Tag: monaco

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Andrée and Michelle

Monegasques Andrée and Michelle outside the palace in Monaco Ville. Photos: Nancy Heslin

To celebrate National Day on November 19, Andrée and Michelle – the “Mamies of Monaco Ville” – share their stories about growing up on the Rock and how Covid has impacted the community.

Andrée and Michelle are sitting on a bench outside the palace, nearby the marble statue of tribute from foreign colonies presented to Prince Albert I on the occasion of his 25 years of reign in 1914.

“When I was a child, I used to climb that statue,” Andrée points. “Everything has changed. This used to really be a square.”

“Well, it was different,” says Michelle. “When I was younger, we would bike and roller-skate in the square. You know, the other morning, there was no one here except for a few kids from the painting school (Pavillon Bosio Visual Arts School) who were sitting in front of the palace on the sidewalk with their papers and pens, and the teacher was there. I saw a Carabinier approach and tell them they had to leave. The gentleman said he was a teacher here in Monaco-Ville and the students wanted to draw the palace a little. The Carabinier replied, ‘No, it’s out of the question.’ I found this completely absurd.”

“When I was young and in the month of Mary (May), we would all go to the Cathedral. There are arches at the top of the church tower and you can see there is a floor. There was a door and so we would go up and look at the choir sing. Now, you have to show your credentials everywhere. It’s not like before.”

These days, Covid also makes life different for the two women. Before the health pandemic, Andrée and Michelle would usually meet with friends every day for coffee. “We would meet up every morning at 9 at the San Remo bar,” says Michelle. “Before Covid, Monaco was far more lively. I think that with lockdown, we realise that apart from tourism, there’s not much on the Rock. Even people from Monaco, they are not going to come here to buy souvenirs. Although, some have come in a stand of solidarity.”

“In our day, it wasn’t like that,” shares Andrée. “There were grocery stores, a stationery shop, florists, a cobbler … we had everything. Souvenir shops practically did not exist. But it changed in the Sixties, they took away all the stores.”

Michelle agrees. “Monaco-Ville used to be a village but it gradually changed and is now essentially touristic. I’m going to tell you the honest truth. At the time, we were a bit fed up, because you couldn’t walk in the street in the summer, in the middle of August. Between the restaurant’s terraces and the groups, going out was really annoying. Frankly, we were bothered by this but when you look around now, it’s obvious that it is dying with sadness.”

Andrée adds, “I think, there is going to be a reversal. It’s necessary for the souvenir shops to do something else.”

“But some can’t close because they have big management,” Michelle remarks.

Village Life

“Before, all the families used to all know each other in Monaco-Ville. Now we no longer do,” says Andrée. There are many foreigners who have bought as secondary residences.

“The old grannies would take their chairs,” Michelle describes, “and bring them in the street and they would be in front of their doors, chatting. I remember that.”

“I can see them now,” recalls Andrée, “with their aprons, and they would shell peas or beans…”

Michelle remembers how the women would wash laundry. “You’ve seen the Parking des Pêcheurs? There was a lavoir there. I saw women who would leave their house with the thing on their heads and they went to wash their linen there.”

“Not my grandmother,” says Andrée, “because we had the bassine on the terrace.”

“Well, Claudie, with her sister, who are roughly my age, they would go there,” Michelle responds.

Andrée adds, “Not so long ago, some people still didn’t have toilets at home, they would still go wash to the washhouse. And there was a lavoir at Sainte Devote church, you know where the stairs go up behind, there were toilets there. They removed them, and there was a washhouse.”

Michelle says she sold her 3-bedroom apartment on Boulevard des Moulins to buy another apartment on the Rock for her son “because I couldn’t see myself living at Palais Miramar. For me, my stronghold is here.”

“My neighbour can see me in my bed,” Andrée, who has one daughter, laughs. “It doesn’t bother me, it’s been like this since I was born. Where I lived before, my neighbour was Madame Augusta,  and when I opened my windows, there she was. ‘Hello Madame Augusta,’ I would say … My grandfather bought the place I now live in 1921, I have the deed. I wanted to leave because I had back pain and I have four floors. But at my age, I couldn’t picture myself moving.”

“I don’t have neighbours opposite,” says Michelle, who has a son and daughter. “I have a view of the mairie. It’s my grandmother’s house and I was raised there, so were my children, and even my grandson. My grandparents used to live near Sainte Devote, at villa Lilly Lou, I think it’s still there. And they sold it to buy here on the Rock, a house with two floors. They bought the second floor first, because the first floor was rented. And I remember that later when they bought the first floor, there were always two apartments. I was raised in one of the apartments with my grandparents.”

Andrée, with Michelle, in front of the Palace statue she used to climb as a child.

Living With Lockdown

During the first lockdown, the women say they only did what was authorized, like went out to do shopping or a morning walk in front of the Carabiniers or around the garden and then home.

Andrée admits, “Confinement didn’t bother me the first time.”

“I have a terrace with the sun, I have a view on the mountain … there is worse,” Michelle says. “We are very privileged in Monaco. Even if things have changed, we are privileged, really.”

“You know,” says Andrée, “you have to be born in Monaco-Ville, because there are a lot of people from Monaco who tell you they would never live here. I can’t leave.”

“Things never change here, and never will,” says Michelle. “Except that they repaired houses but otherwise, you can’t touch Monaco-Ville. When we look at the old photos, it was a bit old-fashioned. Now, when you look, it’s all perfect. It’s all redone.”

Michelle adds, “Everybody dreams about coming to Monaco. It’s the only place where you can go out with your jewellery and not worry about your purse. Let me tell you something. We are all happy, even those who complain, in Monaco, everyone is happy. And everyone would like to live there. Aren’t I right?”

Andrée nods in complete agreement. “If you only knew how I hear from friends because we are less locked-down than in France.I don’t know, it seems that people are jealous,” says Andrée. “There is good and there is bad, it’s a bit like life.”

“I can’t stand when people criticise Monaco. I can’t stand it,” admits Michelle.

National Day

“The fête nationale in Monaco is something close to our heart,” says Andrée. “Every time we come to the square, there is a party. I was born on the Rock, really, and I’ve never seen this before.”

Michelle agrees. “We come to the square with a flag, we wait until the Princely couple stands at the window. This year it’s sad because it won’t happen. There will be a speech on television. They are doing the Te Deum but with distancing and that’s all. For the Prince’s Day, everything has been cancelled.”

Typically, in the days leading up to the National Day in Monaco, which has been on November 19 since 1952, there are rehearsals for the parade in the Place du Palais and the ambience is festive. As we sit near the Place du Palais two days before the big event, there is little activity. This year, there will be no military parade or symbolic wave from the window by the prince and his family. Mass at the Cathedral and the ceremony in the Cour d’Honneur will be broadcast live on Monaco Info.

“Every year, the Princely couple would stand at the window, sometime’s the whole family even,” Michelle points out.

“It was a family holiday,” says Andrée. There were two different days, on Wednesday and Thursday.”

“Back in our children’s time, they would have all the games at Place du Palais. There were things for children all day long.” Michelle says warmly.

I ask the ladies if they saw Prince Albert as a child at the window, and they admit seeing all three young siblings – Caroline, Albert and Stephanie.

Michelle recalls the birth of Princess Caroline. “I was at school and I must have been in 6th grade. I remember, with the teacher, there were cannons fired.”

“… to know if it was a boy or a girl,” Andrée chimes in.

“And then, after the cannon shots,” Michelle relives, “we all left school and came here to the square with flags, shouting. It really came from our hearts. We were kids.”

Andrée and Michelle say that before Princess Grace, “Monaco was not much.” For Michelle, “Grace is the one who brought about the renewal of Monaco that led to making Monaco known all around the world. The whole world was invited to Monaco. There were parties, there were galas, and it was sumptuous. Sumptuous. Even now, it’s not the same anymore. It’s not the same thing, it was a different era.”

Andrée adds, “At the time there was Le Bal de la Rose at the palace or on the square … we would see all the artists pass by, I saw Charles Aznavour.”

“In the morning, we would always see Princess Grace bring her children to school,” Michelle reveals. “We would meet them in the streets. One day, I was walking down the ramp and there came the Princess, such simplicity. She had a small scarf, flat shoes. You remember Andrée?”

“Yes,” Andrée replies. “We would often see them. I also remember her with Stephanie, and their dog, the little poodle.”

“We had the most glamorous period of Monaco,” Michelle says. “We were very lucky because we had a time, I think, no one will have again. It was the time of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. It was magic.”

Words cannot express my gratitude to Andrée and Michelle, two characterful ladies who provided a rare glimpse into a very private world in honour of National Day. They only removed their masks for photos.

I wish I could organise a Rediscover Monaco-Ville day to encourage Monaco residents to explore and support the old town, to eat at the restaurants and buy some gifts and souvenirs for a Very Monaco Christmas. But alas, I cannot. So I will continue to share stories of real people and maybe, just maybe, we can make a difference together.

Article first published November 19, 2020.

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Former princely property sells for record price by Netflix’s Parisian Agency

A spectacular 10-room hôtel particulier in Paris that once belonged to Monaco’s princely family has been sold for a record amount by the Kretz family of Netflix fame.

“We sold it two years ago, and now again this year for €33,850,000,” Valentin Kretz tells me. “The buyer is an American crypto genius in his thirties.”

The 500-square-metre urban mansion next to Hermès on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the 8th arrondissement features an unfathomable 450-square-metre garden with sauna.

“This is the largest transaction in Paris in several years,” Valentin says. “The 2024 record was €25 million and that was all agencies combined. This is also one of the Kretz Agency’s biggest sales, although we have also sold at these levels in St. Barts.”

The reality star adds, “This shows that the ultra-luxury sector has not suffered a crisis, quite the contrary. There is so little supply in ultra-luxury that properties are highly sought after.”

Valentin, along with his parents and brothers Martin, Louis and Raphael, star in Netflix’s The Parisian Agency (l’Agence) now filming its sixth season. A spin-off of the real estate show, New Destinations, has been commissioned by TMC.

The Kretz family opened an office in Monaco at Palais de la Scala on April 5, 2023.

Article first published April 15, 2025. Photo courtesy of Kretz family/Raphael Metivet.

Netflix’s Parisian Agency opens Kretz Monaco
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Lina Salamanca

Lina Salamanca was only seven years old when she tried Crazy Kart. “As soon as I drove, I knew I loved it! The speed and the thrill of driving…it was a revelation,” Lina enthuses.

Like many young people, the 10-year-old Monaco student cites Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton as her inspiration but also greatly admires drivers like Doriane Pin, Maya Weug and Lola Lovinfosse who prove that girls can succeed in motorsport.

Lina also told her of her ambition to represent Monaco in motor sport one day. This exchange was a very special moment for her, a great source of motivation that gives her even more determination to move forward. She has unforgettable memories of it and is very grateful for the exchange.

Last season, Lina was part of the F1 Academy, the female-only single-seater racing championship founded by the Formula One Group in 2023 and run by Monaco resident Susie Wolff. She was selected to take part in the Champions of the Future Academy international championship. “I was lucky enough to represent the girls in the Mini category with two other drivers. It was a great experience,” shares Lina.

Obviously, getting picked for F1 Academy is one of Lina’s favourite racing memories. But there is another moment that stands out for the young driver. “When I won the Volant Jules Bianchi, which was incredible and a great source of pride for me.”

Lina says she tries to be organised and do well at school so she can continue to do karting. “When I’m driving, I feel free and happy! I love the feeling of speed. I’m fully concentrated and I enjoy every moment of it. I try to train as much as I can on the track. And when I can’t drive, I work out so that I’m fit and ready for the next race!”

She admits she makes mistakes on the tracks but “every mistake helps me to progress. So, I never give up and I always try to improve.”

That’s her advice to other girls thinking about taking up go-karting. “Never give up! It’s a great experience, because you learn a lot of things – to be patient, determined and disciplined. When you’re passionate, anything’s possible!”

When Lina met Prince Albert at the International Women’s Sports Day forum on January 24 at the Prince’s Car Collection, she presented him with a copy of her book, Le Grand Départ de Lina, to give to Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. It was an unforgettable moment for the young racer, and she told HSH about her dream of driving at Monaco Grand Prix one day.

But motorsport dreams need sponsors and that, says Lina’s mom Anaïs is tough, especially when you’re just starting out. “Go-karting is an expensive sport and it’s often difficult to raise the money needed to train and compete. You need equipment, travel, entry fees… Without sponsors or external financial support, it is very complicated to follow a full competition programme. That’s why outside support, whether from sponsors or people who believe in Lina, is essential to help her move forward.”

Anais looked for an alternative that would allow her both to share Lina’s passion and to help fund her journey. “That’s how the idea for the book Le Grand Départ de Lina came about. I wanted to tell Lina’s story but write a book that was both motivating and educational, with a touch of dream and adventure.” This book in French is based on Lina and is especially for children who love sport, challenges and inspiring stories. There is also an English-language version: The Karting Lina’s Grand Start.

“Through this story, I wanted to capture that unique moment when Lina discovered her passion, but also to inspire other children to believe in their dreams. This book is a message of encouragement: it shows that anything is possible with determination and that you should never be afraid to follow your path, even in an environment that is still very male-dominated.”

“A lot of parents and young drivers see themselves in Lina’s story. The book has also been well received in the world of karting, as it helps to promote the sport to younger people.”

The feedback was so positive that Anaïs wrote a second book, Karting Heroes – Discover the World of Karting, also available in French and English, which delves into the world of karting with explanations of equipment and much more.

These books are more than just a story of a young girl’s passion, they offer a practical way of helping Lina move forward on her journey. “Each reader becomes, in their own way, a supporter so that she can continue to progress and show that girls have their place in motorsport.”

In addition to the book, Anaïs launched a brand inspired by Lina – Adrenalina Racing by Lina – with merchandise linked to go-karting. “It’s a project that allows me to pass on Lina’s passion and create a world around her. At events, I talk about Lina, her story and her commitment to go-karting.”

For Anaïs, “This adventure proves to me every day that you should never give up, and I’m grateful to those who believe in Lina and want to support her on her journey. And, as an author, knowing that this book can inspire other children and make them want to believe in themselves is an immense source of pride.”

She adds, “Lina is an incredibly passionate child, and I want to do everything I can to help her make her dreams come true. Seeing her grow through this experience is my greatest reward.”

The overall message is that no matter what age or background you come from, you have to believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them. “Never give up. We are capable of much more than we think! Creativity, passion and perseverance drive us to find unexpected solutions. We need to explore every possible alternative, seek out local sponsors, create opportunities and, above all, tell everyone about it.

“Every meeting, every initiative can open unexpected doors. The most important thing is to believe in your child and to show that girls have their place in go-karting and motorsport.”

Follow Lina’s racing adventures on Instagram.

Article first published March 15, 2025. Photos: Ed Wright Images.

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Dominik Drygas

Dominik Drygas has fond memories of his childhood in Częstochowa, some 200km southwest of Warsaw.

“I grew up in the Catholic capital of Poland. I can remember when I was 5 years old, sitting on the balcony and looking out at the clouds for hours. I imagined they were mountain peaks and how I wanted to be up there. I wanted to be a hero, a knight who would save the princess and defend the kingdom. Maybe that is why I have always stood up for those in need.”

As an only child, Dominik played with his imagination. “I had one box of mixed Lego that I was constantly building various constructions. In the winter, I would pack food and a blanket and go off alone on a sled for expeditions to the nearby fields. And in the summer, I’d build huts from forest branches and sleep in them alone. When I was a little older, I explored all the caves in the Polish mountains and climbed all the peaks.”

Unlike other children at that age, Dominik did not go to kindergarten. While his mother ran her own flower shop, he was taken care of by an elderly Jewish woman who would talk to him about the art and antiques in her apartment. Art and design played a pivotal role in his early years. Together with his mom, they would read newspapers about interior design. His grandfather was a famous jeweller and his grandparents’ house was full of paintings by acclaimed Polish artists.

“I can remember seeing my grandfather’s perfect workshop and his focus and concentration as he set diamonds in gold. Maybe that’s why I was obsessed about keeping my room tidy and often moving the furniture around,” says the 48-year-old.

Dominik felt different from other kids. He describes himself as very emotionally sensitive, creating his own path and rebelling against the norm. “I am an artist first, it’s in my genes. My grandfather drew beautifully, my mother drew beautifully, and she designed interiors and organised the first fashion shows.”

He was drawn to architecture. “I wanted to create and build, whether it was a house made of Lego or arranging a room. It was about putting order to space.”

He adds, “You could say that I studied art from the age of five. My parents were well off and often built new houses which they decorated exquisitely. I consolidated this knowledge by studying architecture in Kraków, Poland’s artistic centre.”

Dominik says he mixes all styles – from acrylic and oil paints to graphics and collage – to create his own style where assemblage is dominant. “What I create is not the result of any planning. I flow in the energy and create, never really sure of what will be the final outcome.”

With his architectural studio in Poland, he developed a strong fan base of the country’s wealthiest people, famous artists and top athletes. “I was very well-known, and sometimes clients waited a year for an available date – even though my rates were two times higher than everyone else.” During that time, every one of his projects was featured in Poland’s most prominent interior design magazines. “What characterised the work was colour, which was ahead of the trend. Also, I had brave solutions and functionality and visual effects, as well as the perfect design of lightning in any interior.”

Dominik moved here about six years ago. “In Poland, I always felt as if I were a foreigner. In Monaco, with the vibrations, energy, light, I immediately felt this was my place on earth, like I was finally home.”

In April, his portrait of Princess Grace was included in an art charity auction by the association Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco at the Monaco Yacht Club, with proceeds donated to the Princess Grace Hospital and the Monaco Cardio-Thoracic Centre.

Yet despite being regularly approached by art galleries to exhibit his work, Dominik has shied away from the prospect. Until now. “It was not the time and place. Now I feel ready.” His exhibition ‘Renaissance’ takes place Thursday, July 4 at Marius Monaco in the port.

“It shows the first cycle of my work created over the last six years. It’s a reflection of cutting off Poland mentally and my fight to survive here. It is also a story about love, trust and faith. My next exhibitions will be only about the future and my work will change as I do as a painter and architect.”

Visit “Renaissance” by Dominik Drygas July 4 from 7 to 9 pm at Marius Monaco (ex-Stars’n’Bars), 6 Quai Antoine Ire.

Article first published July 3, 2024.

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Maman Va Danser Monaco

The 2nd Monaco edition of “Maman Va Danser” is happening this Thursday, September 18, at Neptune Plage in Monaco.

Inspired by a Berlin concept, the unique aspect of “Maman Va Danser” lies in its 100% female focus, creating a safe and energetic space where women can dance, socialize, and reclaim a part of themselves away from their daily responsibilities.

The event has quickly gained momentum across France since early 2025 as an alternative to conventional nightlife.

“We’re excited about this upcoming edition and have already sold over 120 tickets,” says Johanna Damar Flores, president and co-founder of entreparents. “The first ‘Maman Va Danser’ took place in May and was a resounding success. It brought together a vibrant community of more than 100 mothers and women who were eager to unwind and enjoy a night out.”

From 7pm to midnight, the beach party with a serious emphasis on dancing, drinks, DJs, and fun, can be accessed at an affordable entry fee.

And mark your calendar for the 4th edition of “Let’s Play Halloween” which will take place on Friday, October 17, again on the Larvotto Promenade at beach level.”

Although Johanna remains tight-lipped about this year’s theme – “It will be revealed soon!” – the celebration will feature the famous candy hunt, in partnership with the shops and restaurants along Larvotto, a mini-Halloween dance party, a cooking workshop, games, a baby-friendly area, a face painting station, and, of course, the presence of Halloween mascots. “Ticket sales will open very soon, so stay tuned!”

Johanna co-founded entreparents with Émilie Sabatié, Anna Campbell, and Clémence Perrin back in May 2021. There has been a significant evolution since it became an official association, with an expanding member base (their Instagram community is approaching 2,500 followers) and enhanced offerings, like the “Family Friendly Wednesdays” gatherings to better meet parents’ needs in spaces designed for them to connect.

“We still believe strongly in the power of collaboration,” says Johanna, “and we had the pleasure of co-organising the ‘Let’s Play, Carnaval’ event this year with the Mairie de Monaco – a first – that brought together numerous families at the Place d’Armes.

“Additionally, we co-organised a conference on digital parenting with the British School, Action Innocence Monaco, and the Digital Services Department of the Government. This is an important topic that we will continue to address alongside the mentioned entities.”

Looking ahead to 2026, entreparents plan to extend the their network beyond the age of three (details to come). “We also want to offer more get-togethers for the English-speaking communities. And, furthermore, we are working on the Parenting Support Committee and are in the process of creating a wonderful event for our 5th anniversary in June 2026.”

Johanna admits the entreparents app, still in “Version 1”, needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of the parents in our community since the network’s creation. “We are considering conducting a testing phase with users to introduce new features and optimise usability. Currently, users can find live discussion groups, an event calendar, and a step-by-step guide covering the journey from baby to three years old, complete with key information.”

