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Month: July 2026

Monte-Carlo SBM unveils giant origami installations, summer pop-ups and World Cup viewing across the Resort

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/07/2026

Visitors to Monaco’s Casino Square this summer will find more than luxury shopping and terrace dining. Giant illuminated origami birds and butterflies have transformed some of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s most iconic buildings as part of the return of the Resort’s seasonal Glow Up campaign.

Following last year’s oversized floral installations, the 2026 edition replaces blooms with hand-crafted paper-inspired sculptures that now decorate the façades and interiors of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach and Casino Café de Paris.

Created by creative director Christine Marchal, founder of Madame Ernest, and Monaco-based scenographer Céline Pagès, the installations draw inspiration from traditional Japanese woodblock prints. Although they appear to be folded paper, the sculptures are made from a technical fibre material designed to withstand the elements and are individually hand-painted. After dark, they take on a different character as softly illuminated wings light up the buildings.

The artistic display forms part of Monte-Carlo SBM’s broader summer programme, which also sees the return of several seasonal pop-up experiences across the Resort.

‘Glow Up’ at the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Photo source: Monte-Carlo SBM

Champagne garden returns to Hôtel Hermitage

One of the most popular returns is the Jardin Belle Epoque by Perrier-Jouët in Square Beaumarchais, opposite Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.

Running daily until October, the open-air champagne garden has been expanded for its second season with a dedicated food and champagne pairing menu. Laurent Piolti, Head Chef of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, has collaborated with Maison Belle Epoque Executive Chef Sébastien Morellon on dishes designed to complement Perrier-Jouët’s cuvées.

The menu features options including lobster brioche, beef sando, veal gribiche and gravlax salmon, paired with Blanc de Blancs and Blason Rosé champagnes beneath the Art Nouveau-inspired pavilion overlooking Tord Boontje’s Tree of Flutes installation.

Las Brisas adds evening dining

At Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Las Brisas has partnered once again with Château Sainte Marguerite for a Provençal-inspired summer collaboration.

Chef Marcel Ravin’s seasonal menu combines Mediterranean ingredients with wines from the Cru Classé Côtes de Provence estate, including the Fantastique Rosé 2025 and Fantastique Blanc 2024 vintages. Signature dishes include the François Blanc Salad with lobster and truffle, maccheroncini with eggplant chokha and spit-roasted free-range chicken with preserved lemon.

For the first time, Las Brisas is also opening for evening service from 10th July until 23rd August. The new dinner offering introduces Creole-inspired cuisine, with dishes such as spiced lamb shoulder méchoui and tuna with coconut milk and lime, alongside desserts including banana-misu and coconut blancmange.

The restaurant will also host live music on Sundays and entertainment throughout the weekend during the summer season.

World Cup shown across the Resort

Football fans can also follow the closing stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 throughout the Resort until the tournament concludes on 19th July.

Matches are being screened at Em Sherif Monte-Carlo, Blue Gin, Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, Marlow, La Rascasse, Amazónico Monte-Carlo, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo, as well as inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris, allowing visitors to watch the action while dining or enjoying drinks in some of the Principality’s best-known venues.

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Main Monte-Carlo SBM

Monaco prepares for return of E1 World Championship as title battle heads to Port Hercule

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/07/2026

The UIM E1 World Championship returns to Monaco this weekend, with Hollywood star Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola arriving in the Principality at the top of the standings and Team Monaco preparing for its home race debut.

The Monaco event marks the third visit of the all-electric raceboat championship to the Principality, where the title fight is intensifying after back-to-back victories for Westbrook Racing in Lake Como and Dubrovnik. The team leads the championship by just 12 points ahead of defending champions Team Brady, owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, while Team AlUla, championed by LeBron James, sits a further 19 points behind.

Among the celebrity team owners expected to attend the Monaco race are Will Smith and NBA player Kyle Kuzma, who will be watching from Port Hercule as their teams battle for valuable championship points.

Team Monaco looks to impress on home waters

One of the weekend’s biggest storylines will be Team Monaco, which makes its home appearance in front of local supporters for the first time.

Representing the Principality are 10-time French kitesurfing world champion Maxime Nocher and British pilot Oban Duncan, who will race through the tight confines of Port Hercule against some of the world’s leading electric raceboat teams.

Last year’s Monaco race ended dramatically for Team Rafa after French pilot Tom Chiappe crashed during qualifying. This year, Chiappe returns alongside Spanish teammate Cris Lazarraga hoping to deliver a stronger result for the team owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, which currently occupies sixth place in the championship standings.

Racing, hospitality and fan experiences

Beyond the on-water action, spectators will be able to experience the championship from several vantage points across Monaco.

A limited number of hospitality passes remain available for the exclusive E1 Ocean Club, hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco, offering premium waterfront viewing, entertainment and hospitality throughout race day.

Hublot, the championship’s Official Timekeeping Partner, will also unveil its new Big Bang Summer collection at the Ocean Club. Inspired by Mediterranean colours, the collection reflects the partnership’s shared focus on innovation, performance and luxury.

Meanwhile, the free E1 Fan Zone at Jetée Lucciana will be open on both Friday and Saturday, giving visitors the opportunity to get close to the electric RaceBirds, meet some of the pilots and test their skills on the E1 racing simulator.

Monaco’s place in the championship

With nearly a century of motorsport heritage dating back to its first international race in 1929, Monaco has become one of the championship’s flagship venues. Its combination of world-famous racing pedigree and strong maritime tradition continues to make the Principality a natural home for the all-electric series.

“We love coming back to Monaco and our teams, pilots and team owners are sure to have a warm welcome in what has fast become a mainstay of the E1 calendar,” said Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer of E1.

“That’s not only because of the Principality’s storied motorsport history and amazing nautical backdrop but because they are vocal proponents for a shared vision of marine sustainability and innovation.

“Come race day on Saturday, it will be all eyes on the water as the Championship hots up and demands cool heads, fine margins, and deft strategy to beat the competition.”

Fans unable to attend can follow qualifying and race action live on TV Monaco, the official broadcaster in Monaco and France, as well as on DAZN across much of Europe and via the E1 YouTube channel.

See also: 

Dramatic crash shakes E1 Monaco as championship leaders face setback

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Photo credit: Getty Images for E1

Global Champions Arabians Tour makes successful Monaco debut at Port Hercule

by: Kayla Sauceda
13/07/2026

Port Hercule has hosted the first-ever Global Champions Arabians Tour Monaco, bringing the world’s finest Arabian horses to the Principality for two days of competition. Set against Monaco’s iconic waterfront, the inaugural event combined sporting excellence, luxury, and heritage as competitors from around the world showcased the beauty of the Arabian horse.

The event on 8th and 9th June welcomed owners, breeders, judges, and international guests, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Thani, Deputy CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, as the Tour made its Monaco debut.

Established in 2023 and launched in 2024, the Global Champions Arabians Tour promotes Purebred Arabian horses through an international championship series spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Monaco marked the fourth stage of the 2026 Europe and Middle East circuit, welcoming 86 horses from several countries to compete for a share of the $636,000 prize fund. The gold, silver, and bronze winners from each championship qualify for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Paris at the end of the season.

Among the standout performances, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud enjoyed a particularly successful event, claiming gold in both the Senior Stallions with D Shahhar and the Senior Mares with D Najlah. In the junior championships, Aesar Al Wajba, owned by Al Wajba Stud, won the Junior Colts title, while Expectations Al Wajba, also representing Al Wajba Stud, claimed the Junior Fillies title.

Alongside the competition, the inaugural Monaco stage reflected the elegance and prestige associated with the Tour. Winners were presented with Monaco-inspired awards, including ceremonial blankets featuring golden sunflowers and Riviera blue accents, symbolising the Mediterranean landscape, as well as embroidered neckpieces featuring crystals and pearl embellishments in tribute to the prestige of Monaco.

Following its successful Monaco debut, the Global Champions Arabians Tour now continues its 2026 season in London from 14th to 16th August.

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Photo provided

This scenic coastal hike near Monaco deserves a spot on your summer itinerary

by: Kayla Sauceda
12/07/2026

Along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline lies an array of scenic coastal hikes. Just outside Monaco, the trail between Carnolès Beach and the Monte-Carlo Country Club offers some of the most breathtaking sea views and unique perspectives of the Principality.

The hike is easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. My journey began in Carnolès, where it’s just a short walk from the train station to the beach. From there, I followed the coastline towards Monaco until reaching the clearly marked beginning of the trail.

From the outset, the hike offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, with the path winding alongside the water. The first section is relatively flat, making for an enjoyable start that is suitable for families, casual hikers, and even dogs. Along the way, you’ll come across several small, secluded beaches, many of which are popular with locals looking to escape for a swim or simply relax by the sea.

Throughout the trail, you’ll also notice well-marked emergency posts displaying your location should you ever need assistance. They’re positioned at regular intervals along the route and provide an extra level of reassurance, particularly for those exploring the trail for the first time.

As the hike continues towards Monaco, the terrain gradually begins to change. The flat path shifts to more staircases and gentle inclines, but with each climb comes another beautiful viewpoint overlooking the sea. Despite the elevation, there are plenty of shaded sections beneath the trees, along with benches where you can stop, rest, and enjoy the scenery. During the summer months, however, the hike can become quite hot, so bringing plenty of water is essential.

Villa Cypris, perched above the Mediterranean along the coastal trail between Carnolès and Monaco.

One of the standout points along the trail is passing Villa Cypris, built in 1904. Although only visible from the outside, the historic villa is known for its Neo-Byzantine architecture, terraced gardens, and stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean.

Additionally, there are several opportunities to shorten the hike if needed. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin train station is located just a short distance from the trail, making it easy to end your walk early. There are also plenty of beaches along the way should you decide to stop for a swim before continuing.

As you begin to approach Monaco, you’ll cross two footbridges suspended above the sea. While they’re perfectly safe, they may feel a little intimidating for anyone with a fear of heights. Shortly afterwards, the trail reaches the Monte-Carlo Country Club, where it’s just a short walk into Monaco. From there, you can head to Larvotto Beach, grab a bite to eat, or stop for a coffee before making your way home.

Although this isn’t a particularly difficult hike, it’s worth being prepared for the number of stairs. Much of the route involves climbing before descending again, so the elevation can add up over the course of the walk. If you’re bringing your dog, it’s also important to keep the temperature in mind. The trail is popular with dog owners, but during the warmer months the pavement can become extremely hot, and there are a few sections lined with cacti and other plants that are worth watching out for. Dog boots may also be worth considering on especially hot days.

Having completed the route, it’s easy to see why this has become one of my favourite hikes on the French Riviera. Between the incredible coastal scenery, hidden beaches, and rewarding views along the way, it strikes the perfect balance of being challenging enough to feel accomplished without being overly strenuous. Whether you’re visiting Monaco or live nearby, it’s a hike well worth adding to your list.

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Photo credits: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Artcurial Monaco Auction Week: Iconic collectables and monumental sculptures fetch millions

by: Virginia D’Umas
10/07/2026

An F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain, a historic Rolex Sea-Dweller Comex 3497, and monumental sculptures by Arnaldo Pomodoro and César led the charge during the Monaco Auction Week’s summer sales, which collectively brought in €15.68 million across six auctions.

Held from 6th to 8th July at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo, the Monaco Auction Week confirmed the Principality’s standing as a hub for collectors of fine art, haute horlogerie, and rare jewels. Organised by French auction house Artcurial, the three-day event brought together connoisseurs from around the world, achieving a combined total of  €15,680,888 ($17,901,964) including fees.

Success in fine horology

The collection of fine watches saw significant momentum, with 93% of the lots finding buyers. A standout piece was the F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain, which reached a final price of €317,760. Another highlight was the sale of a Rolex Sea-Dweller COMEX 3497 for €244,940. This watch held particular historical significance, having been owned by Muriel Sivazlian, the first female commercial diver in France and an iconic figure at Comex.

Jewellery and luxury accessories

The jewellery auctions featured high-profile items that generated substantial interest. A 1955 Cartier parure, originating from the collection of a renowned French actress, was sold for €390,580. Furthermore, a pair of Art Deco earrings saw intense bidding, eventually reaching €251,560—a figure that was 31 times higher than the original estimate. The luxury accessories market also remained robust, with a 2018 Hermès Birkin Himalaya 25 bag selling for €119,160.

Monumental sculptures in the gardens

In addition to the indoor sales, the sculptures exhibited in the gardens of Monaco attracted considerable attention from collectors. Two major works achieved notable prices during the proceedings: Cubo I by Arnaldo Pomodoro was auctioned for €890,910, while the sculpture Pouce by César was sold for €635,520. These results underscore the sustained demand for large-scale contemporary works within the Monegasque market.

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Photo credit: Artcurial

European Dealer Championship: Monte-Carlo dealers secure multiple awards

by: Virginia D’Umas
10/07/2026

Two dealers from the Casino de Monte-Carlo secured a top-three finish and dominated the technical categories at the 2026 European Dealer Championship in Germany, competing against nearly 40 professionals from 20 nations.

Manon Martire, who has worked as a gaming employee at the casino since 2022, claimed third place in the overall championship standings. Her colleague, Christopher Elena, a gaming employee since 2016, stood out for his technical precision. Elena won the ‘Best Push Stacks’ and ‘Best Chip Cutting’ awards, and he went on to sweep the side competitions, where he was named Best Chipper, Best Card Handler, and Best Mathematician.

The results follow a period of international recognition for the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. The group’s recent achievements include a first-place finish by Noémie Serra in 2024, the ‘Best Slot Machine Team’ title in 2025, and the ‘Best Overall Casino 2026’ award at the European Casino Awards in Barcelona this past January.

The role of internal training

The team’s success in Baden-Baden from 8th to 10th June reflects the strength of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s in-house training programme. Established in 2014 under the direction of Christophe Teissier, the Monte-Carlo SBM Academy is managed by training manager Alexis Schroeter and coordinator Jean-René Manfredi. The programme provides comprehensive instruction across six casino games: blackjack, Texas Hold’em Ultimate Poker, English roulette, craps, punto banco and European roulette.

Designed to pass on specialist expertise from one generation of gaming professionals to the next, the Academy continues a tradition that has been central to the Casino de Monte-Carlo since its opening in 1863. Open to candidates without prior casino experience, the programme focuses on developing talent internally, helping to maintain the high standards of professionalism and operational excellence for which Monte-Carlo SBM is known.

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From left to right: Jean-René Manfredi, Christopher Elena, Manon Martire and Alexis Schroeter. Photo Credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer