13 ° C
Profile

Tag: monaco

No Finish Line 2024 raises record €319,000 for children’s projects

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
25/07/2025

Monaco’s 25th edition of No Finish Line, which took place last November, raised a record-breaking total of €319,005 for children’s causes worldwide. The traditional cheque presentation ceremony took place earlier this week, honouring the main recipient associations.

The nine-day charity event, held from 16th to 24th November at Port Hercule, saw nearly 14,000 participants cover together 319,005 kilometres. Prince Albert II was among those who took to the track, supporting the unique format where every kilometre run translates into one euro for charity.

Since launching in 1999 to celebrate International Children’s Rights Day, the event has raised €5.4 million through the participation of over 189,000 people who have covered together 5.1 million kilometres.

This year’s funds from the November event have been distributed through Children & Future to 26 projects across five regions: Monaco (€101,442), France (€102,498), Europe (€13,915), Africa (€34,648), and Asia (€37,500).

Supporting local and international causes

Among the key recipients in Monaco, the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire received €75,000 to fund paediatric cardiac operations. Save Us was awarded €13,584 to continue its fight against genetic diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis.

Monaco Collectif Humanitaire receiving their check. photo credit: Philippe Fitte

Children & Future funded the acquisition of a vein detector and double cot for the paediatric ward at Princess Grace Hospital Centre, while €9,212 was allocated to the Coeurs Vaillants et Âmes Vaillantes Association to enable children from modest families to participate in holiday camp activities.

In France, the Les Liens du Coeur association in Pessac will receive €30,000 to develop a playground at their future family welcome centre.

International projects include €20,000 towards constructing a nursery classroom in Laos and funding for a minibus in Vietnam to provide safe school transport for orphaned children.

The next edition of No Finish Line is scheduled for 16-24 November 2025.

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.

Main photo credit: Philippe Fitte

From Santana to Scorpions: Monaco’s epic final week of July

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/07/2025

The Principality is set to close out July in fashion, with a line-up of world-class performances ranging from rock legends to classical masterpieces. 

Guitar icon Carlos Santana will make his highly anticipated return to Monaco on Wednesday 23rd July, taking the stage at 22:30 at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo on Avenue Princess Grace. The performance, part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025, promises what organisers describe as a ‘hypnotic’ experience.

The festival continues its star line-up on Thursday evening with German techno pioneer Paul Kalkbrenner performing at 20:00. Featuring original saxophonist Chris White, the performance promises to deliver the ‘magnificent musical world’ that has captivated generations of rock fans.

The week’s highlight arrives on Saturday with German hard rock legends Scorpions taking the stage at 22:30. The band, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, is set to deliver a truly unforgettable evening for rock enthusiasts.

Jazz Meets Mozart

On Thursday 24th July jazz pianist Thomas Enhco will also present ‘Mozart Paradox’ at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantine. The innovative performance will showcase Enhco building bridges between jazz and classical music through solo piano improvisations on Mozart’s timeless themes.

Cinema under the stars

Two outdoor experiences will be offered to film enthusiasts on Thursday 24th July. The New National Museum of Monaco on Avenue Princesse Grace presents John Ford’s western classic ‘The Man Who Killed Liberty Valance’ (1962) at 21:30, following free access to the ‘Cactus’ exhibition from 19:00-21:00, with refreshments provided by The Stop.

Meanwhile, the Stade Louis II transforms into an open-air cinema for the first time as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Luc Besson’s ‘Valerian et la cité des mille planètes’ will be screened on the stadium’s brand-new giant screen at 20:30, complete with deckchairs and popcorn. Doors open at 19:00, but places are limited and invitations must be collected directly from the Stadium Management (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

Family fun

La Note Bleue at Plage du Larvotto on Avenue Princesse Grace hosts two vibrant musical experiences. Friday sees Carlos Lopes bring his Cabo Verde heritage to the stage with a unique blend of Afro Pop, Soul, Jazz, and R&B at 21:00. Saturday’s highlight features the return of Tamo Junto, the South of France’s ‘most infamous Samba band,’ promising to transport audiences to the heat of Brazilian Carnival with their 21:00 performance.

Families can also enjoy Saturday evening’s fireworks at Quai Albert 1er, beginning at 18:00 with free access to inflatable castles and building to the main fireworks display at 22:30, followed by a DJ set.

Palace performances

The week concludes with two classical performances at the Prince’s Palace. Sunday 27th July sees the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra perform Paul McCartney’s ‘Liverpool Oratorio’ in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace on Avenue Princesse Grâce. Conducted by Kazuki Yamada at 21:30, the concert features the CBSO Chorus and Rainier III Academy Children’s Choir in this collaboration between the former Beatle and Carl Davis.

The month’s final concert comes Thursday 31st July with conductor Charles Dutoit leading the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra alongside pianist David Fray. The 21:30 concert in the Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace features Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1, Ravel’s ‘Valses nobles et sentimentales,’ and Respighi’s ‘The Pines of Rome’.

