We could not be staying so close to the micro country of Monte Carlo without visiting, even for the day.

As the playground of the rich and famous, a tax haven and a beautiful harbour, Monaco holds the ulimate alluring promise – it has everything that dreams are made of.

It was an easy public transport trip from St Jeannet – a bus down the steep hills to St Laurent du Var on the coast just outside Nice, and then the train straight to Monaco.  All up it took around an hour and we were there, right in the heart of this amazing city that we’d heard so much about.

The Monaco Grand Prix was just a week away, and the city was already in full preparation mode.  Grandstands were going up, barriers being set, and the famous circuit slowly taking shape through the streets. You could walk parts of the track, and then moments later, cars would go whizzing by, a slightly surreal mix of excitement and hazzardous skill.  Jeff, of course, embraced it completely, tapping into that boyhood excitement to experience as much of the circuit as possible.

Down at the harbour, we wandered slowly along the piers, taking in the spectacle of the sheer scale and luxury of the yachts lined up in quiet anticipation of the Grand Prix.  It was hard not to sneak little glances here and there, imagining the lives lived behind those polished decks. Just for a moment, it offered a small glimpse into a world far removed from our own.

Then, it was time for lunch 🙂

Rising above the main harbour is Monaco-Ville, perched on the rocky headland known as Le Rocher. On the other side lies the smaller, quieter Fontvieille Harbour, a lovely contrast to the buzz of the main Port Hercule. Up on the headland, the gardens are beautifully kept, the views stretch across almost the entire principality in both directions, and it’s home to both the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.  Definitely worth the uphill walk… if only to walk off lunch!

But first, a pause for some eye-catching statues near the harbour.  Iff it’s not doors that catch my eye for a photo, it’s statues. And just the one cruise ship in today… keeping things relatively low-key, Monaco-style.

Le Rocher Headland

At the top of the headland, we came across a giant photo frame positioned to capture the sweeping views over Monaco.  Of course, we couldn’t resist stepping in for a photo opportunity, a touristy moment, but one that perfectly captured the setting with the old town behind us, the harbour below, and that unmistakable Monaco skyline stretching out in every direction.

From the photo frame, it was an easy wander deeper into Monaco-Ville, where the pace slows and the streets feel a world away from the harbour below.  We found ourselves at the edge of headland with a view opening out across the Fontvieille Harbour, a quieter and much more understated side of Monaco.

The sea was calm and such a gorgeous and beautiful blue.

Botanic Gardens

We enjoyed a slow walk through the neatly kept botanical gardens, past historic architecture and then past the imposing presence of the Prince’s Palace, with glimpses of life unfolding in this elevated part of the city

Ok, one door and, oh OK, a gate too…….

And then, more statues throughout the gardens…..

Eventually, we made our way back down to the main harbour, retracing our steps through the city, pausing at a square for a drink and to watch the day to day life of locals with schoolchildren playing football.

Then onto the train that would take us back toward St Jeannet. By the time we arrived back at our villa, we were tired but content, having spent the day immersed in a place so different from our own.  Monaco offered a brief glimpse into a world of glamour and while it was fascinating to see, we were happy to return to who we are.

Living an adventurous life,

Catherine & Jeff