12 ° C
Profile

Day: 6 May 2026

Monaco Sevens makes successful debut with high-energy competition

by: Kayla Sauceda
06/05/2026

Friday 1st May marked the first edition of the Monaco Sevens at Stade Prince Héréditaire Jacques. The event, organised by the Monégasque Rugby Federation (FMR) and AS Monaco Rugby, with the support of the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, proved to be a great success, with a lively atmosphere maintained throughout the day.

Tournament director Nicolas Bonnet told Monaco Life, “It was important to offer an international tournament, especially for the French teams, as there is no elite circuit existing here.”

The international competition brought together 16 teams competing across the Elite Men’s, Open Men’s, and women’s tournament. Bonnet emphasised the importance of maintaining the traditional sevens format of 25 games played in one day.

The Open Men’s tournament saw an impressive performance by the home team FMR, who shut out the Dolphin Sevens in a 45-0 game, followed by another 40-0 victory over the Bakis Sevens. FMR ended the day with a 40-12 win over RC Digne.

Local women’s team UMUSA was defeated 27-19 by the Polish national team in the final. Earlier in the day, UMUSA had defeated both Italian side I Pretoriani and Georgia. Princess Charlene was also present and met with the team before their final match.

In the Elite Men’s competition, Monaco’s Impis lost their first match to UAE Shaheen, but bounced back to defeat both the Wombats and Seven Landes.

To kick off the Elite Men’s final competition and close out the sporting portion of the day, Princess Charlene, FMR player Ilona Brunel, and Olympic champion Antoine Zeghdar performed the ceremonial opening kick-off.

Princess Charlène participates in the ceremonial opening kick-off ahead of the Elite Men’s final. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Palais Princier de Monaco 

The award ceremony later celebrated FMR and the Polish women’s team, who received their trophies from John Scott, CEO of Neviswave, the main sponsor of the Monaco Sevens, and Antoine Zeghdar.

The day concluded with an emotional tribute to the late French rugby player Christophe Dominici, in the presence of his family. Trophies for best men’s and women’s player were presented by Loretta Denaaro, Dominici’s wife, and her two daughters, Kiara and Mya, alongside Matthieu Lartot, a leading commentator for French national rugby matches.

Presentation of the tournament MVP during the Monaco Sevens award ceremony. Photo credit: Bryan Robertson, Monaco Sevens

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene later joined players on the pitch to present awards to the Seventise team, winners of the Elite Men’s final. “Their presence changes everything in terms of prestige,” said Bonnet. “It was a great honor for the teams to meet them.”

It all amounted to a beautiful day along the Riviera, as sun, sport, and music created a lively atmosphere from start to finish. With nearly 10,000 views on the FMR YouTube channel, organisers confirmed that a second edition will take place next year.

Monaco Life was there! See more in our video below…

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Featured Photo Credit: Palais Princier / Frédéric Nebinger

Monaco museum traces the story of humanity — from our oldest ancestor to Homo sapiens

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/05/2026

An exhibition charting seven million years of human evolution is now on display at Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, taking visitors from Toumaï — the oldest known member of the human lineage — to the emergence of Homo sapiens and the spread of our species across the planet.

From Toumaï to Sapiens, running until 15th October 2026 under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, is an illustrated, interactive and multimedia exhibition developed by Éditions Synops, with texts written by science journalist Pedro Lima and scientific oversight provided by CNRS palaeoanthropologist François Marchal. It traces the long migrations of early humans who invented tools, mastered fire and eventually left Africa to occupy every corner of the globe — a journey spanning roughly ten thousand generations.

Seven million years in one room

The exhibition follows the full hominine lineage, exploring the question of what it means to be human through fossil evidence, 3D reconstructions of prehistoric objects, video interviews with researchers and interactive quizzes. The format is designed to be accessible to a broad public while reflecting the latest scientific knowledge on human origins and morphological evolution.

Among the objects on loan are pieces from two prestigious partner institutions: the Musée de Préhistoire de Solutré — home to one of Europe’s richest prehistoric sites, occupied by humans for more than 50,000 years — and the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine in Paris, founded by Prince Albert I of Monaco in 1910 as the world’s first research centre entirely devoted to prehistory.

The connection between Monaco’s ruling family and the science of human origins runs deep: the museum itself was founded by Prince Albert I, and the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine continues to bear his name.

