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Month: October 2025

Football: Monaco and Nice see out entertaining draw in Côte d’Azur derby

by: Luke Entwistle
05/10/2025
Monaco's Fati strikes his penalty against Nice.

Neither side will have left the Stade Louis II entirely satisfied after AS Monaco and OGC Nice saw out a 2-2 draw in the Côte d’Azur derby on Sunday evening.

Neither side were going particularly well going into this game, and the fiercely contested 90 minutes failed to kick-start either’s season. A draw against Manchester City in midweek somewhat papers over the cracks at Monaco, who are yet to have a convincing 90-minute display in Ligue 1; Nice, meanwhile, came into the game with just two wins in 10 games in all competitions. Out of the Champions League at the qualifying rounds, without a point in the Europa League, and languishing in mid-table, it was Le Gym who were perhaps in more urgent need of a win.

“We’ll take it, under the circumstances,” said Nice manager Franck Haise post-match. Monaco are grateful for the circumstances, which allowed them to come back and salvage a point. It was a slow, lethargic start in what was an underwhelming derby-day atmosphere due to the Nice ultras’ strike, which meant the away end was uncharacteristically sparse for such an encounter between two such close neighbours.

It was Nice who started the game the better of the two sides. Antoine Mendy had the ball in the net in the 16th minute, only to see it ruled out for offside, but a former Monégasque, Sofiane Diop, did get the away side ahead on the half-hour mark. It was a vague, floating effort towards the back-post that beat everyone, including Mohammed Salisu, who misread the trajectory of the strike, and Philipp Kohn, seemingly unaware that it was heading into his far corner.

Monaco receive contentious penalty decision

However, just minutes later came the lifeline. Ali Abdi, already on a yellow card, put his studs down Mika Biereth’s thigh and was given his marching orders. But just as they did against AJ Auxerre earlier this season, Monaco conceded in spite of their numerical advantage, and it was Diop again, striking from the spot after Krépin Diatta was adjudged to have handled the ball.

And it was another handball, this time from Nice’s Mendy, that brought the game back to line in first-half injury-time. The Nice defender’s stray arm was punished, and Ansu Fati stepped up to net his first of the day and continue his excellent start to life in Red and White. Then came the second moment of contention – Monaco’s second penalty and the third of the encounter.

Put in behind, Folarin Balogun got in front of Moise Bombito, felt a nudge in the back and fell. “Balogun was in front of him…” said Hutter, evoking the incident, highlighting that he felt hard done by for the penalty awarded against his side earlier in the encounter. Bombito looked to be seriously injured in the incident, but despite the lengthy delay, Fati kept his calm to double his account on the day.

But it was a Monaco side struggling for inspiration, for ideas, for incision, who then played in front of Nice for much of the rest of the half. There were few chances for Les Monégasques, but one did come the way of George Ilenikhena, so often the danger-man off the bench, but he directed his free header wide of Yehvann Diouf’s goal.

Hutter expects returning players against Angers

A late push on the Nice goal could not unblock the encounter, as both sides were forced to settle for a draw. “I am not 100% satisfied,” said Hutter post-match. When have we heard that before?

“From the two draws this week, I have different feelings. The 2-2 versus Manchester City, with the final goal at the end, felt like a win. This 2-2, from 2-0 down, I am not satisfied […]  At the moment, we are not 100% happy, but when all of the players are back on board, we will be more competitive,” added the Monaco manager. 

Hutter believes that Aleksandr Golovin, Aladji Bamba, and Paul Pogba could all be back on for the next match, against SCO Angers, upon the return from the international break. Whilst it still leaves a lengthy injury list, improvements will now be expected from a diminished Monaco side yet to hit their stride.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Monaco’s Justice Secretary: “We need to come out of the shadows”

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/10/2025

When Samuel Vuelta Simon arrived in Monaco as Secretary of State for Justice just over a year ago, he made a shocking discovery: the Principality’s Wikipedia page didn’t even mention its justice system. 

“I thought, this isn’t possible,” he told the press, including Monaco Life, during a meeting on October 2nd. “How can people not know about a justice system that works well, works quickly, and is independent?”

