Go Overseas With Ease: Monaco and Monte Carlo

Monaco and Monte Carlo

Monaco-April 8, 2014

Today, I visited the jet-set principality of Monaco, the world's second smallest country behind Vatican City, independent for 800 years. Yes, it is the epicenter of lifestyles of the rich and famous and at least one third of its residents are millionaires. The city is gleaming with luxury high-rise apartment complexes owned by the well-heeled and moneyed crowd. It is also considered to be one of the safest places on earth because it is well guarded with police and cameras on every corner. It is certainly not a military nation as there are more people in Monaco's Philharmonic Orchestra (100 people) than its army (80 guards). Interestingly, although Monaco is independent, it is still managed as a piece of France. Of note, Monaco's phone system, electricity, water, etc. are all French.

I learned that the principality of Monaco consist of three distinct tourist areas: 1) Monaco-Ville (old town), 2) Monte Carlo where the casino is located, and 3) La Condamine (the port which divides Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo). Most tourists visit Monaco Ville and then the casino in Monte Carlo.

I decided to begin my day by taking the long scenic hike up to Monaco-Ville. This is the oldest section, home to the prince’s palace, several key museums, and all other sites except for the casino.

Most beautiful is a cliff-side, lush, promenade-filled park and gardens carved out of the face of the big rock leading up to the palace. With the sea on one side and the lush gardens on the other, the view is simply spectacular. A feast for the eyes.

It took me more than one hour to arrive at the top and there were only two short elevators; the rest was all steep climbing. I think I got my exercise for the month!

I walked around the sumptuous palace buildings and saw the crowd waiting for the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. I did not stay.

Next, I decided to stroll over to the train station and take the train into Nice for the rest of the day. I kept feeling I was lost because it was a very long confusing walk with lots of twists and turns. The ride from Monaco to Nice is 20 minutes but it took me longer to find the Monaco train station. Alas, I finally found the train station and went to Nice, passing beautiful and beloved towns such as Villefranche-Sur-Mer and Eze. The train fare cost €3.80 each way.

Unfortunately, upon arrival in Nice, it began to rain. Since I planned to take an all-day, self-guided walking tour outside, it did not make sense to continue. So, I bought a return trip ticket and decided to head back to Monaco. There were a couple of long delays and a cancelled train so I was very happy that the ship stayed in Port until 11 PM. I heard of someone with a worse story—she was left by her tour group and had to make her own way back to Monaco. At least I speak French!