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Month: March 2025

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and large UK contingent heading to MIPIM 2025

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/03/2025

For the first time in his tenure as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan will attend MIPIM, Europe’s largest real estate conference.

The Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier, most widely known as MIPIM, is an annual global real estate sector event held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. It is one of the most significant events of its kind, serving as a key platform for professionals in the real estate, architecture and urban planning industries to network, explore new and potential projects, and collaborate on innovations that could shape the cities and urban landscapes of tomorrow.

This year’s edition will soon get underway – the four-day event starts on 11th March and continues until 14th March – bringing together thousands of international developers, investors and policymakers to discuss the future of the property market.

For the first time in his nearly nine-year tenure as London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan has confirmed that he will attend the event, marking a significant shift in his approach to global investment and urban development. His decision to participate aligns with the Labour government’s focus on economic growth and reflects London’s ongoing efforts to attract global investment.

His predecessors, Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson, were frequent participants at MIPIM and regularly attended with the goal of promoting the UK capital, but Khan had previously opted out. With London facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, his presence at MIPIM signals an intent to engage directly with those who could play a role in addressing the crisis.

As part of his visit, Khan will take part in the London at MIPIM initiative, which will position the city as a global leader in real estate, innovation and investment. The London Stand, centrally located on La Croisette, will also serve as a hub for key stakeholders, including developers, architects and decision-makers, to forge partnerships and explore opportunities. Meanwhile, the London Club, an exclusive networking space, will further facilitate connections with industry leaders, reinforcing the city’s role as a major player in global real estate.

Khan won’t be the only high-profile mayor at the event, with Haris Doukas of Athens, José Luis Martínez-Almeida of Madrid and Roberto Gualtieri of Rome all set to participate and represent their cities and regions on the global stage, according to MIPIM organisers.

Their participation underscores the significance of MIPIM as a platform for cities to showcase their investment potential and collaborate on solutions to urban challenges.

MIPIM is expected to draw more than 20,000 delegates from 90 nations, who collectively manage upward of €4 trillion in assets. Over 300 stands will give attendees plenty to explore, with global real estate agencies such as Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield and Savills, as well as investment firms and geo-focused representatives from individual cities worldwide, featuring on the plans.

For more information on the upcoming edition of MIPIM, click here.

Read related:

Monaco’s real estate market soars to €5.9 billion amid surge in new property sales

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: Sadiq Khan, Facebook

For All Mankind: NASA’s photographic treasures go under the gavel at Bonhams

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/03/2025

Next month, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris will present a truly extraordinary collection at its online For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration auction. The sale, featuring some 450 vintage NASA photographs from the esteemed collection of space historian Victor Martin-Malburet, offers collectors a rare chance to acquire historic images of legendary moments, such as Neil Armstrong’s first-ever snap of the lunar surface in 1969 and William Anders’ iconic Earthrise photo from 1968.

In the early age of space exploration, NASA’s base in Houston, Texas, operated the world’s most advanced photo laboratory. Working in collaboration with leading brands of the era, such as Hasselblad, Zeiss and Kodak, the laboratory processed thousands of spectacular images, primarily intended for scientific use to aid future missions. Many ultimately made their way into the public eye to great excitement and fanfare.

Victor Martin-Malburet, who first encountered space photography at the age of 15, was one of many people instantly captivated by these images and spent years tracking down other photographs that had been “buried in scientific archives and the collections of former NASA engineers”.

“I was awestruck by the famous photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, with the Lunar Module reflected in his visor,” recalls Martin-Malburet. “What could be more disruptive than the moment when humans left their planet for the first time and set foot on another world? At a time when photography was still analogue, the prints produced by NASA were the treasures brought back from the unknown by the astronauts—for all mankind.”

Now, 450 vintage NASA photographs from his prestigious collection are set to go under the gavel at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s online auction, For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration, running from 14th to 28th April. Price estimates start as low as €300.

