Monaco will welcome some of the world’s top fencers this weekend when the International Épée Tournament takes place from January 10th to 11th at the Espace Saint-Antoine.
The prestigious event, held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, will host nearly 200 athletes set to compete across 17 pistes in individual men’s and women’s categories, competing for one of the sport’s most valued prizes: the Prince Albert II of Monaco Cup.
More than 130 of France’s leading female fencers are expected to take part in the National Senior Women’s competition, offering a unique opportunity for European and international competitors to test themselves at the highest level.
The tournament is open to senior épée fencers as well as juniors who have been moved up to compete in the higher category. International participants must hold a valid licence from their national federation.
The finals will take place on Sunday January 11th at 4pm in the Espace Saint-Antoine’s multi-sports hall, with the awards ceremony taking place later in the afternoon.
Monaco’s gardeners will begin the annual harvest of bitter oranges on 12th January, collecting fruit from over 600 untreated bigarade trees across the principality through to early February.
The Direction of Urban Planning (DAU) manages nearly 1,200 citrus trees in Monaco, including oranges, lemons, clementines and bitter oranges. Every January and February, gardeners prune the various fruit trees and pick bigarades growing along streets in La Condamine, Moneghetti and Monte-Carlo.
Residents wishing to obtain bitter oranges during the harvest can approach gardeners on site. Last year, more than 15 tonnes were collected, with nearly 4.5 tonnes distributed free to the public and Lycée Rainier III, where students transformed the fruit into marmalade and fruit paste.
Harvest locations and timing
Gardeners will work from 8:00am to 2:30pm, weather permitting and subject to harvest progress. In La Condamine, the harvest runs from 12th to 23rd January on Rue Grimaldi, followed by Rue Princesse Caroline from 26th January through 6th February. Moneghetti’s Boulevard de Belgique will see collection from 19th to 30th January.
Monte-Carlo residents can find gardeners on Boulevard d’Italie from 12th to 15th January and on Avenue de Grande-Bretagne from 19th to 23rd January.
The bitter oranges, known as Seville oranges or bigarades, are prized for making marmalade due to their high pectin content and distinctive tart flavour. Unlike sweet oranges, they are too acidic to eat fresh but transform into exceptional preserves when cooked with sugar.
An exhibition titled Sur la Route des Agrumes (On the Citrus Route) is currently installed on Rue Princesse Caroline and will run through to February 2026.
Cruise ship activity in Monaco increased markedly in 2025, according to the latest tourism data from IMSEE, indicating a year in which maritime arrivals grew faster than many other visitor indicators — despite the Principality’s continued efforts to tightly control cruise tourism.
IMSEE’s Bulletin de l’Économie for the third quarter of 2025 shows that 99 cruise ships called at Monaco between July and September, up from 84 vessels during the same period in 2024, representing a 17.9% year-on-year increase. Over the same period, the number of cruise passengers surged by 29.1%, rising from 54,428 to 70,292.
The post-Covid increase was particularly notable given Monaco’s 2023 policy of limiting cruise ship size and passenger numbers, favouring smaller, premium vessels over large-capacity ships.
Monaco within a growing Mediterranean cruise market
Monaco’s experience mirrored a broader expansion across the Mediterranean in 2025. Data from the Direction interrégionale de la mer Méditerranée shows that 1,885 cruise ship stopovers were scheduled along the French Mediterranean coast over the year — an 11% increase compared to 2024, equivalent to 194 additional stopovers.
Within that wider regional context, 145 cruise stopovers were scheduled for the Ports of Monaco, placing the Principality among the more active — though still carefully managed — destinations in the western Mediterranean cruise circuit.
Across the region, cruise activity in 2025 was delivered by 52 companies operating a fleet of 147 ships, with vessels averaging a maximum capacity of around 2,070 passengers. Monaco, however, continued to accept only ships falling well below that upper capacity range, in line with its port access criteria.
The year also saw new operators enter Mediterranean — and Monaco — waters. Among them was Explora Journeys, a luxury cruise brand that made its debut in the region in 2025 and was scheduled for 23 stopovers, reflecting Monaco’s ongoing appeal to high-end cruise lines aligned with its tourism positioning.
Economic impact remains nuanced
While cruise passenger numbers rose sharply in 2025, their economic contribution continues to be viewed with caution. Monaco’s tourism strategy has long recognised that cruise visitors do not consistently generate the same level of local spending as overnight hotel guests — a view reinforced by IMSEE’s broader tourism data, which showed growth in hotel occupancy, longer average stays and a rising share of non-EU visitors over the year.
Monte Carlo Rally has broken its own rules for the 2026 season to ensure no driver misses out on the 94th edition of motorsports most iconic winter event.
While its initial capacity was at 60 entries, the rally will now welcome 66 crews when it gets underway from 22nd to 25th January as the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The expansion required what organisers called a “logistical tour de force”, particularly for managing the service park at Gap Fontreyne.
