Monaco United secure 18-0 victory ahead of Coupe de France derby

Monaco United remains undefeated in its 2026-2027 season following an 18-0 victory over AC Avignonnais on Sunday 11th October. This victory marks Monaco United’s fourth consecutive league win, keeping the team at the top of the standings in its push for promotion to Division 3 at the end of the season.

Monaco took control of the match from the opening minutes, with Jade Prault opening the scoring before the team continued to add to its tally. By halftime, Monaco United had already built a 9-0 lead.

Despite the large lead, the team maintained its intensity until the final minutes, adding another nine goals to secure its largest victory so far this season. Assistant coach Alexandre Gallet praised the team for maintaining focus throughout the match.

“I am pleased with this result, which gives us three valuable points while further improving our goal difference,” said Gallet. He also highlighted the professionalism and discipline of his players, especially following such a substantial early lead.

A SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND ACROSS THE CLUB

The first team’s victory was part of a successful weekend for Monaco United across the club. The U15s recorded a 7-0 victory, while the senior reserve team also secured a win to maintain its position at the top of the standings.

The U18s also claimed a 2-1 victory, while the U11s delivered a strong performance at a festival in Villeneuve-Loubet.

ANOTHER MONACO DERBY

Attention now turns back to the Coupe de France, where Monaco United will once again face AS Monaco FF on Sunday 18th October at Stade Didier-Deschamps. This match comes less than one month after their first-ever league derby on 20th September, when Monaco United secured a 3-1 victory.

This time, the teams will be competing for a place in the next round of the Coupe de France. Gallet emphasised that the team’s approach heading into this match would remain unchanged despite the importance of the fixture, with the focus on maintaining the professionalism and determination previously displayed.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Photo credit: Flare Vision

Azzurra Kitchen launches new Sunday buffet lunch

Monaco has a welcome new addition to its Sunday dining scene. Since 13th September, Azzurra Kitchen at the Novotel Monte-Carlo has been serving ‘Le Rendez-vous du dimanche’, a Mediterranean buffet lunch that delivers surprisingly impressive food in a relaxed setting, with the added pleasure of going back for as much as you like.

I went along with my two daughters, and from the generous selection of starters to the beautifully cooked main courses and irresistible desserts, all three of us left thoroughly impressed.

Not brunch, but proper lunch

The first thing to know is that this is not a brunch. It is a full Sunday lunch served buffet-style, running from midday until 2.30pm, and the spread is substantial.

The starters alone could make a meal. A proper Caesar salad comes with a generous choice of toppings, alongside seasonal crudités, a creamy basil-tomato dish with mozzarella, a pinsa topped with tomato, cheese and chorizo, a potato and mortadella salad with fresh herbs, and a board of cured meats. On the day we visited, there were several dishes beyond the printed menu too, as well as a good selection of breads.

The entree bar. Photo by Monaco Life

The mains steal the show

It was the main courses, though, that really impressed, particularly given the buffet format. Too often, hot food left to wait under lamps disappoints. Here, everything was cooked perfectly.

The standout for me was the octopus. Served with swordfish cooked on the plancha, it was tender and beautifully done, the kind of dish you would happily order à la carte. My 10-year-old daughter, meanwhile, made a beeline for the chicken fricassée with cream and fresh girolles, and went back for more. A Parmigiano risotto and lasagne completed the hot dishes.

Guests can return to the buffet as many times as they like, but a word of advice: pace yourself.

The mains bar. Photo by Monaco Life

Leave room for dessert

For my daughters, the desserts were the undoubted highlight. Big bowls of rich chocolate mousse came topped with crunchy caramel pieces, alongside fruit coulis, delicate heart-shaped macarons, fig tarts and a traditional flan pâtissier, all freshly prepared. The children were also delighted to discover popping candy hidden throughout, a playful surprise that had them hunting for more.

For those who prefer to finish on something savoury, there is a board of fresh goat’s cheese from Peymenade and aged cheeses, as well as a basket of fresh fruit.

Relaxed, not stuffy

The atmosphere strikes a pleasant balance: sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy. On a warm day, the tables beside the pool are the place to be, while the dining room inside offers a cosier setting as the weather turns. Service throughout was warm and attentive.

The menu is the work of chef Frédéric Ramos, who draws on the cuisines of the world’s Rivieras, with live cooking adding a little theatre to the experience.

