Belle Époque palace Como Le Beauvallon returns with Yannick Alléno at the helm

When Como Le Beauvallon opens its doors on 24th April, it will mark the latest chapter in a story that began in 1914. The Belle Époque palace, which once welcomed Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn to its terraces, will reopen under Como Hotels and Resorts with Yannick Alléno directing its culinary programme.

Yannick  Alléno, who holds 17 Michelin stars and runs two restaurants in Monaco—Pavyllon Monte-Carlo* and L’Abysse**—will oversee Beauvallon sur Mer by Yannick Alléno. The signature restaurant, designed by French interior designer Dorothée Delaye, sits at the water’s edge with uninterrupted views across the bay to Saint-Tropez.

From hillside to shoreline

The ten-acre estate cascades down a hillside of palms, pines and lawns to a bayside pool tiled in silvery blue and green. Below, the beach club and private jetty welcome yacht tenders that moor directly in front of the property, promising constant demand for tables at Beauvallon sur Mer.

The restaurant blends Asian culinary traditions with Provençal ingredients and Mediterranean coastal spirit. Additional dining unfolds in the main building higher up the gardens, where the Winter Garden and terrace offer all-day service, and a lobby lounge features a striking installation by Chinese artist Zheng Lu.

Eight minutes to Saint-Tropez

A complimentary speedboat service runs from the hotel’s private jetty to Saint-Tropez port in eight minutes. A second boat takes guests to the famous beaches of Ramatuelle and Pampelonne, though the hotel’s own pool may prove hard to leave.

The estate also houses an unexpected arrival from London: the 2002 Serpentine Gallery Summer Pavilion by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito, relocated piece by piece to its new home in the South of France. The installation appears suspended between sky, water and light, serving as a backdrop for private events including weddings.

Art and history

Built in 1914, the property closed in 2008 for restoration and briefly operated as a private estate before Como took over. The 42 individually designed rooms and suites feature highlights from a collection of more than 300 contemporary art pieces accumulated over decades.

All suites, including the Como Suite, offer sweeping bay views, while hillview rooms face the Provençal countryside. Guests have access to corridor pantries stocked with snacks and drinks available around the clock.

Como Shambhala treatment rooms in the main building draw on the wellness tradition established at the award-winning Como Shambhala Estate in Bali, offering massages, facials and daily yoga. Healthy dining options from Como Shambhala Kitchen menus are available in-room and at the Winter Garden.

A new chapter for the Riviera

Como Le Beauvallon marks Como Hotels and Resorts’ first property on the French Riviera, bringing the group’s wellness-focused hospitality to one of the Mediterranean’s most storied addresses. With Alléno’s culinary expertise anchoring the dining experience and the estate’s blend of historic architecture and contemporary design, the hotel positions itself as both a destination in its own right and a gateway to the wider Saint-Tropez peninsula. Reservations open ahead of the April launch.

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Photos source: Como Le Beauvallon

 

Civil War drama The Gray House launches on Prime Video following Monaco premiere

The Gray House, a historical American limited series about women operating an espionage network during the Civil War, will be released on Prime Video in the United States on 26th February. The series made its world premiere as the opening programme at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in 2024.

The Republic Pictures production brings together a cast led by Mary-Louise Parker, alongside Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis, Ben Vereen, Paul Anderson, Ian Duff, Hannah James, Robert Knepper, Christopher McDonald, Colin Morgan, Rob Morrow, Colin O’Donoghue, and Sam Trammell.

The story behind the series

The eight-episode series follows the true story of four women who operated at the heart of Confederate power during the American Civil War. The group, consisting of a Virginia socialite, her mother, a formerly enslaved ally, and a Richmond courtesan, transformed their Underground Railroad operation into an espionage network supporting the Union cause.

The series is executive produced by Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, Rod Lake, Howard Kaplan and Leslie Greif. It is produced by Territory Pictures, Revelations Entertainment and Big Dreams Entertainment, with distribution by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Monte-Carlo world premiere

The world premiere screening took place at the Grimaldi Forum during the Festival’s Opening Ceremony in June 2024, following the traditional Blue Carpet procession. The event was held in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco and attended by international industry figures.

