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Month: June 2025

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. 

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