Monaco Life

Photos: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene in Alsace to inaugurate new Grimaldi Historic Site

In a day filled with the past, the Prince and Princess of Monaco created new memories on their 17th March visit to Alsace with a series of ceremonies, meet and greets, and reminders of ancient ties. 

The main mission of Prince Albert II and Princess of Charlene’s visit to the region of Alsace was the welcoming of a new Grimaldi Historic Site into the growing community of towns and villages across France and Italy that have centuries-old ties to the Principality. 

Pictured alongside Mayor Sylvie Renger, the Princely couple proclaimed Feldbach a new member of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

The marriage of Louise d’Aumont, Duchess of Mazarin, to the future Prince Honoré IV of Monaco in 1777 gave Monaco the county of Ferrette, which had been granted by King Louis XIV to Cardinal Mazarin in 1659.  

But the history of Ferrette goes back much further, and the region is this year celebrating the 700th anniversary of the 1324 marriage of Jeanne de Ferrette to Archduke Albert II of Habsburg. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were able to partake in a small part of these commemorative events during their tours of three key communes.   

Feldbach, Donnemarie and Thann 

The trip began for the couple in Feldbach, where they were greeted by Mayor Sylvie Renger.

The Princely couple’s first task was the unveiling of a sign indicating the town as the latest member of the Grimaldi Historic Site of Monaco network, before the mayor took Prince Albert and Princess Charlene to the Saint-Jacques church, a place where “the first counts of Ferrette are buried”.

The Princely couple meet with local officials from three Alsatian towns as well as countless well-wishers. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

From Feldbach, the couple went on to Donnemarie, where they were met by Mayor Alexandre Berbett and other local dignitaries, who joined them in inaugurating a new street, the Passage des Comtes de Ferrette.  

Mayor Alexandre Berbett joined Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in formally opening the Passage des Comtes de Ferrette in Donnemarie. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

The day came to a conclusion in Thann, where the Prince and Princess attended, alongside the Archduke and Archduchess Rudolf of Habsburg-Lorraine, both descendants of Jeanne de Ferrette and Albert II of Habsburg, official ceremonies marking the 700th anniversary of this important marriage.  

While in Thann, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene visited the collegiate church of Saint-Thiébault. It was here that they were able to see the church’s beautiful organ, an instrument that the Prince has aided in restoring.  

After a traditional lunch, the Princely couple were treated to a choral concert by the Petits Chanteurs de Thann and spent time chatting to a crowd of well-wishers, end the trip on a high note. 

A choral concert by the Petits Chanteurs de Thann brought to a close Prince Albert and Princess Charlene’s visit to Alsace. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

 

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department

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Michelin Guide 2024: Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac earns two stars in its first year

Less than a year after Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac opened at Monaco’s Hôtel Métropole, the restaurant has been awarded a stunning two Michelin stars in the recently launched 2024 edition of the famous guide. 

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac opened at the five-star hotel in the heart of Monaco in July 2023, and proved a resounding success with diners and critics alike from the very first service.

The name itself set the restaurant up for great things, taking its inspiration from the Les Ambassadeurs of the 1920s and guiding the principles of Chef Cussac, who offers a contemporary and authentic take on Mediterranean cuisine in this inviting yet sumptuous space.

The elegant dining room of Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac. Photo credit: Studio Phenix

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the Michelin Guide, and I would like to emphasise that these stars are the fruit of the hard work and devotion of my entire team,” said Chef Christophe Cussac in a statement. “We have made this journey together, each member bringing their unique contribution, dedication and talent. They shine for every one of us, because we know that we can’t achieve great things alone. This is a collective victory, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to our success.” 

See more: New restaurant: Fine dining reaches new high at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

It is rare – very rare – for a restaurant to earn two Michelin stars in its first year, but this was always the goal.  

Les Ambassadeurs is complimented by Yoshi, the Riviera’s only Japanese restaurant to hold a Michelin star and, according to a spokesperson for the Hôtel Métropole, the launching of the new restaurant was all part of a plan to bring the total number of stars at the hotel back up to three. 

