Lady’s Guide to a Weekend in Monaco

When a friend invites you to spend a weekend in Monaco for the christening of his new yacht, it’s hard to say no. In fact, a resounding ‘yes’ is more likely the response. It was certainly mine.

Weekend in Monaco

A few months ago I received just such an invitation. My flights were booked within an hour, and accommodation and other plans followed. I couldn’t wait to spend a weekend in Monaco.

It wasn’t just the yacht christening party that made me excited to go to Monaco, though. The rainy London weather had me in dire need of vitamin D, and I couldn’t wait to spend a weekend relaxing on the Mediterranean.

Monte Carlo

Having been to Monaco twice before, I didn’t feel pressured to visit the palace or do many of the touristy things. But there was one place I did want to go: Monte Carlo.

Dripping with money, the hilltop area had twice thwarted my attempts to visit its famous casino. The first time I went I didn’t have my passport to prove I was 18.

The second time I went I was wearing flip-flops, which in Monte Carlo classified me as some sort of casino-unworthy peasant.

This time I was determined to get in. And I did. And then I found out that they charge 10 euros to get beyond the foyer. Bleh. I enjoyed the beautiful decor in the entry area and then went on my way.

Monaco

In this case, ‘on my way’ meant meandering the streets of Monaco.

I walked past rows of luxury goods stores, through pleasant parks, alongside opulent old buildings, and up and down steep steps that reminded me of those in San Francisco.

Nightlife in Monaco

During the evenings on my weekend in Monaco I met up with my friends. On Friday night we all went to a bar on the waterfront for drinks.

On Saturday night the yacht christening party took place in Cap d’Ail, the French town on the western border of Monaco.

My friends threw a very impressive party on their beautiful boat. We were all so busy dancing, eating, talking, and enjoying the evening that none of us got back to our hotels until five o’clock in the morning.

Beach in Monaco

Needless to say, the last day of my weekend in Monaco was a bit of a wash.

After waking up at 8:30am to some loud sounds outside my room, I relaxed on the private beach at my hotel, Le Meridien Beach Plaza, until it was time to go to the airport.

Weekend in Monaco

My flight from Nice to London was delayed, but I got home with just enough energy to crawl into bed and dream I was back by the sea on a yacht in the radiant Riviera sun. I can’t wait to spend another weekend in Monaco someday.

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