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Day: 29 October 2026

MBA comeback falls short against ASVEL in Coupe de France

by: Kayla Sauceda
29/10/2026

Monaco Basket Association (MBA) came back from an 11-point half-time deficit to briefly lead Lyon ASVEL Féminin before falling 71-81 in the Coupe de France battle on Wednesday 28th October.

A packed Salle Gaston-Médecin hosted an enthusiastic crowd supporting the unbeaten Ligue Féminine 2 leaders as they challenged their high-level opponents. Supporters became increasingly involved as the contest became closer, with the crowd’s energy reflected on court as MBA searched for an upset.

MONACO FIGHT BACK

ASVEL held a narrow 22-19 lead after the first quarter before extending their lead in the second, sending Monaco into the locker room trailing 35-46 at the halfway mark.

MBA delivered a strong third quarter performance, holding the visitors to only 10 points while adding 17 of their own, reducing the deficit to only four points heading into the final quarter of the game.

In the 33rd minute, Monaco took a 60-59 lead, making their aspirations of eliminating a team from the division above a true possibility. ASVEL, however, regained control in the final minutes to secure their place in the next round of competition.

STRONG INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Carolina Rodrigues led Monaco’s scoring with 18 points, while Stepha M’baye added 14 points and five rebounds.

Julie Tétart delivered a meaningful performance all-around with 13 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks, helping the team on both ends of the court.

The visitors’ shooting accuracy, however, proved to be the difference. ASVEL converted 50.9% of their field-goal attempts against Monaco’s 37.3%. They also made 11 three-point shots compared to MBA’s six.

CUP EXIT AFTER COMPETITIVE RUN

MBA had previously beaten La Tronche Meylan 77-50 in the previous round and entered the ASVEL match with five victories from five league games under their belt.

Although their run for the Coupe de France has come to an end, the evening provided evidence that Monaco has a definite ability to challenge higher-level competition. With a packed house responding to every close play, MBA’s second-half comeback gave Monaco’s supporters plenty to get behind.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Prince Albert II honours Eileen Gray at Cap Moderne plaque unveiling

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/10/2026

A commemorative plaque honouring Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray was unveiled at Cap Moderne on Wednesday 28th October in the presence of Prince Albert II, marking a century since work began on Villa E-1027 and the approaching 50th anniversary of her death.

Held alongside Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Mayor Patrick Cesari, the ceremony celebrated the woman whose vision shaped the seaside villa, from its architecture and furniture to the smallest details of daily life.

Organiser Robert Lee Mulcahy said the tribute began with a conversation over lunch in June with Mayor Cesari and around 20 guests he had gathered to honour Eileen Gray in this milestone year. He suggested naming a street or public space after Gray. With two significant anniversaries falling this year, those discussions developed into Wednesday’s commemoration.

A century since work began on E-1027

Built between 1926 and 1929, E-1027 was Gray’s first architectural project, designed in collaboration with Romanian architect Jean Badovici on a steep coastal plot below the railway at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

In his address, Mulcahy cited research by Renaud Barré, who has spent 25 years studying the villa and is preparing a book for publication in April 2027. According to that research, Badovici requested a water supply for the construction site before the summer of 1926, while the house was declared complete on 30th July 1929.

The centenary therefore marks the beginnings of the project. Its name encodes the pair’s initials: E for Eileen, 10 for Jean’s J, the tenth letter of the alphabet, 2 for Badovici’s B and 7 for Gray’s G.

Gray approached the house as a complete living environment, designing furniture, lighting and interiors around the needs of its occupants. That attention to how people actually lived was central to her work across architecture and design.

Guests gathered at Cap Moderne on Wednesday for the plaque unveiling, where an exhibition for Eileen Gray’s villa is currently being staged. Photo credit: Frederick Duchesne

Preserving Gray’s legacy

Born in County Wexford in 1878, Gray developed her career through painting, lacquer work, furniture and textiles before turning to architecture. Beyond E-1027, her houses included Tempe à Pailla at Castellar, overlooking Menton.

The survival of E-1027 required a substantial preservation effort. Acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral in 1999 after falling into serious disrepair, the villa underwent restoration intended to return it to its original 1929 appearance. The work was completed in 2021.

Mulcahy acknowledged Michael Likierman’s leadership of the Cap Moderne restoration project, whose honorary committee was presided over by Prince Albert.

Looking ahead to the 150th anniversary of Gray’s birth in 2028, Mulcahy also proposed an Eileen Gray Education Foundation. He envisaged practical programmes, teaching resources and opportunities for architecture and design students, inviting supporters to help develop the initiative.

 

Prince Albert II presenting Robert Lee Mulcahy with a medal recognising his public service, philanthropy and support for culture. Photo credit: Frederick Duchesne

Recognition for Robert Mulcahy

During the ceremony, Prince Albert II presented Mulcahy with a medal recognising his public service, philanthropy and support for culture. Mulcahy also presented the Prince with a miniature version of the commemorative plaque.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Mayor Patrick Cesari, who also addressed the gathering, spoke warmly of the friendship between the town and the Principality.

Further tributes in Paris

Wednesday’s unveiling came three days before the anniversary of Gray’s death in Paris on 31st October 1976.

Mulcahy said further commemorations would include an Irish Embassy reception on Thursday 29th October and a private ceremony at Père-Lachaise cemetery on Saturday 31st October. A niche and a plaque matching the design unveiled at Cap Moderne are due to be unveiled there.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo credit: Frederick Duchesne

 

Monaco to host third edition of Chokolashow celebrating Grimaldi Dynasty

by: Virginia D’Umas
29/10/2026

Fine art, master chocolate creation, and centuries of princely heritage will take centre stage in Monaco on Friday 4th December, for the third edition of Chokolashow. Organised by the Monaco International Hub association under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the celebratory evening returns to its original home at the Tunnel Riva with a central theme honouring ‘The Grimaldi Dynasty’.

The 2026 programme will highlight custom-designed chocolate sculptures, live artistic performances, and high-profile fundraising dedicated to local charitable causes. By bringing together top chocolatiers and contemporary artists to pay tribute to the Princely Family’s history, the event stands out as one of the Principality’s most distinctive winter cultural gatherings.  

Artistry and gastronomy in support of local charity

Since its inception, Chokolashow has built a reputation for blending cultural expression with philanthropic action. The 2026 event will unite renowned chocolatiers, visual artists, and creative talents to produce bespoke edible masterpieces and artistic installations inspired by centuries of Grimaldi history.

Beyond its cultural focus, the initiative maintains a core charitable mission. Proceeds and fundraising efforts from the evening will directly support local community projects and philanthropic causes championed by the Monaco International Hub. By transforming gourmet craftsmanship into a fundraising platform, the event reinforces the Principality’s long-standing legacy of combining high-level events with charitable giving.

A symbolic setting for a growing tradition

The selection of the Tunnel Riva carries strong historical significance for the initiative. Hosting the third edition in the subterranean waterside venue marks a return to the location of Chokolashow’s debut, highlighting its evolution into an established tradition on Monaco’s cultural calendar.

With official princely patronage confirmed and preparations underway, the organisers expect the December gathering to attract key figures from Monaco’s artistic, diplomatic, and philanthropic communities to celebrate the Sovereign House through a unique fusion of art and gastronomy.

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Prince Albert II at Chokolashow 2025. Photo credit: AMP Monaco