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Month: April 2025

‘Clean up the south’ draws volunteers to Nice coastline 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/04/2025

The third edition of the ‘Clean Up the South’ environmental initiative took place on the weekend, with around 200 volunteers gathering at Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. The event formed part of a widespread regional campaign addressing waste pollution across the south of France. 

At the Nice location, participants gathered at Opera Plage at 10am, where organisers provided them with rubbish bags and protective gloves. Students from Lycée Professionnel Les Palmiers joined families and individuals in the collective effort to remove litter and cigarette butts from the beach area. 

The Nice gathering represented just one of numerous collection points established throughout the southern region as part of the broader ‘Clean Up the South’ campaign. Last year’s regional effort delivered impressive results, with over 85 tonnes of waste collected from more than 300 collection points throughout the south. 

“I took part in the clean up with friends from high school. It didn’t take us very long and frankly it’s super satisfying to see the garbage bags fill up,’’ Enzo, a high school student, told Monaco Life. “There was a good atmosphere and, in the end, we were able to throw away or recycle almost a ton of waste. I’ll be there again next year, although I hope people will stop throwing everything into nature!’’. 

‘Clean Up the South’ forms a component of the region’s ‘Zero plastic waste in storage by 2030’ programme—which has already tripled the amount of plastic collected between 2017 and 2024.

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: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life 

 

Princely couple celebrates with cyclists after COCC’S annual charity ride 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/04/2025

With the 11th edition of the Champagne and Oysters Cycling Club’s (COCC) charity ride complete, participants and supporters gathered for the traditional post-event celebration on Sunday at Slammers, which was elevated by the presence of both Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Prince Albert II, who joined the cyclists for the final stretch from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Monaco, arrived with fellow cyclists at Slammers Pub around 4pm, still in his cycling gear and visibly energised despite the challenging journey. Shortly after, Princess Charlene made her entrance to enthusiastic applause, creating a memorable moment as the princely couple united in support of the charitable causes. 

Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais princier

“I’m delighted to see the 11th edition of this ride continue to be such a success,” Prince Albert told the gathered crowd. “Your dedication and support open the way for many more editions to come.”

During the closing speeches, a moving tribute was paid to Eddie Jordan, a faithful supporter of the event, who recently passed away.

The street party on rue Suffren Reymond transformed into one of Monaco’s most spirited spring gatherings, with attendees enjoying refreshments and sampling offerings from the Chilli No.5 BBQ station, which proved particularly popular as the afternoon rolled on.

Photo by Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

Live music from local favourites Caligagan, Blah Blah, and Paul Dobie kept the festive atmosphere throughout the celebration, with many guests—including several resilient cyclists—taking to the dance floor.

The COCC ride continues to support two beneficiary organisations: The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which has impacted over one million people through water safety programmes in more than 43 countries, and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which funds research into motor neurone disease. 

Photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

The event has firmly established itself as a Monaco tradition that successfully combines sport, philanthropy, and community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors in support of these important causes.  

Monaco Life was there! See more in our video reel 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.  

Main photo by Monaco Life 

Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline reconnect with ancestral roots during visit to the Ardennes

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

In a moving tribute to Monaco’s centuries-old ties with the Ardennes, Prince Albert II and Caroline, Princess of Hanover spent two days revisiting key sites linked to the Principality’s history, deepening the bonds between past and present.

On Thursday 24th April, the pair began their visit at the Musée de l’Ardenne in Charleville-Mézières, where they explored the new exhibition ‘Counts of Rethel, Dukes of Mazarin, Princes of Monaco. An Ardennes Story (10th–19th Centuries)’, curated in collaboration with the Palace Archives. Despite the mourning period following the death of Pope Francis, the Prince chose to honour this longstanding engagement, although he shortened the final day to travel to Rome.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Later that day, Prince Albert II addressed dignitaries at the Hôtel du Département des Ardennes before travelling to La Cassine to witness the restoration of the historic Cordeliers convent.

The first day concluded in Lametz, once part of the Duchy of Rethel, where Prince Albert II and the Princess of Hanover paid tribute at the tomb of Princess Caroline’s mother and stepfather, a gesture steeped in family history.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

On Friday 25th April, the Princely Couple continued their journey to Rethel, the final leg of their visit. After a heartfelt welcome by the local community, Prince Albert II delivered a final speech from the steps of the Hôtel de Ville, reaffirming Monaco’s deep-rooted connections to the Ardennes region.

Organised with the support of the Departmental Council and the Departmental Archives of the Ardennes, the visit offered a powerful reminder of the Principality’s rich European heritage and the enduring importance of historical memory.

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 credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

Princely couple celebrate sporting spirit at the 13th Tournoi Sainte Dévote

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

The 13th edition of the Tournoi Sainte Dévote turned the Stade Louis II into a vibrant celebration of youth rugby over the weekend, with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène of Monaco lending their support to a global gathering of young athletes.

On Saturday 26th April, Montpellier Hérault Rugby secured a 2-0 victory against England’s Cobham FC in a thrilling final. Princess Charlène, President of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, also awarded the national team of Monaco the Sainte Dévote Trophy, a prize that has symbolised the enduring friendship between Monaco and Rugby Club Lucciana since 2011.

Photo source: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

This year’s tournament welcomed 24 teams from 21 countries, underlining the Tournoi Sainte Dévote’s evolution into a premier international rugby event for players under the age of 12.

