I found my last visit to the Principality of Monaco to be insanely inspiring. Thus, Monaco offers on a very small area everything that the big cities of the world have to offer – culinary, culture and lifestyle.
Only about 39,000 inhabitants live there permanently. Almost half of the residents settle in their chic villas / penthouse apartments only during the summer months.
The Monegasque princely family regularly shows itself to the Monegasques (as the inhabitants of Monte Carlo are known) at numerous events. No matter who you talk to in Monaco, most of the inhabitants have seen Prince Albert live and have usually spoken to him.
When the flag is hoisted at the palace, the prince is in town. Prince Albert is very popular with the locals and gets very close to the people at various events in Monaco.
If you love staying in grand hotels – you can choose between some venerable grand hotels in Monaco.
Certainly the most famous hotel would be the Hotel de Paris, which is located directly across from the Monte Carlo Casino. But the Hotel Hermitage is also in no way inferior to the Hotel de Paris with its magnificent halls.
All three Grand Hotels were built during the Belle Époque ( between 1871-1914) and still exude the glamor and magic of that era when entering the lobby.
Culinary delights of the highest level can be enjoyed in the gourmet restaurant of celebrity chef Yannick Alléno at the Hotel Hermitage.
The restaurant Pavyllon with its beautiful terrace offers a spectacular view over the harbor of Monaco up to the castle of the princely family. My personal favorite restaurant in Monte Carlo is “Em Sherif”; a Lebanese restaurant located in the Hotel de Paris serving the finest Lebanese cuisine.
During the summer months, Monaco hosts an event almost every weekend. One of the most famous highlights in Monaco is certainly the famous Formula 1 race, which attracts numerous VIPs to the Monegasque principality every year in May. Among circus lovers, the awarding of the silver and gold clown is certainly a household name. Every year in January, at the International Circus Festival, artists are personally honored with the award of the Golden Clow by the Princely Family. For fireworks lovers, a big fireworks competition is held annually in August ( on 4 weekends). Also particularly beautiful to admire from the terrace of the Hotel Hermitage (experienced it yourself, marveled at it yourself).
All hotels affiliated with the Société des bains de mer offer a free shuttle to the legendary Monte Carlo Beach Club several times a day. Good to know, for guests of Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage, Hotel Metropole the visit of the beach club is free!
Personal tip: A visit to Prince Albert’s hairdresser.
In the Estoril hairdressing salon, the owner Jean Jacque has been cutting the hair of the princely family for many years. A hair salon without elitist chichi – try it and feel like a princess.