The dessert bar is a hit with adults and kids alike. Photo by Monaco Life

Good value for Monaco

Lunch costs €65 per adult, including a glass of Prosecco or an aperitif and coffee, and €30 for children up to 12. Monegasques and Monaco residents pay a reduced €59 per adult and €27 per child on presentation of the hotel’s loyalty card.

Given the range and quality on offer, and the freedom to go back as often as you wish, it represents good value by Monaco standards, and a welcome new addition to the Principality’s weekend dining scene, particularly for families.

‘Le Rendez-vous du dimanche’ runs every Sunday from 12pm to 2.30pm at Azzurra Kitchen, Novotel Monte-Carlo, 16 boulevard Princesse Charlotte. Reservations are required on +377 99 99 83 20.

See more in our video below…

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.

 

Monaco expands fashion footprint with new autumn rendez-vous

The Chambre Monégasque de la Mode (CMM) is doubling down on its commitment to sustainable fashion with the launch of the ‘Monte-Carlo Fashion Week Rendez-Vous’, a new autumn-winter gathering taking place across the Principality from 14th to 16th October.

Designed as a mid-season bridge to the primary Monte-Carlo Fashion Week in April 2027, the three-day event pairs local artisanal debuts with international dialogues on circular textiles and ethical design.

Samantha and Alicia Di Iorio. Photo credit: Di Iorio Monaco

Local craftsmanship takes centre stage

The inaugural autumn edition highlights local talent, beginning with the official boutique opening of Di Iorio Monaco at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo. Founded by sisters Samantha and Alicia Di Iorio, the label represents Monaco’s first home-grown luxury footwear house.

Sensory experiences also feature on opening day with Italian luxury fragrance house Xerjoff hosting an immersive perfume workshop exploring scent as an independent art form.

Pavillon Bosio Director Thierry. Photo credit: Monaco Life

Bridging scenography and sustainability

Beyond brand debuts, the Rendez-Vous establishes an academic dialogue at the Pavillon Bosio. Moderated by Léa Calori of the Prince’s Government Communication Directorate, morning sessions on 15th October explore both the history and future of the industry.

Pavillon Bosio Director Thierry Leviez will present his new book, Théâtres de la Mode, examining fashion scenography from the 19th century to today, with sales benefiting student study programmes. Transitioning from historical context to future practice, US-based environmental stylist Runa Ray, a circular economy expert collaborating with the United Nations and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, will address global inclusion and eco-responsible innovation.

Atelier showcases and closing highlights

The event concludes on Friday 16th October as Monegasque fashion house Valtoria opens the doors to its local showroom and atelier. Guests will have the opportunity to engage directly with founder and designer Gabriela Tarkanyi Maldonado during an exclusive brunch gathering.

Running alongside the main schedule on Thursday and Friday, Italian knitwear brand Falconeri will present its latest collections alongside accessories from TheRe. Hosted in a temporary pop-up space at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo styled by Vera Facchetti Lifestyle, the showcase will culminate in a closing cocktail party, bringing the inaugural autumn edition to a close.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: 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: Monaco Woman 

MonacoTech launches latest startup call for applications

MonacoTech has opened its latest call for applications, offering tech entrepreneurs and international startups a pathway to base and accelerate their development in the Principality.

Applications are now open on the MonacoTech website until midnight on 17th November for projects ready to establish an operational footprint in Monaco. 

To accommodate ventures at varying stages of maturity, the incubator offers two distinct operational tracks. The core incubation programme focuses on helping early-stage founders structure their business models and integrate deeply into the local economic fabric. In parallel, the ‘Entrepreneur in Residence’ stream is engineered specifically for serial entrepreneurs and international startups looking to accelerate their expansion and establish a fast-tracked physical presence within Monaco.

A four-pillar support framework

Successful applicants will gain entry into an intensive support structure built upon four core pillars. This includes personalised strategic guidance featuring regular progress reviews to track milestones and recalibrate priorities. Furthermore, participants secure privileged access to Monaco’s institutional partners, expert networks, and local investors, ensuring direct pathways to funding and corporate synergy. Day-to-day operations are underpinned by a vibrant community of fellow founders and frequent networking events held throughout the year.

Priority sectors and eligibility benchmarks

The current call targets technology-driven ventures committed to scaling their core operations directly from the Principality. To qualify, applicants must possess a functional prototype alongside preliminary market validation—such as user testing, pilot feedback, or initial strategic partnerships—with a clear trajectory toward commercialisation within 18 months.

