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Month: December 2025

Héli Air Monaco to introduce electric aircraft on Riviera routes

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Vertical Aerospace and Héli Air Monaco announced a memorandum of understanding on December 9th for the pre-order of the British company’s Valo aircraft, marking a potential shift towards electric aviation on the French Riviera. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was unveiled in London the same day.

Héli Air Monaco plans to operate the Valo across its existing network, connecting Monaco with Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez through what the companies describe as quiet, zero-emission flights. Vertical Aerospace is targeting concurrent regulatory certification with the European Union and UK aviation regulators by 2028.

The partnership positions the Côte d’Azur as a testing ground for electric aviation on some of Europe’s busiest short-haul air routes, particularly around Nice airport. Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Monaco Heliport are supporting the initiative to develop the necessary infrastructure adaptations.

Aircraft specifications and safety standards

The Valo is designed to initially seat four passengers, with plans to expand to six. The cabin features panoramic windows, generous personal space, and capacity for six cabin bags and six check-in bags. Vertical Aerospace is designing the aircraft to meet Europe’s 10-9 safety standard, which represents the highest level of commercial aviation safety globally.

The aircraft represents an evolution from Vertical’s VX4 prototype, incorporating insights from the company’s piloted test programme and feedback from airline and operator customers.

Industry perspectives

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said the partnership reflects a shared vision for cleaner and quieter travel along the coastline. “This partnership builds on today’s launch of Valo, our new aircraft, and accelerates our momentum toward bringing electric flight to market,” he stated.

Jacques Crovetto, CEO of Héli Air Monaco, described the move as reimagining travel across the Riviera. “By decarbonising our fleet of helicopters and dramatically reducing our noise footprint, we will be delivering a flight experience for our passengers that respects our neighbours, our environment, and shapes a sustainable future,” he said.

Franck Goldnadel, chairman of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur’s management board, noted that electric vertical take-off aircraft extend ongoing efforts to transform and decarbonise air mobility, particularly over short distances. He highlighted the region’s unique opportunity to fly over the sea to connect major destinations, positioning eVTOL as an alternative to conventional helicopters.

Context and timeline

The memorandum of understanding represents a pre-order arrangement that is non-binding and conditional. The planned deployment depends on regulatory certification, infrastructure development, and operational readiness by 2028.

Vertical Aerospace holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders for its eVTOL aircraft globally. The company is also developing a hybrid-electric variant of the Valo to offer increased range and mission flexibility for different market segments.

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Image source: Vertical Aerospace

 

Outward Bound Monaco honors summer program participants

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

Students who participated in Outward Bound programs in England and Wales during summer 2024 gathered for the association’s annual awards ceremony on December 2 at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The event brought together participants, their families, and association members to recognise the students’ achievements.

Prince Albert II, patron of Outward Bound Monaco, presented diplomas to the 12 students and acknowledged their resilience in completing the challenging outdoor programs. The Prince was thanked for his continued support of the association.

Program focus and student achievements

Michael Peagram, an ambassador for Outward Bound Monaco, outlined the organisation’s mission during his opening remarks. He explained that Outward Bound aims to help young people recognise capabilities beyond their perceived limits through physical experiences in wilderness settings, taking participants outside their comfort zones.

The participants, ranging from 10 to 17-years-old, spent time away from phones and social media during their summer programs, engaging in activities designed to test personal limits while building new friendships.

2026 program enrollment

Outward Bound Monaco has opened registration for 2026 courses. The association offers an early registration discount for bookings made before January 31, 2026, and provides financial assistance in certain cases. Information is available at www.outwardboundmonaco.info or by contacting Vanessa@outwardboundmonaco.com.

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Photo credit: Arbee Pachao, ACP Images 

 

Nathalie Stutzmann becomes first woman to lead Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/12/2025

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo announced the appointment of Nathalie Stutzmann as Artistic and Music Director on 10th December, with Princess Caroline of Monaco presiding over the announcement. Stutzmann will begin her four-year term on 1st September 2026, becoming the 19th director in the orchestra’s history and the first woman to hold the position since its founding in 1856.

The appointment represents the culmination of a decade-long relationship between Stutzmann and the OPMC. She first conducted the orchestra in 2014 with Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore, returned in 2017 for Wagner’s Tannhäuser, and has led symphonic concerts in recent seasons. The Principality recognised her contributions in 2014 when she was named Officer in the Order of Cultural Merit.

“I am deeply honoured to join the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo as its next Music and Artistic Director,” Stutzmann said at the announcement. “My collaboration with the orchestra started ten years ago, and we have been developing a beautiful complicity and joy to make music together during those years.”

International career and dual appointments

Stutzmann currently serves as Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where she has held the position since the 2022-2023 season. She became only the second woman to lead a major American orchestra when she took that role, and recently extended her contract through 2029. She previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2021 to 2024, the first woman to hold that position.

Her 2023 appearance at the Bayreuth Festival marked another significant milestone. She became only the second woman to conduct at the festival in its 150-year history, leading performances of Tannhäuser that earned her the title of Conductor of the Year at the 2024 Oper! Awards.

