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Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo unveils Le Salon by Maison Moghadam

by: Kayla Sauceda
17/07/2026

Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo has unveiled Le Salon by Maison Moghadam, a new private dining space created in collaboration with the Monaco-based luxury interior design house. Blending bespoke craftsmanship with refined hospitality, the project introduces an exclusive experience while highlighting the expertise of one of the Principality’s longest-established design houses.

Founded in Paris in 1996, Buddha-Bar became known for its unique combination of Asian-inspired cuisine, intricate interiors, and its signature music. In 2010, a partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer brought the concept to the Principality, where Buddha-Bar established itself as one of Monaco’s most recognizable dining destinations. Seeking to create a more intimate, unique experience for guests, Buddha-Bar partnered with Maison Moghadam to bring its vision to life.

Tucked away from the main dining room, Le Salon immediately feels distinct from the rest of Buddha-Bar. While the luxury is evident, it’s the intentionality behind the design that stands out most. Every texture, finish, and material appears to have been selected with purpose, creating an unparalleled sense of depth throughout the space. From the distinct wall coverings and carefully curated color palette to the handcrafted onyx tableware, each element contributes to an immersive atmosphere. Rather than competing for attention, each individual design element works together to blend into a cohesive environment where the space itself becomes part of the experience.

For Jérôme Viale, Managing Director and Head of Design at Maison Moghadam, the collaboration represented more than simply creating a beautiful new space. “This collaboration was an opportunity to show that projects like this can be imagined, designed, and brought to life entirely in Monaco. It reflects what already exists within the Principality and what can be achieved when Monaco’s design and hospitality come together,” he said.

This collaboration highlights the strength of creative industries within Monaco. Rather than looking outside the Principality for this project, Buddha-Bar chose to showcase the craftsmanship, design, and manufacturing that already exist here.

Established more than 50 years ago, Maison Moghadam began as a specialist in Persian carpets before evolving into one of Monaco’s leading luxury interior design houses. Today, the family-run company offers bespoke interiors, furnishings, fabrics, wallpapers, and its own Marbellous collection of handcrafted onyx creations.

With Le Salon by Maison Moghadam, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo has introduced more than an elevated private dining experience. The collaboration demonstrates how thoughtful design can blend with hospitality while showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship found within the Principality.

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Interview: E1 CEO Jamie Copas outlines his vision ahead of Monaco race

by: Kayla Sauceda
17/07/2026

Having stepped into the role of E1 CEO earlier this year, Jamie Copas sat down with Monaco Life to discuss his vision for the championship, its ambitious growth plans, and Monaco’s role in shaping its future.

E1 is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship, bringing celebrity-owned teams to iconic waterfront destinations while promoting innovation and sustainability on the water.

With more than 30 years’ experience in advertising, brand building, and sports marketing, including the last decade in motorsport, largely around Formula 1, the opportunity to lead E1 was one he couldn’t ignore. After meeting E1 founder and chairman Alejandro Agag, he quickly understood the championship’s vision.

“The foundational stories are sustainability, gender equality, and innovation,” said Copas, adding that building awareness around those values is central to his vision for E1’s growth. While his experience in Formula 1 gave him a strong foundation in motorsport, Copas said E1 offered the chance to build something entirely different – an emerging championship built around sustainability and innovation. “Beyond building the brand, we build awareness so that we can tell our stories.” With races in destinations such as Monaco, Lake Como, and Dubrovnik, E1 has a unique opportunity to share those stories on a global stage.

Copas said his career has always centered on building brands and delivering commercial growth. “My history has always been about building brands… building brands is also building financial growth and return on investment.”

Despite fundamental differences from the agency side to the new CEO side, the objectives remain the same. “Working on the agency side, it’s about story mining and storytelling. And here it is the same, how do we find the right stories to tell around the races?”

Growing E1 through innovation and global partnerships

For Copas, growth is about far more than adding races to the calendar. He believes expanding E1 begins with strengthening its identity and attracting partners who share the championship’s values. “The partners that we speak to already know who we are… they want to be with us because of those stories.” He said sustainability, gender equality, STEM, and technological innovation are increasingly becoming the conversations that open meetings with potential partners, demonstrating how those values are helping shape E1’s commercial future.

Looking ahead, Copas hopes to grow the championship from its current 10 teams and 8 races to 12 teams and 15 races.

Why Monaco remains central to E1’s ambitions

Asked about Monaco’s place on the calendar, Copas was quick to emphasise its significance. Having this race on the calendar “is critical for us because it positions E1 within the heart of motorsport”.

Beyond providing a spectacular backdrop, Monaco brings a level of prestige few locations can match, reinforcing E1’s place within the wider motorsport world.

Team Monaco competes in its home race at the E1 Monaco GP, marking the team’s debut season in the all-electric powerboat championship. 

Team Monaco will be competing in their home race this weekend as a new entrant into the series this season. Copas highlighted the commitment behind this decision to enter, from the team, its owners, and pilots, which strengthens the relationship between E1 and Monaco as a whole.

Copas also recognised the support E1 has received from both the Principality and the local community, describing it as an important part of the championship’s continued growth.

