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Month: September 2025

Butterfly Ball set to return to Monaco under new creative direction

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/09/2025

The Butterfly Ball will return to Monaco this October for its 10th anniversary edition, with organiser Caudwell Children announcing that renowned event designer Billy Folchetti will serve as guest creative director. The fundraiser, to be held at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, will mark both a decade of the gala in Monaco and the 25th anniversary of the UK-based charity.

Scheduled for the 21st October, the Butterfly Ball Monaco will this year be shaped by the vision of Billy Folchetti, founder of global event firm Luxe x. Folchetti, known for his high-profile work with celebrities and luxury brands, has been brought in to mark what organisers are calling a “milestone year” for the charity.

“The future really belongs to our kids,” said Folchetti. “They deserve to be uplifted, inspired, and given every opportunity to chase their dreams and change the world. This isn’t just about giving back – it’s about creating lasting change for children and families in need.”

Returning to the Hôtel de Paris

First held in Monaco in 2015, the Butterfly Ball has become one of the Principality’s most recognised fundraising galas. The event was founded by Modesta Vžesniauskaitė, the partner of philanthropist and Caudwell Children founder John Caudwell. She remains closely involved in organising the gala, which has helped raise millions of pounds to support disabled and autistic children in the UK.

“When I founded the Butterfly Ball Monaco 10 years ago, I dreamed of creating something truly magical,” said Vžesniauskaitė. “As we celebrate this milestone year, I’m honoured to welcome Billy Folchetti as guest creative director; his talent and creativity will elevate this very special anniversary edition.”

Charity enters its 25th year

Caudwell Children, founded in 2000 in Stoke-on-Trent, now supports thousands of children each year through mobility equipment, autism assessments, sensory resources and family services. The charity says every donation from the event will go directly to its programmes.
Claire Marshall, CEO of Caudwell Children, said: “The Butterfly Ball holds a very special place in our hearts. I’ve seen firsthand how these funds transform lives, and it is truly incredible to witness.”

An evening of fundraising and luxury

As in previous years, the gala will feature a dinner, charity auction and entertainment. This year’s event is being sponsored by luxury yacht company Burgess. Organisers say they expect a guest list of philanthropists, celebrities and supporters from across Europe and the UK.
John Caudwell said: “Over the years, the event has grown in scale and ambition, but most importantly, it has helped to transform the lives of children. I’m confident that, with Billy Folchetti’s leadership, this year’s Ball will set a new benchmark.”

See also: 

Interview: Billionaire John Caudwell on reviving Le Provençal

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Photo credit: Rob Richardson

 

Monaco’s Manfredi Lefebvre to lead global tourism body WTTC

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/09/2025

Monaco businessman Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie & Kent, has been appointed Chair-Elect of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). He will formally take over the role in September at the organisation’s Global Summit in Rome.

Manfredi Lefebvre, one of the most influential names in international travel and tourism, has been appointed Chair-Elect of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). A resident of Monaco, Lefebvre will succeed current chairman Greg O’Hara in September, when the WTTC holds its 25th Global Summit in Rome.

Longstanding WTTC member

Lefebvre has been a member of the Council for more than two decades and brings with him over 40 years of experience in the cruise and leisure industries. He is widely recognised for transforming Silversea Cruises into a global leader before diversifying into investments through his Monaco-based Heritage Group, which is active in biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, IT and premium spirits.

Endorsements from industry leaders

Outgoing chairman Greg O’Hara praised the appointment, saying: “I am delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre as Chair-Elect. His experience and dedication to a sector he loves marks him out as a great future chairman.” Lefebvre responded that he was “filled with elation” to be given the opportunity, describing himself as the Council’s longest-serving member.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson also welcomed the announcement: “Manfredi is a powerhouse in our sector. He brings with him decades of experience, and under his stewardship I am sure we will achieve unprecedented success.”

Monaco at the heart of global tourism leadership

From building Silversea Cruises into a world-class brand to co-chairing luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, Manfredi Lefebvre’s influence has shaped the modern landscape of global tourism. As Chair-Elect of the WTTC, he will now guide the industry at a time when travel continues to outpace wider economic growth.

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10th September protests: Minimal turnout in Nice contrasts sharply with Paris unrest

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/09/2025

The highly anticipated 10th September protests that were meant to “block everything” across France fell flat in Nice, with barely 100 demonstrators gathering throughout the day, spread out in different locations, despite weeks of preparation and coordination efforts. 

At around 2:15pm, approximately 50-60 protesters assembled at Place Garibaldi, but the gathering lasted only 15 minutes before participants moved to the Palais des Expositions to join another small group of roughly 50 people. The quick relocation appeared to be a response to the disappointing turnout.

At around 3:30pm, the combined group of approximately 100 people marched through the Garibaldi area, shouting slogans and holding banners.

The march around the Garibaldi area, photo by Monaco Life. 

Earlier predictions had suggested multiple protest sites across Nice, including Place Masséna and various roundabouts in the Alpes-Maritimes region. However, the reality on the ground told a different story.

The only notable student activity occurred in Valrose campus, where about 60 students gathered for a morning blockage before police intervened to clear the area.

Stark contrast with Paris violence

While Nice remained largely calm, the situation in Paris was dramatically different. The capital saw massive crowds and significant police intervention, with protestors facing what organisers described as illegal containment tactics.

