19 ° C
Profile

Tag: monaco

Cap-d’Ail to Plage Mala: one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful coastal walks

by: Kayla Sauceda
27/05/2026

Just outside of Monaco, one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful coastal trails awaits in Cap-d’Ail. Beginning near the Promenade Cap-d’Ail and stretching towards Plage Mala, the route offers a scenic escape filled with stunning sea views, hidden beaches, and a glimpse into one of the Riviera’s most beautiful corners.

The path begins next to Plage Marquet, tucked behind a small parking lot. From the outset, you are met with incredible sea views of the Mediterranean’s striking blue waters, setting the tone for the walk ahead. As you continue along the path, you’ll come across many different tiny beaches, as well as quieter spots where locals come to enjoy the sea.

A scenic moment along the route, just minutes into the walk. Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

One of the standout moments comes only minutes into the route. A crowd favourite photo opportunity, a narrow archway, can be found along the path. If you look behind you after walking through, you’ll be met with a beautiful view of the sea, though you can always leave it a surprise for the return journey. Informational signs are also placed throughout the trail, sharing details about various plants and animals you may come across during the walk.

For the majority of the walk, the path is well-paved and clean. However, on days when the water gets rougher, it is important to be mindful, as you may get splashed and should take extra care to avoid slipping.

A quiet stop along the route for those looking to pause before continuing towards Plage Mala. Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Additionally, about 10 minutes in, after the first small bout of stairs and incline, you’ll find the Aire de Pique-nique. This seating area offers picnic benches where visitors can enjoy lunch, take a moment to rest, read, or simply enjoy the views.

The trail is regularly used for training purposes, making it popular among runners as well. Families with children and dog owners also frequently make the walk, though many choose to turn back before reaching the more demanding pre-Mala stairs or end up carrying their little ones for that part.

As the walk continues, the trail gradually becomes more demanding, though turning back at any point is completely okay. As you begin to approach Plage Mala, this is where the battle of the stairs really begins. Unfortunately, many of the stairs are not as well-paved as the earlier path itself. Despite there being a variety of ways to access the beach, many visitors share the same feedback regarding the number of stairs involved. Still, the reward feels fitting. Plage Mala offers some of the bluest waters on the Riviera, paired with a serene atmosphere.

With both a restaurant and water sports available during the summer, many may choose to cool off and go for a swim, have a bite to eat, or maybe even rent a boat before returning towards the Cap-d’Ail port.

As the trail offers little shade, visitors should be sure to bring water, apply sunscreen before beginning, and come prepared for plenty of sun. For those looking to escape Monaco for a few hours, the coastal trail from Cap-d’Ail to Plage Mala offers a rewarding walk well worth the journey.

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

Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Monaco’s Elie Okobo named Betclic Elite MVP as playoffs begin

by: Kayla Sauceda
22/05/2026

After years of championships, individual honours, and standout performances, Elie Okobo has added one more accolade to his résumé. The Monaco guard has officially been named Betclic Elite MVP for the 2025-2026 season, claiming his first league MVP title over Nadir Hifi and Mathis Dossou-Yovo as the club enters the playoffs.

The 2025-2026 season has certainly been one to remember for Okobo. The guard averaged 17 points, shot 71.3% from two-point range, 50.7% from beyond the arc, and averaged 4.5 assists per game. He ranked amongst the top five scorers of the season and led the league in player evaluation with an 18.5 average. Over the years, the French national has developed into one of the league’s top performers, with the 2025-2026 season further reinforcing his status among the Betclic Elite’s best.

From a season high of 28 points in November to a season high of 9 assists in May, his performance remained consistent from the beginning of the season through to the playoffs.

Despite a complicated season with the club, Okobo’s performance on the court remained steady. In a season marked by setbacks and obstacles, Okobo proved himself to be a leader on and off the court. Whether through impressive three-point shooting or performing under physical intensity with reduced rotations, he continued to deliver for Monaco. He performed consistently while balancing an intense EuroLeague schedule with domestic competition.  The schedule proved physically demanding, with recent months seeing up to four games in a span of seven days where the roster was reduced to eight players.

Okobo was not an occasionally explosive player; rather, he was a reliable backbone of the club throughout the season. Although he may not have always been the “loudest” performer on the court, he was always there showing up to get the job done and adapting to what the team needed on a given night. If the three-point shots were not falling, his focus shifted to assists, defensive intensity, and controlling the flow of the game.

In his years playing for Monaco, he has remained composed under high-pressure situations, developed chemistry with his teammates, and controlled the game well in both point guard and shooting guard roles.

After winning three national championships, Finals MVP in 2022, Coupe de France Final MVP in the 2022-2023 season, and Leaders Cup MVP earlier this season, the league MVP award adds another accomplishment to an already highly decorated career. Nearing the end of his fourth season with Monaco, it marks another milestone in his time with the club.

Despite receiving the league’s highest individual honour, Okobo was quick to redirect recognition to those around him. “I’m the most valuable player, but you’re the most valuable teammates,” he said following the announcement, reinforcing the team-first mentality that has defined much of his season.

Heading into the playoffs, this MVP win could give Okobo an extra push to navigate his team into the championships, especially as their roster remains reduced. With Monaco still managing a shortened rotation, the award comes at a pivotal moment in the season. As the team begins its playoff run, Monaco will once again look to one of its most reliable players to help lead Monaco’s pursuit of another championship.

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

Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

Ronaldinho to headline Racing Stars Football Cup ahead of Monaco Grand Prix

by: Kayla Sauceda
19/05/2026

The Racing Stars Football Cup will return to Stade Louis-II on Wednesday 3rd June at 3:30pm to kick off Monaco Grand Prix week, bringing together Formula 1 drivers, football legends, and international celebrities for a charity gala match led by the Barbagiuans Monaco.

Organised by the Barbagiuans Monaco, under the leadership of President Louis Ducruet, the event will see the Barbagiuans Monaco facing off against the Nazionale Piloti, a team of determined drivers looking for a comeback after last year’s defeat.  “Once again this year, we are going to experience a great moment of sport, sharing and emotion, all in support of causes that are especially close to our hearts,” said President Louis Ducruet.

With an ambitious programme following a successful 2025 revival, the match is expected to be a festive curtain-raiser to open one of the Principality’s most anticipated sporting weeks.

Among the headline names confirmed for this edition is Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, who will represent the Barbagiuans Monaco for the first time. With a decorated history, Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d’Or, became a world champion with Brazil in 2002, was a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and won the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona, making him one of the event’s biggest attractions. “I didn’t hesitate for a second. Receiving this invitation was an immense joy, and it will be an even greater joy to play and make my contribution,” Ronaldinho shared when discussing his participation. He further added that Monaco’s connection to motorsport made this occasion especially meaningful, noting his longtime passion for Formula 1.

Along with Ronaldinho, several other names are expected to take part in this event. Drivers including Carlos Sainz Jr. and Pierre Gasly are set to participate, while Formula 2 drivers Luke Browning and Oliver Goethe are also expected. French comedian Paul Mirabel, presenter Nikos Aliagas, and Tibo InShape are also expected to attend. Former footballers Ludovic Giuly, Flavio Roma, and Leonardo Bonucci have been confirmed for the event.

Following Mika Häkkinen serving as the event’s official ambassador in 2025, 2026 will feature motorsport icon Jacky Ickx filling the role. “What is beautiful is using energy, talent, and passion in support of positive causes. This event embodies exactly that: beautiful football, people united by enjoyment, sharing, and solidarity,” Ickx said.

Beyond the field, the event focuses on solidarity and commitment as it supports two major charities. Mercy Ships is an organization that provides free surgical care to those in need around the world, particularly in Africa. For over 45 years, Mercy Ships has sailed across the world, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. Additionally, Les Soins de l’Espoir focuses on disadvantaged communities in Southeast Asia in the medical and paramedical fields. This organisation helps fund surgeries and develop healthcare structures.

As the event draws closer, more surprises and participants are expected to be announced. Tickets for the Racing Stars Football Cup can be purchased here.

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

Photo provided

Oliver Rowland charges from P8 to victory in Monaco Formula E Race 2

by: Kayla Sauceda
19/05/2026

In the second race of the weekend, Formula E took to the streets of Monaco to compete in another highly competitive battle. Reigning champion Oliver Rowland of Nissan claimed victory ahead of Felipe Drugovich, with Antonio Felix da Costa finishing out the podium.

