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Day: 28 May 2025

Monaco is now home to over 100 centenarians — and most are Monegasque

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/05/2025

The latest demographic data reveals that more than 100 Monegasques are aged 100 or older, placing Monaco among the world’s rarest communities: a population where reaching a century is increasingly common.

In a remarkable marker of longevity, the Principality of Monaco is now home to over 100 centenarians, the vast majority of whom are Monegasque. This milestone, confirmed in the latest Observatoire de la Démographie report, underscores the unique demographic profile of Monaco — a place where living to 100 is no longer exceptional.

With 9,686 Monegasques recorded at the end of 2023, the proportion of those aged 100 or more represents a striking concentration of ultra-senior residents in one of the world’s most affluent and medically advanced territories. The report also reveals that life expectancy for Monegasque women now stands at 89.6 years, and 85.5 years for men — among the highest globally.

This trend aligns with Monaco’s reputation for exceptional healthcare, social welfare, and living standards. But it also brings new focus to questions of policy, infrastructure, and community support, particularly in housing and care services designed to support older residents.

Despite a slight year-on-year population increase of just 0.8%, the Monegasque demographic continues to age. The median age now sits at 48.5, and the number of younger residents, particularly those under 20, is in gentle decline. Meanwhile, districts such as La Rousse and Jardin Exotique have seen a noticeable uptick in Monegasque residency, suggesting evolving preferences in how and where older residents choose to live.

For the thousands of foreign nationals living in Monaco, the report also offers a glimpse into the Principality’s distinctive identity — a state defined not just by luxury, but by an increasingly long-lived population whose stories stretch well beyond a century.

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: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

 

Monaco’s Soirées Enfantines return with puppets, magic, and a brand-new children’s dance party

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/05/2025

Kicking off on Friday 6th June, the beloved Soirées Enfantines return to Monaco with a full summer schedule of free family events, including storytelling, puppetry, and this year’s new addition — the Grande Boum des Enfants.

Organised by Monaco’s Service Animation de la Ville, the Soirées Enfantines are set to brighten Friday evenings across the Principality once again, offering children aged three and up a playful escape through arts and entertainment. Beginning on 6th June and running through the summer, this series of open-air events is designed to bring families together in some of Monaco’s most cherished public spaces.

The season opens at the Marché de la Condamine with a classic puppet show on Friday 6th June at 6:30pm. One week later, on 13th June, a new feature joins the lineup: the Grande Boum des Enfants, taking place from 6pm to 8pm at Parc Princesse Antoinette. This joyful evening invites children to dance, play and enjoy snacks from an on-site refreshment stand, all in a festive, family-friendly setting.

Other highlights include an Indian folktale performance on 18th July along the Allée Saint Jean Paul II in Monaco-Ville, and a captivating magic show on 1st August at Place Anne-Marie Campora on the Larvotto promenade.

With free access and events designed for a wide age range, the Soirées Enfantines continue to offer a charming cultural calendar for families who call Monaco home during the summer months.

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: Ashton Bingham, Unsplash

 

Prince Albert II witnesses Monaco’s golden start at Games of the Small States of Europe

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/05/2025

The Principality’s athletes made a stunning start to the Games of the Small States of Europe, (Jeux des Petits États d’Europe) with judo leading the medal charge on day one. 

Monaco’s delegation delivered an outstanding performance on the opening day of competition at the 20th Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, claiming multiple medals with Prince Albert II and Interior Minister Lionel Beffre in attendance. 

The Principality’s judo team was the star of Tuesday’s action, securing three gold medals with dominant performances across different weight categories. Marvin Gadeau claimed victory in the men’s +100kg division, while Sarah Allag (-52kg) and Omaïraa Aubry (-70kg) topped the podium in women’s categories.

Monaco’s medal haul extended beyond tatami mats, with the artistic gymnastics and swimming teams also contributing to what proved to be a highly successful opening day.

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department

Prince Albert II, who attended Monday evening’s opening ceremony at Andorra’s national stadium, remained present to witness his country’s athletes excel in the multi-sport competition. The Games bring together over 1,000 athletes from nine National Olympic Committees—Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino.

This year’s edition marks the 40th anniversary of the Games, which began in San Marino in 1985. The competition features 19 sporting disciplines across seven Andorran venues, from Andorra-la-Vieille to Sant Julià de Lòria.

For the first time, the Games are being broadcast live on COE channel (eoctv.org), offering greater visibility to the participating athletes through a collaboration between the European Olympic Committees’ channel and ACNO TV.

Speaking ahead of the Games’ ceremony, European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos said: “We are looking forward to welcoming to Andorra, on the occasion of the Games of the Small States of Europe, more than 1,000 athletes from 9 National Olympic Committees. These may be small in size, but they are strong in spirit and big in heart.”

This marks Andorra’s third time hosting the Games, following previous editions in 1991 and 2005. The most recent Games took place in Malta in 2023, where the host nation topped the medal table ahead of Cyprus and Luxembourg—with all nine competing nations securing at least one gold medal.

Competition continues until May 31st.

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: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department

Maona brings the magic of Mykonos to Monaco’s summer shores

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/05/2025

Monte-Carlo Beach’s summer restaurant, Maona, has unveiled a full Greek transformation for the 2025 season, offering a Cycladic escape through refined cuisine, vibrant DJ sets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere.

