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Day: 15 April 2025

Wehrlein inherits Miami E-Prix win as Maserati MSG Racing eyes home redemption in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/04/2025

A chaotic conclusion to the 2025 Miami E-Prix handed Pascal Wehrlein a dramatic victory for Porsche, as Maserati MSG Racing endured a weekend of what-could-have-beens ahead of a highly anticipated double-header on home turf in Monaco.

The penultimate lap of the Miami E-Prix saw the race turned on its head following a red flag incident that thwarted several drivers’ final Attack Mode activations. While Nissan’s Norman Nato crossed the line first, a post-race penalty for not deploying his final 50kW power boost handed the win to Wehrlein, who had brilliantly timed his strategy and overtaken teammate Antonio Felix da Costa before the stoppage.

Wehrlein’s promotion to first place netted TAG Heuer Porsche a double podium, with da Costa finishing third behind Lucas di Grassi, who delivered Lola Yamaha ABT’s maiden podium in Formula E after a composed and opportunistic drive. Behind them, Nico Mueller stormed through the field from 18th to fourth, while Mahindra’s Edoardo Mortara capped another strong outing with fifth.

For Maserati MSG Racing, the weekend was marked by promise and frustration. Stoffel Vandoorne once again demonstrated strong qualifying pace, lining up sixth after narrowly missing out in the Duels. In the race, an aggressive early strategy brought him up to third place, but the timing of the red flag meant his second Attack Mode was largely wasted. He ultimately finished just outside the points.

Jake Hughes, starting further back, looked set for a sensational comeback after expertly executing an energy-saving strategy that left him in a prime position to climb into the top four in the closing laps. However, a multi-car collision involving Max Guenther and Mitch Evans forced his retirement and triggered the red flag that changed the complexion of the race.

Despite leaving Miami without points, Maserati MSG Racing remain optimistic. “We were looking good with both cars to score well,” said Team Principal Cyril Blais. “It didn’t go our way, but we’ve taken a lot from this weekend that will help us in Monaco.”

That home race is now firmly in focus. Taking place on the 3rd and 4th May, the Monaco E-Prix will, for the first time, feature a double-header, offering Maserati a significant opportunity to shine in front of local fans and partners on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo.

TAG Heuer Porsche now leads the Teams’ Championship with 105 points, ahead of Nissan on 79. Wehrlein moves to third in the Drivers’ standings, trailing Da Costa and Oliver Rowland. But with Monaco next, all eyes turn to the Principality — and for Maserati MSG Racing, the stage could not be more perfectly set.

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 of Maserati MSG Racing supplied

Music without borders: Vence’s Nuits du Sud festival announces bold and eclectic line-up

by: Elsa Carpenter
15/04/2025

From reggae and funk to hip-hop and electronic fusion, the 2025 edition of Vence’s Nuits du Sud festival in the open-air Place du Grand Jardin promises a vibrant musical journey that celebrates global sounds, cultural diversity and artistic energy under the stars this July.

This summer, the charming town of Vence in the Alpes-Maritimes will come alive with an exhilarating blend of global rhythms and contemporary acts as the ever-popular Nuits du Sud festival returns to the Place du Grand Jardin from 10th to 19th July.

This much-loved festival, known for its inclusive and energetic programme, truly offers something for everyone, encompassing genres from Afrobeat, reggae, funk and soul to hip-hop and electro.

The event, now in its 27th year, is one of the Côte d’Azur’s most distinctive musical celebrations and enjoys a strong following from both the local community and visitors. It’s a family-friendly affair too, with under-12s enjoying free entry.

This year’s line-up is a showcase of the festival’s trademark diversity. Among the headliners are legendary reggae acts The Gladiators and The Congos, both appearing on 11th July, and IAM, the pioneers of French rap, who will take to the stage on 12th July. The smooth Faada Freddy will perform on 17th July, ahead of Chinese Man on 18th July, and PPJ and The Avener on 19th July.

Beyond the main stage, Nuits du Sud will continue its support for emerging artists with the Talents Nuits du Sud contest, offering young musicians a chance to perform in a professional setting.

With affordable tickets starting at €22 for early bird sales – full festival passes are available for €170 – and children under 12 attending for free, the festival remains accessible for all ages.

For tickets and full programme details, click here.

Read related:

Benson Boone and Billy Idol lead blockbuster line-up for Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025

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: The Avener, Facebook

Marius: the taste of Provence, the spirit of Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
15/04/2025

With its warm Mediterranean charm, refined yet generous dishes, and laid-back sophistication, Marius has quietly but confidently established itself as one of Monaco’s most magnetic dining destinations.

Step inside Marius and you’re struck by it’s warmth — the kind that unfolds from soft lighting, honey-toned wood, and the gentle hum of conversation rising from tables filled with beautifully plated dishes. There’s a soul here, rooted in the Mediterranean, reminiscent of its past, and with flavours that conjure up sun-drenched terraces, coastal feasts, and the convivial rhythm of a Provençal summer.

At the helm of the kitchen is Chef Sébastien Sanjou, a two-Michelin-starred talent whose vision is simple: to make the food of Provence not only delicious, but joyful, generous, and accessible. He succeeds with ease.

Pâté Lorraine served tableside, photo by Monaco Life

Meals begin with a thoughtful amuse-bouche — a complimentary Pâté Lorraine served tableside with homemade pickles and freshly baked bread — a welcoming gesture that instantly set the tone.

Unsurprisingly, the menu leans towards the sea, with modern, flavourful interpretations of Mediterranean classics that reflect the restaurant’s waterside location. Generous sharing dishes add to the sense of conviviality, with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, ember-grilled prime rib of beef, and an exquisitely delicate bouillabaisse arriving as showstopping centrepieces. Each plate blends rustic tradition with refined flair, designed not just to be enjoyed, but to inspire conversation. Marius is, at its heart, a celebration of togetherness.

Desserts at Marius are a refined tribute to the Mediterranean, with standouts like frozen lemon with basil, raspberry clafoutis, and a classic strawberry charlotte. Profiteroles for two and a rich rum baba add indulgence, while fresh red berries with whipped cream offer a lighter touch. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, to stretch the evening longer than planned.

And linger, people do. On second Saturdays, live music flows through the space — trios and duos bringing warmth and soul, the kind that encourages one more glass, one more song.

Weeknights invite another kind of rhythm, with happy hour offerings that fill the bar with after-work locals and friends who never quite leave on time. Come race weekend, the Formula One Grand Prix plays live on screen and the restaurant becomes a private grandstand, complete with rosé in hand and cheers echoing through the room.

General Manager Raphaël Rouget and Chef Sébastien Sanjou

There’s something rare about Marius in the context of Monaco. Where some venues lean into formality or flash, Marius balances elegance with ease. The atmosphere is stylish but never cold, contemporary without sacrificing charm. The mirrored ceilings bounce warm light, the wood-lined interiors feel more contemporary London than glitzy lounge, and the crowd — chic but unpretentious — feels right at home.

It’s a space designed not just to impress, but to gather. As General Manager Raphaël Rouget says, “We don’t want people to dine and dash. We want them to stay. To feel at home. To be part of it.”

Cocktails are thoughtful and bold, crafted to enjoy either before dinner or as a standalone reason to visit. And with a weekday lunch menu starting at €29 for two courses, there’s an unexpected accessibility to the experience — a welcome surprise in a city known for extravagance.

The restaurant’s soul may be new, but its spirit is rooted in legacy. Marius stands where Stars’n’Bars once did — a venue beloved not just for its menu, but for the community it nurtured under the late Kate Powers. Co-founder Didier Rubiolo, alongside Marc Dussoullier, has reimagined the space with reverence and creativity, not recreating what came before, but evolving it. Marius doesn’t just honour the past. It carries it forward — with style, grace and open arms.

As if you needed another reason to reserve your table—guests are treated to a complimentary pick-up and drop-off in one of Marius’ vintage treasures. Imagine it: a gleaming 1962 Bentley convertible cruising through Casino Square, night air swirling, and the magic of Monaco all around you. Pure Riviera elegance.

See more of our Marius experience in the video 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.   

Everything you need to know about the Stade Nautique’s 2025 reopening

by: Niki Borisova
15/04/2025

The iconic Stade Nautique Rainier III in Port Hercule is set to make a splash this May as it reopens for a new season of outdoor swimming, diving and sun-soaked activities in the heart of Monaco.

The Mairie de Monaco has confirmed that the open-air facility on the Route de la Piscine will be welcoming the public back from 6th May. The lido will be open throughout the summer and early autumn months, with a scheduled closing on 8th October.

The Port Hercule pool, famous for its stunning views of the mountains to the north of Monaco and its vistas of the superyachts in the marina, features a 50m x 20m seawater pool heated to 27°C, diving platforms at 1m, 3m and 5m, and a 45m-long toboggan slide.

From 6th May to 30th June and from 8th September to 8th October, the Stade Nautique Rainier III will be open from 9am to 5.40pm, except on Wednesdays, when it opens early at 7am. During the summer holiday hours, from 1st July to 7th September, the pool will be open until 7.10pm most days.

The slide and diving boards will be open from 9am to 6pm during the summer. Due to a number of scheduled diving introduction events, the slide will be off-limits on certain days: 25th June, 16th July, 6th August and 27th August.

Outside the summer holiday period, from 8th September to 8th October, the toboggan and diving boards will only be available on Wednesdays and weekends, with standard afternoon time slots: 2pm to 4pm for the diving platforms, and 9am to 6pm for the slide.

The pool will close during the week of the Monaco Grand Prix, from 19th to 26th May, and for the Principality’s popular youth Splash Party on 18th June.

The Stade Nautique Rainier III complex is overseen by certified lifeguards, and minors under 12 are not permitted in the pool unless accompanied by an adult.

Admission fees vary depending on residency, age and employment status. Monaco residents pay €6 per adult and €4.50 for youth (ages three to 17), while non-residents pay double. Entry remains free for seniors aged over 60 and children under three. Multi-entry cards and time-based passes are also available, along with rentals for loungers and parasols. Activities like aquabike, aquagym and aquatic circuits will also resume as part of the summer offering.

For more information, click here.

Read related:

Mini-Club at Larvotto reopens for summer with registration starting mid-April

 

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: Mairie de Monaco 

Carlos Alcaraz claims Monte-Carlo Masters glory as Arneodo makes history for Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
15/04/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were in the stands, cheering on the finalists at the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters, where Carlos Alcarez defeated Lorenzo Musetti. Later that day, the Prince was on hand for a momentous conclusion to the event, as Franco-Monegasque doubles team Manuel Guinard and Romain Arneodo won the day, making Arneodo the first Monegasque to win the tournament on his home turf. 

The 118th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters tennis tournament delivered both a thrilling singles showdown and an historic triumph in the men’s doubles, where Romain Arneodo became the first Monegasque player ever to win a title at the prestigious event.

The day started with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz taking centre stage in the singles final, battling back from a set down to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. 

The world number two captured his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title, and his first on the iconic clay courts of Monaco, in a match marked by Musetti’s third-set struggles with a leg injury. 

Prince Albert II congratulates Romain Arneodo on his win, alongside Princess Charlene. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Alcaraz’s victory came after a turbulent few weeks, making the win all the more meaningful for the 21-year-old. “This is the second time that I played this tournament. I came with no wins here, and I feel great, I just felt great. Every time I stepped onto the court, every practice, the support here has been immense,” he said in his speech after the big win. 

Meanwhile, Arneodo, partnering with France’s Manuel Guinard, delivered a thrilling comeback in the doubles final, sealing their place in Monegasque sports history. Local fans, including Prince Albert, had reason to celebrate as the duo completed a dream run by overcoming Britain’s Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash in a dramatic final winning 1-6, 7-6 (8), 10-8. The pair saved two match points before clinching victory in 88 minutes.

“I don’t know what happened. I’m just so emotional now, it’s crazy. It’s a dream,” Arneodo said as reported on the ATP Tour’s website. “I couldn’t believe it was true in ’23, we reached the final. We had two match points, I still dream about that for the last two years. I was so disappointed the last two years to not win this tournament. And now, to achieve this tournament, for me, [what I have done in] tennis is enough. Now I won the tournament, my tennis career, I reached my dream goal.”

With the Princely Couple watching from their perch and fans in the stands on their feet, the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters concluded with international excitement and a new hometown hero, a fitting finale for one of tennis’s most iconic spring event.

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 by Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

 

Inside the Monaco Pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
15/04/2025

The 2025 World Exposition officially opened its doors on Sunday April 13th in Osaka, Japan, with Monaco’s Pavilion already emerging as one of the most celebrated attractions during preview days. Despite heavy rain, enthusiastic visitors flooded the site early in the day, many heading straight for the Ring – the massive structure encircling the pavilions of 160 participating countries.

Located at position C10-01 in the ‘Connecting Lives’ zone, Monaco’s installation quickly became one of the most visited sites of the day. At peak times, two long queues formed outside the Pavilion, with the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer wine tasting salon overwhelmed by visitor demand. In total, more than 150,000 visitors came to discover Expo 2025 Osaka on its opening day.

The Monaco Pavilion, designed under the theme ‘Take Care of Wonder’, invites visitors on an immersive journey showcasing both the globally recognised image of the Principality and its commitments to sustainability. The pavilion ends with a cathedral-like space with animated screen walls that take visitors on a journey to the depths of the ocean.

Photo Credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali   

Japanese Emperor Naruhito inaugurated the Expo on Sunday, expressing his hope for that the event “will offer the peoples of the world the opportunity to respect not only their own lives but also the existence of others,’’ according to Monaco Matin. Organisers have already sold 8.7 million tickets in advance and aim to welcome 28 million visitors over the six-month duration of the Expo, which will run until 13th October.

At the heart of this international showcase is a human adventure for 13 young Monaco residents aged 21 to 25. All hired to bring the Monaco Pavilion to life and welcome visitors from around the world to the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, they represent the future generation of Monaco’s ambassadors. These young representatives—including William, Charlotte, Téo, Elijah and Naomi—all applied in 2023 with a dream of participating in a unique adventure at the centre of a global event. 

Pavilion’s architecture 

The pavilion’s architects, Jérôme Hein (The A Group) and Nicolas Fedoroff (Atelier Pierre), designed the space to make the exterior as relevant as the interior. They developed a garden blending Japanese style with Mediterranean plants, specifically olive trees. As a guiding thread, they chose the rose, echoing the Princess Grace Rose Garden, with the flower and its curves marking the visitor’s path through the exhibition.

For those unable to make the journey to Japan, the Monaco Pavilion team has developed a QR code that allows for free interactive and immerse virtual tour of the pavilion from any screen. 

Among the highlights of the 2025 World Expo are a Martian meteorite, 32 Hello Kitty sculptures disguised as algae, and a tiny beating heart cultivated from stem cells being presented for the first time.

While some might question the environmental impact of building temporary structures for such global gatherings, the expo organisers have indicated that the site will be repurposed after the event to house a hotel complex with a casino. 

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 Credit: Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali (Monaco Info)