Theatre and Practical Information

Theatre enthusiasts can experience ‘Du domaine des murmures’ on Tuesday 29th July at 21:30 on Avenue de la Quarantaine. Based on Carole Martinez’s Prix Goncourt des Lycéens-winning novel, the production tells the story of Esclarmonde, a young woman who refuses marriage and chooses religious seclusion in 12th-century France.

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.

Main photo credit: Thibault Trillet from Pexels

 

Interview: Team Blue Rising claims historic first victory in Monaco

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
21/07/2025

Team Blue Rising pulled off a sensational victory at Monaco on Saturday, claiming their first-ever E1 World Championship win. Cricket legend Virat Kohli’s team staged a remarkable comeback from what looked like a hopeless position to cross the line ahead of Team Brady and Team Brazil by Claure Group.

The victory moves team Blue Rising to fourth in the championship standings with 114 points, keeping them firmly in the hunt as the reason reaches its climax. More significantly, it allows defending champions Team Brady to reclaim the overall lead with 135 points—though they hold just a single point advantage over Team Rafa’s 134 points.

Exclusive: Inside the winning strategy 

Speaking exclusively to Monaco Life’s Kyriaki Topalidou after their breakthrough victory, Team Blue Rising’s pilots were still processing their historic achievement.

“Absolutely. Through the moon,” Sara Misir beamed when asked about securing their first win. “Over the moon. Did we even land on the moon?” she joked with her co-pilot John Peeters, to which he replied “I think we overshot it. We went almost until the sun. Yeah. It was pretty special.”

The team also revealed how they orchestrated their comeback after Team Brazil had established early dominance. Sara Misir, explaining their tactical masterstroke, said: “There’s a lot of strategy that goes into these races. It’s a matter of putting in good times. We were able to get John into some clean water; he achieved some solid times, and he was catching up and closing that gap. So, we were just waiting to see one of them make a mistake, and that’s what we really capitalised on and went for it, and came out first.”

The race featured multiple lap configurations—long lap, short lap, and regular lap—each demanding different approaches. “There’s theories how to do that, different deltas for the laps, and you’re able to capitalise on it. We all race in the same water, so it was just part of the deal. Make the most of it.” John Peeters explained.

Team Blue Rising’s Sara Misir and John Peeters after Saturday’s win, photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

Survival mode in Monaco waters

Monaco’s water conditions on Saturday tested every team to breaking point.

“It was massively difficult,” the team told Monaco Life. “You know, John brought it home because he called it himself. It was like Seatte waters. I guess this is what you’re used to in the boating world,” Misir added.

When asked how Monaco compared to other E1 race locations, the pair were candid about the challenge: “I think it definitely challenged us. It challenged everybody, but we clearly won, so we like it. I thought it was survival mode out there, so it was very interesting, and I didn’t expect anything different from Monaco.”

The team also acknowledged the conditions were particularly brutal this year: “This was rougher than last year for sure, but we knew that it was going to be part of the strategy.”

The RaceBirds struggling in Monaco’s water conditions during Final 2. Photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

Happy but grounded

Despite their euphoria, Team Blue Rising remain grounded about what lies ahead. When asked whether this breakthrough victory gave them confidence for future races, their response revealed the mentality that may have been key to their success.

“No. I mean, we’ve always had the morale of a team where it doesn’t matter what we do today — tomorrow’s a new day, and anything can change. It’s just a matter of how hard we’re ready to work and bring home what we can,” Misir explained.

Alongside their victory in the Monaco E1 race, John Peeters was recognised with the PIF Driver of the Race award. He and co-pilot Sara Misir accepted the team’s trophy on the podium from E1 founder and chairman Alejandro Agag, marking a rewarding conclusion to their steady climb toward this milestone result.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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.

Main photo credit: Shiv Gohil / Spacesuit Media

‘Demain l’Océan?’ exhibition tackles climate crisis through contemporary art

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
15/07/2025

Monaco’s Quai Antoine 1er Exhibition Hall has been transformed into an immersive oceanic journey with ‘Demain l’Océan?’, running until 7th September. The exhibition brings together 34 artists from five continents to explore the relationship with the world’s seas through 71 works including photography, painting, sculpture, and video installations. 

Curated by Elodie Antoine with scenography by Thomas Guillaume, the show coincides with the 3rd UN Ocean Conference and forms part of France’s ‘La Mer en Commun-Année de la Mer’ initiative.

Six-part oceanic journey

Rather than giving direct environmental messages, Elodie Antoine designed the exhibition as a thoughtful journey through six thematic sections. “The idea was to place the spectator facing a horizon that can be somewhat turbulent,” she explains.

The first thematic section, called ‘The Horizon’, opens with diverse mediums including embroidery, photography, video and painting. Featured artists include Kiatu, a Guyanese artist who “reconnects with Asian tapestry,” and Lucas Arruda, whose Amazonian childhood memories create “imagined horizons” through his unique paint-removal technique.

