Fodor's Expert Review Palais Princier

The famous Rock, crowned by the palace where the princely family resides, stands west of Monte Carlo. On May 6, 1955, it's where Grace Kelly first met her future husband, Prince Rainier. An audio guide leading you through this sumptuous historical structure, built in the 13th century and expanded and enhanced over the centuries, reveals an extravagance of 16th- and 17th-century frescoes, as well as tapestries, gilt furniture, and paintings. The renovated private apartments, the "Grands Appartements," are open to the public from early April through October, but there is no wheelchair access.

The Relève de la Garde (Changing of the Guard) takes place outside the front entrance of the palace every day promptly at 11:55 am. In addition, beginning in mid-July, a summer concert series is held at 9:30 pm in the palace courtyard; you can buy tickets through the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo ( www.opmc.com).