Executive producers McCreary, Greif and Freeman attended the Monaco premiere. Freeman received the Crystal Nymph at the 63rd Festival edition, one of the Festival’s most recognised honours for contributions to the audiovisual industry.

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Photo source: Monte-Carlo Television Festival

 

France launches largest military exercise since the Cold War

France launched its largest military exercise since the Cold War on Sunday, with Orion 26 bringing together 12,000 troops across a three-month operation designed to prepare forces for high-intensity conflict in Europe.

The French Air and Space Force began the dynamic phase of the exercise on 10th February, conducting air operations from seven air bases including Mont-de-Marsan, Cazaux, Orléans, Cognac, Avord, Istres and Tours. The manoeuvres will run until 1st March along France’s Atlantic coast.

High-intensity conflict preparation

The Ministry of Armed Forces describes Orion 26 as preparing forces “for the most complex situations in hybrid and contested environments”, stating the exercise holds particular importance “in a context where engagement in a high-intensity conflict could become a reality”.

The drill involves 1,800 tactical vehicles, 30 helicopters and approximately 800 drones, reflecting the significant role unmanned systems play in modern warfare. Air manoeuvres will test the military’s ability to achieve air superiority and protect French territory from external threats.

Launch of the major Orion military exercise. Photo source: French Defence Department

Three-phase operation

The exercise will progress through distinct phases. Following the initial air operations, the French Navy will conduct amphibious operations around Saint-Nazaire and Brittany on 20th and 21st February, deploying approximately 700 troops and 100 vehicles near Quiberon in Morbihan.

In April, the operation will transition to NATO command to test European forces’ ability to work together. The Army will then conduct large-scale airborne operations and deep deployment into contested zones.

Fictional scenario mirrors European tensions

Orion 26 uses a scenario involving two fictional countries, Mercure and Arnland, which mirrors current tensions in Europe. The exercise simulates France leading a coalition to defend Arnland against an expansionist Mercure that has conducted hybrid operations to prevent its neighbour joining the European Union.

The drill takes place as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues into its fourth year and hybrid warfare operations increase across Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently warned that Russia could target the alliance within five years.

Allied participation

Twenty-four allied nations will participate in Orion 26, including the United States, Japan, Switzerland and Morocco. The exercise will also train French reservists from all military branches and test cybersecurity capabilities through virtual network and space-based exercises.

The Ministry of Armed Forces stated the operation “responds to the necessity to intensify and harden the level of preparation of French armed forces” and tests “modern know-how and tactical and technological innovation against the realities of high-intensity combat”.

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Photo source: French Defence Department

Monaco Government responds to Fontvieille Shopping Centre strike

The Monaco Government has promised to continue talks with traders following Monday’s strike at the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, where approximately 80% of shops closed their doors in protest. 

The demonstration saw dozens of employees and business owners gather at the site to voice their concerns over the planned redevelopment project, which is scheduled to begin in 2028 after more than 18 years of delays.

Traders distributed leaflets to shoppers and people passing by with messages that included, in French, “We are closing today so we don’t close permanently tomorrow”, and “Deaf government, absent National Council, exhausted traders.”

The strike followed a July 2025 meeting where Finance Minister Pierre-André Chiappori announced that current traders would receive compensation settlements but would not automatically be relocated to the new shopping centre. Instead, they would need to participate in an open application process alongside external candidates.

Philippe Clerissi, president of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre’s Economic Interest Group, said this contradicted earlier government communications which had suggested continuity of commercial activity, according to Monaco Matin. He estimates around 200 employees could face unemployment as a result of the plans.

Compensation concerns

Traders have also criticised the compensation package with Clerissi describing the proposals, many of which arrived between Christmas and New Year, as “inadequate and even inhumane”. He claimed some businesses were being offered just one-fifth of what they originally paid when talking over their premises.

The social support measures for employees have also drawn criticism, amid claims the government has calculated solely on shop floor space rather than staff numbers or length of service, at a rate of €10,000 per 25 square metres.

