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Month: June 2026

Relief for cross-border commuters: Menton-Ventimiglia border reopens for daytime traffic

by: Virginia D’Umas
09/06/2026

For the thousands of commuters, tourists, and residents who rely on the daily connection between France and Italy, the wait is finally over. As of Wednesday 3rd June, the Saint-Ludovic border crossing—the primary coastal gateway linking Menton and Ventimiglia—has officially reopened to two-way traffic during daytime hours.

The crossing had been under total lockdown since January to accommodate extensive infrastructure upgrades, including critical tunnel renovations and a major overhaul of the esplanade near the customs station. While the closure was a necessary step for modernisation, it forced months of logistical challenges upon those navigating the border region.

A strategic relief for commuters

Motorists will undoubtedly welcome the news. Prior to the closure, 14,000 transits – 7,000 outbound and 7,000 inbound – were recorded daily on the coastal border, among them many commuters travelling to Monaco for work.

“I am delighted by the reopening of the Saint-Ludovic border,” said Menton Mayor Alexandra Masson during the inauguration ceremony held on 3rd June. “This is an essential axis for our residents, cross-border workers, and the economic vitality of our territory.”

Operational status

While the route is now accessible, construction remains ongoing. To facilitate the final phase of the project, authorities have implemented a specific schedule. The road is open to traffic in both directions between 6am and 9pm. Outside of these hours, the crossing is closed to all traffic to allow for continuous work on the site.

Meanwhile, the project timeline has been accelerated. Initial plans suggested a four-month primary closure followed by eight months of alternating one-way traffic. Following a six-month total closure—interrupted only for the Menton Lemon Festival—daytime two-way traffic has been restored ahead of the original schedule.

Strengthening trans-border ties

Beyond the asphalt and concrete, the reopening serves as a symbol of the deepening cooperation between Menton and its Italian neighbour. Standing alongside Ventimiglia Mayor Flavio Di Muro, Mayor Masson emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader vision for the region.

“This reopening illustrates the importance of the bonds that unite our two cities,” Masson added. “The future of our territory depends on ever-closer cooperation between both sides of the border, particularly regarding mobility, economic development, and tourism.”

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Photo source: Ville de Menton

Monaco to mark APIdays with free public workshops on bees and biodiversity

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/06/2026

Monaco is celebrating its annual APIdays on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th June, with a full programme of free activities at the Jardin de l’Unesco on the terraces of Fontvieille, running from 9am to 4pm each day.

The event is part of the national programme L’abeille, sentinelle de l’environnement — the bee, sentinel of the environment — run in partnership with the Union Nationale de l’Apiculture Française (UNAF). Monaco has been part of the programme since 2011, when hives were installed on the rooftop terrace of the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies in Fontvieille. Those hives continue to be monitored by the UNAF and a team from the Gardens section of the Direction de l’Aménagement Urbain.

This year’s programme, organised by the DAU Gardens section and the Direction de l’Education Nationale de la Jeunesse et des Sports, is designed for visitors of all ages and covers both the practical and educational dimensions of beekeeping and pollinator protection.

Activities across the two days include a candle-making workshop using beeswax, a honey extraction demonstration led by reference beekeeper Lucien Guérin, a presentation of melliferous plants alongside a workshop exploring what our meals would look like without bees, and a participatory seed bomb workshop. Visitors will also be able to discover different bee species and hives from around the world, view the DENJS’s connected hives, and explore an educational exhibition of display panels. A board game will be available on Saturday only.

Entry is free.

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Photo credit: Boris Smokrovic, Unsplash

Monaco Pride 2026 to be held at new Stars of Monaco in July

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/06/2026

Monaco’s LGBTQ+ association Mon Arc-en-Ciel is hosting Monaco Pride 2026 on Wednesday 8 July, with an evening event open to all at Stars of Monaco — formerly Marius — on Quai Antoine Ier.

Running from 6pm to 9pm, the free event is designed as a gathering for the community and its allies, centred on the values of equality, inclusion and solidarity. A cash bar will be available on the night.

Mon Arc-en-Ciel is inviting anyone wishing to attend to confirm their presence in advance at monarcenciel@monaco.mc.

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See also: 

Stars of Monaco to replace Marius in return to the community spirit of Stars’N’Bars

Photo of the 2024 edition by Monaco Life

Club Eco Monaco: Navigating the path off the FATF grey list

by: Virginia D’Umas
08/06/2026

As the Principality continues its journey to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the stakes remain high, but the outlook is increasingly positive. On Friday 22nd May, a Club Eco Monaco conference, organised jointly by the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) and the Nice-Matin Group, provided a frank and pedagogical exploration of Monaco’s current ‘enhanced monitoring’ status.

The event sought to move beyond the speculation surrounding this sensitive topic, instead offering a clear-eyed view of the risks, prospects, and strategic opportunities facing the Principality.

