Monaco Foundation at CIUP Paris: Cultural Event on the Via Alpina and Patrice Ponza’s Book Launch

On April 2, 2026, the Monaco Foundation at the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP) hosted its first public event since September 2021, marking the reopening of its renovated grand salon after more than four years of restoration work.

On this occasion, Mrs. Martine GARCIA-MASCARENHAS, Director of the Monaco Foundation, welcomed journalist, sociologist, walker and writer Patrice PONZA, for the French launch of his book:
“Via Alpina – Mes Alpes intérieures” (Éditions La Trace), accompanied by a photography exhibition illustrating his journey.

The Via Alpina: a European journey through nature, sport and culture

The book retraces the crossing of the Via Alpina, the longest long-distance hiking trail in Europe, completed during the summer of 2025.

Inaugurated on June 21, 2002, this trail is the result of an exceptional transnational European cooperation, in which Monaco actively participated.
The Principality of Monaco is also the final destination of this 2,000 km route, crossing eight countries:

• Italy
• Slovenia
• Austria
• Germany
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland
• France
• Monaco

The route highlights the link between sport, nature and European cultural heritage.

A cultural and human-focused event

Supported by the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA), the event was a great success among the public, particularly students living at CIUP.

The discussion allowed a meaningful exchange of experiences, focusing on key issues such as:

• mental health among international students
• isolation and distance from families
• well-being in international academic life

Mental health is a major concern for CIUP, which hosts around 12,000 students from around the world every year.

A moment of culture, dialogue and engagement

This event reflects the commitment of the Monaco Foundation to promoting initiatives focused on:

• culture and literature
• international dialogue
• social and human engagement
• European heritage promotion

It further strengthens the role of the CIUP as a major hub for cultural and intellectual exchange in Paris.