Practical information

The exhibition is open daily from 9am to 6pm at 56 bis, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, between the Jardin Exotique and the NMNM Villa Paloma.

Admission is €5, with reduced entry at €2.50 for students. Entry is free for children under 10, Monegasque residents on presentation of an identity card, and accredited press.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photos credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department 

 

22,000 miles, three continents, one mission: save the Mediterranean

by: Virginia D’Umas
06/05/2026

A century-old yacht has set sail from Monaco on an expedition spanning three continents and 22,000 miles, carrying a mission to protect the Mediterranean’s environment and cultural heritage.

Launched from the Yacht Club de Monaco on Monday 4th May, Wiki’s Centennial Expedition is more than a voyage — it is a call to action. The initiative invites owners and captains of traditional sailing boats and motor yachts to join the journey, forming a flotilla united by a shared commitment to safeguarding the Mediterranean.

At its core, the project blends heritage with forward-thinking environmental advocacy. A fleet of classic vessels—including Wiki (1920), Coaster (1935) and Madcap (1874)—will serve as both inspiration and a unique lens through which to view the region’s transformation over the past century. Together, they aim to inform and inspire a global audience about the urgent need to preserve not only the Mediterranean, but the world’s oceans at large.

A voice behind the vision

“Our expedition is already well underway,” said Tom Woods, President of Woods Communications and owner of the historic yacht Wiki. “We can act now to raise awareness and work together to preserve and protect the natural world and cultural riches of the Mediterranean for generations to come. This will be both our and your legacy. Please join us.” 

This statement, featured on the initiative’s official platform, encapsulates the spirit driving Wiki’s mission. Tom Woods, who is best known for his work as a documentary, entertainment and drama producer, launched the project five years ago with the support of early patrons, including the Lichine family.

A respected figure in international media, Woods has also worked closely with senior foreign correspondent and author Ed Girardet, co-founder of Help Save The Med and a key mentor to the initiative.

A three-year journey across the Mediterranean

The official departure took place on Monday 4th May from the Yacht Club of Monaco. From there, the expedition embarks on an extensive route spanning much of the Mediterranean basin’s 24 countries and territories.

Following an initial prologue along the French coast, including Corsica, the flotilla will head east along Italy and the Adriatic, reaching as far as Turkey. The return journey will trace a westward path from the eastern Mediterranean towards Morocco, before heading back up along the Spanish and French coastlines. The expedition is set to conclude in Monaco in 2029, in time for the prestigious Classic Week.

Education at the heart of the mission

Beyond the voyage itself, education is a central pillar of the initiative. A comprehensive curriculum—developed in collaboration with academic institutions, including FANB in Monaco, as well as ministries and educational bodies—will be delivered to thousands of students across the region.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend classes directly on board the vessels, while a dedicated digital platform will extend access far beyond the Mediterranean. Designed as an interactive hub, it will connect students, educators and audiences worldwide, encouraging collaboration and the creation of global communities driven by shared purpose.

Empowering the next generation

Youth engagement is another key focus. Through programmes led by Help Save The Med, part of the Swiss-based Global Geneva Group, aspiring journalists and filmmakers will take part in ‘Youth Writes’ and ‘Young Filmmakers’ boot camps.

Working alongside experienced professionals, participants will document the realities facing the Mediterranean today while exploring tangible solutions. Equipped with technical resources, funding support and access to historical archives, they will help tell the story of a region undergoing profound change.

A global media platform

The initiative is also backed by an ambitious international media strategy. In partnership with Med.TV, which reaches more than 163 million subscribers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the expedition will generate regular programming broadcast across satellite, cable and digital channels.

This will be complemented by a strong presence across streaming platforms and social media, alongside coverage in print, radio and traditional outlets—ensuring the message resonates on a global scale.

Building a shared legacy

Ultimately, the success of Wiki’s Centennial Expedition will depend on collaboration. With the support of partners, sponsors and a growing international community, the project aims to create lasting impact—both at sea and beyond.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Sailing for a cause

From addiction to anxiety: inside Monaco’s mental health plan

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/05/2026

Suicide prevention. Addiction care. Children who refuse to go to school out of anxiety. Therapeutic housing designed to rebuild independence. These are not abstract policy ambitions — they are the concrete realities that Monaco’s Mental Health Council sat down to address on Tuesday 28th April, when the Principality’s third such council convened at the Ministry of State.