While primary focus areas for this intake include Health and BioTech, Climate and BlueTech, and Applied AI, the selection committee remains open to projects from other domains provided they demonstrate significant strategic relevance to Monaco’s economic ecosystem.

Rigorous three-step evaluation timeline

The selection process is structured into three consecutive phases to identify the most promising candidates. Following the closing of online submissions on 17th November 2026, a pre-selection committee will conduct video interviews in December. Finalists will then advance to an expert jury pitch session in January 2027, determining the final roster for the March intake.

Co-founded in 2017 by the Prince’s Government, Monaco Telecom, and Xavier Niel, MonacoTech continues to serve as the cornerstone of the Principality’s innovation strategy, providing tailored resources and institutional backing to transform high-potential ideas into thriving commercial enterprises.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali 

Porsche Club Monaco and Monaco Liver Disorder unite for Riviera outing

Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD) and the Porsche Club Monaco brought together nearly 60 people for a special journey across Monaco and the French Riviera, giving families supported by the association an opportunity to experience a range of Porsche models.

Held on Sunday 4th October, the event welcomed 20 children and teenagers with their families, with around 20 vehicles taking part in a route from the streets of Monaco to the heights of Èze.

The journey started with two laps around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit before heading towards the Tête de Chien and the Grande Corniche in Èze. Participating cars ranged from classic collector models to newer sports cars, including a Porsche GT3. Throughout the experience, families were able to switch between vehicles and meet members of the Porsche Club Monaco.

AN EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE CARS

The event also gave the teenage participants the opportunity to speak with Porsche owners about their life experiences. According to MLD, the discussions highlighted the importance of work, perseverance, and pursuing personal goals.

The outing concluded with a lunch at Stars of Monaco, bringing together all participants. “This day was a real success and a wonderful discovery for all our families. Seeing the children’s and teenagers’ eyes light up throughout the journey was the greatest reward for us,” MLD said.

The association also expressed its gratitude to the Porsche Club Monaco for its “warm welcome, generosity, and commitment” to the families supported by MLD.

Click on the gallery for more images of the event…

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Photo source: Monaco Liver Disorder

Monaco Basket Association defeats Mondeville to remain undefeated

Monaco Basket Association (MBA) continued its undefeated start to the 2026-2027 season with a 75-66 victory over USO Mondeville on Saturday 10th October, securing its third consecutive victory in Ligue Féminine 2 (LF2).

The match brought together two teams that had remained undefeated through the opening two rounds of competition. In front of 600 spectators, Monaco maintained its lead throughout the match, handing Mondeville its first defeat of the season.

Monaco took an early lead in the opening quarter, outscoring Mondeville 24-21. Despite the visitors remaining within reach, MBA further extended its lead to enter halftime leading 41-36.

The team returned from halftime with increased intensity, taking the third quarter 17-13 and further extending its lead. The final quarter saw a push from Mondeville, but it was too little too late for the visitors. Monaco maintained its overall lead, securing the 75-66 victory.

TÉTART LEADS MONACO

Julie Tétart was instrumental in Monaco’s victory, recording 14 points and 21 rebounds. Her performance helped Monaco dominate under the basket, finishing with 51 rebounds compared to Mondeville’s 32.

Carolina Rodrigues was also a major contributor with 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Anouk Brun added 12 points in under 14 minutes on the court.

Ilona Hattab delivered 10 points and five rebounds. After the game, she highlighted the team’s defensive performance. “It was a big match. We knew it would be difficult and that the opposing team would rise to the occasion,” said Hattab. “We played with physicality in defence and were aggressive in attack. That’s what worked in our favour.”

MONACO PASSES FIRST MAJOR TEST

The victory marks an important result for MBA. Unlike its previous encounters this season, Mondeville remained competitive throughout the match. MBA assistant coach Bertrand Delage acknowledged the challenge Mondeville presented to Monaco.

“It was a battle that lasted throughout the entire match,” said Delage. “We knew this team would present a physical challenge, with very effective and quick guards.”

With three consecutive wins, Monaco maintains its unbeaten start to the LF2 season as the club continues its ambitious pursuit of promotion to Ligue Féminine 1.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok. 

Photo credit: John Rellegue / MBA