Monaco is a must visit Cote d’Azur attraction for any number of reasons, but if are on holiday in the Cote d’Azur you have to go.
Personally I have mixed feelings about Monaco but without fail if ever I have friends visit me when I am staying in the south of France I always take them to Monaco. Its just one of those things you have to do.
There are four principal areas of Monaco which I think are worth visiting, firstly there is the main old area on the hill where you will find the Royal palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic museum and gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. This is great to do by day and there is a handy car park up there.
Next is the Monte Carlo Casino area which you can either drive over to (I suggest you park on the front near the Grimaldi theatre and walk up the hill) or get the bus (a bit of planning required). I like to be there early evening, wander around the gardens, go for a drink opposite the casino and watch everyone arriving in their flash cars and posh frocks, then go for a meal nearby. Maybe even “play” a bit later on, though it’s not really my cup of tea, but its fun to rub shoulders with the “beautiful people”.
The third thing I like to do the most in Monaco is walking. There are two nice coastal walks, the best one is in the direction of Menton and the other, for my money less attractive, towards Nice. Both walks can get quite hot with the reflection of the sun on the sea so you need plenty of water.
Finally there is the Monaco botanical gardens which are perched up on the central hillside, the flaura is amazing and the views are quite stunning. Parking is very difficult, so it’s best to take a bus or taxi.
A couple of tips do your homework and have a back up plan. The gps reception in Monaco is very fickle and the signposting can be confusing so work out where you are going in advance and study the map a bit. The traffic can be appalling so to try and avoid the worst get there early and leave late in the evening.
For more photographs of Monaco see our Monaco facebook album.
Wherever you are staying on holiday renting in Cote d’Azur, a villa in Cannes by the sea or accommodation with a pool in Grasse in the hills, you can always get on the motorway easily and along to Monaco within about an hour to an hour and a halves drive. Monaco isn’t pretty but it is quite amazing.
If you are a real thrill seeker then try the parascending in Monaco, fly over and land on the beach, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done, but it’s only open in the winter months.
Please use our freephone service or email us for any further information you require regarding visiting Monaco or anywhere else on the French Riviera, we will be pleased to help you make the best of your stay, help you choose accommodation and advise on the best travel options.