The meeting offered the clearest picture yet of how far Monaco has come since launching its ‘Psychological Wellbeing and Balance’ mental health plan in 2022. Overseen by the Health Action Directorate and built around 53 individual measures, the plan draws together institutions, health professionals and associations under three broad goals: promoting mental wellbeing, preventing psychological disorders and addictions, and catching problems early before they escalate.

A new addiction centre, and what it’s finding

One of the session’s most significant updates concerned Monaco’s Centre for Addiction Care, Support and Prevention — which opened its doors in September 2024. The council examined its first activity data, giving policymakers an early read on the scale and nature of addiction-related need across the Principality. The centre sits at the intersection of treatment, prevention and support, offering a more cohesive response than the fragmented services that existed before.

When children won’t go to school

The Centre Plati team brought a less widely discussed issue into the room: anxious school refusal. Increasingly recognised by mental health professionals across Europe as a complex and often misunderstood condition, it sits at the crossroads of anxiety, family dynamics and educational pressure. The project presented at the council signals Monaco’s intention to address it with dedicated, structured support rather than leaving families to navigate it alone.

Suicide prevention and independent living

The council also reviewed the measures already in place to detect and prevent suicidal behaviour — among the plan’s most sensitive and most urgent priorities. Alongside this, members discussed the creation of autonomous therapeutic housing units: small-scale, supported living environments designed to help people with mental health needs rebuild independence and re-engage with everyday life, rather than cycling between clinical settings and isolation.

A new information leaflet for families of children with particular needs, developed in response to direct requests from the Monaco Parents’ Association, was also presented — a small but practical illustration of how the plan responds to real-world demand from Monaco’s community.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

 

Everything we now know about White Lotus Season 4 — and it’s all happening on our doorstep

by: Cassandra Tanti
06/05/2026

The Cannes Film Festival is set to become the backdrop for the most ambitious season of HBO’s hit anthology series The White Lotus, with creator Mike White turning his satirical lens on the international film industry for Season 4.

Production is now underway across Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Paris, with filming expected to span seven months and a reported budget of approximately $120 million, according to Variety. The new season will centre on two rival film teams arriving on the French Riviera during the Cannes Film Festival, each staying at competing luxury hotels while navigating fame, power struggles and cultural clashes.

The series will use some of France’s most iconic luxury properties as filming locations, including the Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, which has reportedly been transformed into the fictional “White Lotus du Cap”, alongside Cannes’ legendary Hôtel Martinez and Paris’ Hôtel Lutetia. While the production remains highly discreet, local interest has grown steadily, particularly after large-scale casting calls for extras attracted crowds eager to take part in recreating the festival atmosphere.

Cannes becomes the ‘beating heart’ of the story

Producer David Bernad described the Cannes Film Festival as the “beating heart” of the new season during an appearance at Canneseries in April. According to Bernad, the setting allowed the writers to explore themes of celebrity, influence and social hierarchy within one of the world’s most glamorous cultural events.

“When we located the show at the Cannes Film Festival specifically, this idea of fame popped up,” Bernad said, according to Variety. “Who has the world’s attention, who are the people that can grab the world’s attention, who are the plus-one in a relationship, who’s the person that has that power — and how that shapes a dynamic.”

The production will reportedly recreate its own version of Cannes immediately after this year’s festival concludes, using the Palais des Festivals and surrounding Croisette locations once crowds have departed.

French cast joins international ensemble

French actor Vincent Cassel has reportedly joined the cast as the hotel manager, alongside French performers Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Laura Smet. International stars set to appear include Steve Coogan, Kumail Nanjiani, Sandra Bernhard and Rosie Perez.

Variety also reported that Helena Bonham Carter had originally joined the production before departing over creative differences, with Laura Dern later stepping into a newly developed role.

The season is expected to continue the franchise’s signature exploration of social awkwardness and cultural misunderstanding, this time fuelled by the contrast between Hollywood excess and French Riviera sophistication. Bernad told journalists that experiences with French hospitality staff during location scouting helped shape the creative direction of the series.

