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Day: 17 September 2025

Monaco’s first trading card show draws crowds to Grimaldi Forum

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
17/09/2025

Monaco’s inaugural trading card show proved to be a success on Saturday, with collectors and families gathering at the Grimaldi Forum in search of cards and memorabilia to add to their collections. 

The Monaco Card Show, organised by auction platform Voggt, attracted enthusiasts across Europe who queued to browse everything from childhood favourites like Pokemon and Harry Potter cards to extraordinary pieces of history.

Among the most remarkable finds were manuscript cards featuring handwritten pieces from legendary figures including Lady Diana, John Lennon, Michael Schumacher and Michael Jackson.

“This is a manuscript card of Lady Diana, it’s just one piece of a letter she wrote, with the other pieces -around 90- circulating the world. Each one costs around 80 euros,” explained one dealer at the show.

The event featured around 50 exhibitors, from specialist stores to private collectors, displaying items that ranged from nostalgic childhood treasures to serious investments. An original autograph from Game of Thrones Emilia Clarke was on sale for €600, highlighting how the hobby has evolved beyond traditional trading cards.

Dominique Gastaldi and Nicolas Bermond, the two childhood friends from Monaco behind the event, had set out to create something special for their home country. With just one glimpse of the packed venue and diverse crowd spanning young children with their parents to serious adult collectors, their success was not only evident, it suggests Monaco’s first card show certainty won’t be its last.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life. 

Monaco to host its first Laser Game event at Espace Léo Ferré

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

For the first time in Monaco, families and friends will have the chance to battle it out in a futuristic laser tag arena as the Espace Léo Ferré is transformed for a special two-day event this October.

The Laser Game, organised by Monaco Town Hall, is the result of an idea put forward by young people through the Projet Communal Junior. Open to players aged seven and above, the initiative brings an innovative and entertaining activity to the Principality, designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

“The Communal Council is very happy to have made an idea from the Projet Communal Junior a reality,” said Chloé Boscagli, Deputy Mayor in charge of Youth. “This first Laser Game in the Principality offers a new, playful activity close to home and gives families and friends in Monaco the chance to share a fun and convivial moment together.”

A futuristic arena for two days only

On Saturday 11th October from 2pm to 10pm (ticket office from 1pm) and Sunday 12th October from 2pm to 7pm (ticket office from 1pm), the Espace Léo Ferré will be turned into a temporary laser tag arena. Alongside the matches, additional animations will be organised, making it an entertaining experience even before the games begin.

Tickets and reservations

Entry is set at €5 per 15-minute game for under-18s, and €10 for adults. Reservations can be made online, with payment completed either at the time of booking or directly on-site. Tickets will also be available at the Espace Léo Ferré on the day, subject to availability.

Save the date: Women of Monaco Lunch returns this October with a green focus and charitable heart

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

The 13th edition of the prestigious Women of Monaco Lunch will take place at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Salon Méditerranée, in aid of the Fondation Princesse Grace.

The Women of Monaco concept, imagined by Sandrine Knoell of Five Stars Events, brings together members of the exclusive Women of Monaco Club — a network of influential and like-minded women from diverse backgrounds, bound by shared values of elegance, purpose and social commitment. This event’s theme spotlights the colour green, symbolising renewal, unity and sustainability.

A showcase of art, couture and craftsmanship

Guests will be treated to a runway presentation by Boutique Allure of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, featuring stunning designs by Elie Saab, Brunello Cucinelli and Magda Butrym. Complementing the fashion show is a curated exhibition by NOA Fine Jewellery, the refined maison founded by Frieda Kaplan Gross, known for its meticulously handcrafted pieces.

Further enriching the event, the FAMM Museum (Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins) will be spotlighted for its work in elevating the contributions of female artists and restoring their rightful place in art history.

A tradition of elegance with a purpose

Beyond its stylish allure, the event remains rooted in philanthropy, with proceeds supporting the Fondation Princesse Grace, known for its enduring commitment to humanitarian and cultural causes in Monaco and beyond.

The Women of Monaco Lunch will be held Tuesday 14th of October at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s Salon Méditerranée.

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Photo: Sandrine Knoell, the organizer of the Women of Monaco Lunch, with the women’s team of Barclays Private Bank: Valérie Genin, Montserrat Marchetti, Aude Berrin, Livia Gateva, Juliet Agnew

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene tee off in Casino Square golf spectacle

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
17/09/2025

The Place du Casino was transformed into a striking open-air golf course on 16th September for the fourth edition of the Princess of Monaco Cup, which drew the two day event to a spectacular close.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene led the traditional 19th hole ceremony, taking symbolic shots from the Boulingrins gardens towards Casino Square to the applause and cheers of guests. Their participation set the stage for a playful yet charitable finale, where celebrities, including rising Formula 1 driver Ollie Bearman, took their turns at the symbolic hole. Each attempt carried a donation of €1,000, with all proceeds going to charity.

Waiting just outside was a gleaming Bentley, reserved as the ultimate prize for anyone who could sink the shot. Yet despite the excitement and anticipation, the car remained unclaimed. To ensure safety in the packed square, organisers cleverly swapped traditional golf balls for lighter alternatives, protecting both spectators and the historic windows that frame Monaco’s most famous square.

The evening was also marked by a moving tribute to Eddie Jordan, the former Formula 1 team owner who passed away in March at the age of 76. A Scottish pipe band performed in his honour, offering a heartfelt counterpoint to the evening’s glamour. Adding an artistic touch, renowned street artist Alec Monopoly unveiled a special work created for the occasion, which was later signed by the Princely couple.

Princess Charlene signing Alec Monopoly’s artwork, photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

The charity tournament

The tournament itself unfolded earlier in the day at the Monte Carlo Golf Club, bringing together professional golfers, celebrities, and partners in support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the organiser of this fourth edition.

Twenty teams competed throughout Tuesday’s tournament in a scramble format designed to be both dynamic and accessible. The morning’s competition included traditional golf challenges such as ‘Nearest to the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’ categories, before the action moved to the more ceremonial evening proceedings.

The evening concluded with a garden party reserved for tournament participants, while the symbolic shots and prize-giving ceremony provided an elegant mix of sport, charity and Monaco glamour.

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Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

SBM strengthens ties with Monaco Basket Association in ambitious new season push

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/09/2025

The Monaco Basket Association (MBA) has launched its 2025‑2026 season with a clear objective: to join France’s top-tier women’s league within three years. Backed by Monte‑Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the club enters a bold new chapter with Stéphane Valeri, SBM’s President‑Delegate, stepping in as co‑president alongside founder Éric Elena.

Already a key sponsor since 2024, SBM is deepening its support. “We share the goal of building a top women’s club for Monaco,” said Valeri. “Our commitment is long-term, with the Wonderligue in sight within three seasons.” The partnership brings more than funding—it reflects shared values of excellence, teamwork and advancing women in sport, on and off the court.

New coach, fresh talent, rising goals

With promotion to Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2) now behind them, MBA welcomes seven new signings, a tactical new coach, Petros Prekas, and new captain Lysa Millavet. The season’s aim: secure a strong position in LF2 and prepare for the leap to the elite level.

Proudly flying Monaco’s colours

“The story starts now,” said the club’s leadership, promising an exciting season at Salle Gaston Médecin and a growing fan base. “We want to inspire Monaco and promote the game we love,” added Elena.

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Photo credit: Alain Duprat, MCSBM