19 ° C
Profile

Month: October 2026

Trains to Monaco suspended for nearly two days in November as major rail works begin

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/10/2026

Thousands of commuters travelling between Monaco, Nice and the Italian border will need to make alternative arrangements next month, with all train services on the Nice–Ventimiglia line suspended on Tuesday 10th November and for much of Wednesday 11th November due to major engineering works.

The disruption, announced by the Prince’s Government, will affect Monaco-Monte-Carlo station and the entire coastal rail corridor between Nice and Ventimiglia, one of the principal transport routes for workers travelling into the Principality.

SNCF Réseau will carry out infrastructure works as part of a wider programme to modernise the region’s railway network, with the aim of improving reliability and eventually allowing more frequent services.

According to the Government, trains will not operate throughout Tuesday 10th November, with services remaining suspended until the evening of Wednesday 11th November.

The closure coincides with France’s Armistice Day public holiday on 11th November, although the disruption on Tuesday will affect a normal working day for thousands of cross-border commuters.

Government urges commuters to plan ahead

With the closure expected to affect journeys into and out of Monaco, the Prince’s Government is encouraging passengers to reconsider their travel arrangements well in advance.

Among the options suggested are working from home, postponing non-essential journeys, adjusting working hours or annual leave, and using public transport or car-sharing services.

For those who must travel, the Government recommends checking the latest information from regional transport operators, including the ZOU! bus network, SNCF TER and Zestbus, which will provide updates on available services.

Another alternative highlighted by the Government is BlaBlaCar Daily, the car-sharing service supported by the Principality.

Under the scheme, passengers travelling on eligible journeys starting or ending in Monaco can travel free of charge, while drivers receive financial support from the Monaco Government.

Further rail closures expected

The November disruption forms part of a longer-term modernisation programme being undertaken by SNCF Réseau across the region.

The Prince’s Government has warned that further temporary line closures should be expected over the coming years as infrastructure upgrades continue.

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: Cassandra Tanti

Monaco team races for 42 hours in Jules Bianchi charity karting marathon

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/10/2026

A Monaco-based team has finished 11th out of 35 competitors in the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon at Circuit Paul Ricard, completing more than 42 hours of continuous racing to raise funds for patients and families affected by serious brain injuries. The team also secured second place among amateur competitors.

The 11th edition of the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon brought together motorsport enthusiasts, professional drivers and volunteers for an endurance challenge lasting exactly 42 hours, 19 minutes and 50 seconds — a reference to the traditional marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres.

Among the competitors was MyCROWN – YellowKorner Monte Carlo, whose drivers and support crew worked in shifts throughout the event to finish 11th overall, ahead of 24 other teams.

The event, held at Circuit Paul Ricard’s karting track, was established in memory of French racing driver Jules Bianchi, who died in July 2015 from injuries sustained during the Japanese Grand Prix the previous year.

This year’s participants included racing drivers Doriane Pin, Norman Nato and Tom Bianchi, as well as former tennis champion Henri Lecomte.

Racing in memory of Jules Bianchi

The marathon supports the Jules Bianchi Association, established in 2015 to help people living with severe brain injuries and their families.

The organisation funds medical research, contributes towards specialist equipment and supports families dealing with the consequences of serious neurological injuries.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Nice’s L’Archet Hospital and initiatives supporting patients and their relatives.

The hospital has a particular connection to the Bianchi family, having cared for Jules during the final months of his life.

Monaco businesses unite for a third year

The MyCROWN – YellowKorner Monte Carlo team was supported by MyCrown Collection, founded by Sophia Vaharis Tsouvelekakis, and YellowKorner Monte Carlo, operated by Leonidas Kambanis.

The two businesses have partnered for three consecutive years to support the Jules Bianchi Association through the karting marathon.

Managed by Benjamin Laurens and Sophia Tsouvelekakis, the team brought together approximately 20 volunteers, including drivers and personnel responsible for logistics, coordination and race support.

Seventeen drivers represented the Monaco team, including Leonidas Kambanis, Sébastien Chardonnet, Enzo Dubois, Teddy Thompson and Spyros Tsouvelekakis.

Their combined efforts secured second place in the non-professional category, alongside their 11th-place finish in the overall standings.

For the Monaco participants, the event was an opportunity to combine a demanding motorsport challenge with fundraising for a cause closely connected to the region’s racing community.

More than a decade after Bianchi’s death, the annual marathon continues to bring competitors together in his memory while providing practical support to patients and families facing serious brain injuries.

