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

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.

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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.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

L’Audibergue-La Moulière ski resort near Grasse reopens after seven years

by: Elsa Carpenter

13/02/2025

After seven long years, the L’Audibergue-La Moulière ski resort to the north of Grasse has finally reopened its pistes to skiers and snowboarders. The station is without the snow machines used by other local resorts and relies exclusively on natural snowfall, which was received in abundance just before the start of the school holidays.

The L’Audibergue-La Moulière resort, located at almost 1,650 metres above sea level and around 45 minutes to the north of Grasse, opened its pistes and fired up its lifts for the first time in seven seasons on Saturday 8th February.

The flurries of snow that have fallen on the family-friendly resort in the days since have kept the slopes topped up, although some light rain on the night between Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th February has caused somewhat icy conditions. Nevertheless, eight of its 23 runs remained open on the Thursday: two greens, three blues and three reds. The resort is also welcoming cross-country skiers and those wanting to sledge, although these activities must be kept away from the pisted slopes.

Unlike in many of the other resorts of the region, including the other family favourite of Gréolières les Neiges, found around 30 minutes away, L’Audibergue-La Moulière is without snow machines and snow cannons, meaning that it must rely on 100% natural snowfall to maintain snow coverage. The low precipitation and warmer temperatures of recent winters have meant that there simply hasn’t been enough snow—if any—to guarantee decent skiing conditions in the last seven years.

The current conditions make it likely that L’Audibergue-La Moulière will only stay open until the end of the weekend. No new snowfall is expected in the coming days, so if you’re looking for a quick day trip to the mountains, take this as your sign to head up into the Castellane Prealps and try out one of the cheapest—and friendliest—resorts in the region.

An adult day pass costs just €14, while children and youths up to 25, as well as seniors over 65, can ski for a full day for €12.

To learn more about L’Audibergue-La Moulière—its facilities, pistes and nearby amenities—click here.

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

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Photo source: Station L’Audibergue – La Moulière

Major change to 2025 Monaco Grand Prix as TAG Heuer becomes first ever title partner

by: Cassandra Tanti

13/02/2025

For the first time in its storied history, the Monaco Grand Prix is getting a title partner. Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has secured naming rights to the iconic event, which will now be officially known as the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco 2025.

Since the very first Formula 1 race in the Principality in 1950, the event has simply been known as the Grand Prix de Monaco, or the Monaco Grand Prix in English, making this a significant change in its legacy. The partnership between TAG Heuer and Formula 1, announced ahead of the sport’s 75th anniversary, marks a new chapter for one of the most prestigious races on the calendar.

Throughout the 23rd-25th May 2025 race weekend, TAG Heuer’s presence will be unmistakable. Trackside branding, exclusive activations, and the introduction of the iconic TAG Heuer Monaco clocks in the paddock will immerse the brand in the heart of the action. A special commemorative logo has also been designed to mark the occasion, ensuring TAG Heuer’s connection with the event is visible on screens around the world.

TAG Heuer has a longstanding history with the Monaco Grand Prix, having been a partner of the Automobile Club de Monaco since 2011, and its watches have adorned the wrists of some of Formula 1’s greatest champions, including Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen. The Principality has long been considered a second home for the brand, and this latest collaboration is seen as a solidification of that bond.

“Monaco is truly our spiritual home, encapsulating much of what we stand for at TAG Heuer,” said TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin in a statement. “The spirit of competition, the challenging street course that rewards those who show the greatest mental resilience and physical strength, a place where driver’s push themselves to achieve their absolute best, we are honoured and delighted to renew our partnership with the Automobile Club de Monaco and extend our activities in the Principality with TAG Heuer being the first to hold this prestigious title.”

The new partnership marks the beginning of TAG Heuer’s 10-year collaboration with LVMH, its parent company, which aims to strengthen the brand’s presence in global motorsport and luxury events.

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.

Monaco’s PowHer Day: a celebration of women’s impact in the arts and media

by: Stephanie Horsman

13/02/2025

With just under a month to go, anticipation is building for PowHer Day in Monaco, an event set to take place on 8th March in celebration of International Women’s Day. Organised by the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights in collaboration with its partners, this year’s event will focus on the representation of women in media, spanning genres such as cinema, advertising, video games, the arts and more.

International Women’s Day, a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, will be held in nations around the world on 8th March. To mark the occasion in the Principality, the Monaco Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights is set to host a day that is all about women and their role and influence in the arts and media.

PowHer Day will be held at Espace Léo Ferré from 10am to 8pm on 8th March, and will feature a range of engaging activities for attendees of all ages. Visitors can explore exhibitions, take part in a gaming area, enjoy a cosplay workshop, try an Escape Game and watch performances tailored for the whole family.