That moment shaped his mission to modernise Monaco’s court while helping understand how justice actually works.

“Justice must be accountable to the community that employs it,” Vuelta Simon said. “It’s not some shadow arm of the state. It needs to explain what it does for people every day.”

It’s an ambitious goal for a small operation. Monaco’s entire justice administration runs on 30 people, with about 10 senior officials managing everything from courtrooms to international treaties.

Addressing independence questions

One of the first things Vuelta Simon confronted were the claims that Monaco’s judiciary lacks independence. Critics site article 88 of the Constitution, which states judicial power “belongs to the Prince”. But he argues that they are reading selectively.

“The following articles make clear that power is fully delegated to the courts,” he explained. “In a year here, I’ve never given a single instruction in an individual case.”

His role is administrative, which means ensuring judges can work independently, not directing their decisions. The only area where he can intervene is speed. “I can ask where they are on a case, whether they can move faster. People deserve prompt justice. But the substance of cases isn’t my call.”

Vuelta Simon during the press conference, photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Direction de la Communication 

Recruiting Monegasque judges

For years, young Monegasques have shown little to no interest in becoming judges. Last year, Monaco cancelled a magistrate recruitment competition when candidates withdrew.

This year brought a breakthrough though – 11 people enrolled in preparation courses, five registered for the magistracy exam, and three applied exclusively for judge positions. “This has never happened,” Vuelta explained.

His aim is for at least half of Monaco’s magistrates to be national. Currently, most are French.

The Monegasque Institute for Judicial Training, in an attempt to make justice more accessible, offered 700 training places this year, up from 340 three years ago. New programmes now serve government workers and students, not just legal professionals.

Monaco has also launched its first journal in June and began a book series on Monegasque law. These initiative address practical gaps like bailiff’s fees that hadn’t been updated in 25 years, while notaries operate under 1886 regulations.

“When we forget to update these texts, our justice system eventually grinds to a halt,” Vuelta Simon said.

International standing

Next year, Monaco will chair the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from May to November 2026, an opportunity that won’t recur for over two decades.

“It’s a chance to show what we do here and prove we’re at the level of major states,” Vuelta Simon said. Monaco is also negotiating judicial cooperation treaties with China, Panama, and Brazil.

“We’re a small team achieving important things quickly with limited resources,” he said, wrapping up the conference. Whether updating Wikipedia, training judges, or exiting grey lists, his main objective remains consistent, and that is bringing Monaco’s justice system into clearer view.

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Main photo of Vuelta Simon credit: Manuel Vitali, Direction de la Communication

Shein picks France for first physical stores as Galeries Lafayette pushes back

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/10/2025

Fast fashion giant Shein has announced plans to open its first permanent shops in France this November, but the move has sparked opposition from Galeries Lafayette, which denounced the brand’s practices as incompatible with its values.

The Chinese-founded, Singapore-based platform will open its debut store in the BHV Marais in Paris, followed by five more “gradually” in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges. The shops will operate within Galeries Lafayette-branded department stores owned by the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM).

However, Galeries Lafayette issued a statement distancing itself from the deal, insisting that it no longer operates these locations. “Galeries Lafayette would like to express their deep disagreement with this decision [of SGM] with regard to the positioning and practices of this ultra fast fashion brand, which is in contradiction with their offer and values,” the group said.

Criticism from the European textile sector

Shein, founded in 2012, has become one of the most recognisable names in online fashion, known for its extremely low prices, vast product range and aggressive marketing. In 2022, the company reported revenues of $23 billion (€20 billion) and employs more than 16,000 people worldwide.

But its rise has drawn sharp criticism from Europe’s textile and clothing industry, which accuses Shein of undercutting domestic brands through unfair competition. Industry groups say the firm skirts EU environmental and social standards and exploits customs duty exemptions on small parcels, allowing it to flood the market at rock-bottom prices.

A promise of jobs and urban renewal

SGM defended its partnership with Shein, saying the project was about “revitalising city centres throughout France, restoring department stores and developing opportunities for French ready-to-wear.” The group claims the alliance will create 200 direct and indirect jobs in France.

For now, Shein insists that its French stores will represent a “sustainable” model and mark a new phase in the company’s global strategy. But with resistance from established retailers and growing scrutiny from regulators, the fast fashion giant faces a contentious debut on Europe’s high streets.

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Photo credit: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Inside Michelin starred Le Restaurant des Rois at La Réserve de Beaulieu

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/10/2025

There’s something unmistakably Riviera-chic, iconic, and enduring about dining at one of the Grand Dames of the Côte d’Azur. It’s the blend of old-world glamour and timeless beauty that makes this part of the world so captivating — and keeps people coming back, year after year.

La Réserve de Beaulieu is one of those rare gems. Built in the 1880s, and expanded upon in the decades that followed, its full grandeur is best admired from the sea, where the pink façade rises above the shoreline. But even from the street, its Belle Époque elegance is clear — the sweeping circular drive, the voiturier at the ready — all hint at the exclusivity within.

The stunning courtyard of La Réserve de Beaulieu

A cocktail in the courtyard is the perfect start. Framed by lush, manicured gardens and set against the backdrop of the hotel’s signature tower, it’s a tranquil spot that’s particularly magical in spring and late summer.

The Bar Gordon Bennett – a tribute to the American journalist who loved La Réserve – feels like a portal to another time. Each evening, a pianist settles in at the baby grand, conjuring a 1920s atmosphere when live music brought soul to a space, rather than being a novelty.

Bar Gordon Bennet

The restaurant itself is strategically positioned to capture the most extraordinary asset of the hotel: an uninterrupted, 180° view of the Mediterranean Sea, stretching from Monaco down the coast, set against a magical mirror pool. It feels like an embrace — wide, warm, and utterly intoxicating.

Like the hotel that houses it, the restaurant gently reminds you why you fell in love with the French Riviera in the first place.

Le Restaurant des Rois overlooks the mirror pool and stunning Mediterranean Sea

The restaurant of kings, the king of restaurants

For almost 130 years, La Réserve de Beaulieu has stood as a temple of gastronomy on the Riviera. Within months of its opening, one critic famously hailed it as “the restaurant of kings and the king of restaurants” — a reputation that has never faded. With its seafront terrace, polished service, refined décor and one of the region’s great wine cellars, it continues to embody French culinary excellence.

Under the stewardship of Nicole and Jean-Claude Delion, it remains among the country’s most distinguished dining addresses. Today, Michelin-starred chef Julien Roucheteau, named Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2019, adds his own touch of artistry with cuisine that balances creativity, precision and a respect for seasonal produce, drawing gourmets from around the world.

Michelin starred Chef Julien Roucheteau

From the moment you step through its arched doors — beneath soaring ceilings and chandeliers that have illuminated decades of discreet diplomacy — it’s clear this is a place where tradition and excellence speak softly but carry weight.

“Enjoy the ride,” says Guillaume Anglade, Director of Catering, with a smile as he takes away the menus, noting approvingly that the Menu Gourmet was a wise choice.

To start, a trio of amuse-bouches — light at first, building to a bold anchovy bite that jolts the senses awake. Then comes the heavily-seasoned bread and butter – undoubtedly the best I’ve ever encountered.

Left: the trio of amuse-bouches; right: celeriac ravioli with fresh baked bread and flavoured butters. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

What follows is the chef’s signature amuse-bouche: a delicate celeriac ravioli.

“We often start with vegetables,” Chef Julien Roucheteau later tells me. “We deconstruct them, play with their textures and flavours to create something fluid, digestible — but also surprising. We want that first bite to be an explosion in the mouth, something that wakes up the palate.”

And wake us up it does.

First: crispy gavottes of crab paired with a featherlight tarragon hummus. A ginger emulsion crowns the claw, adding a gentle zing without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shellfish.

Next: Niçois-style ravioli filled with cockles, dressed with a lime-scented vinaigrette that evokes sea spray, and finished with a velvet touch of caviar. Delicate, saline, and perfectly balanced.

