From 5 March, French mobile users will be able to send text messages and connect to the Internet without any restrictions.
It’s hard to get a signal in Monaco if you’re not a Monaco Telecom or Orange customer… Well, good news! In coordination with French operators and the national operator Monaco Telecom, the Government of Monaco is introducing a mobile network for everyone, from 5 March 2024.
All subscribers to French mobile services – including SFR, Bouygues Telecom or even Free – will be able to benefit from the new Monaco Telecom network.
The aim is to switch from your French operator for the duration of your stay in Monaco, in order to harmonise mobile network quality in the Principality, just like the service offered in the Euro Zone.
The project is led by the Prince’s Government, and “will ultimately promote quality of service and uniform coverage for all subscribers to foreign mobile services,” said Christophe Pierre, Director of Digital Platforms and Resources at the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transition.
You can connect to the mobile network with just a few clicks. You just need to make sure that your phone’s roaming function is turned on, so that you can receive and make incoming and outgoing calls, and find a stable Internet connection in the Principality. Next, check that the following settings are activated:
Cellular data and “Data abroad” roaming. Mobile internet services such as MMS, WhatsApp and certain applications, require cellular data to be activated;
Set to “Automatic network selection” mode or, if no network is displayed, select “Monaco Telecom” manually.
The +33 prefix is required for calls to France. French numbers from your contacts will therefore need to be saved in that format.
The new mobile network should be available at no extra cost in most cases. However, each French operator will be free to apply its own pricing structure to its customers.
For more information, an FAQ is available on the Mon Service Public website.
An exclusive experience is on offer for boat owners moored in Port Hercule, Monaco or Port Cala del Forte, Ventimiglia.
Are you a racing fan with a boat in one of Monaco’s ports or Ventimiglia? Read on!
From the Friday through to the Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, you can view the Grand Prix of the Principality from the water, on the new floating platform designed specifically for the event. Announced by the Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM), in partnership with the Automobile Club de Monaco and Formula One Management, this exclusive VIP space will be able to accommodate 400 people thanks to its 600 m² surface area, spread over three floors.
Between €4,800 and €5,400 for the 3-day pass
Usually designed for yachts and rented for around €20,000 per week, the stand is berthed in a strategic spot, promising unrivalled views of the track’s chicane and the exit from the tunnel. “As they brake at the end of the tunnel, there could well be overtaking action, and guests will be able to see Formula 1 go by in slow motion,” Olivier Lavagna, General Manager of SEPM, told Monaco-Matin. The project, estimated at over a million euros, is certainly substantial, but “a high-quality complementary service,” in his view.
The package includes many services, such as the service of drinks and snacks, access to the Nautical Society restaurant, as well as on-screen action, wifi and toilets, throughout the three days of competition.
Now 23, the young man from Menton is in charge of the Wink Monaco charity, launched by his mother, which deals with the prevention of sight and hearing loss.
3 years after we last met him, Thomas Rodier continues to move forward, with his handicap. His eyesight has gradually deteriorated since he learned at 19 that he suffered from retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative genetic eye disease. For years, the young man battled with the disease, with the support of his entourage, hoping in vain for a cure. Now, it’s time for acceptance. “At the time, I was chasing a solution to save my eyesight, but I’ve come to accept the fact that there isn’t one… At least, I don’t think research is far enough advanced at present,” says the former pupil at the FANB (François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré) school.
The doctors all agree that Thomas will lose his sight completely within a few years. “The more time goes by, the harder it is to do everything I would like to do. I’m not allowed to drive, or do the shopping, and I’m getting worse at bowling and video games, it’s frustrating!” he laughs. It took a long time for him to swallow the pill, but the young man from Menton is now trying to live with his disability. But that doesn’t imply resignation. He spends most of his time in Monaco, on a mission that is close to his heart.
He has been working in Geneva for almost a year, but the young man remains very attached to Monaco, where he studied for most of his childhood. And it is here that his mother created Wink Monaco last year, through which Thomas goes into Monaco’s schools and talks about his disease. “I want to convey the fact that sight and hearing are precious senses that do not regenerate, but people often don’t realise this until they’ve lost them. Sad to say, people aren’t interested in the disease until they are directly concerned,” he stresses.