Accelerating the future of sustainable marine technology

While electric vehicles have become increasingly common on roads, Copas believes the marine industry still has significant ground to cover. He pointed to Formula E’s influence on automotive technology as an example of how motorsport can accelerate innovation beyond the race circuit.  “On the water, it’s so much further behind. So the reality is, there is momentum there, but our storytelling helps to speed that up.” He said increasing awareness around electric marine technology is a key part of E1’s wider mission, helping encourage greater adoption of cleaner alternatives across the industry.

That mission aligns closely with initiatives already taking place in Monaco. Last week, the Principality hosted the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, where students and industry leaders showcased new sustainable maritime technologies. Asked how initiatives such as the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge align with E1’s ambitions, Copas shared, “We are in the process of looking at our second fleet and looking at the technological developments since developing the first fleet. We want to be at the forefront of that developing technology. We’re very close to it, it’s an important aspect of what we do.”

As E1 continues to expand its calendar and develop its next generation of electric race boats, Copas hopes the championship can do more than entertain. By combining elite sport with innovation and sustainability, he believes E1 can help accelerate the future of clean marine technology, with Monaco continuing to play a central role in that journey.

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Global Champions Arabians Tour makes successful Monaco debut at Port Hercule

by: Kayla Sauceda
13/07/2026

Port Hercule has hosted the first-ever Global Champions Arabians Tour Monaco, bringing the world’s finest Arabian horses to the Principality for two days of competition. Set against Monaco’s iconic waterfront, the inaugural event combined sporting excellence, luxury, and heritage as competitors from around the world showcased the beauty of the Arabian horse.

The event on 8th and 9th June welcomed owners, breeders, judges, and international guests, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Thani, Deputy CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, as the Tour made its Monaco debut.

Established in 2023 and launched in 2024, the Global Champions Arabians Tour promotes Purebred Arabian horses through an international championship series spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Monaco marked the fourth stage of the 2026 Europe and Middle East circuit, welcoming 86 horses from several countries to compete for a share of the $636,000 prize fund. The gold, silver, and bronze winners from each championship qualify for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Paris at the end of the season.

Among the standout performances, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud enjoyed a particularly successful event, claiming gold in both the Senior Stallions with D Shahhar and the Senior Mares with D Najlah. In the junior championships, Aesar Al Wajba, owned by Al Wajba Stud, won the Junior Colts title, while Expectations Al Wajba, also representing Al Wajba Stud, claimed the Junior Fillies title.

Alongside the competition, the inaugural Monaco stage reflected the elegance and prestige associated with the Tour. Winners were presented with Monaco-inspired awards, including ceremonial blankets featuring golden sunflowers and Riviera blue accents, symbolising the Mediterranean landscape, as well as embroidered neckpieces featuring crystals and pearl embellishments in tribute to the prestige of Monaco.

Following its successful Monaco debut, the Global Champions Arabians Tour now continues its 2026 season in London from 14th to 16th August.

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This scenic coastal hike near Monaco deserves a spot on your summer itinerary

by: Kayla Sauceda
12/07/2026

Along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline lies an array of scenic coastal hikes. Just outside Monaco, the trail between Carnolès Beach and the Monte-Carlo Country Club offers some of the most breathtaking sea views and unique perspectives of the Principality.

The hike is easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. My journey began in Carnolès, where it’s just a short walk from the train station to the beach. From there, I followed the coastline towards Monaco until reaching the clearly marked beginning of the trail.

From the outset, the hike offers uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, with the path winding alongside the water. The first section is relatively flat, making for an enjoyable start that is suitable for families, casual hikers, and even dogs. Along the way, you’ll come across several small, secluded beaches, many of which are popular with locals looking to escape for a swim or simply relax by the sea.

Throughout the trail, you’ll also notice well-marked emergency posts displaying your location should you ever need assistance. They’re positioned at regular intervals along the route and provide an extra level of reassurance, particularly for those exploring the trail for the first time.

As the hike continues towards Monaco, the terrain gradually begins to change. The flat path shifts to more staircases and gentle inclines, but with each climb comes another beautiful viewpoint overlooking the sea. Despite the elevation, there are plenty of shaded sections beneath the trees, along with benches where you can stop, rest, and enjoy the scenery. During the summer months, however, the hike can become quite hot, so bringing plenty of water is essential.

Villa Cypris, perched above the Mediterranean along the coastal trail between Carnolès and Monaco.

One of the standout points along the trail is passing Villa Cypris, built in 1904. Although only visible from the outside, the historic villa is known for its Neo-Byzantine architecture, terraced gardens, and stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean.

Additionally, there are several opportunities to shorten the hike if needed. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin train station is located just a short distance from the trail, making it easy to end your walk early. There are also plenty of beaches along the way should you decide to stop for a swim before continuing.

As you begin to approach Monaco, you’ll cross two footbridges suspended above the sea. While they’re perfectly safe, they may feel a little intimidating for anyone with a fear of heights. Shortly afterwards, the trail reaches the Monte-Carlo Country Club, where it’s just a short walk into Monaco. From there, you can head to Larvotto Beach, grab a bite to eat, or stop for a coffee before making your way home.

