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Monaco Holidays

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All-out luxury on the French Riviera

Measuring just 200 hectares, Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country, topped only by The Vatican in Rome. And while it may be teeny tiny, this principality in the French Riviera has been in the spotlight for decades. Its talked-about royal family has generated countless column inches, it welcomes thousands each spring for the Grand Prix, and the Monte-Carlo Casino inspired Ian Fleming’s first ever Bond novel. In fact, the entertainment complex has since made several cameos in the 007 movies.

Monaco’s star quality is best appreciated in the iconic Monte Carlo district – a glitzy, palm-cloaked bubble of sports cars and five-star hotels, which looks out over the harbour below. For the best shoreline scenery, follow the garden trails behind the casino, where avant-garde sculptures give way to epic viewpoints. This is real Champagne and caviar territory, and Monte Carlo’s elegant eateries serve inventive, well-presented dishes with pricey wine lists to match. You can work up an appetite shopping in Carre d’or, or, ‘Golden Square’.

This immaculate open-air mall packs in luxury names like Celine, Hermes and Balenciaga. Monaco’s hilltop Old Town provides a stark contract to the glamour below, and is well worth the journey up. It’s in the picture-perfect Monaco-Ville neighbourhood next to the Prince’s Palace and, among its cobbled alleyways, you’ll find family-run restaurants and bakeries that have been passed down through generations.

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    YOUR MONACO QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

    Sidestep the main streets and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the prices in the cafés and restaurants.
    While Monaco is small, it doesn’t quite break the record for being the smallest country. That’s a title held by Vatican City, which has an area of around 0.5 square kilometres compared to Monaco’s slightly larger two square kilometres. However, Monaco does have the world’s smallest coastline at just under four kilometres, and it’s the smallest country in the United Nations. It takes 10 minutes to drive from Fontvieille in the east to La Rousse in the west, and less than an hour to walk the length of the country.
    Monaco is fairly walkable, taking around 45 minutes to get from east to west. There’s a reliable bus network if you don’t fancy the legwork, though.
    Monaco may well be known as the playground of the wealthy, but there are ways to visit without breaking the bank. You can find some good deals if you travel outside of the main event season. November to March, excluding the festive holidays, is usually the cheapest. There are plenty of free activities to enjoy, like sunbathing at Larvotto and strolling around the old town. And hotels are less expensive outside of Monte Carlo. There are some good options in Monaco City or near La Rousse.
    Try the Oceanographic Museum, which gives little ones a brilliant introduction to the underwater world. Top attractions include the shark lagoon and turtle exhibit.
    Yes! Monaco is more than just gambling and partying. The old town of Monaco-Ville is very low key and family-friendly, with a chilled-out atmosphere. And Condamine is a traditional Monegasque neighbourhood that’s a world apart from the glitz of Monte Carlo. Monaco is home to one of Europe’s best aquariums, and Larvotto Beach is good for families. Weather-wise, June is an excellent time for families with kids. It’s usually very dry at this time of year but it’s not quite as hot as July or August.
    Just stroll! It only takes around 45 minutes to walk from east to west, so many people like to just amble around and stop by any sights or attractions of interest. But if you prefer to have a plan, it’s a good idea to start at The Rock and see the old town and palace. The changing of the guard usually takes place in the morning, so check the schedule. The aquarium is near here, too. Then head on to the casino in Monte Carlo, which opens mid-afternoon, and finally relax on Larvotto Beach after a busy day.
    Absolutely. Monaco has all the beauty of the South of France but with the bonus of high-end glamour and unrivalled luxury. The glitz of Monte Carlo is a world apart from the small mountain villages just the other side of the French border. If you enjoy people watching, there’s perhaps no better place. While Monaco may not offer quite enough for a two-week trip, it’s a great place to spend a long weekend. Some people like to book an overnight stay during a holiday in Nice, which is 30 minutes away.
    The food in Monaco is very varied. In the old town of Monaco-Ville and around The Rock, you’ll find lots of traditional restaurants serving classic Monegasque cuisine. While, in chic Monte Carlo, there’s more of a modern feel, with Michelin-starred French, Italian, and Mediterranean restaurants. There are also down-to-earth bakeries, family-friendly cafes, cheap and cheerful fast food joints, and laid-back Irish pubs. So, no matter your taste, you should find something to satisfy cravings.

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    Monte Carlo