Five cases and two deaths linked to meningococcal infection in Alpes-Maritimes

14/02/2025

Since the start of 2025, five people have been diagnosed with invasive meningococcal infections and two have sadly lost their lives in the Alpes-Maritimes. The sudden uptick in the number of cases linked to the severe bacterial illness, which can lead to meningitis, has prompted concerns about a potential outbreak.

Between 1st January and 13th February, five people were diagnosed and two people succumbed to meningococcal infections in the Alpes-Maritimes region, leading to a decision by the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS), the Regional Health Agency, to adjust their approach to prevention and vaccination.

Meningococcal infections are caused by a bacterium that resides in the throats and noses of individuals. Transmission occurs through airborne particles or direct contact with saliva and requires close, prolonged interactions. Meningococcus does not survive long in the external environment, such as on furniture, clothing, and the like.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, limb pain, a stiff neck, aversion to bright light, and cold hands and feet. A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it is another telltale sign, though not all sufferers develop a rash.

In response to the rising number of local cases, the ARS and France’s national health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), have reinforced their vaccination policies.

“The HAS has updated its vaccination recommendations concerning invasive meningococcal infections by making it mandatory to vaccinate infants against serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y from 1st January, including for those born after July 2023. This vaccination is now required for entry into the community,” confirmed a spokesperson for ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

Additionally, all cases of invasive meningococcal infections (IMI) must be promptly reported to ARS PACA to facilitate monitoring and response efforts.

Worryingly, the outbreak is not confined to just the Alpes-Maritimes. Thirteen cases have also been reported in the Bouches-du-Rhône since the start of the year, raising concerns about the potential for wider spread.

People living in Monaco are being asked to contact their paediatrician or GP to schedule a vaccination if necessary. The jab is also available at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace. For those in the Alpes-Maritimes, they can visit their doctor or selected pharmacies, with appointments available online via Doctolib.

Health officials have continued to stress the importance of vaccination, early symptom recognition and immediate medical intervention to curb the spread of this serious infection. Authorities urge the public to adhere to preventive measures and stay informed as the situation develops. For more information, click here.

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Photo source: Thirdman, Pexels

Music without boundaries: what to expect from 2025’s Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo

by: Niki Borisova

14/02/2025

The 2025 Festival Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo promises an eclectic celebration of music, combining classical masterpieces with contemporary innovation and engaging performances at venues across Monaco. With diverse programming, unique collaborations and interactive experiences, next spring’s event will invite audiences of all ages to discover a wide array of artistic offerings.

Back in December, Monaco Life attended the unveiling of the 2025 Printemps des Arts programme at the Princess Grace Theatre, one of the many venues that will host the festival from 2nd March to 27th April next year.

Rooted in its founding mission set by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1970, the festival unites the disciplines of music, choreography and theatre. Today, under Princess Caroline of Hanover as President and Bruno Mantovani as Artistic Director, the event remains true to its eclectic spirit, showcasing a diverse range of works that span styles and eras. It also supports contemporary creation by commissioning new works and spotlighting lesser-known masterpieces.

In 2025, the festival will once again feature a collaboration with the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation. Among the events is a “musical wandering” at the foundation’s headquarters on 13th and 14th March, where violinist Aya Kono will perform Pierre Boulez’s Anthèmes and Luciano Berio’s Sequenza VIII. The partnership highlights the festival’s effort to connect visual art and music, acknowledging Francis Bacon’s lasting influence in Monaco.

The festival will open on 2nd March with a lyrical concert at the Auditorium Rainier III, featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 10 and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, conducted by Philippe Jordan.

The programme continues with a rich lineup, including Stockhausen’s Stimmung, Boulez’s Dérive 2, and Hervé Sellin’s jazz reinterpretations of Debussy and Ravel. Highlights include the Quatuor Akilone performing Viennese works and the return of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, featuring Stravinsky and Debussy under Pascal Rophé’s baton.

Interactive experiences remain a key feature. Audiences can attend ‘Before’ and ‘After’ sessions to engage with artists and musicologists or take immersive backstage tours, such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra’s public rehearsal on 22nd March.

Educational outreach is also prioritised, with masterclasses led by artists like Eric Lebrun and family-friendly programming such as Le Voyage de Noah, a musical story for children, on 5th April.

In addition to concerts, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo will perform at the Grimaldi Forum between 23rd and 27th April, featuring Alexei Ratmansky’s Wartime Elegy, Marco Goecke’s La Nuit Transfigurée, and works by Hindemith and Silvestrov.

The festival will conclude on 27th April with Valentin Silvestrov’s Four Postludes at the Grimaldi Forum, a reflective finale encapsulating the Printemps des Arts’ commitment to bridging classical heritage with contemporary expression.

Tickets range from €20 to €40, with subscription packages available. To view the full programme, click here.

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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 Monaco Life

*Originally published on 16th December 2024

Fly away from Nice to the charming Moldovan capital of Chisinau

by: Stephanie Horsman

14/02/2025

SkyUp Airlines is set to expand its flight network this spring with the introduction of a new direct route connecting Nice to Moldova’s alluring capital city, Chisinau. The service will commence in May, with two weekly flights operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, may be relatively unknown, but it is emerging as a top Eastern European travel destination. Known for its lush green parks, unique wine cellars, and rich cultural heritage, this hidden gem of a city will be accessible from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport via direct SkyUp flights from 21st May.

Chisinau’s charms

The city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture. Some of the most notable annual events include the Martisor Festival in March, the BITEI Festival and Cronograf Film Festival in May, the Sun Da I Fest in June, Summer Fest in August, and the National Wine Day in October.

