Where to catch the best fireworks on the French Riviera and Monaco this summer

01/07/2025

The French Riviera is about to explode with colour this summer as the region prepares for its most dazzling fireworks season. Cities around the coast are prepping for charming village celebrations and world-class pyrotechnic competitions.

Two spectacular fireworks evenings are on Monaco’s calendar this season. The first celebration on 26th July promises to be a complete family affair, kicking off with bouncy castles before the sky erupts in brilliant colours, followed by DJ sets and pop-rock music that will keep the party going well into the night.

The second show is scheduled for August 9th with an entirely new show format, enhanced family entertainment, and concerts.

Celebrations spread throughout the French Riviera

Nice will celebrate Bastille Day on 14th July with characteristic Mediterranean flair, offering free festivities that typically begin between 22:00 and 23:00. The city is set to organise various activities throughout the day, building up to the evening’s spectacular fireworks finale over the Promenade des Anglais.

Cannes presents perhaps the most sophisticated programme with its Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique, running from 4th July to 24th August. This international competition showcases pyrotechnic companies from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, and France, each presenting themed displays lasting 20-25 minutes. The displays begin at 22:00, fired from barges across a 500-metre maritime frontage.

The Festival pyromélodique in Antibes represents one of the region’s most established traditions, attracting over 10,000 spectators annually to the Bay of Juan-les-Pins and Fort-Carré beach. Running from 13th July to 24th August, the festival includes Bastille Day celebrations in both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, followed by Thursday evening displays throughout August. All events offer free access, making them particularly popular with families.

Beyond the major cities, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat hosts its Grande Nuit Vénitienne on 2nd August, combining Venetian-themed entertainment with a grand fireworks display at 22:30. The evening features traditional costumes and masks, flag throwers, street performances, and a ballet of illuminated boats before the pyrotechnic finale.

Practical information

Most displays across the region begin between 22:00 and 23:00, with the majority offering free access. Public transport operates extended hours during major celebrations, and many municipalities implement temporary road closures to accommodate crowds.

The 2025 season promises to be particularly breathtaking, with international competitors bringing innovative technologies and creative themes to traditional pyrotechnic artistry

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

AS Monaco secures signing of Spain’s Ansu Fati on loan from FC Barcelona

by: Cassandra Tanti

01/07/2025

AS Monaco has announced the arrival of 22-year-old Spanish international Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona, including an option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2025–26 campaign.

Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, on 31 October 2002, Ansu Fati moved to Andalusia at age six and began playing at local club CDF Herrera before progressing through Sevilla’s youth academy. In 2012, he joined FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia and made his senior debut for the club on 25 August 2019, aged just 16. On 10 December that year, he entered the history books as the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history – netting the winner in a 2–1 triumph over Inter Milan, aged 17 years and 40 days.

Fati completed the 2019–20 season with more than 30 appearances and eight goals, and was runner-up for the prestigious Golden Boy award. Over his Barcelona career, he featured in 123 matches, scored 29 goals, and contributed eight assists, helping the club to two La Liga titles (2023, 2025), two Copa del Rey triumphs (2021, 2025), and two Supercopa de España victories (2023, 2025).

To further his development, Fati spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, where he made 27 appearances, scored four goals, and added one assist.

Internationally, Fati debuted for Spain in 2020, went on to play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2023.

This season, Ansu Fati will make his Ligue 1 debut in Monaco’s colours, bringing pace, creativity, and youth to an AS Monaco attack in search of renewed impetus.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Standing ovations all round as Rainier III Academy shines in June Galas

by: Cassandra Tanti

01/07/2025

The Académie Rainier III delivered two spectacular galas this month, showcasing its emerging talent with music on 18th June and theatre on 25th June — both met with enthusiastic acclaim.

On 18th June at the Rainier III Auditorium, three soloists opened the musical gala with standout performances. Camila Lopez Morales dazzled on harpsichord, Anaïd Conquet charmed on harp, and Zoé Ghersi performed a double guitar concerto composed by teacher Philippe Loli.

The highlight arrived when 150 students joined together in a powerful rendition of Hubert Parry’s ‘Jerusalem’, closing the night in soaring harmony. Special praise went to the Academy’s Children’s Choir, whose tap-enhanced version of Camille’s ‘Allez, allez, allez’ captured the energy of the evening.

*Photo credits: Charlie Gallo, Philippe Fitte / Mairie de Monaco*

Gala Théâtre: Feydeau comes to life

At the Théâtre Princesse Grace on 25th June, students delivered a spirited adaptation of Georges Feydeau’s Un fil à la patte, directed by Catherine Lefèbvre.

Their agile, dynamic performances in a three-act comedy earned a well-deserved standing ovation, demonstrating impressive stage presence and comedic timing.

Attended by Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, both galas celebrated not only the artistic achievements of the students but also the Academy’s commitment to excellence in musical and dramatic training.

Final honours in the Cour d’Honneur

Thursday 26th June saw the prize-giving ceremony taking place in the Cour d’Honneur of the Mairie, bringing the celebrations to a fitting finale. The event was attended by Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, senior figures of the Principality, and members of the Communal Council.

A cello quintet from Frédérique Audibert’s class opened the ceremony with Mendelssohn’s Andante from Symphony No. 5. Karyn Ardisson Salopek, Deputy Mayor and Delegate for the Academy, highlighted the Mairie’s cultural mission to nurture every student’s talent and ensure optimal learning conditions.

“The Mairie makes it a priority to develop artistic practice, help students build rich and coherent personal cultures, and foster emerging talent,” she said.

Academy Director Jade Sapolin then commended both students and faculty, announcing that 52 students were recognised this year for their achievements, dedication, and exceptional results. Several standout students were also called forward to receive special distinctions.

The ceremony concluded with a second performance by the cello quintet — Alessandro Stradella’s Aria di chiesa — closing the month-long prize season with grace and harmony in the heart of Monaco.

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Main photo credits: Charlie Gallo, Philippe Fitte / Mairie de Monaco

The Barbagiuans in Osaka: charity match bridges Monaco and Japan

by: Cassandra Tanti

01/07/2025

The Barbagiuans of Monaco kicked off their first-ever international match at Panasonic Stadium, Osaka, marking a memorable moment in the club’s 40-year history. Prince Albert II and Japanese star Takumi Minamino — Monaco’s forward turned ambassador — started the game in an exciting spectacle titled ‘United Through Legends’.

For the first time, under the leadership of Louis Ducruet, the Barbagiuans ventured beyond Monaco’s shores. Ducruet, who also serves as honorary commissioner of the Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2025, spoke of “the long-standing friendship between the Principality and Japan”.

The match brought together football greats such as Marcel Desailly, Robert Pires, Patrice Evra, and Ludovic Giuly, against a formidable squad of former Japanese internationals.

The opening half was a thrilling back-and-forth. Japan struck first and led 3–2 at halftime, despite goals from Pires and a penalty conversion by Evra.

But in the second half, Monaco’s legends rallied. Gaël Givet — recalling his dramatic 2004 Champions League run — scored a late equaliser, and in the dying minutes Serge Gakpé sealed the 4–3 win.

The final whistle saw the Princely Family and Monaco delegation erupt in joy.

Beyond football, the event captured the spirit of solidarity. “Combining sport and charity… we came for the cause,” said Robert Pires, while Marcel Desailly added that the atmosphere and energy from the stadium were “truly special”.

Proceeds from the match will support both Fight Aids Monaco and relief efforts for victims of the recent earthquake in Noto, Japan.

“I’ve been a big fan of Japan since I was a child,” said Louis Ducruet. “I developed a deep admiration for the country, its culture, and its identity. With the Barbagiuans, I wanted us to take action abroad. Osaka became our first experience — the connection was clear. It was a major challenge, far from our usual surroundings, but one that we rose to with success.”

See more in the gallery below…

All photos credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communications Department

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Nice gets a new showstopper with the grand return of Café des Fleurs

by: Cassandra Tanti

01/07/2025

It’s not often a restaurant stops you in your tracks, but the new Grand Café des Fleurs on Nice’s iconic Cours Saleya does exactly that. From the moment you step inside, you’re swept into a space that balances grandeur and intimacy, heritage and bold reinvention. Yes, this was once the Café des Fleurs, but what’s here now is something entirely new. And truly exceptional.

This is no nostalgia act. The team behind the revival, also known for the design-forward Félix, Bocca Nissa, and Bocca Mar, have crafted something spectacular. Grand Café des Fleurs is a love letter to Niçois life, but elevated, reimagined, and utterly of-the-moment.

The Grand Café des Fleurs on the Cours Saleya

Design that dazzles

The interiors are breathtaking: mirrored ceilings, Parisian-style booths, and sculptural wooden columns that reach like trees to the sky, anchoring the space with theatrical elegance.

Eclectic glass domes cradle marine treasures, and floral installations echo the market outside. Photographs of old Nice and the original Café des Fleurs line the walls, a respectful nod to history in a space that feels thrillingly new.

The result is a restaurant that feels like art. That’s no accident, every detail is deliberate, from the blue-and-white colour palette to the open kitchen that turns chefs into performers.

It’s not just beautiful. It’s magnetic.

*The interior design offers a bold and captivating reinterpretation of modern Niçois style*

Cuisine that matches the setting

Thankfully, the food is as thoughtful and impressive as the surroundings. At lunch or dinner, the menu delivers classic Mediterranean flavours with flair: from a silky carpaccio de loup to perfectly composed petits farcis, and fregola served in a rich prawn bisque that borders on the sublime.

Pizzas are crisp, comforting, and can be elevated with truffle or chilli. Salads are bright and fresh — caprese, Caesar, octopus. For mains, the dorade is filleted tableside with care, and the duck breast is a standout. Truffle fettuccine comes rich but restrained. Portions are generous, plating elegant, and at €15–€30 per dish, pricing is refreshingly down-to-earth.

*From signature cocktails inspired by classic artists, to the detail in the cuisine, everything at the Grand Café des Fleurs is thoughtfully crafted*

Cocktails as art

Drinks are no afterthought. Each cocktail is inspired by Côte d’Azur’s artistic greats — Matisse, Picasso, Cocteau. La Raison de Vivre, a clarified rum and amaretto blend with orange flower and almond syrup, honours Matisse’s famed optimism.

Each glass arrives like a tiny gallery piece, rich in story and crafted with precision.

*The Grand Café des Fleurs is a feast for all the senses*

Open all day, every day

Whether you’re grabbing coffee and eggs from 7am, or settling in for a late dinner, Grand Café des Fleurs is built for long, relaxed visits.

The service is smooth, warm and multilingual (French, English, Italian, Spanish), making every guest feel like a regular, and ‘Happy Flowers’ from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with €7 cocktails and €5 detox juices just feels like a steal.

It’s rare to find a restaurant that hits every note — design, cuisine, price, and atmosphere — but this one does. Grand Café des Fleurs isn’t just a comeback; it’s a culinary and creative triumph.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video reel below…

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See also:

Interview: Jean Valfort on the quiet revolution transforming Nice’s restaurant scene

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All photos credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Intimate portrait: ‘Grace’ exhibition opens at the Prince’s Palace

by: Cassandra Tanti

01/07/2025

Step into a world of elegance and intimacy this summer as the Prince’s Palace opens its doors for ‘Grace’ #1, an evocative new exhibition celebrating the multifaceted life of Grace Kelly—Princess Grace of Monaco.

From 5th July to 14th September 2025, visitors are invited to journey through three rooms spanning 90 m² in the Grand Apartments, offering a gentle, sensory exploration of the woman beyond her iconic public image.

Curated by Natalia Mlodzikowska, Head of Exhibitions for the Palace Collections, alongside guest artistic curator Marie‑Eve Mestre, the exhibition shuns a strictly chronological approach. Instead, it unfolds through four thematic environments that reveal Princess Grace’s hidden depths: the carefree young woman in Jamaica, the poised figure of her daily life, the devoted mother, and the passionate amateur photographer and filmmaker.

Drawing primarily from the Palace’s rich archives, the display features unseen photographs, personal items such as glasses, gloves, hats—and even her legendary Hermès Kelly bag. Visitors encounter a tapestry of roses inspired by her love of nature, set within a softly lit, velvet-draped space designed to muffle footsteps and encourage intimate reflection. A delicate fragrance of rose mingles with a soundtrack of birdsong to deepen the sensory immersion.

Rather than tracing a public chronology, “Grace” #1 invites guests into the private world of the Princess—her quiet courage, her artistry, her tender mothering. Each artefact offers a glimpse into moments both personal and poignant, painting a portrait of a woman far beyond the silver screen and royal stage.

Practical information
Dates: 5 July–14 September 2025
Opening hours:
• 5 July–31 August: 10:00–18:00
• 1–14 September: 10:00–17:00

This unique exhibition offers a restorative pause in the heart of Monaco’s busy summer, inviting all who visit to see through Grace’s eyes—and feel her timeless humanity.

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Month: July 2025