See more: Monaco launches art contest to design lunar vehicle of the future

Among the highlights is Earthrise, captured by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders (€12,000 to €18,000), who passed away in 2024. This image became one of the most influential in history, profoundly shaping humanity’s view of Earth.

William Anders’ 1968 image Earthrise. Photo courtesy of Bonhams

Another striking lot is the only known photograph of Neil Armstrong standing next to the Lunar Module on the Moon, taken by Buzz Aldrin and expected to fetch between €18,000 and €25,000. Rediscovered 17 years after NASA initially denied its existence, this image remains a historical rarity.

The auction also features Neil Armstrong’s first photograph on the lunar surface, estimated at €7,000 to €10,000. The image went unpublished by NASA after Apollo 11, the spaceflight that made history as the moment when humans first landed on the Moon.

Another remarkable image is the first-ever space selfie, taken by Buzz Aldrin during Gemini 12 (€8,000 to €10,000), now recognised as a defining moment in space photography after being nearly forgotten in official records. Other historic offerings include John Glenn’s first photograph taken by a human in space during Friendship 7 (€4,000 to €6,000) and the first still image of a human in space: Ed White’s pioneering spacewalk during Gemini 4 (€4,000 to €6,000), which is pictured above.

“The Apollo astronauts captured humanity’s greatest dreams through their cameras,” said Sabine Cornette de Saint Cyr, who is leading the sale. “Their photographs will forever symbolise the beginning of our expansion into the universe. Today, space exploration is once again a burning topic. It was only natural for Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr to present these undisputed masterpieces of the 20th century to collectors, as they continue to fascinate and enrich our imagination.”

For more information about the auction and the lots in For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration, click here.

Read related:

Relive space history at Venturi’s Apollo legacy exhibition

 

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.  

 

Main photo of Ed White’s Gemini 4 spacewalk in 1965. Photo courtesy of Bonhams

Les Bielles de Cabris: a monthly meet for car enthusiasts on the Riviera

by: Richard McCreery
04/03/2025

On the first Sunday of every month, hundreds of car enthusiasts descend on a picturesque village above Grasse to share their love of the automobile at Les Bielles de Cabris.

Whereas most events of this kind are quite formal and focused on a specific class of vehicle—such as prestige or classic cars—the gathering in Cabris brings together a huge variety, from 1960s Minis, 1980s Ferraris and 1990s hot hatches right up to modern-day Alpine A110s and Toyota Supras. If you own an interesting vehicle and want to showcase your prized possession, all you have to do is register for free and turn up.

Les Bielles de Cabris, held on the first Sunday of each month on the Pré de Cabris from 9.30am until 12.30pm, is organised by a local club called La Pistonnade.

It’s a celebration of cars in all their forms, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to see hundreds of special vehicles up close. For those exhibiting their cars, it offers a chance to chat with fellow owners about their pride and joy.

See more: Maserati arrives in Monaco: BPM Exclusive unveils new showroom and MCXtrema supercar

On Sunday 2nd March, old-timers such as a Citroën Traction Avant and a Jaguar E-Type seemed quite at home next to a Renault Clio Williams, a Lotus Evora and Corvettes, of which there were at least three different generations. There’s no pretence or sense of superiority.

Car fans are often asked to vote for their favourite vehicle—a seemingly impossible task when faced with so many fascinating examples of exotic sports cars, immaculately maintained family saloons that bring back childhood memories, and extremely rare classics, some of which you might not even recognise.

I was torn between a blue Renault Dauphine Gordini from the early 1960s and a yellow Lotus Esprit S4 with twin rear spoilers, but there were so many to choose from: a Jaguar Mk II, a Ford GT40, a Ferrari 328 GTS, a Citroën DS estate, a Ford Cortina coupé and just about every model of Porsche ever made.