Raising children’s awareness of sight and hearing, before it is too late, is essential for Thomas. Corinne Rodier, his mother, doesn’t want a repeat of her son’s heartbreaking story: “Being better informed would have allowed him to understand his disability, in his daily life, and better care might have given him more valuable years of sight.”
Moving forward, despite his illness. Resigned to having to accept his disability, one thing now drives Thomas: being useful to society. “I want my disability to be a strength. Today, I’m channelling my determination and energy into the charity. I feel useful and that does me good,” says Thomas, with emotion in his voice. Supported by his family and friends, the young man is now fighting for others, with a renewed sense of purpose: “It’s thanks to the help of all the people who have supported me and who I’ve met that I’ve managed to get to where I am today.” As a reminder, Louis Ducruet, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco’s son, is the charity’s ambassador.
A source of motivation, pushing him to want to do good around him, and especially for tomorrow’s society: “If we raise awareness in young people, they can avoid certain problems, and they will be more understanding of people they might meet.” YouTube used to be one of Thomas’ pastimes, now he uses it as a prevention tool, creating informative videos with a touch of humour.
Getting on with life, knowing he will lose his sight
While the road ahead is uncertain, for Thomas it’s a one-way street. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that one day I won’t see it any more. So I plan on appreciating the present moment, because it’s probably the best I have left,” says the young man with a sigh. Make the most of the present, hang in there, and overcome the most difficult ordeal of his life: losing his sight. A present that Thomas devotes to something that brings him a little happiness, despite his situation: “I wish I could step things up for the charity. That’s what makes me happy right now. It can be an interesting human experience.”
From handing out earplugs to pairs of glasses that demonstrate visual impairment, Thomas isn’t short of ideas. To help him in his endeavours, he can rely on several partners including Fondation Densmore, Monaco Global Services and Monaco Children and Future, the organisers of No Finish Line. This determination comes as no surprise to his best friend: “If he’s not doing anything, he feels bad and if he’s not working, he doesn’t feel good. He doesn’t do things by halves,” he says with a smile.
Whatever happens, Thomas will never stop fighting.
Thomas and his Mum are currently on the lookout for sponsors to help finance the charity. To find out more, head over to the Wink Monaco website.
Monaco Tribune has compiled a list of the key events you shouldn’t miss in the Principality, as well as some ideas for outings.
Rencontres Internationales Monaco et la Méditerranée
The Oceanographic Museum will be hosting the 12th International Monaco and Mediterranean Meeting (RIMM) from Thursday 7 to Friday 8 March 2024. The two days will include conferences and debates. This year’s event is entitled “Gardens in the Mediterranean”, and will focus on three themes: “A Time of Abundance, a Time of Virtues, a Time of Wonder”. “Eminent specialists will shed light on these three phases in a rich and lively dialogue with personalities from the scientific, artistic and literary worlds. We are sure they will truly celebrate the art of Gardens in the Mediterranean,” says Elisabeth Bréaud, RIMM President and Director.
When: Thursday 7 and Friday 8 March 2024
Where: Monaco Oceanographic Museum
To register: via the RIMM website or by mail, rimm.reservation@gmail.com
International Women’s Rights Day
Monaco’s Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights is organising a special event in honour of International Women’s Rights Day. The Espace Léo Ferré will be hosting round tables, conferences and workshops on 8 March from 9am to 6pm, The event will honour women through four themes: education, health, sport and work. To round off the day, the Committee is putting on a show featuring two concerts and a unique sound and light show.
When: 8 March 2024 from9 am
Where: Espace Léo Ferré, 25 Avenue Albert II, 98000, Monaco
It’s the annual rendezvous for classical music lovers. From 13 March to 7 April 2024, the ‘Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo’ festival is back in the Principality. Organised for the third time by Bruno Mantovani, the event’s artistic director, the festival not only features concerts, but also round-table discussions and conferences at a host of venues across the Principality.
Tickets: Atrium du Casino de Monte-Carlo, Service Billetterie, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
Further information: +377 92 00 13 70
Les Sérénissimes de l’humour
The 18th edition of the Sérénissimes de l’Humourcomedy fesival will take place from 12 to 16 March 2024. Organised by Monaco Live Productions, the event brings together a host of French-language comedians, including Booder, François-Xavier Demaison and Manu Payet.. Under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II, the Sérénissimes de l’Humour will be supporting the ‘Fondation Flavien‘ charity.
The 7th edition of Monaco Ocean Week is organised by the Prince Albert II Foundation, along with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, the Monaco Scientific Centre and the Monaco Yacht Club. The week of Monday 18 to Saturday 23 March 2024 will feature activities to do with the environment and the ocean. The programme includes workshops, symposia, conferences, exhibitions, film screenings, etc., to promote the protection of marine biodiversity.
Paris Match magazine profiled the Principality in an article on the world’s wealthiest places.
At 8 billion euros, Monaco’s GDP is one of the highest in the world. Monaco has certainly always been a magnet for the wealthiest people. As Paris Match put it, welcoming “these big migratory birds” that “everyone is clamouring for” remains the ideal strategy for guaranteeing its wealth.
Qatar, Dubai, Hong Kong…: according to the author of an article entitled ‘Monaco : le paradis des entrepreneurs’ (Monaco: the entrepreneurs’ paradise), the Principality ranks up with countries where “anything goes” to lure “increasingly volatile” UHNVIs (ultra high net value individuals). From long-term visas to preferential legal and fiscal systems, the weekly magazine drew up a list of Monaco’s tempting offers to attract new residents as well as “the complete wealth-creating system: companies, investment funds, family offices and qualified employees” they would bring with them. As the article’s author Alexandre Ferret points out, despite its 2 km2 surface area, the Principality has a number of assets that enable it to play in the big league.
The magazine quoted Frédéric Genta, Monaco’s Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, to back up its point . The “spearhead,” whose mission it is to “blow the dust off the Principality’s image,” Genta is banking on business to “trash the idea that Monaco is a retirement destination.” The weekly magazine explains that finance and insurance activities are the second largest contributors to the Principality’s wealth (17.6% of GDP), accounting for “nearly 4,500 of the more than 60,000 jobs on the Rock.”
According to the article, more and more of the world’s wealthiest people are young. Monaco therefore cannot afford not to offer them a perfect location with “security, an excellent education system, cutting-edge health care, a high-quality cultural scene.” Aspects on which “we are competitive. Our most precious asset remains our reputation, which stems from Monaco being a unique destination: a 700-year old history, strong European values, a zero-debt State and stable institutions,” the Interministerial Delegate continued.
Hemmed in…. or is it?
Almost 40,000 French and 10,000 Italian citizens come to work in the Principality every day. Which makes the Principality “the biggest employer in the Riviera,” as Éric Ciotti, former president of the Alpes-Martimes Departmental Council and current president of the France-Monaco friendship group at the French National Assembly, points out. He believes “we need to bolster this economic partnership. Making the Alpes-Maritimes a free trade zone could help ease the constraint that weighs on the Principality – a lack of space.” And therefore contribute to its influence and attractiveness?
Temperatures were high once again in Monaco in 2023.
2023 is the second-warmest year after 2022. The Monaco Stastics (IMSEE) annual weather report attests to above normal temperatures. For the second consecutive year, average temperatures reached 18°C.
This was in large part due to the warm temperatures that carried on into the early autumn. September and October were very mild, with an average of 23.7°C and 20.3°C respectively.
The summer was also extremely hot. During the heatwaves, the temperature high point was 34.9°C, recorded on August 24, 2023. This places 2023 just behind 2022’s record of 35.1°C.
The year’s trends also confirm those observed since the 1970s. Each decade shows a temperature average that is higher than the previous one.
In 2023, IMSEE also recorded an average rainfall of 436.4 mm, well below the norm of 794.5mm. It is one of the three driest years recorded in the last two decades (355.6 mm in 2001 and 336.6 mm in 2007).
In fact there were only 46 days of rain in 2023. With a recorded norm of 63 days, this further underlines the exceptional drought experienced in the region.
24 for ’24. A record number of races are scheduled this season. Monaco Tribune has selected its top 5. Get out your diaries!
1. Chinese Grand Prix (21 April)
It’s back after a five-year absence.
“It’s a very fast track, with a high average speed,” according to Théo Pourchaire, the driver from Grasse. “There are a lot of opportunities for overtaking.”
A legendary Formula 1 circuit, the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai promises a triumphant return this year, after hosting the 1000th Grand Prix in history in 2019, at its last edition.
An edition that was won by a certain Lewis Hamilton… Will he do it again this year?
