Monte Carlo
 

Will be spending 3 days in Monte Carlo last week in July. Would like any info on sites to see and restaurants in the area. Also any information on the casino's. Thanks to all.

Monte Carlo was a little disappointing to us. We ate two meals there, both very expensive and good, but not worth all the money. <BR> <BR>Go to the oceanography institute -- nice aquariums (crowded though) and it's an absolutely beautiful building. If you feel like you need to, see the changing of the guard (but it will be hot, quick, and crowded). We didn't take the palace tour -- they don't do that until the summer and we went in May -- so I can't comment on that. The area around the palace is very pretty. <BR> <BR>The casinos are small (although we didn't pay extra to get into the game rooms -- we stuck to the slots) and crowded. No jeans, no shorts and at night everyone dresses up. <BR> <BR>What stood out to us was the cars -- Bentleys, Rolls, Ferraris, etc. <BR> <BR>The train to Nice is only about a 20 min trip, so you can go there for the beach and a couple of other museums -- Nice has a more "French" feel to it.

Can anyone suggest a private tour guide for the Riviera for a day. Our cruise stops at Villefranche and my family would like to see as much as we can....thanks

Agree that Monte Carlo is pretty disappointing. We stayed at the Loew's and so should have been impressed, but weren't. I guess the casino thing just doesn't do it for us, and yes, one does need to dress in the evening. There is a bit of history to the place, but it's hard to find out about it. Nice and the surrounding area is much more interesting.

Dear Walter, <BR> <BR>Seeing Monte Carlo should take all of one morning. The great thing is that the train runs right along the Mediterranean coast. You can go east to Menton, or west to Villefranche, Nice, Antibes, Cannes et al. If you get a ticket to Cannes, for example, you can get on and off the train at any or all of the towns between Monte Carlo and Cannes (as above). The longest trip would be to Cannes (@40 minutes), the shortest to Menton (10 minutes). Don't miss Villefranche which is an enchanting former fishing village, or Nice. As you can see, there is lots to do once you leave Monte Carlo. Have fun.

Agree with above. Monta Carlo is a beautiful setting, especially the yaughts in the harbor, but 1/2 day is enough. The is so much else close to it. <BR>