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: MyCROWN – YellowKorner 

 

Monaco’s €660 million yachting boom outpaces wider economy

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/10/2026

Monaco’s yachting industry generated nearly €660 million in revenue in 2025, growing almost five times faster than the Principality’s wider economy over three years. New figures from Monaco’s statistics institute reveal a sector expanding in both the number of businesses and jobs, with yacht brokers accounting for more than half its turnover.

The latest Maritime Economy and Yachting report, published in October by the Institut Monégasque de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (IMSEE), shows that Monaco’s yachting industry generated €659.7 million in turnover in 2025, an increase of €92.6 million, or 16.3%, compared with 2022.

Over the same period, turnover across the Principality’s economy grew by just 3.6%, making yachting one of the more dynamic areas of Monaco’s business landscape.

The industry also welcomed 64 additional establishments, bringing the total to 475, a rise of 15.6% since 2022. Yachting businesses now represent 3.8% of all establishments in Monaco.

Yacht brokers dominate the industry

The figures underline the importance of yacht brokerage to Monaco’s maritime economy. Of the 475 establishments operating in yachting, 222 are classified under wholesale trade, including 212 businesses involved in yacht brokerage. These intermediaries generated €343.1 million in turnover in 2025, accounting for more than half of all yachting revenue. Their turnover increased by €53.8 million compared with 2022, making them the principal driver of the industry’s growth.

The wider wholesale trade category generated €361 million, up 16.7% over the three-year period.

Other important contributors included maritime passenger transport, which generated €55.5 million, transport support activities at €44.7 million, and auxiliary water transport services at €34 million.

Design and technical services record strong growth

Beyond yacht sales, Monaco’s specialist maritime services are also expanding. Businesses operating in scientific, technical and specialised activities, including yacht design, engineering and business consultancy, recorded a 40.6% increase in turnover between 2022 and 2025, reaching €73.8 million.

The number of establishments in this category grew by 31.2%, from 77 to 101, the largest numerical increase of any major yachting business category. It shows the importance of the wider professional services network supporting Monaco’s yachting industry, extending well beyond yacht sales and charter operations.

Nearly 1,500 jobs supported by yachting

The industry employed 1,495 people in the private sector at the end of 2025, an increase of 4.6% compared with 2022. Wholesale trade was the largest employer, accounting for 527 jobs, including 510 in yacht brokerage. Employment in the category increased by 21.3% over the period.

Arts, sports and recreational activities accounted for another 312 jobs, followed by transport and storage with 269.

However, employment growth was not uniform. Transport and storage lost 66 jobs, a decline of 19.6%, which IMSEE attributes to a single establishment operating in transport support services.

Despite the industry’s substantial turnover, most yachting businesses remain small. Almost 70% have no salaried employees, while just 12.4% employ more than five people.

Monaco’s wider maritime economy reaches €1.7 billion

The report also examines the broader maritime economy, which includes yachting alongside commercial maritime activities, marine engineering, vessel maintenance, maritime transport and other sea-related services.

In 2025, this wider sector comprised 734 establishments, supported 3,316 jobs and generated €1.655 billion in turnover.

The number of maritime establishments increased by 15.6% compared with 2022, with 99 additional businesses operating in the sector. Employment also rose, although more modestly, by 1.5%.

Overall maritime turnover declined by 7.3% over the three-year period. However, IMSEE attributes the entire decrease to a single wholesale trade operator, rather than a general contraction across the industry.

Yachting accounted for nearly 40% of maritime turnover, 45.1% of its jobs and almost two-thirds of its establishments in 2025.

The latest figures demonstrate the considerable economic weight of yachting in Monaco, with growth driven particularly by yacht brokerage, specialist technical services and an expanding network of businesses supporting the international superyacht industry.

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 by Cassandra Tanti 

Covid-19 circulation on the rise in French Riviera ahead of vaccination campaign

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/10/2026

Covid-19 is circulating at higher levels across the French Riviera and wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region than at the same time last year, according to new public health figures. The increase comes as France prepares to launch its winter vaccination campaign on Tuesday 13th October, although hospital emergency departments have yet to experience a corresponding rise in demand.

The latest regional surveillance bulletin from Santé publique France, published on 7th October, confirms that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating more widely in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), which includes Nice, Cannes, Antibes and the French Riviera surrounding Monaco.

Both laboratory surveillance and wastewater monitoring indicate higher levels of the virus than at the same point in 2025.

The findings follow several weeks of increasing consultations for suspected Covid-19, with the region’s SOS Médecins services continuing to report rising activity.

