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Day: 2 June 2025

Espresso Riviera train to connect Rome and the French Riviera via Monaco this summer

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
02/06/2025

The overnight train service linking Rome with the French Riviera is set to return this summer, this time with a stopover in Monaco, offering travellers a nostalgic journey along one of Europe’s most stunning coastal routes—and fulfilling promises made a year ago when the same service faced last-minute operational challenges. 

The Espresso Riviera, operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani—a subsidiary of Italy’s national railway Trenitalia—will run every weekend from 4 July through 30 August, threading its way between the Italian capital and Marseille via the Principality of Monaco.

The launch comes after a troubled attempt in 2024, when Trenitalia’s original Espresso Riviera service between Nice and Milan was forced to bypass Monaco entirely just days before its scheduled debut. The planned stop at Monaco’s underground Gare de Monaco Monte-Carlo was cancelled at the last minute due to safety concerns over diesel emissions and inadequate ventilation systems for the diesel-powered trains.

Despite the setback, the shortened Nice-Milan service that did operate during August 2024 generated enough interest to encourage this year’s significantly expanded route, which now extends all the way from Rome to Marseille.

The vintage-style sleeper train departs Rome Termini each Friday evening at 19:57 (21:45 on the inaugural 4th July service), arriving in Marseille the following afternoon at 13:57. The return journey leaves Marseille at 14:46 on Saturdays, reaching Rome by Sunday morning at 06:48.

The route showcases some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, making stops at Genoa, Savona, Alassio, Imperia, and Sanremo on the Italian Riviera before continuing to Ventimiglia, Menton, Monaco-Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël, and Toulon along the French Côte d’Azur.

From Rome to Genoa, passengers travel overnight in sleeping compartments, waking to stunning Mediterranean views. From Genova onwards, the service operates as a day train, allowing travellers to fully appreciate the coastline as it unfolds through large panoramic windows.

Accommodation and onboard experience

The service offers several accommodation options tailored to different travel preferences. For the overnight portion from Rome, passengers can choose between private sleeping compartments for one or two people, or four-berth couchettes that can be booked for exclusive use by families or small groups.

For the scenic daytime section along the coast, the train features private living room lounges available for exclusive usage, first-class seating with panoramic views, and comfortable second-class accommodation.

The onboard experience includes a restaurant serving hot and cold dishes throughout the journey, with meals ranging from breakfast to dinner featuring both Italian and French regional specialities. Additionally, a dedicated bar offers drinks and snacks, perfect for enjoying an aperitivo while watching the Mediterranean coastline pass by.

The service fills a significant gap left when night train services along the Mediterranean coast were discontinued in previous years. FS Treni Turistici specialises in historic and tourist train services, bringing back the romance of rail travel along one of Europe’s most travelled routes.

Prices start from €54.90, with a 25% discount available through the operator’s ‘TTI Special 25’ promotion, though places are limited and booking early is recommended. 

Bookings opened on 24th May exclusively through the FS Treni Turistici website, by email at info@fstrenituristici.it, or by telephone on +39 337 1481776 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm).

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: Treni Turistici Italiani

 

Prime commercial space opens up in Monaco’s Jardin Exotique

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

Monaco’s State Property Administration is inviting entrepreneurs and restaurateurs to apply for a rare leasing opportunity in one of the Principality’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.

A unique commercial opportunity has emerged in the heart of Monaco’s Jardin Exotique district, as the State Property Administration opens applications for the lease of a large, versatile space in a prime location. Spanning 584 square metres and delivered in raw condition, the premises are located on the first floor of 97-98, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique—offering a blank canvas for a new business venture.

Designed exclusively for commercial or service-based activities, including hospitality and dining, the space is not open to office or industrial use, making it ideal for boutique retailers, cafés, or service providers looking to bring something new to one of Monaco’s most scenic quarters.

Entrepreneurs interested in shaping this space into their next venture can download the application dossier from the official Government of Monaco portal (http://monentreprise.gouv.mc/actualites), or collect it in person from the State Property Administration, located on the 5th floor of 5, Promenade Honoré II (Hall A), open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

To help prospective tenants visualise the potential of the site, guided visits are being offered on Wednesday 25th June from 2:30pm to 4:00pm and Thursday 3rd July from 10:00am to 11:30am.

Applications must be submitted to the State Property Administration by Friday 25th July 2025 at 12:00 noon sharp. Late submissions will not be considered, making punctuality essential for those hoping to secure this rare opportunity.

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 Jardin Exotique, credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Flickr

Monaco to mark World Environment Day with action against plastic pollution

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

On 5th June, the Principality will join the global movement to reduce plastic waste through awareness-raising events and sustainable solutions presented in the heart of Monaco.