Leading the charge will be world champions Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. The Hautes-Alpes native is hunting a record-breaking 11th Monte Carlo victory, though he faces stiff competition from 10 other Rally1 machines.
Toyota has entered five crews while Hyundai and M-Sport Ford field three each. Among the main challengers are two-time Monte Carlo winners Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, plus Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria, who impressed with third place in 2025. Meanwhile, Grégoire Munster will attempt the demanding double of competing at both the Dakar Rally and Monte Carlo within days of each other.
Following, the WRC2 category has attracted 25 entries and features one of the weekend’s biggest storylines: Lancia’s official return to rallying. The Italian marque will field the Ypsilon HF with crews including Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin among the favourites.
Lastly, a new generation is also making its mark. Oliver Solberg will drive a Rally1 Toyota, while WRC2 features Pablo Sarrazin and Elliot Delecour, sons of formers rally champions.
The full entry list represents 22 nationalities and nine manufacturers, with administrative checks beginning in just 13 days.
France has dramatically escalated penalties for serious speeding violations, reclassifying drivers caught at 50km/h or more over the limit as criminals rather than traffic offenders.
The change, which took place on December 29th, marks a significant shift in how French authorities tackle dangerous driving. What was previously treated as the most serious type of traffic fine has now been upgraded to a criminal offence.
Harsher penalties
The reclassification brings substantially tougher consequences. Fines have more than doubled, starting at €3,750 compared to the previous maximum of €1,500. Courts can now also impose prison sentences ranging from two months to 10 years.
Additional penalties may include driving bands, licence cancellations, and vehicle confiscation. Perhaps most significantly, convictions will now appear on criminal records, potentially affecting employment and travel prospects.
Cases will be heard in criminal courts rather than traffic tribunals, showcasing exactly how seriously French law views these violations.
Rising concerns
The decision follows growing concerns over extreme speeding incidents in French roads. Officials explain that such behaviours pose an unacceptable danger to other road users and pedestrians.
Previously, repeat offenders were already facing criminal charges under the legislation, but the new law means first-time offenders caught at extreme speeds will now face the same legal consequences.
The move forms part of France’s broader efforts to reduce road casualties and deal with road violence.
At just 22, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco is already rewriting Monaco’s equestrian history, becoming the first male Monegasque rider to compete in the FEI Jumping World Cup and qualifying for the 2026 World Championships. Quietly ambitious and relentlessly disciplined, he has emerged as one of the Principality’s most promising sporting talents. We meet the young champion carving his name into the record books.
When Jan Tops, founder of the Global Champions League, personally selects you for his elite circuit, you know you’ve arrived. For Íñigo López de la Osa Franco, that call represented the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice and an unwavering focus on reaching show jumping’s highest level.
“I was very happy. It’s always been a dream of mine to be part of the Global Champions League,” Íñigo tells me at his family’s stables in Ventimiglia, Italy, reflecting on his selection for the Stockholm Hearts team. “We’d always had a team in the past, but I was too young to be involved. Two years later, I was jumping in bigger classes and thought it would be a great opportunity. I couldn’t be prouder to be competing at that level.”
The Global Champions League is often called the Formula 1 of equestrian sport, and the comparison is apt. Only the world’s best riders compete across seven stages in some of the planet’s most stunning locations. For Íñigo, the step up from junior competitions has been transformative.
“As Jan Tops said, ‘I want the best for the best,'” Íñigo explains. “You’re competing in the most beautiful places in the world. The shows are amazingly organised, and the level is the highest you can have in the sport today.”
An enfant du pays
Born in Monaco in 2003, Íñigo represents a rare breed in the Principality — a true local who has grown up immersed in the Principality’s culture. When he made history as the first male Monegasque rider to compete in the FEI Jumping World Cup in Verona, the achievement carried extra weight.
“Representing Monaco is amazing, especially because I was born here and grew up here,” he says. “I’m an enfant du pays, as we say in Monaco. That makes a big difference for me. Those of us who were born here, who went to school here, who learned the Monegasque dialect — getting the passport is an incredible opportunity. I’m very happy to be riding for Monaco at this stage.”
His path to representing the Principality wasn’t straightforward. Íñigo’s career began with Italy, then Spain — following his father, Spanish champion Íñigo López de la Osa Escribano. At 17, he switched to Monaco when an opportunity arose to build a team with fellow riders Stazia Nielson and Stena Cabanova.
“At 18, I was lucky enough to get the Monaco passport, so I could represent the Principality at any stage,” he says. The decision has defined his career, allowing him to write new chapters in Monaco’s equestrian history.
Training with the best
Since 2024, Íñigo has been based in Metz, France, training under Simon Delestre, the former world number one who won bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The experience of working alongside Olympic medallists daily has shaped his approach to the sport.
