The Olympic Torch is coming to the Cote d’Azur

The Olympic Flame is scheduled to reach France in early May after a voyage by boat from Greece. Marseille will mark the inaugural stop on the journey, with numerous towns and cities along the French Riviera also extending a warm welcome to the torch as it progresses north toward Paris.

Beyond the Games, the eternal flame remains safeguarded in Olympia, situated near the Temple of Hera. Following its arrival in the southern city of Marseille on May 8th, the Olympic flame will proceed towards the island of Corsica for a short sojourn before returning to the mainland and embarking on a route through the western regions of France.

On June 7th, the flame will embark on another maritime journey, this time bound for France's overseas territories, which include La Réunion, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

After concluding its visits to other locations, Nice will take its turn to welcome the flame along the Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats Unis before the torch commences its month-long trek to the French capital.

In an interview with the French press, Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice stated, "The presence of the Olympic flame in Nice on June 18th will hold profound significance. Serving as the inaugural stop in the final leg toward Paris, Nice marks the conclusion of the Ocean Relay before assuming the role of global capital during the United Nations Ocean Summit in June 2025."

The flame will also be welcomed by six other municipalities in the region: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Grasse, Cannes, Valberg, Antibes Juan les Pins, and Valdeblore-La Colmiane.

Dates for the arrival of the Olympic Flame to the other local locations will be announced shortly.

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco Welcomes The Public

The Grand Apartments of the Prince's Palace have reopened to the public for the bustling tourist season. Visitors can now explore the lavish lifestyle of the Grimaldi family over the centuries and learn about the remarkable restoration of the Palace frescoes.

 

The Grand Apartments of Monaco's Palace stand as a testament to the opulence and refinement of the Principality's rulers over the centuries. Adorned with intricate details and magnificent halls, each room narrates Monaco's rich heritage and regal legacy.

In contrast to numerous royal residences globally, often closed or open only on rare occasions, the Palace of Monaco warmly welcomes visitors daily until October 13th, granting them firsthand access to its majestic interiors.

Guests can admire the magnificent decor and fine furnishings that have adorned these halls for generations. Enhanced with ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and priceless artworks, these rooms emanate an aura of grandeur and refinement.

Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable Italian Renaissance frescoes spanning over 600 sqm of the Palace.

Concealed for nearly five centuries, the frescoes were unexpectedly revealed during restoration efforts in 2015.

With the support of Prince Albert II, the monumental endeavor to restore the 16th-century frescoes found in the Galerie d'Hercule and the Grand Apartments has elevated the Palace of Monaco to prominence in the annals of world art history.

This achievement is not only due to the importance of the discoveries but also to the pioneering and innovative approach to sustainable restoration. This methodology prioritizes the preservation of artworks while conserving resources.

Admission fees to visit the Grand Apartments are €10 per adult, and €5 per child.

The Impact of Art on Filmmaker Pasolini Explored in New Exhibition in Monaco

 

The new exhibition titled 'Pasolini en Clair-Obscur' (or 'Pasolini in Chiaroscuro' in English) at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco's Villa Sauber will delve into the intersection of art and film.

Scheduled to open to the public on March 29th, it promises an exploration of this captivating relationship.

The exhibition will explore the impact of both contemporary and classical painting on Pier Paolo Pasolini's cinematic body of work. Additionally, it will examine how his filmmaking endeavors were deeply intertwined with his admiration for painting.

While Pasolini is chiefly remembered as a writer and a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community today, his global recognition stemmed from his distinctive contributions to cinema.

Drawing from influences spanning from the Baroque to the contemporary era, his filmmaking style was marked by a unique individuality rich in artistic allusions. Pasolini also had a penchant for adorning sets with artwork, further showcasing his appreciation for the visual arts.

The title 'Pasolini en Clair-Obscur' exhibition draws inspiration from the chiaroscuro technique, reminiscent of Baroque art, which played a significant role in Pasolini's black and white films. It highlights his innovative incorporation of renowned artworks, such as those by Caravaggio, as dynamic elements within his movies. These artworks were either transformed into "living paintings" or seamlessly integrated to encapsulate their essence in cinematic moments.

Illustrating Pasolini's profound connections to the art realm, the exhibition will also unveil insights into his encounters with Francis Bacon and his partnerships with Fabio Mauri. Offering a comprehensive examination of Pasolini's multifaceted works, the exhibition encompasses his films, poetry, and essays.

The exhibition will be open until September 29th. Admission to the Villa Sauber on 17 Avenue Princesse Grace is €6, and the venue is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. During the summer, the opening hours are adjusted to 11 am to 7 pm.

Click here for more details.

Stars 80 Encore! Concert to Fundraise for Fight Aids Monaco Charity

 

During the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival and Fight Aids Monaco's 20th anniversary, Stars 80 will bring an evening of pure 80s nostalgia to the Principality in July.

On July 6th, at the prestigious Salle des Étoiles, the cast of Stars 80's newest tour, Encore!, will take the spotlight as the main act for a 1980s-themed dinner show, supporting Fight Aids Monaco. 

The dynamic group draws inspiration from the iconic French film with the same title. The movie depicts the journey of two devoted fans of 1980s music who manage a struggling impersonation company. Just as they're on the brink of bankruptcy, they stumble upon a box of tapes showcasing forgotten stars of the era, sparking a mission to revive their careers on stage.

The stage adaptation of the film has garnered immense popularity among fans throughout France, attracting over 4.5 million theater attendees. Now, the production is making its way to Monaco.

Tickets are available starting from €260, with proceeds going towards Princess Stéphanie’s Fight Aids Monaco charity, marking its 20th anniversary in 2024.

Doors will open at 8 pm, followed by the concert at 10:30 pm. Valet parking will be provided, and the event is suitable for ages seven and above.

Tickets can be purchased through Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.