Fabulous Monte Carlo,
Monaco
Overview:
Monaco
is a principality that dates back centuries. During the
later part of the twentieth century it arrived as one of
the leading business, cultural and sports centers not
only in Europe, but in all of the world. Prince Rainier
married actress Grace Kelley and Monte Carlo was
launched into the world limelight as a world class
destination. Today, Monte Carlo's unbelievably high
profile continues. A visit to Monte Carlo and Monaco is
something that you will remember forever. Monaco's
currency is the euro and you will find ATM machines
everywhere. Monaco experiences absolutely perfect
Mediterranean weather.
Cruise
Port Location and Information:
Docked at Monaco's New
Cruise Terminal
Ships
dock at Monaco's brand new cruise ship terminal located
on the outter most part of the Monte Carlo yacht harbor.
Anchored at Monaco
Because
of the limited space at the cruise ship terminal, some
ships will also anchor offshore and tender into port.
Entering Monte Carlo's
Harbor
Keep
your camera ready on the tender into Monte Carlo, as
your first view of the downtown area are stunning.
The Monte Carlo Tender
Wharf
Tenders
will drop you off close in on the cruise ship terminal.
They will also depart from here, as well. It is an easy
15-minute walk into downtown Monte Carlo.
The Ferry To the Other
Side of the Harbor
If you
are heading to the casino or points on the eastern side
of Monte Carlo, you may want to take the ferry that
crosses the harbor, as it will save you a good amount of
walking time.
The Ferry Sign
Since
the ferry is constantly traversing the harbor, look for
this sign to find the ferry. You will see it to your
right after you start to walk into the city.
The Stars N' Bars
Internet Cafe
If you
are looking for an Internet Cafe there is one right on
the way out of the port itself just about one hundred
yards from the tender wharf.
Exploring on Your Own:
The Harbor Taken From
the Trail to the Palace
Monte
Carlo is best Explored on your own. First, traffic is
horrible and most of the main attractions cannot be
driven to. However, walking in Monte Carlo is wonderful
and everything is within easy walking distance. Also,
public transportation is excellent in Monte Carlo itself
and to nearby destinations. This area of France is easy
to explore on your own. It is best to plan your day and
a good way to see Monte Carlo is to start by climbing to
the Palace and surrounding areas, then spend some time
in the harbor area. This is a great place for lunch.
Then you can walk around to the casino area and visit
the parks and structures there. If you are thinking
about also exploring some of the other villages from
Monte Carlo, this is a great spot to catch the bus west.
The Monte Carlo Tourist
Train
If you
do not want to do too much walking, taking the tourist
train to see the sights is your best option. You can
pick it up in a number of places and it will allow you
to see just about everything.
Shopping Tips:
Shopping Street in
Monaco-Ville
As one
might expect, there is ample shopping opportunities in
Monte Carlo. If you are looking for that very special
million dollar watch, as an example, you will find many
to choose from. Want to purchase a Ferrari? No problem,
just visit the dealership.
Another Shopping Street
in the Palace Area
While
there are a number of tourist shops in the main harbor
area, the best shopping is located in Monaco-Ville, the
medieval pedestrian streets that adjoin the Palace that
date back to the 12th century. There are a ton of shops
and boutiques selling everything imaginable from Monaco.
There are many designer clothing stores, jewelry stores,
fine car dealerships and other expensive stores to be
found in the harbor area and by the casino, but unless
you are looking to spend a lot of money, this is the
place to focus on shopping.
Port
Highlights:
The Trail Leading to
the Prince's Palace and Monaco-Ville
After
leaving the port area you can easily find the trail that
leads up to Monaco-Ville and the Prince's Palace. It is
a steep climb in some parts, but the views are terrific.
There is also an elevator that will take you un into
Monaco-Ville that lets you out near the aquarium.
However, I would strongly urge you to take the train
because of its beauty.
Looking South From the
Trail to the Prince's Palace
Near the
top of the trail you are confronted with wonderful views
of France all the way to the Italian border and beyond.
It is simply breathtaking.
Prince's Palace
The
Prince of Monaco lives in the Prince's Palace, which
dates back to the 12h century. The palace has been
occupied by the
Grimaldi family since the 1200s who have ruled Monaco
without interruption until today.
The Palace Entrance and
Guard
The
palace is guarded all of the time and there is a
"Changing of the Guards Ceremony" every day a little
before noon. There are also several tours f the palace
given every day.
A Royal Guard at His
Post
The
guards at the Prince's Palace remind everyone of how
special Monaco is and that each and every government is
different. Monaco has a governmental structure that
works.
The Monaco Cathedral
You
should also visit the Monaco Cathedral. This is where
Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly were married and also
where Grace Kelly is buried. There are also a good
number of the
Grimaldi family buried here, as well.
Monaco-Ville Cafes
If you
are in Monaco-Ville for lunch and to watch the "Changing
of the Guards" ceremony, there are several wonderful
little sidewalk cafes along the narrow pedestrian street
that you might enjoy.
An Overview of the
Harbor in Monte Carlo
The
foot of the harbor is where all of the action is. It is
made up of restaurants, boutiques, shops and so on. They
populate the harbor front and the side streets that take
off from there. This is where we will go next.
Monte Carlos Beautiful
"Building Scape"
On the
way back down the trail to the harbor area one can't
help but notice the unique way that the hillside
structures create an interesting collage of buildings.
Monaco Harbor Contrasts
The
seemingly contrasting visuals lead one to really
appreciate Monaco for what it is.
The Main Street From
the Prince's Palace Back to the Harbor
As you
eventually make your way into the harbor area you will
find a wide pedestrian street that will lead you down to
the harbor front.
A Typical Harbor Area
Sidewalk Cafe
The
area around the harbor front is loaded with excellent
sidewalk cafes. This is where I would suggest that you
spend your lunch time. Seafood, crepes and French
cuisine is offered in a typical French environment.
More Sidewalk Cafes
You
will find quaint cafes up nearly every single street
that leads off of the water front.
Sidewalk Cafes on the
Waterfront
There
are also many sidewalk cafes right on the water front.
It is just a matter of fiding the right menu, right
price range and right ambiance for your personal tastes.
Yachts Lied Up in
Monaco
Leaving
the harbor area one walks up the eastern side of the
harbor one gets a wonderful view of some extremely
expensive yachts and an overview of the entire harbor.
Looking at Monaco From
the Eastern Side
Once
you get to the top of the walkway you will be treated
with yet another view of Monaco that is very motivating.
The city is breathtaking and this view just adds to it.
The Casino, hotels,
fountains and shops that make up the Casino Square
Walking
past the casino and into the various gardens that occupy
the area above the casino, one is treated to a view of
the entire area. This is probably the most expensive
real estate in the world.
The Casino
One of
the things that is so unusual about Monte Carlo is the
density of expensive automobiles. You see Ferraris on
every block and driving around town like they were VWs.
This picture just about sums it up. Be sure to check out
the boutiques in and around the casino. One jewelry
store has solid diamond watches in their window that
must cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of
dollars. This is the very heart of Monte Carlo.
Off the
Beaten Path:
The Beach in Nice
Monte
Carlo is just the start of the wonderful villages and
cities located on the French Riviera. To explore the
neighboring villages of Eze,
Villefranche, Nice and
beyond be sure to read the special report on
transportation in the French Riviera. The best way to
see any of the Cote d' Azur villages or cities is to
take the local bus.
The Bus From Monte
Carlo to Nice
Taking the Bus:
Take bus #100 to Nice and all points in between. The
only spot this bus does not go to is the village of Eze.
For Eze, you need to go to the train station and take
the elevator all the way to the top and catch the bus
there. It will stop right across the street from the
entrance to Eze. The fare to Nice (or anywhere in
between) is 1.70 euro. Also the buses run frequently, so
there is never a long wait. The sign on the bus will say
"Nice",
If you have been there and
done that for all of the places between Monte Carlo and
Nice, then try going east on the bus to Menton. It is
the same bus #100, but heading east towards Menton.
Menton is a wonderful beach oriented city that has
several beaches including akid friendly one. Great
restaurants, shopping and tons of fun. The bus will say
"Menton" on its sign. Again, it is the same price.
You will see bus stop
signs all over Monte Carlo, but a good place to pick up
the bus to Nice is on the east side of the harbor on the
road that comes from the casino. The bus to Menton uses
different roads to go east through Monte Carlo, so the
best place to catch it is on he road above the gardens
behind the casino.
Taking
the Train: There are
only a couple of reasons to take the train from Monte
Carlo. If you are going to travel past Nice, say to
Cannes, then the train is the way to go. Also, if you
are ported in Villefranche, then the train might be more
convenient. The train station in Villefranche is right
on the beach practically, while the bus goes through
Villefranche on the upper road that requires a good
amount of climbing to get to. While climbing down into
the old section of Villefranche is not as difficult as
climbing up, it is still might be challenging for some.
Be aware though, that not all Monaco - Nice trains stop
in Villefranche. So be sure that the one you are going
to ride does.
The Monaco train station
is deep underground and has two entries. The main entry
is only about two blocks from the bottom of the trail
that leads to Monaco-Ville and the palace. If you walk
north (away from the trail) you will see a store selling
newspapers, candy and the like. The entrance is right
next to that. You can ask anyone and they can help you
find it. You will proceed through a long, but well lit
tunnel to get to the tracks. To purchase a ticket, go up
the escalator into the train station's main area and buy
one from the ticket booths located there. If you want a
fabulous shot of Monte Carlo tae the elevator located
just beyond the ticketing area to the top and exit the
entry way and cross the street. You are now on top of
Monte Carlo overlooking the entire city. Return to the
tracks in just the reverse order to catch your train.
Dining
and Drinking Suggestions:
You can't
miss in Monte Carlo. Just pick a restaurant and enjoy!
Must Do
List:
Visiting Monte Carlo
On Your Own is something that no one should miss.
On Your Own
Reviews
(How to Venture On
Your Own with Detailed Information)
Traveling
the French Riviera On Your Own By Bus: Thinking
about exploring the Cote d Azur between Menton and Nice?
Here are all the details to be able to accomplish it
with no hassle. Have a FUN day!
Visiting the French Riviera On
Your Own by Train: Thinking
about exploring the Cote d Azur via train?
Here are all the details to be able to accomplish it
with no hassle. Have a FUN day!
Reader
ePortReviews
(Please Click the Review you'd like to read)
