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Month: October 2025

Monaco team claims victory at Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/10/2025

My Crown – Yellow Korner Monaco has celebrated a landmark win in the 245kg Corporate Category at the 10th edition of the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon, a gruelling endurance race staged at Circuit Paul Ricard in honour of the late Formula 1 driver.

Team No. 22 secured victory after an extraordinary 42 hours, 19 minutes and 50 seconds of continuous racing, emerging top among 16 teams in their class and part of a wider field of 35 international competitors. The race concluded in an emotional ceremony as Jean Alesi, President of Circuit Paul Ricard, and Louis Ducruet, representing Prince Albert II of Monaco, waved the chequered flag.

A victory dedicated to Jules Bianchi

“We’re beyond proud to have achieved this victory in Jules’ memory,” said Sophia Vaharis Tsouvelekakis, Team Manager. “Winning in the 245kg Corporate Category was no small feat. It’s a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of every person on our team. This win carries even more weight, as it embodies the spirit of solidarity, generosity and determination that Jules stood for.”

Photo credit: Vaharis Kambanis Iro

The marathon, launched in tribute to the much-loved French driver who died in 2015, continues to serve a wider purpose than sport alone. All proceeds from the event are donated to the Association Jules Bianchi, supporting the Neurology and Rehabilitation departments of L’Archet Hospital in Nice. Funds raised go towards advanced medical equipment, including walking simulators and immersive therapy systems for patients with severe brain injuries.

“This is more than a race. It’s about honouring Jules and his legacy of resilience, teamwork and compassion,” said co-organiser Franck Lagorce, who runs the event alongside Jules’ father, Philippe Bianchi.

A star-studded occasion

The race has also become a rallying point for the motorsport world and beyond. Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, a close friend of Bianchi and patron of the Association, sent a personal video message in support of the event. French singer Benjamin Biolay, three-time world swimming champion Camille Lacourt, and actor and sports journalist Arnaud Tsamère were among those who joined the gathering, which was broadcast live on WebTV and hosted by sports journalist Lionel Chamoulaud and comedian Marie Caizz.

Looking ahead

The Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon is now firmly established as both a high-octane challenge and a charitable mission. Organisers confirmed that the 11th edition will take place from 2nd to 4th October 2026, continuing to raise funds and awareness while carrying forward the spirit of a driver whose legacy continues to unite the motorsport community.

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Photo credit: Vaharis Kambanis Iro

Prince Albert II welcomes Aix-en-Provence into the Grimaldi Historic Sites network

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/10/2025

During a symbolic visit to Aix-en-Provence, Prince Albert II honoured centuries of Grimaldi heritage and was inducted as an honorary member of the city’s prestigious academy.

On 30th September, Prince Albert II made an official visit to Aix-en-Provence to mark the city’s entry into the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco network, a cultural and historical initiative launched by the Prince in 2015. Speaking in the Salle des États de Provence, he reflected on centuries of ties between the Grimaldi dynasty and the city.

“Honoré II of Monaco arrived in Aix on 28th October 1646,” recalled the Prince. “He was welcomed, as Duke and Peer of France, at the Parliament of Provence, and declared that he would ‘gladly pour out [his] blood, if the good of the State and this body in particular required it’.”

The Prince also reminded his hosts that Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi served as Archbishop of Aix for nearly four decades. A commemorative plaque in his memory was unveiled during the Prince’s visit to the former archiepiscopal palace.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

A personal honour and academic tribute

Later in the day, at the Musée Arbaud, Prince Albert was admitted as an honorary member of the Académie des sciences, agriculture, arts et belles-lettres d’Aix. “To become an honorary member of your academy honours me, of course; but above all, it moves me,” he said.

Quoting his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I, the Prince added: “The green coat of the Institut de France ‘imprints upon the worker a mark of modern nobility’. That is the same sense of nobility I see in the distinction you confer upon me today.”

From Cézanne to Sainte-Victoire, a cultural journey

The visit also embraced Aix’s cultural heritage, with Prince Albert touring the Hôtel de Caumont for the exhibition Niki de Saint Phalle – Le bestiaire magique, and the Musée Granet’s Cézanne au Jas de Bouffan. Two portraits of his ancestors – Prince Honoré II and Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi – were specially presented to him.

Concluding the day, the Prince quoted Jacqueline de Romilly’s poetic words about Aix’s Sainte-Victoire: “A true ‘living being, whose moods are consulted and whose changing face is endlessly admired’.”

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Photo: Prince Albert II with two portraits of his ancestors – Prince Honoré II and Cardinal Jérôme Grimaldi, credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Tattoo and Kustom Culture collide in Menton this November

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/10/2025

The seaside city of Menton is set to transform into a vibrant hub of alternative art and ink culture this November as the Menton Tattoo Expo 2025 returns for its second edition, joined this year by Kustom Kulture, a bold new addition celebrating underground creativity in all its forms.

The event will run from 15th to 17th November at the Palais de l’Europe, hosted by the Association Rebel Party. Building on the success of last year’s debut edition, which welcomed over 2,000 visitors and more than 120 tattoo artists from across Europe, the 2025 programme aims to push the boundaries even further.

