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Month: June 2025

Princely family opens the 6th edition of Grimaldi Historic Sites

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
16/06/2025

Prince Albert II, accompanied by Princess Charlene and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, officially opened the 6th edition of the Grimaldi Historic Sites village on Saturday morning at the Prince’s Palace.

The opening ceremony on Palace Square welcomed delegates from over 80 French territorial communities and around 30 Italian associations that form the historic Grimaldi network. The later was established a decade ago by the late Jean-Claude Guibal, former mayor of Menton.

In his opening speech, Prince Albert II traced genealogical connections spanning European history, highlighting how these ancient bonds still remain relevant.

“From Alsace to Brittany, from the Ardennes to the Rhône Valley, I discover issues and questions that may be those of Monaco: mobility, environmental sustainability, energy, maritime affairs, cross-border relations,” the Prince noted

This year’s spotlight fell on territories with particularly deep royal connections. Three sites from Haute-Loire – Polignac, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, and Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon – represent the homeland of Prince Albert’s II paternal grandfather, Pierre de Polignac, whose 1920 marriage to Princess Charlotte ensured the dynasty’s continuity.

Princely Family touring the village, photo by Monaco Life

The Italian connection proved equally compelling, with Bardi and Compiano in the Apennines representing the ancient principality of Val di Taro. Prince Albert II recalled how the 1595 marriage between Hercule Grimaldi and Maria Landi produced his ancestor Honoré II, sovereign during Monaco’s ‘Grand Siècle’.

Other honoured locations included Ollioules in the Var, burial place of an 18th-century Grimaldi bishop; Villeneuve-Loubet in the Alpes-Maritimes, where Grimaldi ancestors served as fortress governors during the Middle Ages; and Uzès in the Gard, connected through the 1696 marriage of Prince Louis I’s daughter Anne-Hippolyte to the seventh Duke of Uzès.

Speaking directly to Italian participants in their native language, Prince Albert expressed heartfelt gratitude for their “faithful attachment to the Principality”, acknowledging both Italian community contributions to Monaco and the importance of cross-border workers to the Principality’s economy.

Commemorative plaques and village tour

Following his speech, Prince Albert presented commemorative plaques to eight invited mayors, plus representatives from Monaco’s technical services and Glénat Editions. Meanwhile, publisher Jacques Glénat unveiled the new graphic novel ‘Monaco: The Grimaldi Epic’, created in collaboration with the Prince’s Palace Archives.

The publication, featuring a preface by Prince Albert II and afterword by Stéphane Bern, offers both French and English versions. Its creators, screenwriter Arnaud Delalande and illustrator Cédric Fernandez, will be providing signing sessions throughout the weekend.

The princely family then toured the village exhibition, meeting numerous participants and stopping to each of their stands, which showcased their traditions, crafts and local flavours.

Princely Family touring the village, photo by Monaco Life

An evening to remember 

Saturday’s festivities concluded with a sound and light show projected onto the Palace facade. Prince Albert II revealed this year’s presentation would feature his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I, the ‘propagator of oceanography’, as narrator – a fitting tribute following the recent conclusion of the major UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

The network continues strengthening cultural and political ties between Monaco and its historic territorial connections, with Prince Albert II praising the consistent success maintained by the Monaco Federation of Grimaldi Historic Sites and the Pavillon Monaco implementation team.

Monaco Life’s Kyriaki Topalidou was there! See more in her 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.  

All photos credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

Podcast: Exploring ocean conferences and climate science with CSM’s Dr Venn

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/06/2025

As the world’s leading ocean advocates, scientists and policymakers converged in the French Riviera and Monaco for a landmark series of high-level events, Dr Alexander Venn of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM) was among them. In this interview with Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti, Dr Venn offers a critical professional perspective on what is at the top of the climate agenda for scientists, and what must happen next. 

Dr Alexander Venn has spent nearly two decades at CSM, joining in 2008 as a post-doctoral researcher before advancing to head of the coral physiology and biochemistry team. His research focuses on how coral organisms respond to environmental stress, particularly the impacts of climate change, and he plays a key role in shaping the institution’s broader scientific direction while mentoring the next generation of marine scientists. With CSM at the forefront of coral research in a rapidly warming world, Dr Venn gives his perspective on three significant ocean-focused events held over the past fortnight in Nice and Monaco: the One Ocean Science Congress, the Blue Economy Forum, and the United Nations Ocean Conference.

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.

