A French scientist was denied entry to the United States and deported after officials found messages on his phone critical of the Trump administration’s research policies, the French government has confirmed.
The researcher, who works with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), was traveling to a conference near Houston when he was stopped for a random inspection upon arrival on 9th March. US border authorities searched his work computer and personal phone, where they reportedly found messages referring to Donald Trump’s treatment of scientists. Officials told him the messages expressed “hatred towards Trump” and could be considered “terrorism.” His devices were confiscated, and he was sent back to France the next day.
French Higher Education Minister Philippe Baptiste said in a statement to AFP that the decision was taken because the researcher had “expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration’s research policy” in private exchanges with colleagues and friends. He said France remains committed to “freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom”.
The French Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the US has sovereign control over its borders but said it “deplores this situation” and remains determined to promote freedom of expression. The ministry confirmed that French consular services had been made aware of the case.
The incident comes as Trump’s administration has reintroduced policies that have alarmed the scientific community, including major funding cuts and restrictions on certain areas of publicly funded research. US border authorities have not commented on the case.
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.
Photo by Monaco Life
Monaco celebrates tourism success and sets sights on 2025
Monaco’s tourism industry is on a roll. At a key event on 18th March, the Principality’s Directorate of Tourism and Congresses revealed that 2024 saw a rise in hotel occupancy and average prices, driven by a strong rebound in business tourism. With 2025 now in full swing, officials are looking to keep the momentum going.
Held at the Méridien Beach Plaza, the annual gathering brought together major players in the industry, including Finance and Economy Minister Pierre-André Chiappori. The numbers spoke for themselves – hotel occupancy was up three points, and prices climbed five percent compared to 2023. This bounce-back, particularly in the business travel sector, was a key highlight of the year.
Tourism boss Guy Antognelli laid out plans for the months ahead, with a focus on keeping Monaco top of mind for international visitors. The United States and the Middle East remain high-value targets, but there’s also a push to attract more European tourists during quieter periods. The strategy is clear: keep the high-spending travelers coming while making the most of every season.
“The DTC is working to maintain momentum in key long-haul markets, particularly the USA and the Middle East, which are currently the most profitable for the destination,” said Antognelli. “At the same time, we are also focused on continuing to grow European visitor numbers during periods of lower demand.”
Adding to the celebrations, Minister Chiappori accepted the award for Best European Destination 2025, officially presented to Monaco on 18th February.
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.
Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department
Monaco Blue Initiative to spotlight economic strategy and the importance of science-guided policy
The upcoming Monaco Blue Initiative will bring together important decision-makers and experts from the worlds of science, politics and business who share a common objective: to implement tangible and effective actions for the preservation and protection of the world’s oceans.
The Monaco Blue Initiative, which will be held at the Grimaldi Forum on 24th March, will be setting the stage for the Blue Economy and Finance Forum later this spring, as well as the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, with a series of engaging and open talks on pressing issues linked to the health and future of the oceans.
Organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, the event will unite an array of players in ocean conservation and governance, from government representatives and international organisations to NGOs, the private sector, the scientific community and the media.
On the agenda
The goal of the event is to address the biggest challenges facing the world’s oceans in a forward-looking, responsible way. Participants will explore strategies that could ease the transition from a maritime economy to a regenerative blue economy, discuss how political decision-making can be better informed by scientific research and examine ways to accelerate the mobilisation of financial resources to promote the sustainable use and conservation of the ocean and its resources.
It has been confirmed that Prince Albert II of Monaco will inaugurate the event with a keynote speech before the day’s activities get underway.
Among the highlights on the programme will be an update on the Our Ocean Conference 2025 in Busan, presented by Kim Sungbum, Deputy Minister for Marine Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in the Republic of Korea.
François Houllier, President and CEO of Ifremer and Co-Chair of the One Ocean Science Congress, will also offer insights into the upcoming One Ocean Science Congress 2025, while Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the French President for the United Nations Ocean Conference, will provide details on the latest developments regarding the third UN Ocean Conference.
For further information about the event, click here.
In the elegant surroundings of the Hôtel Hermitage, Rolls-Royce unveiled the new Ghost Series II, the latest update to its most popular nameplate and what the 119-year-old marque describes as “the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever created”. It was the perfect opportunity for Monaco Life’s new car contributor, Richard McCreery, to take it for a spin.
