Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin

IO things to do in Monaco

It’s the playground of the rich and famous, but there’s more to Monaco than five-star finery

1

See the palace

Touring Le Palais de Princier de Monaco – the official residence of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene – is a must-do. Follow the selfguided audio tour through the State Apartments, where recently restored frescoes adorn the ceilings, and heavy silk brocade and royal portraits line the walls. If you’re there around 11.55am, step outside to see the changing of the guards. palais.mc

2

Walk the track

Of all the Formula 1 tracks, Monaco’s street circuit is the most iconic. Take to the 3.4km circuit, walking up the Beau Rivage hill, past Place du Casino, on to the photo-worthy hairpin turn. Near the end of the tunnel, there’s a gift store full of F1-themed souvenirs. Don’t skip the track walk if you’re not a motorsport­s fan. It’s a great way to see the city and get in 10,000 steps-plus.

3

Sip a spritz

Press pause on the Aperol spritzes in favour of the principali­ty’s eponymous tipple, the Monaco spritz. It has the same prosecco and soda base as the original but uses a nip of La Distilleri­e de Monaco L’orangerie liqueur instead. Made from local oranges, the liqueur is sweet and bitter. Sip on one as you sit on Café de Paris’ terrace, overlookin­g the beautiful Belle Époquestyl­e Casino de Monte-carlo. montecarlo­sbm.com

4

Visit a museum

Over more than 40 years, Prince Rainier III collected and restored more than 100 vintage cars. They’re now on display at the HSH Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection. Not into cars? Musée océanograp­hique de Monaco is where the musee.oceano.org

5

Dine fine

Despite being the world’s second smallest country, there’s no shortage of high-end establishm­ents to dine in. The creme de la creme is Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse, a three Michelinst­arred restaurant at Hôtel de Paris. Blue Bay Marcel Ravin may have one less star, but it’s no less impressive, with an unbeatable view. montecarlo­sbm.com

6

Window shop

Walking the streets of Monaco, it’s common to come across real estate agencies with their multimilli­on-euro listings displayed in the window. It’s also common to see brokers listing superyacht­s and private jets or to find the latest Aston Martin parked up, ready for sale. While all the goods might be a distant dream, there’s no harm in going for a window shop. 7

There’s no silver service at Les Perles de Monte-carlo, just wooden benches, a view of Port of Fontvieill­e, and a ton of fresh seafood. Order a dozen fat oysters followed by some fresh sea urchins, grilled prawns, and a bottle of chablis. perlesdemo­ntecarlo.com

Eat fresh seafood

8

Laze at Larvotto

Monaco’s main beach, Plage du Larvotto, heaves on a sunny day, lined with lively restaurant­s and private beach clubs. Book a sunbed at Neptune Monaco Beach (starting from $56) and you’ll have a spot to lay, dine, and drink. neptunemon­aco.com

9

The Monte Carlo Golf Club is arguably one of the most beautiful golf clubs in the world. Sitting some 900m above sea level, the par 71 course, technicall­y in La Turbie, France, has a bird’s eye view of the principali­ty and the endless ocean below. Soak up the panorama over 18 holes. golfdemont­ecarlo.com

Tee off

10

Rest royally

Hotel Hermitage is a perfectly preserved example of Belle Epoque style, favouring elaborate Louis Xv-style furniture and jewel-toned velvets. Superior queen rooms have a vista of the fig tree-lined garden, but the best views of the Mediterran­ean are from the larger rooms and suites.