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With a luxury shopping scene and a swish casino on hand, holidays to Monte Carlo crank the lavish lever up a few notches.
Monte Carlo is Monaco’s best-known district, and unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of attractions around here. The iconic Monte Carlo Casino takes centre stage. It’s a bit of a Hollywood star, so you might recognise it from the big screen. While you’re there, have a nosey around the opera house next door. It’s a stunner, decked out with all the bells and whistles – think red velvet drapes, crystals and gold leaf galore.
The coastline around here packs in sight after sight – from the biscuit-tinted pebbles of Larvotto Beach to the yacht-stacked marina. The former makes a great starting point for a plod along the seafront – it’s backed by a chunky prom, which you can follow down to the nearby Princess Grace Japanese Garden. This little oasis goes all-out on traditional Japanese decor – it’s got ponds dotted with lily pads, pretty bridges and a waterfall to boot.
When it comes to luxury retail spots, Monte Carlo’s golden triangle – or Carré d'Or – is the cream of the crop. You’ll find this trio of exclusive shopping streets over by Casino Square. The likes of Chanel, Cartier, Balenciaga and Fendi have all swung open their doors here, so there’s oodles of choice for big spenders and window shoppers alike.
Monaco’s spot along the French Riviera puts it within easy reach of tonnes of balmy beaches. Plus, it’s got a pebbly stretch of its own – complete with a string of fancy beach clubs.
The manmade Larvotto Beach steals a lot of the limelight around here. It’s a pebbly number, and it’s divvied up into sections – some public, and some private. You can get cosy in one of the beach clubs, or chuck down your towel and flake out by the water.
If you fancy escaping to a slightly more laidback patch of beach, hop in a cab and head to nearby Menton – you’ll be there in about 20 minutes. Its shoreline’s edged by a sand-and-pebble stretch, complete with a couple of restaurants and a palm-studded prom.
Barbajuan’s Monaco’s national dish, so it’s a must-try. Think ricotta, Swiss chard, garlic, leeks and herbs, all stuffed into a tasty puff pastry parcel.
This sweet tart originated in France and has made a name for itself in Monaco, too. It’s made with a creamy combination of almonds, cherries and cantaloupe melon in a pastry crust.
Fougasse sits on the shelves in most of Monaco’s bakeries. This flatbread’s shaped to resemble an ear of wheat. It’s flavoured with oranges, and finished off with nuts, raisins and herbs.
This yummy snack’s on the menu at street food stalls all over Monaco. It’s a hot, thin pancake made with chickpea flour and olive oil – simple yet tasty.
Stocafi’s a local delicacy – keep your eyes peeled for it on local restaurant menus, especially those in Monaco’s old town. Dried cod makes up the base of the stew, which is packed with tomatoes, olives and veggies.
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