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Day: 3 April 2025

Dishes from L’Abysse Monte-Carlo and Mirazur named favourites by Michelin inspectors

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/04/2025

Two of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo and Mirazur Menton, have been named among the favourite restaurants of the Michelin Guide France 2025 inspectors, who highlighted standout dishes that left a lasting impression over the past year.

Each year, the Michelin Guide’s inspectors criss-cross the country, tasting thousands of dishes in their search for culinary excellence. Only a select few make the cut as stand-out favourites, and this year, the Principality and the French Riviera were honoured with not one, but two featured creations, with L’Abysse and Mirazur both earning praise for their innovation, finesse and sense of place.

At L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, the inspectors were captivated by Entracte, a refined composition featuring a locally sourced courgette flower gently steamed over seaweed, filled with tender langoustine, and paired with a silky shellfish sauce delicately scented with flower pollen. Described by Michelin as “a testament to the chef’s greatest moments”, this original creation by multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno reflects his signature precision and poetic approach to flavour.

To prepare the palate, the dish is preceded by a crystal-clear tomato water, subtly infused with olive oil and celery extraction, offering a “delicate umami note” that sets the tone for the culinary journey to follow.

Since opening in July 2024, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo has experienced a remarkable ascent, culminating this week in the awarding of two Michelin stars in the 2025 guide—an exceptional achievement that firmly establishes it among Monaco’s most distinguished dining addresses.

One of the Michelin inspector’s favourite dishes of the year was the stuffed courgette flower by renowned Chef Yannick Alléno at L’Abysse Monte-Carlo. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Just across the border in Menton, Mirazur, the globally renowned three Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Mauro Colagreco, was also featured. According to Michelin, its standout creation, Langoustine au curcuma, is a masterclass in balance and creativity. In this dish, a gently roasted langoustine is paired with garden-fresh green beans, purslane leaves, and a bright sauce of carrot and orange laced with turmeric. A tartlet of mushroom fricassée completes the dish, showcasing Mirazur’s signature fusion of land, sea and garden. It is, “as beautiful as it is delicious”.

See also: VistaJet partners with Mauro Colagreco for exclusive in-flight Michelin-star dining

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Main photo of Yannick Alléno, source Monte-Carlo SBM

Schumacher’s Monaco Grand Prix-winning Ferrari F2001 to be auctioned this May

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
03/04/2025
Schumacher Ferrari

At the height of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix racing weekend, RM Sotheby’s will be auctioning off Michael Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari F2001, the car that drove him to success at the 2001 edition of the iconic race. In the run-up to the sale, the proceeds of which will largely go to the Keep Fighting Foundation, the car will be on display for VIP guests in the Paddock Club.

This incredible, high-profile sale will mark the first time that a former Formula 1 car has gone under the hammer during the Monaco Grand Prix, so it makes sense that the main attraction is one of the most prestigious in racing. The car, with its Chassis No. 211, is considered one of the most prominent modern Formula 1 race cars and is among the most sought-after collector cars worldwide.

Schumacher drove this exact chassis to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2001, securing his fifth and final win on the Principality’s legendary street circuit. The triumph was a crucial part of a dominant season that concluded in his fourth Drivers’ World Championship title. Chassis No. 211 also delivered victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, confirming Schumacher and Ferrari as the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Champions for 2001 – achieving a historic back-to-back championship double for Ferrari.

The car is considered the crown jewel among all of Schumacher’s Formula 1 cars and stands as a testament to Ferrari’s engineering excellence during what many consider its golden era.

See more: F1: Charles Leclerc brings home the win at the Monaco Grand Prix

“Victory on the streets of Monte-Carlo alone would make this a hugely significant Ferrari, but to do so in the same season that it crossed the line to capture both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships—the first back-to-back championship double in Ferrari history—takes it to a completely different level. We are very excited to take Chassis No. 211 back to the site of its historic win, and to be able to auction it during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend is an immense privilege,” says Augustin Sabatié-Garat, Director of Sales at RM Sotheby’s.

Developed by the legendary team of Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne, the F2001 featured cutting-edge technology, including a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, semi-automatic sequential gearbox, Brembo brakes, Bridgestone tires, and sophisticated Magneti Marelli electronics. The Tipo 050 V10 engine delivers an impressive 825 horsepower at 17,300 rpm. Weighing just 600kg, the car was capable of reaching speeds exceeding 350km/h, representing the peak of Formula 1 engineering at the turn of the millennium.

The F2001 that took Schumacher and Ferrari to victory in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships in 2001. Photo source: RM Sotheby’s 

An exclusive opportunity

RM Sotheby’s will be conducting the auction within Formula 1’s prestigious Paddock Club on 24th May, with bidding scheduled to begin at 3.15 pm local time. Ahead of the auction, the car will be available for viewing by Paddock Club guests starting 23rd May, offering fans and collectors a rare opportunity to see this iconic piece of motorsport history up close before it changes hands.

The F2001 symbolises an era when Ferrari reigned supreme in motorsport, and its return to Monaco – where it achieved one of the most iconic victories – creates a fitting tribute to both Schumacher and Ferrari’s legacy.

A portion of the auction’s profits will be donated to the Keep Fighting Foundation, continuing Schumacher’s legacy of charitable work.

Read related:

The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix in pictures

 

Photos source: RM Sotheby’s 

Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc, elder brother to Charles, joins board at Accelera Digital Group

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/04/2025

Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc, the older brother of F1 Ferrari driver Charles, has been formally appointed to the board of Accelera Digital Group, a global technology solutions provider, adding to his credentials in the realm of international business.

36-year-old Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc might not be as well-known as his racing driver brothers, Charles and Arthur, preferring to stay out of the limelight except when supporting his siblings at important races. However, this elder brother has nonetheless developed a strong reputation for himself in the world of business.

As the Managing Director of Square Capital in Monaco and Co-Founder of All TIME, a company dedicated to supporting elite athletes throughout their careers and beyond that he started with 27-year-old Charles, Tolotta-Leclerc has extensive expertise in finance, strategic investments and high-level sports consulting. These, among other skills, are now being brought to the table at Accelera Digital Group (ADG), a technology solutions provider that delivers cutting-edge cloud, AI, and enterprise software solutions to businesses worldwide.

On 2nd April, it was announced that Tolotta-Leclerc had joined ADG as a board member as part of the group’s efforts to expand its footprint across Europe, Africa and the Middle East as an official partner of Google Cloud, AWS, Oracle, Huawei and Datadog.

According to the group, his position will involve offering strategic oversight into new opportunities while accelerating ADG’s rise as a global leader in digital transformation.

“ADG has built a strong foundation in digital transformation, and I’m excited to support its next phase of growth,” said the elder Leclerc of his new role. “Expanding into Europe and the Middle East presents incredible opportunities, and I look forward to contributing to ADG’s ambition of becoming a globally recognised leader.”

Read related:

F1’s Charles Leclerc invests in online watch retailer Chrono24 

 

 

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo source: Lorenzo Tolotta-Leclerc, Instagram

Taxis de Monaco boosts summer service with new all-electric fleet

by: Elsa Carpenter
03/04/2025

Ahead of a surge in the number of major events hosted by the Principality from April onwards, the Principality’s official taxi service, Taxis de Monaco, has announced that it will be adding 28 seasonal drivers – and their electric vehicles – to its team.

Taxis de Monaco, the only taxi service permitted to operate within the Principality’s borders, is set to expand its fleet over the coming months, growing from 95 to more than 120 vehicles during peak season, in a bid to meet the demands of the population and visitors.

The Monaco Government has confirmed that the seasonal fleet is 100% electric, in line with its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Eight of the 28 seasonal taxis are already out and about on Monaco’s roads, having officially joined the service on 1st April. A further 10 will be added on 15th April before the company ramps up its capabilities for a third time on 1st May with an extra 10 vehicles.

These taxis, which will be easily identifiable thanks to their pristine white paintwork and Taxis de Monaco branding, will remain part of the fleet throughout the summer, with a gradual reduction in their number between the end of September and the start of November.

Unlike in most places, Monaco’s taxi service offers flat rates for trips within the Principality (€18 without stops or excessive traffic) and to its neighbouring French communes (€25 under the same conditions).

During peak times, such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the fleet will also be permitted to carry passengers to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Gare de Nice Ville, and other locations in the city of Nice, as well as to Menton.

These official taxis can be picked up at 12 locations across Monaco. Click here for the map of their locations.

To contact Taxis de Monaco, click here, or call +377 93 15 01 01.

Read related:

All the major motorsport events in Monaco in 2025 and beyond

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

36 breathtaking images, one public prize – which photo will you crown the winner?

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/04/2025

Have your say in selecting the standout images of the 2025 Prince Albert II Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award by casting your vote for the winner of the Public Prize. The shortlist of 36 stunning photographs, chosen from nearly 10,000 submissions, is now available online, with the final deadline for votes set for 13th April.

