Take a spin to this Mediterranean principality
The world’s second smallest country more than makes up for its diminutive size with wealth, glitz and glam in abundance. Despite all the ostentatious wealth on show there are still plenty of simpler pleasures to enjoy, such as a charming old town, historical buildings and several pleasant green spaces.
Around a third of its inhabitants are millionaires, so you’ll likely rub shoulders with wealthy types mooring their yachts, taking their chances in the famous Monte Carlo Casino or posing on Monte Carlo Beach Club’s artificial beach. The annual Monaco Grand Prix also draws a well-heeled crowd each May when the city comes to a standstill. You can walk the circuit any time of year though. Look out for swish Porsches and other motors parked along the route. For a dose of high culture call in at the Opera House built by Charles Garnier in 1875, the mastermind behind the Paris Opera House, or check out the 13th Century Prince’s Palace of Monaco to see how the local nobility live. Or tour museums dedicated to naval history, stamps and coins, and Prehistoric Anthropology.
Browse the outdoor market stalls at La Condamine Market – the perfect place to try local specialities such as barbagiuans, Swiss chard and ricotta fritters, or book a table at the ritzy Mada One restaurant to taste chef Marcel Ravin’s signature dish, the Monegu, a ‘travel cake’ inspired by brioche and panettone in the colours of the Monaco flag. Escape the microstate’s relentless urbanity with a stroll in the Princess Grace Rose Garden of Fontvieille Park which is dotted with 4,000 rose bushes and numerous sculptures. Book your flights to Nice to discover all this and more. If you're feeling really fancy pick up a private helicopter transfer from Nice airport and arrive in style.