From singer to conductor

Stutzmann began her musical career as a contralto, building an international reputation before transitioning to conducting in the early 2000s. She studied under Finnish pedagogue Jorma Panula, as well as with Seiji Ozawa and Simon Rattle, and has more than 80 recordings to her credit as a singer.

France has honoured her with Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur and Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, the country’s highest cultural distinctions.

Succession and vision

Stutzmann will succeed Kazuki Yamada, whose ten-year tenure as Artistic and Musical Director concludes in August 2026. Yamada moves to the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director. Princess Caroline acknowledged his significant contribution to the orchestra during the announcement ceremony.

At the press conference, Stutzmann outlined plans to expand the OPMC’s international presence through recording and touring activities whilst strengthening connections with Monaco audiences. She described the orchestra as her “European family” to complement her work with the Atlanta Symphony.

Addressing the historic nature of her appointment, Stutzmann emphasised that competence should take precedence over gender considerations. “I sincerely hope I was not chosen because I am a woman,” she told journalists. “I believe I was chosen because I have a wonderful relationship with this orchestra and because we can achieve great things together.”

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Photo credit: Philippe Fitte, Department of Cultural Affairs

 

Monaco’s Osaka Expo: a tool for diplomatic relations

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
11/12/2025

Monaco’s pavilion at the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors over six months, a remarkable 5.25% of the exhibition’s total 28 million attendees, far exceeding what might have been expected from one of the world’s smallest nations. 

At a press conference on December 10th, officials reflected on what they described as a successful diplomatic and economic mission for the Principality in Japan.

“The pavilion was a tool, and the first to use it was Pierre-André Chiappori, our Minister of Finance,” said Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco’s Ambassador to Japan. “He invited guests from the media world, tourism, economic operators from the Kansai region, and influencers. There was tremendous activity on social media.”

A haven of peace

The six month exhibition, themed ‘Take Care of Wonder’, showcased Monaco’s commitment to the environment through an immersive garden experience blending Mediterranean and Japanese design elements.

Commissaire Général Mireille Martini told Monaco Life that visitor feedback revealed something unexpected about what drew people in. “The words that came back often were that it was very elegant compared to other constructions,” she said. “They were happy to sit in the garden and be calm. At expos, there’s a lot of noise, a lot of people. With us, they found themselves in a haven of peace.”

“They told us: ‘We didn’t know Monaco had so much to tell’. That’s the best reward,” she added.

Building ties beyond the pavilion

Beyond visitor numbers, officials also highlighted the diplomatic groundwork laid during the event. Foreign Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadei used her visit, for example, to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia (also host of the 2030 World Expo) and Japan’s international cooperation agency.

“They addressed the situation in Korea, Japan’s concerns related to its powerful neighbours, Russia and China, then international cooperation relations with Japan,” Gamerdinger explained.

Meanwhile, Mayor Georges Marsan’s meetings with the mayor of Gamagori yielded concrete results. “We have a project for closer ties between the Japanese federation of all port facilities and Monaco,” Gamerdinger said, noting that this led to a tangible invitation: “Mr. Gamagori will come to Monaco to attend the car rally in January.”

The Toyota Motor Corporation’s senior leadership has also been invited to visit Monaco, along with Osaka’s mayor.

Lines of people waiting to enter Monaco’s Pavilion, photo Monaco Life.

Monaco’s National Day celebration

One of the most important moments of Monaco’s Pavilion was its National Day. Each participating country at the Expo was allocated its own national day, and Monaco’s fell on June 28th. On that day, Prince Albert II led a delegation that included Princess Stéphanie, with Japan’s Princess Hisako of Takamado in attendance.

The day featured performances by the Monte-Carlo Ballet and a concert by the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra, which drew 1,900 spectators.

“It was very well organised and considered extremely interesting from a tourist perspective by the members of the Council,” Gamerdinger said of the delegation’s feedback.

What’s next

The pavilion’s closure marks the start of preparations for Monaco’s next exhibitions: the specialised expo in Belgrade in May 2027, where Monaco will have a 120 square metre pavilion, and the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.

Regarding the Osaka pavilion itself, it was dismantled with sustainability in mind: 85% of components recycled, 5% reused, and only 10% sent to landfill. Meanwhile, the emblematic olive tree from the pavilion’s garden, gifted to Osaka by Prince Albert II, was replanted on November 6th at the site of the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life.

Louis Vuitton secures multi-year title partnership of Monaco Grand Prix

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/12/2025

Louis Vuitton has entered a multi-year agreement to become title partner of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco, starting with the 83rd edition scheduled for June 4th to 7th 2026. 

The title partnership extends Louis Vuitton’s official Formula 1 relationship, which began in 2025, and strengthens a connection between the maison and Monaco that stretches back several years. Louis Vuitton served as a partner of the Automobile Club de Monaco from 2021 to 2024, presenting its custom trophy trunk on the podium at each race.

Six consecutive years of trophy trunks

Louis Vuitton has marked victories by Max Verstappen in 2021 and 2023, Sergio Pérez in 2022, Charles Leclerc in 2024, and Lando Norris in 2025 with presentations of its signature trophy trunk. The 2026 race will mark the sixth consecutive year the maison provides the custom trunk for the Monaco Grand Prix.

