What is happening in September in Monaco and the French Riviera?

As summer ends and autumn unfolds, Monaco’s cultural calendar doesn’t slow down. Instead, September arrives with an exceptional lineup of literary gatherings, luxury showcases, maritime traditions, and artistic celebrations, offering something for every interest. 

The Salon International du Livre de Monaco comes back for its 14th edition from September 6th to 7th, bringing together nearly 150 authors from 12 nations for a weekend dedicated to literary encounters, debates, and inspiration. The fair offers conferences, round tables, and literary cafes where writers share insights into their creative processes. Visitors can attend debates, discover storytelling approaches, and meet authors through book signings.

On the musical side, the Grimaldi Forum presents Pat Kalla and his Super Mojo on September 4th for an electro-afro-groove performance. With their album ‘Belle Terre,’ they blend highlife, rumba, biguine, funk, and afrobeat with vocal essences from Réunion Island, the Caribbean, and Africa, featuring harmonies from duo Bonbon Vodou, Olivia Victorin from Dowdelin, and Franco-Congolese singer Rebecca M’Boungou from Kolinga. The evening begins at 6:30pm with an aperitif, followed by the live performance. Entry is free, with table reservations available at +377 9999 3000.

The Monaco Card show is also bound to make its debut at the Grimaldi Forum on September 13th, brining together the world of trading cards, pop culture collectibles, and sports memorabilia. Presented by auction platform Voggt and organised by Monaco natives Dominique Gastaldi and Nicolas Bermond, the show features around 50 exhibitors presenting everything from Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to Marvel and Star Wars memorabilia. The event runs from 10am to 6pm, with adult tickets priced at €15 and children’s tickets at €5.

Maritime events

Monaco Classic Week returns to Monaco from September 10th to 13th for its 17th edition, transforming Port Hercule once again into a floating museum. First held in 1994, under the high patronage of Prince Albert II, the event represents one of the most prestigious gatherings of historic boats.Visitors can explore the historic vessels up close, browse works by marine painters and photographers, discover traditional maritime craftsmen at work, and shop at the YCM Official Boutique.

Meanwhile, a few days later the Monaco Yacht Show is also set to take place from September 24th to 27th. This invitation-only exhibition showcases Europe’s largest in-water display  of super yachts over 20 metres in length. Approximately 125 yachts and over 580 exhibitors including brokerage companies, super yachts builders, designers and luxury brands will be attending. This year introduces the new Blue Wake program.

Lastly, moving a little away from Monaco, the Cannes Yachting Festival will be taking place from September 9th to 14th, during which shipyards from around the globe will gather for what is know to be a leading-water boat show in the French Riviera and Europe.

Photo showcasing the historic boats during Monaco Classic Week, photo provided by Monaco Classic Week.

Community and Lifestyle

Following a sold-out debut in May, Mama Goes Dancing returns for its second Monaco edition on September 18th at Neptune Beach Monaco. This German-originated movement celebrates women of all ages through dance, community and shared joy from 7pm to midnight. The ‘Beach Party’ edition features DJ Karlota, a Glitter Bar by Elora, and a photobooth by Photobooth Monaco. Tickets cost €15 for members and €20 for non-members, including one drink.

The Beaulieu Classic Festival will also take place in September from 13th to 30th, bringing the community together through local and international classical music talent. It’s set to take place in multiple prestigious venues including Villa Kerylos, Hotel Royal Riviera, and Rotonde Lenotre with each evening starting from 20pm.

Meanwhile, the second edition of Monte Carlo’s Art & Luxury Fair returns for its second edition from September 24th to 26th, at Hotel Métropole. The fair represents the first high-end fair where experience is central. Visitors can watch world-renowned artists and craftsmen creating their works, offering unique access to the creative process. The event features daily guided tours at 14:30 and 16:00, with invite-only private evening events from 18:00 to 20:00.