Left: crispy crab gavottes, right: the chef’s interpretation of Niçois ravioli, served with cockels and finished with caviar. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Then arrives the fish — a wild sea bass côtelette, carved with precision and kissed with smokiness, served alongside salicornia and a subtle Noilly Prat-infused broth. It is deeply flavoured, yet light and elegant.

The meat course follows: Vendée beef grilled with finesse, served with a celeriac mousseline brightened by green shiso — a perfect bridge between richness and lift.

Chef Roucheteau composes dishes that build slowly, quietly — layers of balance, clarity, restraint and indulgence, all held together by a deep respect for ingredients and the person lucky enough to eat them.

The chef uses butter, yes, but with precision and restraint. It elevates rather than overwhelms.

‘It’s true — you often start a meal in a great place, enjoying stunning plates, and by the main course or dessert, you’re full and starting to disconnect. Here, each dish is designed to be balanced — even the beef dish, which is rich. Yet every bite remains enjoyable. We play a lot on lightness and digestibility. That’s part of the signature of my cooking.”

Left: black fig dessert; right: sweet selection. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

By dessert, your palate isn’t overwhelmed — it’s still wide awake. A sorbet of black fig, crisped into a polyhedral shell and dressed in a deep violet vinaigrette, closes the meal with elegance and surprise.

And just when you think it’s over, the dessert trolley rolls out — an indulgent array of French sweets: homemade marshmallows, nougatines, caramels, and other delicate confections.

The entrance to the Michelin starred restaurant

A Room With a Memory 

The dining room is majestic without being stiff. The Riviera sun slips in through vast windows, catching the glint of silver, the ripple of wine in glass. There’s history in these walls — you can feel it — but nothing feels outdated. If anything, there’s a quiet confidence, a knowledge that the real stars of the evening aren’t the gold leaf or the marble, but what lands on your plate, and the way it’s delivered to your table.

And then there’s the view: the sea, always the sea, stretching beyond the terrace, catching the light just so. It doesn’t beg for attention, it simply becomes part of the meal. 

La Reserve de Beaulieu as seen from the sea

A French Riviera Masterpiece

The story of La Réserve de Beaulieu began in 1880, when visionary restaurateur Pierre Lottier established a refined coastal retreat on the shores of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Its name, taken from the original stone basin used to preserve the day’s catch, soon came to represent a new standard of Riviera sophistication. As its reputation grew, the property evolved into a Belle Époque palace, drawing a cosmopolitan clientele in search of privacy and poise. Today, with 39 rooms and suites and under the care of the Delion family, La Réserve stands as a rare example of heritage preserved without compromise.

A Lasting Impression 

Dining at Le Restaurant des Rois is not about being dazzled — though you will be. It’s about being moved. Quietly, gently, with every course. It is about a memory being built, one that will sit somewhere between the scent of citrus in the night air, the hush of silver on porcelain, the shimmer of the sea just beyond the terrace, and the flavour that lingers long after the last glass has been poured. A masterpiece on the Riviera. A place to return to. Again and again.

Practical information

Le Restaurant des Rois at La Réserve de Beaulieu is open seasonally from March to October (closing 16th October 2025). Dinner is served daily from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with lunch available on weekends and public holidays from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made via the hotel’s official website or by calling +33 (0)4 93 01 00 01.

See more in Cassandra Tanti’s video reel below…

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All photos of La Reserve de Beaulieu, unless otherwise indicated, courtesy of the hotel

 

Podcast: Getting a divorce in Monaco with CMS Lawyer Raphaëlle Svara

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/10/2025

In this episode, we’re revisiting one of the most talked-about topics we’ve ever covered: divorce in Monaco. It may not be the lightest subject, but it’s certainly one that touches many lives here in the Principality, and the interest around it has been enormous.

To guide us through this complex and often misunderstood terrain, I’m joined by Raphaëlle Svara, Partner at CMS Monaco and co-head of the Private Clients team. Raphaëlle specialises in family law and cross-border matters, making her the perfect person to help us understand why divorce in Monaco is rarely straightforward.