A panel of key decision-makers was convened to demystify the process, including Frédéric Cottalorda, Government Counsellor and Minister for Finance and the Economy; Frédéric Chartier, Executive Co-ordinator of the Steering and Monitoring Committee for the national strategy to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and corruption; and Olivier Pagès, Chief Operating Officer of CMB Monaco.

A record of compliance

Frédéric Chartier opened the discussion by framing the Principality’s compliance efforts as a long-term strategic commitment rather than a temporary hurdle. He noted that Monaco is already seeing the fruits of this intense labour.

“Today, out of 40 technical compliance criteria, Monaco has achieved a score of 39 out of 40,” Mr Chartier reported.

These results are the culmination of a rigorous overhaul of the Principality’s financial security framework, requiring increased human and technical resources and deepened international cooperation. Of the 10 primary improvement measures mandated under the FATF timetable, the majority are complete, with administrative and criminal sanctions currently being finalised to align with the compliance process.

Legal and banking sector transformation

For the Government and the National Council, the strategy has been one of intensive legislative collaboration. Cottalorda confirmed that the Principality has tangible progress to report, particularly regarding the rise in convictions for financial crimes—a development that serves as clear evidence of the new legal framework in action.

This systemic upgrade has required a profound transformation within the banking sector. Olivier Pagès of CMB Monaco acknowledged the difficulties of this transition, noting that clients accustomed to high levels of fluidity have faced an increase in requests for justification.

However, the banker emphasised that these constraints have driven necessary innovation. By deploying substantial human and technological investment—including the use of artificial intelligence—the sector has modernised its processes to meet demanding European standards.

“The upgrade has also allowed us to identify projects or needs that would not have been recognised without it,” Pagès said, highlighting that the rigorous new standards have inadvertently sharpened the sector’s operational capabilities.

An asset for the future

Despite the challenges, the overarching sentiment from the panel was one of measured optimism. Cottalorda suggested that once the Principality successfully exits the grey list, the ordeal will have left Monaco with a renewed competitive advantage.

“Compliance has become one of the factors that financiers and international organisations consider when investing in a country,” he explained. “We will ultimately be able to add an extra asset to our toolkit to promote the Principality more effectively abroad.”

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Main photo from left to right Frédéric Cottalorda, Olivier Pagès, Frédéric Chartier during the Club Eco Monaco conference

 

Stars of Monaco to replace Marius in return to the community spirit of Stars’N’Bars

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/06/2026

It has been revealed that Marius will make way for a new concept inspired by the spirit of Stars’N’Bars. Named Stars of Monaco, the venue aims to restore the sense of community that once defined the Port Hercule landmark, with the return of family-friendly dining, a Kids Club, weekly social events and many of the classic dishes that became local favourites over three decades.

For many Monaco residents, the waterfront venue at 6 Quai Antoine Ier has always been more than just a restaurant. Since Stars’N’Bars first opened its doors in 1993, it evolved into a meeting place where families, friends, entrepreneurs, students, sports fans and visitors from around the world naturally crossed paths. Over the years, it became woven into the social fabric of the Principality, creating a legacy that few hospitality venues can claim.

Following the passing of co-founder Kate Powers, the venue entered a new chapter with the launch of Marius, a more refined dining concept that sought to redefine the iconic address. Now, it appears the owners have taken a different direction. After listening closely to residents, regular customers and Monaco’s wider community, they have unveiled Stars of Monaco, a concept built around many of the qualities that made the original venue such an enduring success.

A venue designed for everyday Monaco life

According to an early overview of the restaurant, Stars of Monaco aims to create a place people can return to without a second thought. Whether for a business lunch, after-work drinks, family dinner or a night out with friends, the venue is positioning itself as an all-day destination designed to appeal to a broad audience rather than a select few.

That philosophy extends well beyond the dining room. Happy Hour will run from Monday to Friday, while Girls Night, Aperitivo evenings, Jazz Nights and themed Saturday events aim to bring a renewed sense of energy to the waterfront venue. The bar itself is being designed as a central social hub, reviving some of the cocktails that long-time customers may remember while introducing a programme of live entertainment and themed events throughout the week.

Familiar flavours return

The menu reflects a similar balance between nostalgia and reinvention. Several of the dishes that became synonymous with Stars’N’Bars are making a comeback, including the famous guacamole, cheese nachos, signature salads, burgers and the legendary Banana Split. These favourites will sit alongside new dishes featuring premium ingredients such as burrata from Puglia, fresh truffle, wild king prawns and Charolais beef.

Importantly, the emphasis remains on accessibility and generosity. Pricing has been structured to encourage regular visits, while the international menu aims to appeal to the venue’s diverse clientele, from local families to international residents and visitors.

