Guide / Tour Things To Do in Monaco — 13 of Our Favourites

Follow the red rocks of the Massif de l'Esterel to beautiful Saint-Tropez. Well known to celebrities and billionaires, over the years this small fishing village has become a veritable playground of the rich and famous.

Saint-Tropez has had a turbulent history: from a 15th century military stronghold, to a quiet fishing village in the early twentieth century, Saint-Tropez was also the first city on the coast to be liberated during World War II as part of Operation Dragoon.

After the war, it became a resort of international renown. Saint-Tropez was first a holiday destination for artists of French cinema, but soon became a favourite of the world's elite and 'jet set' of the 1950's.

Discover Italy and the markets of San Remo (Tuesday/Saturday) or Vintimiglia (Friday). Stroll through these unique markets, where you will find authentic Italian products.

• San Remo overlooks the Ligurian Sea, and is known for its mild climate, it's 19th century Art Nouveau villas and for its casino that was built to entertain the nobility of yesteryear
• Ventimiglia is located on the Italian side of the Franco-Italian border, at the beginning of the Riviera dei Fiori. In the old town you will find the remains of a Roman theatre from the second century, and the 11th century Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

Afterwards, you'll take a scenic road to the amazing and authentic 12th century village of Dolceacqua. Here you’ll be able to explore its tiny streets, art galleries, souvenir shops, and the Castello dei Doria.

Tours are between 7 and 8 hours long, depending on your departure point of either Cannes, Nice, or Monaco.

Heading towards the countryside, visit the oil mill of Opio and discover the process of making olive oil. Your visit will be punctuated by a tasting of specialities from the production mill, specifically olive oil, tapenade, and an assortment of olives.

Reach the fortress of Mont Alban situated on the heights of Nice. Discover this military strongpoint built during the 16th century, and take in the stunning 360 degree views overlooking Nice on one side, and the bay of Villefranche on the other.

You will then be taken to the Chez Pipo restaurant, specialists for generations in traditional Provencal 'Nissarde' cuisine. In this institution, founded in the 20s, you will discover the authentic tastes of socca and pissaladière with a glass of Rosé to wash it down.

Discover the magnificent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched on the peninsula of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat overlooking the bay of Villefranche for more than 100 years.

Between sky and sea, stroll through beautifully colourful gardens and discover nine different themes, from classic French gardens, to the beautiful and exotic Japanese gardens.

The many lounges and private apartments of the villa have works of art of the highest quality, which the Baroness Ephrussi de Rothschild gathered throughout her lifetime.

Then visit the Matisse Museum (Villa des Arenes) located on the hill of Cimiez in Nice. This 17th century building has been a museum to the artistic development Henri Matisse since 1963.

Then on to the Marc Chagall National Museum, with it's religious inspired paintings. Inaugurated in 1973 during the lifetime of painter Marc Chagall to preserve and display his work.

The tours are a fantastic way to discover the region and all the hidden secrets of the Cote d'Azur. They have a wide selection of tours that can be privatised and adapted to suit your individual needs. Alternatively you can discuss a tailor-made tour, visiting only the sites on your bucket list. 

You will have the benefit of an experienced guide carefully selected for their knowledge and their personal touch; and with their specially equipped and carefully maintained high-end vehicles, you can explore the region in luxury.

With multilingual guides you can chose a tour in English, German, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Bulgarian, Dutch and of course French. 

They work with a number of prestigious partners giving them preferential access to the Fragonard Parfumerie in Eze village and Grasse, Château Crémat, St Benoit Restaurant, Moulin d’Opio, "Chez Pipo" Restaurant and the French Riviera Cruise Club. 

Departing from Monaco, make your first stop at the medieval village of Eze, one of the most picturesque sites on the French Riviera. Dating from the Middle Ages, the village was built on top of the rocky outcrop for defensive purposes. The twelfth century walls would later be dismantled in 1706 by order of Louis XIV.

Go through the village of La Turbie, also called the "Monaco terrace" due to its panoramic views of the Principality of Monaco. Admire the ruins of an imposing monument (50 meters high), the 'Trophy of the Alps', dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, built 7BC on the road that linked Italy to Cimiez (the Roman Quarter Nice).