2. Monaco Grand Prix (May 26)
How can we not mention the Monaco event? While some critics like to stress the lack of spectacle and excitement on the track, the Monaco Grand Prix remains the flagship event of the Formula One season.
With its incredible atmosphere, its unique urban circuit and its breathtaking scenery, the “most beautiful circuit in the world” always makes an impression and remains one of the most eagerly awaited Grand Prix races every year.
With overtaking still a rare event during the actual race, the Monaco Grand Prix is all about the qualifying session. Here, more than on any other circuit, the race for pole position is paramount.
The way the 2022 edition played out made it one of the most spectacular Grand Prix of last season.
With all sorts of battles on the track between the Ferraris, Red Bulls and Mercedes, and Carlos Sainz’s first F1 win, the 2022 British Grand Prix once again lived up to its fine reputation.
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There is a fabulous atmosphere every time, with incredible support for the three British drivers (Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, George Russell). The Silverstone Grand Prix is a classic Formula 1 event, and very popular with the drivers.
“It’s my second favourite circuit after Monaco,” Théo Pourchaire confided to Auto Hebdo magazine. “It’s a flat circuit, but the pace is fantastic. It is made for single-seaters. The feeling of speed is constant.”
4. Belgian Grand Prix (28 July)
With its Eau Rouge / Raidillon section, its 7 km hilly course, its forest as far as the eye can see… the Spa-Francorchamps track is one of the most iconic and spectacular tracks in the world.
Rain often features prominently in the Belgian race, but each year it promises a great show on the track with many options for overtaking, which is always a crowd pleaser.
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Stopped in 2021 because of the heavy rain and close to being removed from the world championship along with the French Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps is still hanging on to its place on the calendar.
Need we remind you? December 2021. At the end of an incredible race straight out of a Hollywood script, Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton to win his first ever world championship title. It was unprecedented.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last race of the season for several years now, did not provide the same suspense last year, as Max Verstappen had already secured his second world champion title well beforehand.
The breast cancer charity has become a model in Monaco. Behind the scenes at Pink Ribbon is a sensitive woman with a big heart.
She’s hard-working, brave and spontaneous. At age 51, Natasha is proud of the woman she has become. “Sometimes I get imposter syndrome, I wonder how I got here. But when I look at all I’ve managed to achieve through my determination, I’m very happy,” she says, rather pensively. Coming from a blended family, her childhood was spent between London and Monaco. Even as a child she was altruistic, and helping others has always been part of her who she is.
It was when she moved to California to pursue her studies that her charitable leanings grew even more. From community service to awareness-raising walks, her eyes sparkle with admiration when she speaks of the benevolence she encountered among American women: “Over there, people fought together for the same cause. I had to bring this feeling of brotherhood and female solidarity back home, to Monaco.” Upon her return to the Principality, the young woman was sure she had found her vocation.
A surprising personality
Before Pink Ribbon, Natasha’s first passion kept her busy for a long time. Drinks! In addition to her humanitarian activities, the young woman earned pocket money tending bar. The party world gradually became a big part of her life. It was a perfect universe for Natasha, with her boundless energy.
After a while, however, she realised that nightlife was no longer fulfilling enough for her. She went from serving to creating. “We were the brains behind the Blue Coast craft brewery in Nice, which still exists today. I also had the honour of working with the racing driver Valtteri Bottas,” the Monegasque resident says with a smile.
Her perseverance goes hand in hand with a strong character: “If I could go back in time, perhaps I would be a bit more mellow, I sometimes regret not being a little less uncompromising with others when I was young.” Tough but caring, the founder of Pink Ribbon never goes unnoticed.
Brought up in a modern and progressive family, Natasha has always wanted to change the world. If she had a magic wand, she would certainly use it wisely. She was impacted by her grandmother’s breast cancer, a disease that she says “affects everyone.” Her determination to develop cancer prevention began when she realised the lack of information about it. “Everything was focused on curing it, but there was nothing about early awareness,” she says, ruefully. “Once a year, I go for a smear test. Once a year, I’m going to get tested… It should be natural, it needs to become a reflex for all women,” she continues.
Her aim is to get rid of taboos and dispel the fear of screening, a fear she considers too prevalent at present. It’s a mission that is close to her heart in the most important place in her life: “I wanted to put into practice what I learned in the United States, and Monaco is the best place for this kind of initiative. All the world’s communities come together here. That’s what I think is wonderful.”