It restores the honour that the Hôtel Metropole held during the days when Joël Robuchon, together with Christophe Cussac, occupied this space.

Chef Cussac boasts more than 40 years’ experience with some of the greatest of his time: he lived through the Jamin Robuchon era (1981), then Troisgros in Roanne, before managing his family Relais & Châteaux the Abbaye Saint-Michel in Tonnerre, Burgundy (two stars), the Réserve de Beaulieu (two stars), and finally the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo alongside Joël Robuchon at the two Michelin starred restaurant.

Les Ambassadeurs lobster lasagne. Photo credit: Studio Phenix

Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac had undergone a major transformation ahead of its 2023 reopening.

While Designer Jacques Garcia extended his expertise to the restaurant’s timeless design in the dining room, the biggest transformation took place behind the scenes in the kitchen, which was extensively expanded and now presents almost as beautiful as the dining space itself. Three large work stations accommodate 11 chefs, and there’s also a ‘bar table’ where guests can immerse themselves in all the action, as well as a ‘chefs table’ in the main dining area, overlooking the service kitchen.

Chef Christophe Cussac is pictured centre with members of his team. Photo credit: Studio Phenix

The restaurant’s pastry chef, Patrick Mesiano, was been singularly honoured with a 2024 Prix Passion Dessert by the guide.

When it opened, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac added another gem to Monaco’s culinary crown. Now, it can confidently sit on top of that crown as one of Monaco’s best.

SEE ALSO:

New restaurant: Fine dining reaches new high at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

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Photo credit: Studio Phenix

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From Italy to China: Monaco lecture to unravel the intriguing tale of a Dante translation into Chinese

Monaco’s Dante Alighieri Association has invited Professor Paolo Sabbatini, a prominent figure in Italian-Chinese cultural communications, to lead a detailed exploration of the tale of the translation of a Dante masterpiece into Chinese. Here are all the details. 

On Monday 25th March, a lecture organised by the Monaco Committee of the Dante Alighieri Association will explore the fascinating process of translating Dante Alighieri’s most iconic work, the Divine Comedy, into Chinese.

Professor Paolo Sabbatini, the current Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Shanghai, stands as a key authority on the topic and he will be directing the event. Sabbatini’s unique insights have been shaped by his extensive connections with China – he first moved to Beijing in 1985 as a UN official – and his profound appreciation for Dante’s works.

The event aims to spotlight the linguistic and cultural challenges involved in adapting Dante’s writing for Chinese readers and, intersecting with the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death, the Venetian merchant and traveller who voyaged along the Silk Road to Asia and back in the late 13th century, will also celebrate the cultural ties between Italy and China.

The event will be hosted the Agora-Diocesan House in Monaco from 7pm and comes under the distinguished patronage of Princess Caroline, with support from the Embassy of Italy. For more information, click here.

 

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Photo source: Dante Alighieri Association

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Basketball: AS Monaco’s Coup de France title defence ends in defeat at semifinal

In a tense Coupe de France semifinal, AS Monaco fell short against a determined Strasbourg, exiting the tournament with a 93-89 loss.

Despite a comeback attempt, Monaco’s basketball team, the Roca Team, was unable to defend their title on 17th March, succumbing to SIG Strasbourg in a closely contested Coupe de France semifinal at the Arena Loire de Trélazé. This defeat means AS Monaco won’t advance to the final at Bercy. Strasbourg’s victory, with a final score of 93-89, sends them to face Dijon in the final, ending AS Monaco’s hopes of repeating last year’s success.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with AS Monaco struggling to find their footing from the outset. Strasbourg took advantage of this, quickly establishing a lead.

Matthew Strazel, AS Monaco’s guard, pointed out the team’s early game shortcomings: “We lacked aggressiveness at the beginning. Strasbourg played a complete game.” He continued, “It’s a setback for us, especially as we had been on a good pace in the Euroleague.”

