Places to go in Monaco and Monte Carlo

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March 12th Newsletter

On the Road. (1)

What's new

Covid-19 continues to dominate the headlines. In a press conference yesterday the Minister of State appealed to our sense of civic duty and responsibility, but also announced several steps being taken by the Government to keep us healthy. There'll be no cruise ships docking at Port Hercule until the end of April, and local tourist bus companies are being asked to remove Monaco from their destinations. Visiting yachts over 24 metres must provide medical certificates for passengers and crew. As for CAM buses, they'll be disinfected twice a day and fitted with hand gel. If your business is affected you'll be able to request help from the re-formed COMED, Commission d'assistance aux entreprises. Sports fixtures will also be affected, with basketball match spectators limited to 1000 and the Eurocup game against Bologna to be relocated. For now the Tennis Masters will go ahead with spectator numbers limited, although the Prefet des Alpes-Maritimes has the final say. Football matches will be played behind closed doors.

In other news, Tunisian business man Lotfi Maktouf has sold Port Palace Hotel. With this latest acquisition, the Madar Group increases its interests on the Cote d'Azur, where it already owns 50% of Cannes's Palm Beach, as well as several properties in Saint Tropez. The family enterprise, led by Jean and Alain Madar, aims to give the hotel a facelift. Options include installing a bar on the ground floor, overhauling La Maree rooftop restaurant, and adding balconies to the rooms.

And finally, some events, such as the Rose Ball  have been cancelled, so we'd advise you to check with organizers before setting out (our listings include links to websites, phone numbers and emails). The Printemps des Arts festival is going ahead and starts tomorrow, with a program that includes music by French composers, Inuit art and songs, and harpsichord recitals. Enjoy!

What's in the diary ....