In the morning, we went to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, by rental car. The journey from Nice takes about 45 minutes, depending on the traffic situation. Above Villefranche-Sur-Mer we stopped at a viewing platform. From here we had a great view over the bay and a cruise ship anchored there.
We continued along the coast to Monaco. First we wanted to go up to the Prince's Palace (Place du Palais). This is on a mountain between Monaco and Fontvieille. But here we had to turn around again, because a policeman only allowed cars with Monegasque license plates to enter. So we drove back towards the port. There were still significant traffic jams throughout the city due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix that ended two days ago. After passing the start-finish straight, we headed for a multi-storey car park near the famous casino. The parking prices are identical in the many underground car parks, which are distributed throughout the city. We paid 9.40 EUR for 4:30 hours.
Casino Monte Carlo
The Casino Monte-Carlo was inaugurated in 1865 and is one of the most prestigious and elegant places in the heart of the Principality. Since the dress code (men must wear a jacket, tie and appropriate shoes) is said to be very strict, we were only able to admire the building from the outside. All around, some rich residents parked their expensive cars. So I was able to photograph a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, among other things. Then we went to the Café de Paris. There is a slot machine hall where it is also possible for "mere mortals" to gamble away their euros. Here we took 5 EUR in hand and tried some machines. In between, we were even able to record a few wins, but in the end, unfortunately, the bank mostly wins.
We continued on foot along the Circuit de Monaco to the famous hairpin bend at the Fairmont Hotel. As everywhere along the route, we were struck by this unbelievable narrowness. We couldn't even imagine that Formula 1 cars race around here at 200 km/h.
Japanese Garden – Monaco
Before we walked back through the tunnel towards the port, we had a lunch break in a beautiful Japanese garden (Jardin Japonais). Here we were able to eat our sandwiches in peace until a security guard told us that eating was forbidden.
Anyone who has seen the Monaco race on TV can certainly remember the chicane after exiting the tunnel. There is actually a café here.
Port Hercule - Marina of Monaco
We continued along the harbor edge of Port Hercule. Here we again passed numerous great yachts. However, we were a bit disappointed because there were no real superlatives. The owners had probably fled with their yachts from the noise of the stands being dismantled. What was interesting and new for me was that there is a small swimming pool with a diving platform between the back straight from the start and finish, between the grandstands. I had never noticed this on TV broadcasts. At the end of the port passage we came across the Rascasse, a very sharp right-hand bend on the Formula 1 circuit. The entrance to the pit lane is just behind it.
Prince's Palace of Moncao
We climbed several flights of stairs to the Prince's Palace. Unfortunately we missed the changing of the guard, which takes place every day around noon. Nevertheless, a visit up here is recommended, as you can enjoy a great view over the harbor and the city.
Back at the port we walked through the streets and found a car dealership called "Monaco Motors". Men can fulfill their car dreams here – from Ferrari to Maserati.
Are you still looking for a suitable hotel on the Côte d'Azur?
You can find a hotel that suits your budget through the various online travel agencies such as Agoda,Booking.com,ebookers.de,Expedia,Hotels.com,lastminute.de, opodo, otel.com or Venere.com.
After arriving back at the casino, we fought our way back to Nice through the heavy traffic.