AS Monaco’s shooting percentage was a significant issue, with the team hitting only 27 of 62 from the field. Strasbourg, on the other hand, displayed efficient shooting and resilience, managing to maintain their lead despite AS Monaco’s aggressive comeback attempt in the final quarter.

This defeat ends AS Monaco’s title defence and casts doubt on their national performance, especially after missing the Leaders Cup. Looking forward, they’re focusing on the Euroleague, with an important match against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on 20th March.

SEE ALSO: 

Roca Team’s Mike James crowned best scorer in Euroleague history

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Photo credits: asmonaco.basketball

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The rise of AI in coaching: a new frontier for personal and professional development

Artificial Intelligence has entered the sphere of personal and professional coaching, but can software really replicate the highly-personalised approach sought by disciples of the industry? According to Nadav Wilf, the founder of AlignCoach.ai, AI can do just that – and more. 

When Monaco Life attended the recent KSMATCH Investor Lounge in Monaco, which connected innovative entrepreneurs with potential investors, one of the start-ups that stood out was AlignCoach.ai.

Founded by 42-year-old San Diego native Nadav Wilf, the company is blending traditional aspects of coaching with sophisticated technology that can intricately map human mindsets, emotions and thought patterns.

Wilf’s technology has the potential to transform the way coaches approach and navigate their clients’ needs by merging cognitive psychology, neuroscience and performance coaching with data gleaned by AI. The result, according to Wilf, who was inspired to create the company after suffering from anxiety and depression during his university years, is a faster and more streamlined path to self-awareness.

See more: K2MATCH Investor Lounge: an event connecting startups with investors

“AI is revolutionising how we approach personal and professional development,” he told Monaco Life. “We’re pioneering the use of AI to map the human mindset and speed up the journey to self-awareness and effective solution finding.”

By leveraging AI, AlignCoach.ai is also able to tackle the traditional obstacles of cost and accessibility that have previously restricted the widespread availability of effective coaching, much of which is practiced one-on-one.

As AI technology advances, its application within coaching signals a new era of the enhancement of human potential and extends beyond efficiency improvements into new areas of growth and insight.

“That is the power of AI,” Wilf enthused.

Nadav is offering a complimentary Align Coaching session to all Monaco Life readers. Sessions can be scheduled here

 

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Pictured in main photo: Badr Moudden, co-founder of K2MATCH, and Nadav Wilf, CEO of AlignCoach.ai. Photo supplied

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Meet Monaco’s newest citizens

Around 70 people acquired Monegasque nationality in 2023. Last week, the Mairie welcomed its newest citizens at a special ceremony in the Town Hall.

On Thursday 14th March, the Mairie hosted the traditional reception honouring individuals who acquired Monegasque nationality during the past year, either by law or by Sovereign Order.

Camille Svara, Deputy Mayor, along with Chloé Boscagli Leclerq, Charles Maricic, Georges Gambarini, Nada Lorenzi, Nathalie Vaccarezza, and Jean-Luc Puyo, members of the Communal Council, welcomed around 30 new Monegasque citizens in the Wedding Hall. They were among 68 individuals who acquired Monegasque nationality in 2023.

Camille Svara extended a warm “welcome to the large Monegasque family” to the attendees before presenting them with symbolic gifts including a reproduction of the original document of the Monegasque national anthem, penned in 1931 by Monegasque poet Louis Notari.

The reception concluded with the rendition of the anthem by the Children’s Choir of the Rainier III Academy.

As of 31st December 2023, there were 9,790 Monegasque citizens recorded; 67% of them acquired Monegasque nationality through lineage, 19% through marriage, and 14% through Sovereign Order of Naturalisation.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco 

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Musée Océanographique de Monaco announces date of its annual recruitment day

Just over 20 exciting positions at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco will be up for grabs at the annual jobs fair next month, with each offering successful applicants a unique opportunity to get involved with a leading aquarium and conservation space.

