Live Your Best Lives
"Of all the dreams in life that we hope to realize,
Find a place that belongs to you
Without hesitation
No utilitarianism
To love and be loved unconditionally
This is my fairy tale."
——"Princess of Monaco"
This is the last line of Grace Kelly, the heroine in the movie "Grace of Monaco". It tells of a woman's longing and happiness for a pure life and heroic dreams after experiencing a major change in her life role.
The film tells the story of Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly, who marries Prince Rainier III of Monaco. During a political crisis between Monaco and France, she struggles to choose between returning to Hollywood and saving her country. Wisdom, strength, and a sense of responsibility—she showcases the ultimate feminine charm, and the story, set against a realistic historical backdrop, fueled my endless curiosity and imagination about this tiny nation.
A "country within a country" along the Mediterranean coast
One of the three principalities in Europe (the other two are Liechtenstein and Luxembourg)
The second smallest country in the world (the smallest is Vatican City) is two-thirds the size of the Summer Palace in Beijing.
Possessing the most luxurious configuration in the world
Palace Casino Beach Yacht Michelin
Dazzling and addictive
I once saw someone ask on Zhihu: Are there poor people in Monaco? What is it like to live in Monaco?
The answer is: Monaco has no poor people. It's one of the few cities in the world without slums, and its per capita GDP exceeds that of more common wealthy countries like Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, and Qatar. Housing prices are the highest in the world, ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 euros per square meter. It's a truncated truth: a house in remote areas of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou can only exchange for one square meter. Most people living in Monaco are from France and Italy, commuting to work during the day and returning home to sleep at night. Among the wealthy residents of Monaco, the topic of conversation is no longer whether they own a yacht, but rather comparing the length of their yachts... Here, simply visit a decent cafe and you might rub shoulders with celebrities or even aristocrats!
Monaco resembles a "universal world" because its inhabitants are the rich. It's more like the future, with only two classes: those who own jets and those who ride buses. French and Italian workers bus through Monaco to serve the wealthy.
In 1861, Monaco signed an agreement with France, whereby France recognized Monaco's independence and Monaco relinquished its ownership of the communes of Menton and Roquebrune (now part of France). Monaco's territory was reduced from 20 square kilometers to 1.98 square kilometers. Later, Monaco enacted a constitution, establishing itself as a constitutional monarchy. France guaranteed Monaco's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Prince of Monaco pledged to exercise sovereignty with full respect for France's political, economic, maritime, and military interests. In 1956, Grace Kelly, the 27th Academy Award winner, married Prince Rainier III, the head of state, bringing this small nation of Monaco to international prominence.
Euros (It is recommended to exchange them in China before going. If you are really short of time, don't worry, you can exchange them at the airport, and there are many currency exchange points in tourist cities. You can also apply for a Global Credit Card in China and use it abroad to pay back in RMB when you get home.)
The local cost of living in Monaco is…very high! (You can bring some dry food from Nice…)
The official language is French, with Italian, English, and Monegasque commonly spoken. (Monaco has a large expatriate population. Many French and Italians, due to its geographical location, commute to Monaco for work during the day and return to their home countries after get off work. Salaries in Monaco are high, but housing is unaffordable!)
Monaco is a popular destination all year round, but summer is peak season! Most tourists visit Monaco for the French Riviera, the French Riviera, which is perfect for a summer getaway. So, a summer trip offers both the sunshine and warmth of this coastal city and a chance to experience the mystique and luxury of this tiny country.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
Palais du Prince
To experience the opulence of Monaco, the first place to visit is the Prince's Palace. Home to the Monegasque royal family, this Louis XIV-style palace boasts lavish furnishings, numerous masterpieces by masters of art from the 16th to 19th centuries, and a 13th-century marble staircase. You can also admire the hundreds of vintage cars collected by Prince Rainier III, husband of Grace Kelly. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:55 AM in the square in front of the palace, so be sure to arrive early!
Next to the Royal Palace is the old town of Monaco
Wandering through the narrow streets and alleys of the old town is truly a great enjoyment. The houses on both sides of the streets are of different styles, with warm yellow tones and colorful houses, one close to the other. The narrow streets are often connected by even narrower alleys. When walking through the streets and alleys, you may sometimes walk under the arches unknowingly... This old town still retains the mysterious medieval color.
(Photography: Winter Sunshine)
The Casino de Monte Carlo
(Photography: Winter Sunshine)
This is a landmark in Monte Carlo, the gambling capital. Its ostentatious architecture, the resplendent casino palace, and the fleet of luxury cars outside the casino entrance are a sight you'll never see before. To enter the casino, you'll need your passport and a €10 ticket. Even if you don't want to risk your luck, you can still watch the gamblers intently betting—a truly entertaining spectacle. At every table, frantic people are betting lavishly, and every night, dramas of overnight riches and rags of poverty unfold.