“This day aims to be both fun and educational,” says Céline Cottalorda, Monaco’s Interministerial Delegate for Women’s Rights. “We want to show how the image of women has evolved over time and how society is progressing towards greater equality. There is also the desire to convey important messages while having fun.”

Renowned actress and director Audrey Dana will be the patron of this year’s event and will kick off the day by taking part in a roundtable discussion on the representation of women in the arts and media. Joining her will be notable figures such as streamer and E-sport champion Kayane, former cosplayer turned fashion designer Harmony Larcher and artist Toby Wright, who is an ambassador for women’s rights.

The Committee is also supported by other local representatives and ambassadors, including Blitz manga creator Cédric Biscay, who designed the event’s poster.

“I wanted a striking visual that could attract a wide audience. Using pop culture codes to attract young people and convey the strong values upheld by the Committee was a natural choice,” says Biscay, who will contribute to other areas of the event, including a roundtable discussion and the gaming and cosplay sections.

*The striking 2025 visual for Monaco’s PowHer Day was designed by Blitz manga creator Cédric Biscay. Image via Comité Droits des Femmes Monaco*

Meanwhile, Hassan de Monaco has curated a comedy show that will close the event, and will featuring three emerging talents: Amandine Lourdel, Basile, and Myriam Barouk. Adding a creative touch to the experience, artist Anthony Alberti, also known as Mr One Teas, has designed a creative photo booth, ensuring visitors leave with a unique and memorable souvenir.

With an exciting lineup of activities and discussions, PowHer Day promises to be a meaningful and entertaining experience. Admission to the event is free, and the full programme can be found here.

For more information about the Monaco Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, visit their website: www.dfm.mc.

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Save the date: 2025 Women of Monaco Lunch and Awards to celebrate empowerment and achievements

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Photo source: Comité Droits des Femmes Monaco

Foreigners in France to face tougher language requirements for residency

by: Stephanie Horsman

13/02/2025

Foreigners wishing to live in France will soon have to meet stricter language requirements before being granted residency permits, raising concerns about whether the new rules are too demanding.

In 2024, 336,710 foreigners received their first residence permit in France, signing a republican integration contract that required them to commit to learning French—without needing to pass an exam. However, this is set to change with Law No. 2024-42, adopted in January 2024, which is expected to take effect in January 2026. Under the new regulations, foreign nationals applying for a resident card will need to prove a higher level of proficiency in French. The government argues that these changes are necessary for proper integration.

Stricter language requirements

The new rules introduce varying levels of language proficiency depending on the type of permit being sought. Those applying for a residence card valid for two to four years must demonstrate an A2 level of proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level includes understanding simple sentences and engaging in basic conversations on everyday topics. The threshold increases to B1 for a 10-year carte de séjour, a standard that requires comprehension of clear, standard speech and the ability to write about familiar subjects. Applicants for French nationality will need to meet an even higher requirement, with the level rising from B1 to B2, which involves understanding complex texts and engaging in more detailed discussions.

Concerns over the difficulty of the tests

A recent investigation by France 2’s L’Œil du 20h, aired on 11th February, has raised concerns that the new language tests may be too difficult for many foreigners. L’Œil du 20h conducted an experiment in which 10 native French speakers, including a literature student with a Master’s degree, took the B1-level exam under real conditions. Over 90 minutes, they answered questions based on audio recordings. Shockingly, five of the 10 participants failed the written portion, while two did not score high enough to qualify for their own nationality.

Félix Guyon, General Delegate of the THOT school for refugees and asylum seekers, has warned that the level required is far too high for most foreigners seeking naturalisation or a long-stay permit in France. Many organisations assisting immigrants argue that even well-integrated non-native speakers will face significant challenges in passing.

Fears over accessibility and fairness

One major issue is the reduction in available language training. An anonymous official from the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) revealed to the programme that in-person courses are now only offered to a small minority, with most applicants expected to learn via an online platform. Those who fail to meet the required level within three years could face deportation.

Nearly 20,000 immigrants may struggle to renew their residence permits, while around 40,000 could be denied a resident card altogether due to the language requirement. Experts predict that between 15,000 and 20,000 multi-year residence permits could be refused annually for those who signed an integration contract but failed to meet the new standards.

With these stricter language requirements set to take effect in 2026, advocacy groups and legal experts are calling for a review of the policy to ensure that it does not disproportionately exclude long-term residents who contribute to French society but struggle with the language component.

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: RDNE Stock Project on Pexels

Month: February 2025