Monaco Magic!
An early morning start to Nice and helicopter transfers to Monaco.
Our hotel concierge had maps and plenty of information, and the ‘Monaco Passport’ had vouchers for plenty of sightseeing. Near to the Columbus (our hotel) is a stop for the sightseeing bus which has 12 stops around Monaco. It is the perfect way to travel around; it is hop on hop off all day for 17 euros!
This is what we did:
Our first afternoon we walked to the commercial centre – there is a huge Carrefour that houses some other outlets under its roof – not fantastic shopping – but ideal for stocking up on water etc. for the room.
There is also a small bakery/café type shop here that sells some great sandwiches and a nice glass of wine (what a civilised way to visit the supermarket!), which we stopped at for a late lunch… not very luxurious – but a nice lunch all the same!
Up the escalators is the car collection of Prince Rainier III. The Monaco Passport has a free entrance voucher – it is definitely worth the look around, which we did for 40 minutes or so. You can also visit the museum of stamps and coins and the naval museum here – but we did not go in there.
That evening we dined at a restaurant called ‘La Bamba’ which is a nice and simple restaurant – not dressy at all – lovely food, just off of the Rue Grimaldi - an easy walk. There are plenty of other options in this area, down the side streets that lead from the Rue Grimaldi to the marina.
Saturday we took the all-day bus and visited – Café de Paris, the casino and the gardens, The Princes Palace and the Musee oceanographique (vouchers in the passport)! There are little shops up by the Princes Palace and a few little restaurants to stop at for lunch!
We ate that night at a restaurant at the front of the Marina (race track side - level with the swimming pool) called the Explorers Pub - gorgeous food! Lovely atmosphere - well-dressed gastro pub!
The following day we decided to do things by foot armed with a map and it was definitely worth it!
We went to the market in the town square (top of Rue Grimaldi) and then walked up the pedestrianised path to the Princes Palace where we had been the day before, we went to the Chapel of La Visitation – beautiful paintings! And another little church along one of the side streets and lit a candle... peaceful and beautiful!
If you want to see the Monaco Film, which is near the palace next to the Aquarium (Musee oceanographique) it is only on at certain times and you will need to check. Generally they are 1000hrs 1100hrs and 1400hrs but these are subject to change.
We went back down to the Marina and walked out as far as we could and then took a little boat bus to the other side (1 euro) and then walked back down the other side and stopped at one of the little cafes on the front for lunch. Although I do have to say that it is worth going to one of the bakeries and choosing a sandwich etc. and eating it on a bench at the quay side!
We then headed for Les Jardins Exotique – which is reached via steps and lifts. Not for those that are infirm or in ill health! But the gardens were lovely and the views great. You can visit the caves but they finish the tours at 2pm - so a little organisation is needed!
We ate near to the square after sitting down at 5pm in a café for a much needed glass of wine – and not leaving until 10pm, we had every intention of making it to an Italian called Vechia Firenze which had been recommended to us , but the chef offered us food and we were glad of it!
Overall we had a fantastic time. It’s a lovely destination with almost a 'toytown' feel. Our weekend was finished off with a visit from Prince Albert very near to our hotel just before we left for our helicopter to Nice - perfect!