Sooo, we all know the wedding of the century already passed, but this royal wedding is still big enough to create some kind of international buzz...I'm talking about the nuptials of the Head of State, Prince Albert II of Monaco and South African Olympic swimmer, Charlene Wittstock on July 2nd.
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is considered to be "the Jewel in the Crown of the Côte d'Azur." This tiny state lies along steep hills of the French Riviera on the French Mediterranean coast. It is the second smallest country (after Vatican City), about the size of New York City's Central Park. The House of Grimaldi (the longest ruling monarchy) has been in power since 1297.
Monaco is every bit as glamous as you picture it, it's a playground for the rich and famous. Full of yachts, high end designer stores, gourmet dining, grandieur hotels, multiple Grand Prix and year-round world-class events. It's best known for Princess Grace (Kelly) and it's high rollin' Monte Carlo casinos.
Want a taste of the lifestyle but don't think you can afford to stay in Monaco? No worries, we couldn't either! So we got our fix by stayed in neighboring Nice, the closest "big" city to Monaco. Nice is a mere 8 miles, and an easy train ride away, and has much more affordable accommodations.
Money saving tip: Want to shop big designer names? Make sure you get the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund from stores that you spend a significant amount of money at, it doesn't hurt to ask if they don't automatically offer. VAT refunds are almost like getting some money back for shopping in that country (usually 5-10% back of your purchase from that store). Make sure you drop off your completed VAT forms at the airport you depart from. Just ask the store for more info.
And ladies, just an F.Y.I. Louis Vuitton is slightly cheaper here as opposed to the huge LV store we all know and love in Paris' Champs Elysees, also much more welcoming and less crowded (we even got offered champagne, pinkys up ladies!).
And ladies, just an F.Y.I. Louis Vuitton is slightly cheaper here as opposed to the huge LV store we all know and love in Paris' Champs Elysees, also much more welcoming and less crowded (we even got offered champagne, pinkys up ladies!).
Monaco can be made into a one day excursion trip and here are some points of interests:
Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House
Oceanographic Museum
Monaco Cathedral
Prince's Palace
Fort Antoine
Prince's Palace (State Apartments) Saint-Charles Church
Palais de Justice
Oceanographic Museum
Monaco Cathedral
Prince's Palace
Fort Antoine
Prince's Palace (State Apartments) Saint-Charles Church
Palais de Justice
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