The Musée Océanographique de Monaco has announced that its annual recruitment event will be taking place on Friday 12th April between 10am and 4pm.

In total, the establishment is looking for 22 new members of staff to help with the running of the museum and its many facilities during the upcoming summer season, and from reception staff and educators to accountants and technical support, there is a great range of opportunities on offer.

20 of the roles will be full-time postings spanning April to September, but there’s also a permanent Assistant Accountant position on the list as well as a 12-month contract for an Audiovisual Technician.

Jobseekers will be met and interviewed by managers at the museum, who will be able to share their insights into the workings of this popular tourism destination.

Prior registration is required and the form can be found here. Please note that candidates need to be at least 18 years old by their contract start date.

Read related:

Pelagos Sanctuary goes digital with new immersive conservation experience

 

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Photo credit: M. Dagnino / Musée Océanographique de Monaco

 

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Royal connections and Irish folk music on the programme at the Princess Grace Irish Library this spring

Starting with a St Patrick’s Day event this week, the Princess Grace Irish Library will be spotlighting the unique bond between Monaco and Ireland with a series of interesting and engaging events this spring. Here’s what to expect.

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Princess Grace Irish Library has invited Irish author Flor MacCarthy, who is also the establishment’s current ‘Writer in Residence’, to give a talk on the fascinating correspondence between the Principality’s ruling Grimaldi family and the presidents of Ireland.

Set to take place on 19th March at 2.30pm, MacCarthy’s discourse will be delving into the historical connections established between Monaco’s royalty and Irish heads of state over the years, many of which she has previously explored in her book, The Presidents’ Letters – An Unexpected History of Ireland.

From Prince Rainier III’s first official visit to Ireland in 1961 to an exchange involving a Irish pony named Babbling Brook that was gifted to Princess Caroline in 1962, the stories will commemorate the enduring friendship between the Emerald Isle and the Principality that was inspired by Princess Grace’s Irish roots.

See more: Princess Grace Irish Library announces spring writer-in-residence

On 4th April, an Irish folk music concert featuring Zoë Conway and John McIntyre will be held at the library. Tickets to the event cost €15 and can be reserved here.

Then comes a gala dinner at the Yacht Club de Monaco on 19th April, which will champion the work of the Atlantic Youth Trust, an Irish charity dedicated to the development of life skills, resilience and cooperation among young Irish people through voyages on the Grace O’Malley tall ship. Tickets for this gala dinner can be booked here.

A lecture on Irish opera by Dr Maria McHale has also been scheduled for 24th April. Further information can be found here.

 

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In the photo: Princess Caroline (centre) with Mark Armstrong, Peter K. Murphy and his wife Jacqueline, Flor MacCarthy, Anne-Marie Boisbouvier and Paula Farquharson. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

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“A love letter to jewellery”: Sotheby’s to auction spectacular private collection in Geneva and Paris this May

One of the world’s greatest private jewellery collections ever to come to auction is to go under the gavel at dual Sotheby’s sales in Geneva and Paris in May. 

Over the course of two days, more than 250 exquisite 20th century pieces, including a vast number of René Boivin-signed accessories, will be sold by the acclaimed auction house of Sotheby’s. 

The Geneva portion of the sales – 46 of these exceptional items – will be taking place during Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale on 12th May while the remaining pieces will be presented on 14th May in London as part of the ‘Iconic Jewels: Her Sense of Style’ event.  

TOP NAMES 

““When you come across a jewellery collection as consistently stunning and substantial as ‘Iconic Jewels: Her Sense of Style’, it’s a heart-stopping moment – the kind you know you’ll never forget,” says Marie-Cécile Cisamolo, a jewellery specialist at Sotheby’s Geneva. “This collection, with its many dazzling signed jewels from the most beloved and sought-after design periods in jewellery history, is truly one-of-a-kind and one of the most important private jewellery collections I’ve ever seen. It is an incredibly powerful and sophisticated love letter to jewellery from an enlightened private collector, which I know will inspire other collectors and connoisseurs all around the world.” 

