28 ° C
Profile

Day: 24 June 2025

Coya brings its signature style to the sands of Saint-Tropez

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/06/2025

This summer, Coya is expanding its footprint to the French Riviera with the launch of Coya Beach in Ramatuelle. Located on the famed Pampelonne beach, the new venue blends the energy of Latin America with the laid-back elegance of Saint-Tropez, introducing a fresh take on coastal dining and beachside hospitality.

Coya Beach is the first beach club from the internationally recognised Coya group, whose restaurants and lounges span London, Monaco, Mykonos and beyond.

Designed by the creative studio First Within, the venue channels Saint-Tropez’s late-afternoon glow with a palette of sun-bleached wood, soft pastels and natural textures. It’s a barefoot setting where relaxed design meets refined detail.

a menu built for sharing

The culinary offering stays true to Coya’s Peruvian roots, while embracing Mediterranean influences. Dishes are built around seasonal ingredients, from sea bass ceviche with sweet potato and corn, to lamb cutlets with smoked aubergine caviar. Even desserts like churros with citrus-infused dulce de leche carry the Coya twist. The restaurant runs daily from midday to late afternoon, creating a seamless flow from lunch to lounge.

cocktails, soundtracks and signature service

The Pisco Bar brings Coya’s reputation for inventive cocktails to Pampelonne, with creations that blend tradition and tropical flair—think passionfruit margaritas and pisco-laced spritzes. Music is central to the atmosphere, curated by Coya’s in-house label with a rotation of DJs and live sets moving from deep house to Latin rhythms as the day unfolds.

new energy for the Pampelonne scene

Launching on 26th June , Coya Beach is positioned alongside the Riviera’s most iconic destinations. With its focus on warm service, quality dining and immersive design, it introduces a distinct perspective to the Saint-Tropez coastline, where flavour, sound and setting come together under the sun.

See also: 

Exciting changes at Coya Monte-Carlo: terrace expansion and revitalised menu

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: Michael Kroul, Unsplash

 

Indosuez moves to acquire BNP Paribas wealth clients in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/06/2025

CFM Indosuez Wealth Management has announced plans to acquire the wealth management clientele of BNP Paribas in Monaco, a deal that would reinforce its dominance in one of Europe’s most affluent banking markets.

The proposed acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2026. If completed, it would see hundreds of BNP Paribas clients transferred to CFM Indosuez, the Monegasque subsidiary of Crédit Agricole’s wealth management arm. The move reflects broader consolidation in the European wealth management sector, as banks focus their operations and seek economies of scale.

Already the Principality’s largest bank and private employer, the move would expand its ultra-high-net-worth client base and reinforce its dominance in a highly competitive financial market.

Continued services, shifting ownership

BNP Paribas clients affected by the deal are expected to retain access to international investment services, credit solutions, and financial planning expertise. While the wealth management unit will change hands, BNP Paribas will continue operating in Monaco, focusing on its core commercial, retail, and corporate banking activities.

CFM Indosuez said the deal would not only provide continuity for incoming clients, but also enhance service options through its international network and Crédit Agricole’s financial strength. According to the bank, the impact on Crédit Agricole S.A.’s CET1 ratio would be minimal.

“This acquisition would strengthen our position in Monaco with ultra-high net worth clients . Indosuez is pursuing its growth strategy in a sector undergoing consolidation and is a major player in wealth management in Europe,” said Jacques Prost, Chief Executive Officer of Indosuez Wealth Management, in a statement.

Competitive pressures reshape the market

The agreement is the latest signal of consolidation among European private banks, especially in niche markets such as Monaco where competition is fierce and regulatory costs high. With roughly €215 billion in assets under management globally, Indosuez Wealth Management has been expanding selectively across Europe and Asia.

BNP Paribas, meanwhile, has been streamlining operations in recent years to focus on more profitable or scalable business lines. The decision to divest the Monaco wealth management arm is part of a wider strategic pivot, although the group remains a significant financial player in the Principality.

As regulatory reviews progress, the transaction is being closely watched by both clients and market analysts as a potential bellwether for further consolidation 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 credit: Monaco Life

Olympic champions return to Monaco for the 2025 Herculis EBS Meeting at Stade Louis-II

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/06/2025
Herculis at the Stade Louis II

The iconic track of Monaco’s Stade Louis-II will once again become a stage for the world’s finest athletes as the 2025 Herculis EBS Meeting returns on Friday 11th July. Less than a year after the Paris Olympics, seven Olympic champions are confirmed to compete in what promises to be a night of thrilling athletic spectacle.

Julien Alfred, Olympic 100m champion and one of the fastest women in the world this season, is set to defend her title in Monaco. The sprinter from Saint Lucia recently clocked a blistering 10.75 seconds in Stockholm, edging closer to her national record and within striking distance of the Monaco meeting record of 10.72 set by Marion Jones in 1998.

Joining her is Dominican star Marileidy Paulino, Olympic and World Champion over 400m, who arrives in top form with a seasonal best of 49.12 seconds. After breaking her national record in the 200m earlier this season, Paulino is tipped for another dominant performance under the Riviera lights.

Power and precision on the field

In the field events, Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye, Olympic champion in the shot put and European indoor silver medallist, returns to competition this summer and will look to make a statement ahead of the World Championships in August.

Also confirmed is New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr, Olympic gold medallist in the high jump, and Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vault sensation who set his twelfth world record just days ago with a height of 6.28m. Duplantis, a regular in Monaco, is expected to draw one of the night’s loudest cheers.

