I couldn’t have been more excited for my trip to Monaco. I had done event work for the Princess Grace Foundation and actually met Prince Albert and her sister but to actually be going to Monaco!
To say I arrived in style in an understatement. I landed in Nice and then took a glass front helicopter to Monaco. It was my first time flying in a helicopter. I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I sat right next to the pilot and could not stop smiling. It actually felt like I was floating. It was a short ride but the view was spectacular. To see Monaco in all it’s glory from the air was breathtaking.
My first stop was Hotel Hermitage. It’s grandeur and luxury were like something out of a movie. It’s a very large hotel with two lobbies and the staff was ever present to assist you without being intrusive. My suite was magnificent with views of the sea. The first thing I did was walk out onto the balcony and let the horizon hypnotize me. The hotel gym and spa were beyond my expectations with an indoor pool to boot.
I couldn’t wait to get out and about. Managing Monaco was easy and I was able to walk a lot of places. Fun fact: Monaco will fit inside Central Park. It’s small but high which is why most people don’t walk; there are different levels throughout the principality. Also, everyone is so Fancy! I also learned Monaco is one of the safest places in the world because they have camera everywhere and people know they will be caught. They can even get a ticket for beeping their horn….holy guacamole!
The high-end shopping was everywhere so no need to fret. There was the infamous casino. If the complex looks familiar, it’s because you may have seen it before in the James Bond films, “Never Say Never Again” and “Goldeneye.” It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, “Casino Royale.”
It’s not a large casino there is variety of gaming options and plenty of people-watching. To get in, you must be 18 or older, properly attired (the more glamorous, the better) and you must pay an entry fee of 10 euros (about $11.50). After that, it’s up to you as to how much money you want to lose, ahem spend, at roulette, blackjack, poker, etc. The casino officially opens for gambling at 2 p.m., but it’s also available to tour between 9 a.m. and noon every day.
The restaurants are plentiful; everything from casual breakfast fare to elegant fine dining. One of the best meals I had was at Avenue 31. It has a relaxed, elegant atmosphere with outstanding service.
If you are a hopeless romantic like me, you must go to A’trego. The food is simply exquisite, the service is absolutely tops, and the view is spectacular! Reserve a table by the water. It’s the perfect date night.
If you are looking for a vibrant energized dining experience, say no more. Bagatelle is all that and more. You feel the liveliness as soon as you walk in. There are semi-private areas for dining in different locations throughout the restaurant. The service is impeccable, the food delicious and an all-around fun time.
If you like Asian fusion, sushi, wine, drinks, great music and a vibrant lively atmosphere, then add a visit to Buddha-Bar to your list. It turns into a club after midnight so you can dance the night away.
Stepping into Mozza I was filled with a vintage romantic feel of Italy. Outside was the French Riviera but in here, it was all Italian. The food was amazing and I loved the small shop where you could purchase pasta, oil and other ingredients to recreate your experience at home.
Go for the dinner, then stay for the party! The retro 70s look definitely has a wow factor. They use the freshest ingredients in their food which is why it is very tasty. It’s an east meets west fusion. Later in the evening, the restaurant transforms to a lively club with great music. Twiga is a well-known hot spot in Monaco.
There’s no place like home! Especially if you are Prince Albert. The Royal Palace is a site to see and very accessible. The lavish palace is home to him. It features a changing of the guard daily at 11:55 a.m. I recommend at least stopping by to see the exterior of the palace, even if you’re not up for a tour of the state rooms. You are not allowed to take photos inside. If you do, they will make you delete them…..speaking from experience. The views from the nearby terraces are very impressive. Fun fact: you can rent the inner garden of the Palace for events or weddings.
The locals told me Prince Albert frequents events in the city on a regular basis. He is what they referred to as “a man of the people”. He enjoys interacting with others and is approachable. He is also very concerned with the environment. A number of buildings currently have green rooftops with trees and gardens. All new buildings must have the same. Prince Albert makes sure that residents of Monaco get hired for jobs there first as well as keeping a percentage of housing affordable for local residents. He is grateful for the wealth and tourism but is carefully looking out for the people born and raised in the principality.
The mountains protect Monaco so the weather is gorgeous. There was no humidity or rain during my entire visit which I loved.
