One of the best places in the world to experience these mini art galleries is the Monaco Yacht Show, which is held annually in Sept in the sovereign principality.
Fringed along the Cote D’azure coast line, the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) is worth the annual pilgrimage for the incredible boats, latest in marine toys (single person underwater subs etc), art works and anything nautilus.
The Monaco Yacht Show is a fanciful array of beauty.
Beautiful people (seriously – good looking, incredibly dressed people), beautiful scenery (Porte de Monaco is special) and beautiful art works.
These are some of the amazing art pieces on some of the luxury yachts. Baring in mind many of these yachts house some of the world’s richest art collections.
When you mention Monte Carlo and Monaco to people, images of flashy designs, rich and famous and fast cars come to mind. But for me it is different. Of course those elements are there but for me, Monte Carlo (the main part of the province on Monaco) is a gate way to the Cote D’azure and many fun night clubs!
This is my forth visit to town and each visit it feels like home as the surrounds become more familiar. I find the locals very friendly and very accommodating for my high school French.
I have never had a problem with people being rude or not trying to understand me. Quite the opposite, many go out of their way and are almost flirty in nature…
I am in town for the boat show and to network for my art works.
A friend is staying at the Monaco Beach Club and suggests “hanging by the pool” which in my sleep deprived, slightly hung over state sounds heavenly.
My first experience with the hotel is overwhelming. They treat me like a princes and attend to all my needs. The breakfast buffet is simple and adequate and can be consumed overlooking the water.
After breakfast we decide to relax on the terrace (verandah) and watch life go by. Which in this case is watching super yachts bob around on the horizon as helicopters come and go, bringing in guests and supplies.
A few swimmers come to the waters edge and swim out, laughing and giggling and enjoying the serene waters.
I muster a few water colours and the sun beams down on the alcove we find ourselves in.
Beside the hotel is a bluff that is rarely used. I go exploring.
Offering some of the best views of Monte Carlo I find the bluff a childhood delight. I scale up and down it’s little walk ways and lose myself in time day dreaming about making this location home.
All in all the Beach Club Monaco is a world class hotel, offering world class views, with easy access to the beach or the 50 meter pool. The rooms are stunning and clean, the staff exemplorary and the interiors very Monte Carlo and chic. I highly recommend staying here if you can afford it .
Great food is served, an awesome wine list and DJ music the club usually kicks off after 11pm.
Perched along the Avenue Princes Grace opposite the Grimaldi Forum.
Twiga Monaco
Sporting a wonderful club on the fringe of the Cote D’azure is Twiga. Hire a booth, hang out in the shisha bar, have a dance on the club’s dance floor, Twiga is an exclusive world class night club.
Buddha Bar
Everyone knows about the Monaco Buddha Bar. With a mix of locals, tourists and ” others” who offer paid services, you can have a pretty good time at Buddha Bar.
I seem to find myself here every visit – the outdoor area is good, the indoor club area fine and well, it’s just central and a good meeting place.
You will find it on the Italian side of the casino.
Le Meridien Beach Plaza
Underneath Le Meridien is the fun and accommodating Amber Summer. Open 24 hours, it is the place to go to late in the night. You can grab a cocktail, a dance or a warm blanket.
La Rascasse
Situated down on the docks in the lap of the palace is La Rascasse. I have had a few fun nights here but it can get very rowdy and isn’t as sophisticated as the other options. Great fun with a crowd.
Nikki Beach Monaco
This is a fun place and always great for a relaxing drink under the stars. You will find your way up to the salacious lounges through the casino. I have had a few BIG parties at Nikki Beach, with people jumping in the pool and very much like a scene out of a movie. Other nights it has been quiet. Definitely worth a look and drink.
The bus gives you a good lay out of the land, and takes you to key points.
The audio (in many different languages explains the history of the Monagese, the Monach, the grand prix and takes you to heaps of fun venues.
I have been to Monte Carlo a few times but this is the first time to the Musee l’ Oceanigraphy. You know thinking I had seen all the aquariums in the world!
This was amazing.
Patting sharks
Patting sharks.
Incredible coral reef fish.
A turtle called Rani.
The jelly fish display is wonderful.
You can visit the Musee and Palace by foot by simply walking up the hill, or stopping off on the on and off bus.
I love the walk up to the palace, it weaves along the dramatic coast line and brings you closer to the wonderful area that it really is.
Today I am keen to do one thing – give Prince Albert one of my paintings, but visiting the musee and palace become a wonderful distraction and experience.
The Palace (home of the Grimaldis) is a world famous landmark. For over 500 years the family have lived in the castle which is also a palace. You can take a tour through the palace and see where Louis the King lived and how they experienced life. I was quite overwhelmed with the grandeuse of the palace, the gifts other countries had given to the family over the years and the fact it is still functional today.
Still used for entertaining and formal ocassions you walk along the marble tiles where many world dignaturies have walked, brushing along the curtains as they do. It brings home to me that we are all one species, one people.
I am informed to contact the soldiers, to pass my modest gift to Prince Albert. They take me to his body guards who sign me in and then graciously take me gift. The assure me that Princes Charlene and Prince Albert will receive my paintings and note.A note that read simply as a piece of gratitude. Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with CCTV on every corner, the whole town is under surveillance. As a women, I appreciate the safety it offers.
After visiting the palace I wander to the Oceanicgeographic not really expecting much to be honest. I few weeks ago I had been to Seaworld on the Gold Coast, which is somewhere I have been going to for years with the kids. Seaworld has a wonderful aquarium and interactive pools with animals that I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be impressed. Well, I didn’t have any expectations.I was blown away!
Turn out the musee is very interactive – you can pat sharks, get close to large tanks and the jelly fish display is surreal.
I discovered many fish I had never seen before, was excited by the jelly fish display and got to talk with Rani the turtle (yes I talk with turtles)!.
It is a wonderful aquarium and museum and I think any visit to Monaco, especially if you have 2 days should include a visit.
And to my painting for Prince Albert – I am waiting an email from him, saying he has received it. I would dearly love to draw the royal family, or draw one of their favorite scenes and have it hung in Monte Carlo. Or maybe i will be their naturopath if not artist.
Funny, as with most things in life, experiencing these things are only ever a belief away.
So I have (for most of my life) asked the questions like “why not?”
Catching a helicopter to Monaco is the only way
Why not fly a helicopter into Monte Carlo? It is quick (only seven minutes), it is the same as a taxi (approx 130 pounds) and is way sexier.
I loved it.
From arriving in Nice (customs are really friendly in Nice which is a pleasant change) it is about thirty minutes until your door step in Monte Carlo.
Disembark, easy luggage collect, and taken to the helicopter. On you jump, and disembark in Monte Carlo.
Monaco is surreal.
Boasting some of the world’s most expensive and glamourous coast line it is nothing short of stunning and breathe taking.
I always pretend to be Grace Kelly’s when I arrive in Monaco. It’s like a European Hollywood but with style (sorry down town LA).
The province of Monaco wrapped by France on one side and Italy on the other. Stretching deep into the sky is a monolith known as The Rock of Monaco. It is spectacular and I am sure many lose themselves in the imagination, just like me when they visit there.
The beautiful face of The Rock of Monaco
I imagine that anything and everything is possible.
I am sure I change the way I walk, the way I talk and the poise I bring to the day. I really step it up and love the slinky walks and smiles. I pretend to be a local Monegasque and I love it. I feel I am.
There is a lot to do in Monaco and some world known events such as The Monaco Grand Prix (in May every year) and the Monaco Boat Show (something I love attending).
Helicopters on boats in Ports De Monaco
Outside of those events there are a wonderful range of concerts, football matches, operas and the like. In fact Monaco is a very social country that comes to life at night.
Often I reflect fondly on town and place because of the restaurant experience.
Atmosphere, food, service and views are all aspects that go into making the restaurants below some of my favs world wide.
These are a few of the restaurants that ignite my taste buds and sensations :
La Rose Des Vents on Larvotto Beach, Monaco
La Rose Des Vents, Monaco
The great appeal of this restaurant for me is the fact it is on a beach in Monaco. It is accommodating (I have turned up straight from the beach) and or as glitzy as you want.
Seafood at La Rose Des Vents Monaco
The food is delicious and I only have seafood when I go there. Terrains, kebabs, fresh seafood. It is all devine and delish! Check it out here.
2. Frogmore’s Creek, Tasmania, Australia
Chess piece ice cream from Frogmore’s Creek Restaurant
Set outside of Hobart in Tasmania on a vineyard is a wonderful restaurant called Frogmore’s. I have had the pleasure of eating there twice and each time has been mind blowing. This is a more extensive blog about it and their website here. Fly down to Hobart just for lunch!
3. Rae’s on Wategos, Byron Bay, Australia
Julian Rocks off Wategos
Overlooking arguably one of the best beaches in the world is Rae’s on Wategos.
It’s a perfect for a long lunch with a great conversationalist or friend. You will be served scrumptious delights, not overly large which is good, and fantastic wines.
4. The African Queen, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France
Desserts from The African Queen
The day we turned up here was a story in itself. Winding down the steep curved road cut into the French coast line, overlooking the vast ocean and cote’d azure we stumbled across The African Queen.
Chilled Champagne, delicate cerviche and the most amazing desserts, The African Queen could win alone on food. But it also has a magestic out look and relaxed atmosphere.
This definitely goes on one of my favorite restaurant’s list.
5. Chez Gado Gado, Bali, Indonesia
A simple, comfortable restaurant by the ocean in Seminyak. The food is great, abundant and refreshing breeze is worth traveling for. I have had a few meals at Chez Gado Gado and all have been worthy. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night you should book in advance.
Let me know your favourite restaurants in the comments and I will try to visit them 🙂
Eating along the Cote D’Azure is as much about the views, the air and the magnificent charm and its one of those places where I pretend I am some one famous. Why Not? I am fortunate to have been to Monaco a few times and it is everything people rave about and more.
It’s grandeur, friendliness and sheer beauty is spectacular. I am a huge fan and adore going there!
My average day in Monaco is relaxed at the start and glitzy at the end.
Helicopter ride into Monaco- the only way to travel from Nice to Monaco
Slow waking ups… a swim in the cote D’azure (Larvotto Beach)… a late breakfast and coffee then home to change. I seem find myself eating at La Rose des Vents sur la plage du Larvotto (beach) regularly.
Usually I don’t make too much of an effort back home but in Monaco I rise to the occasion. I really frock up and really enjoy it.
Nice clothes, make up, taking time to groom – it’s actually quite fun. (And essential in Monaco).
Lunches are always fun and there are many fantastic places to indulge. French food, Italian nibbles, all with a Monagese influence. Seriously I don’t think I have had one bad meal in Monaco- it’s always good!
Painting over looking Bay de Monaco
Monaco is a independent principality and it’s history has always fascinated me.
Stories about Grace Kelly and princes and casinos and glamour have held my fairy-tale intrigue for years and I love the fact that now I am a “grown-up” I can go and play out my own little fantasies. Even if they are to simply dine along the Cote D’Azure pretending to be royalty or someone special!
Classic red car outside the casinoheli pad on your boat?!My fav
For two years I have been in Monaco for the boat show painting. It is the best eye opener in the world, full of insightful interesting people… and big toys!
These are some of my drawings that I have done while being there.