Tattoo artistry across cultures and styles

The first floor of the venue will once again be dedicated to the core of the event: a live tattoo convention featuring artists specialising in everything from handpoke techniques to traditional Japanese, Thai and Maori tattoos. Visitors will have the opportunity to get inked on-site by renowned tattooists, with daily competitions including Best of Day and Best in Colour adding a dynamic edge to the showcase.

An entire room will be devoted to traditional techniques – a nod to the cultural roots of tattooing and a chance for attendees to learn more about the craftsmanship behind these ancient styles.

New for 2025: Kustom Kulture

The second floor of the Palais de l’Europe will debut Kustom Kulture, a curated exhibition space that brings together photographers, graffiti artists, illustrators, sculptors, and custom designers. From a photo competition gallery to handcrafted motorbike helmets and accessories, this creative marketplace will offer one-of-a-kind pieces for purchase, as well as a new Instagram competition where a lucky winner will take home a custom helmet designed by tattoo artists.

More than ink: food, music and atmosphere

Alongside the visual spectacle, guests can enjoy a food court offering “mer et terre” options — from oysters to burgers — as well as live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. The laid-back, inclusive atmosphere is designed to foster community and conversation among artists and attendees alike.

Confirmed guests this year include Loïc Malavard, an acclaimed photographer and juror for the photo competition, Bottega MM, a helmet design partner, and Social Club Tattoo, a key organiser and judge for the tattoo competitions. The full list of participating artists will be announced in the weeks ahead.

A growing creative movement in the Riviera

“This year, we wanted to go further than tattooing,” say organisers from Rebel Party. “We want Menton to become a meeting point for creative minds from all disciplines – a space where art in every form can be shared, experienced and celebrated.”

Applications for artists, exhibitors and photographers are now open via Instagram at @mentontattooexpo2025 and @kustomkulture2025.

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Main photo credit: Benjamin Lehman, Unsplash

French banks to enforce name-checks on transfers

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/10/2025

From 9th October, all French banks and payment institutions will be required to verify that the name of a payment recipient matches the IBAN provided before authorising a transfer. The move forms part of new EU legislation aimed at reducing fraud and operational errors across the Single Euro Payments Area.

The new rule, known as Verification of Payee, is part of the EU’s Instant Payments Regulation. It obliges banks to check whether the name entered by the payer matches the official name associated with the beneficiary’s account number. If the details do not match, a warning will be issued to the sender. Transfers may still proceed in some cases, but at the customer’s risk.

This verification mechanism has already been adopted in countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, where it has been shown to reduce incidents of fraud and misdirected payments. Its implementation in France marks a significant shift in standard banking practices.

Implications for account holders

Private individuals will need to ensure that names are entered exactly as registered with the recipient’s bank, including correct spelling and legal formats. For businesses, the requirement to use full legal entity names will be particularly important, as discrepancies may lead to delays or failed payments.

Although the change primarily targets fraudulent activity, it is also expected to reduce administrative burdens caused by incorrect or incomplete payment details.

A broader EU financial reform

The French Banking Federation has confirmed that all French banks must comply with the new regulation by the 9th October deadline. The rule applies to both standard and instant SEPA credit transfers and is part of a broader push to improve the safety and reliability of real-time payments across the eurozone.

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Photo credit: Tech Daily, Unsplash

Monaco Private Label hosts strategic dinner during Monaco Yacht Show

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/10/2025

A high-level networking dinner was held in Monaco last week as part of efforts by the Principality to strengthen international business ties during the Monaco Yacht Show.

Organised by the Monaco Private Label (MPL) under the Minister of State’s Attractiveness delegation, the event brought together over 150 business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from 40 countries. It took place during the annual yacht show, one of the most prominent events in Monaco’s luxury calendar.

Focus on economic diplomacy

Officials say the event was designed to support Monaco’s long-term strategy of economic diplomacy, by building a trusted global network of individuals aligned with the Principality’s values of sustainability, innovation, and excellence.

Speaking at the event, Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, Delegate for Attractiveness, said the strength of the network lies in its ability to quietly build trust and long-term collaboration.

“Our mission is to strengthen this community, transform these trusted connections into sustainable contributions for Monaco, and amplify the Principality’s global reach,” she said.

Chloé Boscagli, who heads the Monaco Private Label, said the initiative continues to grow, with a 25% increase in membership this year.

Yacht Show draws global attention

The Monaco Yacht Show, which took place from 25 to 28 September, welcomed over 30,000 visitors and showcased 120 superyachts, including more than 60 global debuts. The fleet, estimated to be worth more than €4.5 billion, drew interest from prospective buyers and industry leaders across the luxury and maritime sectors.

Officials say the event continues to underline the economic importance of the yachting industry to Monaco, both as a symbol of craftsmanship and as a driver of international investment.

The Principality has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for sustainable development and finance, with Monaco Private Label acting as a bridge between the government and key international figures.

See also: 

Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff to lead Monaco’s attractiveness strategy

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Photo source: Government Communications Department