World Environment Day will be observed in Monaco on Thursday 5th June with a focus on the urgent global issue of plastic pollution. Celebrated annually since 1974 and now embraced by more than 100 countries, the United Nations-backed initiative aims to encourage collective action to protect both land and marine ecosystems. This year’s theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, aligns with Monaco’s ongoing environmental commitments.

The Government of Monaco has implemented a series of measures over recent years to combat plastic waste, including a ban on plastic bags in 2016, the progressive elimination of single-use plastic packaging, and public education campaigns on sustainable alternatives. Initiatives such as beach clean-ups and awareness workshops continue to form part of the Principality’s long-term strategy.

To mark the occasion, Monaco’s Department of the Environment will host an interactive public stand at the bottom of Rue Princesse Caroline from 9am to 5:30pm. Throughout the day, various organisations and institutions will showcase practical and engaging solutions to reduce plastic use and promote environmental stewardship.

From 9am, visitors can engage with the Department of the Environment and Ecoscience Provence to learn how to spot misleading “green” claims, explore viable alternatives to single-use plastics, and discover the daily efforts made by committed local businesses. Zero-waste workshops and discussions around biodiversity will also be featured.

Between 9am and 11:30am, Green Box Monaco will present its reusable transport container solutions aimed at reducing logistical waste. From 9:30am to noon, the Tourist and Convention Authority will offer insights on waste sorting guidance for international visitors and introduce the Principality’s guide to sustainable tourism.

Midday highlights include Ecoslowasting, which will be on hand from 11:30am to 2:30pm to share how their anti-waste platform supports eco-conscious consumption. Later in the afternoon, the Monaco Animal Garden, represented by Laurent Peyronnel, will participate from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.

The Energy Transition Mission will take part from 2pm to 5:30pm, explaining the health and environmental benefits of ‘Ma Consigne’, a returnable container initiative. Finally, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, Monaco’s Town Hall will present its “Petite boîte” solution, designed to reduce food waste when dining out.

Monaco’s programme reflects both its environmental values and its desire to lead by example in the fight against plastic pollution, combining education, innovation and community action in one of the world’s most eco-conscious microstates.

Monaco Life is produced by 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.

New ambassadors from Iran, Thailand, Czech Republic and Turkmenistan welcomed to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

Four newly appointed ambassadors presented their credentials to Prince Albert II before attending a diplomatic lunch hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Hôtel Hermitage.

On Friday 30th May, Monaco officially welcomed four new ambassadors during a day of diplomatic protocol and engagement. Following a formal ceremony at the Prince’s Palace, where each diplomat presented their Letters of Credence to Prince Albert II, the ambassadors were received by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, for a lunch held at the Hôtel Hermitage.

The newly accredited ambassadors include Mohammad Amin Nejad of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who previously served in Niger and is concurrently accredited to Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon and Liberia. Sarun Charoensuwan of the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly stationed in Belgium, also took up his new post. Jaroslav Kurfürst of the Czech Republic, who similarly served in Belgium, was accredited alongside Maksat Chariyev of Turkmenistan. Chariyev, who resides in Paris, is also the Permanent Delegate of Turkmenistan to UNESCO and the accredited ambassador to Portugal.

The lunch provided a platform for dialogue and exchange, bringing together the new ambassadors with key Monegasque stakeholders. Among the guests were honorary consuls of the Czech Republic and Thailand, as well as representatives from the Monaco Economic Board and Monaco Private Label. The gathering highlighted Monaco’s commitment to international diplomacy and its intention to deepen bilateral ties in fields ranging from culture to economic cooperation.

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 from left to right: H.E. Mr. Maksat Chariyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan; H.E. Mr. Mohammad Amin Nejad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Ms. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand; and H.E. Mr. Jaroslav Kurfürst, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic. Credit: Direction de la Communication – Stéphane Danna

Leclerc capitalises on late drama to claim podium in Spain

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

In a thrilling conclusion to the Spanish Grand Prix on 1st June, Charles Leclerc secured a well-earned third place for Scuderia Ferrari HP, marking his second consecutive podium finish of the season. The Monegasque driver, who started seventh on the grid, executed a strategic race that culminated in a decisive overtake during the final laps.

Charles Leclerc’s ascent through the field was methodical, leveraging a tyre strategy that prioritised race pace over qualifying position. His decision to conserve a set of soft tyres paid dividends when a late Safety Car period, triggered by Kimi Antonelli’s retirement, bunched up the field.

At the restart, Leclerc capitalised on Max Verstappen’s struggle with hard tyres, overtaking the Red Bull driver to claim third place. The move involved minor contact, but stewards deemed it a racing incident, allowing Leclerc to retain his position.

