Step outside of the Principality of Monaco and a world of natural beauty awaits. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore some of the most enchanting and inspiring hikes and walks in the area. Â
In Part I of the Monaco Life guide to the best hikes and trails within easy reach of the Principality, we check out the closest walks that can be found just the other side of its borders.
THE LISTÂ
From almost anywhere you stand in Monaco, you can pick out the so-called TĂŞte de Chien that looms high in the cliffs that tower over the Principality. Taking a trip to see this natural landmark up close requires a relatively short, but very satisfying, hike from the French village of La Turbie. Â
The path is well-marked and well-trodden, and results in a stunning bird’s-eye view of Monaco, the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Take a picnic and make a morning, afternoon or evening of it!Â
The view down to Monaco from the TĂŞte de Chien. Photo source: Pango Visuel / Facebook
Start off in the village centre and follow the trail up to the monument, which is surrounded by a botanical park that adds a natural element to this “imperial” experience. Â
The Nietzsche Path or Chemin de Nietzsche is named for the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. A picturesque trail, it begins at the Eze-sur-Mer train station and heads uphill to culminate in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the way, you’ll pass through fragrant pine forests and rugged landscapes, making it a moderately challenging, but immensely rewarding hike. The panoramic views of the coast and the medieval village of Eze are unforgettable.Â
Add a trip to Eze-sur-Mer to your list of things to do near Monaco, if only for the incredible views. Photo source: Wafi Usmd, Unsplash
Perhaps the most leisurely walk on this list, the Moyenne Corniche Trail is a great option for families and those looking to just get outside and enjoy some fresh air. The trail is mostly paved, making it suitable for hikers of all levels, and meanders along the heights of the Moyenne Corniche road to provide Instagram-worthy views on Monaco, the azure sea and forests of native trees and shrubs. Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to capture the scenes that unfold at every turn.Â
The final walk on Part I of the guide is the Cap d’Ail coastal trail, which was apparently a favourite of the likes of Greta Garbo, Sacha Guitry and Winston Churchill. The Sentier du Littoral takes around an hour and a half to complete, but we recommend doing it in both directions and stopping for lunch on the beach at the beautiful Plage Mala below Cap d’Ail’s town centre. Magnificent villas perched on the edge of the water make for the perfect daydream inspiration, while the beauty of this pristine section of coast will have you making plans to come back next weekend. Â
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.Â
The ceremony took place on 13th October in Paris, in the presence of Ulambayar Nyamkhuu, Ambassador of Mongolia to France and Monaco.
15 years ago in 2008, during Prince Albert II’s official visit to Mongolia, an agreement was signed between the two countries, initiating the implementation of numerous projects led by the Cooperation Directorate International and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology through the Joint Archaeological Mission.
Two major events marked these years of cooperation. The first was the inauguration in 2014 of a Research and Exhibition Centre in the Upper Tamir Valley, close to the archaeological excavation site of Tsatsyn Ereg, 500km from the capital Ulan Bator. Thanks to Monaco’s contribution, this building, equipped with an autonomous ecological system running on solar energy, welcomes Mongolian students every summer.
The second was the classification of the Upper Tamir Valley as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023, the study of which has been entrusted to a joint archaeological mission since 2008.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.Â
Every year, a special one-off concert concludes the celebrations of Monaco’s very own National Day on 19th November. This year, it will honour the legendary tenor, Enrico Caruso. Â
Caruso was born in Napoli and came from a poor background. Despite this, his incomparable voice led him to the heights of stardom, where he graced the stages of such exalted venues as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Â
This Palace-initiated and invitation-only concert event will take place on 19th November at the Grimaldi Forum from 7pm. For more information, click here.Â
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Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
From the Avenue de Verdun in Nice to the flashiest street in Saint Tropez, the CĂ´te d’Azur boasts a wealth of high-end shopping destinations. Here is a guide to some of the very best.Â
Shopping is aplenty in the south of France. There’s a near endless number of chic boutiques and world-class malls, but sometimes, even the most seasoned shopper can struggle to find everything they want in one place. Â
So, with minimal travel and maximum enjoyment in mind, let Monaco Life be your guide to the super-concentrated shopping areas that give a whole of bang for buck.Â
Rue Paradis runs perpendicular to the Avenue de Verdun, which is home to the fashion houses and jewellery brands of Hermès, Tiffany & Co., Longchamps and Cartier. Â
