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Month: July 2025

Monaco celebrates 15 years of ‘Zéro Mégot’ with bold new artistic campaign

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/07/2025

The Principality’s long-running cigarette litter initiative, ‘Monaco Zéro Mégot’, marked its 15th anniversary on 18th July with a striking new design by artist Mr One Teas and a renewed commitment to keeping Monaco clean throughout the busy summer season.

To celebrate the milestone, Marjorie Crovetto, Deputy Mayor in charge of Quality of Life, Environment and Sustainable Development, officially launched the 2025 edition of the campaign in partnership with Estelle Antognelli, head of the CSR-Tourism division at the Tourism and Congress Department. At the heart of this anniversary edition is a brand-new pocket ashtray featuring a humorous yet impactful image by Monaco-based street artist Anthony Alberti, widely known as Mr One Teas. His creation will now serve as the visual identity for the campaign in the years ahead.

A city-wide push against cigarette waste

Throughout the summer, members of the Tourism Department will distribute these newly branded ashtrays at welcome points across Monaco. The devices will also be available at key public locations, including the SMEG/SMA store on Rue Guillaume Apollinaire, the Town Hall, the Médiathèque, and the Stade Nautique Rainier III. The aim is to make proper cigarette disposal as convenient as possible for both residents and tourists.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Expanding the MégotBox network

In addition to the ashtrays, 10 new MégotBox terminals have been installed in Monaco’s summer village, adding to the already extensive network located near public buildings such as the Condamine Market, Espace Léo Ferré, Pavillon Bosio, and the Médiathèque. These sleek collection points encourage smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly, helping to prevent marine and urban pollution.

Concrete results for a cleaner Monaco

Since January, more than 80,000 cigarette butts have been collected through the MégotBox system—equivalent to safeguarding over 35 million litres of water from contamination. The figures highlight the tangible environmental impact of the campaign and underscore the importance of continued public awareness.

Community collaboration for lasting change

“Monaco must stay guilt-free of cigarette litter—this campaign turns awareness into action,” said Marjorie Crovetto at the launch event.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Monaco launches simplified 39 19 helpline for victims of violence

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/07/2025

The Principality of Monaco has introduced a new, simplified helpline number for victims of violence. As of this month, calls can now be made to 39 19, a free and easy-to-remember number that replaces the former 0800 91 90 10.

The introduction of the 39 19 helpline brings Monaco in line with France’s national victim support system. Calls made from the Principality are redirected to the Association d’Aide aux Victimes d’Infractions Pénales (AVIP), which is authorised to provide victims with essential information and tailored guidance across a broad spectrum of violence-related issues.

These include domestic violence, sexual assault, workplace harassment and other forms of abuse. The service operates with complete discretion and is accessible to anyone seeking confidential advice or information.

Reinforcing the state’s commitment

The updated service is part of a wider initiative led by Monaco’s Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, which aims to strengthen access to support mechanisms for victims.

In cases of immediate danger, emergency numbers remain unchanged: residents should contact 17 or 112.

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Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash

Monaco embassy in Paris marks 20 years of Prince Albert II’s accession

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/07/2025

The Embassy of Monaco in France marked a major milestone on Thursday 10th July, as it hosted a reception in Paris celebrating the 20th anniversary of the accession of Prince Albert II. The evening, led by Monaco’s Ambassador to France and Andorra, Valérie Bruell‑Melchior, brought together close to 350 high-level guests from the world of diplomacy, international institutions and civil society.

Held in the heart of Paris, the event welcomed representatives of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Apostolic Nuncio, ambassadors accredited to Monaco and to UNESCO, as well as Monégasque elected officials. Among them was Monaco’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Anne‑Marie Boisbouvier, who joined the Ambassador for the occasion. The reception highlighted the strength of Franco‑Monégasque relations, further reinforced by the recent State Visit of the French President to the Principality on 7th and 8th June.

Principles and priorities in diplomacy

In her address to the assembled guests, Ambassador Bruell-Melchior spoke about the Principality’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human dignity, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to global challenges. She also highlighted Monaco’s continued engagement with environmental and ocean sustainability initiatives, referencing the recent Blue Economy and Finance Forum as a key example of the Principality’s international leadership in this field.

Celebrating a modern reign

The anniversary was also a moment to reflect on two decades of leadership under Prince Albert II, whose reign has been characterised by stability, international engagement and a steadfast dedication to environmental diplomacy. The reception paid tribute to his enduring vision for Monaco’s role on the global stage, one that remains rooted in responsible governance and future-facing priorities.

