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Day: 17 March 2025

France revamps Nutri-Score to tackle obesity and promote healthier eating

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/03/2025

In a decisive move to combat rising obesity rates and encourage healthier eating habits, the French government has announced a major overhaul of the Nutri-Score system. The updated calculation method, which gives foods a rating from A for healthy to E for unhealthy, aims to provide consumers with more accurate nutritional information, helping them make better food choices.

Introduced in France in October 2017, Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack labelling system designed to inform consumers about the nutritional quality of food products. Using a colour-coded scale from A for healthiest to E for least healthy, it helps shoppers quickly assess a product’s nutritional value. Developed by experts in public health and nutrition, Nutri-Score is generally regarded as a valuable tool in France’s overall strategy to improve the population’s dietary habits.

According to a July 2024 study by the French Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the combination of Nutri-Score labelling, restrictions on advertising unhealthy products, and taxes on sugary beverages has been the most effective approach to addressing the problem of obesity. However, with nearly one in two French citizens classified as overweight or obese, the need for clear, science-backed nutritional guidance has never been greater.

In response to this public health challenge, a coalition of top government officials — Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Families; Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty; Éric Lombard, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty; Yannick Neuder, Minister for Health and Access to Healthcare; and Véronique Louwagie, Minister for Trade, Crafts, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Social and Solidarity Economy — came together to sign a decree to revise and enhance the Nutri-Score system.

Following an extensive evaluation by an independent scientific committee, adjustments have been made to the Nutri-Score formula to reflect the latest nutritional research and feedback from consumer groups and industry stakeholders. Notably, the revised system will implement stricter differentiation based on sugar and salt content, making it easier to identify high-sugar or high-sodium foods.

Whole grain products will be better distinguished from refined alternatives in a push to encourage the public to prioritise fibre-rich options that offer more health benefits. The classification of oily fish and plant-based oils has also been reviewed, recognising the benefits of omega-3-rich fish and healthier oils lower in saturated fats. Additionally, beverages will be assessed more clearly, taking into account both sugar levels and the presence of artificial sweeteners to discourage excessive reliance on sugar substitutes.

Food manufacturers and retailers will have a two-year transition period to update their packaging and comply with the revised system. This change is expected to encourage reformulation of processed foods, pushing companies to improve the nutritional quality of their products.

Read related:

Toxic tap water: alarming levels of PFAS found in France’s drinking water

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: Mizuno Kozuki, Pexels

Sources: https://www.info.gouv.fr/actualite/nouveau-nutri-score-que-retenir

Photo Credit: France’s Government Information Service

Silversea launches worldwide ‘An Ode to the Moment’ cruise, with a final stop in Nice

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/03/2025

Silversea, the international luxury travel brand headquartered in the Principality of Monaco, has announced the launch of an incredible 132-day world cruise in 2028 that will start in Miami and end right here on the Riviera.

From 2028, Silversea’s An Ode to the Moment cruise will offer wanderlust-filled passengers the chance to visit some 58 destinations in 29 countries around the world between January and May.

The journey will unfold in nine thematic chapters, each highlighting unique regional experiences. From the vibrant rhythms of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival to the serene beauty of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, guests will embark on an extraordinary voyage through South America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, reaching its final stop in Nice in May 2028. Highlights will include stops in the Caribbean’s Jost Van Dyke, the wildlife-rich Chilean Fjords and the ancient desert wonders of Petra and Luxor. Optional excursions, such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a visit to Iguazu Falls, will add further depth to the experience for the most daring adventurers.

The cruise has been curated by Silversea’s top destination experts and promises unparalleled travel experiences that combine exclusive events, overland tours and access to more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The itinerary also includes extended stays in 17 ports, allowing for enriched cultural immersion.

“Our 2028 World Cruise, An Ode to the Moment, is designed to slow time, offering deeper exploration of each destination,” says Bert Hernandez, the president of Silversea. “With our unrivalled destination expertise, we guide guests to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring they experience the world at its finest.”

The award-winning Silver Shadow will serve as the glamourous home-from-home for the 392 guests aboard. Touted as an ultra-luxury small ship with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry, perks include personalised butler service for all guests, a top-of-the-line fitness centre and spa, and fine international cuisine at four incredible restaurants.