Now in its fifth year, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Environmental Photography Award continues to celebrate the power of visual storytelling in raising awareness about environmental conservation.

Each year, the competition invites photographers from around the world, both professional and amateur, to explore humanity’s relationship with nature by capturing the beauty of life on Earth, exposing the often devastating and disturbing impact of human activities on the environment, or showcasing conservation efforts.

A shortlisted entry in the Polar Worlds category, courtesy of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

While a distinguished jury will ultimately select the winners of the five categories – Polar Wonders, Ocean Worlds, Into the Forest, Humanity vs. Nature, and Change Makers: Reasons for Hope – and the overall champion, the wider world also gets a say via the online Public Prize. A shortlist of 36 images has already been chosen from the close to 10,000 submissions, but be sure of your choice before you confirm, as each person can only vote once.

The winner of the Public Prize, along with the other category winners, will be officially announced on 6th May. Then, all the finalist photographs will be featured in an international touring exhibition, which traditionally begins in Monaco before heading off to various locations around the world.

With a prize fund of €11,000 – €5,000 for the overall winner, €1,000 for each category winner, €500 for the Public Prize and €500 for the Students’ Choice – the competition not only rewards the talents of the winning photographers but also elevates their work by including their images in a high-quality photography book while bringing their unique message to the world.

A drama-filled shortlisted entry in the Into the Forests section, courtesy of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

The clock is ticking for the public to have their say in this year’s contest. The deadline for voting has been set for 11.59pm on 13th April. To browse the images and choose your winner, click here.

Read related:

Aaron Gekoski’s ‘See No Evil’ wins the FPA2’s 2024 Environmental Photography Award

 

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photos courtesy of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Princess Charlene rallies students for a day of sport and solidarity at eponymous rally

by: Elsa Carpenter
03/04/2025

Nearly 400 schoolchildren from across Monaco headed down to Fontvieille earlier this week to take part in this year’s ninth edition of the Princess Charlene Rally, an event promoting the values of sport in building self-confidence, teamwork and resilience. Princess Charlene was among the local figureheads to attend and cheered on the students as they completed a series of tasks that tested their physical and mental strength.

Held on Wednesday 2nd April, the ninth edition of the Princess Charlene Rally saw close to 400 schoolchildren from troisième classes in Monaco (the equivalent of Year 10 in the UK or freshman grade in the US) turn out to participate in a range of activities, from races to lifesaving courses.

The event, which is organised on an annual basis by the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS) in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Peace and Sport, the Monaco Anti-Doping Committee and the Monaco Parents’ Association (APEM), is all about promoting the values of sport and this year coincided with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, set to be celebrated around the world on Sunday 6th April.

The rally schedule featured a number of different events, each challenging in its own way and requiring the students to work together to solve problems or complete tasks. The students, who represented schools across Monaco, including Collège Charles III, Institution François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré and the SEGPA section of the Lycée Technique et Hôtelier, were put through their paces by the Société Nautique de Monaco in a rowing race on a set of ergometers, participated in a lifesaving course courtesy of the Académie de la Mer, demonstrated their creative side in a drawing competition on the theme of sport and peace, and were tested on their knowledge of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Peace and Sport and the Monaco Anti-Doping Committee in a fun quiz.

There was a strong educational element to the day. In addition to the rally, the students also participated in an engaging discussion on the values of sport, led by athletes Kevin Crovetto and Pierre Frolla, ambassadors for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Peace and Sport, as well as Marlène Nidecker, a Peace and Sport ambassador.

As the event came to a close, prizes were awarded to the morning’s winners, with Princess Charlene tasked with handing over two of the top awards: one for the best drawing and another for the overall first-place team.

Before heading off to enjoy the rest of the day, the students, the Princess and the teams who helped make the event a reality came together for a symbolic White Card photograph in support of Peace and Sport’s global campaign for 2025.

In a statement published by the Monaco Government, a representative for the event said, “The Princess Charlene Rally has become a key event, embodying Monaco’s commitment to sport, education and solidarity. It highlights the balance between physical activity, crucial to young people’s development, and intellectual awareness through educational and prevention-focused workshops. Enthusiasm ran high, with each participant eager to contribute to a noble cause—promoting the harmony of body and mind. Through this initiative, Monaco reaffirms its dedication to nurturing a fulfilled and engaged younger generation, embodying the universal values of sport and peace.”

To see more photographs from the Princess Charlene Rally, click on the images below: 

 

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photos credit: Stéphane Danna / Palais Princier de Monaco / Éric Mathon