Bringing families back to the heart of the experience

Among the most welcomed announcements is the return of the Kids Club, a feature that many residents associate closely with the original Stars’N’Bars experience. Operating every evening under the supervision of a qualified children’s entertainer, the space allows younger guests to enjoy dedicated activities while parents relax and enjoy the venue’s waterfront setting. A dedicated children’s menu and family-friendly facilities further reinforce the venue’s commitment to creating a destination for all generations.

Writing a new chapter

While Stars of Monaco is clearly inspired by the legacy of Stars’N’Bars, it is not attempting to recreate the past. Instead, it seeks to reinterpret the qualities that made the venue special — conviviality, accessibility and a strong sense of community — through a more contemporary lens.

For a location that has played such an important role in Monaco life for more than three decades, the announcement marks a significant moment. More than a rebranding, Stars of Monaco represents a return to the idea that made the address successful in the first place: a place where everyone feels welcome, and where the community comes together.

The official opening of Stars of Monaco will take place on 16th June, with bookings now available.

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Spotlight on Peru: The emerging powerhouse of global cinema

by: Virginia D’Umas
08/06/2026

Peru is rapidly cementing its status as one of the world’s most captivating destinations for high-end international film and television productions. From the peaks of the Andes and the depths of the Amazon to its striking colonial cities and dramatic coastal deserts, the country offers an extraordinary canvas for premium global storytellers.

Following a stellar year that saw the country support over 80 audiovisual productions in 2025—including high-profile projects for Warner Bros, Amazon Prime, and the Discovery Channel—Monaco Life sat down with Carlos Manuel Arca Hoyle, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of Peru in France and spokesperson for Film In Peru, at the recent Marche du Film in Cannes, to discuss his strategic vision, the regional impact of major blockbusters, and the upcoming rollout of new financial legislation designed to attract global studios.

Streamlining the production pipeline

Over the last seven years, the Peruvian government has run a dedicated initiative to position its diverse geography within the international entertainment industry. The core state programme, Film in Peru, operates on two parallel strategic paths: acting as a direct concierge to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and streamline permitting for foreign crews, and leveraging international film releases to boost luxury, cultural, and adventure tourism.

Concurrently, the Ministry of Culture works alongside local independent filmmakers, assisting Peruvian producers in securing international co-productions to scale their presence at major global markets and prestigious festivals, from Cannes to Venice.

Carlos Manuel Arca Hoyle, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of Peru in France and spokesperson for Film In Peru. Photo credit: Pomperu

From landmark heritage to architectural blueprints

The country’s established historical landmarks remain significant draws for large-scale studio productions. During the pandemic, blockbuster projects like Transformers: Rise of the Beasts successfully filmed within the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu and across the high-altitude Cusco region. The Amazonian jungle has similarly seen a notable surge in interest, serving as the backdrop for several European features and prominent South American television series like La Reina del Sur.

Beyond these well-known vistas, Film in Peru is actively opening up lesser-known archaeological sites, such as the ancient Kuélap fortress. Local officials view these historical structures as ready-made architectural blueprints capable of doubling for various fictional or historical settings, offering directors distinct visual alternatives to standard studio sets.

Rodaje Peru film crew. Photo credit: Pomperu

Economic dividends for the local workforce

The arrival of high-budget franchises like Transformers and Paddington in Peru yields measurable economic benefits for the domestic economy. Beyond driving post-release tourist traffic from affluent North American and European demographics—including discerning travellers from the Riviera—these large-scale studio projects inject capital directly into the local creative sector.

“Our goal is to bring Hollywood blockbusters to ancient historical sites like Machu Picchu, while simultaneously building a world-class domestic infrastructure,” said Arca Hoyle. “By combining Peru’s unparalleled heritage with cutting-edge production support, we are creating an irresistible proposition for the world’s most ambitious filmmakers.”

Under current guidelines, international productions must contract a significant percentage of Peruvian talent. While this includes some on-screen roles, the primary economic dividend benefits technical crews, logistical operators, and regional production infrastructure. By collaborating with elite international creative teams, local crews and producers expand their industry networks while sharpening their technical craft.

The film in Peru stand at the recent Marche du film event in Cannes. Photo credit: Pomperu

Moving toward a competitive financial framework

Historically, Peru competed in the global marketplace primarily on the strength of its diverse geography and specialised, fast-tracked concierge service rather than traditional financial incentives. For major broadcasters, securing pristine, unique locations outweighed cash rebates. 

However, as the global location market becomes increasingly competitive, Peru is adjusting its financial framework. The country has officially signed a new Film Promotion Law and is currently finalising the specific regulatory mechanisms for the legislation. The primary objective is to debut a highly competitive financial incentive package on the international festival circuit, providing global producers with a formalised fiscal structure to match the country’s diverse physical geography.

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Main photo credit: Pomperu