Outdoor activities in the surrounding area

The Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige Patrimoine will be taking place from September 13th to 14 featuring an outdoor exhibition of iconic vintage cars and motorcycles and the Concours d’Élégance competition on Sunday at 3pm. The weekend event runs from 9:30am to 6pm both days with free admission at Place du Centenaire and Quai Virgile Allari. Highlights include car parades, trophy ceremonies, children’s activities, and a shuttle service between locations.

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Main photo credit: Pexels

art3f returns to Monaco this September with over 3,500 works on display

Monaco’s contemporary art fair, art3f, will return from 19th to 21st September, bringing together more than 200 artists and 3,500 works under the big top at Fontvieille.

Usually held at the end of August, this year’s edition of art3f will open slightly later in September, transforming the Chapiteau de Fontvieille into a vibrant hub of creativity. The international fair draws several thousand visitors each year and has earned a reputation as one of the Riviera’s most dynamic cultural events.

Organisers promise an artistic line-up “rich and representative of the major currents shaping contemporary expression”. Visitors will be invited on a journey through expressionism, abstract art, kinetic art, graffiti and post-graffiti, pop art, minimalism, naïve art, art brut, new realism and many more audacious forms of expression.

Meeting artists and gallerists

One of the fair’s great attractions is its accessibility. “It is a unique opportunity to meet artists and gallerists directly, to exchange with them and to step into their creative worlds,” say the organisers. With works available for purchase, art3f offers both seasoned collectors and newcomers the chance to discover and acquire pieces that reflect the diversity of today’s art scene.

Practical information

  • Friday 19th September: 4 pm – 10 pm

  • Saturday 20th September: 11 am – 8 pm

  • Sunday 21st September: 11 am – 7 pm

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Photo source: art3f

 

Prince Albert II visits Vilnius as Monaco deepens ties with Lithuania

Prince Albert II was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Vilnius on Friday 29th August by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. The meeting comes at a pivotal time for Europe, with both nations seeking to broaden cooperation and confront global challenges together.

According to a statement by the Palace, talks between the two leaders went far beyond formalities. Economic exchange, cultural initiatives, tourism, sport and the use of digital tools in healthcare were all on the table, reflecting a mutual desire to modernise and strengthen bilateral ties. Climate action, a cause long championed by Prince Albert II, also featured prominently, with both states pledging closer cooperation on sustainability.

Shared stance on Ukraine

The war in Ukraine framed the geopolitical backdrop to the encounter. The two Heads of State closed their talks by issuing a united call for peace, highlighting Monaco’s active diplomatic voice on the international stage and Lithuania’s proximity to the ongoing conflict.

A meeting with symbolic weight

Beyond agreements and statements, the visit carried symbolic weight. For Monaco, it reaffirmed the Principality’s place in European diplomacy; for Lithuania, it highlighted the importance of alliances, both large and small, in the pursuit of security, innovation and shared prosperity.

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Photo credit: Présidence de la République lituanienn

Monaco Business, flagship event for entrepreneurs, returns this September

The 13th edition of Monaco Business, the Principality’s annual showcase for companies, will take place on Thursday 18th September at the Sea Club of the Méridien Beach Plaza, under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II. 

Dedicated to entrepreneurs from Monaco and the Riviera, Monaco Business has become a cornerstone of the Principality’s economic calendar. This year’s event will gather more than 1,000 decision-makers, with 50 exhibitorspresenting their products and services, and five expert-led conferences offering in-depth insights into today’s most pressing economic and technological challenges.

The salon is built around four key themes: boosting business, finding solutions, attracting new clients and forging partnerships. It also continues to serve as a unique entry point for startups seeking visibility and growth, as well as for business leaders interested in establishing themselves in Monaco.

Building on past successes

The 2024 edition saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Monaco Economic Board and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, further strengthening ties between Monaco and the region. A live TV platform also hosted Les Leaders ont la parole, offering interviews and debates with influential voices from across the business community.

For 2025, attendees can expect an equally rich programme, with conferences designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing, and networking spaces dedicated to fostering new professional connections.

