doubled in 2024, occurring 4% of the time on average across the EU, up from 2% in 2023. This highlights the need for investments in clean flexibility solutions, such as battery storage, smart electrification and expanded grid infrastructure.

Battery storage, which can shift solar power from peak production hours to evening demand, is emerging as a key solution. However, its deployment remains concentrated in just a handful of countries, with 70% of EU battery capacity located in Germany and Italy. An improved policy framework is needed to encourage private investment and address barriers, such as double grid charges and restrictive market rules.

Smart electrification can also benefit consumers by encouraging energy use during periods of low electricity prices. However, access to smart meters remains limited in parts of the EU, with fewer than 30% of households equipped in 10 member states. Fixed-price electricity contracts still hinder consumer participation in demand flexibility.

As summarised by Ember’s report, “The European Green Deal has delivered a deep and rapid transformation of the EU power sector. Driven by expanding wind and solar power, renewables have risen from a share of 34% in 2019 to 47% in 2024, as the share of fossil fuels declined from 39% to a historic low of 29%. Solar remained the EU’s fastest-growing power source in 2024, rising above coal for the first time. Wind power remained the EU’s second-largest power source, above gas and below nuclear.”

Read related:

President Trump moves to withdraw US from Paris Agreement on first day back in office

 

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Photo source: Sungrow EMEA, Unsplash

Flu crisis: Vaccination campaign extended in France, new medical centre opens in Saint-Laurent-du-Var

The Arnault Tzanck Institute in Saint-Laurent-du-Var has opened a new medical centre during a critical period for public health in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. High levels of flu cases are continuing to put strain on hospitals and doctors’ surgeries across the region, with one in 10 deaths linked to the virus since the start of 2025.

The new clinic at the Arnault Tzanck Institute in Saint-Laurent-du-Var is already proving to be a vital resource for the community. As hospitals in the region face immense pressure due to overburdened emergency rooms, the facility’s launch offers much-needed relief, providing an alternative for patients seeking urgent care without the delays encountered in hospitals.

Reports indicate that by mid-morning on opening day, the waiting room was nearly filled to capacity with people seeking care for complaints such as stomachaches, flu symptoms, and minor trauma.

FLU EPIDEMIC CONTINUES TO AFFECT THE REGION

The timing of the new centre’s opening is fortuitous, as flu cases remain significant in the region. Public Health France reports that activity at SOS Médecins remains high, and while emergency room visits are slightly declining, the proportion of hospitalisations following these visits continues to rise.

Designed to bridge the gap between general practitioners and hospital emergency services, the new clinic aims to “allow patients and their families to access urgent medical care when their general practitioner is unavailable, without overwhelming emergency services,” according to Michel Salvadori, the General Director of the Arnault Tzanck Institute.

The facility operates seven days a week, from 9am to 8pm, with no appointment necessary. Seven general practitioners and emergency doctors are available throughout the week to manage the high patient volume.

Looking ahead, the medical offerings at the Saint-Laurent-du-Var clinic are set to expand, with plans to establish a new cardiology centre by 2026.

For residents seeking medical care, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) provides an online map detailing available health centres, unscheduled care facilities and multi-professional practices offering evening and weekend consultations. In emergencies or life-threatening situations, residents are advised to call 15 immediately.

Vaccination Campaign Extended Until End of February

Meanwhile, the French government has decided to extend its flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign until 28th February due to the continued high intensity of the flu epidemic, which is affecting all age groups, particularly those aged 65 and over.

Public Health France has been reporting significant impacts on deaths and hospital activity in recent weeks, noting the unusual co-circulation of three flu viruses and the ongoing circulation of COVID-19, which increases the risk of co-infections.

Vaccination is recommended for vulnerable groups and their close contacts, with vaccines available in pharmacies across the country to support the ongoing effort to limit the spread of respiratory viruses.

Read related:

Masks return to municipal buildings in Nice as flu epidemic worsens

 

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Photo credit: Karolina Grabows, Pexels

France welcomed over 100 million visitors in 2024, an “unprecedented” year for tourism

France’s tourism sector achieved a historic milestone in 2024, welcoming over 100 million international visitors and generating €71 billion in international revenues to retain its title as the world’s most popular country to visit.

Key events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris all helped propel France’s global appeal in 2024, a year in which the nation welcomed upwards of 100 million tourists to its cities, villages, mountains, beaches, and countryside.

Tourism revenue grew by 12% year-on-year, with increases driven by Belgian, British, German, Swiss, and US tourists. In 2024, France recorded its highest-ever international tourism revenue of €71 billion.

Overnight stays by US visitors rose by 5%, while there was a marked rise in the number of Asian tourists. Chinese visitor numbers rose by 40% on 2023’s figures, and Japanese visitors increased by 20%—although neither has reached pre-COVID levels.

Domestic tourism also rose by a modest 2.8%, and rental accommodations experienced significant 12.5% growth. Ski resorts were major winners during the year-end holidays, achieving an 85% occupancy rate and a 5.5% increase in attendance compared to 2023.

Paris remains a top draw for France, as shown by a 35% growth in rentals in December.

The momentum is set to continue in 2025, with a projected 10% increase in international air arrivals in the first quarter and a seven-point rise in Paris hotel occupancy in January, while France’s Alpine destinations will continue to be a top choice for winter travellers.

Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre has emphasised the need to capitalise on 2024’s success while advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism, saying, “Olympic and Paralympic Games, reopening of Notre-Dame, 80 years of the landing—the year 2024 has been an unprecedented and exceptional year for France. If these figures confirm our position as the world’s leading destination, we must take a new step by becoming the leading sustainable tourism destination.”

To achieve this, the Minister said there will need to be a shift in how France approaches tourism and attractions.

“The challenges to be met are numerous: improve the quality of the offer and spread attendance throughout the year, support the sector in its ecological and digital transition, strengthen the attractiveness of the professions, and ensure that social and inclusive tourism is preserved,” she said.

A Spanish contender

Close behind France in the global tourism rankings was its neighbour Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million foreign tourists in 2024. This is a 10% increase on the previous year and positions the Iberian nation as a close contender for the title of the world’s most popular destination.

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Tourist tax, including influencers’ rate, comes into force in Monaco 

 

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Photo source: Pixabay

Prince Albert II honours Didier Guillaume with posthumous Order of Saint-Charles distinction

In a heartfelt ceremony at the Prince’s Palace, Prince Albert II posthumously appointed Didier Guillaume, former Minister of State of Monaco, as Commander in the Order of Saint-Charles.

The decoration was presented to his widow, Béatrice Frecenon-Guillaume, on 22nd January, in a poignant moment that paid tribute to his dedication and loyalty to the Principality.

Prince Albert II bestowed this prestigious distinction in recognition of Didier Guillaume’s contributions during his tenure as Minister of State.

The ceremony served as a tribute not only to his exceptional career but also to his character, as an individual deeply devoted to his role and to the betterment of Monaco.

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.

See also:

Emmanuel Macron to attend Monaco funeral of Didier Guillaume

Photo credit: Michael Alesi, Prince’s Palace