The race began with Dan Ticktum and Antonio Felix da Costa on the front row, while Rowland started from eighth position and Drugovich from fifth. However, an eventful race quickly created opportunities for overtaking and dramatic position changes.

Unlike Saturday’s race, this one began with drama from the jump as Ticktum, the polesitter, lost his position and Edoardo Mortara took the lead, while da Costa similarly fell down the order quickly. Another difference in this race was that there was no Pit Boost stop for extra power, meaning strategy came primarily from the efficient use of Attack Mode opportunities.

Photo: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

By Lap 4 of 28, penalties had already begun to be handed out, including one to Mortara for causing a collision, while Attack Mode had been initiated early by Nico Müller, allowing him to claim the lead only a couple of laps later and build an advantage of over two seconds.

The race was nothing short of drama, as further penalties, collisions, yellow flags, and even a DNF for Norman Nato ensued before even reaching Lap 10. After activating his Attack Mode, current championship leader Mitch Evans took the lead on Lap 11.

Laps 16 and 17 saw a strong push from Mortara of Mahindra Racing as he moved past Drugovich for second before overtaking Evans to reclaim the lead. A Full Course Yellow was then triggered following a collision at Turn 18 between Nick Cassidy and Josep Maria Martí.

After briefly losing the lead to da Costa, Mortara found himself back in front by Lap 23, with his Attack Mode activated. Rowland, however, followed in third with 30 seconds more Attack Mode time remaining than Mortara. That same lap saw Rowland take the lead over Mortara, even before Mortara’s Attack Mode expired.

By the final lap, Rowland, Mortara, and Drugovich held the podium positions. However, Mortara’s time penalty, given earlier in the race, pushed him down to a fifth place finish.

Rowland remained relatively quiet for much of the race, fighting well without drawing too much attention to himself. Yet, impressive strategy and efficiency allowed the Nissan driver to come out on top in the end. Charging from P8 to victory, Rowland proved that sometimes playing the long game can be the most effective strategy.

Monaco now gears up for another major motorsport weekend in the Principality as the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco returns in just a couple of weeks.

See also:

Nyck de Vries claims Monaco Formula E victory in opening race

 

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

Main photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Fréderic Nebinger / Palais Princier

Monaco celebrates 100-day countdown to La Vuelta

by: Kayla Sauceda
18/05/2026

To celebrate 100 days until the start of La Vuelta, which will begin in Monaco on 22nd August, Amazónico Monte-Carlo hosted a cocktail evening on Thursday to mark the occasion. As one of cycling’s most iconic races, La Vuelta is set to bring added excitement to the Principality this summer.

The evening welcomed Prince Albert II, Javier Guillén, Director of La Vuelta, and guests from Monaco and the world of cycling. Nearby, overlooking Place du Casino, residents and visitors can find a countdown clock building anticipation ahead of the race.

While the race does not officially begin until Saturday 22nd August, Thursday 20 August will kick off the festivities with team introductions. The opening day of competition on 22 August will feature a 9.6-kilometre individual time trial through the streets of Monaco. Following this, the second stage will begin the next day as riders depart Monaco and continue into France.

To mark the milestone, the Palais Princier was illuminated in red, symbolising the famous Spanish race. While the event will attract international attention, it also offers Monaco an opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with international cycling.

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

Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais Princier / Stéphane Danna

Monaco expands diplomatic reach with first Ambassador to Sweden

by: Kayla Sauceda
24/04/2026

Stéphanie Vikström formally presented her credentials to His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf during a ceremony held at the Royal Palace Stockholm on Wednesday 16th April.

The moment marks a significant step for the Principality, as Vikström becomes the first Ambassador appointed by the Prince to the Kingdom of Sweden. This milestone reflects Monaco’s ongoing efforts to broaden its diplomatic footprint and deepen its engagement across Northern Europe.

While Monaco and Sweden may differ in size and geography, the two countries share key international priorities. Their shared commitment to ocean preservation, marine research, and environmental sustainability continues to shape their presence within global initiatives.

The meeting between Stéphanie Vikström and the King also provided an opportunity to explore avenues for future cooperation, particularly in areas where both nations have demonstrated leadership on environmental and global policy issues.

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

Photo credit: Palais Princier