Lookout point near the Institut Oceanographique de Monaco
Lookout point near the Institut Oceanographique de Monaco
Monaco’s main port
Monte Carlo casino, home of the high rollers
Monaco in all its grandeur
Unexpected piece of modern art in Eze
Cobblestone alleyway in Eze
Billionaire’s Bay from Villefranche-Sur-Mer
Our day trip to Monaco on Day 21 could not have come at a better time. We were anxious to get out of Cannes to see what the rest of the Riviera had to offer, and excited to get back into action - one can only lay out on the beaches in Southern France for so long before starting to feel unproductive! We had lots of sights to see and cities to visit so we decided to book a guided tour so as to make the best use of our time and get the most out of our last day in this part of the country. Not only that, but this specific tour led us through Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Eze, the Fragonard parfum factory, and La Tubrie before finally ending in Monaco, so we were able to see a lot given our timeframe. Our tour guide for the day was a Brazilian-born Nicoise who was friendly, funny, and laid back, and we shared our trip with an adorable couple from Fresno who were in Cannes celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. We made a solid group and thank goodness for that as we were in close quarters for the better half of a day. Starting our tour in Cannes, we made our way through Nice - driving along the Promenade Des Anglais and passing through Old Town before hitting our first stop, a lookout point in Villefranche-Sur-Mer where we took in sweeping views of Billionaire’s Bay - the playground of the rich and famous, including America’s own Paul Allen. The view spanned all the way to Île Sainte-Marguerite islands just past Cannes and offered a great opportunity to take in all the famous coastlines that make the Riviera so famous. After Villefranche-Sur-Mer we stopped in Eze, a charming hilltop village that I swear is made entirely of cobblestones. We didn’t have nearly enough time in this village and it’s already on my list of places to return. The town looks straight out of a Disney movie - tiny shops nestled in cobblestone alleys, ivy and rod iron gates framing every doorway, old French shopkeepers, and stellar views from the top of the village. The best part? It’s small enough not to get lost - every alley eventually leads you back down, or down a hidden corner with some picturesque setting to dead end into. While in Eze, we toured the Fragonard parfum factory, where we tested our noses, watched the workers make soaps, parfums, and lotions, and take part in a private “taste” test where we sampled several parfums and oils. We left smelling delicious, but with a serious fragrance headache! The lingering headache was quickly washed away, though, by the incredible view that awaited us as we drove from Eze through St. Tubrie and down into Monaco. Though small in sheer kilometers, Monaco makes up for its geographic size in attitude and atmosphere. The place oozes glamour and sophistication and one can’t help but feel fabulous when walking its grounds. We spent time in the main square near the Monte Carlo Casino where we got our fair share of the high life, before heading to the Marina to drool over the yachts belonging to anonymous Russian billionaires. I hesitate to even call these yachts - they are more like floating mansions! We then made our way up to the Palace area where we got our fill of royal hoopla as preparations were in full swing for Europe’s second royal wedding - the gorgeous South African Charlene Wittstock to Prince Albert of Monaco. We saw the church where they will wed, the residence of Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, and best of all, got a sneak peek at Prince Albert himself when his motorcade drove right past us! What are the odds?The couple from Fresno thought it was hilarious how excited I was, but what can I say, I’ve caught the royal bug! After our brush with royalty, we hit the road headed back to Cannes as our driver played us some French music. It goes without saying that our trip to Monaco was perfection. Not everyone who visits gets to see the Prince himself!
I’m still here, just taking a temporary break from blogging as I explore the City of Light, my indisputable favorite and last stop on my journey. I owe everyone updates on Monaco and our first few days in Paris, but between the spotty Internet and my full days here, I haven’t the time. This city is too incredible to be cooped up inside on my iPad. Pictures and posts will come, but bear with me as I enjoy the last few days of my adventure and soak up my new favorite city in the world!
Bonjour!
It sparkles even brighter in person