Although this isn’t a particularly difficult hike, it’s worth being prepared for the number of stairs. Much of the route involves climbing before descending again, so the elevation can add up over the course of the walk. If you’re bringing your dog, it’s also important to keep the temperature in mind. The trail is popular with dog owners, but during the warmer months the pavement can become extremely hot, and there are a few sections lined with cacti and other plants that are worth watching out for. Dog boots may also be worth considering on especially hot days.

Having completed the route, it’s easy to see why this has become one of my favourite hikes on the French Riviera. Between the incredible coastal scenery, hidden beaches, and rewarding views along the way, it strikes the perfect balance of being challenging enough to feel accomplished without being overly strenuous. Whether you’re visiting Monaco or live nearby, it’s a hike well worth adding to your list.

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Photo credits: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

Brazil’s Stephan de Freitas Barcha claims Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Monaco

by: Kayla Sauceda
06/07/2026

The Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix took place on Saturday 4th July, with Brazilian rider Stephan de Freitas Barcha emerging victorious after an intense competition. He became only the second Brazilian rider in history to win in the Principality.

The final stretch of the jump-off required immense focus before Barcha celebrated with a shout and raised fist as victory was confirmed. The emotion continued as he listened to Brazil’s national anthem play against the backdrop of Port Hercule. This victory secured his “Golden Ticket” to the Super Grand Prix in Riyadh later this year.

World number 37 de Freitas Barcha claimed the title following a nine-rider jump-off. Riding Dinozo Imperio Egipcio, a 13-year-old Selle Français stallion by Diamant de Semilly, bred by Danielle Prince, de Freitas Barcha delivered an outstanding performance. Having finished fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Chevaux Primavera Imperio Egipcio, Brazil’s top-ranked rider recorded the biggest victory of his career.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” he said, visibly emotional. “Winning my first five-star Grand Prix here on this historic Monaco arena is amazing. This victory is for everyone around me. My horse is the ‘special one.’ He always wants to go clear and always gives his best. I feel so lucky to experience this.”

Despite setting the time to beat early, Barcha had to wait until the final jump of the last rider to celebrate his win. French rider Kevin Staut, riding Vida Loca Z, came close to securing a fourth consecutive French victory. However, a slight touch on the final obstacle resulted in a fault that dropped him down the standings.

The podium also featured Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci in second and Germany’s Christian Ahlmann in third. After eight rounds on the Longines Global Champions Tour, Belgium’s Abdel Saïd retained first place ahead of Austria’s Max Kühner and Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander.

Before the Grand Prix, Belgium’s Pieter Devos, riding his 12-year-old mare Jarina J, won the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer – Casino de Monte-Carlo Trophy. “My mare jumped really well today. When she’s feeling good, she’s extremely competitive and very fast,” said Devos.

The final CSI2* event, the Grand Prix Institut Esthederm, was won by American rider Kaitlin Campbell. She edged out Monaco’s 21-year-old Kristina Klebanova by just three hundredths of a second.

The 2026 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour once again showcased world-class show jumping in Port Hercule, bringing together many of the sport’s leading riders at one of the season’s most prestigious competitions.

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Photo credit: LGCT

Villa Paloma presents major exhibition dedicated to Victor Brauner

by: Kayla Sauceda
03/07/2026

The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco invites visitors into the world of one of Surrealism’s most influential figures with a major new exhibition dedicated to Romanian artist Victor Brauner.

Presented at Villa Paloma from 3rd July to 3rd January 2027, Victor Brauner: L’Aventure Magique showcases more than 160 works spanning the artist’s career, offering an in-depth exploration of his unique visual universe shaped by dreams, mythology, spirituality, and esotericism.

Despite his close association with the Surrealist movement after settling in Paris in the 1930s, Brauner developed a highly personal artistic language that distinguished him from his contemporaries. Throughout his career, he drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, such as folklore, alchemy, astrology, non-Western artistic traditions, and ritual objects, blending these influences into a symbolic universe of his own.

The exhibition traces Brauner’s artistic journey from his early years through to his later works, presenting paintings, drawings, sculptures, objects, and archival materials, many of which come from an exceptional private collection established in Monaco. Organized around several themes, the exhibition reflects on the artist’s relationship with Surrealism while highlighting the recurring motifs and symbols that shaped his creative vision. The exhibition is further complemented by 10 extra-Western art objects formerly belonging to Brauner, on loan from the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Saint-Étienne Métropole.

Among the themes explored are metamorphosis, mythology, spirituality, and Brauner’s fascination with what he described as the magical dimensions of existence. A selection of objects and personal archives is also on display, offering insight into Brauner’s imagination and creative process.

According to exhibition curator Camille Morando, the exhibition aims to share “the magical adventure of this great artist with as many people as possible” through a unique private collection presenting some of the 20th century’s most singular and captivating works.

Accompanying the exhibition is a catalogue published by Hatje Cantz, featuring essays by specialists and further insight into the life and work of an artist whose visionary world continues to captivate audiences today.

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Photo provided.