Cannes’ fabled La Croisette, which is officially a meeting of a boulevard and a promenade with the same name, is where people go to see and be seen. Although this address gets the most airtime during the famous Film Festival in May, its plethora of luxe brand boutiques means it doesn’t lose its oomph the rest of the year. Â
The fabled La Croisette in Cannes has long been a favourite destination for luxury shopping on the Riviera. Photo source: Jannis Lucas, Unsplash
Thank goodness with all the shopping that there are also plenty of gorgeous places to refuel along the way, with the Carlton, Martinez and Majestic hotels all a welcome retreat for the well-heeled in-between purchases. Â
The eternally-chic Rue François Sibilli in Saint Tropez could entice even the most shopping-averse to browse and buy, with offerings from Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Dior Men to name but a few. Â
Conveniently located just off the Quai Suffren, one can flit from superyacht to store in the blink of an eye. Â
There are almost as many designer boutiques in Saint Tropez as there are superyachts. Photo source: Valentin Kremer, Unsplash
Compared to these other iconic shopping streets, the Corso at the fabulous Cap 3000 mall near the Nice CĂ´te d’Azur Aiport is the newest. Â
Open since 2021, it offers indoor browsing of the highest calibre and has added the likes of Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Zadig & Voltaire, Pinko, Tara Jarmon, Paul Smith, Etro and Max Mara to its rollcall of brands. These rub up alongside top drawer watch and jewellery shops, such as the Ferret boutique, which sells timepieces and stunning accessories from IWC, Tag Heuer, Breguet, Chaumet, Omega, Rolex and APM Monaco. Â
Find all the best fashion and accessory brands lining the aisles of Cap 3000’s luxury Corso. Photo source: Cap 3000 / Facebook
There’s even a Ducasse-signed restaurant, Rivea, as well as a confectioner from the legendary chef called Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, which was “born from a desire to return to the source, the very essence of what chocolate is made of”. That alone sounds like reason enough to go!Â
As the Principality celebrates the centenary of Prince Rainier III’s birth, it is a culmination of months of meticulous planning and heartfelt dedication. The commemorations are designed to reflect the essence of their father, embracing his multifaceted personality and his profound impact on Monaco.
In the interview, Prince Albert II emphasises that their father was not just a “builder prince” responsible for development and infrastructure but also a pioneer in shaping Monaco’s constitution in 1962 and other significant initiatives. He aimed to provide legitimacy and credibility to the Principality, despising the notion of a “Principality of Operetta”.
Prince Albert II added, “It’s true that when you’re 16 or 17-years-old, you may want to do something else. And those moments could be very impressive and intimidating.”
Prince Albert II also shared insights into his gradual apprenticeship into the sovereign’s office, stating, “This was done in small steps. Of course, we had conversations that spanned the time, but there was no seminal event where my father would have said to me, ‘Here, take this file and tell me what you think of it’. It was a gradual apprenticeship, I attended government councils and cabinet meetings with him. He gave me some principles, advice, and recommendations.”
Prince Albert emphasised the solitary nature of decision-making, saying, “Before any final decision is made, I gather a lot of opinions and advice, but when you are in front of the sheet to sign, no one can do it for you. It’s a solitary exercise.”
She reminisced about cherished moments with her father, recalling, “As soon as it was possible, I wanted to join him. I remember around noon he would go to the animal garden. I’d finish school at half-past 11, running to get time to spend time with him.”
These anecdotes underscore the Princely family’s enduring commitment to shared love, laughter, and everyday joys that transcended their titles and grandeur.
Prince Rainier III with his wife Princess Grace and children
She fondly remembered his sense of humour, which he passed on to them. “He could be severe,” she said, “but we knew the limits not to be crossed, and this was always done with kindness.”
Their father’s approach, characterised by fairness and explanation before admonishment, earned him both respect and affection from those around him, leaving a lasting impression on his children.
This upbringing emphasised the delicate balance of standing firm in one’s beliefs while remaining open to the world, a lesson they are keen to pass on to the generations that follow.
Ongoing homage and celebrations
The interview concluded with Prince Albert II unveiling the upcoming homage for the national holiday on 19thNovember, dedicated to Prince Rainier III. The nature of this tribute remains a closely guarded secret.
The Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, from 19th to 28th January 2024, will celebrate the festival’s 50th anniversary, continuing the legacy established by their father. It promises to be an event full of surprises and unforgettable moments.
The Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI) was created in 2022 to support conservation of forest ecosystems through the action of indigenous peoples and local communities.
The Bee Surprise retails for €15,480 and is available to view at faberge.com.