See also:

What Monaco’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum achieved — the results are in

 

Jaz Sinclair and Pierre Arditi honoured at Monte Carlo Television Festival

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
16/06/2025

The 64th Monte Carlo Television Festival opened June 14th, transforming the Grimaldi Forum into a dazzling showcase of international talent. 

The festival’s famous blue carpet rolled out on the opening night of the Monte Carlo Television Festival for an impressive star line-up. From Teen Wolf actors Charlie Carver, Holland Roden, Tyler Posey, and Tyler Hoechlin to established television veterans like Sarah Rafferty and Jean-Luc Reichmann. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered behind barriers, smartphones on the ready to capture every glamorous moment.

The evening’s emotional highlight came during the Opening Ceremony at the Salle des Princes, where American actress Jaz Sinclair received the Nymphe d’Or for Best International Rising Talent 2025. The Gen V and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star appeared genuinely overwhelmed by the recognition.

“I’m so flattered and honoured. It’s not something I was expecting at all!” Sinclair said as she accepted the crystal trophy.

The 30-year-old actress, who also performs music under the name Jasimi, has built an impressive resume since leaving Texas for Hollywood. She first appeared in the series Revolution, then gained recognition with a role as an SDF and orphan character in Rizzoli & Isles, before breaking through with Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Amazon’s Gen V, the spin-off of The Boys.

Prince Albert II opening the Monte Carlo Film Festival, photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

French television legend honoured

Pierre Arditi, the distinguished 80-year-old French actor, received a Nymphe de Cristal for lifetime achievement, adding another milestone to his remarkable career spanning decades of television excellence. Known for playing a former police officer turned mediator in seven seasons of Sauveur Giordano on TF1, and starring as oenologist Benjamin Lebel in Le Sang de la vigne for France 3 from 2011 to 2017, Arditi’s acceptance speech was both humble and moving.

“These rewards are a recognition from the public, saying that we’re still part of the family, even at my age,” Arditi reflected. “This Crystal Nymph is precious. It will help me get through the less happy days that will undoubtedly await me, one day or another.”

The festival also treated audiences to the French premiere of Watson, CBS Studios’ bold reimagining of the classic Sherlock Holmes companion. Morris Chestnut, who plays the titular Dr. Watson rebuilding his life after losing Sherlock Holmes, engaged with the audience during a post-screening discussion.

“We incorporated the Sherlock Holmes mentality, alongside medical cases, because Watson is a detective and a doctor. That’s what makes our show different from other procedurals,” Chestnut explained.

The series premiere set the tone for what Prince Albert II described as “a thrilling start to our festival.”

The festival continues through June 17th, with more premieres, award ceremonies, and star-studded events planned throughout the weekend

Monaco Life’s Kyriaki Topalidou was there! See more in her 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 sourced from Monte Carlo Television Festival’s official website

 

Tende tunnel set to reopen after 12-year delay, but traffic remains limited

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/06/2025

The long-awaited Tende tunnel connecting France and Italy will be officially inaugurated on 27th June, more than a decade after works began, yet motorists will have to wait an extra day to use the route.

After 12 years of delays and ballooning costs, the Franco-Italian Tende tunnel will finally be inaugurated on 27th June. But in a scenario echoing recent infrastructure unveilings in the region, the ribbon-cutting will be ceremonial only. Public traffic will not be permitted until the following morning, 28th June, as was the case with the new Mathis tunnel in Nice.

Local mayor Jean-Pierre Vassallo did not hold back in his comments, labelling the project a “complete and total failure”, despite welcoming its long-overdue reopening. “It’s a breath of fresh air for the local population,” he said, while lamenting that the tunnel is reopening under 2013-era conditions: alternating one-way traffic, regulated by lights.

Traffic rules and operating hours still under debate

Only vehicles under 3.5 tonnes will be permitted to use the tunnel initially. A strict alternation system via traffic lights will allow passage every 30 minutes, with speeds capped at 70 km/h, dropping to 50 km/h near the curved entrances. French and Italian authorities remain in discussions over the precise schedule. France favours three daily slots—morning, midday, and evening—while Italy is pushing for a morning and evening window to leave space for daytime construction work on the French approach, which won’t be completed until March 2026.

Technicians are also adjusting the “svuotamento” timing—an Italian term for the vehicle clearance interval—ensuring one direction clears the tunnel entirely before the next wave begins. On busy days, such as Sunday afternoons, these intervals could be tweaked to manage heavy cross-border flow.

