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Month: August 2026

Prince Albert unveils thousand-year-old Provençal chapel linked to Monaco’s patron saint

by: Virginia D’Umas
26/08/2026

Prince Albert II travelled to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence on Monday 24th August to consecrate a thousand-year-old Provençal chapel brought back from total ruin. Located in the remote village of Faucon-du-Caire, the historic building carries deep ties to Saint Devote, Monaco’s patron saint and protector.

Restored over two years by a dedicated local association, the Sainte-Dévote – Saint-Jean-de-Matha chapel welcomed the Sovereign alongside regional dignitaries, including Prefect Isabelle Tomatis, Mayor Robert Zunino, and Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard.

Praising the volunteers who rescued the site from decay, Prince Albert said: “This little chapel, which was in ruins, has come back to life. It is an extraordinary link with the Principality thanks to Saint Devote, and a wonderful way to breathe new life into this heritage.”

Prince Albert II with Robert Zunino and Isabelle Tomatis. Photo credit: Michael Alesi

Unveiling and relics presentation

Following an official civic welcome, the Prince unveiled a historical information panel adorned with both French and Monégasque flags. The ceremony then moved to the formal presentation of relics tied directly to Monaco’s maritime history.

Photo credit: Michael Alesi

Consecration mass and community gathering

A high-profile religious service followed, presided over by Bishop Gobilliard and Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco. For the village’s 64 residents, the event drew a massive turnout. The ceremony was broadcast on a large screen so the entire community could participate.

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Main photo credit: Michael Alesi 

The end of an era: Prince Albert II’s head chef retires after nearly 40 years

by: Virginia D’Umas
26/08/2026

After nearly four decades at the heart of Monaco’s Palace kitchens, legendary Palais Princier Head Chef Christian Garcia is stepping down. 

What began as a temporary, seven-month kitchen position in 1987 – after he was hired from the prestigious Hôtel de Paris at just 23 years old – turned into a lifelong career spanning nearly four decades.

Over his long service, he became a central part of everyday life and official events at the Palace. He spent 17 years working closely with the late Prince Rainier III before continuing his service under Prince Albert II. Throughout the years, he cooked for many famous world figures and leaders, including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama.

Chef Christian Garcia greeting Nelson Mandela. Photo credit: Palais Princier

Mentoring young chefs and giving back

Beyond crafting fine Mediterranean cuisine for heads of state, Garcia made mentorship and philanthropy pillars of his career. As a proud graduate of Monaco’s own hospitality school, he made it a personal tradition to bring local culinary students into the palace kitchens as extras for major receptions, strongly believing in his duty to pass down knowledge to the next generation.

True to this spirit of service, he also channeled his culinary notoriety into humanitarian efforts worldwide – ranging from collaborating with local scout groups to cook community meals for those in need to participating in international charity initiatives following global crises.

Leading the world’s elite chefs

Garcia’s fame reached far beyond Monaco. Since 2007, he has served as the president of the Club des Chefs des Chefs. Founded by Gilles Bragard, this ultra-exclusive club brings together the personal chefs of world leaders – earning it the nickname of the ‘G20 of gastronomy’.

The group follows a famous motto: “If politics divides men, a good table always reunites them.” Under Garcia’s leadership, the club has held high-profile global meetings. In late 2023, Garcia led the club to Washington D.C., where they partnered with Monaco’s Ambassador to host special events, volunteered at DC Central Kitchen to help prepare meals for the needy, enjoyed lunch with U.S. First Lady Jill Biden at the White House, visited the Pentagon, and cooked a collaborative meal alongside top chefs from Buckingham Palace and the Élysée Palace.

Later, in October 2024, Garcia led the club to Italy, where members met the Italian president and visited the Barilla academy in Parma to study Italian cuisine.

Passing the torch

As Garcia steps down, a successor is stepping in from the Élysée Palace in Paris to take over the Palace kitchens. While Garcia is handing over day-to-day duties, he leaves behind an amazing legacy of great food, international diplomacy, youth mentorship, and deep dedication to Monaco’s Princely family.

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Main photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier

 

Virginie Hériot Trophy: Monaco to host international women’s sailing regatta

by: Virginia D’Umas
26/08/2026

Preparations are underway for the return of the Virginie Hériot Trophy—formerly known as ‘Women Leading & Sailing’—which takes place from 16th to 18th October in Monegasque waters.

The high-profile event gathers an international fleet of all-female crews competing exclusively in One-Design J/70 yachts—identical boats where success depends entirely on teamwork, strategy, and skill rather than equipment. To ensure total fairness, boats are allocated by a random draw each morning.

International fleet and tactical competition

Building on previous editions that successfully united more than 20 crews representing upwards of nine nations, the regatta draws premier talent from elite institutions worldwide. Past entries have featured prominent representation from international yacht clubs—including the Manhattan Yacht Club and Indian Harbor Yacht Club in the United States, Britain’s Royal Thames Yacht Club, and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez—alongside host teams from the Yacht Club de Monaco.

The competition unfolds across multiple phases: an initial qualification round dividing crews into groups, followed by Gold and Silver fleets based on performance, alongside a Bronze round.

A historic maritime legacy

Launched originally in 2023, the event was formally renamed to honour the legendary French sailor Virginie Hériot. Hériot secured her place in sports history at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games by becoming the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in sailing, earning the nickname Madame de la Mer.

Organisation and spectator information

The regatta is driven by the Pink Wave, a dedicated collective of 50 female racers from the Yacht Club de Monaco committed to championing women’s competitive sailing. Active across numerous international circuits, the collective is at the origin of the project and plays a driving role in the organisation and promotion of the event. The regatta operates under the official sanction and joint authority of both the Monegasque and French Sailing Federations.

Spectators can watch the races directly from the quays and the seawall. At the end of each day, the Yacht Club de Monaco publishes results, photos, and videos on its official channels and website.

Commercial backing is anchored by primary sponsor FxPro, highlighting athletic excellence and the expanding influence of women at the highest levels of international competitive sailing.

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Photo Credit: Mesi BD 

Superyachts, symphonies, and art: What’s on in Monaco this September

by: Virginia D’Umas
26/08/2026

Monaco’s autumn season starts next month with a busy schedule of exhibitions, concerts, book fairs, and sports events, led by the return of the Monaco Yacht Show.

The literary calendar opens with the Monaco International Book Fair at the Grimaldi Forum on 5th and 6th September, featuring author talks, novels, and debates. This is followed by the art3f contemporary art fair from 11th to 13th September, bringing together more than 200 artists and galleries at the same venue.

On 11th September at One Monte-Carlo, a public talk called ‘Space Exploration Today and Tomorrow’ looks at future space missions. Collectors can also visit the Monaco Card Show on 11th and 12th September, while the Art and Luxury Fair runs on 24th and 25th September, highlighting craftspeople from Monaco and the Netherlands.

 

art3f contemporary art fair. Photo source: art3f Monaco

Classical music season openers

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (OPMC) launches its 2026–2027 season on 13th September at the Auditorium Rainier III. Conductor Bertrand de Billy and cellist Truls Mørk lead a programme focused on French music by Dutilleux and Ravel.

On 20th September, 19-year-old Monegasque pianist Stella Almondo performs at the Grimaldi Forum with a recital focused on Liszt. Later in the month, the OPMC presents a concert version of Jules Massenet’s opera ‘Roma’ on 26th September, led by conductor Diego Ceretta and the Radio France Choir. Pianist David Kadouch finishes the musical month with a solo recital on 30th September.

‘The Wedding of the Century’ exhibition at the Prince’s Palace. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali

The world’s most prestigious yacht show

Port Hercule hosts the 35th Monaco Yacht Show from 23rd to 26th September. The on-water fleet includes around 120 superyachts—with 43 vessels being delivered this year—alongside more than 60 luxury tenders.

Along the docks, over 560 exhibitors showcase new ideas and equipment. Exhibition zones cover everything from design and sailing yachts to eco-friendly solutions, with the Blue Wake programme highlighting green technology in the yachting world.

Exhibitions and sport

Several exhibitions wrap up in September. The Grimaldi Forum’s car exhibition, showing 130 years of vehicle history in Monaco, closes on 6th September. At the Prince’s Palace, ‘The Wedding of the Century’—featuring photos and documents from the 1956 marriage of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly—runs until 25th September.

Other ongoing displays include ‘Heritage In Danger’ until 4th October, Victor Brauner’s paintings at the New National Museum of Monaco until 3rd January 2027, and two history displays at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. The Oceanographic Museum also continues its immersive ‘Mediterranean 2050’ display.

In sport, AS Monaco returns to the Stade Louis II stadium to play RC Lens on the weekend of 19th September.

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Main Photo credit: Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco United sets sights on Division 3 following historic first season

by: Kayla Sauceda
26/08/2026

Following a highly successful 2025-2026 season resulting in a District championship title and promotion to the Regional level, Monaco United is gearing up for its second season. The club continues to develop with ambitions of establishing itself permanently within women’s football.

Growth is evidently at the forefront of the club’s ambitions, as president and head coach Marco Simone said: “We want to continue climbing the ranks and gradually take Monaco United towards the highest level of women’s football in France.”

As Monaco United approaches this significant step up in competition, the goal remains to consistently perform in order to compete for promotion to Division 3. Following their unbeaten record last season, the team strives to perform at that same level against stronger competition.

To keep up with the increased demands, several new players have arrived to join the squad, bringing additional depth. “The group’s ambitions remain the same, with even greater determination,” said Team Captain Houleyemata Deme. “We were fortunate enough to meet some of the new players towards the end of last season, when the coaching staff had already integrated them into some of our final training sessions. Day by day, we are progressing together.” This teamwork and unity will prove critical in the upcoming season.

The Regional promotion also brings a structural change to Monaco United, with the club now featuring two senior teams and a reserve team competing at District level. More than a regulatory requirement, this serves as a development tool, allowing the squad to gain playing time, maintain a high level of competition and continue building teamwork. “The reserve team is not secondary to our project. It is an integral part of the development of Monaco United,” Marco Simone explained. With both teams training together and players able to be called upon for either side, its role within the wider project is clear.

Beyond the senior teams, Monaco United has always aspired to build a long-term club identity. This season sees the creation of the U15 and U18 categories, alongside the U11 team already established at Monaco United. With five teams now making up the club, Marco Simone described the development as “probably what makes me the proudest.”

This year will also showcase the first Monaco derby between Monaco United and AS Monaco Football Féminin, with the two sides set to meet twice during the league season.

Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 season, Monaco United has a major opportunity to write another chapter in the club’s young history.

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Photo credit: Flare Vision

Monaco’s investment forum deepens its Gulf ties with a return to Dubai

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/08/2026

The Monaco International Investment Forum (MIIF) will return to Dubai on 18th November for a second edition, held at the Bvlgari Yacht Club, as the Monaco-founded event deepens its reach into the Gulf.

MIIF brings together investors, entrepreneurs, family offices, private equity leaders and senior decision-makers for a day of dealmaking and high-level networking. Founded in Monaco and led by Raffaello Cairoli, it holds its main editions each spring at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The fifth, in March, drew more than 600 guests, among them over 50 single family offices.

From Monaco to the Gulf

The Dubai editions are the forum’s move beyond the Principality. The first, at the same Bvlgari Yacht Club in November 2025, brought together more than 450 investors, family offices and business leaders and, organisers say, confirmed the emirate as a natural extension of the platform. The second aims to build further on the connection between two of the world’s busiest financial centres, strengthening ties between Europe, Monaco and the Gulf Cooperation Council across private equity, venture capital, emerging technologies, sustainable finance and wealth management.

Registration and sponsorship

Early-bird registration for MIIF Dubai 2026 is open, with sponsorship and exhibition places also available. As at its Monaco events, attendance is selective, with organisers vetting both companies and individuals before granting access.

The expansion fits a wider effort by Monaco to present itself as a hub for wealth management, family offices and cross-border investment, and to deepen its links with the Gulf, a relationship the Principality has been actively courting.

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Photo source: MIIF