On July 19, 18-30 year olds can come and perform at Fort Antoine, at the second edition of the Open Stage, ‘Les Talents du Fort’.
Given the success of its first edition, the Open Stage will be back in 2024. Organised by the Cultural Affairs Department, as part of its youth initiatives, the event aims to promote the discovery and emergence of young talents.
From music to dance to theatre, all artistic disciplines are welcome. All you have to do is to apply by April 20, 2024, by completing the online registration form.
The Monegasque driver and the Italian team are approaching this new season with cautious ambition, aware that the gap with Max Verstappen and Red Bull is still wide.
Charles Leclerc makes no secret of it. “Red Bull is the benchmark.” As he approaches this new season, his seventh in motorsport’s premier category and his sixth at Ferrari, the Monegasque driver wants to be optimistic, but realistic.
Pre-season testing seems to confirm the strong potential of the new Ferrari SF-24, however the Red Bull car, by Charles Leclerc’s own admission, already seems to be the absolute reference, as in previous years.
Promising winter tests
“They have a very, very good car again this year,” he told Canal+. “So far, everything is going according to plan (for the Scuderia Ferrari), in the sense that there are no nasty surprises in terms of the car’s handling. It handles like in the simulator, so that’s a pretty good sign. It’s too early to talk about its competitiveness. But we’re making good progress.”
Often among the fastest, if not THE fastest in qualifying, Charles Leclerc will need to replicate his one-lap domination over the whole race.
A well-designed Ferrari SF-24
Although he took 5 pole positions and 6 podiums last season, Leclerc also had all sorts of mechanical problems and DNFs, leaving it to his teammate Carlos Sainz to win in Singapore, the only race Red Bull did not dominate in 2023.
So while the title would appear to be something of an impossible dream, Charles Leclerc will be looking to get back on top of the podium this year, as often as possible. His last victory was on July 10, 2022 at the Austrian GP in Spielberg. An eternity for a driver of his calibre.
Still under the guidance of Frédéric Vasseur, who has sparked a minor revolution in Maranello since his arrival last season, the Scuderia Ferrari hopes to be back in winning ways, on the way to challenging for the constructors’ grail in 2026, when the new engine regulations come in.
With a 95% remodelled SF-24 that already seems more promising than the ill-fated SF-23, even if it was the only car to have managed to win a 2023 Grand Prix apart from Red Bull, the Italian team seems in a better position, along with Mercedes and McLaren, to challenge the world champion team this year.
Definitely on the up, the Scuderia Ferrari is perhaps not ready to aim for a title yet, but seems to have what it takes to finish vice-champion, not only in the constructors’ championship, but also the drivers’ through Charles Leclerc, as in 2022. While waiting for the much anticipated arrival of Lewis Hamilton next season..
The new F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on March 2. Let’s take a look ahead to what promises to be a fascinating vintage!
1. Title n° 4 for Max Verstappen?
It’s hard to think of new superlatives to describe Max Verstappen’s 2023 season, given that the Dutch driver won 19 of the season’s 22 Grand Prix on the way to his third world championship crown.
An unassailable domination that brings the triple world champion to within a length of Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
He has already won 54 races in his career, at only 26, and he knows he has a target on his back this year. But while Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren promise more powerful cars than last season, the Dutchman remains the favourite to take title n° 4.
Why? Because his stable is built around him, because he is impressively consistent and because there seems to be no ceiling to his talent.
Only Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and to a lesser extent Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso seem capable of challenging him this season. But over 24 legs? That seems less likely.
Often among the fastest, if not THE fastest in qualifying, Charles Leclerc will need to replicate his one-lap domination over the whole race.
Although he took 5 pole positions and 6 podiums last season, Leclerc also had all sorts of mechanical problems and DNFs, leaving it to his teammate Carlos Sainz to win in Singapore, the only race Red Bull did not dominate in 2023.
So while the title would appear to be something of an impossible dream, Charles Leclerc will be looking to get back on top of the podium this year. His last victory was on July 10, 2022 at the Austrian GP in Spielberg.
Still under the guidance of Frédéric Vasseur, who has sparked a minor revolution in Maranello since his arrival last season, the Scuderia Ferrari hopes to be back in winning ways, on the way to challenging for the constructors’ grail in 2026.
Definitely on the up, the Scuderia Ferrari is perhaps not ready to aim for a title yet, but seems to have what it takes to finish vice-champion, not only in the constructors’ championship, but also the drivers’ through Charles Leclerc. And then there will be Lewis Hamilton in 2025…
4. How will Lewis Hamilton handle his last season at Mercedes?
The announcement sent shockwaves through the world of F1. Before the 2024 season even started, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton announced, by mutual agreement with Ferrari, that he would be joining the most legendary team in Formula One.
An obvious match, which definitely shuffles the cards, and leaves only one season for the British driver to bring a crown to his beloved Mercedes stable as a parting gift. The car is gradually coming back into contention for podiums, so Lewis Hamilton can legitimately hope for a better season than the last two, where he finished sixth then third.
But being up against Max Verstappen and Red Bull, Hamilton has a lot to do and will have to stay focused on the present, even if he expects to experience one of the greatest challenges of his already immense career: to hand Scuderia Ferrari the championship in 2025.
This will be Lewis Hamilton’s last season at Mercedes (Photo All rights reserved)
5. A 24-race calendar, yes or no?
Twenty-two legs last season, twenty-four this year. The Formula 1 calendar has never been so full. “When will they stop? Personally, I feel that a 24 Grand Prix schedule is not tenable, it’s too much,” said Bernie Ecclestone a few weeks ago.
“In my opinion, they would do better to remove some of the races, even though I am happy to see that the sport is continuing to grow worldwide.”
Whether the former Formula 1 CEO likes it or not, it is rumoured that the next few seasons could involve up to 25 races, with the addition of a Grand Prix in South Africa…
Meanwhile, this year, the legendary Monaco, Belgium, Great Britain, Japan and Brazil Grand Prix will be the season’s flagship races, as well as the Las Vegas event, on the calendar again after its return in 2023.
On 21 April, thousands of runners will be heading to the Riviera capital for the 32nd edition of its International Half Marathon.
21.1 km. Not bad, eh? Runners from all over the globe will be able to stretch their legs at the upcoming Nice Half Marathon. The route starts on the legendary Promenade des Anglais, skirting both the city and the sea and passing through the port. It’s an ideal setting for a race! But the event’s flagship race is not the only one on the programme. There are also 10 km and 5 km routes, as well as family and children’s races.
What’s new for this edition?
Each runner will be asked to contribute €1. The money raised will then be donated to the Alpes-Maritimes Food Bank. This year, an optional collector’s t-shirt, made in Europe, can also be bought when registering. An environmentally responsible approach, to reduce the impact of mass production. And the good news is that the marathon is offering you the chance to order the official 2024 event T-shirt!
As every year, a gift will be handed out to all participants when they pick up their bibs, plus a medal at the finish line.
The funds raised will be donated to the Princess Charlene Foundation and the children of the Courchevel Sports Club, under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
For the second year running, the charity gala welcomed some very special guests to the Ineos Club House in Courchevel. The princely couple, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but also Prince Alexander of Liechtenstein and his wife Princess Astrid were present at the foot of the slopes, on Saturday, February 24. Over 200 leading figures from the cultural, sports and business worlds gathered to support the two causes.
There was no shortage of lots for the auction, with works of art, prestige wines, sports accessories signed by well-known athletes, and many others. The proceedings were led by Olivier Valmier, auctioneer at Sotheby’s, alongside the world’s best-selling contemporary French artist, Richard Orlinski. Significant donations, which will allow the two charities carry out their work in the field, focusing on education through sporting values. A recital by the pianist Stella Almondo, violinist Léo Couralet, and cellist Gabriel Guignier, provided a musical entrée to the dinner, as part of a highly memorable evening.
A substantial delegation of Monegasque entrepreneurs took part in the trade mission hosted by the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) in Riyadh from January 23-27. The participants heralded the success of the trip.
47 companies, some 62 businessmen and women, made up “the largest delegation in years”, such is the attraction of the Middle East’s economic powerhouse.
Needless to say, the three-day trip was anything but improvised, with careful preparation having taken place throughout 2023. Firstly, two reconnaissance missions served to identify opportunities and meet potential partners. Then, nearer the time, specific intercultural training, provided by MEB member La Classe, helped delegation members learn about culturally-appropriate behaviour when dealing with local contacts.
An intense 3-day programme
The intense programme began with presentations about the country itself and its rapidly evolving business environment, including testimonials from Monaco-based companies that already deal with Saudi Arabia or already have a presence in the Kingdom.
Day 1continued with meetings with potential institutional partners, followed by a premium reception at the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh. It ended with an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with potential customers at the Beefbar Monaco in Riyadh, which has been representing the Principality’s art de vivre there since June 2022.
From desert to garden party
On Day 2, the mission delegates were desert bound, where they were treated to legendary traditional Saudi hospitality in a Bedouin camp. The local business figures were curious to learn more about the Principality from its first ever visiting trade mission.
A garden party, at the invitation of Monegasque residents who are very well-connected in Saudi Arabia, brought together the entire delegation and a number of foreign dignitaires, among others. The trip ended with a visit to the at-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah to discover the huge project to rebuild and extend the centre of Riyadh from the UNESCO world heritage site, a project whose ambitious nature reflects that of the country as a whole.
The Riyadh E-prix took the delegation over the finish line.
Many of the participating companies came away highly satisfied with what they had seen and heard. Saudia Arabia is a young and still relatively unknown country, with huge business potential for those who manage to establish strong links. Mission accomplished for this delegation, by all accounts.
AS Monaco returned to winning ways in sensational style by defeating RC Lens 2-3 in a pulsating and suspenseful contest at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in front of President Dmitry Rybolovlev.
The Match
Knowing this would be a fiercely contested away day vs. Les Sang et Or, Adi Hutter picked an intriguing eleven that notably featured a fearsome attacking quartet of Wissam Ben Yedder, Aleksandr Golovin, Folarin Balogun and Takumi Minamino, while Radoslaw Majecki took his place between the posts.
@ASM
Beginning the match on the front foot, Balogun, Golovin and Ben Yedder all fired off early sighters to see the visitors rapidly lay down a marker. The USMNT international then ensured ASM had a tangible reward for their fast start when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a sublime piece of play.
Looking confident and holding their own against this excellent Lens outfit, it wasn’t long until Monaco doubled their advantage, as Minamino forced a Brice Samba own goal.
Lens immediately halved the deficit courtesy of sharpshooter Elye Wahi, who capitalised on an unlucky touch from Mohammed Salisu.
Getting through to half-time ahead, all was still to play for in what loomed as a massive second stanza. And it was Lens who raced out of the blocks with gusto, which culminated in solid efforts from Adrien Thomasson and David da Costa that Majecki kept out.
The tension continued to ramp up when Lens hit the post and were then denied a penalty before levelling the ledger through Wesley Said, as he slammed home from close range after Majecki smartly saved his first shot.
Les Monegasques were subsequently awarded a penalty of their own, only for Balogun to step up and miss this golden opportunity to claim all three points.
Thankfully for the number 29, a late thunderbolt from Minamino ensured Monaco triumphed at the death in dramatic fashion to cap off a hugely entertaining clash.
Hutter’s Debrief
“It was a hell of a match between two teams who fought a lot. There were two very different halves, we dominated the first and we deserved to be ahead at the break. The second one was tighter, it was incredible. It’s fantastic to come and win here, everyone enjoyed it, even the Lens supporters who must be disappointed. This is a very important victory today,” explained the Austrian tactician.
“I would like to congratulate RC Lens, who had a very good match. Takumi’s goal saved us, it’s very positive for us. It’s always good to win big matches like today in Lens with a very nice atmosphere around. I hope it will give us a lot of confidence, it’s very positive before hosting PSG, the best team in the championship. We will have to show a lot and do better after the last four home games. We will have to be very focused against them.”
Key Stats
By the numbers, despite Lens holding the ascendancy in terms of expected goals (2.96 to 2.26), total shots (20 to 15), shots inside the box (16 to 12) and possession (59% to 41%), the fact Monaco still got over the line illustrated what a quality, character-filled performance they put in.
PSG Awaits
Up next for third-placed Monaco is another monumental match, this time against league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, where they’ll be ready to attack the challenge head-on at home after this latest confidence-boosting victory over Lens.
The Rainier III Centenary commemorations have come to an end. After a year of celebrations, Princess Stéphanie paid a final tribute to Prince Rainier III and looked back on 2023’s highlights.
“It was even better than I could have imagined.” Princess Stéphanie spoke about the past year to Monaco Info, in an interview that took place in the inner sanctum of the Prince’s Palace.
“It was a crazy gamble to organise commemorations over such a long period (…) We convinced everyone that it was a good idea, that we had to do it and show all the different facets of Prince Rainier (…) So people could learn about or rediscover him through his passions, and his first passion was Monaco,” said the Prince’s youngest child.
“My father loved spending time with the Monegasques, and the residents too.”
“The greatest gift was that everyone took part,” Princess Stéphanie continued, referring to the day of 31 May 2023, when the Rock provided the backdrop for the launch of the commemorations.“It was an incredible day,” the Princess said, “seeing so many people turn out, everyone was in high spirits, young and old (…) My father loved spending time with the Monegasques, and the residents too. Every time there was an event, he would get everyone together, so it was very much in his image.”
The year featured many exhibitions in honour of Prince Rainier III, some of which are still running, as well as a host of projects and events such as a documentary in which the Sovereign tells his own story, and the staging of a play that he acted in as a young man. “Everything that happened went really well and was a success, so I can only be very happy and proud to have been able to do this for him,” Princess Stéphanie said with a smile, recalling fond memories of the “magical day on 31 May” in particular.
When I get involved in a project, I see it through.
When asked about her strong involvement in the different projects, the Princess replied that she has “perhaps inherited this character trait from [her] Dad … When I get involved in a project, I see it through, I give it my all so that it works out and is a success, in the same what that he never gave up.” The Princess had a special word for Albert Croesi, secretary of the Centenary Organising Committee, who passed away during the night of Friday 2 to Saturday 3 June 2023, at the age of 62. “ He left us too soon (…) It was hard to carry on the commemorations without him. Without the enthusiasm and energy of Albert and his staff, we could never have achieved everything we did,” concluded Princess Stephanie, visibly emotional.
The bill was voted by the National Council on Thursday, February 22.
Bill 1.086 was tabled by the Government of Monaco three months ago. It was intended to introduce maternity leave for self-employed workers registered with the Caisse d’assurance maladie, accident et maternité des travailleurs indépendants (CAMTI – Monaco’s Sickness, Accident and Maternity Insurance Fund for Self-employed Workers). On Thursday, during a Public Legislative Session, the elected members of the National Council voted unanimously and without amendment in favour of the bill, “whose purpose is to afford the self-employed a right that has long been granted to private sector employees and civil servants and agents of the State and the Municipality,” the Prince’s Government stated.
“The bill represents a significant step forward, as it means equality at last for all pregnant women, whether they are in the private or public sector, or self-employed. From now on, all women can take maternity leave of at least 18 weeks,” said Marine Hugonnet-Grisoul, appointed as rapporteur of the bill before the National Council. “Of course, our ambition would have been to go further by extending this leave to paternity leave for self-employed workers, as well as adoption leave,” she added.
Christophe Robino, Minister for Health and Social Affairs, welcomed the new reform, stressing that it “will further strengthen the social protection system of the Principality.” He added that “the scheme will, in parallel, provide an additional tool of socio-economic attractiveness in a key sector for the country’s economy and competitiveness.”
The MEB’s business delegation will be heading for Riyadh tomorrow.
The Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza hosted the 47th MEB Members’ Rendez-Vous on January 18. During the traditional networking event, which was attended by over 300 entrepreneurs, Michel Dotta, Chairman of the MEB, paid tribute to the work of Etienne Franzi at the head of the Association Monégasque des Activités Financières (AMAF). Etienne Franzi chaired the Monaco Association for Financial Activities for 25 years, before recently handing over to Robert Laure. Paying tribute to “remarkable work that has transformed an employers’ association into a veritable institution, an essential player in our economic landscape,” Michel Dotta underlined the partnership between the AMAF and the MEB, specifying that the Association “is playing an active role in the tremendous effort that is underway to make the Principality a leading and well-respected financial centre.”
The evening was also an opportunity to look at the MEB’s ‘diary’, and more specifically the upcoming economic mission to Riyadh from 23 to 27 January. “We are heading to Saudi Arabia, and we are already very proud of the number of companies involved,” Guillaume Rose, Executive Director of the MEB, told Monaco Info. “47 companies and 62 individuals in fact, the Monaco Economic Board’s biggest foreign delegation for years!During the trip, and following on from the relatively recent connections made between the Kingdom and our Sovereign, we aim to establish lasting economic relations with Saudi Arabia. The appointment book is already full for our companies!”
Several networking sessions are planned in the Saudi capital, as well as attendance of the Riyadh E-Prix. The MEB will also be travelling to Morocco from 16 to 19 April, then to London from 10 to 13 June. Conversely, delegations of Tunisian and Austrian entrepreneurs will be visiting the Principality on 22 February and 18 April respectively.
Lionel Galfré, the Government’s technical advisor on people with disabilities, was also invited to speak at the event. The former Director of MonacoTech pointed out that people with disabilities are workers and consumers like everyone else, and called on businesses to join forces with the Government, which is aiming to make Monaco a centre of excellence in terms of inclusion thanks to the recently launched “Handipact” initiative.
“The Government wants to put Handipact in place to ensure inclusion and consideration of disability in Monaco, so that the Principality is a place where disability is a natural and accepted part of society. Companies have a pivotal role to play in the project, because work is central, social existence comes through work, so the role of companies is very important“, he told Monaco Info.
Guillaume Rose also took the opportunity of the Members’ Rendez-Vous to announce a new membership structure for the MEB. From now on, companies will be able to choose between two types: Classic or Premium.
The new Premium package provides six additional benefits over the Classic version:
Up to five people, instead of two, can take part in events and activities organised by the MEB (subject to availability).
Priority registration for all events and activities.
Exclusive annual events for Premium members only.
Priority allocation for invitations that the MEB receives through one of its partners (events, trade fairs, etc.).
The opportunity to feature in a new section of the MEB website: “Our Premium Companies”. Each Premium member will have a dedicated page to communicate on, using a pre-defined template.
Support from the MEB communications team regarding contacts with the local media.
In an experiment called Ecoletopie – which translates roughly as ‘Schooltopia’ – Saint-Charles school has been testing a new classroom layout since September.
Bouncy seating, giant cushions and mobile tables have replaced traditional classroom furniture. The tables are now arranged in a ‘U’ shape and large pillows are placed in the centre. The scheme, which has been running since September, is in partnership with the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM), the Department of National Education, Youth and Sport (DENJS) and the Prince Albert II Foundation. The new furniture has already won over the CM1 pupils and their teachers at Saint-Charles school. Interviewed by Monaco Info, James, a pupil, said: “We’re free to do pretty much what we want on the furniture and it makes us feel good.”
In designing the space, the Smarin design studio focused primarily on the sitting position. Designer Stephanie Marin said on state television, “We designed bouncy seats, so that the children would have a little more gestural freedom to express themselves with. The idea being that it would have a positive knock-on effect, rather than them being restless.”
The staff are also already seeing a positive impact on school work. “The environment encourages cooperative teaching methods,” teacher Sylvie De Almeida told Monaco Info. “When the children have finished, they can still be mobile… they can go and sit on the cushions. The appeal of sitting on a cushion makes even the non-bookworms want to read, and we’ve had very good results, much better than with traditional furniture,” she said.
Two cheques for €2,500 were awarded to Fight Aids Monaco and the Scientific Centre of Monaco.
The donations by the Syndicat des Jeux Européens (SJE – European Gaming Union) were handed over on Tuesday 20 February on the steps of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This year, the SBM shareholder decided to support two major players in the fight against and research into serious diseases, the Monaco Scientific Centre (CSM) and Fight Aids Monaco.
In a spirit of “solidarity and sharing,” the SJE donated a part of the dividends received from the SBM to the two organisations. “[the SJE] is an SBM shareholder and it passes [dividends] on each year to charitable concerns,”Roman Aureglia, chef de table at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, told Monaco Info.
A donation for research
The paediatric brain cancer research carried out in the Medical Biology department at the CSM requires significant equipment and investment. “Our team is developing very innovative study models based on state-of-the-art technologies and techniques,” said Dr Vincent Picco.
“This new donation by the Syndicat des Jeux Européens will help us complete the genetic characterisation of the models we are developing in the laboratory, which allow us to establish a correspondence with what is happening in children. Their renewed support is a great incentive for our team and our strategy, a sign of confidence in our work,” said the Doctor.
Supporting HIV-positive individuals
The Fight Aids Monaco charity, founded by Princess Stéphanie in 2004, will be inviting its members to meet up on June 25, 2024. “This generous donation will directly benefit the people we support in this our 20th anniversary year. It means we can organise a day-long event for our members,” said Christophe Glasser, the charity’s Coordinator.
In collaboration with the Princess Charlene Foundation, the Robilant + Voena art gallery has agreed to promote the artist’s work in Saint-Moritz, Switzerland.
“Bleu Pastor” is entirely dedicated to Philippe Pastor’s artworks. Talented and committed to environmental causes, the Monegasque artist has toured the world. His works are an ideal marriage of art and action at the renowned Swiss art gallery, for its second exhibition of the season. The Princess Charlene Foundation has also joined the project, in order to continue its fight against drowning and to promote a sustainable future for children, through art.
The colour blue, Pastor’s symbol, shines out in 15 paintings on display at the Forum Paracelsus, an ancient religious and healing institution built on mineral springs. Carrying an even stronger message, his series of sculptures ‘Les Arbres Brûlés’ (Burnt Trees), has been set up just a stone’s throw away, in the luxurious Suvretta House hotel. Five of them are also on show at “Bleu Pastor”.
The artist is also the founder of the Art & Environnement non-profit, launched in 2007 by Prince Albert II and the late Professor Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Committed to defending and preserving our planet’s heritage, Pastor and his art continue to campaign all over the world.
The art of sommellerie (wine waiting) will be celebrated in the Principality from 22 to 25 February.
No fewer than 50 countries will be represented at the event, through national sommelier guilds and the attendance of a number of renowned sommeliers. In fact it is Monaco’s national guild, L’Association Monégasque des Sommeliers, that is organising this edition of the ASI’s General Assembly, led by its president-delegate Dominique Milardi. The edition will also mark the 55th anniversary of the ASI.
In an interview with the specialist media Terre de Vins, Dominique Milardi discussed the programme of debates in store. “The specific themes are not yet decided, but we will no doubt address international concerns, with the impact of climate change on wine growing, the evolution of wine markets, combatting counterfeiting, etc. The theme of education too, with best practices in sommelier training, and updating learning programmes using new technologies.”
On the ‘wine menu’ for the four-day event: a gala dinner at the Hotel de Paris, a conference on the theme of climate, a practical wine tasting workshop, and a tour of the “Rossese di Dolceacqua” in Isolabonna.
Around a hundred children took part in the event organised by Monaco Town Council.
Entertainment, confetti and face painting all contributed to a festive atmosphere at the La Condamine market. Monaco Town Council organised a free, open-air winter carnival for children on Wednesday 21 February. Jugglers, contortionists, tightrope walkers, balloon twisters and make-up artists were on hand to entertain the youngsters in among the stalls on the Place d’Armes.
“It’s the first time we’ve organised a winter carnival in Monaco,” said Christelle Costa from the Council’s events department. “Our elected representative, Axelle Amalberti-Verdino, first had the idea of the carnival, it’s something she was keen to introduce,” she added. And the Place d’Armes wasn’t the only venue for the event, with another part taking place at the Monte-Carlo Market.
Wonder and amusement
The children’s faces were all smiles. Many of them were in awe of the artists’ performances. Thomas, who was particularly interested in the jugglers, came along with his grandfather Marco. Dressed in his Pikachu costume, he said in a shy little voice while he was at the face-painting stand, “I’m glad I came.”
Children in fancy dress certainly got into the carnival spirit, like Zackari in his Spiderman costume. He waited impatiently for his friends. His mum, Rania, said, “He loves Carnival and it’s a great opportunity to dress up, he loves Spiderman.” And Zackari wasn’t the only one with spider powers at the La Condamine market – around a dozen children had the same idea.
A little further on, mini pirates, princesses and superheroes excitedly chased the giant bubbles. In front of them, Kristina, an English-speaking nanny, watched over a handful of toddlers. She loved the event. “It’s a good idea, I know it’s the first time, and it’s a success,” she said, “I can tell the children are happy, so I’m happy too.”
At the other end of the square, near the balloon twister, John liked the idea and thought the location was well-chosen, saying “the atmosphere of the Place d’Armes is great. It’s a bit confined with the market on though. But the wonderful weather is certainly with us, which is great,” he added. One little cloud in an otherwise bright blue sky, he found that the activities were not best suited to his 11-year-old son. Despite being billed as a festive event for all ages, the activities seem to be more of interest to the youngest visitors.