The men’s middle distance and hurdles line-up

On the track, American hurdler Grant Holloway returns to Monaco aiming to reassert his dominance in the 110m hurdles. A two-time winner at Stade Louis-II, Holloway is looking to bounce back from a slower start to the season.

In the 800m, Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi enters as the man to beat. Fresh off a commanding win in Stockholm with a time of 1:41.95, he is within range of the Herculis meeting record of 1:41.46 set just last year.

A flagship Diamond League event

Since joining the Diamond League circuit in 2010, the Herculis EBS Meeting has become one of the premier events on the global athletics calendar. With seven “World’s Best Meeting” titles and nine world records set on its track, the event continues to attract the brightest stars of the sport.

This year’s edition, just two months ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, is expected to feature more than 40 events, blending elite competition with a celebratory atmosphere. Among them is the beloved 1,000m race open to amateur runners, which traditionally opens the evening’s programme.

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.

Summer sales begin Wednesday 25th June in Monaco and Côte d’Azur

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/06/2025

The summer shopping extravaganza is officially kicking off in Monaco and along the French Riviera, with retailers opening their doors early on Wednesday 25th June. Shoppers across Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Menton and beyond can expect four weeks of significant markdowns, stretching until 22th July, on designer gear, luxury homewares, electronics and more.

Retailers—including the boutiques of One Monte‑Carlo, Métropole Shopping Centre and the fashionable streets of Monaco‑Ville and Condamine—are taking advantage of Sunday openings as part of the ‘Monaco Sunday Experience’, keeping doors open for the duration of the sales. In Nice and other coastal towns, big-name department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Nice Étoile and Cap 3000 have echoes of festive lights and sales signage from dawn till dusk.

What to expect on the Riviera

French summer sales are governed by national legislation, allowing retailers to advertise ‘soldes’ for four consecutive weeks, with pricing rules ensuring discounts are genuine and transparent. Expect bold reductions on fashion-forward clothing, shoes, luxury beauty items, and even high-end furniture or appliances.

Tourists can reclaim VAT on eligible purchases over €100—around a 12–15% return—making the Riviera even more tempting for travellers seeking designer bargains .

Tips for Riviera shoppers

The early days of the sales are the liveliest—ideal for hunting standout pieces. Yet, surprisingly, deeper discounts often surface in later weeks as stores refresh their stock. Opening early is wise, but patience can pay off.

Shoppers should ensure sale tags clearly show the original price alongside the discounted price, as French law mandates transparent reference pricing . Online purchases follow the same calendar—worth noting for those preferring to browse from home .

Monaco’s signature summer shopping

Monaco capitalises on this shopping season with its Monaco Sunday Experience, granting Sunday access to most stores throughout the Principality. This, combined with a strollable city centre, fast‑track customs for tourists, and a convivial Monaco atmosphere, ensures a perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and bargain‑hunting.

In summary

  • Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025 – Tuesday, 22 July 2025

  • Where: Nationwide in metropolitan France—including Monaco and Alpes‑Maritimes

  • Schedule: Daily openings, special Sunday hours in Monaco

  • Pro tip: Look out for deeper discounts mid‑to‑late July, and check VAT reclaim options

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 by Monaco Life

Monaco’s Open Air Cinema reopens for summer with starry screenings and fresh flair

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/06/2025
monaco open air cinema

The Monaco Open Air Cinema has rolled out its giant screen once again, welcoming film lovers back for another season of starlit cinema on the Rock. With a lineup of blockbusters, upgraded seating, and cool drinks ready to combat the summer heat, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a box office hit.

Tucked atop the Parking des Pêcheurs, Monaco’s Open Air Cinema reopened last Friday under searing Riviera sun—but the team behind the scenes didn’t miss a beat. The venue, famed for boasting the largest suspended outdoor screen in Europe at 220 square metres, returns this summer with Dolby 7.1 sound, improved seating, and a newly refreshed bar serving cocktails from local start-up Mixt Drinks. With seating for 500 and a lounge corner for added comfort, the cinema continues to deliver one of the most atmospheric film nights on the coast.

A blockbuster summer schedule

Film highlights include the much-anticipated F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt, Marvel’s reboot The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Superhman, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. For families, Lilo & Stitch, Smurfs, and How to Train Your Dragon are all on the slate, while romance and drama come courtesy of Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson.

Films are screened nightly in their original version with French subtitles, starting at 10pm after a 9.30pm showtime.

Upgrades without upheaval

While ticket prices remain the same—€12 for standard seats and €23 for the premium black sofas—concessions such as popcorn and sweets have seen a small increase due to supplier costs. Behind the scenes, much has been upgraded: the wooden viewing platform has been rebuilt for comfort, several sofas have been replaced, and a third sales counter added to ease queues. These tweaks, alongside the venue’s classic charm, ensure the cinema experience remains as smooth as ever.

No digital fuss—just the real thing

Keeping with tradition, the cinema continues to operate without an online booking system. It’s strictly paper tickets on the night—a decision that aligns with the team’s desire to offer a personal, laid-back experience in contrast to the digitised frenzy of modern entertainment. Dogs on leashes are still welcome, and the bar and snack menu now includes everything from cheeseburgers to brownies.

With its sweeping Mediterranean views and laid-back Riviera spirit, Monaco’s open air cinema proves once again that summer is best spent under the stars, screen aglow, drink in hand.

To see the full schedule, click here.

See also: 

Profile: Mixt. brings premium cocktail revolution to Monaco’s doorsteps 

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.