Johanna, Émilie, Anna and Clémence remain a dedicated team, and continue to work collaboratively to best support the families in our community. “We’ve also brought together some amazing mums who have initiated wonderful projects for the network, such as the Pre-loved Clothing Swap and Sharing Circles.”

Johanna adds, “One might think that the size of the Principality facilitates mutual support and the creation of networks for expectant and young parents. However, with over 180 nationalities coexisting at different social levels, we find that feelings of isolation are very real in every parent’s story at some point.

“This is where we come in: we strive to ensure that no parent feels alone. Our mission is to foster connections within our community, value everyone’s role, restore confidence, listen, inform, support, and harmonize the existing ecosystem. Our ultimate goal is to make parenting support a priority topic.”

An entreparents membership is a one-time payment of €50 per family. Email hello@entreparents.mc for more.

Article first published September 16, 2025. Photos: Studio Paul & Virginie.

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Svetlana Berezovsky

Svetlana Berezovsky met her husband Igor at a chess tournament in Ukraine. The couple moved to the Principality in 2013 to start a business and they have both since ranked as Monaco chess champions in their respective categories.

Svetlana teaches at the local chess club – Le Cercle d’échecs de Monte-Carlo – which has around 100 members and their two sons and two daughters also play the game, with their youngest, 14-year-old Fiorina, once holding the distinction of Monaco’s youngest chess champion five years ago.

While the close-knit family has fully embraced nearly a decade in Monaco, they are deeply attached to their roots. Svetlana was born in Chernihiv, a city in Ukraine with a 1300 year-long history. Today the city is under a heavy bombardment. “I lost two of my relatives who were hiding at their village house not far from Chernihiv. Two more young people from my extended family were severely injured during that terrorist attack. They are in a hospital in Kyiv at the moment. Next week we want to get them to the West,” says Svetlana Berezovsky

The 50-year-old adds that her father-in-law is in Odessa. “It is his city and he will not leave regardless. And, of course, we have many young friends – mostly men – who are in Ukraine, protecting the country.”

For the Berezovskys, the nights following Russia’s invasion on Ukraine were without sleep. “We had the feeling that if we fell asleep, we would wake up to an occupied Ukraine. So we watched the news non-stop, texted and called friends and relatives all over Ukraine.”

Svetlana describes the brave Ukrainians defending their country as “an incredibly free spirit” and emphasises “it is really a fight of good and evil without any semitones. Evil will not succeed. Ukrainians will remain free.”

Concerned about their homeland, shortly after the invasion Svetlana and Igor started to organise support for refugees coming to Monaco. “The solidarity of people in Europe is mind blowing, particularly when you think that Poland has accepted more than 2 million Ukrainians. There is practically no border between Ukraine and Poland today.”

According to UNHCR, as of April 2nd, 2022, 4,176,401 refugees had fled Ukraine since February, 24th with 2,429,265 arriving in Poland.

“With other families, we do our little bit to help – like organising temporary apartments and rooms in France, Monaco and Germany for incoming people, mostly women with kids. When people are here, we are trying to support them in any possible way. We see also that while Ukrainians are very thankful, they all want to go back home after Ukraine wins the war.”

For Svetlana, “Everyone can help, be it by supporting Ukraine financially, helping with temporary accommodation, with medical supplies, food and other things.” What is especially important at the moment is accommodating people “even if just for one month.”

She articulates that it is “critically important not to do business with Russia. Every penny Russia gets on taxes, goes directly to war, directly for killing Ukrainian children. And the Kremlin’s appetite is not limited to Ukraine … they are speaking openly about that.”

Article first published April 3, 2022.

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Raphael Rouget

Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.

“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO

A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”

It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”

For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”

Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”

And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”

Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.

“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.

He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”

Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.

“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”

The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”

“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”

– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco

He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.

“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”

The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.

“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”

Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.

Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”

Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”

As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”

Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.

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Carlo App

It’s been nearly six years since Antoine Bahri launched Carlo, Monaco’s first mobile app that rewards consumers for buying goods and services locally. The Monaco resident wanted to create “a smart currency for Monaco” through an incentive program that offered a 5% cashback from purchases at one of the Carlo-affiliated shops in Monaco.

The engineer-turned-entrepreneur has always been motivated to build bridges for small and traditional businesses to digitally integrate and grow. Before Carlo, Antoine co-founded a payment application for the restaurant sector in Barcelona. “Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. It requires resilience and unwavering belief in the value you’re creating.”

Launched in July 2019, Carlo now works with 680 businesses, about 80% of all merchants in Monaco, according to Antoine, and can be downloaded from the App store. “We’ve also built a thriving community of approximately 80,000 users, including residents and those who interact regularly with Monaco. Over time, Carlo has evolved into a full-fledged payment solution for the principality, distinguished by its innovative closed-loop cashback program.”

Antoine admits one of the most meaningful moments of his career came when he onboarded merchants in Monaco he used to visit as a child. “Seeing those businesses join Carlo made me feel we were truly making an impact. Another unforgettable moment was the first time overhearing someone at a nearby table at the restaurant ask to pay with Carlo. Hearing them talk about it made me realise that the app had become part of daily life for many people.”

Antoine Bahri (front row, right) launched the Carlo App in July 2019. The company has grown to 16 people, including the development team as well as the teams in Bordeaux and Aix-en-Provence.