The movement’s official X account posted footage of police charges, stating: “New police charge in the heart of the capital: demonstrators are simply trying to GET OUT of an ILLEGAL KETTLE and are being violently pushed back! These confinements are against the law, but they continue to use them. Enough is enough. We will not be silent in the face of these shameful and illegal practices. The anger is only growing.”

The official account’s post on X

The contrast between the two cities highlights the uneven nature of the nationwide protest movement, despite its organised social media presence and backing from unions like CGT and political parties such as La France Insoumise.

The ‘Bloquons Tout’ movement had promised to shut down France in response to government austerity measures, pension freezes, and cuts to public services. Despite coordination through Telegram groups and local planning, the call for action resonated far less on the Côte d’Azur than in other parts of France.

Transport disruptions were minimal in the region, with only five train itineraries cancelled and almost no disruption in tram services, contrary to earlier warnings about potential blockades.

French PM François Bayrou resigns after historic parliamentary defeat

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Main photo credit Monaco Life. 

Nice prepares for World Championship as Ironman village opens its doors

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/09/2025

The buzz is growing in Nice as the VinFast Ironman Village opened on Wednesday, spanning from Place Masséna to the Parc de la Coulée Verte, just days ahead of the VinFast Ironman World Championship on 14th September.

The village is already bustling with activity, with competitors making final preparations for what promises to be one of the most challenging races on the Ironman calendar.

Visitors can try out both electric and traditional bicycles, with some being assembled on-site by mechanics. Interactive screens also allow people to experience a virtual ride along Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais using stationary bikes complete with working gears that simulate the real cycling experience.

The temporary marketplace features official Ironman merchandise alongside specialist gear including athletic clothing, helmets, socks, and sports drinks designed for endurance athletes. Additionally, several bike shows have set up stands to cater to last-minute equipment needs.

On the grass areas surrounding the village, organisers have set up lounge chairs where spectators can relax while watching the competition unfold this weekend. Lastly, registration trailers are busy with athletes checking in ahead of the big day.

Comfy chairs for visitors to watch the competition unfold in Nice. Photo by Monaco Life

A gruelling challenge awaits

The athletes face a demanding course that begins with a 3.8km swim in the Baie des Anges, starting from Place des Ponchettes. The rectangular route runs alongside the Promenade des Anglais.

The cycling leg covers 180.2km through Nice’s inland mountain areas, featuring steep climbs and technical descents with an elevation gain of 2,400 metres.

The marathon concludes with four loops totalling 42.2km along the Promenade des Anglais.

Race categories cater to professionals athletes, age group competitors, hand cyclists, and divisions for physical disabilities and intellectual impairments. Age groups range from 18 to 80+.

Nice has now secured hosting rights for the VinFast Ironman World Championships through 2027. The event builds on Nice’s long triathlon heritage, dating back to the first Triathlon de Nice in 1982.

With the village now bustling with activity and final preparations underway, Nice is ready to host the world’s best endurance athletes when they take to the start line this Saturday.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo by Monaco Life. 

Valérie Genin Mignone to judge 2026 Citywealth Powerwomen Awards

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/09/2025

Valérie Genin Mignone, Managing Director and Head of Investments at Barclays Private Bank Monaco, will take a seat on the judging panel of the 2026 Citywealth Powerwomen International Awards in London, just a year after winning one of the event’s top honours.

In March, Valérie Genin Mignone was recognised with a prestigious Citywealth Powerwomen International Award, highlighting her strategic leadership qualities and global experience across senior roles in financial services.

Recognising women in finance

Created 15 years ago by Karen Jones, CEO and founder of Citywealth, the Powerwomen Awards celebrate the excellence of women working in wealth management and financial services. The event, held annually in London, expanded to the USA in 2022, reflecting its growing international reach.

Looking ahead to 2026

The next Citywealth Powerwomen International Awards will take place in London on 4th March 2026, where Valérie Genin Mignone will join a distinguished panel tasked with identifying and honouring the sector’s most outstanding women.

See also: 

Monaco’s Valerie Genin Mignone wins top honour at Citywealth Powerwomen Awards in London

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Viral mix-up: American tourists headed to Nice end up in Tunis

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/09/2025

Two young American women trying to fly from Rome to Nice ended up hundreds of kilometres away in Tunis, Tunisia, after a mix-up at the airport led them onto the wrong flight. Their ordeal, captured in a series of TikTok videos, has since gone viral with tens of millions of views.

Brittney Dzialo and her friend Hannah missed their original flight to Nice and asked airline staff for alternative options. Told to go to Tunisair, they purchased tickets without realising they were bound for Tunis, not Nice. It was only once on board that a fellow passenger revealed the flight was heading to Tunisia, not the French Riviera.

@brittneydzialo_

jet2holiday

♬ original sound – Brittney Dzialo

 

‘Too late to deboard’

According to the women, when they flagged the error to cabin crew, they were informed it was too late to leave the plane. They landed in Tunis and spent several hours at the airport before arranging a connection to Nice, their intended destination.

A viral sensation

The pair documented the confusion on TikTok, sharing clips of their disbelief as they Googled Tunis mid-flight. One video showed Dzialo’s friend posing in front of a fountain in Nice with the caption: “NICE COMMA FRANCE.”

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