Spend the afternoon in the old town of Monaco on "Le Rocher" (the rock) overlooking the sea and harbour.

Discover the Prince's Palace and the Changing of the Guard at 11:55. In front of the Palais du Prince, you will notice the Carabinieri Barracks. Created on the 8th of December 1817, the Carabinieri are the personal guard of the Royal Family.

In Monte-Carlo, take the famous Formula One Grand Prix circuit, before reaching The Casino de Monte-Carlo.

In Cannes, take the opportunity to walk the red carpet covering the world famous steps of the Palais des Festivals.

Follow the coast toward Antibes, and discover the old town surrounded by ramparts built in the medieval period to protect the city from the barbarian invasions of the Goths and Visigoths.

Then explore one of the most visited villages in France: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a magnificent fortified village dating from the 11th century.

Stroll along the ramparts and cobbled streets inside its walls, and discover the shops and art galleries punctuating the village.

Start with a beautiful panorama of Nice after driving up the Corniche Road, passing above the beautiful village of Eze, and admire the view from the Vista Palace overlooking the lights of Monaco.

Explore the old town of Monaco ('Le Rocher') overlooking the sea and harbour.

Discover the Prince's Palace, the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the Palais de Justice, and more.

In Monte Carlo, take the famous Formula One Grand Prix circuit, before reaching The Casino de Monte Carlo.

Explore Cannes and discover its magnificent palaces along the Croisette boulevard. Take the opportunity to walk on the red carpet covering the world famous steps of the Palais des Festivals.

Follow the coast toward Antibes and discover the old town surrounded by ramparts. Antibes has become a major focal point for contemporary art, thanks to the famous Pablo Picasso, who spent a part of his life here.

Enjoy one of the most visited places in France, Saint Paul-de-Vence. Stroll along the ramparts and cobbled streets inside the walls and discover the shops and art galleries punctuating the village.

En route to Monaco, make a stop at the medieval village of Eze, one of the most picturesque sites on the French Riviera.

Go through the village of La Turbie, also called the "Monaco terrace" due to its panoramic views of the Principality of Monaco. Admire the ruins of an imposing monument (50 meters high), the 'Trophy of the Alps', dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, built 7BC on the road that linked Italy to Cimiez (the Roman Quarter Nice).

Spend the afternoon in the old town of Monaco on "Le Rocher" (the rock) overlooking the sea and harbour.

Discover the Prince's Palace and the Changing of the Guard at 11:55. In front of the Palais du Prince, you will notice the Carabinieri Barracks. Created on the 8th of December 1817, the Carabinieri are the personal guard of the Royal Family.

In Monte-Carlo, take the famous Formula One Grand Prix circuit, before reaching the Casino de Monte-Carlo.

Walks range from 2 to 4 hours and include walking tours of the various districts of Monaco and Monte-Carlo, a circuit of the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix race track, a hiking tour along the Via Alpina, and a walk along the coastal path with a stop at the Corbusier villa.

Each tour lasts for around 30 minutes and covers the main attractions in the city. It is accompanied by a commentary which is available in twelve languages. The train runs every day from February until mid--November.

You board the train from the parking area opposite the Oceanographic museum.

Valid for one, two or three days, it allows you free access to around 20 sites, museums and tours. The attractions are all based in the Nice area, including Antibes, Jean les Pins, Biot, Cagnes-sur-Mer, St-Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu, Eze and Monaco.

Take a look at their website to decide if there are enough of the attractions that you want to see to ensure it is worth buying a pass.

Note that public transport is not included in the price, and remember to include the time it will take you to get to each place. If you work out your itinerary beforehand, the pass can provide excellent value.

Prices:

• 72h French Riviera Pass: 56€
• 48h French Riviera Pass: 38€
• 24h French Riviera Pass: 26€

• 72h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 68€
• 48h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 46€
• 24h French Riviera Pass + transportation: 30€

The tour lasts around 1 hour and takes you through the culturally interesting areas of town and along the waterfront. There are regular departure times throughout the day.

The Petit Train only during the summer months.