Old traffic levels expected to return

Forecasts suggest 1.2 million vehicles annually, a return to pre-Tempête Alex levels before the original tunnel’s closure. Yet current limitations may frustrate drivers expecting a modern, high-capacity route.

Rising costs, delayed penalties

Originally budgeted far lower, the works have now cost €255 million, 42% of which was funded by France. With plans to also modernise the old tunnel, total costs could hit €330 million. Edilmaco, the Italian consortium overseeing the works, was meant to face penalties of €130,000 per day for delays after a revised deadline of 7th January 2025. However, according to reports, Edilmaco is seeking to push the deadline further to avoid these fines—while requests for updates from the Italian road authority Anas have gone unanswered.

The tunnel’s reopening offers a necessary boost to cross-border transport, but frustrations linger over the pace and transparency of its troubled redevelopment.

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.  

Teen Wolf revival on the cards? Cast teases about future projects at Monte Carlo Television Festival

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
16/06/2025

The second day of the Monte Carlo Television Festival transported fans back to Beacon Hills on Saturday afternoon, as beloved Teen Wolf cast members reunited. Tyler Hoechlin, Tyler Posey, Holland Roden and Charlie Carver—better known as Derek, Scott, Lydia, and Ethan—gathered for an exclusive behind-the-scenes event that left fans buzzing with excitement and hope for the franchise’s future.

The burning question on every fan’s mind was whether Teen Wolf would return to the screens, and Tyler Posey’s response offered hope for the show’s continuation.

“We all really want it to happen. It’s got to be done the right way, of course,” Posey revealed, hinting that their reunion at Monte Carlo Television Festival might only be the start. “I mean, I feel this is a pretty good sign, us being here. Teen Wolf is the show that keeps on giving.”

The actor, who portrayed lead character Scott McCall throughout the series’ six-season run, highlighted the show’s enduring appeal, noting that “new people are finding out about it every single day.” He considers this fact “a huge sing and a green flag to give you more.”

However, Posey stressed that any continuation would need to evolve with both the characters and the audience. “I think it needs to honour you, who you are today,” he explained, acknowledging how much the fanbase matured since the series concluded.

Brotherhood beyond Beacon Hills

Fans were particularly keen to know whether the cast maintains their close bonds, especially with Dylan O’Brien, who played Stiles Stilinski but wasn’t present at the festival. Posey’s response was both heartwarming and definitive.

“Absolutely. Yes. We all are,” he confirmed. “We all keep in touch. Obviously, we’re all very busy and we always seem to miss each other. We’re always travelling. But, this will always remain a great friendship.”

Holland Roden also offered a thoughtful perspective on the series’ lasting impact, describing the show as a “huge metaphor for growing up.”

Lighter supernatural moments 

In a more playful segment, the cast was asked which supernatural creature they’d want to portray if they weren’t playing their original characters.

Holland Roden chose Coach Finstock, noting mysteriously that “he’s got some sort of supernatural aura”. Tyler Posey expressed interesting in exploring Scott’s dark side as a Void character, whilst Tyler Hoechlin pragmatically opted for banshee duties, joking “because no makeup.”

Wrapping up the conversation, Charlie Carver reflected on the series’ international success, describing his and his twin’s integration to the show as “the Netflix effect”. Jokingly, he explained how the show’s global reach expanded dramatically during the second season when he and his twin brother Max joined the cast.

“Teen Wolf was definitely a show that was talked about that you wanted to be on, and then I think there was what I would call the Netflix effect where something happened when me and my brother joined the show… suddenly there was this whole new energy around it, particularly internationally,” Carver explained.

The two-hour event concluded with an autograph session that saw fans queuing for precious moments with their favourite stars.

Whilst no concrete announcements were made about Teen Wolf’s future, Saturday’s gathering allowed fans to hope. As Tyler Posey put it, “You deserve more Teen Wolf,” and based on the weekend’s reception, the sentiment appears to be entirely mutual.

See more in Kyraki Topalidou’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 credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

 

Princess Alexandra of Hanover to patron Monaco Art Week

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
14/06/2025

Monaco Art Week is set to return for its seventh edition in Monaco from 7th to 12th July, with Princess Alexandra of Hanover taking on the role of patron. 

The prestigious cultural event, operating under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, will see 15 leading galleries and auction houses unite to create an artistic journey through Monaco’s most iconic districts. The programme spans centuries of artistic achievement, from Italian Renaissance masters to cutting-edge contemporary works, including sculpture, painting and fine jewellery.