To fully understand how cutting-edge engineering and extreme luxury came together to create something as truly special as the new Ghost Series II, Rolls-Royce sent its Product Expert, Alan Hind, from England to the Principality to present this innovative model at an exclusive gathering organised by BPM Exclusive on Wednesday 12th March at the Hôtel Hermitage.
Hind explained how this latest version has been designed as a “canvas for creativity”, allowing prospective owners to express their individuality. Ghost clients typically invest at least 10% of the purchase price in bespoke customisation, and given the endless possibilities, that figure seems modest. As a brand, Rolls-Royce clearly recognises the importance of personalisation, recently announcing a £300 million investment to expand its Bespoke services at Goodwood.
BPM Exclusive hosted a cocktail evening at the Hôtel Hermitage to mark the unveiling of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. Photo credit: Richard McCreery
Driving the Ghost Series II Black Badge: power, precision and unrivalled comfort
Following a cocktail evening and the unveiling of the car on Wednesday 12th March at the Hôtel Hermitage—an event organised by BPM Exclusive—Monaco Life was given an exclusive test drive on the roads around the Principality.
The exterior of the Ghost Series II retains the elegant lines of its predecessor while introducing subtle enhancements, such as updated daytime running light graphics at the front. However, the level of advanced technology engineered into this car may surprise those who still associate Rolls-Royce with tradition.
For instance, the Ghost uses cameras to scan the road ahead, allowing its self-levelling air suspension to anticipate and adapt to surface changes, a feature that creates what Hind describes as “a sensation of flight on land”. The car also utilises GPS to predict upcoming bends and inclines, ensuring the gearbox selects the optimal gear. It even factors in the number of passengers on board, adjusting its driving dynamics accordingly.
While many people think of a Rolls-Royce as typically being chauffeur-driven, this is the model in the range that tends to attract a clientele—often younger—who enjoy the experience of driving.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
The interior is exquisite, reminiscent of haute couture, yet the Black Badge model I tested is also designed with driving in mind. Navigating the streets of Monaco—dodging buses and weaving through seemingly ever-present roadworks—the car feels surprisingly agile for its size. You simply glide through the city in a cocoon of serenity.
The V12 engine is remarkably smooth, delivering maximum torque as low as 1,600 rpm, making the driving sensation strikingly similar to that of an electric car. Meanwhile, double-glazed windows reduce the outside world to a mere murmur. The effortless glide from one destination to the next is nothing short of a delight.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
Once free from city traffic, the Ghost Series II Black Badge—which offers increased power and torque over the standard model—proves it is far more than just a town car. A button on the gear selector marked ‘Low’ (perhaps because ‘Sport’ might seem a little too common in this context) increases gearshift speeds by 50%, allowing for a more engaging driving experience and a deeper appreciation of the 6.75-litre V12’s refined growl. Yet, even at its most assertive, the sound remains restrained, more akin to the contented purr of a lion than an aggressive roar. The car becomes noticeably more responsive, and while its character remains one of supreme refinement, this subtle shift enhances the pleasure of driving on an open road. Its size and weight mean it is not best suited for winding routes, but few vehicles would rival it for a cross-continent road trip. I could easily spend days covering long distances in this car.
For those considering commissioning a new Ghost Series II—as Rolls-Royce, quite fittingly, refers to placing an order—the starting price exceeds €300,000 and will likely rise significantly with bespoke customisation. However, once you experience what this car truly offers, along with entry into a world of luxury that never ceases to amaze, it almost begins to seem like good value.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
Luxury is in the detail
The interior is where you really start to learn what ‘luxury’ means to Rolls-Royce, as each car exhibits a level of refinement and attention to detail that is mind-blowing to the ordinary car buyer. In the new Ghost Series II, the Duality Twill interior fabric incorporates 2.2 million stitches and uses over 17 kilometres of thread that is available in 51 different hues because, as Hind reveals, “fabric seats are making a comeback”. If you prefer leather seats, they can be decorated with unique artworks created out of 107,000 uniform perforations.
Precision is clearly a watchword for Rolls-Royce designers: the Champagne cooler can be set at different optimal serving temperatures, depending on whether you have vintage or non-vintage Champagne. There’s the attention to detail again.
And it just keeps going. The colour of the digital instrument dials in the Ghost Series II can be matched to that of the car’s 44,000 possible paintwork options, while the 1,400-watt audio system uses the aluminium chassis to create resonance chambers for the speakers. The ever-popular Starlight Headliner (car roof) can even mimic the stars in the night sky on a date of your choosing.
