Monaco Tribune

Monegasques, residents, employees: gather in front of the Palace for the Prince’s birthday

The gathering will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 11 am.

For several days now, a call has been going out on social networks to cheer the Sovereign on his 66th birthday. Supported by Franck Lobono, the gathering is a “patriotic, totally apolitical gesture,” says the National Councillor, adding that the spontaneous initiative is led by several people: “residents, Monegasques, or simply locals who would like to demonstrate their wholehearted support for the Prince.”

For the elected official, “it’s important, particularly for those of us who live in Monaco, to be aware of how fortunate we are, and we owe a great deal of that good fortune to the Prince. The Sovereign is always available and present at all our events. It’s vital that we show him our support, especially at a time when he is the victim of a painful betrayal. The Monegasque people stand with him.”

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A poster created especially for the event – © All rights reserved

Franck Lobono was keen to create a communication vehicle for this event. “I created the visual that is currently being shared on social media. I’m a communications professional, and I thought it was important to have a poster to get the message across. We’ll see next Thursday if it has had the desired impact!” 

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Upcoming roadworks in Monaco: when and where

Starting on Monday 11 March 2024, the traditional road resurfacing works will cause some disruption to traffic in the Principality. 

The legendary Monegasque motor races are back soon: Monaco E-Prix on 27 April, Historic Grand Prix on 10 May, F1 Grand Prix de Monaco on 23 May. And so, it’s time for a spring clean in the Principality.

As every year, the road surface of part of the circuit, and in other areas of town, will be relaid for the occasion. The resurfacing is organised by the Public Works Department, to ensure the Principality’s roads are well-maintained for the upcoming races. But that’s not all. Also up for resurfacing are sections of the route the cyclists will use at the start of the last stage of the Tour de France on 21 July 2024.

When will the work take place?

Don’t fret, there will be little disturbance during the daytime. To keep traffic disruption to a minimum, the work will only take place at night, from 8 pm until 6 am. Here is ‘when and where’:

  • Boulevard Albert Ier : Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 March
  • Avenue du Port : Monday 11 to Tuesday 12 March
  • Avenue des Spélugues : Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 March
  • Avenue J.F. Kennedy (opposite the Luciana) : Thursday 14 to Friday 15 March
  • Avenue Princesse Grace : Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 March
  • Tunnel Louis II closed and Portier : Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 March
  • Avenue Camille Blanc et boulevard de France : Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 March

Bus routes will also be diverted from 8 pm to 6 am, details can be found on the CAM website. Law enforcement will not be affected by the works in the case of an emergency.

The Principality will pay particular attention to users of private and public car parks and commercial premises, and will indicate each traffic diversion with specific road signs.

For more information, contact the public works department at amenagement@gouv.mc.

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Monaco Yacht Club offers unique cruise to children in remission from cancer

The “À Chacun Son Cap” adventure will enable children from the IHOPe centre in Lyon to go sailing in the Mediterranean.

It’s a dream that’s about to come true. Thanks to the generosity of the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), children from the IHOPe institute in Lyon, who are in remission from cancer, will be able to try out their sea legs. Announced by François Miribel on Monday, March 4, 2024, the «À Chacun Son Cap» cruise is possible thanks to the participation of YCM members Neil Cheston, Andréa Statari, Christian Choquenet, Loïc Pompée and Paul Basson.

Aged 10 to 17, the youngsters will sail along the coast between Hyères and Monaco. The boats will set sail on 21 April and arrive on 27 April. An unprecedented experience that will conclude at the YCM.

ASM – PSG: moving tribute to paediatric cancer charity Fondation Flavien

Much more than a cruise

More than a sailing trip, «À Chacun Son Cap» is all about hope and solidarity. A unique way of bringing a little happiness to the youngsters, and helping them put the disease ‘on hold’ for a few days.

