10 Reasons Why Monaco is Europe’s Poshest Pit Stop
Typical car porn in glitzy Monaco. (Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer)
By David Caplan
Monaco is a charming mix of sophistication, extravagance, and sheer glamour. Known for its 700-year monarchy, scenic seaside topography, and tiny geographic footprint — it’s about the size of Central Park — Monaco’s curiosity factor has always remained high.
Just in time for its summer high season, here’s where to eat, drink, stay, shop, and visit in Monte Carlo — the principality’s largest district:
Photo: Tomas Abreu Photography
Mingle with mega-rollers at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, housed in a majestic 150-year-old Belle Epoque confection. It’s a must for gamblers and non-gamblers alike: After all, it was the inspiration for fictional casino Royale-Les-Eaux in Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel “Casino Royale.” The casino is highly regarded for its variety of table games: Russian roulette, English roulette, trente & quarante, baccarat, Black Jack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. It also houses over 1,000 slot machines, the largest collection in Europe.
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Part of the Casino de Monte Carlo complex is the seaside Salle Garnier, home of the Opera de Monte Carlo. The 130-year-old, 524-seat opera house consistently has a stellar roster of productions. This season, for example, includes “Romeo & Juliet,” “Guillaume Tell,” “Don Giovanni” and “Lady Macbeth.” And on a non-opera note, it also hosted the dinner reception for the 2012 royal wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock.
Photo: Monte-Carlo Press Center
Every day at 11:55 a.m. on the square in front of the Prince’s palace — a fortress constructed by the Genoveses in 1215 — the Changing of the Guard, or the Carabiniers du Prince, takes place. While the ceremony of sharp-looking palace protectors only lasts a few minutes, linger around the plaza and peruse the adjacent shops while enjoying stunning mountaintop Mediterranean views.
Photo: NMNM/Mauro Magliani & Barbara Piovan
Monte Carlo emerged as a player in the contemporary art scene following the 2010 restoration of Villa Paloma, part of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. Built in 1913, Villa Paloma is housed in a mansion with prime vistas of the sea and the city. Villa Paloma has no permanent shows, but a current exhibition features the work of Italian painter Alessandro Pessoli.
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Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, part of Société des Bains de Mer, is a divine 71,000-square-foot facility that goes well beyond the standard spa menu. It’s connected to the Hotel Hermitage and features an indoor saltwater pool and the L’Hirondelle restaurant. Look for a seemingly endless array of treatments, including wraps to lift and firm collagen, and caviar and chocolate exfoliation. A must? The chryotherapy room, where temperatures drops below -148 Fahrenheit, a process which claims to treat muscle and inflammatory diseases.
Le Bar Americain at Hotel de Paris
Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Rumored to be a spot frequented by Prince Albert II, Le Bar Americain’s decor is defined by beautiful dark wood, leather armchairs, and soft lighting. Keep hydrated with its exhaustive cocktail list, which includes a perennial summer favorite, the Black & Berry, consisting of vodka, blackberries, lime juice, Chambord liqueur, and Champagne. Aside from the drinks, the nightly live jazz entertainment, with a singer and pianist, is a huge draw.
Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Monte Carlo is not lacking on the luxe lodgings front, but no other property epitomizes the principality’s sophisticated past like the glorious 280-room Hotel Hermitage. Built in 1890 by French architect Nicolas Marquet, the lobby was designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Spacious rooms overlook the harbor and Mediterranean Sea, and are largely designed in hues of taupe, aubergine, and gold. There’s also the Michelin-starred Vistamar, which serves up heavenly French cuisine. Tip: For a sublime dining experience, book a guest room with a terrace, and order room service. From $508.
Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Set in the Boulingrins Gardens, the Monte-Carlo Pavillions is a luxury shopping complex that’s both an architectural and retail jaw-dropper. It consists of five futuristic-looking, pebble-shaped spaces totaling nearly 25,000 square feet. The pavilions carry a who’s-who of the luxury fashion world, including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Chopard, Miu Miu and Yves Saint Laurent.
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Blue Bay & Las Brisas at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Dining at the Monte Carlo Bay, where Martinique native Chef Marcel Ravin oversees the kitchens, is a tantric tastebud experience. First, there’s his Michelin-starred Blue Bay, which serves cuisine inspired by his Caribbean island homeland and the Mediterranean. Choose between sitting inside opposite the open kitchen or enjoy the seaside air on the terrace. For lighter fare and a more relaxing vibe, head to Las Brisas, located between the sea and the lagoon, where salads and grilled fish of all stripes reign supreme.
Photo: Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer
Channel the glamour of the Jazz Age and stay at the 40-room Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, situated in France on Côte d’Azur, just outside of Monaco. Built in 1929 by French architect Roger Seassal and redesigned in 2009 by India Mahdavi, the vibe is low-key with a décor that’s contemporary. There are four restaurants, but lunch at the outdoor Le Deck is a must. A draw for many guests, though, is the private landing dock and an area to swim in the sea that’s netted off, which filters out any unpleasant sealife. From $500.
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