3 Magical Days Spent In Monte Carlo, Monaco

Hands down, throughout my whole trip, this has been my favorite place and I'm pretty sure it will stay on the top of my list of places that I have visited.  If you haven't been to Monaco make sure you make your way out there.  The city is very small but it is glimmering and magical especially at night. But its always nice to wake up to the beautiful blue water in the morning.                                       

                                                       

One of the must see attractions is the Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

 

The gardens and park feature a small lake surrounded with palm and olive trees, and of course the world famous Princess Grace garden.

This charming green space in the Fontvieille district is a perfect half day excursion away from the busy harbor and city center. The Princess Grace Rose Garden is serenity itself, a place where some 4,000 different varieties of roses bloom.

Princess Grace Rose Garden

Inside the Monaco Cathedral are the tombs of the Monaco royal family, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier.




Monaco Cathedral

It was great to see the famous Monte Carlo Casino!  Officially named "Casino de Monte-Carlo", the Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex that includes a casino, the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlobut.  However, we didn't get to see any of this because they wanted $10.00 just to walk in!!!

Monte Carlo Casino

Since we couldn't have a peek inside, we just did some exploring!  Plenty of interesting things to see around here!





A portrayal of Adam and Eve

As well as some great views

And Great Cars





Ferrari Dealership

Fairmont Monte Carlo, was an incredible, top notch place to stay!  And what makes it especially unique is that it's located right on top of the Formula One Racetrack!   A well known event that happens every year in the town of Monte Carlo.  The track runs all through the city.  But the best seat in the house is at this hotel.  Not to mention the views are endless.

 

Our rooms were what I would call, cute French.  Is that a style???

 



Hmmmm....

 



 

I Did love the balcony!

And if you don't like the view from your room, you can just go to one of the sitting areas and enjoy the view from there!

And if you need a new outfit........

 



 

Or some jewelry.......

 



 

Or a pair of shoes........It seems the Fairmont has that too!

 



How can you resist waking up to an exquisite buffet breakfast with the most amazing breathtaking view you've ever imagined.  Just a tip to the wise, if you decide to sit outside make sure you do not leave your food unattended, the seagulls will make sure to devour it.  This seems to be a pretty common.  But this is the price you pay for having an amazing morning view.

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Champagne Anyone?

See you at the next stop!

Aux En Provence

Made a quick stop in Aux De Provence! This is a town filled with college students who are sitting at cafes eating and sipping on cappuccinos, and fill the town with life.

 

 

 

Pont Du Gard, Lex Baux, Olive Mill Tour, Nimes

It's another beautiful day in France which makes it perfect for seeing some more Roman influences of this area.  On the World Heritage List, the Pont du Gard  is one of the oldest and most remarkable Roman hydraulic works. It is a bridge that is part of the Nîmes aqueduct, a 50 km-long (31 mile) structure built by the Romans.

Pont du Gard

 

I hiked up some stairs to get a view!

 

 

Our next destination is Les Baux - de - Provence.  It has a spectacular position in the Alpilles mountains, set atop a rocky outcrop that is crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains. 
Les Baux-de-Provence is famous for its medieval hilltop castle and village carved right out of the cliff face. Cars are banned from the steep, winding streets, so you will have a brisk walk up the hill to the sights.     

The village has cute winding streets and stunning views.  

 

 

Walking around the village and checking out the cute little shops.

Had lunch at a small secluded restaurant that overlooks the whole area.

Just a note, if you can't finish your meal do not ask for a to-go box unless its pizza.  They don't have boxes.



Off to an olive mill. This family-owned business offers a wide selection of Provencal specialties in addition to their homemade olive oil and assorted derivative products, including olive oil cosmetics. The family is very rooted in local traditions and is extremely welcoming. We got a tour of the facility and got to sample the wares.

After the tour you have the opportunity to walk around the store and buy some of the olive mills famous products to take home to your loved ones.

 

 Then sample some of the famous flavors of the mill under the shade of fig trees.