‘Fauna and Flora’ represents the second section and it immerses visitors in an underwater world through green colour schemes. “Little by little to enter into the depths,” Antoine explains. This section features ceramics, bronzes, mobiles, and drawings.

Following, ‘Inhabiting the Shore’ examines humanity’s coastal relationship, exploring how beaches have densified with mass tourism while questioning our responsibility to protect these spaces.

The fourth section, ‘The Sea in Peril’, addresses contemporary environmental threats through installations showing pollution impact and microplastics. ‘What Future for the Ocean?’ concludes with works visualising extreme weather, rising seas and climate disasters, questioning what awaits without immediate action.

Pollution impact featured at ‘Demain l’Océan?’ exhibition, photo by Monaco Life.

Global perspective

Antoine avoided a Mediterranean-centric approach: “I didn’t want us to make an exhibition that only spoke about the Mediterranean.” The international scope addresses marine pollution, climate migration, and rising sea levels through works from multiple continents.

The exhibition, organised by Monaco’s Direction des Affaires Culturelles, aims to reflect the principality’s maritime heritage, from Prince Albert I’s 1921 warnings about marine destruction to Prince Albert II’s current conservation work.

‘Demain l’Océan?’ runs until 7th September 2025 at the Quai Antoine 1er Exhibition Hall and is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 1pm-7pm with free entry.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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.

Main photo by Monaco Life.

Simon Delestre claims third consecutive Longines Global Champions Tour victory

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/07/2025

During a fascinating weekend Simon Delestre secured his third consecutive victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco. Meanwhile, Antoine Ermann claimed the Monte-Carlo Casino Trophy.

The world number eight delivered an outstanding performance in the jump-off on Saturday evening, riding Cayman Jolly Jumper to finish in 32.05 seconds and win the €1.5 million prize. He beat Britain’s Harry Charles on Sherlock by a strong 1.84 seconds, showing the skill and speed that have made him a three-time Monaco champion.

The victory marks Delestre’s fourth five-star Grand Prix triumph of the season, following earlier wins ‘s-Hertogenbosch and the Saut Hermès in Paris. The partnership has now won four of the seven top-level competitions they have contested since January 1st – a remarkable strike rate.

French double delight

France’s successful weekend completed when Antoine Ermann guided Odin vt Hanegoor to victory in the Monte-Carlo Casino Trophy.

Twelve combinations made it through to the jump-off from the first round, with Delestre third to compete in the deciding phase. “It’s difficult to find the words,” Delestre said after his victory. “Winning here is incredible. I had made it an objective but to actually succeed…I was third to go in the jump-off. I knew I had to do something incredible to hope to win.”

The Olympic bronze medallist from Paris 2024 described his tactical approach: “I took all the risks and couldn’t do any more anyway. At the finish, even though you can always be beaten, I knew that the podium, was assured and that we would be hard to beat.”

Delestre’s victory strengthens his position in the overall Longines Global Champions Tour standings and secures his place at November’s Super Final in Prague, when Grand Prix winners compete for the ultimate prize.

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: Monaco Life 

Energy Observer docks in Monaco after seven-year global voyage

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
07/07/2025

The Monaco Yacht Club welcomed a remarkable vessel to its marina during the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge—the Energy Observer, the world’s first vessel to complete a round-the-world voyage in total energy autonomy. After seven years at sea, covering 68,000 nautical miles, it arrived in Monaco to demonstrate the possibilities of maritime decarbonisation. 

Speaking to Monaco Life, Nolwenn Guenan, the vessel’s 360 Communication Manager, explained the groundbreaking technology that powers the boat. “Energy Observer is a boat operating with a mix of renewable energies and hydrogen on board,” she said.

The technology that powered the global voyage

The boat stands as an example in marine propulsion, operating entirely on a low-carbon energy mix combining solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, and crucially, hydrogen produced on board from seawater electrolysis.

The Energy Observer’s seven year voyage has taken it to more than 50 countries, making 101 stopovers across the globe. “The objective is to experiment, decrypt, and raise awareness about energy transition.” Guenan explained.

Solar panels on top of the Energy observer, photo by Monaco Life.
Solar panels on top of the Energy observer, photo by Monaco Life.

Next-generation vessel to push boundaries even further

The success of the original Energy Observer has paved the way for an even more ambitious successor. EO3, currently under development, represents the next generation of low carbon vessels, designed from the outset as a commercial ship meeting international standards.

This new vessel will feature an innovative energy system integrating multiple complementary technologies: a 180-square-metre solar array, four wing sails for propulsion assistance, and a revolutionary ammonia-based fuel system.

The Energy Observer’s presence at the Monaco Boat Energy Challenge gave visitors and contestants a glimpse into the future of zero-emission maritime transport.

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.

Main photo by Monaco Life.