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Day: 23 June 2025

AS Monaco Basketball forces Game 5 after dramatic comeback

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/06/2025

AS Monaco basketball secured a crucial 80-74 victory over Paris Basketball in Game 4 of the Betclic Élite finals at Salle Gaston Médecin on Sunday, levelling the series at 2-2.

The Roca Team’s win was vital after falling 0-2 behind in the series following poor performances in Paris. Monaco has now fought back to force a decisive Game 5 that will determine France’s basketball champions.

During Game 4, Élie Okobo led Monaco with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists to earn MVP honours, and Matthew Strazel contributed 20 points, notably putting his team back in the game with two incredible shots.

Paris Basketball held a 43-40 advantage at half-time after a physical opening period marked by technical fouls and mounting tension between both teams. However, Monaco’s resilience under pressure began to show in the second half.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Strazel hit two off-balance shots, giving Monaco a 65-61 lead and energising the home crowd. Captain Alpha Diallo then sealed the victory with accurate free-throw shooting, securing an 80-74 final score.

Elie Okobo during Game 4, photo by AS Monaco Basketball

Coach praises team character

Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis praised his team’s intensity following the victory. “It was a match with tremendous intensity. The team showed real character with incredible energy. I’m proud of the mentality displayed by the collective. We played a very physical defence but always within the rules. We deserve to win the last two matches.”

Elie Okobo highlighted the team’s improved approach: “In this match, we put much more intensity into what we were doing. We added more ingredients, more collective play, better shooting accuracy…We had to fight in front of our crowd, we didn’t want it to end here.”

Looking ahead to the final game, Okobo said: “We’ll need to be at full throttle for 40 minutes. We have experience and we’ll need to use it to play away.”

Point guard Strazel also acknowledged the team’s recent improvement. “We’ve shown a better face for the last two matches. We play better with our backs against the wall, we’ve proved it in Game 3 and this afternoon.”

Addressing his early series difficulties, Strazel explained: “During the first three matches, they managed to put doubt in my mind with tremendous defensive pressure. Tonight, I tried to simplify things. I don’t think about statistics, the goal is to win this title.”

Championship decided Tuesday

Monaco’s recovery from a 0-2 deficit represents a significant achievement in professional basketball. The decisive Game 5 will take place at Paris’s Adidas Arena on Tuesday at 8:30pm, with Monaco pursuing a third consecutive French championship title.

After struggling in their first two games in the capital, the Roca Team have regained the form that has defined their championship runs: strong collective play, defensive intensity, and mental resilience under pressure.

Tuesday’s final game will determine whether Monaco can complete what would be considered an extremely rare comeback.

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 AS Monaco Basketball

Monaco’s Fête de la Mer returns with celebration, education and a call to protect the sea

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/06/2025

The Yacht Club de Monaco’s annual Fête de la Mer brought together families, sailors, students and sea lovers for a joyful day of activities and tributes, highlighting the Principality’s enduring maritime values.

The Fête de la Mer returned on Saturday 21st June with its signature blend of tradition, entertainment and environmental education. Coordinated by the Yacht Club de Monaco in partnership with a host of local institutions, the day-long event drew several hundred people to the YCM Marina. All generations were represented as Monaco’s seafaring community honoured the sea and those who sail it.

Proceedings opened with a solemn parade of boats gathering beneath the Oceanographic Museum, where Deacon Robert Ferrua offered a blessing in memory of sailors lost at sea. Led by YCM’s iconic gaff cutter Tuiga, the fleet then returned to port in a symbolic gesture that tied Monaco’s future to its nautical heritage.

Activities afloat and ashore

The marina quays were alive with activity throughout the day. Children and adults took to the water for diving, kayaking, J/70 sailing, and even E-Foil sessions, while inflatables and a giant slide added extra excitement for younger visitors. A dramatic jet-ski rescue demonstration by the Monaco Maritime Police drew crowds, as did the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge simulator and the eco-educational stands dotted around the venue.

Also featured was the public debut of a new Hansa 303 boat, donated by the Rotary Club of Monaco to promote accessibility in sailing. The day’s extensive programme was made possible through the participation of over a dozen local partners, including Société Nautique de Monaco, Fondation Prince Albert II, the Oceanographic Institute, CESMM, Monaco Mairie, and the Monegasque Fishing Federation, among others.

Young voices, bold messages

Inside the Yacht Club, students from the Collège François d’Assise Nicolas Barré showcased a creative and timely exhibition titled Bouchons-nous pour la mer. Made entirely from recycled plastic bottle tops, the artworks reflected the students’ reflections on waste, consumerism and our collective responsibility toward marine preservation.