The government said in it’s statement released Monday evening that it remains particularly attentive to the trader’s concerns. The Minister of State proposed organising a meeting with the shopkeepers as soon as he learned of the planned demonstration.

Additionally, the government stated that an individual support package has been presented to traders, both those who have ceased trading and those wishing to continue until construction begins. It also said it intends to maintain its dialogue with the Economic Interest Group and all affected businesses.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre, which opened in 1992, was set for a €10 million refurbishment announced in July 2025, with works including the replacement of travelators and walkways set to begin in 2026.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Guillaume Ranvier appointed General Manager of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Guillaume Ranvier officially took up his position as General Manager of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on 5th January, succeeding Louis Starck, who was appointed General Manager of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in September. Ranvier arrives from the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, where he served as Hotel Manager.

The appointment comes as Hôtel Hermitage undergoes a transformation that will see new suites and a lobby bar unveiled in June.

From Paris to Monaco

Ranvier graduated top of his class from the École Supérieure de Cuisine Française in Paris before spending over a decade with the Hyatt Hotels Group, including stings in Doha and the French Riviera as Hotel Manager of the Martinez in Cannes. He also served as General Manager of Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, where he led the restaurant renovation and achieved record revenue levels in 2022.

Since 2023, Ranvier had been at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.

Renovation plans

The appointment comes as the Hôtel Hermitage is in the midst of ambitious renovation plans. In June, it will unveil new suites alongside Bar Gustave, a lobby bar located beneath the Eiffel dome in the Winter Garden.

“I am very honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of this exceptional House of Connoisseurs, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo,” said Ranvier in a statement released by SBM. “Our ambition is to write a new chapter for Hôtel Hermitage, resolutely focused on the future through its renovations, service centred on detail, personalised stays where every gesture has meaning, and, above all, women and men devoted to bringing that extra soul which offers our guests an authentic, elegant and memorable experience.”

Former General Manager Louis Starck was appointed to the head of the Hôtel de Paris in October 2025.

See also: 

Hôtel Hermitage to unveil Bar Gustave beneath Eiffel’s iconic glass dome

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Photo source: MCSBM

 

Monaco United Women secure three more wins in their unbeaten streak

Monaco United Women’s football secured a commanding 6-0 victory against Villeneuve-Loubet at the Stade Dider-Deschamps on Sunday 8th February, completing a three-win streak without conceding a goal.

The momentum began with an away victory against FC Lambescain in the Mediterranean Cup, securing the team’s place in the quarter finals. Head coach Marco Simone described their earlier win against Carros as “a turning point, both mentally and sportingly” that kickstarted their season.

The team followed up with a 25-0 league win over AS Moulins, taking them to 100 goals scored in the league campaign so far.

Breaking down Villeneuve-Loubet

Marina Makanza scored twice in the opening stages to give her team an early 2-0 lead. Two more goals before half-time then put the match beyond doubt, with Monaco United leading 4-0 at the break.

Monaco United Women during the game, photo credit: Dylan Garino

The team added two more goals in the second half to seal a convincing 6-0 victory against opponents with the league’s second best defence.

Defender Meryl Cirri praised the team’s patience in breaking down a well-organised defence. “We faced a team that had prepared well, particularly defensively,” she said. “It took some time to adapt and find openings, but gradually spaces appeared.”

The three consecutive clean sheets have further established Monaco United’s strength alongside their attacking style. “We’re not conceding goals at the moment, which is very positive for our defensive line,” added Cirri.

Monaco United Women during the game, photo credit: Dylan Garino

Next matches

The victory maintains Monaco Unite’s position at the top of the league table as they pursue promotion through the play-offs.

Next up is a friendly fame in Corsica against AS Pietrosella on Sunday, followed by the Paul Marenco Cup quarter-final against AS Fontonne Antibes on 22nd February.

The team also face a significant test on 1st March when they travel to FC Rousset in the Mediterranean Cup quarter-finals. Rousset compete two divisions above Monaco United.

“Our ambitions remain unchanged: to win the league, aims for promotion through the play-offs, and go as far as possible in cup competitions,” said Simone. “We are doing great things, but the true assessment will come at the end of the season.”

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Main photo credit: Dylan Garino