Day Trip from Nice to Monte Carlo

Nice is a wonderful seaside spot in the South of France, but also is a perfect launch pad for several day trips. The trains and buses are inexpensive and easy (albeit somewhat crowded) and make the small towns around Nice super accessible. During our time in Nice, we opted to take a ferry from the Port of Nice to Monaco.

Monaco is the second smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. It is also recognized as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Made famous by its world-class casino (think Bond, James Bond). Monaco is w0rld-renowned as the playground of the ultra wealthy and is a tax-haven for them as well. Think super yachts and luxury vehicles, and that is Monaco.

The marina in Monaco does not disappoint! The super yachts are a marvel to look and you could spend an afternoon daydreaming about crusing the Mediterranean on one.

Monte Carlo (an adminstrative region of Monte Carlo) is where most of the "action" occurs and is easily accessible by foot. We walked about 40 minutes from the small port to the casino but you can easily hop a bus as well.

The casino is the center of Monte Carlo and is a major tourist attraction. If you plan on visiting the casino, bear in mind that you must bring a valid form of ID and there is a dress code and an entrance fee. We observed many tourist being turned away because they either did not have their passport or other valid form of ID or inappropriate attire.

The atrium of the casino also has a wonderful bar. We queued for about 10 minutes before we were guided to our seats. Yes, the drinks are expensive, but enjoying the ambience on a hot summer's afternoon was well worth the spend.

During our stroll through Monte Carlo, we also happened upon a Veuve Cliquot pop-up in Square Beaumarchais. The signature yellow and white striped umbrellas and sun chairs provided a wonderful spot to people watch.

All in all, Monaco does not disappoint as a short day trip from Niee.