Monaco — French Views

When you think of Monaco, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of rich and famous jetsetters, arriving by super yachts or helicopter. Do you imagine shopping for fashion by Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Saint Laurent or Hermès followed by a night of glitz and glamour in the Casino de Monte-Carlo?

Or maybe you think of a James Bond movie with plenty of action, racing a motorbike along the beachfront and through the streets in Never Say Never Again - 1983 or various scenes around the town in Golden Eye - 1995.

So, why did we go to Monaco? To drive around the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, of course.

Chris has enjoyed watching the Formula 1 Grand Prix for many years and the Monaco Grand Prix is his favourite. Some years ago, we were staying on the Côte d’Azur but had missed the race by just over a week. However, it was the opportune time to take a drive and see what Monaco was really like.

We set off from our B&B in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, stopping briefly in Nice for a coffee on the beach.

We chose the coastal route from Nice that takes about 40 minutes but there are two other main roads from which to choose. The drive is easy and very scenic.

Upon arrival, we were able to quickly park our rental car in a parking station, Parking du Casino, right near the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. The casino was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect who also designed the majestic Paris Opera. Built in 1863, the casino overlooks the Mediterranean and this architectural masterpiece has always been the home of gaming. Seen in many movies, the casino is also home to the Monte-Carlo Opera and some restaurants. You can find out more here.

*Casino de Monte-Carlo* above and below, showing the front and back of the building with a close-up of the decorative embellishments. The building was designed by Charles Garnier.

After taking photos, we strolled through Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo and purchased a quick lunch to eat as we sat in the casino garden enjoying the sunshine.

Refuelled, we walked some of the famous Grand Prix circuit through the Tunnel Larvotto, under the Hotel Fairmont Monte-Carlo, and down to Port Hercule where the huge numbers of super yachts was astounding. The route continues past the olympic-length, heated swimming pool, Stade Nautique Rainier III, which is converted to an ice rink in winter. Crews of workers, with trucks and cranes, were packing up all of the safety barriers and the huge stands that seat the crowd for the Grand Prix.

It was time to get back in the car and drive around the full circuit, including the famous hairpin at La Rascasse and the tunnel. Despite having to keep to the speed limit, it was quite a buzz to be a part of it with all of the racing banners still in place.

The circuit of the Monaco Grand Prix courtesy of the Formula 1 website

Off we go on our drive around the Monaco Formula 1 circuit at point 05 on the map above

About to enter the tunnel under the Hotel Fairmont, which is 08 on the circuit map

Through the tunnel 09 on the circuit map

Exiting the tunnel and on our way to the swimming pool at 10 on the circuit map

The Monaco circuit has been a part of the Formula 1 racing calendar since 1950. Take a spin around the course with Australian Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo. The 2022 Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco will be held on 29th May.

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state. This means it is represented by one centralised government, which serves the territory for its political, economic and cultural requirements. Located on the spectacular French Riviera, but only 15km from Italy, its coastline is only 3.83 km long with a total land area of 2.1km². Monaco-Ville is not, itself, a city but an historical and statistical district. Here you will find most of the country's political and judicial institutions; including, the Palais princier de Monaco, the town hall, the national council (parliament of Monaco), the municipal council, the courts and a prison. The other areas are of Monaco are La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvielle.

*Palais princier de Monaco* with its commanding view across the principality

Palais princier de Monaco is the official residence of Prince Albert II, the current Sovereign Prince of Monaco. He is the son of Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly, and Prince Rainier III. The House of Grimaldi, originally from Genoa, became a powerful family during maritime expeditions in the 12th century. At this time there were many kingdoms and duchys fighting over land before there were the countries of Italy or France. Monaco became a colony of Genoa and later a principality.

Jacques Cousteau was a French naval officer, explorer, filmmaker, scientist, photographer, researcher, oceanographer and co-developer of the Aqua-Lung. He pioneered marine conservation and was the original director of the Musée Océanographique de Monaco from 1957-1988. Monaco is home to one of the world’s first protected marine habitats.

Super yachts line the quay at Port Hercule

The official language of Monaco is French, the natives are called Monegasques, their currency is the Euro and driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Their flag consists of two wide horizontal bands in red and white. The local professional football team is AS Monaco FC and their home ground is Stade Louis II. Residents of Monaco (except French nationals) do not pay any tax on income, interest or capital as per this article from Sotheby’s, which also explains how you can become a resident of Monaco, even as a non-EU national.

For some more information on Monaco and Monte-Carlo, click here and here and finally here. Enjoy a tour of Monaco with this video.

Getting to Monaco: Nice Airport has a heliport that provides frequent links to Monaco in 7 minutes, drive via the motorway in under 30 minutes from Nice or travel by rail from France and Italy. Or you could arrive by cruise ship or your own super yacht!