Natasha has had her share of difficult challenges. Sometimes optimism gives way to self-doubt and despondence. “Some moments can be trying. People tell me about their struggles and it can be quite hard to hear…” she sighs. Situations where the Monegasque resident often feels powerless to help: “I always want to do more. But I’m not qualified to treat people. I can only refer them, but empathy takes over from time to time.”
However, an encounter changed her outlook. She met Jamaican athlete Novlene Williams-Mills. “Sometimes you meet people who have a special aura. She was an inspiration to me, there was something about her that lifted up my heart,” she recalls. “I went from being totally downhearted to wanting to do more,” she continues. From that day on, Natasha has never thought about giving up. Between fundraising and awareness campaigns, nothing can stop her. “I saw someone who had been really sick, years later, and they were healthy again, it was fantastic. Now I tell myself that if one door slams, another will open soon,” she says with a smile. After the announcement of a new Honorary President, none other than Princess Charlene, a few days before the successful gala and auction held at the Casino de Monte-Carlo on February 2, Pink Ribbon Monaco’s year looks very promising indeed.
One thing is certain: Natasha will never give up hope.
Monaco Ocean Week will be held from 18 to 23 March 2024.
Ocean preservation will be the focus of the 7th Monaco Ocean Week. Organised by the Prince Albert II Foundation, along with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, the Monaco Scientific Centre and the Monaco Yacht Club, the week will kick off with the 15th Monaco Blue Initiative.
To mark the occasion, international experts and government representatives will discuss ocean governance, the sustainable and regenerative blue economy, and the role of the Mediterranean in the 30×30 roadmap for the protection of the ocean.
Some forty events are scheduled over the six days, including conferences, workshops, symposia, discussions, exhibitions, documentary screenings and awareness-raising workshops. These events are focused on preserving the oceans. The initiative promotes the exchange of knowledge, particularly through the presentation of innovative projects and environmental reports on the oceans.
The project’s themes include the reduction of plastic pollution at sea, the preservation of the planet’s marine resources, and sustainable tourism.
The full programme for the week is available on the Monaco Ocean Week website, along with registration forms for the events. Please note that not all events are open to the public.
How well do you know the Monegasque language? Monaco Tribune, in partnership with the Académie des Langues Dialectales, gives you a list of words and expressions to boost your vocabulary.
Menton is hosting its annual flagship event, the Lemon Festival, until March 3. “Citrus, orange, citron and especially lemon growing has been a major activity in and around Menton since the 16th century. Menton lemon, considered yellow gold, was exported throughout Europe in the 19th century. Every year, from mid February to the beginning of March, a popular festival in honour of this fabulous fruit attracts tourists from all over Europe,” says Claude Passet, President of the Academy of Dialectal Languages.
The event, for environmentally responsible young fashion designers, was held on February 22 at the Grimaldi Forum.
Some sixty young people from around the world took part in the Junk Kouture final. Competitors from the United States, Ireland, England, France and the United Arab Emirates, presented their creations made from recycled materials.
The Grimaldi Forum was filled with original and extravagant looks during the ceremony. Representing the French Riviera, the ‘From Coastline to Waisitline’ project, created by Lily Gear, Vega Beroud and Luisa Dietel of the International School of Nice, took its inspiration from the region. “We wanted to feature the Côte d’Azur side, with sunshine, beaches… All the materials were collected from beach clean-ups, schools or beaches in the south,” Vega told Monaco Info. The young woman added, “you can create beautiful things out of something that was nothing, that was thrown away on the beach.”
Their creation won them the Kate Powers Foundation Performance Award. In total 17 trophies recognised the participants’ creativity and commitment. The coveted «World Designer» prize was awarded to the Irish creation #TAGME, by Eva Donlon, Evie Nugent and Méabh O’Shea, students at Moate Community School.
Professional opportunities in Paris and Rome prompted the Swede to settle in the Principality in 2011.
When she enters the room, she’s all you see. With her dazzling hair, her long legs and her sexy but elegant outfit, Victoria stands out, even in Monaco. We met her at the Monte-Carlo Bay where she ordered a vegetable, fruit and ginger juice. “I try to be healthy,” says the stunning Swede, who is particularly approachable and friendly.
