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Month: July 2025

Christophe Mirmand takes office as Monaco’s new Minister of State

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/07/2025

Prince Albert II officially swore in Christophe Mirmand as Monaco’s Minister of State on 21st July, following his appointment by Sovereign Ordinance earlier this month. 

At 63, Christophe Mirmand brings a wealth of administrative and territorial experience to the Principality’s highest executive office. His nomination on 2nd July and subsequent swearing-in mark the close of a transitional period for Monaco’s government and a return to seasoned leadership at the helm.

The official ceremony took place at 11:30am in the Palais Princier, in the presence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. After an audience with the Prince, the couple joined government officials and members of the Princely Cabinet in the Salon des Glaces, where Mirmand’s wife and daughter were also present.

Following a reading of the oath by Prince Albert II, Christophe Mirmand raised his right hand and solemnly declared: “Je le jure” (I swear it). The act was formalised by Secretary of State Yvette Lambin Berti, who read aloud the official transcript.

Photo credit: Éric Mathon / Palais princier

Prince Albert II acknowledged the significance of the moment, praising Mirmand’s “perfect knowledge of the administrative and territorial fabric”, a reflection of his deep-rooted public service in roles such as Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes and of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

Mirmand succeeds Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, who had served in an interim capacity since January following the sudden departure of Didier Guillaume.

A career built on territorial governance

A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA), Mirmand’s civil service career spans nearly four decades. He holds degrees in financial management, international and European law, and history. Beginning in 1988 as sub-prefect and director of cabinet in Basse-Normandie, he held numerous appointments across mainland France and overseas territories.

One early role included serving as director of cabinet to Jean-Paul Proust, then Prefect of Guadeloupe, who would later become Monaco’s own Minister of State from 2005 to 2010 — a symbolic link between the two men.

Photo credit: Éric Mathon / Palais princier

A deep-rooted connection to the region

Mirmand’s prefectural service extended across Haute-Loire, Savoie, Corsica, Brittany, and eventually Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, where he succeeded Pierre Dartout in 2020. He now follows Dartout once again, this time into the Minister of State post.

He has also sat on the boards of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos, reinforcing his strong ties to the region’s strategic infrastructure.

National honours and central government experience

Within France’s Ministry of the Interior, Mirmand rose to become Director of Territorial Administration and later Secretary General. Most recently, he served as chief of staff to the Minister of State for Overseas Territories under Manuel Valls. He is recognised as an Officer of both the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit, reflecting the depth and breadth of his public service.

Christophe Mirmand’s arrival is expected to bring a stabilising force to Monaco’s executive leadership, blending institutional continuity with an expansive vision shaped by years of frontline governance.

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Photo credit: Éric Mathon / Palais princier

Café Lacoste opens at Le Méridien Monaco, blending sport-chic style with French culinary flair

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/07/2025

French fashion house Lacoste has opened its first-ever café at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco, partnering with the Giraudi Group to create a dining concept rooted in the brand’s signature balance of understated style and sport-inspired heritage.

Café Lacoste is the latest extension of the brand’s lifestyle universe, offering guests a curated menu that reflects both its aesthetic and values. Located at the eastern end of Larvotto, the venue is now open daily from 9am to 2am, with a long-term vision and plans to expand internationally, beginning with Paris.

Giraudi brings a Monégasque edge to a French icon

Lacoste entrusted Monaco-based restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi to develop the concept and culinary direction. The result is a menu that blends familiar hotel dining staples with reinterpreted French classics.

“For our collaboration with Lacoste, we wanted to offer a unique experience, combining freshness, balance and innovative flavours,” said Thierry Paludetto, Executive Chef of the Giraudi Group. “Each dish reflects the brand’s elegance and energy through exceptional ingredients and bold combinations.”

Photo credit: Marion Butet Studio

A menu of subtle references and bold flavours

The menu features refined takes on comfort dishes, such as club sandwiches with tennis-inspired names like the Practice, alongside Coquillettes, Baguette à l’assiette and fresh seasonal salads.

Desserts bring added flair, including the pistachio Crocodile, the Terre Battue tiramisu, and the Tarte Victorine, a nod to René Lacoste’s wife. Eight signature cocktails round out the offering, including Le Chose, a revived creation from the brand’s founder in the 1960s.

Design that wears the crocodile proudly

There is nothing understated about the interior of Café Lacoste. The brand’s identity is on full display, from deep green tones and textured finishes to a sand-coloured carpet that echoes the clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

A giant crocodile stretches across the main wall, while smaller motifs appear unapologetically on pillows and detailing throughout. It’s a bold, immersive environment that captures the energy of the Lacoste name. Outside, the terrace offers a calmer, sea-facing contrast — open and informal, yet still distinctly on brand.