The pieces, which represent a range in styles as diverse as Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque, Art Deco and Modernism, come from some of the most prestigious jewellery houses in the world, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Boucheron, Chaumet, David Webb, Mauboussin, Marina B, Sterlé and Mellerio dits Meller.

The real draws in this collection, however, are from Parisian jewellery marque René Boivin. The sale will feature the largest selection of the house’s jewellery ever to come to auction.  

STANDOUT PIECES

In a collection of exceptional pieces, there are nevertheless a few that really are very special. Among them: a Cartier Panthère bangle from 1969 that is estimated to sell for between €260,000 and €360,000; Bulgari earrings once owned by Baroness di Portanova that are set with two intense yellow diamonds each weighing just under 10 carats and are projected to sell for €416,000 to €623,000; and a gold, sapphire and diamond René Boivin necklace and earrings set from 1947, which is expected to fetch in the vicinity of €52,000. 

For those who can’t attend the auctions in person, online bidding is taking place from 2nd to 16th May on www.sothebys.com. 

Read related:

Jean Cocteau and Jean Marais haven listed by Sotheby’s for €13.7 million

 

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Photos courtesy of Sotheby’s

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Formula E: Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Günther turns last place into ninth in Brazil

The Brazilian E-Prix was full of twists and turns, not least of which was the remarkable comeback of Monaco-based Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Günther, who, despite starting in last due to a grid penalty, clawed his way up to a ninth-place finish. 

The race, which was held in São Paolo’s Sambadrome on 16th March, was the fourth of the 2024 Formula E season.  

The practice rounds held great promise for 26-year-old Maximilian Günther and his teammate, Jehan Daruvala, but the young German’s troubles began when he was docked for a gearbox and inverter change.  

Although Maserati MSG Racing chiefs said that the move was “strategically made to unlock performance”, Günther was at a severe disadvantage when it caused him to be moved to the back of the grid with a 40-place grid penalty for the race.  

This put him in 22nd position with a 10-second stop-go penalty attached to make up for the full 40-place penalty.  

Despite this, Günther slowly manoeuvred his way past his opponents, aided by the need for a Safety Car on the seventh lap, to achieve an impressive ninth place.  

“Today, we made the impossible possible,” he said post-race. “Starting from last with the grid penalty and then serving the 10-second stop-go was a big task, but we did the best job we could. To finish ninth with points from such a circumstance is just an amazing feeling. I think we can all be very proud. It was the best possible recovery and outcome from this strategic penalty, and this will put us in a good position for the rest of the season.” 

Maximilian Günther clawed his way back from a P22 start and a 10-second stop-go penalty to earn some crucial points for his team, the Monaco-based Maserati MSG Racing, thanks to his P9 finish. Photo credit: Maserati MSG Racing Media Centre

Daruvala, who joined the Monaco-based team this season, finished the race in P15.  

“Today’s race wasn’t easy at all,” said the 25-year-old Mumbai native. “It was my first experience of Formula E’s peloton style, and it isn’t what I expected, but it was good to get some more laps under my belt and I feel like I learned a lot. After four races, I feel quite confident in the car, especially in qualifying. My goal now is to improve my long-run pace. If I can do that, I think we could be in with a shot at points in Tokyo, which will be a new circuit for everybody.” 

WINNER’S CIRCLE 

Günther’s incredible comeback wasn’t the only success story to come out of the Brazil stage.  

A last lap pass by McLaren’s Sam Bird, overtaking Jaguar’s Mitch Evans, gave the McLaren team their first-ever Formula E victory. The podium was rounded out by fellow McLaren driver Olivier Rowland, whose fancy footwork on the final bend saw him pass Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, who finished fourth, and Andretti’s fifth-placed Jake Dennis. 

Read related:

Formula E: Maserati MSG Racing announce 2024 driver lineup

 

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Photo credit: Maserati MSG Racing Media Centre

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Real Estate: Why did property sales fall by 20% in Monaco in 2023?