Antoine says the growth of the free Carlo App has been fuelled in large part by a strong partnership with the government of Monaco, which began after the Covid pandemic to support local merchants. “This collaboration has continued because Carlo has proven to be an effective tool for the government to boost local commerce and generate TVA.”

The government has argued recently that it is impossible to quantify how much TVA is generated by Carlo purchases that would not have occurred otherwise. “While it’s challenging to calculate the exact amount of TVA Carlo generates, we have several strong indicators,” Antoine highlights. “For instance, a survey we conducted with over 4,000 responses revealed that 50% of users’ shopping and 35% of their dining through Carlo would have taken place elsewhere – online or outside Monaco – if Carlo didn’t exist. Using these insights, we can estimate the new TVA Carlo has helped generate in Monaco, and the results indicate that the more likely scenario is a net positive outcome for the government.”

He also emphasises that the government’s support is directed at merchants, not Carlo. “We are the service provider delivering a payment and loyalty solution under the terms of a contract designed to benefit the local economy.”

The government of Monaco is currently debating whether to change the way in which the 8.6% Carlo platform fee is shared. At present, 1% is paid by the affiliated retailer while the State covers 7.6%, for a reported total of €10 million a year. It envisions that in 2025, the cost to retailers could rise to 3.6% with a possible cap on monthly spending.

Antoine remains confident in the government’s commitment to this partnership. “The collaboration has been a clear success, uniting merchants and consumers on one platform and fostering a vibrant local economy. That said, this is a new government, and it’s natural to review ongoing projects and explore ways to optimize them. On our side, we’re fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to find solutions that enhance the project while keeping the mission’s core values intact for the benefit of local merchants.”

For Antoine, the biggest challenge has been navigating the company through different phases of growth and external changes. “Challenges are also what drive us forward. They push us to learn, adapt, and create new features and solutions that keep Carlo innovative and relevant.”

Recently, Carlo introduced a new payment opportunity in Monaco for users to make donations directly to associations. “With thousands of users already accustomed to using the app for payments, this was a natural extension of our platform’s functionality,” Antoine states.

“Associations have been requesting an easy and digital payment solution for some time, and we’re thrilled to now provide one. Users can select their preferred association from a list of participating organisations and donate seamlessly without using or earning cashback, which remains exclusively dedicated to supporting local commerce.”

This initiative is already off to a great start. “We’re proud to have partnered with the Princess Charlene Foundation and the Rotary Club of Monaco for this launch, and we look forward to helping more associations streamline their fundraising efforts.”

Antoine also took the model beyond Monaco in 2023. “We successfully launched Carlo in Aix-en-Provence, where we now partner with more than 200 merchants. Most recently, in October 2024, we expanded to Bordeaux, where we’ve already onboarded 50 merchants. We’re excited to replicate and adapt this Monaco-born innovation in new markets.”

Now a team of 16 people, the company is also launching a white-label version of its payment solution, opening up opportunities for other industries like hotel groups, ski resorts, or any organization with a closed-loop network. “This is an exciting step as it allows us to extend the impact of Carlo’s technology to new sectors and geographies.”

In parallel to developing Carlo, Antoine has co-founded Maliz.ai, an AI solution focused on data sovereignty that allows companies to deploy AI tools on their own servers, giving them full control and protection over their data. “With Maliz.ai, organisations can create chatbots or other AI-powered solutions hosted within their own environment, ensuring security and transparency,” Antoine explains.

“We’re particularly focused on serving Monaco, where there’s a clear need for independent AI solutions that align with the principality’s emphasis on privacy and trust. Our mission is to empower companies in Monaco with cutting-edge, locally hosted AI tools that combine innovation with data security.”

Article first published on February 16, 2025. Feature photo by Nancy Heslin. Article photos courtesy of Carlo App.

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Rachael Dickens: the woman who can sort out your sore back

Rachael Dickens understands pain.

The English Osteopath was 28 when she broke her back while playing tennis, an accident that resulted in temporary paralysis in both legs for six months. It was thanks to an osteopath that she began to walk again and found herself on a life-changing road to recovery.

“Lying in bed thinking I’d never walk, work, or love again, I had to make a decision to thrive. I turned off my emotions and got on with it,” Rachael describes.

She quit her job with the Daily Mail Group, where she was the youngest commercial publisher at the time, and spent the next five years training at the British School of Osteopathy.

Speaking French since the age of 7 and having studied at the Institut de Français in Villefranche, Rachael moved to Antibes in 2001 and set up her first English Osteopath clinic at 4 rue Vauban. She has since become the only clinic in Antibes to be approved by the Norwegian Government to issue Seafarer Medical certificates required by all yacht crew.

With a large portion of clients driving from Monaco, the ever-energetic brunette opened a second clinic in 2010 at 11 bis avenue Generale de Gaulle in bordering Beausoleil. She then initiated the Frozen Shoulder and Chronic Fatigue clinics and set up an association for those with limited income to have access to free osteo healthcare for their children and babies (all her osteopaths are trained in paediatric osteopathy).

With a bilingual team of 16 between the two locations, Rachael was heavy-hearted having to shut down the two locations during the first Covid confinement that began in March. “It was tough on my business and tough on the patients having their treatment programmes disrupted. I spent a lot of time on Zoom walking patients through their pain, which worked surprisingly well, and some were even cracking their own backs! Luckily the pharmacists were open and I could arrange with our clinic doctor to get them the right medication.”