Photo credit: Marion Butet Studio

A brand evolution anchored in lifestyle

With its first café now open in Monaco, Lacoste is charting a new course that builds on its heritage while expanding into the lifestyle and hospitality space.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video below…

 

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Photo credit: Marion Butet Studio

Interview: Team Blue Rising claims historic first victory in Monaco

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
21/07/2025

Team Blue Rising pulled off a sensational victory at Monaco on Saturday, claiming their first-ever E1 World Championship win. Cricket legend Virat Kohli’s team staged a remarkable comeback from what looked like a hopeless position to cross the line ahead of Team Brady and Team Brazil by Claure Group.

The victory moves team Blue Rising to fourth in the championship standings with 114 points, keeping them firmly in the hunt as the reason reaches its climax. More significantly, it allows defending champions Team Brady to reclaim the overall lead with 135 points—though they hold just a single point advantage over Team Rafa’s 134 points.

Exclusive: Inside the winning strategy 

Speaking exclusively to Monaco Life’s Kyriaki Topalidou after their breakthrough victory, Team Blue Rising’s pilots were still processing their historic achievement.

“Absolutely. Through the moon,” Sara Misir beamed when asked about securing their first win. “Over the moon. Did we even land on the moon?” she joked with her co-pilot John Peeters, to which he replied “I think we overshot it. We went almost until the sun. Yeah. It was pretty special.”

The team also revealed how they orchestrated their comeback after Team Brazil had established early dominance. Sara Misir, explaining their tactical masterstroke, said: “There’s a lot of strategy that goes into these races. It’s a matter of putting in good times. We were able to get John into some clean water; he achieved some solid times, and he was catching up and closing that gap. So, we were just waiting to see one of them make a mistake, and that’s what we really capitalised on and went for it, and came out first.”

The race featured multiple lap configurations—long lap, short lap, and regular lap—each demanding different approaches. “There’s theories how to do that, different deltas for the laps, and you’re able to capitalise on it. We all race in the same water, so it was just part of the deal. Make the most of it.” John Peeters explained.

Team Blue Rising’s Sara Misir and John Peeters after Saturday’s win, photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

Survival mode in Monaco waters

Monaco’s water conditions on Saturday tested every team to breaking point.

“It was massively difficult,” the team told Monaco Life. “You know, John brought it home because he called it himself. It was like Seatte waters. I guess this is what you’re used to in the boating world,” Misir added.

When asked how Monaco compared to other E1 race locations, the pair were candid about the challenge: “I think it definitely challenged us. It challenged everybody, but we clearly won, so we like it. I thought it was survival mode out there, so it was very interesting, and I didn’t expect anything different from Monaco.”

The team also acknowledged the conditions were particularly brutal this year: “This was rougher than last year for sure, but we knew that it was going to be part of the strategy.”

The RaceBirds struggling in Monaco’s water conditions during Final 2. Photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

Happy but grounded

Despite their euphoria, Team Blue Rising remain grounded about what lies ahead. When asked whether this breakthrough victory gave them confidence for future races, their response revealed the mentality that may have been key to their success.

“No. I mean, we’ve always had the morale of a team where it doesn’t matter what we do today — tomorrow’s a new day, and anything can change. It’s just a matter of how hard we’re ready to work and bring home what we can,” Misir explained.

Alongside their victory in the Monaco E1 race, John Peeters was recognised with the PIF Driver of the Race award. He and co-pilot Sara Misir accepted the team’s trophy on the podium from E1 founder and chairman Alejandro Agag, marking a rewarding conclusion to their steady climb toward this milestone result.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

Monaco adjusts express bus routes

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/07/2025

The government of Monaco has announced upcoming changes to the Principality’s express bus network, effective from Monday 28th July, as part of ongoing efforts to adapt public transport services to actual passenger demand.

The express and experimental lines, launched in April 2024, have been under continuous review since their introduction. Following this evaluation, the Department of Urban Amenities has confirmed a series of route adjustments and service updates aimed at improving network efficiency and accessibility.

X1 and X2 extended to Rocher and Portier

From the end of July, the X1 line will be extended to the Rocher, while the X2 line will now continue to Portier. These extensions are designed to improve direct access to two key areas of the Principality from the Salines car park. In addition, service frequency on both lines will increase, with buses operating every 14 minutes instead of the current 20-minute intervals.

The updated X1 route will include stops at Jardin Exotique, Belgique, Place d’Armes, and Rocher. The X2 will stop at Jardin Exotique, Pont Sainte-Dévote, Monte-Carlo Tourisme, and Portier.

