Monaco-is it worth it??
 

we will be spending a week near Marseilles in a gite - I thought maybe we would spend a day in Monaco! We then go to Carpentras for another week to explore Provence to the north!

Now after looking a fairly expensive train travel (I won't drive that far!) and the time, does Monaco have that much to offer vs spending the day in the Provence countryside etc.

Suggestions as to should we do or should we pass and spend the day In Marseilles or other areas nearer!!

Merci Dale

Monaco: no. There are many more interesting places to visit in eastern Provence, such as Nice, Antibes, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrate, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the inland perched villages.

I agree--too much to see closer to you.

No.

No. We've vacationed for 34 weeks in that region - and Monaco is one of my least favorite destinations. Better ways to spend your time.

Stu Dudley

Heck, I think I spent half a day there, just out of curiosity and just because I was based in Nice and had a relative who lived in Monaco. If it hadn't been for those factors, I wouldn't even have spent a half-day there.

Well you can certainly spend a day there - but it's one of the less interesting places _ i would definitely do Nice, Cannes or many of the smaller towns in the hills behind the coast before going to Monaco. The latter, is small, with not much to see and very expensive.

We've been couple of times to the casino (the James Bond number - all foofed up with a very upscale dinner and rubbing elbows with the uber rich off the gigantic yachts in the harbor). But, other than that - which is pricey - not a lot to do.

We toured the parking lot, looked at the ocean, took a picture in front of a jewelry store and left.
Nice, on the other hand, was a lovely place. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

We've been in the area 3 different times.

Ist time----came ashore off of a sailboat after dinner. Went to the Casino---wasn't impressed, full of Russian, scary guys. Maybe it was just a bad night. Looked at the hotel lobby and had a drink ouside---again not impressed.

2nd time----Drove through and stopped on our way up to Eze(which we love). Looked at all the gorgeous yachts and gardens. Yes, we liked it more.

3rd time----We toured the Palace and we were highly impressed. It was lovely. At night we went to Stars n' Bars, an Aussie, casual restaurant right on the harbor. The inside was just a bar-restaurant, but we had reserved a table on the terrace. Wow! The view was stunning, the cars pulling up were Ferraris, etc. The seen-and-be-seen were in attendence. Yes, we spent 100 Euros on hamburgers, wine, and ff's, but what a night to remember.

IMO, if you like to look at the outstanding yachts and gardens, and visit the Palace during the day---go for it. But I'd only do so if I was driving in the area. I don't think I'd take a train there for the whole day.

I have to agree with the above posters and say that there are many more wonderful places to explore on the Riviera.

Took the train from Nice and enjoyed seeing how the rich folks live. Clean and spotless, Palace tour was nice, had a great aquariam. Found a day there was enough.

We had the privilege of renting a Villa overlooking the cul de sac of a harbor called Villefrance.I felt like Monaco was terrible.The ancient village of EZE was by far my favorite, next was just overlooking the harbor,and finally old towne Nice.They are all within a stones throw from each other.If you think you might like Monaco go sit in five o'clock traffic for a few hours and end up at a Casino that is highly overrated.

I used to live in Nice & have been to Monaco several times, but I agree with pretty much everyone that it's not worth your time. It's something of a sight to see if you're already in the area, but there's really nothing much to do unless (I suppose) you're a millionaire and you have fancy parties to go to.

"Worth it" depends on the individual. Real travelers can find enjoyable things to do--and people to meet--just about everywhere. The 1 euro bus ride from Nice to Monaco is spectacular--one of the best travel bargains anywhere. It follows one of the three corniches connecting the two cities (the corniches were built by Napoleon and it was on one them that Princess Grace died in a car accident). We were there last year and will return this year (staying in Antibes) for the Monaco GP. Can't wait! For tiny Monaco's highlights you might check out www.visitmonaco.com and see if anything sounds worth it to you.

Unless you like to rub elbows with the rich, take pictures of yourself next to some expensive cars. We went there and it was a waste of time. But I'm not sure why you say you won't drive that far, since the toll-road highway is very convenient and fast, and much easier to handle than those NARROW, WINDING, STEEP small side roads that are connecting between the small charming villages which are far more worth it. The smaller ones are the most charming........

If you do want to experience Monaco for the day and don't want to drive, there is a very pleasant boat ride from Cannes and you'll get to see the entire coast line. We found this enjoyable.

I would not go to Monaco for the time you have. If you want to be along the coast, I suggest Antibes or Nice.

Monaco is quite pleasant for an afternoon. We visited the Palace, the Cathedral and the graves of Prince Ranier and Princess Grace (Grace Kelly as was) and found the place charming. As a big F1 fan, I was interested in the Grand Prix course too. We were staying in Nice and it's just up the road from there, but as charming as parts of it, especially the old town are, I wouldn't travel from Marseille to see it.

I was there just for one day and wished I'd brought my swimming costume as it was a hot and they have a large public swimming pool right on the port. If you are in the area Monaco is worth the trip for a day but it would be a long way to come if you are staying in Marseilles.