In our conversation, we cover the key questions anyone should be asking before considering a divorce here: from how jurisdiction can completely change the outcome of a case, to what Monaco’s matrimonial regimes mean in practice, how custody of children is handled, and why preparation is absolutely essential. We also look at how the courts view issues like infidelity, financial support, and whether it’s better to fight it out in court or aim for an amicable agreement.

If you’ve ever wondered how Monaco’s unique legal system compares to countries like France or the UK, or what really happens behind closed doors when wealth, children, and international laws collide — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Episode guide:

1.20 mins: Why is divorcing in Monaco never as simple as we may think?

2.20 mins: What are some of the most important things an individual—whether male or female—should be considering when they’re possibly thinking about getting a divorce in Monaco?

3.22 mins: What I found really interesting in talking about this with you was the issue of jurisdiction. Why is this so important?

4.30 mins: And we’re talking about the rights of individuals in the couple when we’re talking about why it’s more interesting for one party than the other?

5.06 mins: Can you explain for us: are there any “red flag” countries that are the worst for the lower-earning spouse?

5.51 mins: Monaco is such a unique place—unlike anywhere else in the world. Can you tell us what the law looks like here?

6.18 mins: What is a matrimonial regime?

7.09 mins: What’s the difference between common law and civil law in this context?

9.02 mins: Let’s talk about kids. Divorce is always messy—it’s never nice. Even though people may go into it saying, “We’ll be amicable,” I’m sure it can still get ugly.

10.01 mins: How do you break the “It’s my money” dynamic in court?

11.05 mins: How long can someone—say, a mother or financially weaker spouse—expect to receive support?

12.22 mins: Does cheating on your spouse affect what you get by law?

13.49 mins: How important is it—if you’re considering getting a divorce in Monaco—to prepare proof, financial statements, and really study your partner’s financial situation before launching proceedings?

14.39 mins: Even though you’re a lawyer and this is your business, you encourage clients to settle before it gets to court. Why?

15.55 mins: I appreciate your honesty there—it’s important. A lot of people think lawyers are only in it for the money, but you also work as mediators.

17.07 mins: So we are in Monaco, where often the man is the wealthier spouse in the marriage—what’s it like working with female clients? Is it satisfying when the divorce is finally over?

18.33 mins: What are your top pieces of advice for anyone considering getting a divorce in Monaco?

See more in Cassandra Tanti and Raphaëlle Svara’s original interview below…

Getting a divorce in Monaco: what you need to know

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Photo credit: Richard McCreery, Monaco Life

 

‘It’s a Dog’s Life’ book launch raises funds and awareness for SPA Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/10/2025

Club Suisse de Monaco has thrown its support behind a new charity book project, It’s a Dog’s Life Monaco, which was officially launched on 15th September in the presence of Princess Charlene of Monaco.

The coffee table book features over 350 striking portraits of dogs — from pampered pets to rescued animals — all captured by Jessica Fry. With every copy sold, funds are raised for the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Monaco (SPA), of which Princess Charlene is president.

A tribute to Monaco’s canine companions

The project was born out of a love for animals and a desire to help. As well as celebrating the deep bond between dogs and their humans in the Principality, the book highlights the stories of those still waiting for a second chance. The portraits, including some of the Princely Family’s own dogs, give a voice — and a face — to Monaco’s most loyal companions.

All proceeds from sales go directly to SPA Monaco to support the organisation’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.

A launch evening of generosity

The launch took place on the terrace of the Philanthropic Foundation of Sir Stelios, with a strong show of support from the community. Princess Charlene was joined by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, representatives from the SPA, and figures from Monaco’s political and cultural spheres.

Club Suisse de Monaco played a key role in the project’s success, offering financial and organisational support to ensure the book became a reality.

More than just a collection of photographs, It’s a Dog’s Life Monaco is a heartfelt platform for animal welfare, awareness, and action — proving that, in Monaco, compassion has four legs.

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Photo source: Club Suisse de Monaco