X4 line to be discontinued

The X4 line will be withdrawn due to insufficient passenger numbers. The route was launched as a pilot service, but usage levels have not justified its continuation. Passengers are advised to use the X3 line instead, which covers much of the same route, though it does not serve the Saint-Roman stop.

Full revised route list

With the changes, the express bus network will operate as follows:

  • X1: Jardin Exotique, Belgique, Place d’Armes, Rocher

  • X2: Jardin Exotique, Pont Sainte-Dévote, Monte-Carlo Tourisme, Portier

  • X3: Albert II, Port de Fontvieille or Fontvieille – centre commercial (depending on direction), Place d’Armes or Place Sainte-Dévote, Princesse Antoinette, Portier, Larvotto

The express network was introduced to support faster travel across key points in Monaco, particularly during peak periods. Feedback from passengers is encouraged and can be directed to the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco via contact@cam.mc.

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Prince Albert II marks 20 years on the throne with celebration at the Palace

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/07/2025

A large crowd of Monegasque citizens and residents gathered in Place du Palais on Saturday 19th July to mark the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign, in a celebration organised by the Princely Palace. 

The evening event, held between 6.30pm and 10.30pm, was the centrepiece of a commemorative day that reflected the Prince’s enduring connection with the Monegasque people. The square outside the Palace was transformed for the occasion, with security and access measures in place from midday and special transport arranged for registered guests, who included Monegasque citizens and residents of Monaco exclusively.

The Princely Family thanks the Monegasque people

The Princely Family – Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella – appeared in the square to greet the assembled crowd. In a short address, Prince Albert thanked the Monegasque population for their support over the past two decades, noting the importance of unity and continuity in the Principality’s development.

Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Axel Bastello / Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

A modest celebration with community at its heart

The celebration included light refreshments, with a large cake and red-and-white themed macarons shared among attendees.

The event was informal in tone and community-focused, in keeping with the Prince’s approach to public service throughout his reign.

Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Axel Bastello / Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

Two decades of leadership and progress

Prince Albert II succeeded his father, Prince Rainier III, in April 2005. Since then, he has guided Monaco through a period of sustained urban, environmental and diplomatic growth.

His leadership has seen the advancement of major projects such as the Mareterra extension, the redevelopment of Casino Square, and a continued emphasis on sustainability and scientific research through institutions like the Monaco Scientific Centre.

Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Axel Bastello / Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

A moment of reflection for the future of Monaco

The 20th anniversary celebration was not marked by official ceremony or state protocol, but instead offered a moment of reflection and appreciation shared between the sovereign and his citizens. It served as a reminder of the close ties between the Princely Family and the Monegasque community, and of the Prince’s continued commitment to the Principality’s long-term stability and wellbeing.

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Main photo credit: Michael Alesi / Axel Bastello / Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

Global acquires Riviera Radio, bringing Monaco station back under UK ownership

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/07/2025

British media group Global has acquired Riviera Radio, based in Monaco, in a move that returns the broadcaster to one of its original owners.

The acquisition from Grundy Media was announced on Monday 21st July and marks a return to previous ownership, as the Capital Radio Group, now part of Global, was among the station’s early stakeholders. Paul Kavanagh, who has served as Managing Director for a number of years, will remain in his position under the new ownership structure.

“I’m delighted that Global are Riviera Radio’s new owners,” said Kavanagh. “This sees a new chapter of investment, expertise and confidence. It’s exactly what Riviera Radio needs and it’s a fantastic vote of confidence in Monaco and the South of France.”

Global is the UK’s largest commercial radio group and a significant media and advertising company in Europe. It operates several well-known UK radio brands including Capital, Heart, LBC, Classic FM, and Smooth, and has expanded into international markets including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The company also owns one of Europe’s largest outdoor advertising networks.

Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Founder and Executive President of Global, began his broadcasting career at Riviera Radio. “We welcome this much-loved station to Global,” he said. “Monaco is a thriving country, as is the French Riviera, and we are looking forward to investing in this market, bringing our resources and teams to build on its heritage to continue to grow this unique service for listeners and advertising partners.”

Riviera Radio was owned for 20 years by Morris Communications, a family-operated media group based in the United States with interests across print, radio and television. In 2022, the company sold the station to Reg Grundy Media, an Australian-founded organisation known for its international television production history.

This new acquisition signals Global’s interest in further developing its international media portfolio, particularly in regions with a strong English-speaking demographic.

See more:

Riviera Radio sale marks new era in 35-year-old station

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Photo credit: Arno Smit, Unsplash