Launched in autumn and nurtured with support from YCM’s educational mission, the exhibition powerfully echoed the Club’s values of sustainability and transmission between generations.

Looking ahead to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

As the Fête de la Mer came to a close, organisers reminded the public of the upcoming 12th edition of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, set to take place from 1st to 5th July. Backed by the Prince Albert II Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the challenge will open its exhibitors’ village and paddocks to the public, providing a unique chance to engage with students, engineers and professionals at the forefront of sustainable yachting.

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: YCM

Diamonds and sea breeze: inside Monaco’s most exclusive jewellery exhibition

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/06/2025

The sixth edition of the Luxury Monte-Carlo high jewellery exhibition opened to VIP guests at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, proving once more that diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend.

On Thursday afternoon, the doors of the Sea Club opened, radiating light not from the Mediterranean skies, but from the exquisite jewellery displayed in elegant cases. Special guests were able to walk through the two-floor exhibition, engage with more than 50 international exhibitors showcasing their collections, learn their stories, and even try on the haute couture-quality jewels.

The event began with an unforgettable display of opulence, as guests tried on diamond necklaces, rings, and bracelets worth millions. The opening day continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and culminated in a charity dinner gala. Friday’s programme featured an awards ceremony with live performances, while Saturday came to a close with an exclusive fashion show and DJ set.

jewellery displayed during the Luxury Monte-Carlo, photo by Monaco Life

Celebrity-adored jewellery

One of the exhibition’s standouts was London-based designer Nadine Aysoy, presenting her collection featuring collapsible rings and necklaces with geometric diamond cuts. Her floating diamond illusion earrings drew particular attention, with Aysoy noting their recent celebrity appearance: “Actually, these earrings—the floating diamond illusion earrings—were worn by Scarlett Johansson just recently at one of the premieres of Jurassic Park.”

Aysoy’s work represented the type of contemporary design featured alongside more traditional haute joaillerie pieces throughout the exhibition.

Beyond the commercial aspect, the exhibition highlighted education about jewellery craftsmanship and design. Exhibitors were encouraged to share the stories behind their pieces, from sourcing to final creation.

The entertainment programme, organised by The Unique Show, aims to create an experience that extends beyond traditional trade show formats.

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

A submarine landmark named in honour of Prince Albert II

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/06/2025

In a fitting tribute to his lifelong advocacy for marine science and conservation, a major submarine feature in the Indian Ocean has been formally named the ‘Prince Albert II Seamount’. Announced during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit, this underwater landmark recognises Monaco’s enduring legacy of marine exploration — from Prince Albert I to the modern Sovereign Prince.

The decision to name the seamount followed a proposal by France to the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), coinciding with the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The newly christened ‘Prince Albert II Seamount’ is situated at 25° S and 69° E, rising to a depth of 1,958 metres. The designation recognises Prince Albert II’s steadfast dedication to oceanographic research and sustainable governance.

A legacy of ocean stewardship

This honour builds on Monaco’s historic contributions to marine science. The Prince’s great‑grandfather, Prince Albert I, established the Oceanographic Museum and founded the Monaco‑based Institut océanographique in the early 1900s. Prince Albert II has carried this legacy forward, including recent initiatives like the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, held just ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, emphasising actionable outcomes for ocean conservation.

Global impact and institutional support

The IHO, headquartered in Monaco, plays an essential role in global nautical charting and maritime safety. It is a fitting body to recognise a feature bearing the Prince’s name, given his commitment to both scientific understanding and marine protection. This naming highlights Monaco’s position as a global leader in ocean governance.

Continuing Monaco’s scientific mission

The naming aligns with Monaco’s broader marine efforts—from the Prince Albert II Foundation’s funding of initiatives such as Monaco Ocean Week and youth science training to high-profile environmental diplomacy at events like COP and UN conferences. The next generation of ocean scientists is being empowered, thanks to programmes launched or backed by the Foundation.

The ‘Prince Albert II Seamount’ stands as a timeless underwater monument, celebrating a princely lineage that has shaped our understanding of the oceans and championed their protection.

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 Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron sourced from Palais Princier

Giraudi and Moghadam redefine luxury dining with precious Marbellous collection

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/06/2025

Monaco has long been synonymous with prestige, but two of its most forward-thinking entrepreneurs are now shifting the conversation from what’s on the plate to how it’s served.

Restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, known for his global Beefbar empire and artful culinary concepts, has partnered with designer Kamyar Moghadam to bring a new vision of elegance to the dining table — literally. Their collaboration, Marbellous, turns precious onyx into one-of-a-kind presentation pieces, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern luxury.