In round two of confinement in France, which started October 30, the clinics are allowed to remain open. Thy are busier now than ever and are seeing a type of pain that the therapists describe as a physical manifestation of constant low-grade stress and anxiety, the result of poor at home office work stations or the result of looking at screens more than usual, as all other healthy physical activities have been curtailed.

In Monaco, with people travelling less, patient frequency has increased while in Antibes, where the yachting industry is at a standstill, there has been a slight drop in appointments.

Still, across the board, the intuitive Rachael has noticed a change in recent weeks. “I see a rise in stress. You know, the expat community is already isolated and I think the reality has just sunk in that people can’t go home for Christmas to see their families. Our ability to cope with pain is different when we are sympathetically aroused, like we are now. This means we are gearing up to face an attacker, and Covid is one that we can’t see, so it’s fight-or-flight.”

In Antibes, where cafés and restaurants are closed, Rachael has opened the Waiting Room Café at the clinic. “People need to connect so while a patient is waiting, there’s a Nespresso machine, cookies and even beer, and a table for one – we are hoping for TripAdvisor reviews! – and if someone needs to talk, we’ll sit and have a chat and a coffee.”

In addition to running to the two English Osteopath clinics and doing call outs (even on weekends), Rachael is the lead medic for Supporting Wounded Veterans, a U.K. charity that supports 26 veterans a year through Skiing with Heroes – a “skibilitation” week – and also providing each veteran with a mentor and treatment at the only Wounded Veterans’ Pain Management Programme in Britain. “This program gives veterans confidence and a chance to start new lives,” she says, something she knows first hand.

Over the last five years, she has raised €100,000 for Supporting Wounded Veterans through a 5-day “Mountains to Monaco” bike ride and two quiz nights in Monaco, one held at Stars’n’Bars where Gilly Norton, founder of the founder charity, told me, “Some 87% of those who participate in our Pain Clinic and/or Skiing with Heroes programme return to work or training.”

Rachael says that the charity is currently fundraising “to take part in very exciting research” using psychedelic drugs, such as MDMA, as part of a therapeutic approach to treat PTSD. “If this trial continues to produce results, it will be a game-changing breakthrough in helping those suffering with this terrible mental health condition and who haven’t responded to other Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapies currently available.”

Article first published July 2024. Photos: Nancy Heslin

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Valerie Closier

Valerie Closier may have grown up in Lésigny, some 50 kilometres southeast of Paris in the Seine-et-Marne department, yet she could not be more deeply rooted in Monaco’s car culture.

Valerie Closier with Prince Albert February 6, 2024. Photo: Facebook Automobile Club de Monaco

A model child in school who was “a bit of a tomboy”, Valerie played on the tennis team and was coached by the first trainer of Guy Forget (he helped France win the Davis Cup in both 1991 and 1996). Her dark hair and eyes earned her the nickname Gabriella as she resembled Gabriella Sabatini, the former world No. 3 who played from the mid-80s to mid-90s.

Yet it was her love of dance – classical, modern jazz and tap – that earned Valerie her first win at a national level with her dance class in 1989. 

It was thirteen years before she won another French national title, but this time it would be as a rally co-driver. 

“I first became interested in rallies with my dad, Michel. He drove an Alpine A110 Berlinette co-piloted by a childhood friend. I would take photos and videos because I was passionate about video editing at the time,” recalls Valerie, Director of the Prince’s Car Collection since December 2019.

One day, as she explains, a friend of her father, none other than Jean Charles Rédélé – son of Jean, the creator of the Alpine automotive brand – was racing in the French Véhicule Historique de Compétition (VHC) when he put a helmet on young Valerie’s head and snapped a picture. “A few weeks later, my dad received the photo in the mail with a note on the back scribbled, ‘She’s ready.’ My dad asked if I wanted to try a rally and off I went to co-drive with him in the Berlinette. We did this for about 10 years.”

Valerie’s first rally memory is the Grand Caunet, a special stage of the Sainte Baume Rallycircuit in Marseille, where, unfortunately, at the arrival check point the head gasket prevented the daughter-dad duo from continuing.

“I was left hungry. Motor racing and speed provide adrenaline and such exceptional and exhilarating emotions. That’s when I finally understood the expression voir la route par les portières [seeing the road through the doors].”

The year after the Rallycircuit, in 2002, Valerie and her dad took part in the VHC rally championship and she became the French national VHC co-driver champion. “When the car works well, and the pace notes for speed and distance fall into place and the driver is confident, it is though the car is flying, and it is an extraordinary feeling. A total osmosis between the driver, the co-driver and the car.

“And teaming up with my dad in the car and my mom at the refuelling station was great. It was a fabulous few weeks of racing but returning to reality on Sunday evening was much less exciting.”

The accomplished rally competitor was also co-driver for Jean-Claude Andruet in a Porsche 3l in the 2010 VHC rally cup final in La Rochelle. The pair made all the scratches and won the rally ahead of Dominique Depons and Jean Ragnotti. They teamed up again at the 2023 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique in an Alpine A110 Group 4 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Andruet’s 1973 victory in Monte-Carlo with Alpine.

This year, Valerie will be participating in a special capacity for ACM’s 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, which officially kicks off February 1. Unlike last week’s 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo, the historic version features cars driven in the Monte Carlo Rally between 1911 and 1983.

