It was a Formula E double-header on the streets of Monte-Carlo last weekend and Monaco Life’s Luke Entwistle brings you some of his top photos from this year’s edition.
This year there were two winners. Oliver Rowland secured the first Monaco e-Prix win of his career on Saturday, finishing ahead of Nyck de Vries and Jake Dennis as the new ‘Pit Boost’ rule created a captivating race on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
Sébastien Buemi then took the chequered flag in a rainy race on Sunday, beating pole-sitter and Saturday winner Rowland. Nick Cassidy, the winner of last year’s edition, rounded out the podium in third.
Here are some of the highlights of Formula E’s most recent passage in the Principality, taken by me, Luke Entwistle, for Monaco Life.
Günther coming out of the tunnel
Heading through Casino Square
Rowland makes his way around the iconic Fairmont
McLarens exiting the Fairmont
Lolas make their way around the hairpin
Le Rocher looms as the cars make their way to La Rascasse
Rowland chasing down Barnard
Maserati MSG at their home e-Prix
Out of the dark and into the light
Vandoorne making his way towards the port
A Lola racing in th dark
The road down to Nouvelle Chicane
Racing through the grandstand complex
Rowland celebrates his maiden Monaco e-Prix win
Rowland gets out of his Nissan to celebrate the win
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Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life
Buemi Conquers wet Monaco E-Prix for third Principality victory
Sébastien Buemi mastered the tricky wet conditions to claim his third career Monaco victory in Sunday’s Formula E E-Prix, with pole-sitter Oliver Rowland finishing second and Nick Cassidy completing the podium after an impressive charge from 14th on the grid.
The Swiss driver’s tactical brilliance shone through as he navigated from eighth position to secure victory on the iconic street circuit, executing a flawless Attack Mode strategy that proved decisive in the changing conditions of the seventh round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
“You need everything to align properly in this kind of races,” Buemi explained post-race. “The Attack Mode, you know, when you do what, when you fight, when you overtake, and I guess today everything just aligned properly. I was lucky to take the Attack Mode at the right time.”
The Envision Racing driver made quick work of his rivals, using his Attack Mode to drop off Oliver Rowland (Nissan) after the Port chicane, then Nyck de Vries (Mahindra) in the Ostend climb, before building a comfortable gap to secure the win. As the track began to dry in the closing stages, Buemi’s experience proved invaluable.
“At the end, it was drying up quite a lot. You could see a bit, so you had to be kind of clever on where to put the car because, clearly, you could start to see the line drying up, and there was quite a lot of lap time if you were able to have the confidence to attack in those corners,” he added.
Rowland consolidates strong Monaco Weekend
For Rowland, who started from pole position after topping qualifying, second place represented a strong result following his victory in Saturday’s race. The British driver was involved in a notable incident with Jean-Éric Vergne during the race but maintained his podium position.
“For me, it’s kind of a racing incident, but I also get both sides. It’s one of those which is hard to call,” Rowland said of the moment with Vergne. “It’s kind of like trying to consolidate a good double-header. You come here and don’t know if your car’s going to be competitive or not. I got 25 points yesterday, and if I can add another 10 to that, it’s a super weekend.”
Cassidy’s remarkable recovery from 14th
The drive of the day arguably belonged to Nick Cassidy, who climbed 11 positions to secure the final podium spot – a result that marked a welcome turnaround after a challenging start to his season.
“It’s already feeling like a big weight off the back, a monkey off the back kind of thing,” the New Zealander shared after the race. “I’ve gone through a tough dry spell, and it’s been really tough events. We just keep working hard.”
Cassidy was quick to acknowledge the performance of his fellow competitors, particularly race winner Buemi. “When I look at his quality and race, it’s impressive. Hands up,” he admitted.
With the championship now heading to Tokyo for the next round in just over 10 days, Buemi’s victory in Formula E’s most prestigious venue could prove to be a pivotal moment in this season’s championship battle.
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: Oliver Rowland, Sebastien Buemi, Nick Cassidy, source: ACM
Prince Albert II to host public celebration at Palace for 20th reign anniversary
To mark two decades since ascending the throne, Prince Albert II of Monaco will host a public cocktail reception on Saturday 19th July, inviting Monegasques to join him and Princess Charlène on the Place du Palais.
The event, taking place from 7pm to 10:30pm, is being organised at the request of the Prince and will be held in the historic square in front of the Prince’s Palace. While it will be open to Monegasque citizens, the specific access and participation procedures will be communicated at a later date.
Prince Albert II officially succeeded his father, Prince Rainier III, on 6th April 2005. Over the course of his reign, the Prince has overseen Monaco’s transformation through a range of major urban development and environmental initiatives. These include the landmark Mareterra land extension project, as well as the restoration of cultural landmarks like Casino Square and the Hôtel de Paris.
The 20th anniversary event is not only a tribute to the Sovereign’s leadership, but also a symbol of the enduring connection between the Princely family and the Monegasque people. It is expected to draw significant public interest, reflecting the widespread respect and affection for the Prince within the community.
Details surrounding the celebration will continue to be released in the lead-up to the event, with the Palace encouraging all Monegasques to take part in this historic occasion.
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 of the Princely family at the 2024 National Day celebrations, credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace
Revealed: the best and worst beaches around Monaco for 2025
With summer approaching and temperatures rising, Monaco residents and visitors are setting their sights on the Riviera’s pristine shores. But not all waters are equally inviting, according to the latest ‘La Belle Plage’ classification report, which offers a comprehensive assessment of bathing water quality around the Principality.
The ‘La Belle Plage‘ classification system, developed by environmental organisation Eau& Rivières, analyses water samples collected over four years by Regional Health Agencies (ARS). Unlike official European rankings, this methodology specifically addresses health risks by calculating the percentage of ‘Good’ water samples.
“A beach whose samples are not good once every three is indeed a polluted beach,” notes the organisation, questioning whether users would “go to the pool if one in three samples was not good.”
The classification system employs a four-tier approach to categorising beaches:
Recommended: At least 95% of water samples classified as ‘Good’. Low Risk: More than 85% of samples classified as ‘Good’ Not Recommended: Between 70-85% of samples classified as ‘Good’. To be Avoided: Less than 70% of samples classified as ‘Good’.
According to the 2025 analysis, none of the beached in the Monaco area achieved the ‘Recommended’ rating.
The ‘La Belle Plage’ classification system
Safest options remain limited but high quality
For those seeking the highest quality experiences, only three beaches in regions surrounding Monaco earned the ‘Recommended with Low Risk’ classification. Amongst them, the Petite Afrique Est in Beaulieu-sur-Mer stands as the sole recommended beach in its municipality, offering a safer alternative to neighbouring options. Following, the Marco Polo Beach in Èze similarly achieved the ‘Low Risk’ classification, making it a prime destination for cautious bathers. The Roquebrune-Cap-Martin coastline from Côte Ouest to La Buse completes the list of safer swimming locations, though notably, Roquebrune Beach on the eastern side falls into the ‘Avoidable’ category.
Concerning trends in popular locations
The report reveals worrying water quality issues at several high-profile destinations. The entire Villefrance-sur-Mer area received a ‘Not Recommended’ classification, with water samples showing contaminations in 15-30% of tests. Most beaches in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat earned the same status, while the Passable Beach of the municipality was designated as one to be avoided entirely.
The Cap d’Ail area, despite its proximity to Monaco, failed to achieve recommended status, with all beaches rated as ‘Not Recommended’.
Beaches to strictly avoid
Four beaches surrounding Monaco ranked in the most concerning category, with fewer than 70% of water samples meeting ‘Good’ standards:
The 2025 report notes “a sensible global deterioration of coastal beach quality between 2024 and 2025,” attributing this trend to “a rainy summer 2024”. According to the report, “intense rainy episodes often cause malfunctions in sewage systems and watershed runoff in livestock areas, which carry pollution to bathing waters.”
As Monaco and the surrounding French Riviera continue to position themselves as premium tourist destinations, these water quality concerns raise questions about environmental management and infrastructure investment in the region.
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 of La Petite Afrique in Beaulieu sur Mer, credit Cassandra Tanti
Leclerc finishes seventh as Piastri storms to Miami Grand Prix win
Charles Leclerc wrestled his Ferrari to seventh place in a processional Miami Grand Prix, as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri seized the spotlight with a superbly executed victory that reshaped the title fight.
Oscar Piastri put on a championship-worthy display at the Miami Grand Prix, converting a fourth-place start into a dominant win for McLaren. With calm control and strategic brilliance, the 24-year-old Australian passed both Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen in the early stages, building an unassailable lead over teammate Lando Norris to claim his fourth win in six races. While Piastri celebrated, it was a far more frustrating day for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, who once again found themselves mired in traffic and out of podium contention.
Starting eighth on the grid, Leclerc opted for medium tyres while teammate Lewis Hamilton—now in red—began on hards. The Monegasque held position in the opening laps but quickly became stuck in a DRS train with little room to manoeuvre. A mid-race Virtual Safety Car, triggered by Oliver Bearman’s retirement, gave the team a narrow strategic window: Hamilton pitted immediately and gained time, while Leclerc stopped a lap later, losing precious seconds and rejoining just behind his teammate.
The two Ferraris, running in tandem, managed to pass Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard went wide. In an effort to chase down Antonelli for sixth, Ferrari ordered a position swap, allowing Hamilton to lead the charge. But the gap proved too wide and, in a show of procedural fairness, the team returned Leclerc to seventh before the finish. It was a tactical, if unspectacular, race for the Scuderia, who left Florida with ten points from Sunday’s race and six from Saturday’s sprint.
Leclerc cut a frustrated figure after the flag. “It’s been a tough weekend for us,” he said. “We’ve made some good progress over the last few races, but I just didn’t have that same feeling in the car this weekend. I was managing tyre wear early on and then stuck in dirty air. I pushed towards the end, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Team Principal Fred Vasseur echoed the sentiment. “We didn’t quite get the balance right, particularly in qualifying. In free air, our pace was close to Mercedes and Red Bull, but we struggled in traffic. Our strategy was solid—pitting both drivers under the VSC—but we couldn’t make the difference when it counted.”
Now sitting atop the drivers’ standings, Piastri leads Norris by 16 points and Verstappen by 32, with McLaren’s superior race pace and tyre management giving them a clear advantage. Ferrari, by contrast, remain in striking distance but need a stronger qualifying and race package to keep up with the leading trio.
With six races across three continents now complete, Formula 1 heads into its European phase. The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola is next up in a fortnight’s time, followed closely by Charles Leclerc’s all-important home race in Monaco at the end of May—where the local favourite will be hoping to deliver a standout performance in front of his home crowd.
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: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre
Interview: Big Art Festival brings intimate glamour and musical excellence to Monaco’s summer stage
Forget crowded stadiums and generic concert formats. The Big Art Festival, co-founded by veteran entertainment producer Maxim Berim, offers a uniquely intimate and elegant experience for Monaco’s discerning audience—and it’s rewriting the rules of what a luxury concert can be.
With over 25 years in the international entertainment industry and thousands of headline concerts under their belt, Maxim Berim and his partner set out to create something that didn’t yet exist: a boutique festival combining high-level musical artistry with the elegance of a gala. The result is the Big Art Festival—an ever-evolving series of exclusive events staged in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations, including, now, Monaco.
“We didn’t want just another massive one-location festival,” Berim told Monaco Life. “We travel a lot, we see a lot, and we felt there was space for something more personal. Something that feels like a private performance, in a stunning setting, for people who really appreciate music and art.”
The Big Art Festival
A new kind of concert for Monaco
While Monaco is known for its vibrant events calendar, especially during the Grand Prix, Berim saw an untapped niche. “Most of the events during that time are club nights or DJ-led afterparties for a younger crowd. Our format is different,” he says. “It’s designed for a 35-plus audience who values elegance, top-tier music, and a refined social atmosphere.”
This year’s Monaco Grand Prix weekend will showcase the Big Art Festival’s signature style, with an exclusive gala concert featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Craig David at the Sporting Monte-Carlo on Friday 23rd May. Blending globally recognised acts with fine dining and glamour, the event offers an elevated alternative to the high-octane party scene that dominates the weekend.
The Big Art Festival isn’t just about the music—it’s a fully immersive experience. Each evening begins with a red-carpet welcome and cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner and a curated programme of live performances. “We think about every single detail,” says Berim. “From what music plays when guests walk in, to how the lighting evolves throughout the evening, to when the headline act takes the stage—it’s all planned to create a natural flow of energy.”
The Big Art Festival at Lorenzo Montanelli, Italy
Not just another gala night
What makes the Big Art Festival stand out isn’t just the lineup—though that’s impressive, with past performances by Andrea Bocelli, Craig David, and OneRepublic. It’s the thoughtfulness behind the experience. “We’re not selling tickets—we’re selling tables. And with that comes a level of personal relationship and trust,” Berim notes. “It’s a community. People come not only for the artist, but because they know they’ll have a memorable night among like-minded people.”
The format also allows room for emerging talent. “We love mixing headline acts with rising stars,” says Berim. “It could be a gifted pianist from the UK or a singer from the Philippines. It’s about creating a full arc of entertainment, not just one highlight.”
The Big Art Festival at Lorenzo Montanelli, Italy
Craftsmanship behind the scenes
Behind the glamour lies an intense level of planning. The team now produces between 30 and 40 events a year, across destinations like Portofino, Capri, Dubai and Courchevel. “It looks effortless from the outside, but we’re working months ahead—booking artists, handling logistics, securing venues,” Berim shares. “It usually takes two to three months just to finalise a major act.”
To maintain the artistic integrity of the programme, the team recently brought on Raffaele Riccio—known for his work with Billionaire—as artistic director. “He’s helping us refine the theatrical flow of the evening. It’s not just a concert—it’s a show, and the mood needs to build naturally, with each act adding something new.”
A love for music at the core
Berim’s passion for music is more than professional—it’s deeply personal. A trained saxophonist with a degree from a music conservatory, he grew up in a musical family and brings that sensibility to every show. “Music is part of my DNA,” he says. “That’s why I care so much about the sound, the pacing, the energy in the room. If you start the main act while people are still eating, you’ve already lost the magic. But when everything clicks—it’s unforgettable.”
Jason Derulo at the Big Art Festival in Monaco, September 2024
What’s next for Big Art Festival?
The festival is steadily growing a global following, and Monaco is fast becoming one of its key locations. “We’ve built a loyal base of guests who now plan their holidays around our events,” says Berim. “We’re always looking ahead, already planning the next season. The demand is there, and Monaco is the perfect place for it—elegant, international, and full of people who understand and love quality.”
And the wishlist? “I’d love to bring in Michael Bublé. And Lady Gaga, especially for her jazz material. Also Celine Dion—these are artists who bring depth and emotion, not just spectacle.”
In a Principality known for spectacle, Big Art Festival is something else entirely: intimate, world-class, and crafted with the precision of a musical score. For Monaco’s cultural scene, it’s not just an event—it’s an experience.
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 of Maxim Berim. All photos sourced from Big Art Festival
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