Wordless Luxury: Letting the Experience Speak

“When Kamyar first came to me with the Marbellous concept, I was a little skeptical,” admitted Giraudi during a presentation to the press at Beefbar. “But when I saw the first samples, I started imagining the possibilities.”

What followed was months of collaboration between chefs and artisans in Mexico, handcrafting onyx pieces that are more art object than serving ware.

The Marbellous collection was launched in June, ahead of a presentation to diners in July. Credit: Cedou

Giraudi has long been a trendsetter in haute cuisine presentation. “A few years ago, we were the first to introduce enameled serving plates, now you see them everywhere. With Marbellous, we’ve taken that idea much further,” he said.

Each piece is unique — no two plates are the same — allowing the restaurants to stand out in a saturated luxury market. “I wanted to offer something no one else has done.”

Starting in July, the plates will debut quietly in Giraudi’s six Monaco restaurants. “We’ll serve the dishes without saying anything — just to see the clients’ reactions,” he said. That experiential surprise is part of the innovation. “In luxury dining, we struggle to find serving pieces that are both unique and prestigious. Now, we’ve created them.”

The Marbellous range

From Interiors to Onyx Innovation

Kamyar Moghadam is no stranger to aesthetic revolutions. Known for Maison Moghadam’s couture approach to interiors, he took that same philosophy and channelled it into Marbellous, his new design label that features everything from table lamps and chairs to art pieces and tableware.

“We had huge losses trying to ship large onyx pieces,” Moghadam explained. “So we rethought everything. That’s when Marbellous really started. We wanted to integrate real craftsmanship into something practical.” The result: a line of exquisite pieces using the world’s finest onyx, crafted using ancient techniques in Puebla, Mexico.

Each piece of tableware feels like a sculpture, but is meant for daily use in top-tier restaurants. “It’s so beautiful it would be a shame to keep them hidden,” said Moghadam.

The collection is not only featured in Riccardo’s restaurants, but is also available to the wider public.

Made in Monaco, Exported Globally

At its heart, the collaboration between Giraudi and Moghadam is not just about luxury — it’s about Monaco’s evolving cultural footprint. Both entrepreneurs have reimagined their respective family legacies: Riccardo in gastronomy, and Kamyar in design. That convergence of vision, ambition, and creativity has resulted in a project that is distinctly Monégasque in DNA, but global in ambition.

“When ‘food is the new fashion’ meets ‘make your home sexy’, going out to eat becomes a one-of-a-kind experience,” reads the tagline of their branding material — a fitting encapsulation.

As Giraudi put it, “We’ve created something that’s not just beautiful, but purposeful. That’s what luxury should be.”

With Marbellous, the line between tableware and art continues to blur — and Monaco has a new export to be proud of.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s 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: Kamyar Moghadam and Riccardo Giraudi, credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Prince Albert II inaugurates Monaco’s new National Archives in Fontvieille

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/06/2025

Prince Albert II inaugurated the new premises of the Direction des Archives nationales in Fontvieille on 16th June, ushering in a new era of heritage preservation.

The inauguration followed the publication of a sovereign ordinance on 16th May establishing the Direction des Archives nationales as a dedicated public institution. This transformation integrates the former Central Archives and Administrative Documentation Office, which will now operate as the Government Archives Service within the new structure. The change marks the culmination of four years of work by the Mission de préfiguration, a project aimed at aligning Monaco’s archival standards with international best practices.

Clarifying the lines of history

Before the promulgation of Monaco’s Constitution in 1911, the archives of the State and the Sovereign were indistinct. As such, numerous historical government documents remain within the Palace Archives, founded in 1881 and retained as property of the Crown. In contrast, the National Archives are now under the authority of the Minister of State and serve the public, providing access to selected materials for administrators, researchers, residents, and the wider academic community.

The new National Archives, photo credit: Ed Wright

New facilities and broader access

Located in Fontvieille, the newly refurbished premises add 500 square metres of secure archival space, designed as a central hub for public bodies wishing to deposit historically significant materials. Two reading rooms—one in Fontvieille and the other at the Ministry of State—are now open by appointment, providing professional access points for consulting collections under controlled conditions.

Launch of a national digital portal

Coinciding with the inauguration, the Direction des Archives nationales launched its official website, archives-nationales.gouv.mc, offering a centralised digital platform for the dissemination of standardised inventories, digitised documents, virtual exhibitions, and editorial content.

The site is also open to contributions from other entities preserving archives of public interest, including the Médiathèque communale’s Fonds patrimonial and municipal archives, thereby broadening the reach of Monaco’s heritage resources.

Supporting legislative and institutional development

The new archive service is tasked not only with the collection and conservation of both public and private archives, but also with supporting the creation of legislation and offering guidance to institutions on archival practices.

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: Ed Wright