Femke Bol to race 400m hurdles at Herculis EBS 2025 in Monaco

Dutch star Femke Bol will return to Monaco this summer to compete in the 400m hurdles at the Herculis EBS meeting, one of the marquee fixtures on the global athletics calendar.

Organisers confirmed that the European record holder and reigning world and European champion will be on the start list for the 11th July event at Stade Louis II. Bol, who has won four Olympic medals and remains unbeaten in Diamond League competition since 2021, will aim to extend her winning streak in the Principality.

This will not be Bol’s first appearance in Monaco. She previously raced at the venue in 2020, placing third in the 400m flat with a time of 51.57 seconds. Since then, her career has soared, with major championship titles and a string of high-profile victories establishing her as one of the sport’s standout figures.

“I’m looking forward to racing in Monaco again – it’s always an amazing meeting,” said Bol in a statement. “I’ve trained well this year and this is one of the few meetings I haven’t yet won. I hope to deliver a strong race and enjoy the atmosphere.”

The Herculis EBS meeting, named the best athletics meeting in the world on seven occasions, will feature a full programme of men’s and women’s track and field events. Tickets are available from €15 via herculis.com.

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Photo by Monaco Life

Floriane Grand wins Gault & Millau Pastry Chef Trophy for PACA-Corsica-Monaco region

Floriane Grand, Pastry Chef at the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin and Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, has been awarded the Pastry Chef Trophy 2025 by Gault & Millau for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica and Monaco region. She was the only chef from Monaco to receive a distinction during the ceremony, held on Monday 28th April at the Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice.

The award comes just a month after Grand was honoured with the Michelin Guide’s Passion Dessert title, cementing her status as one of the rising stars of Monaco’s haute gastronomy scene. Her recognition is also a testament to the strength of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which continues to position itself as a leader in fine dining.

Each year, the Gault & Millau Tour travels across France’s regions to uncover new talents in gastronomy and hospitality, awarding twelve trophies across different disciplines. This year, Floriane Grand stood out in the PACA-Corsica-Monaco region for her work at the two Michelin-starred Blue Bay Marcel Ravin**, as well as at Las Brisas, L’Orange Verte and the Espace Calypso.

Desserts by Florian Grand, photo credit: MCSBM

Originally from Lyon, Grand built her career through prestigious competitions, including the Meilleur Apprenti de France and the Junior Pastry World Cup. After working at Maison Fauchon and the K2 Palace in Courchevel, she moved to Monaco in 2019 to join Chef Marcel Ravin. She was promoted to Head Pastry Chef the following year, bringing a distinctive style to her creations, inspired by gardens, herbs and the changing seasons.

“This trophy is a huge source of pride. It recognises the work achieved at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort alongside my Chef, Marcel Ravin,” said Grand. “I thank the pastry, kitchen and service teams for their daily efforts, and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer for the opportunity to grow the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin**.”

Chef Marcel Ravin said the award reflected a “culmination of a team effort” spanning almost seven years, adding that it was a source of pride for the entire establishment and for the Monte-Carlo destination as a whole.

The Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group continues to make its mark in the Gault & Millau guide. The Blue Bay Marcel Ravin**, Le Grill* and Pavyllon Monte-Carlo* each hold three toques; L’Abysse Monte-Carlo** holds four; Elsa* has two; and the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo***, a member of the Gault & Millau Academy, has been awarded five gold toques.

See also: 

‘New’ Restaurant: The metamorphosis of Blue Bay Marcel Ravin

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. 

Main photo source: MCSBM

 

A floral art workshop for children to celebrate Mother’s Day in Monaco

A creative and colourful experience awaits children at Parc Princesse Antoinette on Sunday 18th May, where a special Mother’s Day card-making workshop will be held at the A Fàbrica space. Designed for young artists aged six to 12, the event invites children to craft heartfelt gifts using a unique Japanese technique.

The Atelier carterie pour la Fête des Mères offers four one-hour sessions at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm. During these sessions, participants will make cards and bookmarks using floral imprints inspired by Tataki Zomé, an ancient Japanese art form that transfers the natural pigments of flowers onto paper or fabric by gently hammering them.

This free workshop provides a creative and meaningful way for children to honour their mothers while learning about an artistic tradition that blends nature and design. Guided by instructors, the children will explore how the delicate patterns and colours of plants can be transformed into personalised works of art.

Hosted in the welcoming environment of A Fàbrica, located at the upper entrance of Parc Princesse Antoinette, the event is free to attend but requires prior registration. Parents are encouraged to reserve a spot by calling +377 93 15 06 05.

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: Anna Delliou, Unsplash