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Day: 7 October 2026

Monaco opens rarely seen spaces for European Heritage Days

by: Kayla Sauceda
07/10/2026

Nearly 2,900 guests visited Monaco’s municipal cultural sites during the European Heritage Days over the weekend, with Monaco’s Exotic Garden attracting over half of the weekend’s total attendees.

The 31st edition of the event took place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October under the theme ‘Heritage at Risk: Revive – Resist – Reinvent’, opening several typically restricted areas to the public and introducing new experiences.

Throughout the weekend, a total of 2,878 visitors were recorded at participating sites, including 1,592 at the Exotic Garden and 873 at Monaco City Hall. At City Hall, visitors were given access to the Wedding Hall, Council Chamber, and Mayor’s Office, along with musical performances by the Rainier III Academy and the U Cantin d’A Roca choir. QR codes were also introduced during this edition, giving access to a virtual guide. A treasure hunt for families also took place.

Visitors take part in activities during Monaco’s European Heritage Days. Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

The Rainier III Academy opened behind-the-scenes areas and its instrument-making department while hosting concerts throughout the weekend. Pavillon Bosio presented its Garden Club #6 – What if the sun were blue, would we see it? exhibition, exploring recycling, repurposing, and assemblage.

Visitors also had rare access to the heritage collection archives of the Caroline Media Library, where guided tours and demonstrations of document restoration highlighted the work that goes into preserving cultural heritage.

The weekend concluded with free access to the Exotic Garden throughout Sunday, while the Botanical Centre offered guided tours of its cacti and succulent collections.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

The final buzzer: AS Monaco Basket’s historic Roca Team era comes to an end

by: Kayla Sauceda
07/10/2026

AS Monaco Basket has officially marked the end of its professional rise, closing the chapter on a 12-year journey that took the Roca Team from the lower divisions of French basketball to dominating domestically and competing at the highest level in Europe.

In a statement addressed to the “Roca Family” on Wednesday 7th October, the club confirmed that AS Monaco Basket has been placed in cessation of payments and will now enter what it described as a “pause”, with ambitions to rebuild and eventually relaunch the club.

“Today is a sad day,” the statement read, as months of uncertainty surrounding its future finally reached its conclusion.

The announcement follows a rollercoaster summer for the reigning national champions, who were denied entry into France’s top two divisions, before an application to join Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1) was also rejected.

The club’s financial difficulties also continued to mount, with an October hearing revealing liabilities of €27.8 million, while the team remained without a competition to participate in.

Despite exhausting many options in search of a path forward, the Roca Team now must step away from the court months after completing one of the most successful seasons in its history.

FROM LOWER DIVISIONS TO EUROLEAGUE

The end marks a massive reversal for a team that built itself up as one of Europe’s most recognisable basketball teams. Over the last 12 seasons, Monaco won three French championship titles, four Leaders Cups, two French Cups, and one Super Cup. In 2021, the Principality earned its first European title with its EuroCup victory, opening the door to its EuroLeague seasons. The Roca Team went on to reach two EuroLeague Final Fours and one final.

“Nobody can take away what has been built over these 12 years,” the club said in its statement.

Reflecting on the years, the Roca Team pointed to its supporters as its greatest achievement. “This legacy cannot be erased,” the club said. Thousands of fans supported the Principality’s efforts from the lower divisions through to the end.

BASKETBALL CONTINUES IN MONACO

The future of men’s basketball in the Principality now falls on the Association de l’ASM, whose first team competes in Nationale 3 (NM3) along with its youth structure. The Association confirmed that its NM3 team remains entered in competition and will work towards playing its home matches at Salle Gaston-Médecin.

AS Monaco Basket formally passed the torch to the Association in its announcement, expressing its hope that the Principality will one day return to the highest level of competition. “The ultimate goal remains to see Monaco return to its rightful place,” the club said.

A SETBACK FOR FORMER ROCA TEAM STAR

The closing of the Roca Team chapter arrives during a difficult week for one of the players closely associated with the club’s rise to the top. American Mike James, who left the club for Anadolu Efes this season, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a EuroLeague game against Crvena Zvezda on 1st October. The 36-year-old underwent surgery, with Anadolu Efes estimating his recovery to take seven to nine months.

James became one of the most pivotal players of Monaco’s success during his five seasons with the club, winning three French championships and helping lead the team to its EuroLeague runs.

