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Month: July 2025

New Espace Honoré II officially inaugurated as government headquarters

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/07/2025

Prince Albert II officially inaugurated the new Espace Honoré II on Wednesday 23rd July, marking the consolidation of nine government departments into a single modern facility designed to improve public service delivery across the Principality. 

The inauguration ceremony at 5 Promenade Honoré II brought together around 500 civil servants and officials. Following a blessing by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David, the Prince unveiled a commemorative plaque before touring the new premises alongside Minister of State Christophe Mirmand.

Prince Albert II unveiling the commemorative plaque alongside Christophe Mirmand. credit: ©Direction de la Communication / Stéphane DANNA

The building organises services across two man areas. Hall A houses the Direction of Urban Planning and Mobility Foresight, Administration of Domains, Direction of Social Action and Support, Public Parking Services, Monaco Parkings, and the Direction of National Education, Youth and Sports.

Hall B accommodates the Vehicle Registration Services, Stamp Issuing Office, Direction of Housing, and Direction of Legal Affairs.

Espace Honoré II, photo by Monaco Life.

How to reach the new Espace Honoré II

Located adjacent to the new Collège Charles III, the facility operates from 9:30am to 5:00pm and offers multiple access points. Visitors can reach the building via Promenade Honoré II from bus stops at Prince Pierre, Place d’Armes, and Charles III, or through Fontvieille shopping centre via Canton roundabout and the commercial gallery lifts. Parking is available at the nearby Wurtemberg facility.

The centralisation forms part of a larger plan to adopt sustainable practices and use digital technology to make government services more efficient for residents and businesses.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.

AS Monaco Basketball ready for new season as Makoundou returns

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/07/2025

AS Monaco Basketball prepares to kick off their new season with a challenging away fixture at Le Portel on 27th September, marking the start of what promises to be another demanding season in the Betclic Elite. 

The Roca Team’s schedule for this season is set to be quite intense, with their EuroLeague campaign beginning just days later on 1st October when they welcome Lithuanian powerhouse Zalgiris Kaunas to the Principality. This rapid transition between competitions is set to truly put Monaco’s basketball team under the test.

Among the standout games in Monaco’s opening weeks is a third-round trip to Paris on 11th October. This match holds particular importance as it reunites the two teams that have contested the last two French championship finals, setting up an early season confrontation between the country’s top basketball clubs.

Monaco’s first home league match follows a week later on 18th October against ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne. With both clubs competing in the EuroLeague, this encounter between the two top clubs representing the French league in Europe promises to be a unique contest.

Makoundou’s homecoming

Adding to the optimism surrounding the new season is the return of French international forward Yoan Makoundou. The 24-year old, who stands 2.07m, rejoins Monaco after spending two productive seasons on loan, first with Buducnost and then with Turkish club Turk Telecom.

Yoan Makoundou, photo by AS Monaco Basketball.

His time away has been well spent. Last season in Turkey, Makoundou averaged 11 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, demonstrating the development that has earned him a recent call-up to the French national team squad for Euro preparation, where he replaced the injured Mathias Lessort.

Reflecting on his return, Makoundou expressed genuine enthusiasm about rejoining the club. “I am happy to be back here in Monaco after having already spent a season here,” he said. “Getting back to the EuroLeague was an objective for me. During my seasons abroad I’ve progressed and I want to do even more to reach the next level.”

With Makoundou’s return strengthening the team, Monaco enters the season well-equipped to pursue their dual objectives of domestic and European success. The club’s philosophy, as outlined by Fedoricsev, centres on the belief that “regularity is the most important performance indicator in sport.”

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Main photo credit: AS Monaco Basketball

 

Monaco Mairie launches summer toy drive for hospitalised children

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/07/2025

The Mairie de Monaco has once again pledged its support to the annual Les Voiles Blanches initiative, a heartfelt summer campaign aimed at collecting new toys for children in hospital. The charitable drive, in partnership with the Fondation Lenval, began on Thursday 24th July and runs through to 7th September.

Each summer, the White Pirate sets sail aboard his sailboat Skaf, charting a generous course through the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Var, Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes. His mission: to collect treasure chests filled with new toys and games destined for young patients at the Fondation Lenval children’s hospital.

As of this afternoon, two collection points will be available in Monaco: one in the entrance hall of the Town Hall and another at the Marché de la Condamine. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys — a crucial detail due to hygiene protocols for hospitalised children. Pre-loved or gift-wrapped items cannot be accepted.

bringing comfort to children in care

The initiative, which has seen widespread community support in previous years, continues to be a vital source of joy and distraction for children undergoing treatment. The campaign’s simplicity is part of its success: a small act of giving becomes a powerful gesture of solidarity.

As the Skaf sails from port to port gathering donations, Monaco’s contribution remains a beacon of compassion within this regional network of kindness. By 7th September, the collected toys will be handed over to the Fondation Lenval, bringing smiles and comfort to those who need it most.

See more: 

BPM Foundation brings the White Pirate to life for hospitalised children

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

 

Nikki Beach Monte Carlo to host vibrant Tequila Day celebration with Chef Beatriz Gonzalez

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/07/2025

Nikki Beach Monte Carlo will be turning up the heat on Saturday 26th July as it celebrates Tequila Day in bold, flavour-packed fashion. In collaboration with the acclaimed Chef Beatriz Gonzalez and Patrón Tequila, the event promises a lively tribute to Mexican cuisine and culture, centred around ceviche, tequila and the sun-soaked energy of Monaco.

