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.
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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.
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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 Berin, 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 Berin 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,” Berin 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, Berin 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 Berin. “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,” Berin 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 Berin. “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
Berin’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 Berin. “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
Marcel Duchamp’s roulette-inspired artwork returns to Monte-Carlo 100 years later
A century after Marcel Duchamp turned his fascination with roulette into a radical art object, his ‘Obligation pour la roulette de Monte-Carlo’ returns to its place of origin—on display this week inside the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.
To mark the 100th anniversary of L’Obligation pour la roulette de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has partnered with the Palais Princier and the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) to bring one of Duchamp’s most subversive works home. From 1st to 8th May, the piece is being exhibited in the Atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo—the very venue that originally inspired it. The centenary celebration will culminate in a live performance by composer Luciano Chessa on 8th May in the Salle Blanche.
The work itself is a fusion of conceptual finance and avant-garde expression: a 1924 ‘bond’ created by Duchamp to raise funds for his gambling strategy in Monte-Carlo. The obligation, sold for 500 francs, promised a 20% return to shareholders and featured a striking image of Duchamp taken by Man Ray. Behind the artist’s face is a coded phrase—“moustiques, domestiques, demistock”—repeated as watermark, rendering each piece unique and deliberately irreproducible. As Duchamp merged game theory with artistic intent, he produced not just a financial instrument, but a ready-made masterpiece.
Photos source: MCSBM
As art collector Jane Heap wrote in The Little Review at the time, “If someone wants to buy unusual works of art for investment, here is the opportunity to invest in a perfect masterpiece. Marcel’s signature alone is worth far more than the 500 francs asked for the obligation.”
To honour this iconoclastic spirit, the NMNM and Monte-Carlo SBM will host a free public event on 8th May at 18:30, where Luciano Chessa will debut a sound performance composed for two roulette tables, a piano and a soprano, all woven together with an unpublished poem by Monegasque writer Louis Notari. The evening will also include a conversation between curator Benjamin Laugier and artist Giovanni Casu, along with an interactive introduction to European roulette.
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
Oliver Rowland tastes victory in first part of Monaco e-Prix double-header
Oliver Rowland continued his dominant form in the first of two back-to-back Monaco e-Prixs, which for the first time, included the new Pit Boost rule, shaking up an exciting race on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
Earlier in the day, Taylor Barnard, who became the youngest ever Formula E driver when he replaced an injured Sam Bird at last season’s Monaco e-Prix, became the youngest driver to put his car on pole after Rowland put his car in the wall in the qualifying final.
The Championship leader would atone for his error later in the day but his victory was anything but simple. The introduction of the ‘Pit Boost’ rule, already applied during the Miami e-Prix, means that drivers must pit in order to have their battery charged. As it does in the Formula 1 race, strategy therefore played its part.
Rowland going around the Fairmont Hairpin – Photo credit Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life
Andretti’s Nico Mueller was the major benefactor on this occasion. After a largely clean start, Rowland retained his lead in the opening laps, however, Mueller, who qualified 14th before suffering a puncture early in the race, stopped under a Full Course Yellow on lap 14, leapfrogging the competition and putting him in the lead of the race.
However, the Swiss driver was not able to retain his advantage. Lacking pace, he was eaten up by the grid, ultimately finishing fifth. Barnard was also sent tumbling down the order. The young Brit had already been overtaken by Rowland prior to the pit boosts, with the latter applying the pressure. Barnard twice cut a chicane to retain his lead, much to the frustration of Rowland, who called for clarity of the rules post-race.
Barnard then sustained damage on lap 24, going into the barrier at the Fairmont hairpin on lap 24. Whilst he kept his McLaren running, he failed to bring home any points for his team.
Rowland in front of the Monaco skyline in the Monaco e-Prix. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life
Rowland still had a fight on his hands. To his confusion, he was only informed by his team to take Attack Mode – which provides a temporary speed advantage but at the expense of going wide in Casino Square – late-on, meaning that he had to make his way up from fifth in the final laps.
Maserati MSG struggle at home e-Prix
He got the winning move done coming out of the tunnel on lap 26 of 30 with former Formula 1 driver Nyck de Vries finishing second, ahead of Jake Dennis. The Brit has now won three out of the first six races this season, becoming the first driver to do so since Sébastien Buemi in the 2016/17 season. He now has 94 points, 34 more than second-placed Pascal Wehrlein.
At their home e-Prix, Maserati MSG Racing had a difficult day, taking just two points thanks to Stoffel Vandoorne’s ninth-place finish.
Maserati MSG’s Stoffel Vandoorne at the Monaco e-Prix. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life
However, Maserati MSG Racing, like the rest of the grid, will get a second bite of the apple. This year’s Monaco e-Prix is a double-header, meaning that there will be a second race on Sunday. The celebrations, therefore, could not be too extravagant; the podium champagne was more sprayed than consumed.
“If there wasn’t another race, I’d feel quite a lot different and I would have other plans,” joked Rowland. “Your mind immediately switches to tomorrow. It changes the feeling of winning.”
Dennis added, “I think [the celebrations] would be better if there wasn’t a race tomorrow. Ultimately, we have to do the job tomorrow.” A slightly more muted podium, therefore, however, it is a big win for Rowland, who previously finished on the podium in Monaco in 2019.
Rowland celebrates his Monaco e-Prix win. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life
The win on the streets of Monte-Carlo may have lacked its usual effervescent taste but it is one that puts Rowland firmly in the driving seat in the race for the Formula E title.
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: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life
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