The City That Radiates Glitz
If you want to see a place that sparkles like no other, go to Monaco. Less than the size of Central Park, the Principality of Monaco sits in the French Riviera, completely bordered by France and adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. This jewel of a microstate is the second smallest country in the world, second only to the Vatican. Don’t worry, though. Although small, Monaco has no shortage of ways to fill your afternoons under the French sun.
A day in Monaco is a day well spent. Photo by Claudia Hedrick
Last fall, I was able to spend two weekends in Monaco, one in September and the other in November. It is, without a doubt, the most glamorous place on the globe. Known mainly for the extravagant and opulent lifestyle it offers, Monaco doesn’t fail to be the most entertaining place to people (or car) watch. During my weekends there, I was able to knock a few places off of my bucket list.
Extraordinary, no? Photo by Andrew Malenowski
We first stayed at the Fairmont Hotel, which overlooks the Mediterranean. The hotel is right above the Circuit de Monaco, which is notorious for the Formula 1 Grand Prix race held there each year. If you are a car enthusiast, Monaco is the perfect place for you. Home to many car shows, Monaco attracts lovers of cars, who bring some of the most extraordinary of their kind.
The hotel was within a short, convenient walk to Casino Square, which is in the heart of the city. Casino de Monte Carlo is known for its feature in James Bond’s Casino Royale. During the day, the square acts as a museum; visitors can walk around and enter all the different rooms that may be private during the night. To the right of the casino is Cafe de Paris, an incredible brasserie. It’s the perfect spot to drink a cappuccino and take it all in.
You can almost taste the glamour and glitz, can’t you? Photo by Claudia Hedrick
Monaco is built on a cliff, which means that if you go to one of the highest points, you’ll see the most incredible views, particularly of colorful houses painted across a beautifully pink and orange-hued sky. At night you’ll see the principality sparkle from the top of the cliff down to the yachts in the harbor. Truly magical.
There is also the Prince’s Palace, where tickets to view the changing of the guards are available daily. This Monaco-Ville palace’s exterior is highly recommended by many visitors. There’s even an option to take a tour of the state rooms and see where the Grimadli family has lived as well.
BRB, we’re busy here. Photo by Claudia Hedrick
Aside from all the glitz and glamour Monaco has to offer, it also flaunts an exotic garden that is home to a thousand cacti and countless other plants with hypertrophic leaves. This exotic garden is accompanied by an observatory cave, where you can go on guided tours of magnificent sights.
The shopping is nothing less than impeccable. From Hermès to Cartier to Valentino, if you are looking for luxury brands, this place is heaven. Popular shopping areas for haute couture are Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo and Centre Commercial de Fontvieille, both of which are located in Monte Carlo, one of Monaco’s four traditional quarters.
The city of Nice is only about a half-hour drive from Monte Carlo, which is a charming beach town. We drove in for a visit one morning and took a sustainable boat tour in the harbor to explore all it had to offer. There are countless other spots in Côte d’Azur, all of which I’m sure are worth your while, that are just a short drive away.
I adored Monte Carlo so much the first time I visited, which could explain why I found myself back there a few weeks down the line. It may be very small, but it’s an integral part of what makes Monaco such a unique gem. Until we meet again, Monaco.
Featured image found here.