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Archive for the ‘French Riviera’ Category
P&V: A playground for the rich and famous – Monaco!
This week’s customer blog comes from James, who shares with us his adventures in opulent Monaco.
“On a recent trip to the south of France, my girlfriend Jen and I explored Monte Carlo on a day trip from Cannes.
Travelling to the principality could not have been easier; we simply turned up at Cannes train station, approached one of the easy to use ticket machines and paid for our tickets, hopping on the next train headed east along the coastline. The journey was smooth and efficient, with some great views out to sea and over numerous idyllic seaside towns – perfect for eyeing up another day trip.
Handy tip: if you are visiting Monte Carlo for the day by train, simply buy a single ticket. If you want a return you will have to specify the train you wish to return on, and this not only cuts down on the flexibility of your day, but also does not work out any cheaper.
As we pulled in to Monte Carlo, I was keen to head out of the station to feast my eyes upon the opulence of the area. I wanted to ogle the material fruits of the rich and famous that call Monaco, a world-renowned hub of exuberance, home. Sure enough, I was not disappointed. As Jen and I headed up from the harbour towards the Monte Carlo Casino, we began to drink in the picturesque views back down to the harbour and across to the far side of the bay, where the Monaco Palace, Cathedral and the world-famous Aquarium stand.
Heading a little further up from the harbour, I marvelled at the side-by-side stores of Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior, plus many others. I imagined one day being invited in to these stores, rather than alarmingly dissuaded by the odd serious looking doorman with a frown that seemed to be tattooed to his forehead. Needless to say there were no price labels, and plenty of disgustingly good-looking staff inside. No doubt they enjoyed watching as I stumbled past the glass-fronted strip, keen for a cold drink and a blast of cool air from their sweet air-conditioned fortress, but happy in the knowledge I, unlike them, could enjoy a pork pie from time to time without my vanity entering the equation.
One of the quintessential Monte Carlo experiences must be sitting out on the umbrella-adorned pavement of the Café de Paris, looking across to the Monte Carlo Casino, watching the world go by. So that is exactly what we did. A cold glass of beer in hand, sunglasses on, time to look the business. Oh yes indeed. Here I marvelled at the sights in front of me: a delicately contrived garden leading the way up from the Casino, complete with fountains spewing a cool fine mist from their fulcrums, the Monte Carlo Casino yards away, Hotel de Paris across the road, and cars. A plethora of the finest and most expensive cars I will ever see lay in front of me. I observed as a man pulled up to the Casino in a brilliant white Audi R8, hopped out, tossed the keys to the valet boy, and went merrily on his way: the epitome of wealth.
As I wandered around the lobby of Monte Carlo Casino, I pondered the meaning of life. I need not have pondered long, as the answer was apparent in this princely principality: money! I promptly paid my €10 entrance fee to the casino and eyed up the tables. Secretly trying to spot one where I would not be forced to gamble beyond my means (another €10) I found a Blackjack table and braced myself for riches…
Moments later Jen and I found some shade in the aforementioned gardens and I stared longingly at the gunmetal Porsche Carrera GT yards away from me, the sunlight reflecting of its luxuriously polished metallic body stinging my eyes. So much for all those riches!
The Casino was superb though, opulent yet understated, and the buzz of being in a room where money is used merely as a toy by those who can, was great.
Jen and I then jumped on the bus, not because we did not have a Ferrari we could use of course, but because we had just had that beer at the Café de Paris you understand, and headed across Monte Carlo. At just €1 per person per journey (or €3 for a tourist day ticket), the bus is a little bonus after the inflated prices elsewhere. With the steep climbs through the hilly principality as well, I thoroughly recommend it. Since the buses run on liquid gold it would be rude not to try it too.