“I lived for a while in the United States, but then I worked a lot between Paris and Rome, so I decided to settle in the middle, in Monaco. I have travelled all my life, in different countries, and for me Monaco is a great melting pot. In fact the more time goes by, the more that’s true, I love it!” says the polyglot, who is fluent in four languages: Swedish, English, French and Italian.
“I have a pied-à-terre in Miami and one in Stockholm, but Monaco is my happy place.”
After almost 15 years in the Principality, Victoria has seen it change. “There are more restaurants and places to go out now, even if I still miss the old Jimmy’z. My first memories of Monaco were made there,” says the beautiful blonde.
Speaking of restaurants, she says with a healthy dose of self-deprecation: “I eat out almost every night. Monaco’s restaurants are so good! I eat a lot, but I burn it off. I walk, I do yoga and Pilates, and I love playing tennis at the Country Club. I also love nature, we are lucky (in the Principality) to have the best walks along the beach and hiking trails. I go out a lot in the summer, there is always something to do in Monaco between the Grand Prix, the Yacht Show and all the other events and festivities. In the winter I like to fly to Miami or Saint-Barts. I grew up in northern Sweden you know, very close to the Arctic Circle, so I spent 18 years in the dark and the cold, and now I’m forever chasing the sun,” as evidenced by her golden tan, on February 15.
Difficult beginnings
Victoria seems to have had a thousand and one lives, the first of which was as a ski champion. “I came 4th in the Junior category nationals. My father pushed me a lot. Every weekend he’d wake me up at 5.00 am for competitions. Let’s say I didn’t have a normal childhood. All my friends were having fun while I was focused on my sport. At the time I also rode competitively in Sweden. I didn’t have time for boys! Now I’m grateful to my father for his discipline, because it has served me well throughout my life. The side of me that pushes me to always move forward, is down to him. This was particularly useful when I started out in the United States, because I would have gone under there if I hadn’t been strong enough. It was very tough in Paris too and I kept telling myself that if I failed, I’d succeed next time. Never give up!”
After a shoulder injury ended her skiing career, 16-year-old Victoria began to take an interest in beauty and was encouraged by her mother and sister to enter competitions. But back then, she wasn’t very feminine. “I never wore makeup and I didn’t even know how to walk in heels,” she says with an infectious laugh. Still, she came second in the Miss Sweden contest and was in the top 10 at the Miss World pageant.
The American Dream
Victoria then decided to try her luck at modelling, in Paris. “I was tall, blonde, muscular, with long hair. People told me you’re too this, too that, they wanted to change everything about me. It was a very difficult time that really tested my self-esteem. I was 18 and it was the toughest year of my life, with a lot of disappointments. I was alone, with no credit card, no cell phone. I would cry at night in my little apartment. My parents weren’t rich, they had just given me enough money for food for the first few weeks. I would do 12 auditions a day, and I’d take the metro with a map to try and find my way, and men would hover around me… It was a living nightmare. When I’d speak to my Mum on the phone she would try to convince me to come back home. But I didn’t want to give up, I told myself, “I don’t want to be a loser” and I gradually started to find work, I moved into another apartment…”
A chance meeting convinced the 21-year-old to fly to Los Angeles. “My profile was a better fit for the US,” says Victoria, whose American dream became reality. “I signed with Elite, and I launched my singing career after I met Max Martin, the singer-songwriter, and my film career, all at the same time!” Also at the same time, Victoria appeared on Italian television for a show broadcast on Italy’s main channel, Rai Uno, every Saturday. “I flew back and forth every week,” she recalls.
Meeting Christophe Dechavanne
As luck would have it, Victoria found herself in the same restaurant as Christophe Dechavanne, the French TV presenter, while in Paris for a one-off work assignment in the 2000s. “We were introduced, and he contacted me a few months later, saying that he wanted to do Wheel of Fortune, which was a huge hit in the United States. He told me I was perfect for it. I agreed, on condition that they provided accommodation, because I was living in New York.” The co-host lived in a hotel for most of her contract, only moving to Monaco during the last year.
Victoria says there are only positive takeaways from the experience. “If I’m living in Monaco now, it’s thanks to ‘La Roue de la Fortune [Wheel of Fortune in France]. I had a lot of fun with Christophe. He played a lot on the fact that I didn’t speak French, but after a while I was able to react to his teasing. I remember we would shoot five shows a day, so I needed five outfits with different hairstyles and makeup every day. it was really intense. I ached all over when I got home because I was on my feet in heels for the whole day. Now my feet are this shape, and I can’t walk in flats any more,” she tells us, pointing to the toe of her black thigh boots.
