Monaco Unveils New Housing Initiative

The housing crisis is a global issue, and Monaco is no exception. In response, the Principality has launched a new initiative to encourage residents to downsize, freeing up larger state-owned apartments for growing families.

Under this system, households currently occupying four- or five-room apartments—where children have moved out—can relocate to a modern three-room unit while retaining the same subsidized rent, charges, and deposit conditions. To further ease the transition, the government is offering a fixed €10,000 allowance to cover moving costs.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to address Monaco’s housing challenges. In October 2024, the Prince's Government introduced updates to National Housing Assistance and state-owned housing regulations to better align with residents' needs.

Key changes include adjustments to assistance calculations to ensure continued support for specific groups. For example, full assistance will remain available to surviving spouses over 65 if an extra room was previously granted for health reasons. Additionally, maintenance obligations can now be deducted from household income assessments, and student earnings will be excluded from family income calculations up to a defined limit.

To streamline the process, all available housing offers are now centralized on the Mon Espace Domaines platform, giving residents better visibility of exchange opportunities. The National Council has also assigned a dedicated agent to provide personalized support throughout the relocation process.

“These long-awaited measures will improve the management of state-owned housing and better fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Monegasques,” said Maryse Battaglia, President of the Housing Commission. She emphasized that these reforms reflect the government’s commitment to adapting to demographic shifts and optimizing the Principality’s real estate resources.

Ultimately, these measures aim to enhance housing support and affordability, ensuring the system remains responsive to residents’ evolving needs.

La Malmaison Art Gallery: A Cultural Gem in Cannes

 

Situated along Cannes' prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette, La Malmaison is a landmark of artistic expression, celebrating both modern and contemporary art. Originally built in 1863 as part of the Grand Hôtel, this historic space has transitioned from an opulent retreat for the Belle Époque elite into a renowned exhibition venue.

A Legacy of Art

La Malmaison's artistic journey began in 1945 when it hosted its first painting exhibition. Since then, it has welcomed masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Miró, all of whom found inspiration in the radiant landscapes of the Côte d’Azur.

Revitalization and Expansion

Following an extensive two-year renovation, La Malmaison reopened in January 2025 with a vastly expanded 600-square-meter exhibition space. This transformation enables the gallery to showcase major international collections and prestigious art loans, further solidifying Cannes’ reputation as a cultural destination.

Current Exhibition: ‘Luxe, Calme et Volupté’

To commemorate its reopening, La Malmaison is hosting "Luxe, Calme et Volupté," an exhibition running until April 20, 2025. Featuring 129 works by 56 acclaimed artists—including Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Combas—this collection pays tribute to the enchanting beauty of the Mediterranean.

An Immersive Visitor Experience

Beyond its exceptional exhibitions, La Malmaison offers a panoramic rooftop terrace, granting breathtaking views of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, and the azure Mediterranean waters. Visitors can also explore a specialized contemporary art bookstore and attend various cultural events, such as conferences, concerts, and performances.

Practical Information

• Address: 47 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Admission Fees: €6.50 for adults; free for under 18, students, job seekers, and people with disabilities

• Contact: +33 (0)4 97 06 45 21

La Malmaison continues to be a cornerstone of Cannes' cultural landscape, offering visitors a rich tapestry of art, history, and breathtaking views.

Villefranche-sur-Mer: Combat Naval Fleuri 2025

 

The Combat Naval Fleuri is an emblematic tradition of Villefranche-sur-Mer, celebrated every year in February. This unique event brings together the sea and local floriculture, providing a colorful spectacle for locals and visitors alike.

 

Origins and history

Created in 1902, the Combat Naval Fleuri was inspired by the flower battles organized in other Côte d'Azur towns, notably Nice since 1876. Villefranche-sur-Mer chose to distinguish itself by adapting this tradition to the water, using its traditional fishing boats as supports for the flowers. The small boats will be decorated with thousands of carnations and mimosas parade through the harbour, throwing flowers to enthusiastic onlookers.

2025 Edition

The 121ᵉ edition of Combat Naval Fleuri is a free event and will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Port de la Santé in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The day's program is as follows:

11:00 am: Folklore group parade at the Octroi.

1:30 pm: Carnival parade along the quays.

2:00 pm: Launch of the Combat Naval Fleuri at Port de la Santé, followed by entertainment by folk groups on Place Amélie Pollonnais and the quays.

Throughout the day, a flower walk and marching bands making their way through the town will be organized.

Grindr Meeting Turns Violent in Nice

 

I want to start by saying: be careful out there.

Nice and the Côte d’Azur are very safe, welcoming places for LGBTQ+ individuals, but incidents like this, though rare, do happen.

On February 7th, a 26-year-old man fell victim to a violent ambush after arranging a Grindr meet-up. Instead of meeting a date, he was attacked by two individuals who beat and attempted to strangle him before stealing his phone and fleeing. The victim has since filed a complaint with authorities.

The assault, which occurred on Avenue Florès in Nice’s residential Cimiez district, has sparked outrage within the local LGBTQ+ community. The victim suffered jaw pain, strangulation marks, multiple bruises, and head trauma. If the attackers are identified, the Nice LGBTQIA+ Center and SOS Homophobia will join as civil parties to support the victim in legal proceedings.

A Growing Concern

This type of attack is not new. Similar incidents occurred in Nice between February and March 2024, particularly in the Liberation district. Nationally, such targeted assaults happen at an alarming rate—reports suggest at least one per week in France, totaling over 50 per year.

Despite the rising trend, police and judicial responses remain inconsistent. Activists are calling for stronger measures from public authorities and dating apps like Grindr. SOS Homophobia demands stricter user protections, including safety alerts, account moderation, identity verification, and active collaboration with law enforcement.

Recognizing the Homophobic Motive

Another challenge is the legal system’s reluctance to acknowledge these crimes as homophobic in nature. "Justice often struggles to recognize the targeted nature of these attacks, despite the fact that they systematically victimize gay individuals through dating apps," said Erwann Le Hô.

In June 2023, four men stood trial in Nice for homophobic violence after assaulting three gay men outside a bar. While two received severe sentences, the other two were given suspended sentences. If officially classified as a homophobic crime, penalties for such attacks range from €1,500 to €45,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.

Stay Vigilant

While Nice remains a largely safe city, it’s essential to stay aware and take precautions when meeting strangers. Your safety always comes first.