Wandering through the quaint streets of Monaco-Ville showed another side to the principality, something of a feeling of homeliness, an inviting side that escapes the obvious and somewhat intimidating wealth of the Monte Carlo Casino and the Café de Paris, for example. Jen and I arrived in front of the Monaco Cathedral, a grand structure and snapped a quick photo before ambling down to the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. The aquarium held an array of fish, sharks and jellyfish, not to mention a cute tank littered with hundreds of minute clownfish. If fish are not really your thing, then it is arguably worth paying the entrance fee to escape to the top floor, where the views are superb. I tried to make-out the Formula One circuit, recognising parts of the track as I took in the views back down across Monte Carlo, and imagined racing and taking the chequered flag in this most impressive setting of all for a motor race. I then picked out my future residence, car for the drive and yacht as my eyes feasted on the sights across Monte Carlo. One day, one day…
A short while later Jen and I found ourselves alongside the harbour and arguably the most impressive sight of all was in front of us; the staggering number and vastness of the yachts. It really is something to marvel, all those ultimate must-haves for the super rich and famous lined-up like a fashion parade.
Ready for a bite to eat, having played ‘I wonder how much that one is worth?’ for a good while, we found a creperie and ordered cold beers alongside, to wind down an excellent day. With room still for a decadent ice cream, we strolled along the harbour one last time, wallowing in the wealth that surrounded us, sure that this really was the ultimate playground for the rich and famous”.
Where to stay
If, like James, you wish to bask in the surroundings of the rich and famous, P&V have two self catering propertie
s in Monaco. The Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo is located in the residential Beausoleil, situated close to the yachting marina and golf course. The Adagio Monaco Palais Joséphine is located in the lively “Carré Belle Epoque” quarter in Beausoleil. The luxury residence is built in typical Monaco style and has spacious and comfortable apartments and a swimming pool on the roof in terrace.
Beat the Euro
An A-List holiday in the South of France on a Z-List budget is feasible with the ‘Beat the Euro’ offer. PV-Holidays.com are returning travellers to the dizzy days of 2008 Euro exchange rates, saving them up to 45 per cent on the cost of summer family holidays to France or Spain. The offer is available on all P&V properties on all dates, meaning that a holiday to the South of France is well within your grasp.
To claim your discount, the discount code for Beat The Euro is: 8258. Enter it on the Beat The Euro page on the website. The offer is valid on all holidays until November 7th.
Find more information on the Beat The Euro page and as always, find a wealth of information on P&V’s website PV-Holidays.com.
PV-Holidays: Self catering and the city: Monaco
As canny city break addicts are quickly discovering, the cheapest way to explore Europe’s finest cities is to check into a self-catering apartment.
Whether you’re escaping for a romantic weekend , or looking forward to a cultural tour , cooking up your own meals means you can easily cut down the cost of your trip.
Swapping an expensive hotel for a self-catering apartment doesn’t mean foregoing comfort or central locations. You’ll find a vast choice of clean, modern apartments in Paris to Rome, situated in the heart of the action.
And why not pack a glossy cookery book, forage in the markets for delicious local produce and whip up gourmet treats in the comfort and privacy of your own little home from home?
Each week, we’re featuring a city break destination with money-saving tips and the best self-catering apartment deals to ensure you get the most out of your hard-earned cash.
Monaco on a budget
Is it really possible to hang out with the private yacht and diamond encrusted Rolex wearing crowd in ‘ol Monaco? Unless you’re a model, a popstar, or simply have ‘loads a money’, your chances of entering the VIP lounges in this glam little principality are undeniably slim. But that’s not to say you can’t partake in many of the delights of this swanky playground – and live it up on a budget.
Follow our top tips for a weekend in Monaco that won’t break the bank.
Getting around:
Monaco is the second smallest city in the world, after the Vatican, so you can easily give the chauffeur time off and explore on foot! Strolling through the manicured lawns and parks with pristine fountains is just one experience that comes absolutely free.
Look out for the public escalators and lifts, which can transport you between road levels, and make a quirky way of climbing a hill.
Top tip: If you want to cross the water to visit Port Hercules, take the pedestrian only ferry, which costs just 1 euro and runs every twenty minutes.