“The historic rally is for the fastest but, above all, it’s about a passion for cars, conviviality, helping each other, good humour and meeting like-minded people. I like the whole atmosphere.”

For Valerie, this passion for automobiles “has contributed to Monaco’s international prestige” as proven by the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo created in 1911 by Prince Albert I. “At the time, it was a way to attract the European jet-set to Monaco. This was followed by the Monaco Grand Prix in 1929 inaugurated by Prince Louis II.”

She adds, “At the beginning of the 1970s, the rally took place according to a schedule that would endure nearly 25 years: first a course of concentration where crews would drive day and night to arrive towards the city of Monaco before then leaving for a second course, which was timed and used by all drivers in the regions of Isère, Drôme and Alpes-Maritimes.

“Nowadays, the historic rally starts in cities like Reims, Bad Homburg, Milan or Glasgow, and competitors converge towards Monaco and then head onto mountain roads, often snow-covered, where they have to know how to control the climb to stay on the road to get back to the Principality on the finishing podium.”

Although the rally runs until February 7, Valerie will co-pilot a special car on February 6 at 8 pm. “HSH Prince Albert II will have the honour of taking the wheel of a Deutsch-Bonnet Frua Coupe during the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique . And I will have the privilege of being beside the Prince to take a tour of the Principality. We will then return to the closed rally car park so that the Sovereign can give the start to official competitors of the 2024 historic’s last stage: the night of Turini.”

This exceptional event is part of the commemorations for Prince Rainier III’s centenary of his birth. In 1953, and under his real name “Louis Carladès,” Prince Rainier and his mechanic Mr. Benit entered the Tour de France automobile at the wheel of a Deutsch-Bonnet Frua Coupe. A few years ago, the Car Collection acquired an old Deutsch-Bonnet to restore for the occasion.

Valerie Closier with Prince Albert February 6, 2024. Photo: Facebook Automobile Club de Monaco

“Prince Rainier built up a large personal collection of vintage cars, depending on opportunities and his favourites,” informs Valerie. “He collected and restored some 100 vehicles, a large sample of models built by the most famous European and American carmakers. He said, and I quote, ‘It’s not a car museum but a personal collection of cars of all ages and from all countries. Popular or prestigious, they marked their era and I liked them.’”

In July 2022, the Prince’s Car Collection moved from Fontvieille to its new home at 54 route de la Piscine along Port Hercules. The space offers “an unforgettable historical journey” of the princely family through private and unpublished photos and videos. The relocation gave “a new lease of life and a more modern scenography” and Valerie’s goal is to bring “this magnificent place to life and make it shine not only in Monaco but also in France and abroad.” Last year visitors numbers increased by more than 80% compared to 2022.

The first Monegasque Formula One driver for Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, donated his single-seater in which he won Spa and Monza in 2019 to the Collection. It is in pole position on the mezzanine’s F1 zone. Valerie shares, “It’s the ‘WOW! factor for visitors when they first enter and are surprised to see Formula One single-seaters on the wall. People are fascinated by the incredible size of these F1 cars when they see them up close.”

In 2023, the Car Collection held several exhibitions, from cars (the 75th anniversary of Porsche and a mini Bugatti expo) to art (by former rugby player Jean-Pierre Rives), and served as a runway for Monte Carlo Fashion Week in May.

The cars are also lent out for charity rallies (Child CARE Monaco vintage rally), or on display at concours d’elegance competitions and car shows, like Top Marques Monaco or Rétromobile in Paris. Valerie also develops the Collection’s private capacity, with exclusive dinners and cocktail receptions, such as the launch of The Monegasque magazine last December.

Valerie, who can be found sipping un café or deux at the Café de Paris in the winter months (or at Larvotto’s La Note Bleue when warmer), is known by everyone for her positive, dynamic and enthusiastic personality. “When I have an idea, a desire, a proposal, I go for it, with audacity and determination. And often it pays off.”

She draws her motto “nothing attempted, nothing gained” from her family. Her parents lived in Monaco (“My mom worked at Radio Monte-Carlo as an assistant to Bernard Spindler and my dad was a diver in Cousteau’s team. He was even the diver on duty during the F1 Grand Prix in 1959 at the tobacconist”) and her aunt owned the Monte-Carlo Bar at Place d’Armes.

“Without passion, life has no flavour,” she insists. “And it is thanks to this drive for motorsport that I meet incredible people. These are genuine emotions and precious moments of sharing and joy.”

The Aquarius talks about how in recent years there have been more and more initiatives to support women and girls to get a foot in motorsport. “It’s not easy to move the lines because it’s a very male-dominated field. I am delighted that women like Susie Wolff with the F1 Academy and Deborah Mayer at the head of Iron Dames are raising their voices to open new paths for women in this field.”

Then there is the More Than Equal initiative co-founded by 13-time F1 winner David Coulthard and entrepreneur Karel Komarek to finance an ambitious program aimed at giving women drivers the means to access Formula One. “This is real progress which, I hope, will gradually succeed in changing the somewhat archaic mentalities of motorsport.

“I’d like to think we are on the right track but there are still a few turns and speed bumps to cross.”

The Prince’s Car Collection is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (7 pm in July and August. The 26th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique takes place January 31 to February 7.

Article first published on February 1, 2024. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.