The 2026 trophy trunk, crafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières workshops, features the house’s Monogram canvas rendered in an exclusive red shade honoring Monaco’s national color. The design incorporates the letter “V” in white and red, representing both Vuitton and Victory, in a pattern inspired by the Monegasque flag. The trunk reflects more than 170 years of Louis Vuitton craftsmanship.

Heritage of automotive and sporting trunks

Louis Vuitton’s connection to motorsport dates to the late 19th century, when Georges Vuitton created the first automobile trunks. The house has since produced trophy trunks for major international sporting events including the America’s Cup, FIFA World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Trackside presence and official poster

Louis Vuitton will maintain prominent trackside branding throughout the 2026 race weekend, with custom installations around the circuit combining the house’s visual identity with Formula 1 imagery. The Automobile Club de Monaco released the official poster for the 83rd edition, which features a notable departure from tradition by highlighting the start-finish line with the podium positioned to the side, where the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk will be displayed during the event.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been a fixture of international motorsport since 1929. TAG Heuer, another LVMH-owned brand, served as the race’s first-ever title partner in 2024. Louis Vuitton also holds title partnership of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix, announced earlier in 2025.

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Photo credit: Michael Alesi, government communications department 

 

Monaco’s festive season showcases luxury takeaway treats and Christmas creations

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/12/2025

Monaco’s top pâtissiers and chefs are presenting an array of festive takeaway treats this December, allowing residents to bring hotel-quality Christmas desserts and specialities into their homes.

The offerings range from intricately designed yule logs to traditional panettone, with establishments across the Principality competing to create the most sophisticated seasonal collections for takeaway purchase.

Hôtel Métropole’s Guerlain-inspired creation

Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo has created a yule log sculpted to resemble Guerlain’s iconic Bee Bottle, originally designed in 1853 for Napoleon III’s future wife Eugénie. The dessert reproduces the bottle’s design in gold tones, evoking both the Place Vendôme column and the imperial bee symbol.

The creation features candied citrus, honey-tonka crémeux and vanilla mousse. The collaboration between pastry artistry and the recently inaugurated Spa Guerlain at the property creates a distinctive seasonal offering that can be ordered for home celebrations.

The unique Buche Guerlain at the Hôtel Metropole

Cédric Grolet’s Christmas collection

At the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo courtyard, celebrated pastry chef Cédric Grolet presents his Christmas yule logs available until 31st December. The Père Noël features vanilla mousse, vanilla crémeux, vanilla milk jam, soft vanilla biscuit and salted caramel praline crisp, designed as a whimsical Santa Claus figure.

The Pain d’Épices combines gingerbread mousse, gingerbread caramel vanilla crémeux, soft gingerbread biscuit and gingerbread praline crisp. Both creations demonstrate Grolet’s signature approach of elevating traditional flavours through refined technique.

Grolet’s Christmas Tea Time runs from 17th December to 4th January in the Hôtel de Paris patio, featuring pastries, cakes, scones, candied orange peels and savoury treats alongside festive drinks including Chaï latte, mulled wine and hot chocolate at €120 per person.

Luxury Christmas treats from Cédric Grollet at the Hôtel de Paris

Traditional Italian panettone at Cova

Cova pâtisserie offers traditional homemade panettone, the classic Italian Christmas bread requiring days of preparation and careful fermentation. The slow-fermented dough, studded with candied fruits and raisins, represents one of pâtisserie’s most technically demanding specialities.

Every panettone tells a story of traditional methods maintained to meet Monaco’s exacting culinary standards.

SBM’s signature yule log

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s pastry team has created a signature yule log inspired by Christmas melodies, available in restaurants and for takeaway at Mada One throughout the festive season. The design reflects SBM’s theme for 2025, ‘The Magic of Christmas in Monte-Carlo’.

Christmas tree croissants at Robuchon Monaco

Robuchon Monaco’s gourmet hampers

Robuchon Monaco offers Christmas hampers featuring foie gras, champagne, chocolate truffles, panettone and other delicacies for gifting or personal use. The establishment also provides an exclusive take-away collection of complete Christmas meals, designed to deliver restaurant-quality dining at home.

Three yule log options are available from Le Petit Café Robuchon and Le Deli Robuchon Monaco. The Vanilla Caramel & Pecan Log costs €48 for four people or €75 for six, combining pecan crisp, biscuit, soft fleur de sel caramel, praline and Madagascar vanilla mousse.

The Hazelnut Chocolate Log at the same price points features hazelnut crisp and biscuit, hazelnut cream, éclair with fondant hazelnut praline and Peruvian 63 per cent chocolate mousse. The signature log at €89 for six people presents French toast-style biscuit with vanilla crisp, red fruit gel and chocolate mendiant confection.

From hotel pâtisseries to established confectionery houses, these offerings allow residents and visitors to enjoy restaurant-quality creations in their own homes, ensuring Monaco’s reputation for gastronomic excellence extends beyond dining room service.

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Main photo of Robuchon’s Christmas chocolate treats, sourced from Robuchon