An expert expat’s tips for Monaco
By Belinda Jackson
Accountant Bruce Hutchison grew up in Lindfield, Sydney, and relocated to Monaco after a 12-year stint in London. He has now lived in the principality on the French Riviera for 22 years. “It was never the plan, but I now call Monaco home,” he says. See visitmonaco.com
Monaco and its Riviera waterfront.
SEE
In summer, there are plenty of music events, either live concerts in Place du Casino (Casino Square) or sit-down dinners at the Salle des Etoiles in The Summer Sporting, all part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival. It’s great value when you consider the cost of concert tickets these days. See montecarlosbm.com
DO
Bruce Hutchison has lived in Monaco for 22 years.
As Monaco is small (roughly half the size of New York’s Central Park) you can see a lot just by walking around. Stick to the area around the casino (Monte Carlo) then down to the main port and then up to the Palace on Le Rocher (the Rock). That walk should take between 30 to 40 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes as Monaco is very hilly (when my Aunty Pat would visit she always had me carry her high heels in a shopping bag, so she could still make a good entrance). It’s hard to take a bad photo from the lookout point outside the Palace, which faces out over the main port and the Monte Carlo casino with the French and Italian coastline stretching into the distance.
DRINK
When friends visit, I always kick off an evening with drinks at Le Bar Americain in the Hotel de Paris. It is well-placed overlooking Casino Square, and has great drinks and service. So many people have sat at the bar over the years, including Errol Flynn and Winston Churchill, to name just two. The live music is an added treat. The drinks menu is so long it’s like a book, so you can order any wine or drink in the world! I keep it simple and always order champagne. See montecarlosbm.com
Le Bar Americain in the Hotel de Paris.
EAT
A special dining experience can be had in the cellar of the Hotel de Paris. It is the largest wine cellar in Europe and it can be twinned with a wine tasting hosted by the master sommelier.
Alternatively, Le Grill is an excellent choice with a superb Mediterranean menu, service and views over Monaco, especially if there is a fireworks display that evening. I highly recommend the souffle for dessert. For something more relaxed, head to any of the mainly Italian restaurants down on Larvotto Beach.
AVOID
For all its fun and champagne lifestyle, Monaco can be a conservative place and the police will not tolerate bad behaviour or inappropriate clothing. If you are dressed well, you can enjoy the best things Monaco has to offer.
THRIVE
Italy is a short drive away, so I head to the market just over the border in Ventimiglia on a Saturday to do most of my grocery shopping, as Italy is much cheaper than Monaco. The quality and prices are great and it’s only 30 minutes away. You can feel a bit cooped up living in Monaco, so day trips and weekends away are a must.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.