2023 was an interesting year for Monaco’s real estate market. The number of properties sold was down 20%, but the type of dwellings that did find buyers helped to significantly cushion the blow in terms of value.  

Not one single real estate development was completed in the Principality in 2023, making it the first year since IMSEE started tracking Monaco’s property market via the annual Real Estate Observatory report to record such a deficit. 

In comparison, four projects were completed during 2022: Villa Trianon, L’Exotique EVOS, Villa Portofino and Villa Farniente II. The delivery of these homes helped boost the new-build sector of the market that year, whereas 2023’s figures have clearly suffered because of an “absence of transactions involving new properties”.

As confirmed by IMSEE’s Q4 2023 Real Estate report, over the course of the year, the new-build portion of the market in the Principality retracted by a colossal 68.2%. Just 28 new properties were sold last year compared to 88 in 2022.  

Nevertheless, the type of new-build properties that did match with buyers in 2023, namely larger family-sized homes, helped to reduce the weight of the falling volume by demanding high prices. Overall, value in the new-build sector fell by a much less striking 12.7% to just over €1 billion. 

See more: Real Estate: Family homes dominate Monaco’s property market growth

The resale market also slowed, but less dramatically. Over the course of 2023, 388 resales were noted by Monaco’s Department of Tax Services, which is a 10.2% fall on 2022’s 432 transactions. 

Again, the decrease in the overall value of these resales was more moderate than the dip in volume. 2023’s €2.19 billion resale market value puts it ahead of 2021 and 2020, but behind 2022.  

When combined, the sales in the new-build and resales sectors generated €3.23 billion in 2023, which is a record after a stellar 2022.

See more: Real estate: essential insights for navigating the property market in Monaco

The reasons behind the fall experienced by Monaco’s resale market last year are less obvious than in the new-build sector, but it would appear that even the well-off seeking to buy a place in the Principality may have struggled with the historically high mortgage rates felt across Europe and much of the wider world in 2023.  

To read the Q4 Economic Bulletin for yourself, click here.

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Photo by Monaco Life

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Football: Former Monégasuqe scores last-gasp equaliser as Monaco drop more points at home

AS Monaco dropped more points at home after former player Tiémoué Bakayoko scored a last-gasp equaliser (2-2) to deny Adi Hütter’s men a point that would have lifted them to second in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Monaco haven’t won at home since 3rd December 2023, however, off the back of three positive performances against Lens, PSG and Strasbourg, the conditions were perfect for the Principality club to break that duck against a struggling Lorient side.

However, Hütter’s men couldn’t have made a worse start to the encounter. Without even getting a foot on the ball, Les Merlus took a shock lead within the first 40 seconds. An intelligent reverse ball from Théo Le Bris was met by Mohamed Bamba, whose volley from a tight angle rocketed off the post and into the path of Wilfried Singo, who inadvertently diverted into his own net.

Monaco immediately set about reversing the deficit and had ample chances to do so. Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin, usually so efficient in front of goal, missed one-on-one opportunities, whilst Takumi Minamino also struck the foot of the post within the space of just a few minutes. Les Monégasques were knocking at the door, but they couldn’t knock it down.

Ultimately, it was one of Lorient’s own who did the job for them. Formose Mendy, in an attempt to divert a harmless cross back to goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo, misread his goalkeeper’s positioning and instead chested the ball past the Swiss shot-stopper, who was completely taken out of the equation.

Mvogo’s “dream” performance enough for a point

The barrage on Lorient’s goal temporarily abated towards the end of the first half, but it ramped up again at the start of the second. Akliouche drew another save from Mvogo early in the second half before Ben Yedder saw another glorious chance go begging. It was Mvogo who was once again equal to the France international’s effort and there was an overwhelming feeling that this wouldn’t be Monaco’s day.

However, the Principality side’s efforts were finally rewarded when Youssouf Fofana rose highest to head Golovin’s tantalising cross past Mvogo. Lorient were down, but they weren’t out.