Bookings can be made from 20th March 2025. For a complete rundown of each destination and for more information on An Ode to the Moment,  click here.

Read related:

Take a look inside the new eco-luxe Silver Nova from Silversea Cruises

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: Silversea 

Monte-Carlo Television Festival introduces Golden Nymph Digital Award

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/03/2025

The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has unveiled an exciting new addition to its Golden Nymph accolades: the Digital Award. Designed to honour content created exclusively for YouTube, the category will spotlight originality and innovative storytelling on the platform.

Each year, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, created under Prince Rainier III in 1961 as a way of bringing together key players in the television industry for networking and recognition, as well as to celebrate the accomplishments of the small screen, culminates in the naming of the recipients of the Golden Nymph Awards, a set of prestigious prizes that reward excellence in various aspects of the industry.

True to its forward-thinking roots, the festival moves with the times and has announced the creation of a new Digital Award, which will honour productions that forgo actors, scripts, and dialogue, instead capturing spontaneous, unscripted moments.

Two Golden Nymphs will ultimately be awarded in this category: Best Original Digital Creation and Best Unscripted Digital Creation. At the 2025 edition of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, set to take place between 13th and 17th June at the Grimaldi Forum, organisers will share further details on these new awards, which will be formally introduced to the programme in 2026.

“We are excited to discover the talents and creations that will emerge in this new category, and we encourage all creators to participate in this celebration of digital innovation,” says Cécile Menoni, Executive Director of the Festival.

For over six decades, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival has been at the forefront of industry trends, and this new award reaffirms its commitment to innovation. By embracing the evolution of media consumption, the festival continues to celebrate groundbreaking artistic expression, setting the stage for a new era in television.

For more information about the festival, including the programme of events for the 2025 edition and how to submit an entry, click here.

Read related:

Monte-Carlo Television Festival launches ‘Tell Me A Story’ pitch contest for young creatives

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: Mizuno Kozuki, Pexels

New ‘Cinéam’ exhibition explores Monaco’s rich silver screen heritage

by: Niki Borisova
17/03/2025

The legacy of Cinéam, Monaco’s club of artisan filmmakers that thrived between the 1950s and 1980s, is being rightfully brought to public attention in a fascinating new exhibition at the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco. It explores decades of amateur filmmaking in and beyond the Principality, as well as the club’s role in documenting major cultural and historical moments in Monaco.

Ahead of the public opening of Cinéam on 17th March, Monaco Life got a behind-the-scenes view of the exhibition, which offers captivating insights into the history of amateur filmmaking in the Principality.

Documenting Monaco’s evolution

Formed as part of the Studio de Monaco in 1939, the Cinéam club gradually developed into an independent section dedicated to amateur filmmaking and photography.

Members of Cinéam, including figures like Guy Brousse and Roger Canis, produced a range of documentaries, fictions and even animated films during the club’s existence. They were key figures in the documentation of significant events and everyday moments in Monaco, providing treasured memories of important historical and cultural developments, from the Liberation of Monaco in 1944, the Jubilee of Prince Louis II of Monaco in 1947 and the various construction projects helmed by Prince Rainier III, such as the building of the Stade Louis II.

The exhibition features six viewing stations presenting extracts from around 50 films. Additional screenings can be viewed in the Petite Salle of the Institute under the programme Le Cinéam, au fil des saisons, with some sessions introduced by former club members.

The evolution of sound devices is explored at the exhibition. Photo by Monaco Life

The exhibition also explores the technical aspects of filmmaking during Cinéam’s active years, including the development of soundtracks. It highlights the collaborative effort required for sound production, from sound engineers and musicians to projection operators. Films such as Goutte d’eau (1953) exemplify this process, showcasing early partnerships with local entities like Radio Monte-Carlo.

The evolution of sound synchronisation with the arrival of Super8 cameras is examined too. Portable recorders, such as the SP2000 synchroniser, allowed amateur filmmakers to align sound with moving images, though the process remained complex.

The logo of Cinéam, Monaco’s club of artisan filmmakers. Photo by Monaco Life.

Founded in 1997, the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco is tasked with preserving and promoting Monaco’s cinematic and audiovisual heritage. It regularly collaborates with cultural institutions and runs an annual cycle of art and experimental film screenings, with several projects conducted under the patronage of Princess Caroline of Hanover.

