Glamorous Monaco

Azure blue seas, perfect weather and palm trees dotting the coast… A yacht charter in the South of France is not complete without a visit to Monaco! The principality of Monaco sits on the glamorous French Riviera and is known for its sophistication and style. This is one of the most affluent spots in the world, which reflects in the harbor where the sparkling superyachts are lined up and compete for attention. What a sight to behold when you are making your way over to Monaco on your own yacht! From the water, you can easily spot one of the best known areas of the principality. Le Rocher, or The Rock, is a large rocky bluff and home of the main part of the city called Monaco-Ville. Visit the famous palace during the day and try your luck in the casino with your friends and family at night. Get ready for the glitz and glamour of Monaco!

Monaco is known for being a principality and you can see this first hand at the Palais du Prince. The palace sits high above Monaco and dates from the thirteenth century when it was a Genoese fortress. You can visit the palace when Prince Rainier III is not in residence, and an easy way to tell is to look for the flag in the main tower. If the flag is raised, it means that the Prince is home. One of the most striking sights at the palace is  the royal courtyard, paved with 3,000,000 white and colored pebbles, formed into beautiful geometrical patterns. On exhibit are the 16th-century Genovese frescoes depicting scenes from ancient mythological stories. The columns and the spectacular double-revolution staircase are done in Carrara marble. The Prince appears in the Gallery when receiving Monegasques at official events or for the presentation of a future prince or princess. But during official receptions and at the Christmas party for Monegasque children, the Prince welcomes his guests in the State Apartments. These rooms are inlaid in marble with mosaic designs including the double R monogram of Prince Rainier III. The Florentine and Boulle furniture is from the reign of Francois I. The walls are draped in silk brocade and damask and hung with royal portraits executed by well-known artists. These portraits also document the prestigious marriages made with royal families such as Savoie-Lorraine, Matignon and Aumont-Mazarin.

Are you a car lover? At the end of the 1950s, the car enthusiast Prince Rainier III began collecting old cars. His collection gradually grew over the years as he acquired more and more models, and the garage at the Prince’s Palace soon emerged as too small to contain this collection of around a hundred stunning streamlined and sporty cars, from majestic body work to gleaming hoods and regal radiator grills. In 1993, Prince Rainier III therefore decided to open his precious collection to the public. The car collection of the Prince of Monaco is a unique collection of exceptional vehicles combining luxury with rarity. Located on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, the exhibition spans 5,000 square meters and is unique in the world, bringing together around a hundred-odd different cars, from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to the 2013 Lotus F1 via Hispano Suiza, Rolls Royce, Lincoln, Facel Vega, Delage, Delahaye, Packard, Napier, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and  Alfa Romeo. Admire the Lexus used for the royal wedding in 2011, and don’t forget to check out the race cars seen at the Monte Carlo Rally and the Formula 1 races during the Monaco Grand Prix.

Before you head back to the yacht to get ready for your night out, stop at the Quay Jean Charles Rey, right on the water and known as a scenic place to have a drink.  You will find a range of outdoor cafes and eateries overlooking the quay here including oddities like a traditional English pub. A perfect way to end your busy day in Monaco and a great choice for a cocktail with your loved ones.

Back onboard, your chief stewardess has laid out your most elegant outfit for your evening in town! After dinner on deck, the tender will bring you ashore in style. Let’s start with a quick visit to the Opera De Monte Carlo. Also known as Salle Garnier, the Opera de Monte Carlo is located right on the iconic Place de Casino. The opera house was built in 1878 and its main performance space is spectacularly ornate, with drapes of red velvet, lots of gold leaf, bronzes, friezes and crystals everywhere. If you are a fan of architecture and design, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the unique style. The setting alone is worth a visit, and the facade will already impress you. Check their calendar, you can always stay another night in Monaco and attend one of the performances! 

Time to try your luck at one of the most famous casinos in the world! The marble atrium is lavish in style and you will find 28 onyx columns that welcome you to the gaming rooms. There are different gaming rooms here that are decorated in a variety of themes, all decorated with impressive chandeliers and stunning artwork. The American games are housed in La Salle Europe, the European room, the first gambling lounge built in the casino by architech Dutrou in 1865. Eight Bohemian crystal chandeliers that weigh more than 150 kilograms each light the room and illuminate the frescoes, which were all painted in 1898. 

Did you know that the glamor and wealth associated with Monaco attracted many Hollywood film-makers to Monaco? The Casino de Monte Carlo has appeared in several James Bond films, including ‘Golden Eye’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’. Now that you experience the grand display of luxury and opulence, you can’t help but feel posh under the clusters of chandeliers and ceilings coated in gold. When placing your bet at the roulette table, be inspired by the beauty of the casino and be the star of your own movie in glamorous Monaco!

Interested in learning more about chartering out your yacht or going on a luxury yacht charter yourself? Please feel free to reach out if you would like to have a chat with one of our charter experts during your days in Monaco!