Mvogo, who in the words of Hütter had a “dream” performance, saved his most spectacular save until mid-way into the second half as he denied Maghnes Akliouche’s acrobatic volleyed effort with an equally impressive and instinctive stop that kept Lorient in the tie.

Monaco would come to rue their missed chances. “We have to take the right moments to kill the opponent and prevent them from coming back,” bemoaned Hütter post-match, but once again, his side failed to do so.

With Denis Zakaria being sent off late in the match for an “unprofessional” foul, which earned him a second yellow, Lorient were handed the momentum in the final minutes. However, Aiyegun Tosin’s clumsy challenge on Singo also earned him a red in the 89th minute, levelling the playing field.

“It feels like a nightmare” – Hütter

Monaco looked set to see out the match and secure their first victory at the Stade Louis II in 2024, however, it was not to be with Bakayoko, who played 115 times for Les Monégasques across two spells, nodding home in almost the last kick of the game.

As a sign of respect for his former side, Bakayoko didn’t celebrate, but his teammates certainly did, with the technical staff also bursting onto the field. For Les Merlus, mired in a battle for survival at the bottom of Ligue 1, that point could be crucial come the end of the season.

Monaco have now dropped four points against Lorient this season, both times ceding their advantage in the dying seconds. That could prove costly come the end of the season with Monaco missing a “big, big chance” to leapfrog Brest into second.

“The team that was much much better did not win. We had five big, big chances to score and then we could have been talking about a fantastic victory […] Today, yes, it was a big, big chance and we missed it. But we keep working in the last eight games to get the best result. It’s in our hands and that’s important. To not win this game, it feels like a nightmare,” reacted Hütter, who will be looking for a reaction from his players when they face Metz in a fortnight.

 

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Photo source: AS Monaco

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Esplanade des Pêcheurs: Monaco Government files civil action in criminal proceedings

The Monaco Government has announced it will be standing as a civil party in “recently opened criminal proceedings” linked to the €136 million settlement it was ordered to pay the Caroli Immo group following the collapse of the Esplanade des Pêcheurs project. 

A decade on from the start of the Esplanade des Pêcheurs saga, which began back in 2014, and over a month since lawyers for Caroli Immo announced that they would be taking their case for financial retribution to the European Court of Human Rights, the Monegasque government has released a statement identifying itself as a victim of the complex affair.  

“In June 2020, the State was ordered to pay €136 million, increased with interest, to a developer as part of a real estate and cultural operation project on the Esplanade des Pêcheurs,” reads the statement, which was released on the evening of Prince Albert II’s 66th birthday on 14th March. “Recent publications on the internet and various press articles relating to the legal proceedings initiated before the courts of the Principality have led the State to question the conditions in which this conviction was pronounced, and to become a civil party today in a recently opened criminal proceedings.” 

The stop-start project would have seen a vast mixed-use development be built at the foot of the Rock in Port Hercule. Within a year of signing an agreement with Caroli Immo, the group leading the development, the Monaco Government backed out of the scheme in 2015, citing “strong reservations” about the feasibility of the project as well as its potential negative impacts on flagship events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.  

Caroli Immo, one of the Principality’s largest developers, was unhappy with the termination of the plans and sought financial retribution. In 2020, the Supreme Court of Monaco ruled in Caroli Immo’s favour  and ordered the government to pay €136 plus interest.  

See more: Development dispute doesn’t end well for Monaco

Prince Albert II stepped in to demand that both sides find a more amicable way forwards and eventually a new-look version of the project seemed to be going ahead. As reported by Monaco Life, it was agreed that the project would be restarted and that Caroli Immo would waive its court-ordered compensation package in exchange for being given a timetable to commence the works. 

Next came a case involving another Monaco-based developer, Patrice Pastor of SCI Esperanza, who sought to overturn the decommissioning of the controversial Esplanade des Pêcheurs plot by claiming there had been a “lack of competition” in the awarding of the project. It was dismissed.  