Since 16th May, Maona Monte-Carlo has reopened with a bold new identity: From Mykonos to Monte-Carlo. This seasonal reinvention pays homage to the spirit of the Aegean, transforming the venue into an elegant Greek taverna inspired by the iconic whitewashed villages of the Cyclades.

In this luminous new setting, guests can enjoy long Riviera afternoons set to music, with a 100% Hellenic menu curated by Chef Erwan Miziane.

Dishes include Greek classics elevated with Mediterranean finesse: lamb souvlaki, dolmadakias, Mykonos-style keftas, and orzo with seafood. Traditional desserts like pistachio baklava and loukoumades, alongside Greek yogurt topped with morello cherry caramel and honey rock, complete the indulgent offering.

Dishes include Greek classics elevated with Mediterranean finesse

The cocktail list is equally inspired, featuring creations such as L’Orthrys — a blend of Aperol pollen, chamomile cordial, Rakomelo, and Champagne — and The Maona Mule, where Skinos cucumber meets dill honey and ginger ale. The mixology here nods to Greek heritage with imaginative flair.

Beyond the cuisine, Maona promises a festive, open-air experience throughout the summer, with live music and DJ sets that mirror the relaxed yet lively spirit of Mykonos.

The summer restaurant and bar has received a colourful makeover as part of the transformation

With its seaside location and cultural crossover, Maona Monte-Carlo invites guests to travel — even while staying firmly rooted in the vibrancy of Monaco.

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 Monte-Carlo SBM

 

Carrefour Fontvieille expands reusable packaging scheme in push for zero plastic waste

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/05/2025

As part of Monaco’s national goal to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030, Carrefour Fontvieille is intensifying its partnership with local environmental players by rolling out a broader range of reusable containers, backed by a one-month awareness campaign starting 2nd June.

The reusable packaging initiative at Carrefour Fontvieille is entering a new phase. Following the successful pilot in June 2024, which saw 324 reusable containers sold, the supermarket is now expanding its offer, reinforcing its commitment to Monaco’s zero-waste ambitions.

In collaboration with the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed), and the Mission pour la Transition Énergétique (MTE), Carrefour aims to significantly reduce single-use packaging through the MaConsigne scheme. This project allows shoppers to purchase food in durable containers, which can be returned and reused — eliminating the need for throwaway plastic.

The programme now covers multiple sections of the store, including the rotisserie, deli counter, salad bar, self-service fridge, and Asian food stand. Four checkout counters (nos. 21 to 24) are equipped to process MaConsigne transactions.

Starting Monday 2nd June, just ahead of World Environment Day and the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, Carrefour will launch a month-long campaign encouraging customers to shift from disposable habits to more sustainable ones. The initiative supports Monaco’s broader national policy goal of phasing out single-use plastic by 2030.

To participate, customers must download the MaConsigne mobile app, register their details, scan their personal QR code at checkout, and return used (but unwashed) containers to one of the 24 drop-off kiosks located across the Principality.

By taking part, consumers contribute not only to waste reduction but also to a cultural shift toward circular consumption — one reusable container at a time.

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.  

 

Route details for historic 2026 Vuelta a España grand départ revealed 

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/05/2025

Precise route details for Monaco’s historic hosting of the 2026 Vuelta a España grand départ have been unveiled, revealing a spectacular course that will showcase the Principality’s most iconic landmarks across two opening stages. 

Following the official announcement made at Monaco Yacht Club in May 2024, organisers have now confirmed that the world’s premier Spanish cycling race will begin with a 10-kilometre time trial on Saturday 22nd August, followed by a ceremonial stage start from the Palais Princier on Sunday 23rd August.

The individual time trial will take riders through Monaco’s architectural and cultural highlights, passing the Casino de Monte-Carlo, winding through the Fontvieille district, and along boulevard des Moulins before concluding at the Automobile Club de Monaco.

Sunday’s second stage will see the group of cyclists depart from the Palais Princier in what organisers describe as an ‘exceptional start’ before heading into France and towards the Spanish mainland for the remainder of the three-week race.

The 2026 grand départ marks a significant milestone for the Principality, making Monaco the first country ever to host the opening stages of all three cycling Grand Tours. This achievement adds to an impressive sporting record that includes the Giro d’Italia grand départ in 1968, the Tour de France start in 2009, and the final time trial connecting Monaco to Nice in the 2024 Tour de France.

Historic achievement for Monaco 

The timing carries additional diplomatic significance, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of established relations between Monaco and Spain in 2026. This milestone provides additional meaning to what organisers hope will be the most spectacular grand départ in Vuelta history.

As Javier Guillén, General Director of La Vuelta, noted during the race’s recent 90th anniversary celebrations: “La Vuelta was born as a cycling race. However, today, 90 years later, it’s so much more than a sports competition.”

The Monaco time trial will likely prove crucial in establishing early time differences, with the principality’s challenging coastal terrain. At the same time, the 10-kilometre distance represents a significant test for general classification competitors, particularly given the Mediterranean heat typically experienced in late August.

With reigning champion Primož Roglič having equalled Roberto Heras’s record of four Vuelta victories in 2024, the Monaco opening weekend promises intense competition from the first pedal stroke.

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: Javier Guillen General Director of La Vuelta, source: La Vuelta