Tourists visiting Chisinau can explore its many attractions, including Ștefan cel Mare Park, a popular meeting spot also known as Pushkin Park or Lovers Park. Albisoara Street features historic buildings and scenic parks, while nature enthusiasts can visit the Chisinau Botanical Garden, a vast 76-hectare space filled with a diverse collection of flora.

Wine lovers can take a trip to the renowned Mileștii Mici vineyard, located just 20 kilometres from the city centre, to enjoy tastings and tours of one of the largest wine cellars in the world. Literature and history buffs can explore the house museum of Alexander Pushkin, where the famous Russian poet and writer lived during his exile in Chisinau.

To celebrate the launch of this new route, SkyUp is offering a special promotion with tickets starting at just €15. This exclusive offer will continue until the limited number of tickets is sold, or until 25th October.

For more information or to book seats, click here.

Photo credit: Dorin Semeret / Unsplash

Riviera Readers: new silent book club concept offers pressure-free literary experience

by: Niki Borisova

14/02/2025

If you thought book clubs were a thing of the past, think again. Tanuj Sondhi, a teenager studying at Lycée Albert 1er, recently launched his own unique take on the concept, Riviera Readers, with the help and support of two friends. In an interview with Monaco Life, he explains the inspiration behind the founding of this relaxed and “pressure-free” club.

“I started this book club because I saw a gap for it in Monaco,” explains Sondhi. “A lot of kids my age are distracted by social media and spend hours scrolling on TikTok and Instagram—time that could be used to read a book. I wanted to bring back a passion for reading and make it a part of our daily lives again.”

Unlike traditional book clubs, Riviera Readers does not assign books or require structured discussions. Instead, participants bring a book of their choice and gather at the Princess Grace Irish Library for uninterrupted reading time. Those who wish can stay afterward for informal conversations, sharing their literary experiences and discoveries over snacks.

“I chose the Irish Library because it has such a great selection of books,” says Sondhi. “I’ve been going there since I was a little kid, and it’s played a big role in igniting my passion for reading.”

A peaceful space to read and connect

The club officially launched on Sunday 9th February, with its first open session set for Wednesday 19th February. From there, the sessions will be happening weekly. Open to people of all ages, Riviera Readers has already attracted a diverse group of participants, including one member who plans to use the sessions to practice reading in English.

“We have readers from ages eight to 85 planning to attend,” says Sondhi. “It will be interesting to see the variety of books people bring.”

*Tanuj Sondhi will be organising the Riviera Readers’ weekly sessions at the Princess Grace Irish Library. Photo supplied*

Sondhi describes Riviera Readers as a “flexible” and “pressure-free” space.

“Instead of having a ‘Book of the Month’—something I don’t believe in because we all have different tastes—everyone brings their own book,” he explains. “The reading session lasts two hours, but people can stay for 30 minutes, an hour, or as long as they like. No one will interrupt you. At the end, you can socialise and discuss your book if you want or just enjoy free drinks and snacks.”

So far, fiction seems to be a popular genre among those who have signed up, but there’s also interest in history, particularly the Aztecs and Incas. As for Sondhi, his personal reading tastes have evolved over time.

“As a child, I loved fantasy, especially the Harry Potter books, but now I enjoy real-life stories,” he says. “One of my favourites is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, which explores the themes of colonialism and tradition. Also, lately, I’ve started reading books by Ray Dalio on economics.”

Growing the literary community in Monaco

“The response [to the concept] has been very positive, and I’m really happy about it,” says Sondhi.

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand the club’s reach, saying, “If we gain more members, I’d love to organise outdoor sessions and even collaborate with the Monaco Government. I also hope to host guest lectures during our meetings.”

When asked which authors—living or dead—he would invite to the club if he could, Sondhi says with a smile, “Definitely J.K. Rowling, Joseph Conrad and Oscar Wilde—it feels fitting since we’re meeting at the Irish Library. And Ray Dalio—I just love his books.”

Information about the club’s upcoming sessions will be posted on the official Instagram page, @Riviera_Readers. Attendance is free, and anyone interested in signing up to be a part of the club should email Sondhi at tanujsondhi2008@gmail.com.

Photos supplied

Monaco launches initiative to rehouse residents and free up larger homes

by: Cassandra Tanti

14/02/2025

Monaco has introduced a new housing scheme aimed at freeing up larger state-owned apartments for growing families by offering an incentive for residents to downsize. The initiative, developed by the National Council in collaboration with the Monegasque government, seeks to optimise the use of state housing and adapt to residents’ changing needs.

Under the new system, households occupying four- or five-room apartments, whose children have moved out, can relocate to a modern three-room apartment while maintaining the same subsidised rent, charges, and deposit conditions. To further ease the transition, the government is offering a fixed allowance of €10,000 to cover moving costs.

To facilitate the process, all available housing offers are now listed on a centralised platform, Mon Espace Domaines, which provides residents with better visibility of exchange opportunities. According to the National Council, a dedicated agent is also available to offer personalised support throughout the relocation process.

“These emblematic measures of the mandate, long awaited by the Monegasques, will allow for better management of state-owned housing to best satisfy the legitimate aspirations of our compatriots,” said Maryse Battaglia, President of the Housing Commission, adding that the measures reflect the authorities’ commitment to adapting to demographic changes and maximising the use of the Principality’s real estate resources.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Day: 14 February 2025

Five cases and two deaths linked to meningococcal infection in Alpes-Maritimes

Music without boundaries: what to expect from 2025’s Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo