Monaco
Shore Excursion and Port Review
Monaco, On Your Own

Nancy Norris

This part of my whirlwind tour of the French Riviera was just a portion of a wonderful guided tour provided by Revelation Tours. We had pre-booked the services of their 8 passenger van before leaving home and it was a truly wise investment. Our tour actually began in Villefranche-Sur-Mer where the Millennium had anchored. I have written a separate review of the absolutely beautiful seaside village of Villefranche, as well as reviews of Eze, Nice and Cannes that were also visited during our trip. This review, however, will detail the Monaco portion of my itinerary.

Only a short distance from Eze (our last stop of our tour), but world’s apart, lay the chic and stylish 370 acre principality of Monaco. I must admit I was drawn to Monaco by the allure of its tax free status and well-known wealthy and royal inhabitants, but I was not prepared for the awesome beauty of my first glimpse of this precipice by the sea. Hanging off white cliffs, in contrast to the blue sea below, Monaco consists of four parts. The old-town, Monaco-Ville sets high on a promontory 60 meters high. Otherwise known as “The Rock”, this is the setting for the Royal Palace and other government buildings, as well as the Oceanographic Museum. The Oceanographic Museum is home to one of the oldest and best-stocked aquariums in the world, thanks in part to its one-time curator Commander Cousteau. The views it affords alone are reason for a visit. From the museum, one can walk the promenade through the beautifully manicured gardens of St. Martin to the Cathedral. Prince Ranier and Grace Kelly were married in this 13th century cathedral. She is also buried here and her gravesite is open for public viewing inside the church. Continuing your tour on foot will lead you past the Palace of Justice, the Place du Palais and on to the Prince’s Palace. These are architectural goldmines and definitely worth exploring. If you have time, there is a Napoleon Museum adjacent to the Prince’s Palace that you might wish to visit. Stopping along the way for some shopping at the summit shops is also worthwhile.

West of the bay is La Condamine, home of the Monégasques. This area is at the foot of old-town and comprises the harbor and port sector. Up from the port is Monaco’s capital, Monte Carlo. Decadent casinos, lavish gardens, posh hotels and expensive shops can be found in this sector. Unfortunately, during our visit the casinos were closed as there was a public strike. According to our ever-entertaining guide, Michel, this was not unusual. His comment, “What do expect, you are in France, someone is always on strike in France!!” The museums, cafes and shops were open, however, so we were able to take a short respite and sit at one of the outdoor cafés just outside the casino and drink in the atmosphere. I must say, I do not think I have ever been anywhere that offered the same parade of plush automobiles. Cars are not something in which I have much interest, but even I was royally impressed with the magnificent machinery that circled the gardens.

Much too soon it was time to continue our tour of the French Riviera. So, as we drove through the neat industrial suburb of Fontvieille, which is the 4th and final portion of Monaco, I reluctantly bid farewell and vowed to return again for a longer visit, particularly since I never even got a chance to check out the beach (which is always high on my priority list). Of course, I will need to save my money, since economical and inexpensive are words that do not exist in Monaco!

Ask a Question About a European Port

Ever thought of becoming a part time or home based travel agent? Follow this link to see some of the books Tom Ogg has authored.

Home Based Travel Agent

Top