However, the public health agency says emergency department visits for Covid-19 have stabilised and remain significantly below levels recorded during the previous two years.

PACA among regions with higher respiratory infection rates

Separate figures from France’s Sentinelles surveillance network show that PACA recorded an estimated 169 consultations for acute respiratory infections per 100,000 inhabitants during the week of 28th September to 4th October.

That compares with a national average of 142 per 100,000, placing PACA among the three regions with the highest estimated consultation rates, alongside Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Brittany. The regional rate had been estimated at 143 per 100,000 the previous week, although the surveillance network continues to classify overall respiratory infection activity in PACA as low.

While the figures cover all acute respiratory infections, including Covid-19, influenza and other viruses, the regional data reinforces the picture of renewed Covid-19 circulation as the autumn respiratory illness season begins.

Covid-19 consultations rising nationally

Across France, SOS Médecins recorded a 26% increase in consultations for suspected Covid-19 during the week ending 4th October, representing approximately 280 additional consultations compared with the previous week.

National surveillance has shown increasing Covid-19 activity since August, with the virus detected through laboratory testing and wastewater monitoring.

Despite this, Santé publique France says the impact on healthcare services remains relatively limited.

Winter vaccination campaign starts Tuesday

The latest figures come just ahead of France’s annual vaccination campaign against Covid-19 and seasonal influenza, which begins on Tuesday 13th October. The campaign is particularly aimed at people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of serious illness.

People who regularly come into contact with vulnerable individuals, including healthcare workers, are also encouraged to be vaccinated.

For the 2026–2027 season, France is using an updated Comirnaty vaccine targeting the XFG subvariant of Omicron.

Both Covid-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered during the same appointment, with injections given at separate sites.

Covid-19 vaccines are fully covered by France’s Assurance Maladie, although administration costs are reimbursed according to the usual healthcare arrangements.

Vaccinations are available through authorised healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives.

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. 

Image generated by AI for Monaco Life

 

Vacherot begins Shanghai Masters title defence with straight-sets win

by: Kayla Sauceda
12/10/2026

Valentin Vacherot made a strong return to the Shanghai Masters on Saturday 10th October, defeating Argentinian Sebastián Báez 6-4, 7-6(5) to move forward in the tournament.

Currently ranked world No. 14, Vacherot secured this victory in under ninety minutes, building off his strong run at the Japan Open, where he reached the semifinals.

Vacherot took control early, securing a 6-4 advantage before facing a more difficult second set. Báez pushed the set into a tie-break, but Vacherot remained composed to claim the tie-break 7-5, ending the match in straight sets.

VACHEROT CONTINUES STRONG RUN

The victory comes only five days after Vacherot’s semifinal appearance in Tokyo, where he was defeated by Czech player Jiri Lehecka. During that Tokyo run, Vacherot also recorded victories over Alexander Blockx, former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Arthur Fils.

This victory in Shanghai builds on that momentum, following Vacherot’s key role in Monaco’s Davis Cup victory over Finland in September before beginning the Asian swing of the tour.

TITLE DEFENCE CONTINUES AGAINST TOMMY PAUL

Vacherot returns to Shanghai as the defending champion following his historic victory in 2025. He will now face American Tommy Paul, currently ranked world No. 18, on Monday 12th October. A victory in this match would send Vacherot into the fourth round, where he could potentially face world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

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: ATP Tour

AS Monaco Rugby climbs to second after commanding Céret victory

by: Kayla Sauceda
12/10/2026

AS Monaco Rugby continued its strong start to the season with a 47-3 victory over Céret Sportif on Sunday 4th October, moving the team into second place in the standings. The first team delivered an impressive home performance, securing a commanding victory.

The weekend was also successful for the club’s Espoirs, who recorded another home victory and now occupy seventh place in the standings. Both senior teams will return to the pitch on Saturday when they travel to Mazamet.

Monaco saw additional success at youth level, with its U16 team winning its derby against Saint-Laurent-du-Var. The U19s were unable to make the weekend a clean sweep for the club, falling to defeat against Grasse. The two will also return to action this weekend.

RUGBY CLUB TRADES THE PITCH FOR PADEL COURTS

Away from the pitch, the club is preparing to host the first edition of its ‘Defender’ padel tournament on Sunday 18 October. The event will bring together 20 corporate teams for a padel competition at the Complexe du Devens.

Attention will then turn back to rugby as participants are invited to head to Stade Prince Héréditaire Jacques for AS Monaco Rugby’s match at 3:15pm.

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: AS Monaco Rugby