Saturday, March 22, 2025

Bal de la Rose 2025 Monaco

 

The 69th edition of the Bal de la Rose will be held in support of the Princess Grace Foundation. Under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Presidency and presence of HRH The Princess of Hanover, the 2025 event has been envisioned by Christian Louboutin.

This year's theme, "The Sunset Ball," will immerse guests in a lush, Caribbean-inspired atmosphere. The event will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the prestigious Salle des Étoiles in the Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Founded by Princess Grace of Monaco in 1954, the Rose Ball is organized each March by the Monte-Carlo SBM group. This exclusive event is a major highlight of the social calendar, drawing international high society to and from the Principality of Monaco. For one evening, the Rose Ball transforms the Principality into a dazzling display of splendor and celebration.

Now overseen by HSH Prince Albert II and HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover, the Bal de la Rose remains a symbol of glamour, perpetuating the enchanting legacy of Monte Carlo. Its magnetic allure draws not only the elite but also those who long to experience the magic and dreamlike charm of Monaco.

With a fresh theme each year, the Rose Ball is a spectacle of artistry and innovation. Renowned creators are invited to orchestrate the event, crafting an atmosphere that transcends reality and leaves a lasting impression and provides entertainment.

Beyond its role as a social event, the Rose Ball serves a greater purpose. Since 1964, the event's proceeds—raised through raffles and exceptional auctions featuring sculptures, paintings, and more—have been donated entirely to the Princess Grace Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to support people in need and disadvantaged children, driving impactful humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives worldwide.

Get your tickets here.

Monaco Celebrates Tourism Triumph

Monaco’s tourism industry is surpassing expectations as it builds on a successful 2024. At a key event on March 18th, the Principality’s Directorate of Tourism and Congresses shared impressive results, highlighting an increase in hotel occupancy and higher average prices—an outcome fueled by a robust recovery in business tourism.

Now, with 2025 in full swing, officials are determined to maintain this positive momentum.

The annual gathering, hosted at the Méridien Beach Plaza, brought together industry leaders, including Finance and Economy Minister Pierre-André Chiappori. The data revealed a three-point increase in hotel occupancy and a five percent rise in rates compared to 2023, signaling a strong rebound, especially in business travel.

Tourism chief Guy Antognelli outlined plans to keep Monaco in the global spotlight. While the United States and the Middle East remain key markets, there is a renewed effort to draw more European tourists during quieter periods. The goal is clear: sustain a steady flow of high-spending visitors while maximizing year-round tourism potential.

“The DTC is committed to maintaining momentum in crucial long-haul markets, especially the USA and the Middle East, which currently generate the most revenue for Monaco,” Antognelli stated. “Simultaneously, we are focusing on increasing European visitor numbers during off-peak periods.”

Capping off the event, Minister Chiappori accepted the prestigious Best European Destination 2025 award, officially presented to Monaco on February 18th.

Friday, March 21, 2025

La Gioia to Debut Drag Queen Cabaret

 

La Gioia, situated at 10 Boulevard Dubouchage in Nice, is a modern restaurant celebrated for its Mediterranean cuisine and inviting atmosphere.

The menu at Gioia caters to a wide range of tastes, featuring dishes like duck breast, steak, Iberian pluma, cod, linguini vongole, vegetarian penne, and a variety of burgers.
Diners consistently praise the quality of the cuisine and the thoughtful presentation of each dish. Additionally, the restaurant's lounge area makes it an ideal choice for both public gatherings and private events.

Blending delicious food, soothing cocktails, stunning decor, and adaptable spaces, Gioia has established itself as a standout dining experience in Nice.

And as a first for Gioia, the restaurant is hosting a fabulous Drag Queen cabaret dinner on March 29th, starting at 19h30 and offering an array of artistic performances in an elegant and festive atmosphere.

The program features a spellbinding show by the talented Crazy Girls, accompanied by two icons of the cabaret scene, Patouchka and Paula Moore. Rhinestones, sequins and performances promise total immersion in the world of cabaret.

To complete this unique experience, La Gioia will be offering an exclusive menu at €69 and €89, specially designed to delight the taste buds of our guests.

Reservations for this event are highly recommended for what will be a most memorable event!

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Closed Until 2026

 

Paloma Beach, a beloved landmark in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, is set to undergo significant changes through 2026.

The beachside restaurant, established in 1948 by architect André Deperi, has hosted a remarkable list of celebrities, including Matisse, Cocteau, Churchill, Roger Moore, Sean Connery, Elton John, and Tom Cruise. In recent years, it also appeared in the Fifty Shades of Grey film series and the hit show Emily in Paris, drawing even more visitors to this scenic spot.

In early 2025, Mayor Jean-François Dieterich announced plans to demolish and rebuild the restaurant as a removable structure. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance the area, including adding green spaces to the Saint-Hospice path. Due to administrative processes and construction timelines, Paloma Beach will remain closed throughout 2025.

The beach was named after Paloma Picasso, daughter of Pablo Picasso, who spent her summers there with her father.

Although the private beach and restaurant are closed, the public areas of Paloma Beach remain accessible to visitors.