Places to go in Monaco and Monte Carlo

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February 9th Newsletter

I wonder when in the world you're going to do anything...(1)

You may be shivering in the chill wind, but it's nowhere near as bad as February 1956. From one day's 21 degrees high, the mercury sank to a staggering -17 at night, decimating the region's olive trees.

But here's something to warm your heart. It's Valentine's Day on Tuesday and if you buy a Printemps des Arts festival concert ticket before then your second ticket will be half-price. Check out the program on the festival website, and the deal on the festival facebook page.

Elsewhere the British Association (BAM) is sharing the love with a Valentine's Dinner on 16 February at La Piazza. The price is 80 euros pp and you'll need to register before Tuesday. If you don't know anyone from BAM, get yourself down to the Bar du Quai (des Artistes) for the group's informal drinks evening tonight from 6.30pm. Contact bam[at]monaco.mc.

Tomorrow Pink Ribbon Monaco's charity gala, Dare to Bear, takes place in the Hermitage's Salle Belle Epoque. Tickets are from 300 to 3000 euros and it's all to raise awareness of breast cancer. On Sunday it's the annual Pink Ribbon Walk, starting 9:40 from Port Hercule, participation 30 euros.

The Metropole Hotel has released a bit more information about its gastronomic restaurant. It's to be named Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac and will serve contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.

And finally...

For the next two weeks it's all about blooming battles and lemons. Starting tomorrow is Carnaval de Nice, and on Saturday the Menton Lemon Festival. Both are scheduled to end on Sunday 26 February.

What's in the diary...

Thursday: Student concert.
Friday: Basketball.
Saturday: Monaco run.
Sunday: Piano recital.

(1) This week's quote is the opening line of the book The Prisoner of Zenda, by British novelist Anthony Hope, born this day 1863.