Born on the island of Cozumel and raised in her family’s restaurants, Chef Beatriz Gonzalez brings a rich culinary heritage to this unique celebration. Now a seasoned figure in French gastronomy, with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and a diploma from the renowned Institut Paul Bocuse, she returns to her Mexican roots for this exclusive event in Monaco.

Alongside Nikki Beach’s Chef Thomas Roux and the house team, Gonzalez will present a ceviche live cooking performance featuring amberjack marinated with citrus, avocado, and a vibrant leche de tigre infused with carrot and ginger. The culinary experience will be paired with an exclusive Patrón Tequila creation, developed by Nikki Beach’s mixologists to echo the bold, refreshing notes of the ceviche.

A festive atmosphere with a Riviera twist

The day will unfold to the backdrop of a sun-drenched DJ set and live performances, as guests enjoy the relaxed elegance that Nikki Beach Monte Carlo is known for. Overlooking the Mediterranean from the terrace of the Fairmont Monte Carlo, the beach club will blend Latin energy with Riviera chic in what promises to be one of the summer’s standout events.

“It’s a real joy to share the cuisine of my childhood in such an exceptional setting,” said Beatriz Gonzalez. “Ceviche is one of my signature dishes – perfect for a fresh summer lunch, with just a splash of tequila to awaken the palate.”

See also: 

Ten years of sun-drenched celebration: Nikki Beach Monte Carlo reopens for a milestone summer

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Main photo of Nikki Beach by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

AS Monaco to host Inter Milan in high-stakes friendly ahead of Ligue 1 season

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/07/2025

AS Monaco will face European giants Inter Milan at the Stade Louis II on Friday 8th August, in what promises to be a thrilling final pre-season test just one week before the start of the Ligue 1 season. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm, and entry is free for “General Public” season ticket holders while places remain.

The game offers Monaco a chance to measure their readiness against elite competition, and it carries a sense of unfinished business. The two sides last met during the 2024/25 Champions League group stage, when Inter defeated a 10-man Monaco 3-0 at the San Siro following an early red card. This return fixture gives Adi Hütter’s side the opportunity to gauge their level against last season’s Champions League runners-up, who ultimately fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Strong signs from pre-season preparations

Monaco’s pre-season campaign has so far revealed a team on the rise. A dominant 5-0 win against Coventry City, powered by a stylish hat-trick from Maghnes Akliouche, followed by a solid draw against Nottingham Forest, showcased their growing cohesion. Speaking after the team’s England camp, head coach Adi Hütter said: “I am really happy with the end of this week, we managed to transfer our training work to the field.”

Final chance to impress before Ligue 1 opener

The friendly against Inter Milan will be the last opportunity for fans to witness Monaco’s progress and tactical fine-tuning before the club opens its Ligue 1 campaign at home to Le Havre on Saturday 16th August. It will also cap off a rigorous pre-season schedule that includes matches against Cercle Bruges, Arminia Bielefeld, Ajax Amsterdam and a double-header against Torino FC behind closed doors.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Games, go-karts and trampolines: Monaco’s summer village is back

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/07/2025

Monaco’s popular summer attraction at Port Hercule is back, offering five weeks of family-friendly fun — from go-karting thrills to spectacular fireworks displays.

The seasonal attraction, which opened on Saturday 19th July, operates everyday from 4pm to 10:30pm, offering a diverse programme of activities to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Activities include go-karting circuits suitable for both children and adults, basketball courts, a traditional carousel, duck fishing games, ninja boxes, and trampolines. Food stalls are also present in the summer village serving refreshments throughout the day, opening from 11:30am.

Basketball is offered at the Summer Village. Photo by Monaco Life

Among the notable additions for 2025 is the ‘canoë river’ attraction, alongside temporary tattoo stands and a chalet housing theatrical workshops. The workshops, created in partnership with the Grimaldi Forum, tie into the current ‘Colours!’ exhibition.

AS Monaco village returns

For the second consecutive year, AS Monaco football club has established its own dedicated area within the summer village on Quai Albert 1er. The village offers free access to football-themed activities that have proven popular with families.

It features a mini football pitch for tournaments, a football table, giant target games, and quiz competitions.

AS Monaco stand inside the Summer Village, photo by Monaco Life.

Club representatives are also set to make appearances throughout the summer to meet supporters. Meanwhile, special events are also planned including professional-style training sessions with Academy players, juggling competitions, and weekly e-sports tournaments on FC 25 every Sunday.

A temporary shop within the village will sell the club’s new 2025-2026 kit, revealed in partnership with Mizuno.

The AS Monaco village also supports local charity work through a school supplies collection running until 22nd August. Items including notebooks, pens, glue, and rulers are being collected for ‘Les Enfants de Frankie’ charity, which will offer them to families facing financial difficulties ahead of the new school year.

Fireworks and Entertainment

During the summer village, two major fireworks displays are scheduled. The first display is on Saturday 26th July at 10:30pm, followed by DJ entertainment, while the second display is on Friday 9th August at 10pm right before a pop-rock concert.

Photo by Monaco Life

Special inflatable castles will also be set up from 6pm on fireworks evenings to accommodate the expected large crowds.

Entrance to the village is free, while activities are individually priced. The village will continue to run daily until Sunday 24th August.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.