Increased Train Service to Launch for the Côte d’Azur and Monaco

 

Consider it a Christmas bonus. As mentioned back in September 2024, expanded train services are about to begin in the region starting on December 15th 2024.

 

Much to the relief of locals and undoubtedly tourists, many of whom have faced frustration and stress while trying to catch a train during peak hours—especially during the crowded summer months, when train cars are often packed to capacity.

Starting December 15th, TER trains on the Nice-Ventimiglia line will operate every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 10 PM. This enhancement, highlighted by the PACA Region in a recent interview, stems largely from the introduction of competition in the TER network. It is further supported by SNCF's reliability commitments to the regional authorities, promising even greater improvements.

 

With the introduction of competition in the TER network, the South Region and SNCF Voyageurs Sud Azur are advancing efforts to enhance and modernize regional transportation. Starting December 15, travelers along the Riviera will enjoy modern, comfortable trains running every 15 minutes between 6 AM and 10 PM on the Les Arcs–St Raphaël–Cannes–Antibes–Nice, Grasse–Cannes, and Nice–Ventimiglia lines.

The schedule changes introduced on December 15 do not require new trains. However, to accommodate the ongoing rise in passenger demand on this route, additional trains will be deployed to boost capacity.

 

Since spring 2024, the Region has been renting additional trains to meet demand. By the end of 2027, these rented trains will be replaced by two new high-capacity train sets. Discussions regarding their financing are underway with the Principality of Monaco, which recently announced the purchase of two new TER trains scheduled for delivery by late 2027.

These new trains will enhance the ability to manage the high influx of passengers during peak hours. They will enable the use of reinforced trains, including multiple unit operations, where several connected trains are controlled by a single driver.

 

In August 2024, the TER cancellation rate in the Riviera rail sector dropped significantly to 5.2%, compared to 9.3% in 2023. The South Region, as the organizing authority, has demanded stronger measures from SNCF to further improve service reliability. For 2025, SNCF has pledged to reduce cancellations to 0.25% and achieve 98.5% punctuality. Stricter penalties will be enforced for failing to meet these targets.

 

 

The Christmas Season Begins in Monaco

Over the weekend the Christmas season began in the Principality of Monaco.

On November 30, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, marked the beginning of the holiday season by attending the season’s first light show at the Place du Casino. The event was also graced by Stéphane Valeri, President of the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), Didier Guillaume, Minister of State, and several other prominent Monegasque figures.

“At precisely 6:36 p.m. on Saturday evening, the magic began on the Place du Casino, with a cascading illumination of the historic heart of Monaco, under the eyes of the Princely Family, guests of the SBM and passers-by,” states a recent press release by the SBM.

 

This holiday season, Monte-Carlo's end-of-year celebrations are centered around the enchanting theme of "Magical Christmas Moments." The theme will be featured across all SBM establishments until January 5, 2025.

An 18-meter-high fir tree glittered with thousands of lights, setting the stage for a mesmerizing sound and light show projected onto the façade of the Monte-Carlo Casino. Attention then shifted to five giant Christmas baubles, each adorned with decorations representing magical Christmas moments such as Advent, tree trimming, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

The Princely Family and Monegasque officials explored the enchanting installations before the evening concluded with a second dazzling light show, accompanied by musical reinterpretations of beloved Christmas classics.

The Magical Christmas Moments sound and light show is open to the public until January 5, 2025. From December 6 to 20, the show will run on Fridays and Saturdays, every hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and from December 21 onward, it will take place every evening. A special New Year’s Eve countdown with music is planned for December 31. Additional festivities, including Christmas pop-ups and festive dining menus, are also part of SBM’s holiday offerings.

Photos credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

World AIDS Day 2024 with Fight AIDS Monaco

Yesterday, a large gathering of community members came together to support H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie's charity, Fight AIDS Monaco, now marking its 20th anniversary. The occasion featured the unveiling of memorial quilts created by charity members to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS, in observance of World AIDS Day.

The event, held at the Oceanographic Museum, welcomed the presence of Princess Stéphanie, her daughter Camille Gottlieb, and Monegasque dignitaries as Fight AIDS Monaco unveiled its memorial quilts for the 13th consecutive year.

 

Both poignant and heartfelt, the quilts serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of AIDS. On Friday, the association presented 8 of its 14 meticulously crafted pieces, each requiring an average of 170 hours to complete.

The quilts, considered symbols of hope, draw inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt movement, which began in San Francisco in 1985. This initiative honors those who have lost their lives to AIDS by creating panels of painted fabric. Christophe Glasser, Director of Fight AIDS Monaco, highlighted this connection in his speech.

 

Fight AIDS Monaco is a non-profit NGO founded by H.S.H. Princess Stephanie in July 2004.

Faced with psychological, and financial distress along with isolation. S.A.S. Princess Stephanie has seen people living with HIV, in the face of discrimination that many suffer daily, and in the face of their acute, often hidden, internalized health and well-being. With that, Princess Stephanie has committed herself to and with them in this struggle for life and dignity.

As the honorable Princess Stephanie has stated, “I join all those who are fighting HIV in their own lives, I encourage everyone to be screened, to protect themselves, and to thank anyone who devotes their time, their money to the mobilization of AIDS.”

From previous experiences, this event is reflective in memory of those who have passed due to HIV/AIDS complications, yet also filled with compassion and love as a supportive community along with the strength and hope that we must do all we can to bring more awareness and raise funds with the hope to eradicate this disease that can affect anyone. And this year, World AIDS Day felt no different.

The Fight AIDS Monaco non-profit organization works with board members, a small but important team of employees, and many volunteers, all of whom share their time, along with Princess Stephanie to help put the word out about AIDS awareness, and prevention and to raise funds for the charity through various events in and around Monaco annually.

Fight AIDS Monaco is funded by a grant from the Government of Monaco but mainly from private donations. To donate, please contact: Fight AIDS Monaco

Photo/Video Credits:

Frédéric Nebinger
Frédéric Pacorel
Monaco Tribune

Monaco’s Innovative Six-Hectare Waterfront District Set for December 4th Inauguration

 

Mareterra, Monaco's most ambitious land reclamation project, will be inaugurated on December 4, 2024, by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. This €2 billion eco-district, complete with luxury residences, a marina, and public green spaces, will welcome the public starting December 5.

The eagerly awaited Mareterra district, a breathtaking six-hectare extension of Monaco’s coastline, will be officially inaugurated on December 4 by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. This monumental €2 billion project, launched in 2013, stands as a remarkable achievement in engineering and urban design, delivered six months ahead of schedule.

With the removal of construction barriers near the Louis II Tunnel and the Fairmont Hotel, residents and visitors have been drawn to Mareterra's striking features.

Highlights include the 16-berth marina and the iconic Renzo building, designed by famed architect Renzo Piano. While these visible landmarks are impressive, much of the district's transformation happened behind the scenes. Over 3,500 workers dedicated their efforts to completing this remarkable project, poised to become a crown jewel in Monaco's urban landscape.

Starting December 5, the Mareterra district will be open to the public, offering a 500-meter coastal promenade for leisurely strolls and lush green spaces featuring 1,000 mature trees. The district also boasts 12 shops and restaurants, an extension of the Grimaldi Forum, and 160 parking spaces, ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors.