Lonely Planet Pocket Nice & Monaco

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• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781787016910
• eBook ISBN: 9781788685665

Monaco

Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. A riot of high-rise hotels, super yachts and apartment blocks stacked domino-like up steep hillsides, this tiny principality remains an eternal magnet for high-rollers, hedonists and the auto-racing fans who flock here for its annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Spend your morning touring the magnificent Casino de Monte Carlo, then descend to the Marché de la Condamine for a reasonably priced lunch. Afterwards, head for historic Le Rocher, where you can visit the prince’s palace, the cathedral and the oceanographic museum. If it’s sunny, climb the hill to enjoy the remarkable vegetation and spectacular city views at Jardin Exotique. Return downhill for ice cream at Pierre Geronimi, waterfront drinks at Brasserie de Monaco or dinner at La Montgolfière, followed by evening gambling at the casino.

Monaco cityscape OSTILL/GETTY IMAGES ©

Getting There & Around

Monaco’s streets largely parallel the waterfront, interconnected by a pedestrian-friendly network of staircases, escalators and public lifts that help visitors avoid steep uphill walks.

d Service every 20 minutes to Nice (€4.10, 25 minutes).

g Lignes d’Azur (www.lignesdazur.com) runs bus 100 to Nice (€1.50, 45 minutes) every 15 minutes.

g CAM (www.cam.mc) has six local lines, reaching anywhere in Monaco within 15 minutes.

Top SightCasino de Monte Carlo

The very emblem of Monaco and the cornerstone of the Riviera’s glitzy allure, this belle-époque beauty revived the Grimaldi family’s fortunes overnight when it opened in 1866 and still works its magic on all who venture near. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler, a nostalgic James Bond fan or a curious onlooker, Monte Carlo’s casino will make a lasting impression.

ANTON_IVANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

map Google map

www.casinomontecarlo.com; place du Casino

morning visit incl audioguide adult/child Oct-Apr €14/10, May-Sep €17/12, salons ordinaires gaming Oct-Apr €14, May-Sep €17

hvisits 9am-1pm, gaming 2pm-late

yTop Tips

AAfter 2pm when gaming begins, admission is strictly for 18 years and over; photo ID is obligatory.

ADon’t wear trainers. A jacket for men is not obligatory but is recommended in t...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to Nice & Monaco
• Top Sights
• Eating
• Four Perfect Days
• Need to Know
• Nice & Monaco Neighbourhoods
• Vieux Nice
• New Town & Promenade des Anglais
• Cimiez, Libération & Vernier
• Le Port-Garibaldi
• Monaco
• The Three Corniches
• Beaulieu’s Backstreets & Beaches
• St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Survival Guide
• Language
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writer