Monaco
All dressed up and someplace to go! Stepping out of the train station and into the summer sun, we were all smiles as we took to the streets. The Monte Carlo Casino is just gorgeous. We only peeked in on the lobby, but it was lined with boutiques and a beautiful café. In the center are revolving metal statues of a heart and a spade. The floors are marble, the walls are painted in murals and as your eye goes up, the ceiling is almost completely stained glass.
The Café de Paris is next door and so pretty, we decided to partake of the atmosphere sitting under the canopy of cream umbrellas. My mom and I drank iced coffee while Fierce had a Coke. All of the drinks were adorned with a wooden, monogramed stir stick that said, “Monte Carlo.”
Monaco feels like a “Cherry on Top” kind of city. Go shopping, but have a drink while you wait. Look at watches, but come see all the treasures on the upper floor as well. Doormen open the doors without you even thinking about it and an employee personally ushers you around, answering any question you may have. It’s luxurious, but everyone is welcome.
You can’t help but walk the Formula 1 track as you explore this area. It quite literally encircles the Casino and the harbor. It was fun to imagine it though, because the streets are so small, it doesn’t really feel possible for race cars to maneuver. We had lunch on one of the side streets from the “track” and the TV screens were airing the qualifier for the first race back after summer break. Que theme song for Max Verstappen!
Afterwards, we went up to the Palace where the royal family still lives, but there are a few rooms open to the public. The throne room is still used today to take oaths. The palace is lovely with ornate wall coverings and furniture. Paintings of the royals hang in splendor surrounding glimmering chandeliers. Fierce’s favorite space was the weapons room and he had us all pick out which sword we liked best. You exit the same way you came in, but the outdoor walls and ceilings are covered in beautiful murals and I was happy to appreciate them twice.
The square outside offers gorgeous views of the harbor and yachts bigger than most homes. We did a little shopping along the side streets of the old town. We enjoyed gelato, more shops and the views and then headed to Rocher de Monaco where there are gardens along the lookout point. We found an old amphitheater on the walk down and Fierce had us all join him in making a video episode about our day trip to Monaco. He does such a good job of hosting a show. It will be fun to watch him grow in this talent. Au revoir from the Adventures of Fierce, Mom and special guest, Gigi in Monaco!