“Nine out of 10 buyers tick this option,” reveals Hind.
The dashboard wood is infused with microscopic metallic particles, creating a shimmering effect that took four years to perfect. Adding to the luxury, a softly illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy sits within a small cabinet that also houses an elegant analogue clock.
Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
Join the exclusive Whispers Club
You might find yourself tempted to carry the Rolls-Royce umbrella—discreetly concealed within the door—everywhere you go, like a badge of honour, a subtle signal to fellow owners that you belong to this exclusive circle. After all, only 5,714 Rolls-Royces were sold worldwide last year.
For those looking to mingle with like-minded individuals, the brand has created Whispers, an ultra-exclusive club that grants members access to private model unveilings, lavish lifestyle events and bespoke experiences curated exclusively for Rolls-Royce owners. Fancy renting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for your birthday? Flying a fighter jet? Owning the world’s most expensive bottle of perfume? With Whispers, the extraordinary is just a request away.
In my opinion
After my drive, I was left with the feeling that this is a car you can enjoy in many different ways, whether powering along the Corniches, navigating around town or even just sitting stationary in it. Car lovers will enjoy creating their bespoke example, they’ll enjoy driving it and they’ll enjoy the entire ownership experience. Such a huge amount of thought has gone into the whole process that you can’t fail to be impressed. You can see why Rolls-Royce has attained the reputation that it has today in the world of luxury motor cars.
If you have the opportunity, I recommend you try it for yourself. You really need to experience it in order to truly understand why a Rolls-Royce is so special.
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.
Main photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life
Meubles Monaco: a new marketplace for second-hand premium furniture
A new player has entered Monaco’s online marketplace scene. Meubles Monaco, founded just two weeks ago, hopes to change the way locals buy and sell high-quality second-hand furniture. In an interview with Monaco Life, Isobel Ridley, the platform’s founder, shares the inspiration behind the concept.
Barely a fortnight ago, Isobel Ridley launched Meubles Monaco, an online platform dedicated to buying and selling second-hand furniture in the Principality. Her new business addresses a gap in Monaco’s fast-moving property market by providing a streamlined way for residents to rehome high-quality pieces rather than discard them.
Ridley, 35, comes from a family that has lived in Monaco for the past eight years. She splits her time between the Principality and London but is now spending an increasing portion of it in Monaco.
After graduating from Durham University with a degree in Ancient History, Ridley turned to entrepreneurship. At 24, she founded Lavender Hill, a sustainable clothing brand that she has been running for the past 11 years. The company, which started in London, has since grown into a fully remote international business, allowing her to focus on new ventures like Meubles Monaco.
This latest business concept came about by chance, she tells Monaco Life.
“I had some family friends who were moving and didn’t know what to do with their furniture,” she explains. “I thought I’d help them, and I started looking around—there wasn’t one dedicated place to list second-hand furniture. There are Facebook groups and big French platforms, but nothing specifically for quality pieces. Also, on Facebook, listings can easily get lost.”
What began as a one-off effort quickly evolved into a full-fledged business.
“I couldn’t believe no one had done it before,” says Ridley.
A marketplace designed for Monaco
With a high turnover of residents, frequent redecorations and countless expats coming and going year-round, Ridley saw an opportunity.
“You have people moving in and out all the time—whether they’re here for work, retiring, local Monegasques or students. And if you’ve been here a few years, bought furniture and now want a change, there wasn’t an easy way to sell it,” she says.
Meubles Monaco operates as a marketplace where sellers list their furniture, paying a small onboarding fee of €20. Buyers place a €25 deposit to secure an item before viewing it in person, ensuring only serious inquiries. If they proceed with the purchase, the deposit is deducted from the final price, and Meubles Monaco takes a 15% commission from the sale. The company does not store or transport furniture but can recommend local movers.
Isobel Ridley, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, is the founder of Meubles Monaco, a second-hand furniture marketplace in the Principality. Photo supplied
The platform is currently focused on Monaco and its immediate surroundings, including Cap d’Ail, but Ridley sees potential for expansion across the French Riviera and even into Italy.
“It’s not just about people moving in and out of apartments; it’s also for those buying and selling holiday homes or second homes,” she explains.
Sustainability and changing consumer habits
Sustainability is at the core of Meubles Monaco.
“It’s all about circularity—reusing and giving furniture a second life,” she notes. “If you don’t want something, someone else might.”
Ridley has long been committed to sustainable business practices, something she first applied to her clothing brand.
