Sleek, Trendy Monte Carlo
Where Jet-Setters Find Their Fun in Mediterranean Sun
By Willette Redfern
Quiet, secluded and serene are the words often used to describe stolen moments on sandy white beaches or remote cottages tucked away in a mountaintop camouflaged by greenery visible only to birds flying above.
But what if your desire is a destination that offers a blend of quiet and excitement and allows you to get reacquainted with that special someone and stimulate your five senses simultaneously? Could you think of a place? Does such a place exist?
Absolutely. The place is Monte Carlo. This district in the petite principality of Monaco is legendary for attracting international jet setters seeking sophisticated fun. With 300 days of sunshine annually, the energy actually increases as the sun sets on this little gem nestled between France and Italy along the Mediterranean. But there is a softer side to this three-mile-long, half-mile-wide country, and it’s waiting to be discovered.
Sleek, trendy, and state-of-the-art, or classic, quiet and charming? If you wish to enter a lobby at any given time where the background rhythms compliment the hip, young, masterpiece-sculpted staff, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is your destination. Removed from the heart of town, this waterfront sun-drenched resort (opened in 2005 on the Larvotto Peninsula) offers ultra-modern décor and state-of-the-art amenities in guest rooms that challenge even the most technologically advanced. Or perhaps your fulfillment lies in quaintness and understated European elegance that makes you oblivious to the activities just steps away at the famed Le Casino de Monte-Carlo once you close your guestroom door. Then plan to stay at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, which is centrally located and in close proximity to shops and restaurants.
As the sun rises on Monte Carlo so does its beauty. A panoramic view from Place du Palais, where the castle of HSH Prince Albert II is located, is a refreshing way to start your day. Pack a breakfast of freshly baked croissants, fresh fruit and coffee and enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard while taking in the beauty of this seaside escape. A short stroll away you’ll find yourself at the Monaco Cathédrale where a 20th-century fairytale was created. Step inside this cathédrale built in 1875 and relive the fantasy wedding of actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier III in 1956.
A place to see and be seen, world-renowned Café de Paris has pleased palates of locals and celebrities for more than 100 years. Opened in 1882, this café is famous for its steak tartare and fresh oysters. Conveniently located on Place du Casino with Le Casino and Hotel de Paris, your outside table for lunch at this brasserie is sure to be complemented by the beauty surrounding you with these architectural landmarks built in the late 1860s and ’70s.
The pace of your day will gradually increase as the sun sets on this Mediterranean wealth magnet, but refrain from starting your evening too early; most Europeans eat dinner later than Americans and Monte Carlo is no exception to the rule. As you begin your evening after eight (or nine), dressed casually chic for your night out in this sophisticated adult play town, keep the chill away with the warmth of a pashmina shawl and rethink the stilettos in order to navigate hilly streets as you’ll want to save energy for more pleasant activities.
A small dinner party in an Italian countryside home is the feeling you will have at the charming and intimate Il Terrazzino. The aroma of slow simmering sauces with fresh basil and garlic will lure you into this restaurant that invites guests to sit in the quaint kitchen area or covered terrace. You will barely finish one delectable “house sampling” of gnocchi or another homemade pasta before your waiter tempts your taste buds with another of the chef’s specialties. Indulge, but save room for the entrée and satisfy your sweet tooth; it will be the culmination of an unforgettable dining experience.
As the night is young, venture over to Le Casino de Monte-Carlo to try a hand at lady luck. You won’t see James Bond in this belle époque gem built in 1863, but rather a blend of regular risk takers and curious tourists strolling through the massive but elegantly decorated gaming and dining salles or rooms.
A short taxi ride to Jimmy’z Nightclub to celebrate your casino winnings will provide the perfect aphrodisiac before bringing the evening to a close. Still popular after 30 years, this dark and seductive dance hideaway on the lower level of Le Sporting Complex moves with pulsating rhythms from 11 p.m. until the wee hours of a new dawn.
Ready to explore the scenic coastline and surrounding beauty of the south of France, take a map, rent a convertible and introduce yourself to the 16th-century medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence. Located in Provence, this hilltop village has narrow cobblestone alleyways with art galleries and jewelry shops with local artisans’ work, as well as clothing boutiques, ceramic stores and shops with delicacies from Provence and nearby towns. Enjoy the cuisine of one of the many French bistros or restaurants, and spend the day browsing through this quaint settlement.
If it’s Saturday, consider a day trip west along the French Riviera to Nice (pronounced niece). There’s a great street market in vieux Nice (the old town of Nice) with fruit, vegetables, pates, pastries, French bread and other culinary delights, not to mention the world famous Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). Select a few edibles from the street market and enjoy the scenery as you nibble on them at one of the nearby gardens or parks.
Cannes is a little farther west along the coast and has a Marché à la Brocante (flea market) with local artwork, estate jewelry, antiques and other collectibles every Saturday opposite the old port; it expands to a two-day market the first Sunday of the month. Famous for the International Film Festival held every May, images of celebrities posing on the red carpet for paparazzi may form in your mind, but there is more to Cannes. After a stroll along the Celebrity Walk of Fame at the Palais des Festivals where the film festival is held, take a step back in time with a venture through Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes. Comfortable shoes will be much appreciated as you make your way through the historic section and ascend to the ancient rampart wall in front of the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Espérence to embrace a sweeping and magnificent view of Cannes. Afterward, your downward incline along the steep and curvy cobblestone pathway of rue Saint Antoine will acquaint you with a row of restaurants for dining that have pleased even the most discriminating palates over the years. Of course, if you prefer to stay on more leveled ground, rue Emile Negrin houses Le Petit Bouchon, a small charming restaurant off the beaten path frequented by locals and overlooked by tourists with traditional lyonnaise dishes such as escargot in puff pastry and an incredible seafood soufflé.
Saving Sunday to relax on one of the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean or pampering yourself with a soothing massage is a great way to enjoy this traditionally slow-moving and quiet day. As you close your eyes to embrace the therapeutic benefits of a Swedish technique, you’ll begin to reminisce on your time away. Panoramic views, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, the sweet scent of flora, dancing cheek-to-cheek, the relaxation of a stimulating massage, and immersing in a culture filled with romance and charm. You’ll wonder why you didn’t get away sooner.
The Monaco You Should Know
Official Language of Monaco: French; however, English is widely spoken
Currency: Euro
Current Exchange Rate (as of 10/15/07): $1.40 to 1 euro
Official Requirements: Valid U.S. passport required for entry
Getting to Monaco: A seven-hour flight from New York. Delta Air Lines offers direct service to Nice International Airport, which is 15 miles from Monaco. Air France and British Airways offer service to Nice from several major U.S. cities with connections through Paris and London.
Accommodations:
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
40, avenue Princesse Grace
Monte Carlo 98000 Principauté de Monaco
www.montecarlobay.com
Rates for 2007 season start at 310 euros
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo
4, avenue de la Madone – B.P. 19
Monte Carlo 98007 Principauté de Monaco
www.metropole.com
Rates for 2007 season start at 385 euros; tax and 15 percent service included
Places of Interest:
Monaco Cathédrale
4, rue Colonel Bellando de castro; Monaco-Ville
Open daily; free admission
Place du Palais; Monaco-Ville
Site of Prince Albert II Castle
Changing of Guard daily at 11:55 a.m.
Free admission
Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market)
Cours Saleya; Nice
Daily except Monday & Sunday afternoons; large flea market on Cours Saleya on Mondays
Street Market
Cours Saleya; Nice
Daily except Monday
Marché à la Brocante (flea market)
Sur Les Allées (opposite the old port); Cannes
Every Saturday and expands to a two-day market the first Sunday of the month
Palais des Festivals et des congrès
Boulevard de la Croisette; Cannes
Restaurants:
Café de Paris
Place du Casino; Monte-Carlo
www.montecarloresort.com
Moderately priced
IL Terrazzino
2, rue des Iris; Monte-Carlo
Moderately priced
Le Petit Bouchon
8, rue Emile Negrin; Cannes
www.lepetitbouchon.free.fr
Moderately priced
Nightlife/Entertainment:
Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo
Le Sporting Complex
avenue Princess Grace
Open Wednesdays to Sundays beginning at 11p.m.
Le Casino de Monte-Carlo
Place du Casino
Open Daily; people under 18 not admitted
Dress code: Jacket and tie for men
A valid passport is required for entrance. Guests staying at area hotels may be exempt from paying admission fee.
Monaco official website: www.visitmonaco.com
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Sleek, Trendy Monte Carlo
Posted - 03/09/2008 : 08:05:24