“Without hard work, you don’t get anywhere. Simon is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen,” Íñigo says with evident admiration. “He’s always there, trying to achieve perfection, always wanting to do better. For him, every horse is a new story. He studies each one, makes sure he knows every horse inside and out to give us the best chance at every stage. He ensures the horses have the best conditions, and he’ll spend hours at night working on it. That’s what makes him the rider he is today.”
That dedication to excellence has rubbed off. Íñigo’s daily routine reflects the same commitment: mornings spent riding all his horses, afternoons in the gym working on physical conditioning.
“Not many riders actually go to the gym and train. I’m happy to be one of them,” he says. “Since I started training, I’ve definitely improved with the horses. It’s like any sport—if you train, you have a better chance of being successful. You can see the best riders in the world are at the gym, so it’s clearly important.”
The Global Champions League experience
Competing in the Global Champions League has taken Íñigo from Doha to Mexico City, Saint-Tropez to Rome, with each stage presenting new challenges and experiences. His debut in Doha stands out as a particular highlight.
“My debut in Doha was great. Mexico was amazing. Every show had its important moments, but I still think my debut with the team in Doha was the highlight,” he recalls.
But nothing compares to competing at home. When the Global Champions League came to Monaco, Íñigo had the rare privilege of performing not only in front of his home crowd, but also Prince Albert II.
“The day of the team competition, the Prince was there. That was really special. He came to support us, and the Monegasque crowd was fantastic,” he says.
The partnership with horses
With 25 international wins across nine different horses, Íñigo has developed a reputation for adaptability and horsemanship. Building those partnerships, he explains, requires time and genuine connection.
“Spending time with them, getting to know them — it’s important to create a bond,” he says. “Especially when you reach the most critical moment in competition. It’s very stressful for everyone, but if you know your horse, you know it will be okay. You just have to create that bond.”
One partnership stands above the rest. Jade, a mare he’s competed with at the Junior European Championships, holds a special place.
“She’s one of my best horses and has a special place in my heart,” Íñigo says. “We’ve been through a lot together — beautiful moments, but also difficult ones. She’s always been there for me. She was the first of many, so I’d definitely say she’s my favourite.”
His love for working with horses is evident. “They’re amazing, they’re sweet,” he says. “I enjoy being with them, spending time with them. Some are naughtier than others, but you always appreciate the sweeter ones.”
The reality of elite sport
Show jumping, Íñigo is quick to point out, is not a sport for those seeking constant validation. Success is rare, and failure is frequent.
“It’s a sport where you fail more than you succeed,” he says candidly. “Sometimes you have weekends you just want to forget. But when you have a good weekend, enjoy it — because you never know when the next one will come. It’s a very difficult sport. We’re always humble, calm and focused. And these are animals, they have feelings too. We’re two beings working together, which is perhaps the most difficult part.”
His biggest challenge thus far has been maintaining consistency at the top level. “I had a bit of bad luck this year. It was a good year, but there were some difficult moments. Staying at the top is the challenge,” he reflects.
Yet he’s quick to credit the team around him. “I have an incredible team, they’re the real people behind all of this, they take care of the horses. They’re the most important ones, because without them I wouldn’t be here.”
Engineering and show jumping
Between competitions, Íñigo is studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Eindhoven. The choice, he admits with a laugh, came through a process of elimination rather than burning passion.
“I was watching Netflix and thought, ‘I want to become a lawyer’ — you know, from watching Suits. But I realised it was too much reading, so not for me,” he explains. “My father studied medicine, so I’d have loved to be a doctor, but I can’t stand the sight of blood. Engineering was the third option. I think I made the best choice — I’m very happy about it.”
More seriously, he sees the degree as essential insurance. “It’s important to always have something on the side. Many things can happen in this sport, so having a back-up is very important.”
Looking ahead
The next 12 months hold significant challenges. Beyond the 2026 World Championships in Germany — where he’ll be the first male rider to represent Monaco at this level — Íñigo has the Mediterranean Games on his calendar.
“It’s like the Olympics for Mediterranean countries, so there are two important competitions ahead,” he says. “I always try to stay at the top level. I’ll have a good number of horses next year, between six and eight, which is ideal. But it’s just about keeping working, keeping improving, and we’ll see what happens.”
Looking five years ahead, his ambitions remain grounded yet determined. “We’re producing a lot of young horses, so hopefully we’ll be competing at the top level with them. That would be amazing.”
For now, Íñigo López de la Osa Franco is focused on the present — training daily, competing at the highest level, and continuing to make history for Monaco. From an 11-year-old who simply told his father “I want to ride” to competing alongside Olympic medallists in the Global Champions League, his journey exemplifies what dedication, discipline and genuine love for the sport can achieve.
As Monaco’s show jumping scene continues to grow, Íñigo remains at its forefront — serious, ambitious, and hungry for the next challenge.