“When I set up Lavender Hill 11 years ago, I saw a gap for high-quality, natural fabric basics. We were transparent about sustainability from the start. It’s the same with Meubles Monaco—it’s about quality, transparency and responsible consumption,” she tells Monaco Life.
The marketplace has already gained traction, with several pieces listed and more sellers preparing to add their furniture.
“The response has been incredibly positive. I posted about it in a Facebook group, and within hours, there were 75 likes and 15 people commenting, asking why this hadn’t existed before,” says Ridley.
Despite this enthusiasm, Ridley acknowledges the biggest challenge will be maintaining momentum.
“You can have a great launch, but keeping people engaged is the hard part,” she says. “With my other business, I’ve learned that repeat customers are key. The goal is to build trust and a loyal customer base.”
An antique Louis XV-style marble-top chest of drawers piece is listed on Meubles Monaco, alongside more contemporary pieces. Photo supplied
A focus on quality
The platform prioritises premium products over mass-market furniture.
“We’re very much about quality,” she explains. “Furniture is an investment, and people don’t want to just throw it away—they want to find it a new home.”
Trends in furniture design, she notes, are leaning toward contemporary styles, but tastes vary.
“We have a mix—contemporary and antique pieces like a Louis XV-style marble-top chest of drawers,” says Ridley, before commenting on a shift in spending habits. “With the current economic climate, people are more cautious about purchases. Buying second-hand is becoming more accepted.”
Looking ahead
Ridley is clear about Meubles Monaco’s identity.
“We want to create a seamless, safe online environment for buying and selling, where people trust the platform,” she says proudly
When asked what she enjoys most about running a business, Ridley says excitedly, “The diversity—one minute you’re looking at cash flow forecasts, the next you’re designing a new product or talking to customers. Feedback is crucial. As an entrepreneur, you have to adapt and evolve with trends. You can’t be stagnant.”
For anyone considering launching a sustainable business, her advice is simple: “The most important thing is to try. Even if you fail, at least you tried—that’s already an achievement.”
To explore the Meubles Monaco marketplace for yourself, click here.
In the wake of the 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck southern France in the early evening of Tuesday 18th March, some 20 aftershocks of varying intensity have been recorded across the region. That first quake was by far the strongest, but a longer 3.8 Richter tremor was also noted by scientists just before 10.30pm, leading to an outpouring of concerned posts on social media from locals who feared that more was to come.
Since the initial 4.1 magnitude earthquake, which occurred at a depth of around 16 kilometres below the town of Coaraze, about 45 minutes north of Nice, around 20 additional quakes ranging from 0.8 to 3.8 on the Richter scale had been recorded as of 10am on Wednesday 19th March. The strongest aftershock came at 10.24pm and lasted noticeably longer than the first tremor, though both were accompanied by an unsettling boom.
Social media platforms were immediately flooded with reports of the first quake, with residents across the Côte d’Azur, as well as in Monaco and the neighbouring Italian region of Piedmont, sharing their personal experiences. Some wrote of rattling windows and doors, others noted the disquieting sound that accompanied the two strongest quakes, while those who have lived in the area for much of their lives spoke of memories of a similarly strong earthquake some 20 years ago.
In a bid to reassure the public, the Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes published a statement on its own social media pages: “An earthquake with an estimated magnitude between 3.9 and 4.1 on the Richter scale was felt around 6.30pm this evening, with its epicentre located 10 km north of Nice. No injuries have been reported, but numerous calls have been received by emergency services. There is no risk of a tsunami or any expected impact on building or hillside/mountain infrastructure. State services remain on alert.”
Following the 3.8 Richter aftershock later that evening, a second statement was released: “A seismic aftershock was felt a few minutes ago at various locations across the department. This phenomenon, a lower-magnitude aftershock occurring in the hours and days following the initial event, is typical according to seismic experts… Aware that this may cause concern, it is important not to overwhelm emergency services with calls unless in urgent cases. State services remain mobilised and thank the people of the Alpes-Maritimes for their sense of responsibility.”
Earthquakes are common in this part of the Mediterranean, but a quake as strong as 4.1 is somewhat unusual.
Quakes of this strength can be easily felt by humans, but damage, if any, is minor. An estimated 500,000 earthquakes measuring between 2.5 and 5.1 in magnitude are recorded around the world each year. Meanwhile, Epos-France, the European Plate Observing System, typically reports 4,000 quakes annually on the French mainland.