Things to see:
Avenue Saint-Martin
A great base if this is your first visit, as it winds past some lovely cliff-side gardens and has gorgeous coastal views. There are also some key places of interest along here, including the cathedral, where the beautiful Princess Grace married Prince Ranier, and sadly also where she is buried.
Palais Princier
Prepare for quite a few royal visits when in town, and talk to the locals for the latest gossip – they all have their own story, and their own link to the famed family. Stop by here to watch the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at 11.55am.
Tours of the palace can be expensive, but looking around the edges of the palace, and visiting the harbours each side will provide you with some beautiful photo moments free of charge.
Harbour
Worth visiting, if only to marvel at the size of some of the yachts and daydream. Unlike most harbours, where you cannot walk near to boats that are moored, you can nosey around in Monaco’s glitzy hub.
Take a ring-side seat with the beautiful people on the terraces of the bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour and keep your eyes peeled for celebrities.
Casinos
Casino de Paris
The grandest building you will probably visit during your stay, and also the place where it is more than likely you will lose your spare cash. Take in the famed architecture of the place too as grand gold-leafed ornaments are everywhere.
Monaco Casino
If gambling isn’t on your itinerary, then ten euros to enter this place will ensure some valuable entertainment. Watch in shock or awe the huge amounts of money that are gambled. Look out for the 500.000 chip on display, and guys must remember to wear a jacket and tie, or they won’t let you in.
Exotic Gardens
To catch your breath, wander around this beautiful lush part of the city and take in the rare plants – it’s a welcome natural paradise in the thick of the urban action.
The change in ground levels as you walk around, and abundance of cacti also make you feel as if you’re in a desert. There is also a sweet little cave to explore too. Entry is 8 euros, or 3 euros if you are a student, or under 16.
The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
A world-famous attraction, and great because you can take the little ones in for free! Check out the 4.000 different types of fish and don’t miss the deadly piranhas and an eerie skeleton of a whale.
Grand Prix track
Any racing enthusiast will love a tour of the track, but it’s also a key path to follow if you want to whiz past the best sites in one go. To navigate easily, pick up a tourist map from the local tourist office and grab a free map.
Our tip is to start at Place Ste Devote.
Shopping
Shoppers here usually lay down top-notch prices for their latest ensemble, but window shopping can be just as fun. Remember that shopping hours are from 9am-noon and 3pm-7pm.
Eating in
To keep costs down, rustle up treats in your self-catering apartment. Do a big food shop as soon as you arrive to stock up on local produce and create tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals.
Eating Out
The marina also has a few simple cafes where the prices won’t make your eyes water. Try and eat at least one meal at a beach café, if only to experience the water misters that hover above you and keep you cool whilst you eat.
For those on a tiny budget, or looking for a cheap place to start your night out, try Stars ‘n’ Bars- an American style bar which opens till 3am, but serves huge portions of burgers, pizzas and sandwiches.
Our tip is to drop into Pizzeria Monegasque, to grab a slice of the most delicious pizza in Monaco, expect it to be busy at all times though – the locals love it!
Drinking
Beware: drinking in Monaco doesn’t come cheap. Champagne is the drink of choice, with a single glass costing up to 40 Euros a pop, and beers can also break the bank, with some establishments charging at least 20 Euros.
If you don’t mind splashing some cash to mix with the rich and famous, treat yourself to one drink in Jimmy’z, the chic watering hole frequented by various members of the Grimaldi royal family. Or check out the Bar at the Columbus Monaco, which has a more laid-back vibe. David Coulthard is a co-owner, so expect to see some of his racing pals.
Where to stay
Choosing a self-catering apartment is a great way to establish a relaxed base to explore a city when you’re on a tight budget. P&V has two comfortable and low cost self-catering apartments in Monaco.
The Adagio Monaco Palais Josephine is just five minutes from the Monte Carlo casino and has a rooftop swimming pool.
For those who hope to indulge in a more active break, the Adagio Monaco Monte Cristo is near the biggest country club and golf course in Monaco and the beach. It also offers health and wellbeing services on site in its beauty salon.
P&V is currently offering a 20% discount on any stay on these properties. Find out more here.