This is not a first for François Miribel. A year ago, he visited the children at the Institut d’hématologie et d’oncologie pédiatrique (IHOPe – Pediatric hematology and oncology institute) in Lyon, with the crew of the Sir Ernst. He recounted his latest expedition in the canals of Patagonia and shared Boréal 47’s adventures, along with Fabrice Papazian and Thierry Leret from the YCM.

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What kind of cuisine would you like to see more of in Monaco? Here are our readers’ answers

We took a look at what our readers had to say on Facebook.

“Really? Like there aren’t enough restaurants in Monaco?” was the reaction of one Internet user. From local specialities to Provençal and Italian influences, food plays a major role in the Principality. With over 200 restaurants to choose from, there’s something for all tastes. However, some of our readers can’t find what they’re looking for, and think that the variety could be improved.

In our survey, several Monegasque names seem to stand out.

World cuisine

© Unsplash

Many feel Monaco is lacking in foreign cuisine. While the famous Maison des Pâtes at La Condamine gives Italian cuisine a run for its money, and Em Sherif successfully explores Lebanese flavours, there are certain countries whose cuisine is under-represented in the Principality.

Korean, Tunisian, Oriental, Indian and even Russian restaurants would be welcomed by some readers. One considers that “a proper Arab restaurant, with oriental dancing and music, and a real Greek restaurant with music and dancing” would be very welcome in Monaco. Another thinks that what’s missing is “a really good Mexican restaurant! Like Texan used to be.” 

One commentator is nostalgic for: “American bars with pool tables and darts. That’s lacking in Monaco since Stars’N’Bars closed.”  The owner opened Conscientiae in its place, with a different style of cooking, but still as environmentally friendly as before. Why not try it out?

More local

barbajuan-specialite-monaco
© Stéphane Danna

From the iconic Barbagiuans to the pavés du Rocher, launched to mark the 25th birthday of Prince Rainier III, Monaco isn’t short of artisanal specialities. Although sometimes inspired by its Côte d’Azur and Italian neighbours, such as the Pissaladière niçoise or Porchetta ritale, Monaco could do more, according to some.

One reader feels there aren’t enough “restaurants with local and ancestral traditions that are varied and seasonal.” Another says “food from the terroir” would be welcome. Many people miss the legendary Pizzeria Monégasque, which closed in 2020. “As well as the pizzas, the rest of the menu was varied and very informal, and I really miss the good times spent with friends,” wrote one internet user.

For typical regional specialities, the editorial team at Monaco Tribune recommends you try the legendary Chez Roger, at La Condamine.

More vegetarian and vegan food

© Unsplash

For others, it seems one particular culinary lifestyle is under-represented in Monaco. “A restaurant with several vegan and vegetarian options and healthy, organic food,” says one of our readers. “You can find organic food and salads, but it’s rare, and expensive,” he continues.

With a wide range of salads and meat-free dishes, most restaurants offer varied cuisine for everyone. However, 100% vegetarian or vegan restaurants are still rare in the Principality.

That’s why we put together a list of the best places to eat in Monaco if you’re a vegetarian or vegan.

More affordable restaurants

The famous La Condamine Market, on the Place d’Armes © Mairie de Monaco

Unsurprisingly, the most frequent suggestion in our survey was for more affordable cuisine. One reader would like to see “a restaurant that anyone can afford.” “Not everyone in Monaco is well-off,” grumbled one Internet user. Another, however, seems to think the opposite: “there are already a lot of more or less affordable restaurants for us to enjoy.”

Famous for its exorbitant prices, the Principality is home to luxury labels and brands. However, there are plenty of places to go if you’re on a budget. Some restaurants, such as Cantinetta Antinori and Quai des Artistes , offer quality ingredients at attractive prices.

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“The Principality by CREM” a new magazine in the Principality

The Club des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco (CREM – Foreign Residents’ Club) has announced the launch of its magazine.

Focusing on Monaco’s lifestyle and cultural vitality, “The Principality by CREM” is available in print and digital versions.

The Club promises wide-ranging content, including “exclusive interviews with influential figures and Club Members, reports on their events and activities, as well as a retrospective of past years, embodying the very essence of the institution.” The articles are available in French and English.

The CREM magazine is aimed at everyone who is interested, whether they are a member, a Monegasque resident or just curious. It is available on computer, tablet and mobile. ‘Traditional’ readers are not left out, with a paper version available at the Club and in selected locations in the Principality.

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Virtual reality, a new therapy for seniors

Residents of the Hector Otto Foundation have been using virtual reality for therapeutic purposes, and more, since September.

Virtual reality is expanding, and now the technological tool is being used to assist the elderly. Introduced six months ago, virtual reality’s beneficial effects on the residents of the Hector Otto Foundation are already being seen, as Monaco Info reports.

Care through play

From the residents’ point of view, virtual reality is first and foremost a leisure activity. A form of escapism, it allows the elderly residents to ‘get out’ for a while. Speaking to Monaco Info, Colette Muller says, “I’ve been in love with Egypt since I was a teenager (…) you can’t fail to be impressed,”  after a virtual tour of an Egyptian archeological site.

The cognitive stimulation provided by the activities helps residents to look after themselves, without them noticing. Samantha Barbaud, clinical psychologist at the Foundation, explains the positive effects.  “Among the therapeutic objectives we have, we can work on anxiety. We will be able to reduce apathy, a behaviour of withdrawal into oneself, give the person the opportunity to explore a pleasurable environment, to foster positive emotions, and enable them to break out of their apathy. We will also be able to encourage interactions in group workshops, with residents discussing a shared experience. And we will be able to stimulate their autobiographical memory, as well as their semantic memory, using knowledge they have acquired over their lifetimes.”

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A resident during a physiotherapy session – © Communication Department / Stéphane Danna

It is also a way of helping the residents during physiotherapy sessions. The idea of exercise disappears and is replaced by a fun activity using virtual reality. Thanks to the different sensors, the patient’s movements are used in the game. This means they have fun while working on motor skills, for example during rehabilitation. Plus, it has proved to be an effective way to forget about pain.

There is a lot of controversy about the impact of virtual reality, but the residents of the Hector Otto Foundation seem delighted with the technology.

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Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski win Acapulco ATP 500

The Monaco resident and Polish player won their first doubles title of the season, in Mexico. 

In the final, Hugo Nys and Jan Zielinski dominated their match to win in two sets against Santiago Gonzalez and Neal Skupski (6-3, 6-2).

After their quarter-finals at the Australian Open last January, then semi-finals in both Adelaide and Delray Beach, the pairing has made an excellent start to the season and is currently in third place in the ATP Race rankings.

The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in their sights

“It’s the first time we’ve won an ATP 500, and in the final we played our best match since the Rome tournament last year,” Hugo Nys told Monaco-Info.

“It’s been a good start to the season, but of course we always want more. We hope to perform well in the two major tournaments that are coming up (Indian Wells and Miami) before focusing on one of the big goals of the season with the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at home.”

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Four new easyJet flights from Nice

Low-cost carrier easyJet is investing in the Côte d’Azur in a big way, with four new destinations – and tickets are already on sale.

Four more destinations! With 4.6 million passengers in the region in 2023, easyJet is the most popular airline with travellers from the Riviera. Considering 46 routes were not enough, the British company is determined to improve its offering on the Côte d’Azur. The low-cost airline made the announcement at a press conference at Nice airport on Monday 4 March 2024. And this time, it’s looking to Europe but also beyond, to Africa.

Summer sun in Greece and Malta

From 28 May 2024, easyJet will provide two flights a week to Athens, Greece. You can discover the Greek capital from just €36, or €72 return. As previously reported, Kefalonia will also be one of the low-cost airline’s new destinations from 30 June this year.

A month later, travellers from the Côte d’Azur will be able to fly to Malta with easyJet. On 27 June 2024, two flights will leave Nice on Thursdays and Sundays for the biggest island in the Maltese archipelago. Prices start at €35 per person. The direct route is an exclusive for the British company, which will provide the only non-stop service to Malta from the region.

Autumn in Agadir or Prague

It’s another exclusive for easyJet. Following on from Rabat since the end of 2023, Côte d’Azur residents will soon be able to fly direct to Agadir in Morocco on Tuesdays and Saturdays. As the schools head back, there are great deals on flights starting on 3 September 2024, from €37 per person.

Last but not least, the Czech capital. The airline is operating two flights to Prague, on Thursdays and Sundays, from 10 October 2024, from 35 euros.

Flights are available for booking now!

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Accreditation of Monaco’s new ambassador to France

Valérie Bruell-Melchior presented her credentials to Emmanuel Macron.

Monaco’s new ambassador succeeds Christophe Steiner, who is now Prince Albert II’s chief of staff. Appointed last October, the new diplomat based on boulevard Suchet in the 14th arrondissement of Paris presented her credentials to the President of the French Republic on Thursday 29 February.

During the ceremony at the Élysée Palace, the French leader and the Ambassador discussed relations between the two countries. They spoke of the ties of friendship and the union between France and Monaco, and in particular of joint efforts to meet the challenges of security, climate change and the environment.

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National Council recognises three “Femmes d’Engagement 2024”

Annie Olivi, Patricia Husson and Anne Eastwood were honoured at the Awards ceremony on Monday 4 March.

From the humanitarian, disability and political spheres, the three women from the Principality were honoured in the Council Chamber. The awards ceremony launched “Women’s Commitment Week” leading up to International Women’s Rights Day on Friday, 8 March.

The awards honour three prominent women in the Principality, who are recognised for their commitment and exemplary career in the service of the general interest and in support of charitable and humanitarian causes. For the 2024 edition, Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, President of the National Council, and Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, President of the Family and Equality Committee, honoured Annie Olivi, Patricia Husson and Anne Eastwood. The ceremony took place in the presence of Princess Stéphanie, Camille Gottlieb, Minister of State Pierre Dartout, high-ranking State officials, as well as members of the National Council.

Three active women in Monaco

Brigitte Boccone-Pagès and Annie Olivi – ©Frédéric Nebinger & Romain Fondacaro-Ginepro

The first, Annie Olivi, was already named “Monaco Female World Leader of the Year 2023”. And now she has been recognised for her unfailing commitment over more than 30 years as President of the Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs . The motor disability charity has been working since 1969 to improve the daily lives of people with disabilities, and their entourage.

Patricia Husson and Camille Gottlieb – ©Frédéric Nebinger & Romain Fondacaro-Ginepro

Patricia Husson was then presented with her trophy by Camille Gottlieb, in recognition of all the humanitarian actions carried out through Mission Enfance . The charity, of which the Swede is president, aims to help children in need around the world and provide them with educational support. Since its creation in 1991, it has benefited 1,700,000 children in the world’s most challenging areas. Ms Husson is also known for her commitment in other capacities in the Principality, notably as Consul for the Kingdom of Sweden and advisor to Prince Albert II.

Princess Stéphanie and Anne Eastwood – ©Frédéric Nebinger & Romain Fondacaro-Ginepro

Finally, Princess Stéphanie presented her trophy to Anne Eastwood for her remarkable professional dedication in the service of the State. Anne Eastwood began as a Legal Affairs Officer and then as Chief of Staff. She was then Director General of the Department of Health and Social Affairs before heading up the High Commission for the Protection of Rights and Freedoms and Mediation. She is now the Principality’s Ambassador to Italy, Slovenia, Malta and San Marino.

The ceremony ended with strong words of encouragement from President Brigitte Boccone-Pagès,

Get involved, no matter what field you choose. At work, in politics, for your country, in your family life, for a cause, for a passion… whatever it may be. I invite you to embrace your potential, nurture your passions and follow your convictions. Never underestimate the power of your commitment, because it is through our actions, one step at a time, that we shape our collective destiny.”

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Plantes Pour Tous: budget price plants at Nice port

The event will be held in Nice from 8 to 10 March.

This weekend, the company “Plantes Pour Tous” (Plants For Everyone) is organising a plant sale with unbeatable prices. The founders, Léo and Julien, invite you to Le Dojo at 22 bis, boulevard Stalingrad, in Port Lympia. With prices ranging from €0.90 to €29.90, more than a hundred varieties will be on sale to delight enthusiasts.

Committed at every level

Experts will be on hand to advise you on choosing and caring for your plants. The environmental aspect is key at the event. “Our entire range comes straight from the producer and arrives on the morning of the first day of the sale,” the organisers point out. It is also advisable to book a slot free of charge so that the staff can “optimise [their] range for the weekend, to avoid waste.” Anticipating purchases means less wastage, currently estimated at 2%, for the company.

From Lille to Barcelona, big plant sales are expanding in Europe – © Plantes Pour Tous

“Plantes Pour Tous” organised its first event last November. Founded in 2017, the seed was sown in light of a clear observation: “Plants aren’t accessible in cities. Either in terms of price or location. Léo and Julien’s aim is “to bring town deweller closer to nature by offering plants that come directly from growers, at fair and honest prices.” As wll as these temporary events, they have opened five permanent garden centres between Paris and Lyon.


Practical information

  • Location: 22 bis boulevard Stalingrad, at Port Lympia, 06000, Nice
  • Dates and times: – Friday 8 March from 9 am to 8 pm – Saturday 9 March from 10 am to 7 pm – Sunday 10 March from 10 am to 5 pm
  • Booking: Plantes Pour Tous website

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ASM – PSG: moving tribute to paediatric cancer charity Fondation Flavien

The club’s President Dmitry Rybolovlev dedicated the match to the Monegasque charity, which was founded by Denis Maccario ten years ago.

It was an emotional moment at the kick-off of the match between AS Monaco and PSG on Friday 1 March.  Introduced by Denis Maccario and Enzo, a young supporter of the Red and Whites who has been affected by the disease for ten years and is now in remission, the game got underway amidst much applause from the crowd. “It was the weekend’s main fixture, watched by a full stadium and broadcast on television. This meant we could reach out to people who were watching the match to help us,” says Denis Maccario.

Having been involved with the Fondation Flavien  for a number of years, the Monaco Club and its chairman Dmitry Rybolovlev wanted to make a big impact, two weeks after International Childhood Cancer Day. “Two people have made donations since the match already, and that’s just brilliant,” adds Denis Maccario. Mission accomplished, without a doubt.

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Denis Maccario, Chairman of the Fondation Flavien, with Enzo, a young AS Monaco fan in remission © Denis Maccario

A special dedication for a very special month

For the past ten years, Denis Maccario has been fighting an ongoing battle in the hope of finding a cure for paediatric cancer. In August 2014, he created the Fondation Flavien as a tribute to his son, who had died of a brain tumour five months earlier, aged just eight.

Every day, Flavien’s Dad continues the fight to save the other children. “To date, we are finalising a clinical trial called Mependax. It will enable 36 children to receive the ‘molecule of hope’ that Pfizer donated  to us free of charge, and that has already been used on adult patients,” he explains.

Denis is hoping to see a solution at last, after so much hard work. “I’ve been waiting since last year for the trial to become a reality, but these things take so long… We’re financially ready, all we need now is the administrative side, so we’re well on the way,” he says.

Denis was able to enjoy the special match with Enzo, diagnosed at the same time as his son passed away, and now in remission. They were able to watch the match from seats right next to the pitch, in personalised shirts, gifted to them just before the match. Along with them was Aaron, a young PSG fan, while Florian, currently in hospital, was able to enjoy the magical evening remotely, as if he were in the stadium, thanks to an Awabot robot.

Denis, wearing the Fondation Flavien T-shirt, and Enzo, with his personalised AS Monaco shirt © Denis Maccario

Strong ties with AS Monaco and President Rybolovlev since the beginning

The club’s support for Denis is nothing new. It began in 2014, even before the Foundation was created. “I still remember that day. It was the first home match after Flavien passed away. The club showed its support for the family by displaying ‘Jedi’ on the big screen, in tribute to my son.”

In 2018, President Dmitry Rybolovlev invited Enzo to Bordeaux for the League Cup final, along with two Monaco supporters who had cycled over 1,000 kilometres in aid of the Fondation Flavien.

Friday also saw President Dmitry Rybolovlev make a personal donation to the charity, in renewed support of Fondation Flavien’s efforts. A gesture that Denis won’t be forgetting any time soon. “When I saw him on Friday, he encouraged us and congratulated us. I hope to be able to take him on a tour of the research laboratory, so that we can show him where the money goes,” he continues.

An auction to raise funds

AS Monaco continues to help Denis achieve his goals. On Monday evening,  March 4, an auction was organised by the club on the Catawiki platform with a special prize. “It’s a fabulous prize, with signed shirts from both teams, a private tour of the new Performance Centre and even a meeting with a player,” explains Denis. The funds raised will be donated to the charity, which will then finance the scientific centre and other research teams, in the hope of moving the clinical trial forward.

A few days after the match on 1 March, the Fondation Flavien Foundation is already back at work. “In the near future, we will be helping families to pay for their children’s funeral expenses. And we’ll continue to fund research throughout,” he concludes. You can support their cause by making a donation.

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Figure skating: Davide Lewton-Brain makes history

The Principality figure skater qualified for the upcoming world championships, which will take place from March 18 to 24 in Montreal (Canada).

25-year-old Davide, who we met some months ago, put in a strong performance at the Merano Ice Trophy.

This enabled the figure skater to become the first Monegasque resident ever to qualify for the world championships. A remarkable performance, after finishing 24th in the last European championships in Kaunas (Lithuania) in January.

Sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics

His string of promising results could bring him even closer to his ultimate dream: to take part in the next Olympic Winter Games, in Milan 2026.

“There are not many Monegasque skaters, so it is always a pleasure to fly the flag of the Principality internationally,”  said Valérie Gallo, president of the Monegasque Skating Federation.

If he continues to shine internationally, Davide Lewton-Brain could soon be making Monaco’s flag a permanent fixture on the figure skating world stage.

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Ventimiglia: former old town convent to become hotel

Situated in the heart of Ventimiglia Alta, next to the beautiful Santa Maria Assunta cathedral, the building has great potential.

Mayor Flavio Di Muro has given the go-ahead, stating his intention to use the municipally-owned building for accommodation and clearing the way for entrepreneurs to turn the property into a hotel. The building, located in the heart of the old town, once housed nuns but has been abandoned for years. In fact, the entrances were recently sealed off to keep intruders out. However the charm of its red ochre facade remains, with its elegant balusters and arches.

An increasing number of tourists

The new development, which will be able to accommodate dozens of rooms with a view over the Bay of Ventimiglia, comes as the town is undergoing a major transformation and attracting more and more visitors“Recent data confirms the increase in tourist numbers, giving us hope that operators in the industry will show fresh interest in the town; I hope we will see projects of that nature soon,” the mayor told the Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX.

Marina Development, headed by Monegasque resident Robert Thielen, put forward a project to refurbish the property some time ago. It was rejected last June by the Ligurian authorities. The company, owned by the Dutch-born entrepreneur, had plans to convert the building into a medical spa, a project that, as sanremonews.it reported, would have created 180 jobs. But the municipality decided to reassess the whole project, and agreed to the creation of a hotel. The Di Muro administration hopes the property, which at times has been squatted by transients and homeless people, will provide accommodation of a different nature soon.

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Princess Grace Irish Library – “What’s the story?”

If you aren’t specifically looking for the Princess Grace Irish Library, you might easily walk past it. And yet behind its unimposing exterior on rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine lies a veritable cultural hub that is very much part of Monaco life. 

The Library was founded in 1984 by Prince Rainier III in memory of his late wife, Princess Grace. Grace Kelly, as she was known before she married the Prince, was the grand-daughter of John Henry Kelly, who emigrated from County Mayo, Ireland to Philadelphia in the United States. The Library was created to honour Princess Grace’s attachment to her Irish origins, and is home to her personal collection of books and Irish-American sheet music, as well as beautiful reference books (including many rare first editions) and items of historical value, photos and art works. 

Its Director since January 2021, Paula Farquharson, took us on a tour and shared a bit of craic*

Monaco Tribune: Your website mentions over 12,000 books, many of which are from Princess Grace’s personal collection. Can you describe the kinds of books you have?

Paula Farquharson: We have a wide variety, from the latest best sellers by Irish authors back to a first edition of Ulysses by James Joyce dated 1922, and some even older volumes, such as the ‘Atlas Hibernia’ from 1654! I’d say we have 1500 to 2000 reference works out of the 12000 total. New books are added each year especially for the children’s section as they are voracious readers!  We have contemporary poetry, fiction and drama, scholarly monographs, and general works, including key reference works and leading illustrated publications, so that we can cater to modern readers as well as scholarly researchers. Our pride and joy is, of course, Princess Grace’s personal collection, not only of books but also artwork and sheet music she acquired during her lifetime, as well as beautiful objects from her family in Ireland. Our book catalogue is now available online, free of charge.

What sets you apart from, say, Monaco’s médiathèque (media library), which has an English-language section?

I think the clue’s in our name! (smiles) We are specifically an Irish Library rather than a library with books in English. Our readers are often interested in Irish authors in particular, others want to learn about other aspects of Ireland and its culture. Sometimes people don’t realise that some famous writers were Irish such as Oscar Wilde or F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby or Bram Stoker, author of Dracula!  For many parents there’s a desire to have their children experience an English-speaking environment from a language or cultural point of view. There is a big English-speaking community in Monaco, whether ‘first generation’ or otherwise, including by marriage, so all sorts of nationalities come through the door!

What kind of relationship do you have with the médiathèque?

A positive and constructive one! Monaco’s Médiathèque is very supportive of our events and promotes them. In fact, we’ve organised authors’ readings in English on their premises in the past. And for St Patrick’s Day last year, we co-organised an event, with the guest musician performing at the Sonothèque José Notari, the Médiathèque’s music venue. 

As we have a bigger collection of English-language books, the Médiathèque points readers in our direction when appropriate. And if we know they have a specific item that we don’t, we do the same. Monaco is certainly ‘big enough for the both of us’. They have also kindly shared access to the hundreds of magazines and newspapers that they subscribe to so the PGIL members can enjoy them. We’re both about promoting reading and we’re very complementary in terms of publications and readership. 

How many Library cardholders do you have?

If I gave you a number, you would probably find it pretty negligible. We’ve come to realise just how widespread our guests are. Borrowing a book creates an obligation to return it. And it’s easy to spend a couple of hours trying to get in and out of Monaco depending on where you live, so guests are a little wary about taking out a card they might not make full use of. Plus, given that we’re such a small team, ‘chasing’ lapsed cardholders takes time that’s hard to find. The cardholder number isn’t very indicative of our overall activity. 

Paula Farquharson and the first edition of Ulysses by James Joyce
Paula Farquharson holding the first edition of Ulysses, a masterpiece by James Joyce / Alizée Mosconi

Not just about books

For sure, even a cursory glance at your website tells us you’re ‘not just about books’. How important is the cultural side of your activities?

Our mission is to foster a love of Ireland, its culture, history and present day, through learning and creative thought, by engaging audiences, locally in Monaco and internationally. So, sharing the literary legacy, and having young readers discover Irish authors and illustrators, is certainly a big part of that. Classes from the lycées attend lectures and are very lucky to meet one-on-one with award-winning Irish authors.

But we also organise a raft of cultural events, whether it’s readings, talks, symposia, musical evenings… Obviously when people think about Irish Culture, St Patrick’s Day is high on the list, and we do try to push the boat out and the Prince’s Palace is lit up in green. However, we have a busy calendar of events all year round especially this year since it is our 40th birthday and people can drop in anytime to read or watch an Irish film. This year we’re screening from time to time “Her name was Grace Kelly” an insightful documentary with testimonials from family members, friends and those who knew her.

How do you engage with the local community, to ‘get people through the door’?

Through articles like yours! (laughs) More seriously, the local media and radio are important to us in that regard. We have our Facebook pages, one of which is specifically for young readers. The content is mostly event-driven, whether it’s about new publications in the Library or upcoming talks or concerts.  We also work with local schools for workshops and book readings. 

I often say Irish people are chatty, and word-of-mouth certainly can be effective in a small community like Monaco. The British and American associations help us get the word out too, and people can join our mailing list to receive our Newsletter – nearly 880 recipients and counting. The popularity of our events is evident as we’re often sold out! We had a full house for our most recent talk (on February 21, by author Neal Doherty about county Mayo in the west of Ireland, where Princess Grace’s grandfather was born) and the upcoming one on March 13th, by writer-in-residence Flor MacCarthy, is sold out! Hence why we’ve just announced another date for Flor’s talk on March 20th.

Members of the Princely Family visit when they can, and there’s usually quite a lot of publicity around those times, which certainly helps our notoriety. But more than that, we’re in the privileged position of being able to welcome ‘home’ Princess Grace’s family with a ‘direct line’ to their Irish heritage. It’s quite unique.

How are you funded?

We rely on donations, and the Prince’s family via the Fondation Princesse Grace to support our mission. There are also the fees paid by our cardholders, and ticket sales to our events. Along with The Ireland Funds Monaco Bursaries, which enables us to host academics- and writers-in-residence and the Irish writers, academics and musicians we manage to have a rich programme of events, residencies and symposia, which I mentioned earlier. We have also established a number of partnerships with sponsors that ‘make sense’, in other words where there’s an Irish connection.

Having our own premises is such a blessing

Paula Farquharson

Why aren’t you open at the weekend?

Like I said, we’re a small team! We need some time off! (laughs) Joking aside, members of the local community are often elsewhere at the weekend. We noticed a much better turnout for our mid-week events. Of course, that means liaising with other organisations such as the American Club and British Association to make sure our events don’t clash! But having our own premises is such a blessing, and it means we can host events on behalf of others, such as the Monaco Ireland Arts Society. These are great opportunities for meeting people, sharing ideas, and creating new connections.   

A Monaco Tribune scoop!

Paula is hoping to be able to convince film director Frank Mannion to do a talk, and organise a screening of his latest documentary, ‘Quintessentially Irish’ when he comes to Cannes this year. Watch this space! 

“You know the Irish have always been travellers, but there’s also a very strong sense of home. I think the Irish have a natural sense of belonging, and we’re good at making friends. People need that, there’s a lot of ‘fake’ out there.”

So, if you’re from the Emerald Isle and feeling homesick, or you’re looking for a community to belong to, ‘come into the parlour’ at 9 rue Princess Marie de Lorraine, where Céad Míle Fáilte** await you.

 * craic: pronounced crack, is commonly used in Irish slang to describe a good time, a fun experience, or a friendly conversation.
** Céad Míle Fáilte : a hundred thousand welcomes in Irish gaelic. 


Practical details: 
9 rue Princesse Marie-de-Lorraine, Monaco-Ville
Tel + 377 93 50 12 25

Socials: Facebook and Princess Grace Irish Library Young Readers

Membership Fees: 

  • Adults – €25 (to be renewed every year) 
  • Children/Students – €8 (one-off payment: membership lasts until the child is aged 18 years old or when the student finishes studies at university/third-level education) 
  • Family – €50 (to be renewed every year)

Opening hours: 

Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm & Fridays 9am-4pm. Closed weekends. 

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