The event is a family-friendly affair, and the organisers are firm on prohibiting unruly behaviour—no drifting, no burnouts and no excessive speed. Sometimes, when drivers find themselves being photographed and filmed by eager YouTubers, they can get carried away and start showing off, but the organisers needn’t have worried, as the whole place was bubbling over with love and good-natured enthusiasm. What’s more, you couldn’t drift most of these cars if you tried.

The turnout was excellent, and it was thrilling to see so many people keen to spend a few hours in the company of such fascinating cars. Well done to the organisers—I’ll be back!

To see more photographs from the March edition of Les Bielles de Cabris, click on the images below:

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.  

 

Photos by Richard McCreery for Monaco Life

Monaco’s ‘A Fighera’ turns heads at International Wood Construction Forum

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/03/2025

Monaco captured attention at the International Wood Construction Forum in Paris by unveiling ‘A Fighera,’ a groundbreaking residential project redefining sustainable architecture on the Riviera.

For the first time, the Principality participated in this prestigious global event, showcasing a scale model of Villa Carmelha—now rebranded as ‘A Fighera.’ This pioneering project, a first of its kind in Europe, sets new standards in eco-conscious construction while promoting Monaco’s BD2M sustainability label.

Held under the iconic dome of the Grand Palais from 26th to 28th February, the forum provided the perfect stage for Monaco to display its expertise in cutting-edge wooden construction techniques and environmentally responsible urban development.

Industry experts represent Monaco

A distinguished delegation attended to present the innovations behind ‘A Fighera’ to international professionals and media. Among them were Adrien Le Bret, Director of Public Works for the Monaco Government; Jean-François Riehl, President of Entreprise Monégasque de Couverture; Gabriel Viora, engineer and architect, founder of Cabinet Viora; and Wilfrid Bellecour, architect and founder of Studio Bellecour.

Their presentations delved into the advanced construction methodologies and green technologies that shaped ‘A Fighera’, reinforcing Monaco’s position as a leader in the future of sustainable luxury living.

See more: 

Revolutionary design and green technology define Monaco’s new A Fighera housing project

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. 

AI, edTech and deep-tech startups to pitch at K2MATCH Investor Lounge in Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
03/03/2025

Investors and industry leaders will gather in Monaco for the fifth edition of the K2MATCH Investor Lounge later this week, a three-part event where high-potential startups across AI, healthcare, travel, education and gaming will take to the stage and pitch to potential backers.

The K2MATCH Investor Lounge will take place at the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo in Fontvieille. Designed for budding entrepreneurs and those keen to support them in their endeavours, the event will provide a platform for investors to connect with high-potential startups in various industries through networking sessions, presentations and talks.

Founded by Alexandros Dohn and Badr Moudden, K2MATCH has been designed to facilitate connections between startups, scaleups and key industry players. This fifth edition of the event will be structured across three days, offering attendees multiple opportunities to connect in both formal and informal settings.

The main event on 6th March will kick off with a welcome drink at 6pm. The official programme, featuring a series of startup pitches and a Q&A session, will begin at 7pm. After the presentations, networking will continue over drinks and finger food.

Two satellite events will complement the main Investor Lounge. A pre-event networking session on 5th March at Bar des Artistes will allow investors and attendees to meet the participating startups ahead of the main event. Additionally, a post-event dinner and networking session on 7th March, also at Bar des Artistes, will provide a final opportunity for attendees to connect with startups and investors.

While the main Investor Lounge is free for investors, the pre-event and post-event gatherings require a participation fee of €90 and €120, respectively.

Startups to watch

Among the startups pitching at the event, several are leveraging AI to drive innovation in their respective industries. In the healthcare sector, Unlimited Robotics, based in Boston, is developing AI-powered robots designed to assist hospitals with logistics, sanitation and patient monitoring. In the travel industry, Vilnius-based Legego is using AI to create a marketplace for curated travel experiences, connecting travellers with unique content and personalised itineraries.

