Many people visit the Principality of Monaco to enjoy the thrills of the F1 Grand Prix, but there are plenty of reasons to visit this small, but amazing country at any time of the year.
Yes, Monaco is small, there’s no denying it. It covers just over two square kilometres and is the second smallest country in the world. However, if you want a taste of the infamous Riviera lifestyle, combined with its unique history and ambiance, then a trip to Monaco this summer makes for an unforgettable experience.
We’ve picked out our top five highlights of the best of Monaco this summer.
1. Take a helicopter transfer
There is only one way to arrive in Monaco in style – by helicopter transfer. It’s also practical and fast, as a helicopter from Monaco to Nice takes only seven minutes flight time.
Heli Securite is the leading helicopter charter company in the South of France, with a long history of safety and service since the company was founded in 1922. The company is a registered airline with IATA .
Heli Securite has a comprehensive scheduled service during the summer season covering the Riviera hotspots, such as Monaco to Nice and Cannes to Monaco. You can also book a private charter transfer to your home, yacht, hotel or restaurant.
2. Enjoy summer Sunday shopping
Shopping in Monaco is a fabulous experience on any day of the week: that is, apart from Sunday, when the stores normally remain closed, due to legal restrictions. However, since 2006, the government began the Summer Sundays initiative to encourage more visitors to the Principality by dangling a platinum-plated carrot of Sunday shopping.
The initiative is voluntary so double check with stores to ensure they are participating. Retailers can choose seven Sundays on which to open during the summer period, which runs from July to 7 September 2014.
Some popular shopping haunts participating in the initiative include the Metropole Shopping Center from 13 July to 24 August 2014 and the Centre Commercial de Fontvieille from 20 July to 17 August 2014.
3. The new Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) building
Ogling the superyachts in Monaco’s Port Hercule is an essential part of any visit to the Principality. Since June 2014, the newly inaugurated YCM clubhouse rivals some of the yachts for glitz, design and style. Planning and construction has been ongoing since 2003 when the world-renowned architect, Lord Norman Foster was awarded the commission.
The overall design is one of terraces that resemble ocean liner decks, but unfortunately, unless you are a member or you’ve booked a berth for your visiting superyacht, you won’t be able to enjoy the clubhouse facilities and you’ll have to admire the view from outside.
However, from July 31st 2014, the YCM Gallery is accessible to the public. It’s located in front of the YCM Marina and currently accommodates Rolex and Brooks Brothers stores.
4. Enjoy the best champagne in the best of surroundings
Monaco is all about experiencing “the best of” and it doesn’t get any better than sipping exquisite vintage champagne and enjoying a gourmet dinner on the terrace of the legendary Hotel de Paris.
The Empire Room and the Empire Room Terrace of the Hotel de Paris have been part of the summer social scene in Monaco for over a century. The prestigious Louis Roederer champagne label has been supplying the Hotel de Paris since 1866 and you can sample seven of their superb vintages.
The Terrace is open for dinner until 6 September and reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
5. Monaco Yacht Show
Finish off the summer season with a visit to the fabulous Monaco Yacht Show, running from 24th – 27th September, 2014.
Join the 30,000+ visitors who enjoy some of the world’s most stunning yachts on display in Port Hercules, including around 30 brand new yachts. There are over 500 exhibitors offering every type of service imaginable to design, fit, construct and kit out a superyacht. Enjoy the buzz, it’s unmissable.