Curated by Estelle Macé and Vincent Vatrican, the current Cinéam exhibition, which will continue until January 2026, offers an in-depth view of Monaco’s filmmaking past and the amateur craftsmanship that helped shape its cultural narrative.

The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The Institute closes at 4.30pm on Fridays.

 

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 TikTok.  

All photos by Monaco Life

Photos: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene show their support at Provale Solidarité gala

by: Elsa Carpenter
17/03/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco headed to Paris last week to attend the inaugural edition of the Provale Solidarité gala, a star-studded event organised by France’s leading union for rugby players with the goal of raising funds to support players in navigating life after the sport. 

Provale is France’s national union for male and female rugby players – a sport and cause appreciated by both Prince Albert and Princess Charlene – and the new gala initiative provided an opportunity for the union to garner support for its assistance programmes that help players navigate significant post-career challenges, from injuries to career transitions.

More than 300 guests, including Monaco’s Princely couple and iconic players from the French-speaking world, attended the event at the Four Seasons Hotel George V on Friday 14th March.

The union’s president, Malik Hamadache, a French-Algerian rugby union player, led the evening, while former France captain Thierry Dusautoir was the main sponsor of the event and hosted the auction, which featured match-worn and signed jerseys from renowned players, rugby balls and art. An impressive €100,000 was raised over the course of the evening.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene received four colourful Celaire Franck rugby balls personalised with their names and those of their 10-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

“All proceeds from the event will go towards funding Provale’s initiatives to support former players in difficulty,” confirmed the Palais Princier de Monaco in a statement. “Too often overlooked, the challenges these athletes face after their careers are very real, including lingering injuries, difficulties in professional reintegration and issues linked to the intensity of their sporting lives. Thanks to this charitable initiative, Provale will be able to continue its mission and provide crucial support to those who need it most.”

Princess Charlene, a former professional athlete herself, has developed a keen interest in rugby in recent years and was elected President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation at the end of 2024.

Her presence at the gala evening underscored Princess Charlene’s commitment to promoting the core values of the sport, namely respect, dedication and teamwork.

The statement shared by the Palais Princier de Monaco noted, “Through Her Foundation, the Princess also promotes education through sport and social inclusion. Believing that sport is a powerful driver of integration and resilience, she strives to support players at every stage of their journey, both on and off the field.”

To see more of the gala, click on the images below:

Read related:

Princess Charlene becomes new President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation

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.  

 

Left to right in main photo: Mathieu Giudicelli, General Director of Provale, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Malik Hamadache, President of Provale. Photos source: Palais Princier de Monaco

Jean-Jacques Risso takes the helm at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/03/2025

Monaco-born scientist Dr. Jean-Jacques Risso has been appointed president of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), marking a new era for the prestigious research institution. With a career dedicated to human physiology and deep-sea diving, Risso brings decades of expertise to the role as he succeeds Professor Patrick Rampal, who led the CSM for 20 years.

Born on 27th September 1958, Risso graduated from the University of Lyon I, where he completed his doctoral thesis on high-pressure nervous syndrome. His research career began in 1980 as a civilian engineer studying the effects of high pressure on the central nervous system at a French military research unit. Over the years, he has directed numerous research programmes and published over 130 scientific papers.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr. Risso shared his vision for the future: “I am honoured and excited to join the Centre Scientifique de Monaco. I sincerely thank the Sovereign and the Princely Government for their trust. The CSM is internationally recognised for its excellence in marine biology, polar biology, and human health. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Patrick Rampal, for his exceptional work in building a world-class research centre.”

As he takes the reins, Dr. Risso says he is committed to strengthening the CSM’s global impact. “With its cutting-edge research, top-tier experts, and international collaborations, the CSM is at the forefront of scientific discovery. We will continue driving innovative research to protect our environment and shape a sustainable future,” he added.

Dr. Risso will be supported by Dr. Sylvie Tambutté, who leads the scientific division, and Delphine Frappier, who oversees financial, administrative, and human resource operations.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of 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 more:

Sylvie Tambutté appointed new Scientific Director of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco

 

Photo provided by CSM