Wednesday 28 September 2016

MONACO ,THE LAND OF AFFLUENCE

MONACO, THE LAND OF AFFLUENCE

Want to see the rich and famous? Do you dream about admiring Mediterranean’s serene beauty dotted with exotic beaches, an 80 feet yacht and flash a Ferrari? Well, Monaco[City state] is a new razzle dazzle hot spot for your honey moon. This small country is nestled between France and Italy sits by the Mediterranean Sea, is a benchmark of beauty. A city that lives up to its hype, a homeland of the rich and famous, has a plentiful of luxury yachts docked at the port. The fact that it is close to Nice and Cannes, adds more attraction to the privileged lot of tourists.

We drove from Nice (about 20 km) and took a day trip to Monaco. The city greeted us with the captivating view of the coast side and mesmerizing sky creepers, adding more luxury to the “city of riches”. With multiple stores of Prada, Hermes, L.V. etc. it is considered as the most expensive shopping locations in the world. Monaco is one of the most famous tax heavens and each and every citizen of Monaco enjoy a tax free lifestyle. The best way explore this chic city s nooks and crannies is on foot .When your feet are tired you can opt for hop on hop off bus services. There are many amazing places to see here. It enjoys a Mediterranean hot summer climate and April and October are both ideal months for the vacation as the weather is balmy and room rates are reduced. 

  
Set atop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Prince Palace of Monaco is the current official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Since we reached at 11.55 a.m., we were privileged to witness the guard changing ceremony.  Within the vicinity, is a stunning collection of cars from the antique vintage to the Formula 1s, which is worth visiting.

Known for gambling and glamour, Casino De Monte Carlo attracts gamblers from across the world. I visited the casino to view the old style opulent interiors decorated with wall sized fresco, showcasing its luxury quotient. For tourists interested in taking pictures of the casino interiors try visiting it in the morning hours between 10 to 12.One wise fun fact I learned about was that the citizens of Monaco are actually forbidden to enter the gaming rooms of the casino. Strange but true. The ornate gambling house has been featured in multiple "James Bond" movies and is perhaps the most iconic building in the tiny principality. You can enjoy the lush casino garden and wander through the alleyways of the “Metropole” shopping centre. The whole area around the casino together with Hotel De Paris and Café De Paris can be considered as the centre of the activities in “Monte Carlo” which is referred to as the administrative area of the principality of Monaco. This is where the crowd gathers as soon as the sunsets in Monaco some to play and dine in luxury others to marvel at the flashy cars parked in the front of casino.



Being a hub for the super cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porches etc, the streets are known to conduct the prestigious annual F1 grand prix race event. I too grabbed the experience of an exhilarating drive with thrilling speed style and power along the Grand Prix circuit marking the highlight of my trip.



Another most popular attractions is the Larvolto beach which is pebbly than sandy .This exotic beach is a perfect place for young couples to spend leisure time and indulge in the activities like swimming in the clear blue water ,parasailing, surfing and scooter ride. This beach is sure to drag your heart and soul to the world of tranquility.
Lovers of all things marine may enjoy a visit to the Oceanographic museum which is devoted to the marine science.

Monte Carlo Harbour Located at La Condamine in Monaco is a place where rich and famous dock their expensive yachts, visitors will find the royal vessels belonging to the prince of Monaco .The best way is to relax at the water front café where you can enjoy the swanky yachts moored up and scenery in a glamorous setting.

In Monaco you can easily find accommodation of all types ranging from budget B & B to the ultra luxury hotels .For the visitors looking for best hospitality and leisure can opt for Hotel De Paris which ensures to keep you well cocooned in its lavishness.

Enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the French Riviera on the Helicopter tour from Monaco to view some Monaco’s top attractions from sky such as Prince’ s palace ,Monaco grand Prix race track. And an incredible bird eye views of the stunning Mediterranean coastline as you fly above the ocean and Monaco. 

It is a spell binding world of romance in the lap of luxury and leisurely pursuits, a locale stuffed with adventure, scenic beauty and a chill out place all rolled into one which is just apt for the new couples to indulge their senses in serenity.

How to reach: Nearest airport: Nice, further by road 20km.
Must do: Luxury car drive, Helicopter ride, gambling, private cruising on Mediterranean Sea.

Note:
1. Look out for the dress code, before opting for fine dining.
2. Requirement for the international license if going for a self drive.
3. No separate visa required schengen visa works.
4. Any basic purchase is exorbitant (e.g. 250 ml coke can cost around €7 [INR 500])