See more: Monaco court turns down Pastor bid to halt Esplanade des Pêcheurs project

However, the Caroli Immo group would soon terminate its agreement with the government in October 2023, thereby reversing its waiver of compensation, according to lawyers for the group.  

When Caroli Immo proceeded to request the pre-agreed sum from the Monaco Government, the State reportedly failed to respond. The group took this as a “desire not to pay”.  

A case seeking to enforce the financial payout was lodged with the European Court of Human Rights in February 2024, and now the government has responded with its own statement, which brings to light apparent doubts by State about the “partiality” of the original decision of the €136 million plus interest fee.  

To read the statement, click here.

 

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Photo source: Monaco Government

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Pelagos Sanctuary goes digital with new immersive conservation experience

The Pelagos Sanctuary has collaborated with Monaco-based Metaverse specialist DWorld to create a new digital tool to get the word out on marine protections. 

The Pelagos Sanctuary, created through the Pelagos Agreement, a tri-country pact between Monaco, France and Italy to protect marine mammals in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, has long sought to educate the wider public on its missions and initiatives. Now, a new immersive and interactive experience that is being rolled out just in time for Monaco Ocean Week is making that goal ever more possible. 

The educational experience designed by DWorld hopes to “inspire people of all ages” and share the Sanctuary’s ethos on the importance of marine conservation with people around the world. 

It combines interactive storytelling with a strong message about the challenges and difficulties of managing the 87,500sqkm protected zone on a daily basis.  

“The Pelagos Agreement is particularly attentive on communication and awareness-raising actions,” says Viola Cattani, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Pelagos Agreement.  “The ambitious Metaverse project fits in perfectly with the objective of raising awareness, particularly among the younger generations, for the conservation of the Pelagos Sanctuary and the protection of its inhabitants. This area, in fact, belongs to all and as such everyone can and must do their part to preserve it. But to protect it, you have to know it!”  

SOON AVAILABLE ONLINE 

The content will soon be available on the Pelagos Agreement’s website and will also be circulated in schools near and far from the Pelagos area. 

“The Monaco Metaverse offers a unique opportunity to transcend geographical boundaries, create new collaborative opportunities between local Monegasque entities and engage audiences in meaningful ways,” says CEO of DWorld Manila Di Giovanni. “Through this collaboration, we aspire to ignite a sense of stewardship for our oceans and inspire future generations to become advocates for marine conservation.”  

 

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Photo credit: Vincent Jacques, Drone de Regard

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Beefbar marks major milestone with the opening of its 40th restaurant

The Monaco born and bred Beefbar brand has expanded its international presence with the opening of the group’s 40th eatery. After taking the name to destinations such as London, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong and New York, this latest restaurant is to be found in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. 

Beefbar was an instant hit when it opened in the port of Fontvieille in Monaco back in 2005. The now global brand describes itself as a “reference for meat lovers” and has gone from strength to strength since that first address, with this new location in Tbilisi representing its 40th venture.  

Found in the five-star hotel complex of Central Park Towers in the Georgian capital, the restaurant is also the seventh Le Petit Beefbar-styled locale. Other branches of the concept, the brainchild of Riccardo Giraudi, include Beefbar Asia, Beefbar Deli and the soon-to-come Leafbar, a vegan offshoot. 

See more: Interview: Restaurant guru Riccardo Giraudi

Like with all Beefbar-signed restaurants, specialty meats, such as Wagyu, Black Angus and Kobe beef are the stars of the show in Tbilisi, but the menu is also complemented by “recipes inspired by brasseries”.  

Central Park Towers caters to a clientele that chooses the hotel as a “lifestyle destination” – it boats a variety of international restaurants, a casino, its own shopping centre, a spa and even a concert hall – and the developers of the complex, the Orbi Group and Block, are said to have hand-picked Le Petit Beefbar to join the prestigious ranks of the hotel’s offerings.  

Read related:

Babek Kebab: the new fast-casual restaurant in Monaco by Riccardo Giraudi

 

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