At the time, Victoria was married to American presenter Chris Wragge. “I committed too young, at 24, and the long-distance relationship was complicated. My husband wanted me to stay home, but I always wanted to work. I put my private life on hold for my career, and we ended up getting divorced.” Today, Victoria hasn’t aged a bit, “I am very young in my head,” she says, and confesses to being surprised that she is still so popular. “I was in San Remo for the Italian Song Festival a few days ago, and I was approached by lots of people, it was unbelievable. I thought, “Wow, they haven’t forgotten me!” Because it’s been a few years since I last appeared on Italian television. I also get people coming up to me in Monaco and France, but it’s more discreet.”
I do a lot of trading, I am interested in the stock market and finance, I like it, it’s one of my hobbies.
Also known in France also for having been the face of the Château d’Ax sofa brand, Victoria will be shooting several commercials. next week in Sweden. “I have a lot of work, but less than before because now I choose my own pace and I appreciate peace and quiet.” The hard-working celebrity also makes time for the ‘Les Anges Gardiens de Monaco’ charity. “We distribute food from restaurants in the Principality to people living on the streets in Nice. For me, it’s about giving back a little of what life has given me. I am also an ambassador for The Perfect World Foundation, an organisation that is based in Sweden and works to conserve and preserve the natural world. In 2022, we awarded a prize to Prince Albert II,” she says with pride.
After having, among other things, worked for Eurosport, taken part in a reality show for E! and the Ballando con le stelle show (the Italian version of Strictly come Dancing), is Victoria prepared to return to French TV? “I have been asked several times to take part in Danse avec les Stars [Strictly, in France this time, Ed.], but I don’t want to be in Paris any more and I want my freedom. I miss TV sometimes, but I have no plans to go back. Still, who knows, I never say never!”
The RAMOGE Agreement launched the 3rd edition of its international photography competition on February 15.
“RAMOGE – L’Homme et la Mer” (Man and the Sea) is the theme of the competition, which is supported by the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP – International Federation of Photographic Art).
This year’s competition is split into four categories:
‘L’Homme et la Mer’, for shots taken in the Mediterranean,
‘Zone RAMOGE’, for photos taken between Marseille and La Spezia,
‘L’Homme et la Mer, le regard des nouvelles générations’, reserved for photographers under the age of 25.
and ‘Thème Libre’, an open theme category.
This edition’s jury includes internationally renowned photographers, such as Riccardo Busi (FIAP President), Greg Lecoeur (“Nature Photographer of the Year” – National Geographic, 2016), and Sergio Pitamitz (“Environmental Photojournalist of the Year” – NPPA, 2016).
The RAMOGE Agreement is an environmental protection treaty signed on May 19, 1976 between France, Monaco and Italy. Made up of a Commission, a Technical Committee, Working Groups and a Permanent Secretariat, it focuses on three major issues: integrated coastal zone management, pollution prevention and control, and awareness raising. The organisation encourages competition participants in to illustrate through their photographs the relationship between human activities and the Mediterranean, with its many facets.
Anyone can enter the free competition, which is now open for submissions. You have until September 15, 2024 to ‘give it your best shot’.
AS Monaco claimed a smashing 2-3 victory on the road at RC Lens to claim a much-needed all three points.
In a match full of turning points, Les Monegasques did just enough to prevail, with Takumi Minamino’s outstanding late blast securing the victory in superb style.
With this in mind, this gives us the opportunity to focus on three takeaways from this pulsating encounter.
Masterful Minamino
Serving as Monaco’s game-changer in this one, the exploits of Minamino were crucial towards this vital victory.
Aside from scoring the scintillating winner at the death with an exceptional strike, having a hand in the second and winning a penalty, the way he constantly found space either side of the Lens backline, linked up with teammates and put his crafty passing and dribbling skills to good use accentuated his value.
Sensational winning goal
Playing a part in the second, as Samba turns in his slick shot
Wicked through ball in behind prior to winning the penalty
Winning the penalty with his powerful run
Meanwhile, how he pressed with intensity, was always on hand to track back to support his backline and chimed in with many key interventions duly heightened his impact.
