Monaco - The French Riviera

The French Riviera – Monaco

Monaco is a small Principality within the borders of France, on the French Riviera. There are two things to know about Monaco:

• It is beautiful
• It is expensive

Monaco has arguably the best, most expensive real estate in the world and because it is also a tax haven, many celebrities, wealthy British aristocrats and sportspeople make their home here to avoid paying taxes in their home country.

Interesting things to see include the Casino, which has a beautiful garden and terrace and the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. Just remember, this is an expensive European Casino and unlike the American counterparts, a strict dress code is applied. Men must wear a jacket and tie (they will let jeans through) and women need to be appropriately dressed also, a halter top and cut-off jeans which were great on the beach will be turned away. The Casino was built in 1878, is paved in marble and has 28 onyx Ionic columns. Opera, ballet and classical music concerts are staged here throughout the year and the auditorium is stunning. You can check their schedule at http://www.casino-monte-carlo.com

The reason I recommend the Casino is you can have a taste of style and see some spectacular architecture without spending a penny. You do not have to play at the tables, but if you are intent on losing some money, this is about the classiest place on the planet to do it. Many local residents choose to take their lunch break in the gardens.

The Oceanographic museum is perched on top of a cliff looking out to sea and is also spectacular in a different way. The views are incredible. The aquarium itself is world-renowned and has more than 4,000 species of fish on display. Their website is here: http://www.oceano.mc

Monaco is the cultural center of the French Riviera, and there is something going on almost every day, in and out of season; world-class ballet, opera,, a philharmonic orchestra. Monaco also has a slightly milder climate than the rest of the French Riviera, almost a micro-climate created by the enormous wall of rock standing behind at the base of the Alps. Definitely worth a visit, if only to see how many Ferraris you can count if a day.

One time NOT to visit, unless you are coming specifically to see the race, is during the Grand Prix. The city of Monte Carlo comes to a dead halt, prices increase anything up to a hundred times the normal rate and all the roads are closed. And it will probably rain, which, if anything, makes for a better race.

There are more millionaires per square mile here than anywhere else in the world and some of the restaurants and cafés reflect that. If you want a little better value for money eating out in Monaco, go out for lunch rather than dinner. Even the most expensive restaurants have a set price meal at lunch time and they will often include wine.