Circute de Monaco
One of the four most famous circuits in the world, it's known as the "Crown Jewel" of F1. Built on streets, it's the shortest of the F1 circuits, boasting the slowest corners and a renowned tunnel. Because it's a street race, the team's refueling stations are small and narrow. However, due to the technical demands of the track, where suspension and tires are crucial, only the best drivers can achieve victory, and their dream is to win the Monaco Grand Prix. Here, speed and passion are a constant fixture!
Hercules Port
Port Hercules is located on the coast of Monte Carlo, Monaco's largest city, at the foot of Monaco-Ville, home to the Royal Palace. As one of Monaco's few deepwater ports, it has long been utilized and developed as a vital hub for trade. The port boasts excellent conditions, with large luxury cruise ships docked in the outer harbor and yachts of all sizes and shapes moored within. Monaco's wealthy population and the abundance of luxury yachts make for a truly spectacular sight.
Oceanographic Museum
Opening hours: April to June 9:30-19:00, July to August 9:30-19:30, September 9:30-9:00, October to March 10:00-18:00.
Tickets: Full price €14, €7 for children aged 4 to 12, €10 for children aged 13 to 18 and students, free for children under 4.
This stunning museum stands 85 meters above the sea on the coast of Monaco. It boasts one of the world's richest marine collections, along with state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. Marine life from around the globe is housed in hundreds of different aquariums. In addition to its extensive aquarium collection, the museum's third floor offers a wealth of marine knowledge, covering everything from organisms to ships and ocean exploration. The entire museum is a treasure trove of marine knowledge that will leave you wanting more. Besides viewing a wide variety of marine life, you can also enjoy rooftop views of the Mediterranean Sea and Monaco!
Monaco Cathedral
(Photo by dEmOnV_V)
Monaco Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, is the church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monaco. Construction began in 1875 in the then-popular Romano-Byzantine style. Its value lies in its remarkable collection of works by pre-Renaissance Nice artists. The cathedral's unique style is so unique that it is also the resting place of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Oscar-winning actress.
Recommended route:
Nice - Monaco - Eze - Nice
Nice - Eze - Monaco - Nice
1. Train: Nice – Monaco
(From Nice Train Station to Monaco, it only takes 31 minutes)
2. Train: Eze Town - Monaco
(It only takes 17 minutes to get to Monaco from the town of Eze)
Lamb stew with prunes
Despite its small size, Monaco boasts a dense population. This small yet beautiful country is never short of delicious food. The distinctive Moroccan dish, lamb stewed with prunes, is a must-try. The recipe is simple: sauté onions in olive oil and the lamb until they change color. Then, add saffron, coriander, and cinnamon and stew the lamb until it releases water. Then, add honey and prunes to the stewed lamb pot and continue stewing. The black prunes complement the red lamb beautifully, creating a beautiful color and a sweet and sour flavor that is incredibly delicious!
Crepes
When visiting Morocco, we must try the traditional snack here - crepes. Thin fan-shaped crepe skins are filled with a variety of rich ingredients, such as beef, ham, cheese, tomatoes, etc. Friends can add different ingredients according to their preferences. The aroma of wheat flour and the aroma of various vegetables blend together, which is very delicious and nutritious. This salty crepe can usually be eaten as a staple food. The more popular chocolate-flavored or fruit jam-flavored crepes are also very popular and can be eaten as desserts.
Le Café de Paris
Price per person: 50 euros
Whether you're in the lobby, adorned with vintage chandeliers, or on the terrace overlooking the street, you can savor Parisian-style desserts and delicacies. If there's a concert taking place, you can even hear musicians playing harmonicas and cornets, creating uniquely Parisian melodies.
The Louis XV Restaurant - Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris
Price per person: 80 euros
Monaco boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin restaurants, yet it boasts only one three-star Michelin restaurant on the entire Côte d'Azur. The restaurant's selection of ingredients is meticulously meticulous, with the freshest seafood provided daily by Monaco's only remaining fishing family. The menu is traditionally adapted to the day's catch, and the vegetables are primarily grown in France, not far from Monaco. This meticulous selection of ingredients promises a truly exceptional experience. The restaurant seats only 50 guests, so you'll be surrounded by a crowd as you dine! Ordering one of the chef's daily menus guarantees the best food and saves you the trouble of choosing the right dish.
Let’s first take a look at the accommodation prices in Monaco, all for one night.
So I suggest you stay in Nice! Of course, the wealthy can ignore this.
Search on Airbnb and you will find some good B&Bs.
Monaco is world-renowned for its exceptional coastal beauty and luxurious atmosphere. Come and experience the journey of a lifetime in this dreamlike country.