Major economic boost for Cannes

Local officials have welcomed the HBO production as a major coup for the region after coordinated efforts helped secure the project for the Côte d’Azur. According to Cannes deputy mayor Sophie Mouysset, the shoot is expected to generate approximately 17,000 hotel nights while bringing substantial economic activity to the city.

The production will temporarily leave the Riviera during the height of the summer tourist season before resuming filming later in the year.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo is an AI generated image and is not an official representation of The White Lotus season four

A floating sofa, a Monaco showroom and the ‘DB’ connection: meet designer David Bitton

by: Virginia D’Umas
06/05/2026

Where does furniture end and art begin? For architect-designer David Bitton, the question is beside the point. His latest creation, the ‘Floating Sofa’ — a limited-edition piece developed in collaboration with artist Astro and currently on display at the Aston Martin showroom in Monaco — uses 45-degree mirrors in place of legs to create the illusion of a sofa suspended in infinite space. It is, like everything Bitton makes, both an everyday object and something else entirely.

What started as a passion eventually became a full-time career for David Bitton—an extremely successful one at that. Blurring the lines of reality, his signature lies in illusion. The architect-designer is constantly in motion, always searching for new inspiration. What he creates goes beyond design; it is art in its purest form. With his latest project, the ‘Floating Sofa’, currently on display at the Aston Martin showroom in Monaco, David Bitton, in collaboration with artist Astro, has created a piece that plays with perspective, offering the impression of an infinite view.

“I’ve been working with the artist Astro for several years and greatly appreciate his sense of perspective,” David Bitton tells Monaco Life. “We previously created a rug together where you feel as though you are stepping inside the piece. The Floating Sofa came from one of our conversations: I had sketched the idea of a suspended sofa and asked him to develop it with me. The concept was to create a sense of infinite perspective, using mirrors in the armrests, which also serve as the structural support in place of legs. It was a complex project, but the 45-degree mirrors create an optical effect where the sofa appears to continue endlessly.”

Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas, Monaco Life 

Design without walls: Bringing art, cars and Monaco together

With only 25 numbered and signed pieces, the ‘Floating Sofa’ is a limited-edition design work, yet it remains visible to all in the window of the Aston Martin showroom. For David, “design is not something that should be hidden; it needs to be seen. It is an everyday object—a sofa is a sofa. Of course, it comes with a certain price.”

At the same time, it remains accessible in its own way. David explains that a young visitor recently came with his mother and said he found it beautiful, while she added that she was introducing him to design so he could one day collect pieces himself. For David, this is also what design is about: transmitting taste and culture. He grew up in a similar environment, with an artist father and regular visits to galleries and museums. Design, he believes, should not be confined to galleries—it can exist anywhere as an installation meant to be seen and experienced.

His work ultimately sits at the intersection of function and sculpture, an approach he sees as the very essence of design. Or, in his own words: “Design must be both beautiful and functional.”

Photo credit: Virginia D’Umas, Monaco Life

When luxury automobiles inspire design

Why did David Bitton choose a luxury automobile showroom to present his latest design pieces? The answer is simple: for him, the automobile represents the ultimate design exercise—and arguably the most complex one. Beyond the elegance of its lines, a car embodies a high level of technical precision, from aerodynamics to lighting and wind dynamics.

“For me as an architect, the car is an extremely complex object. It shares a clear parallel with design, which must be both functional and aesthetically refined,” he explains. “I am particularly drawn to the shape of headlights; they are fascinating because they extend the identity of the car and set its tone—whether sporty or more classic. They are the ‘gaze’ of the vehicle, reflecting its personality. It is therefore a very precise exercise. During my studies, I often drew inspiration from the automotive world.”

Beyond this personal connection, the project also finds a broader coherence between the ‘Floating Sofa’ and the automotive universe. Astro has previously worked within the car industry, applying his signature to racing cars, while Monaco Art Week counts Aston Martin as an official partner, with the ‘Floating Sofa’ featured in its showroom during this important artistic moment.

“Everything aligns: an artist rooted in automotive design, an installation presented within Aston Martin’s universe, and the brand’s close link to Monaco Art Week. Then there is the DB reference—the iconic Aston Martin initials, and coincidentally, mine as well: David Bitton. In that sense, this collaboration did not happen by chance; it came together naturally for all these reasons,” concludes the artist. 

See also: 

Monaco Art Week 2026: from rare masterpieces to bold contemporary visions

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.