“We are delighted to welcome Princess Alexandra of Hanover as patron of this iconic event. Her support reinforces our mission to promote the arts and illustrates the cultural richness of Monaco.” said Caroline Davaripour Jelmoni, Secretary General of Monaco Art Week.

A highly ambitious programme 

This year’s programme promises to be the most ambitious yet, headlined by a solo exhibition of renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz at Hauser & Wirth. ‘Stream of Consciousness’ will present landscapes, still lifes and portraits created over the past two decades.

Contemporary art will also take centre stage across multiple venues. Recent Villa Arson graduate Suska Bastian will present ‘Of Feelers and Furies’ at collect|mc. Meanwhile, Franco-German artist Eric Massholder will pay tribute to Van Gogh with ‘For Vincent: Timeless Connections’ at Kamil Art Gallery.

British sculptor Bran Symondson, a former member of the British Special Forces, is set to bring his powerful ‘Art to Disarm’ exhibition to HOFA at YellowKorner Monte Carlo. Known for transforming instruments of war into art, Symondson redefines symbols of conflict, capitalism, and resilience through innovative sculptures.

Additionally, Swiss artist Simon Berger will showcase ‘Origins’ at Galerie Adriano Ribolzi, featuring his distinctive technique of creating fascinating portraits that emerge from the heart of glassy material

     © Annie Leibovitz Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth

Masters and contemporary voices converge

Opera Gallery will present ‘The Monaco Masters Show: Chagall & Léger, colour and form’, marking significant anniversaries – the 40th of Chagall’s death and 70th of Léger’s death. The exhibition explores both masters’ parallel experiences alongside masterpieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fernando Botero, George Condo, Jean Dubuffet, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein, Pierre Soulages, and Manolo Valdés.

Almine Rech will explore contemporary manifestations of landscape painting with ‘Looking at Horizons’, featuring works by Joël Andrianomearisoa, Alejandro Cardenas, Petra Cortright, Johan Creten, Genieve Figgis, Daniel Gibson, Scott Kahn, Minjung Kim, and others. The exhibition questions both the material aspects of territory and how we perceive it.

Street art enthusiasts can also explore ‘Street Mood’ at Teos Gallery Monte-Carlo, celebrating contemporary urban art through works by Mr Brainwash, Cedric Bouteiller, Marco Grassi, Chris Biancheri, Alec Monopoli, Arpe One, and Cipre.

M.F. Toninelli Art Moderne will present ‘Between Figuration and Abstraction: Gaul, Rivers, Monory’, bringing together three artists from the same generation whose works gave shape to tensions between abstraction, figuration and narrative in a changing world. Elisabeth Lillo-Renner will explores male body representation in ‘Corpus homini’ with works by Yannick Cosso, Joël Alain Dervaux, and jewelry by Martin Spreng, while Moretti Fine Art showcases Italian Old Master paintings.

Auction houses to deliver stunning presentations

Monaco’s leading auction houses are also preparing stunning presentations. Artcurial will organise Monaco Auction Week at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, featuring ‘Monaco Sculptures’ with works by François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne, César, Baltasar Lobo, Tony Cragg, Manolo Valdés, and Philippe Hiquily displayed throughout the Société des Bains de Mer’s institutions and gardens.

Christie’s will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Monaco this year, represented by Managing Director Nancy Dotta for almost twenty years. The auction house’s presence in the Principality has enabled sourcing of remarkable works of art and private collections.

Sotheby’s will preview highlights from an important Monégasque collection at the Moretti Fine Art space, with works destined for auction at Sotheby’s Paris this autumn. The Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo rounds out the auction offerings with summer Prestige Sales featuring important jewellery, collector watches, luxury leather goods, and modern and contemporary art.

Monaco Art Week will run parallel to the Art Monte-Carlo international fair from 7th to 9th July at the Grimaldi Forum. Major exhibitions opening during the week include ‘Colours! Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou’ and ‘Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies’, both running from 11th July to 31st August.

The cultural programme extends across multiple venues with the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco presenting ‘The Roaring Twenties of Coco Chanel’ at Villa Paloma and ‘Tomorrow the Ocean?’ at the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine 1er. Villa Sauber will host ‘Cactus’ running into 2026.

Full programme details and the complete calendar of events will be available at

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: Annie Leibovitz Courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth