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.
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 LIST
From almost anywhere you stand in Monaco, you can pick out the so-called Tête 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.
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!
The view down to Monaco from the Tête de Chien. Photo source: Pango Visuel / Facebook
Also on La Turbie territory is the Trophée d’Auguste, a Roman monument built in 6BCE to celebrate Emperor Augustus’ recent victories. It’s a must-see if you’re interested in the ancient history of the region and, by extension, Roman architecture. It costs €6 for over 25s to visit the protected site.
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.
The Trophée d’Auguste was built in 6BCE. Photo source: Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera & Merveilles
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.
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.
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.
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In honour of the 15th anniversary of relations established between Monaco and Mongolia, the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, on a state visit to France, personally presented the Friendship medal to Monaco’s Honorary Consul of Mongolia Elisabeth Gondeau and Jérôme Magail, Researcher at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco and head of the Monaco-Mongolia archaeological mission.
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.
Photo caption: Elisabeth Gondeau and Jérôme Magail in front of the portrait of Genghis Khan, first Mongolian emperor (12th century). Source: Government Communication Department
Grimaldi Forum to host invite-only Enrico Caruso tribute on Monaco’s National Day
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo is pulling out all the stops for this year’s highly exclusive, invite-only National Day concert with a performance dedicated to arguably the most famous tenor singer of the early 20th century, Enrico Caruso.
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.
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.
Before Caruso was a household name, in 1902, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s then-director, the equally acclaimed Raoul Gunsbourg, invited him to perform La Bohème in the Principality. Caruso later went on to make his first legendary appearances in Paris with the Monegasque chorus.
During the next few years, Caruso tread the boards singing many of his most celebrated roles in the Principality before he was lured away to New York. In 1915, when he was at the top of his game, his old friend Gunsbourg found the Opéra to be in financial straits due to World War I. Caruso took action and made the dangerous ocean crossing, fulfilling a promise made to his friend that he would one day return again to Monaco and helped inspire anew its cultural scene.
As a tribute to Caruso, who was born 150 years ago this year, today’s Opéra has called on some of the greatest artists of our time, including conductor Sir Antonio Pappano and tenors Jonas Kaufmann and Davide Livermore, who will join forces to make this event a truly unforgettable evening.
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.
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From the Avenue de Verdun in Nice to the flashiest street in Saint Tropez, the Côte d’Azur boasts a wealth of high-end shopping destinations. Here is a guide to some of the very best.
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.
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.
Nice’s Rue Paradis is an easy stone’s throw from Place Masséna and features stand-alone stores from top shelf brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Anne Fontaine, Emporio Armani and the city’s very own luxury brand, Façonnable. It also has ultra-cool shops like Zadig & Voltaire and exclusive swimwear merchants Vilebrequin as well as the “top of the line” children’s clothing marque Bonpoint.
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.
The cherry of the top of the cake here is that both streets are very close to the tram stops in Place Masséna and on Avenue Jean Médecin, another great shopping destination, giving them an accessibility edge on some of the other shopping stretches on the Riviera.
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.
A stroll down the Croisette reads like a “who’s who” of retail par excellence. The list includes Moncler, Hervé Léger, Céline, Roberto Cavalli, Balenciaga, Armani, Chopard, Rolex, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, Loro Piana, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and not one but two Dolce & Gabbanas.
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.
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.
Conveniently located just off the Quai Suffren, one can flit from superyacht to store in the blink of an eye.
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 Côte d’Azur Aiport is the newest.
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.
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!
Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco have opened up publicly about the enduring legacy of their beloved father, Prince Rainier III. In a heart-warming interview with Point de Vue, conducted on the sidelines of the Centenary Ball at the Monte-Carlo Opera, they give a glimpse into the deep bond shared by the Sovereign and his younger sister.
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”.
An exceptional journey
The interview takes us on an exceptional journey through the memories of Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie, revealing the nuances of their childhood, family dynamics, and the lessons they have carried into adulthood.
Recalling their initial participation in grand events, Princess Stéphanie candidly confesses, “As an adolescent, I didn’t want to go! At a certain age, it’s not necessarily a lot of fun to find yourself in a dress, dressed up, sitting for four hours at a table being scrutinised by everyone”.
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.”
Both Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie highlighted the importance of regular communication with their sisters in their decision-making process. Prince Albert II mentioned, “Yes, I contact them quite regularly and they give me their opinions. Don’t think they’re leaving me in a corner”.
Princess Stéphanie humorously chimed in, “We also sometimes give him our opinion even before he asks us!”
Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier
Being the youngest
As the youngest of the family, Princess Stéphanie shared her perspective, saying, “Definitely having seven and eight years difference with my brother and sister counted. My brother was lovely, he put up with me so often, I always wanted to play with him. His patience with me has been unfailing”.
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.”
Childhood memories: games and adventures
Albert reminisced, “We played Monopoly and little building games,” while Princess Stéphanie added, “I was stealing your Action Man figures to have weddings with my Barbies.” Beyond indoor games, the siblings cherished their time outdoors, particularly at Roc Agel, which Prince Albert described as “our refuge”; It was a place of “freedom, play, and special moments”, he shared.
Princess Stéphanie highlighted how their parents, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, orchestrated these family moments, including boat cruises on the Mediterranean, to ensure their children’s education and emotional well-being, fostering a lifelong sense of togetherness and balance.
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
The man beyond the monarch
In an intimate look back at their father’s dual roles, Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco revealed a side of Prince Rainier III that extended beyond the responsibilities of a head of state. Prince Albert II shared, “With us, he was very loving and always in a good mood, except when we annoyed him a little. But that didn’t happen often.”
Princess Stéphanie noted that their father had a remarkable ability to compartmentalise, leaving the worries of office at the door and reserving his family as his “safety valve” and “secret garden.”
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.
Values from their father
Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco understand the significance of passing down their father’s enduring values to their own children. As Prince Albert shared, “These are timeless values, of demanding with oneself, of work, tolerance and listening”.
Princess Stéphanie highlighted the importance of respect, for oneself and others, and the value of compassion instilled in them by their mother.
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 interview with Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie offers a glimpse into a remarkable family deeply committed to the wellbeing and future of Monaco, while always embracing the values and memories of their father, the “builder prince”.
Make sure you’re never left out of the conversation.
Famous fine jeweller Fabergé has introduced a stunning new Yellow Gold Diamond and Guilloché Enamel Bee Surprise Locket to its Heritage collection, with proceeds from the sale supporting the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The partnership, revealed on Wednesday 25th October, means that for every locket sold, Fabergé will donate $1,350 to the Foundation, to finance the actions of its Forests and Communities Initiative (FCI).
The Heritage Yellow Gold Diamond & Guilloché Enamel Bee Surprise Locket is crafted in 18k yellow gold and hand-painted with a peach coloured guilloché enamel. The little bee itself is hand-painted in black and orange lacquer and sits upon a yellow agate stone platform, with subtle honeycomb engraving. The outer case of the egg locket features 15 round brilliant-cut white diamonds.
According to the company, “The Heritage collection celebrates Fabergé’s passion for surprise and showcases complex traditional techniques, such as the delicate art of guilloché enamelling and hand-engraving”.
Fabergé was renowned for crafting little animals from hardstone as charms and ornaments. Art historians have described these creations – the Fabergé menagerie – as possessing “psychologically interpretive aspects”, or human-like qualities. The accentuation of specific characteristics of each subject also gave them distinctive personalities. Fabergé often combined these hardstones with precious metals and coloured gems, seamlessly integrating each with the other to produce miniature works of art.
“These precious creations are, therefore, a perfect example of Fabergé’s trademark style,” says the company.
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.