The awards ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Tendai Mtawarira, known as “The Beast”, who served as the tournament’s patron, while Xavier Papp of Rugby Vaudois was recognised as best player of the competition.

Photo source: Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation

Beyond the matches, the tournament promoted inclusivity and community spirit through initiatives such as ‘Rugby for All’ workshops for children with disabilities, ‘Rugby Tots’ sessions for young beginners, and the playful ‘Ninja Box’ obstacle course, ensuring that the event was welcoming and accessible to all.

Organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the Tournoi Sainte Dévote once again highlighted Monaco’s dedication to promoting the values of discipline, tolerance, and respect through the power of sport.

See also:

Photos: Princess Charlene leads day of aquatic awareness at Louis-ii Stadium

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. 

MaConsigne marks major environmental milestones and launches new incentive programme

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/04/2025

MaConsigne, Monaco’s pioneering reusable container initiative, is celebrating impressive results nearly three years after its launch, while unveiling a new promotion to encourage even greater participation in the Principality’s zero waste ambitions.

Launched on 13th June 2022, MaConsigne set a clear goal: eliminate single-use plastic in takeaway sales by 2030. The system is simple and free for users. By downloading the MaConsigne app, customers can collect their meals in reusable glass containers, ensuring better food preservation and avoiding harmful PFAS chemicals. Used containers are then returned within 14 days to one of the 26 collection points spread across Monaco.

The latest figures released by the government on Monday highlight the programme’s success. Since its launch, MaConsigne has enabled the reuse of nearly 85,000 containers, achieving more than 13 reuses per item on average. This has helped avoid over seven tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastic incineration. With 1,655 active users, including private individuals, hotels, corporate cafeterias, a university, and a healthcare facility, MaConsigne maintains a steady flow of 3,000 containers in circulation each month.

Building on this momentum, MaConsigne has also expanded its reach. In June 2024, Picadeli’s reusable salad bowls at Carrefour Fontvieille were integrated into the system, offering customers even greater opportunities to participate in sustainable dining. The app’s geolocation feature allows users to easily find participating vendors and return stations while tracking their container usage.

To further boost engagement, MaConsigne has introduced a new promotion: ‘Consignez, Parrainez, Gagnez’. From the second purchase onwards, users can sponsor friends via this link and win prizes. Additionally, the most active MaConsigne user each month will now be rewarded with a €50 prize. These incentives aim to reinforce community participation and highlight the benefits of embracing a more sustainable lifestyle in Monaco.

See also: 

How to use MaConsigne’s reusable take-away containers

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.

Image source: MaConsigne

Padel Best Village returns to Monaco with expanded courts and new addition

by: Niki Borisova
26/04/2025

Padel Best Village returns to the Principality with a new format, expanded courts, and the introduction of pickleball alongside two days of matches and discussions.

Monaco Life was present at the official press presentation of the Padel Best Village programme, held on Friday 25th April at the Grimaldi Forum. Organised by BSG Group and PR specialist Gianmarco Nardi, the briefing introduced the third edition of the tournament weekend, which is taking place at the Grimaldi Forum on 26th–27th April.

The two-day event combines matches with panel discussions on topics connected to the growing padel industry. This year, matches are being played on courts both inside and outside the Grimaldi Forum, allowing for a more expansive and accessible layout for spectators and players.

The official press presentation of the Padel Best Village programme took place at the Grimaldi Forum on Friday 25th April. Photo by Monaco Life.

Saturday 26th April, began with an opening ceremony, followed by a welcome cocktail and visits from Monegasque authorities including Deputy Mayor Marjorie Crovetto and Sports Councillor Jacques Pastor.

The programme includes themed panels such as ‘Luxury and sport: padel as the new frontier of the exclusive lifestyle,’ featuring guests like Christian Vieri, Nelson Dida, and Dario Marcolin. Other discussions touch on osteopathy and injury prevention, smart padel gear, and coaching as inspiration.

See more: Padel Best Village returns to Monaco with expanded program

On Sunday 27th April, panels will shift focus to digital opportunities in sport, injury management, and the crossover between art and competition. Speakers include Frank De Boer, Fabio Quagliarella, Papu Gomez, and Aron Winter.

This year’s edition also introduces a new element to the programme. “After observing last year’s edition, including our event in the U.S., we noticed growing interest in pickleball as well. So for 2025, we decided to include both padel and pickleball within the same event,” said Nardi.

Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a paddle and perforated plastic ball.

Matches across categories

Matches will take place throughout both days across three courts as part of the Givova Five Padel Cup, which includes the Italy-France Padel Cup. This tournament brings together eight clubs from each country to compete across the weekend. Categories include VIP, Women’s, Sponsors, Inclusive, and the Italy vs. France tournament. Saturday’s line-up features group games such as Gomez–Signori vs Frossard–Dutto and Brocchi–Dida vs Di Biagio–Pacifico.

VIP pairings include Vieri, Candela, Zaccardo, and Mezzancella, while the Inclusive and Sponsor categories will also see full rotation.

Sunday will feature placement matches and finals. The Italy-France semi-final and final will be played on Campo 1, while the Sponsor and Inclusive finals will take place on Campo 2 and 3 respectively. A clinic session is also scheduled for mid-morning

The event remains open to the public at the Grimaldi Forum from 10am to 8pm. For more information, click here.

 

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 by Monaco Life.