A hub for startups and established companies

The exhibition areas will showcase a diverse ecosystem: from established Monégasque and Riviera companies to innovative startups working in digital and new technologies. Dedicated zones will also highlight services for businesses, including the stand Une Administration de Proximité, bringing together representatives from the Direction du Développement Économique, the Mission pour la Transition Énergétique and other key institutions.

A networking lounge and coaching workshops will complete the experience, ensuring both seasoned executives and young entrepreneurs leave with new ideas and opportunities.

Recognising excellence

This year will also continue the tradition of the Monaco Business Prize, awarded to an outstanding company for innovation, building on the success of last year’s award to Laboratoires Asepta, a Monégasque dermo-cosmetics company employing nearly 150 people.

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Photo source: Monaco Business

Roca Team open ticket sales as new basketball season tips off

AS Monaco Basketball have officially opened online ticketing for their first home games of the 2025/26 season at Gaston Médecin, with demand already sky-high. More than 1,300 season tickets were snapped up during the summer and are now completely sold out, underlining the excitement around the Principality’s basketball powerhouse.

Fans will not have to wait long for top-level action. In the first week of October, the Roca Team will welcome Zalgiris Kaunas and Dubai in EuroLeague fixtures, before shifting focus to domestic competition with a Betclic Elite clash against Élan Chalon. These early matches promise to set the tone for a demanding season in both Europe and France.

A busy warm-up schedule

Before official competition begins, Monaco are fine-tuning preparations with a string of friendlies. They will host Aris Thessaloniki on 8th and 9th September, before travelling to Cyprus for a pre-season tournament against Olympiakos, Red Star Belgrade, and Paris Basketball on 13th and 14th September.

SuperCup showdown to follow

The month concludes with the French SuperCup, where Monaco will meet Boulazac on 20th September, followed by a clash with either Paris Basketball or Le Mans the next day. These encounters will provide a first glimpse of Adama Traoré’s squad against domestic rivals, sharpening their edge ahead of the long campaign.

Season of high expectations

With ticket sales surging and continental heavyweights set to arrive in Monaco from the very start, anticipation around Gaston Médecin is palpable. The Principality will be hoping their Roca Team can once again combine flair, consistency and ambition as they set out to conquer both the EuroLeague and the Betclic Elite this season.

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Photo source: AS Monaco Basket

Stanis Idumbo joins Monaco on five‑year deal

AS Monaco has secured the signing of 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 international Stanis Idumbo on a five‑year contract, setting the stage for a promising blend of pace and creativity in the Principality’s attack.

AS Monaco announced on that Stanis Idumbo, a 20‑year‑old Belgian U21 attacking midfielder, has committed to a five‑year deal until 30th June 2030. Born in June 2005 in Melun (Seine‑et‑Marne), he honed his talents in Belgium with Club Bruges and Gent before entering the renowned Ajax Academy. 

From Ajax to La Liga and now Ligue 1

At Ajax, Idumbo made a striking impression with the U18s — 13 goals and 16 assists in 33 matches — before stepping into professional football with Jong Ajax in the Dutch second division, debuting on 6th January 2023 versus FC Eindhoven and tallying 23 appearances and three goals. In January 2024, he moved to Sevilla, initially featuring in the reserves, helping them win the Spanish fourth division, and was swiftly promoted to the first team. He made his La Liga debut on 1st September 2024 against Girona and scored his first senior goal on 20th October against FC Barcelona, finishing his tenure with 18 appearances in all competitions.

Striking qualities and ambition ahead

Known for his speed, explosiveness and versatility across the attacking line — particularly on the left — Idumbo brings a fresh, dynamic dimension to Monaco’s frontline. Transfer reports suggest the deal may be worth around €10 million, including add‑ons, representing a significant return on Sevilla’s initial €150,000 outlay and reflecting strong sporting and sporting‑director alignment.

A fresh chapter begins

Idumbo steps into Ligue 1 ready to prove himself in Monaco’s iconic diagonal jersey, donning number 17. With experience across Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain — and with national youth caps already under his belt — he headlines a promising new chapter for AS Monaco.

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Photo source: AS Monaco