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Photo credit: Antoine-Meyssonnier

Dramatic crash shakes E1 Monaco as championship leaders face setback

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
20/07/2025

Monaco’s Port Herculis witnessed unprecedented drama on Friday as a high-speed collision between two RaceBirds forced officials to abandon qualifying for the first time in E1 World Championship history. 

The crash involved championship leaders Team Rafa and Team Brazil by Claure Group, leaving pilot Tom Chiappe’s craft severely damaged and taking on water. Tennis legend Rafael Nadal watched in horror from the sidelines as his team’s title hopes took a potentially decisive blow.

“It was scary,” Rafael Nadal revealed after witnessing the collision. “Seeing it in real-time, I was worried for Tom. From the sidelines it looked dangerous. The main thing is he’s okay, he’s healthy. Everything else doesn’t matter when you go through something like this.”

Chiappe managed to leap clear of his RaceBird to waiting safety crews as it began taking on water, whilst co-pilot Cris Lazarraga could only watch in agony from the paddock.

Tom Chiappe leaping off his RaceBird, photo credit:©️sca-events/E1

Championship implications

The crash represents a crushing setback for Team Rafa, who entered the weekend as championship leaders. With qualifying points allocated based on completed time trials, they now face Saturday’s race from eighth position on the grid—a mountain to climb comparing to the position of one of their closest rivals, the Aoki Racing Team, who will start from fourth.

Team Brady managed to secure pole position ahead of Team Blue Rising in second and Team Drogba in third. Aoki Racing Team secured fourth place, with Westbrook Racing fifth and Team AIUIa by LeBron James sixth. Team Brazil by Claure Group, despite their involvement in the collision, finished seventh, one place ahead of the damaged Team Rafa boat in eighth. Team Miami rounded out the field in ninth position.

Monaco Life’s Kyriaki Topalidou was there! See more in her video below… 

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Main photo credit: Sca Events/E1

 

Test drive: Is the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore the best electric GT in the world?

by: Richard McCreery
20/07/2025

In a unique back-to-back driving experience offered by BPM Exclusive in Monaco, Monaco Life took to the scenic Basse Corniche to test both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and all-electric versions of Maserati’s GranTurismo. The result was not what we expected. One car stood head and shoulders above the other – and it wasn’t the one with the roar.

A small group of fortunate clients and press gathered at La Javanaise beach restaurant in Beaulieu-sur-Mer to test Maserati’s finest. Lined up outside were two near-identical models: the GranTurismo Trofeo, with its 550bhp V6 combustion engine, and the newer, all-electric GranTurismo Folgore, which delivers a staggering 761bhp. Despite the radically different powertrains, both cars share the same sleek platform – all curves and characteristically Italian flair.

Naturally, the Trofeo was the first to tempt. That unmistakable V6 soundtrack echoing through tunnels is a visceral experience. With flappy paddles at your fingertips, it’s easy to orchestrate a mechanical symphony, even at moderate speeds. From the driver’s seat, the long bonnet and visible wheel arches evoke the spirit of a proper racing machine. Yet, turn around and you’ll spot two useable rear seats, making it more practical than most grand tourers in this class.

Photo source: BPM Exclusive

Classic style with a modern edge

Inside the Trofeo, a two-tone blue and white leather interior pays tribute to the iconic MC12. The cabin is laden with leather, accented by carbon fibre details and modern tech including a head-up display and twin touchscreens. The driving mode selector and starter button are conveniently located on the steering wheel, while the surprisingly spacious cockpit ensures taller drivers are well accommodated.

The drive itself delivers exactly what you’d hope for in a GT. The GranTurismo Trofeo masks its size with grace, remaining planted through bends and poised on straights. It doesn’t scream for attention like some rivals; rather, it asserts itself with refined strength. This is a car made for Tuscany’s sweeping roads, not mountain hairpins. Long-distance comfort meets compelling performance – the sort of vehicle you admire after you park it.

Photo credit: Richard McCreery

Electric refinement meets Italian passion

Then came the game-changer. The GranTurismo Folgore is Maserati’s first foray into all-electric GT territory. With a theoretical range of 450 kilometres and ultra-fast 800v charging, it promises substance alongside style. Though it starts in silence, the moment you glide away it becomes clear: this drivetrain suits the luxury GT form astonishingly well.

A subtle, futuristic hum replaces engine noise, enhancing the serene atmosphere. Electric power adds an elegance to low-speed manoeuvring that petrol engines can’t replicate. It doesn’t just move – it floats forward. For urban or relaxed driving, the electric experience feels effortlessly civilised.

Photo credit: Richard McCreery

Explosive power in near silence

Yet this calm demeanour belies the sheer force beneath the bonnet. With 761bhp and 1,350Nm of torque, the Folgore sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds – making it nearly as quick as the Aston Martin Valhalla, but with the added practicality of rear seats. The three electric motors power all four wheels, with a gentle rear bias, launching the car down the road with unrelenting pace. It’s not aggressive or jarring, just irresistibly powerful.

Overtaking becomes second nature, and high-speed stability is exceptional. In truth, this car is too quick for public roads, but the thrill never fades. Each burst of acceleration is addictive. This isn’t just an alternative to petrol performance – it’s a compelling evolution of it.

Photo source: BPM Exclusive

Verdict: A surprise favourite

Against all expectations, it was the Folgore that left the deepest impression. The Trofeo, as engaging as it is, couldn’t match the all-electric version’s combination of beauty, practicality, luxury, and staggering performance. The Folgore is both Beauty and the Beast.

With starting prices just shy of €200,000, neither model is a casual purchase. But in return, Maserati offers a truly unique GT experience – one that may have you questioning everything you thought you knew about electric cars.

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Main photo source: BPM Exclusive

Inside ‘Grace #1’: an intimate look at Princess Grace’s private world

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/07/2025

From the 5th July to the 14th September, the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco are playing host to a deeply personal exhibition, ‘Grace #1’, curated by Natalia Mlodzikowska, Head of Exhibitions for the Palace Collections, and guest artistic curator Marie-Eve Mestre.

Far from the clichés and rigid portrayals that often surround Princess Grace, the woman born Grace Patricia Kelly is presented here with warmth and inner strength. “What do you do when you go to someone’s home? You walk around, you sit, you smell, you touch… it is that feeling that I really want people to feel with this exhibition,” Mlodzikowska told Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti.

A sensory space rich with emotion and memory

Spanning 90 square metres across three rooms, the scenography has been conceived as a soft, protective sanctuary. Velvet curtains, gentle lighting, muted carpets, and a delicate rose fragrance accompany the ambient birdsong, creating a serene and poetic atmosphere.

The exhibition explores four themes reflecting different facets of the Princess: the young woman in her natural element, the elegant and discreet figure of her everyday life, the devoted mother, and the private artist behind the lens.

Each space is adorned with never-before-seen portraits and deeply personal items, including sunglasses, gloves, hats, and the iconic Hermès Kelly bag. One striking feature is a wallpaper created from a contact sheet found in the archives, delicately restored and reimagined as part of the exhibition’s design.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

The woman behind the title

For Mlodzikowska, the process of curating ‘Grace #1’ brought about a profound transformation in her understanding of the Princess. “I read the biography by Jean des Cars, who was a close friend of Princess Grace, and I found it incredible,” she said. “You see how she really was – very strong, very independent, but she was also a humanist… She would say that every woman can be the woman she wants to be. And she was the woman she wanted to be, and this is something I admire greatly.”

This desire to present Princess Grace beyond her public image was central to the exhibition’s narrative. “Everyone always sees her only as a princess – of course very beautiful, but somewhat cold, in a perfect way. But she was joyful in her private life. She loved her family, her children, her dog. She loved nature, she was very involved in art and culture, and many social organisations. For me, she was incredible.”

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Curating with vision and heart

The exhibition took four months to assemble, with one-and-a-half months spent selecting the images alone. “It was a nightmare to condense all the photographs,” Mlodzikowska admitted. “There are so many beautiful pictures of her. But when I read that biography, I already started to have images in my mind of what I wanted.”

The result is a rich and balanced collection of photographs and personal effects that speaks to the soul of the Princess. “She had this grace to her, and she was very emotional, but she was also incredibly strong,” said Mlodzikowska, recalling how a young Grace Kelly repaid her father in full for funding her acting studies in New York City — a remarkable act of independence for a woman in the 1930s.

Curator by Natalia Mlodzikowska, Head of Exhibitions for the Palace Collections, in front of her favourite exhibition photograph of Princess Grace. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Among her favourites, the curator singled out one of Grace in the water, taken by photographer Howell Conant during a holiday in Jamaica, which featured on the cover of weekly magazine Colliers. “There is this sense that eyes reflect the soul, and for me, this is who she really was.”

That same quiet strength is evident in the photographs displayed in the first room, all taken by the same gifted American photographer and close friend of Grace.

A striking mural of the Princess lounging on a couch fills one wall, while a series of close-ups nearby reveal a woman who is both seductive and self-possessed — at ease with her femininity and empowered by her inner resolve.

Princess Grace’s jewel necklace is displayed alongside a large wallpaper portrait of the young icon. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

‘Grace #1’ is not a historical retrospective, but a lyrical, immersive experience – a chance to encounter Princess Grace in all her sensitivity, strength, and complexity, and perhaps to understand, for the first time, the woman behind the icon.

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Main photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life