For Monaco supporters who continued to follow a fan favourite into his next chapter, his lengthy absence brings another difficult moment at the end of an era.

For now, the Roca Team leaves behind a legacy that transformed sport in the Principality. Whether the Roca Team can eventually return remains unwritten, but the club’s final message was clear: it does not consider its story permanently finished.

“Until then, what we have built together remains.”

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Photo source: AS Monaco Basket

National Council approves 30-day bank account appeal process

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/10/2026

Banks that leave account applications unanswered for 30 working days would trigger a new route to government intervention under a reform unanimously approved by Monaco’s National Council on Monday 5th October.

The measure closes a frustrating gap in the Principality’s existing right to a bank account, which applicants have struggled to enforce when a bank neither accepts nor formally refuses their request. Under the approved text, they would no longer need a written refusal to approach the Direction du Budget et du Trésor and ask it to designate a bank to open their account.

The government welcomed the vote in a statement on Wednesday 7th October but did not announce an implementation date. Bill No. 1124 still requires the Prince’s sanction and promulgation, followed by publication in the Journal de Monaco, before the new provisions can take effect.

When silence becomes a barrier

Monaco introduced a legal right to a bank account in 2020, but the National Council says individuals and businesses have continued to run into difficulties obtaining one.

The reform sets a 30-day deadline for a bank to examine an application to open an account and, where necessary, request any additional documents. If the bank fails to respond within that time, the applicant can pursue the designation procedure rather than wait indefinitely for a formal rejection.

During its examination of the bill, the Finance and National Economy Commission, chaired by Franck Julien, reduced the government’s proposed deadline from 45 to 30 working days. It also cut the time allowed for designating a bank from 15 to 10 working days.

Acting before an account closes

The text would also help individuals and businesses facing the termination of an existing account, allowing them to begin the right-to-an-account procedure before the closure takes effect, rather than waiting until they have lost access to banking services altogether.

People who hold only a joint account, with no individual account in their own name, would also become eligible to use the procedure.

The National Council described access to an account as essential for working, running a business and managing everyday life. For businesses needing to pay employees and suppliers, or residents covering rent and day-to-day expenses, the changes aim to limit the disruption that banking difficulties can cause.

A faster route to challenge a refusal

A specific, accelerated appeal before the President of the Court of First Instance would be introduced for cases where a bank designated by the Direction du Budget et du Trésor refuses to open an account or decides to close it.

The reform stems from a bill proposal adopted by elected members on 17th October 2024 and is intended to make the existing right work in practice.

“This is precisely the political purpose of this text: ensuring that a proclaimed right becomes a real right,” National Council President Thomas Brezzo said in the Council’s statement.

Access without removing safeguards

Banks would retain their obligations concerning money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and corruption. The reform strengthens applicants’ ability to obtain an account without removing the checks required of financial institutions.

Rapporteur Karen Aliprendi said the commission had sought a balance between “the necessary vigilance of banking institutions and effective access to banking services for the people and businesses contributing to our country’s economic development”.

The government said the changes would make procedures clearer and timeframes more predictable, while maintaining the requirements that apply to financial crime. Frédéric Cottalorda, Minister of Finance and Economy, praised the collaboration between government departments, the National Council’s committees and the professionals concerned, singling out the contributions of the Monegasque Financial Security Authority and the Monaco Association for Financial Activities, among others.

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Photo source: Government Communications Department

Supercars give children facing illness and disability a day in the fast lane

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/10/2026

A Lamborghini dressed as Captain America, a DeLorean and a circuit full of willing drivers gave children facing illness, disability and difficult circumstances a day to remember on 30th September, as ‘C’est eux les Champions’ (They’re the Champions) returned for its sixth edition.

Held at the Circuit du Var in Le Luc, the event brings together children from across the region for passenger rides in sports cars, alongside encounters with drivers, personalities and volunteers. The circuit was reserved for the occasion, with organisers recruiting experienced drivers prepared to offer their passenger seats to the young guests.

What began with around 20 children in 2021 has grown into an association and an annual event now inviting more than 100, according to organisers.

Alexandre Claudin brought his DeLorean to the track, much to the delight of the children

A day with the children at its centre

Actor Sofian Ribes joined this year’s edition as its honorary patron, lending his support to a day designed to give children experiences that can otherwise be difficult to access.

The longstanding collaboration with Monaco charity Les Enfants de Frankie continued, while fellow association Carburacoeur brought its own volunteers and a particularly eye-catching attraction: the Captain America-themed Lamborghini.

Drivers gave their time throughout the day, taking children onto the circuit in cars including Ferraris, Porsches, Alpines and McLarens. Alexandre Claudin also brought his DeLorean, adding another distinctive vehicle to the line-up.

The Captain America car was a a hit at this year’s ‘C’est eux les Champions’

The cars provided the excitement, but the event extended beyond the track. Children met firefighters, YouTubers and other guests, with meals, sweets and gifts forming part of the welcome. Monaco motoring personality Raul Marchisio was also present to support the initiative.

The organisers’ purpose was straightforward: to create a day in which the children could enjoy the experiences on offer, with their needs accommodated and the focus firmly on participation.

Raul Marchisio supporting ‘C’est eux les Champions’

Support beyond the circuit

The event’s growth reflects the willingness of drivers, associations and volunteers to put their time and resources behind that purpose. Six editions on, a small gathering has developed into a regional initiative with a continuing Monaco connection through Les Enfants de Frankie.

Sneaker manufacturer LEVAC also attended this year’s event. The company is participating in the association’s 1,000 Tablets for Kids project, a separate initiative on which organisers say further details will follow.

YouTuber Adyx supporting ‘C’est eux les Champions’

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Photos provided by C’est eux les Champions

 

Monaco urges early breast cancer screening for Octobre Rose

by: Cassandra Tanti
07/10/2026

Women living in Monaco or insured under its social security system are being urged to keep up to date with breast cancer screening this month, as the Prince’s Government marks Octobre Rose with a reminder that early detection offers the best chance of effective treatment.

In a statement issued on Thursday 1st October, the Department of Social Affairs and Health said breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer death in women, with one woman in eight affected during her lifetime.

Under Monaco’s organised screening programme, the Centre Monégasque de Dépistage writes to residents and women covered by the Principality’s social insurance funds aged between 45 and 80, inviting them to have a mammogram every two years. The screening centre is based at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) and operates under the authority of the Directorate of Health Action.

The age range is broader than in neighbouring France, where the national organised programme offers women with no symptoms or risk factors other than age a mammogram every two years from 50 to 74.

Don’t wait for the letter

Between screening appointments, the government says any unusual change in the breast should prompt a swift visit to a GP or gynaecologist. It also recommends an annual gynaecological check-up for all women, including those over 60.

The department described raising awareness and providing access to screening for both residents and women who work in Monaco as crucial in the fight against breast cancer, and part of a public health strategy that places prevention at its core.

‘Find the pink ribbon’

This year’s campaign poster, produced with the CHPG, shows a crowd of women dressed in pink and challenges viewers to spot the ribbon hidden among them. Its message is that anyone who has taken the time to search for a small detail can also take the time to get screened.

The government campaign runs alongside a month of Octobre Rose activity in the Principality. Pink Ribbon Monaco staged its 16th annual pink illumination on Saturday 3rd October, when Princess Charlene, the association’s honorary president, lit up the buildings around Casino Square ahead of the charity’s gala at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Funds raised will support the association’s work, including at the CHPG, with a focus on research into and screening for lobular breast cancer.

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Photo source: Unsplash

 

Princess Charlene lights up Casino de Monte-Carlo for Pink Ribbon campaign

by: Virginia D’Umas
07/10/2026

Princess Charlene, accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, symbolically illuminated the Place du Casino in pink on Saturday 3rd October to mark the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Saturday evening ceremony marked the 16th consecutive year of the initiative in Monaco— a campaign organised by Pink Ribbon Monaco, an association for which Princess Charlene serves as Honorary President.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

Landmark illuminations across the Principality

To signal the start of the month-long campaign, 24 prominent buildings and historical sites across Monaco – including the Prince’s Palace – will be bathed in pink light throughout October.

The initiative aims to maintain public focus on prevention, early screening, and the ongoing medical care required for breast and gynaecological cancers.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

A long-standing patronage

As Honorary President of Pink Ribbon Monaco, Princess Charlene maintains a close and active association with the charity’s mission. Her participation alongside Gareth Wittstock underscores a continuous personal and institutional commitment to championing health awareness and patient support across the region.

Click on the gallery for more images of the event. Photos credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier

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