“Honestly, he had an incredible match, delivering a great performance! With his two goals, he helped us a lot, but he also did a great defensive job to relieve us. This is truly a huge performance from him,” Denis Zakaria asserted.
By the numbers, the fact he won eight duels, made five ball recoveries, completed four interceptions, had four touches inside the area and embarked on four successful dribbles further demonstrated what a force to be reckoned with he was.
Minamino’s Heat Map
Flexing his muscles on both sides of the ball, the Japanese international yet again underlined what an integral member of the squad he is and one who can be the difference maker Monaco need when a match is in the balance.
Majecki Proves His Worth
Granted the start ahead of Philipp Kohn for this massive match, Radoslaw Majecki certainly vindicated Adi Hutter’s selection by producing a strong showing in goal for Les Rouge et Blanc.
Returning to the ground where his phenomenal heroics propelled his team to a memorable penalty shootout win vs. Lens in the Coupe de France last month, he relished playing in front of the ferocious crowd inside the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Carrying his exceptional cup form into Ligue 1, the Polish goalkeeper made eight saves, as he was regularly on hand to deny many a Lens attack.
Majecki’s Save Map
Shots against values map
Playing just his second Ligue 1 match and his first since 2020, there was much to admire about how he commanded his area, was an authoritative presence and powerfully moved up, down and across to make many smart saves.
Particularly catching the eye with his reflexes, reactions and how he made the goal as wide as possible with his arms and legs, Lens definitely found him a formidable obstacle to come up against.
Outstanding close range save
Smart save to get across
Awesome reaction save
“We asked ourselves the question (if Majecki should take over?) for the first time after the match against Toulouse last week. He has been very good in training over the last few months. Against Toulouse and Le Havre, we conceded goals that were too easy,” Hutter stated.
“We therefore made this decision with the technical staff, but we believe in our three goalkeepers. There is now no reason to remove him. It’s very difficult for goalkeepers who would prefer to play, but we will trust Radek for now. I also want to congratulate him on this performance.”
Zakaria was also full of praise for the towering shot stopper, saying: “He had some very big matches in the Coupe de France, so it was deserved for him to play this match. We were happy for him, especially since he had a very good match.”
Putting himself right in contention to make the number one spot his own, it’ll be fascinating to see who Hutter prefers for the huge Paris Saint-Germain game on the horizon and in the future.
Perfect PSG Precursor
After enduring a rough recent patch of form, this thumping victory over Lens was massive to boost Monaco’s confidence and give them an enormous momentum injection ahead of the mammoth clash with PSG.
Heading back to the home comforts of the Stade Louis II, where they’ve been struggling of late on their way to only taking one point from the last 12 available and not tasting victory since December 3 in Ligue 1, Hutter knows the importance of obtaining a positive result especially following such a statement win over an excellent Lens outfit.
“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,” Hutter insisted.
@ASM
Moreover, with OGC Nice only drawing with Clermont Foot and Lille losing, this match represents another brilliant opportunity for them to claim three more valuable points in their quest for Champions League qualification.
Currently sitting third and just one point behind second-placed Brest, who have crunch matches with Lens and Lille after their fixture with Le Havre, coming away with the maximum would be huge for Les Monegasques in this mouthwatering fixture.
The €315,561 raised on 19 November were allocated to a number of different projects concerning sick or disadvantaged children.
1 km = a €1 donation. With 315,561 km covered at the 2023 edition, the No Finish Line was again a huge success. The significant funds raised have made it to possible to finance many iniatives to help children in distress. Whether for equipment for a school in Nepal, tandem skiing for children with disabilities, or prevention initiatives in schools, the donations cover care that is not reimbursed by social security agencies.
“Our motivation comes from seeing the happiness it brings them”
The 10,500 participants ran or walked their socks off on the Fontvieille circuit, over 183 hours – 8 days! They all had the same goal: to help children in need. For Ariane Favaloro, President of the Children and Future charity: “Our motivation comes from seeing the happiness it brings them.” The donation ceremony was held on February 21, in front of the athletes, volunteers and partners who were part of the project.
Save the date – the 2024 edition will be held on November 16.
Meanwhile, the Nice No Finish Line will take place from April 3 to 7 on the Promenade des Anglais.