In the education sector, two startups are focusing on enhancing learning experiences. Cardiff-based Everybody Counts, which also participated in the fourth edition of the Monaco Investor Lounge, is offering a multilingual learning system aimed at transforming mathematics education by making it more accessible and engaging for students worldwide. Meanwhile, Sheffield-based Everybody Creates provides high-quality art lesson plans for primary school teachers, helping to integrate creativity into core curricula.

See more: K2MATCH Investor Lounge: a new partnership and future plans unveiled 

In the gaming industry, Johannesburg-based PINPIN is launching a massively multiplayer online game that integrates Google Maps, allowing players to engage in real-world location-based gameplay. In the deep-tech sector, Alma, currently in stealth mode, is developing MIMMS, a 6G-powered AI infrastructure designed to help enterprises scale their AI adoption efficiently while addressing challenges related to speed, cost and compliance.

To register for the investor lounge and the satellite events, click here.

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: K2MATCH Monaco Investor Lounge

Mayor of Nice backtracks on cruise ship ban, leaving restrictions unclear

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/03/2025

Nice’s long-time mayor, Christian Estrosi, is struggling to clarify a solid position on the cruise ship restrictions he imposed mere weeks ago, vacillating on issues such as a cap on the number of passengers per ship allowed into the nearby port village of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Having previously argued that “these cruises have no place here”, Estrosi appears to be backtracking on his attempts to follow Monaco’s example of limiting the docking of cruise ships in its waters since 2023 in the name of establishing a more sustainable approach to tourism.

Earlier this year, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi announced that the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur would be placing a ban on all cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers from entering the ports under its jurisdiction, effective this summer.

The decree of 24th January was reportedly pushed through without the consultation of Christophe Trojani, the mayor of the neighbouring village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a port that welcomes thousands of cruise ship passengers each year, and while the decree was welcomed by environmental advocates in the region, Trojani and the retailers and merchants of Villefranche-sur-Mer are understood to have been infuriated by the news.

See more: Mayor of Nice calls for ban on cruise ships from this summer

Then, on 28th February, at an event where Estrosi hosted Canadian-American environmental activist Paul Watson, the founder of the anti-poaching and pro-marine conservation Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Nice’s mayor reversed course. Two press releases issued that evening suggested that Estrosi and the Métropole would take a more lenient approach to cruise ships and their passengers, though the exact terms — and restrictions — remain unclear.

For example, the first notice outlined a 2,500-passenger cap per vessel. The second, released just three and a half hours later, removed that specific limit, stating instead that passenger restrictions would be discussed at the Port Council meeting on 7th March.

Both statements affirmed that Nice’s Port Lympia will no longer accommodate cruise ships carrying more than 450 passengers, effective this summer. Additionally, only one cruise ship per day will be allowed for a total of 65 days per year in Villefranche-sur-Mer. This differs from 2024, when Villefranche-sur-Mer received 80 cruise liners.

The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur is currently bound by an agreement, valid until 31st December 2025, that caps cruise passengers at 3,500 per ship — a figure far higher than the 900-passenger limit put forward by Estrosi in January. Despite the potential revision to 2,500 passengers, Trojani has refused to endorse any changes, telling the press, “We are going to negotiate a new agreement.”

“Since 2020, we have cut the number of ships by three and halved the number of passengers,” he said, as reported by France 3 Côte d’Azur. “We now host fewer cruise tourists than in 2010, dropping from 442,000 to approximately 150,000 to 200,000. We are at the beginning of a cycle of discussions. The decree of 24th January is no longer relevant.”

In comparison to its neighbours on the Riviera, the Principality of Monaco implemented a strict policy back in 2023 that only permits cruise ships under 250 metres in length and with a maximum capacity of 1,250 passengers to enter its ports. The regulations came into force at the wishes of Prince Albert II of Monaco, a staunch supporter of environmental conservation projects.

Read related:

Monaco’s tourism board launches survey to learn more about tourist habits and boost visitor experiences

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: Valentina Rossoni, Pexels