Don’t miss the Japanese Gardens when you visit Monaco. It was a gift of the people of Japan in honor of the late Princess Grace, who was adored in that country. It is an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
I was excited to see the thousands of roses at the Princess Grace Rose Garden. It encompassed peace and beauty. It tied in perfectly with the glitz and glamour of Monaco.
I also visited the church were Princess Grace is buried. The architecture of the building and interior are spectacular.
Monaco was my home base during my stay. Seeing the other parts of the French Riviera was easy. My modes of transportation were car and train. Both were so easy to manage.
I hated to leave Monaco but Cannes was calling. Most people arrive in Cannes by yacht, I took the train. It was so easy and the scenic ride was mesmerizing.
Cannes was very walkable and the luxurious energy was palpable. The promenade of La Croisette is one of the most appreciated jewels of the city; linking the beach and the city. It is made up of a variety of hotels high end shopping and restaurants. You can spend your entire day at La Croisette.
Marche Forville market has something for everyone. You’ll find the produce, cheeses, seafood and meats as well as gift items and flowers. If nothing else, have a look just for fun.
When I happened onto the narrow cobblestone street of Rue Meynadier in Cannes, I felt like I stepped into a movie. The street is lined with cafes and charming shops; cheese, butcher, chocolate, bakery or anything else you desire.
The beaches were beyond words but crowded of course. It was nice to relax in the sun and then stroll to a restaurant for lunch.
Delight in the luxurious atmosphere of Fouquet’s Cannes for dinner. The walls are adorned with black and white photos of all the famous guests. The menu consists of classic French brasserie entrees as well as Mediterranean dishes.
Doing several day trips from Monaco, my next stop was Nice. You wouldn’t want to go to the French Riviera without stopping in Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. One of the places I visited in Nice was Castel Plague. It is the most picturesque private beach.
I recommend stopping at St Paul de Vence. The charismatic hilltop village’s as a source of artistic inspiration is seen throughout. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the artists who once lived here.
While in Nice also visit Castle Hill. It is one of the most popular things to do! It is the highest point in the city. The fantastic viewpoint overlooking the bay of Nice will not disappoint.
Located in the center of Nice, is Place Massena, the largest square in the city. Grab a table at a nearby café and enjoy the bustling atmosphere and people watching!
Eze is a medieval village perched like an eagle’s nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is located between Nice and Monaco. You will feel transported back to Medieval times walking up the uneven stone streets, through narrow passages and under low archways.
Nestled in between Nice and Eze is The Villa and Gardens de Rothschild. The park is divided into nine gardens one as beautiful as the other. I got lost in this peaceful tranquility for hours!
One of the reasons I chose Monaco as my home base is because I find it magical. Should you choose Cannes or Nice as home during your French Riviera stay, all the destinations are still easily reachable.
Although staying in Monaco for the duration of my trip, I did mix up the hotels I stayed in to know what was available.
After leaving Hotel Hermitage, I ventured over to the Fairmont Hotel. The hotel is located in the heart of Monaco surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the legendary Monte-Carlo Casino and the Grand Prix raceway. I felt like I was in a movie staying there. The hotel consistently had vibrant energy; day and night. I especially loved Nikki Beach, the rooftop pool and bar. It even had an enormous outdoor TV! The hotel also offers rooms with a view of the Grand Prix racetrack which is where I’d want to stay during the race!
I also had the pleasure of staying at Monte Carlo Bay Resort. Staying off the beaten path has its perks! Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is self-contained luxury that includes and indoor pool, a sandy bottom lagoon to swim in or lounge near, Michelin-starred cuisine and a private nightclub. The hotel is situated between the sea and mountains with beautiful views of both.
I saved the best for last……..Hotel Metropole is in the center of Monaco, convenient to everything. Once you pass through the arches of the front driveway there is a secluded luxurious energy that surrounds you. I loved everything about this hotel from the impeccable service to the old-world décor. The spa, pool and gym were beyond my expectations but fitting to the prestige of the hotel. I wanted for nothing yet the staff was never intrusive!
A perfect example of this is while I was lying by the pool. A handsome server appeared with a shot of frozen watermelon and cool washcloth as refreshment from the heat. What? This continued every half an hour until my tanning time ended. I could definitely get used to that.
While I loved each of the hotels I stayed for their own uniqueness, Hotel Metropole was the standout for me.