Reflecting on the race, Leclerc acknowledged the role of strategy and circumstance in his podium finish. “Yesterday, I knew that I was sacrificing qualifying in order to have a better race on Sunday, but I didn’t expect to find myself standing on the podium, so I’m happy about that,” he said.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur praised the team’s performance, noting, “It’s always good to finish on the podium, and this result, following the one in Monaco, confirms we’re building momentum.” He highlighted the importance of tyre strategy and the team’s adaptability in dynamic race conditions.

The race concluded with a McLaren one-two finish, as Oscar Piastri led teammate Lando Norris to the chequered flag.

Leclerc’s third place contributed valuable points to Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship campaign, moving the team into second place behind McLaren. The next round of the championship will take place in Montreal, Canada, in a fortnight.

Monaco Life is produced by 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 Charles Leclerc, source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Maximilian Günther leads historic DS Penske 1-2 in Shanghai as Maserati MSG Racing scores valuable points

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

Maximilian Günther delivered a dominant drive to hand DS Penske its first-ever 1-2 finish in Formula E on the weekend, while Monaco-based Maserati MSG Racing secured a strong double-points result in challenging conditions.

History was made at the Shanghai E-Prix as Maximilian Günther powered to a commanding victory in Round 10, leading DS Penske to its first-ever 1-2 finish after 142 starts in the all-electric championship. The German driver, who switched from Maserati to DS Penske at the end of last season, put on a strategic masterclass, overtaking Oliver Rowland with a decisive use of Attack Mode and pulling clear of the chasing pack.

Günther’s victory was cemented in the final moments of the race when teammate Jean-Éric Vergne executed a bold last-corner move on McLaren’s Taylor Barnard to claim second place, sending the DS Penske garage into celebration. Team Principal Jay Penske embraced the team on the pit wall, while Deputy Team Principal Phil Charles was seen wiping away tears in an emotional and long-awaited achievement for the outfit.

“What a day!” said Günther. “Starting from pole gave us the foundation, but the race was long and needed precise management. All the planets aligned, and I’m so proud we could win like that. This 1-2 is the reward for all the hard work behind the scenes.”

Photo source: DS Penske

It marked Günther’s second victory of the season, following his earlier triumph in Jeddah, and reaffirmed DS Penske’s growing strength as the season intensifies. The team’s milestone moment came after Günther led the field in qualifying, dispatching rivals Oliver Rowland and Nick Cassidy in the Duels before taking pole by nearly four-tenths of a second.

While DS Penske celebrated at the front, Maserati MSG Racing delivered a quietly impressive performance of its own in Sunday’s rain-affected Round 11. Jake Hughes and Stoffel Vandoorne expertly navigated the treacherous conditions to finish fourth and seventh respectively, lifting the Monaco-based team to sixth in the Teams’ Championship with 89 points.

Photo source: Maserati MSG Racing

With torrential rain forcing the cancellation of Free Practice 3 and the qualifying Duels, the starting grid was determined by group times. Hughes began the race in P5 and quickly moved up a position on the opening lap, maintaining his focus as the race unfolded under difficult conditions. He resisted the urge to attack for a podium in the closing stages, instead opting for a clean, controlled drive to bring home fourth.

“It’s been a while since I’ve scored points, so this feels really good,” said Hughes. “We had a strong weekend overall and finally converted that into a result.” Vandoorne, who started eighth, improved steadily to claim seventh. “Visibility was tough at the start, but the car came alive as the race progressed. It was a matter of staying composed,” he said.

Team Principal Cyril Blais praised the duo’s disciplined approach: “It was a challenging race where precision and patience mattered most. Jake and Stoffel showed the kind of execution we needed after a demanding run of races.”

Sunday’s victory went to Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy, who returned to the top step after dominating in wet conditions from pole. It was a timely result for the New Zealander amid speculation about his future, and a welcome boost for Jaguar, who continue to struggle in the Gen3 Evo era.

Elsewhere on the grid, standout drives from Dan Ticktum for CUPRA KIRO and disappointment for Mahindra Racing added to the drama of the weekend. Ticktum climbed from 21st to fourth in Saturday’s race, while teammate David Beckmann continued to struggle. Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries, who had shown promise in practice, finished 12th in Round 11, while Edoardo Mortara retired from Saturday’s race and finished 19th on Sunday.

With the championship now heading to Jakarta on 21st June, Maximilian Günther sits sixth in the Drivers’ standings with 71 points, while Maserati MSG Racing prepares to build on its Shanghai momentum as the title race heats up.

See also: 

Exclusive interview with Formula E driver Maximilian Günther: “It’s like playing chess while driving a high-speed race car”

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 Maximilian Gunther, source DS Penske