Date travelled: 19 September 2009
Monaco, the World's second smallest independent state, is surrounded by the Southern coast of France, and makes part of the famous Côte d'Azur, on the French Riviera.
As Monaco doesn't have an airport (only a small heliport), the nearest airport for visitors is in Nice, some 45 minutes away. From Nice airport, the airport express bus service departs for Monaco every 30 minutes, with return tickets costing €28.50 (single ticket €18).
Despite Monaco being a separate country to France, the country does use the Euro just like its neighbours. You will not need to worry about obtaining a different currency once you cross the border.
The best place to start any tour of Monaco would be in Monte Carlo, and its famous Casino. Built in the 1860's as a way of generating revenue for the country, the casino now attracts the rich and famous from all over the World to try their luck at the tables. Smart dress is essential if you want to have a go, but be prepared to spend big to join the high roller games.
Monte Carlo Casino
Either side of the casino are the equally famous Café de Paris and the Hôtel de Paris. Both are owned by the Société des Bains de Mer Monaco (SBM), who also own the casino. The hotel is one of the more exclusive places to stay in Monte Carlo, with prices starting at €400 a night.
Hôtel de Paris
As Monaco is a tiny country, you could easily get around by foot, but be careful of the sometimes steep hills you will need to navigate. There is however plenty of public lifts available along the way to give you a hand. For those that don't fancy walking, you could take the "Azur Express" Tourist Train, a motorised train that visits all the main highlights of the country. The 30 minute ride costs €6 per person. To travel like a local you could also use the excellent public bus service, which also stops at all the landmarks. Tickets cost €1 for a single ticket or €3 for a day pass, and there are six different routes available.
The La Condamine region of Monaco, with its large harbour known as Port Hercule, is where many glamour yachts, catamarans and the odd luxury liner dock. If you walk up the hill towards Monaco Ville, you will see lovely views across the harbour.
La Condamine
The Monaco-Ville region of Monaco is the oldest region in the country, with parts dating from the 12th century. The most famous landmark in Monaco-Ville is the Palais Princier, which has been the official residence of the Prince of Monaco since 1297, when the currently ruling royal family, the house of Grimaldi, first captured it from the Genoese.
Palais Princier (Princes's Palace)
In the close vicinity of the Palais Princier are many souvenir shops selling various Monaco related memorabilia. Prices for souvenirs here tend to be slightly cheaper here than in Monte Carlo.
From the courtyard of the Palais Princier, you will also get to see Monaco's only major sports stadium. The current Stade Louis II dates from 1985, and has a capacity of 18,500 people (about 60% of the total population of the country could attend at any one time). The stadium is home to AS Monaco, who plays in the French football league. The stadium is also home to the yearly European Super Cup fixture.
Stade Louis II
From the Palace courtyard, take the small walkway around the top of the cliff. From here, you will be able to see the Fontvielle region of Monaco. Built from reclaimed land in the 1960's, the region now has a small marina, with a small selection of bars and restaurants.
Fontvielle
Continuing around the walkway, you come to Monaco Cathedral (also known as Saint Nicholas Cathedral). Built in 1875, the Cathedral contains the tombs of many of Monaco's past Princes and Princesses, including the former Prince Rainier III, who died in 2005, and his actress wife Princess Grace Kelly, who died in 1982.
Monaco Cathedral
For one weekend in late May, the Monaco Grand Prix dominates the Monte Carlo and Port Hercule regions of the country. On any normal weekend, you will be able to walk the circuit, and enjoy the views just like the pros do in the Formula 1 cars, albeit without the breakneck speed! Such sites you may recognise include:
Grand Hotel hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula 1
The Tunel in Monte Carlo, which runs underneath the Fairmont Hotel
Pole Position, with a Porsche 911 passing by
You will soon notice that Monaco attracts some of the World's most stunning, yet expensive fast cars. You will get to car spot quite easily around the casino complex of Monte Carlo. Such cars you may see include:
Lamborghini Gallardo
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
Aston Martin Vanquish
Maserati Granturismo
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
After a day of sightseeing, and indeed enjoying seeing some expensive cars, you may fancy a quiet beer. There's no better place than back at the Café de Paris, where you can enjoy a bottle of Monaco's own lager (5.8%), but beware, at €8 a bottle, it's not cheap!
So to enjoy a slice of the rich and famous lifestyle, even if it is just for one day, give Monaco a try.
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