Cap d'Ail
Friendly seaside resort with a splash of old school glamour
A friendly seaside resort with a splash of old-school glamour, Cap d'Ail has several beaches ranging from fine sandy beaches with elegant restaurants, to remote and rocky coves.
Cap d'Ail is the last town on the French Riviera before you cross the border into Monaco, and there is definitely an overflow of wealth and style. Easily accessible by bus or train from Nice, you can while away the days on the beach or take a day trip to Monte-Carlo. The two towns are separated by a port that hosts a number of festivals and regattas during the summer where you can see some seriously swanky yachts.
There are a number of public parks and gardens, our favourite being Parc Sacha Guitry for its impressive views of the sea. Various guided tours are available through the town and along the seafront - enquire at the tourist office for details and prices.
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- History & Culture in Monaco
- Sights & Attractions in Monaco
- Beaches in Monaco
- Dining in Monaco
- Events in Monaco
- Things to do in Monaco
- Cycling in Monaco
- Hiking in Monaco
- Yachts & Sailing in Monaco
- Watersports in Monaco
- Nightlife in Monaco
- Villas in Monaco
- Holidays Rentals in Monaco
- Hotels in Monaco
- How to get to Monaco
- Property For Sale in Monaco
History & Culture in Monaco
There have been many famous visitors over the years, from Greta Garbo to Winston Churchill. The fine Belle Epoque architecture recalls the heyday of the early 20th century when the Riviera was the place to be for aristocrats and film stars.
Sights & Attractions in Monaco
Villa Camelias is a grand Belle Epoque mansion reflecting the glorious past of Cap d'Ail through a fascinating collection of old photographs. It also houses an art collection of Ramiro Arrue, an artist who represented the Basque country through drawings, paintings and enamels. The villa gardens are a cool and shady oasis, overrun with olives, carobs, mimosas, ginko biloba, Judas trees, bougainvillea, camellias, fragrant jasmine, iris, tomatoes, roses, geraniums and many other flowers. The villa is open Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and entry costs 9€.
Sights in Monaco
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Le Musee des Souvenirs Napoleoniens (Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs)
The Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Historic Archives of the Palace houses a collection by Prince Louis II.
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Museum of Stamps and Coins, Fontvielle
There are rare philatelic specimens from the postal history of the Principality, as well as related documents used in the stamp-printing process dating back to Monaco's Prince Charles III in 1885.
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Musee du Vieux Monaco
A surprisingly diverse museum exhibiting a range of artefacts from sculpture and paintings, to military uniforms and musical instruments.
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Le Jardin Exotique de Monaco
Monaco's exotic garden was opened to the public in 1933. In its prestigious, open-air setting, it brings together a wide variety of succulent plants.
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Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
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Jardin Animalier, Monaco Ville
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
Beaches in Monaco
Cap d'Ail only has two proper beaches but they are both lovely - and very different. Plage Marquet is by the port, right on the border with Monaco. It is a large sandy beach with tennis courts, volleyball, sailing club, watersports, parking and a couple of restaurants. It is definitely the easiest in terms of access and is very family-friendly. The more adventurous will love Plage Mala though, a secluded little cove accessed by a hidden staircase with many steps. It has two very good (if slightly pricey) restaurants and the possibility to hire paddle boards and pedalos. Access is not easy and is probably impossible for those in wheelchairs and there is no parking but if you can find it, it's worth the effort. There are unsupervised coves for swimming all along the coastal path but the waves can be strong here, so only attempt it if you are a confident swimmer. Visit our Beach Guide to reach more about beaches in Cap d'Ail and the surrounding area.
Beaches in Monaco
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap dโAil beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
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Plage Gramaglia Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
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Plage Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
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Plage du Larvotto Beach
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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La Plage d'Eze Beach, Eze
Eze-Sur-Mer has only one beach but itโs a lovely one; great for swimming as the water comes very high up the beach and it's in a calm bay.
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Plage de la Petite Afrique Beach, Beaulieu Sur Mer
Plage de la Petite Afrique is, in our humble opinion, one of the best beaches on the French Riviera, surrounded by stunning scenery with plenty of facilities.
Dining in Monaco
Cap d'Ail has a selection of good restaurants, most specialising in fresh seafood and a high-end version of typical Provencal cuisine. You'll find most of them around Square Beaverbrook in the centre of the town, at the port, or along the seafront - if you want to enjoy a romantic meal with an exceptional view then take the coastal path and find La Pinede near to the train station. If you want to dine with a sea view then there is the highly recommended Restaurante La Pinede right on the seafront, or a choice of two lovely restaurants at Plage Mala.
Restaurants in Monaco
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Yoshi Restaurant
Yoshi Restaurant is located in Hotel Mรฉtropole Monte-Carlo and holds one Michelin star.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
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La Maree Restaurant
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
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Le Grill Restaurant
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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Nobu Restaurant
Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
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Le Vistamar Restaurant
Orchestrated by Chef Joรซl Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
Events in Monaco
Events in Monaco
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Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
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e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
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Sportel Awards at Grimaldi Forum, Monte Carlo
The Sportel Awards celebrate the best sports images of the year. The ceremony will take place at the Grimaldi Forum, under the Honorary Presidency of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
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Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
Theย Monte-Carlo Jazz Festivalย is ready to host the biggest jazz artists at the Opรฉra Garnier Monte-Carlo.
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Top Marques Monaco
In this luxury world, the 'Top Marques' event showcases not only some of the newest and most amazing cars but also the additional toys and gadgets that make them unique.
Things to do in Monaco
Cap d’Ail has a beautiful coastline with a path running along it that connects its two loveliest beaches, Plage Mala and Plage Marquet. The path is an easy stroll past luxurious villas and rocky volcanic outcrops, you can read more about it on our hiking routes page.
The port of Cap d’Ail is right on the border with Monaco; it hosts regattas and sea festivals during the summer months and is a hive of activity for watersports enthusiasts. Visit Cap Dive to explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean - they take anyone over the age of 8 years for beginner through to advanced scuba dive trips and also offer snorkelling. Sunsation Taxi Boat (on the port in front of the Hotel Marriott) offers you the chance to try wake surfing, wake boarding, snorkelling, doughnut rides and more. The port also has a helipad, from which you can be in either Monaco or Nice in just 6 minutes. If you need somewhere to park your yacht (and, let’s face it, who doesn’t?), the port has 257 places and can accommodate boats of up to 60m.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Sunset Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This two hour cruise departs from Monaco to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
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Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night, from Monaco
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
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Cannes & St Tropez Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Departing from Monaco, on this trip you'll enjoy a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, visiting Monaco to Cannes to Saint Tropez and the beautiful bays and coves.
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Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This boat trip departs from Monaco and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
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Private Sightseeing Tours
A wide selection of guides and tours of the French Riviera covering famous destination such as Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez. You can also experience the Italian Markets in San Remo and Ventimiglia as well as enjoy wine tasting and culinary tours.
Cycling in Monaco
Cycling Routes in Monaco
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as โmythicalโ you know itโs not going to be easyโฆ
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
Hiking in Monaco
Walking Routes in Monaco
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Cap d'Ail Trail
Enjoy the sea breeze as you walk this relatively flat route from just outside Monaco along the coast to Cap Mala and back to the parking at Plage Marquet.ย
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Sentier Littoral walk near the Monaco Border
One of the most varied of the Sentier Littoral routes, this starts atย Plage Marquetย right on the Monaco border and heads west to finish atย Plage Malaย going via volcanic rocks, blooming Mediterranean flowers, Belle Epoque villas and three fantastic beaches.
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Tour de la Tete de Chien
The town of Cap dโAil is dominated by the white limestone cliffs that loom up behind it; this walk takes you up to the summit in a circuit that looks out over both sea and mountains.
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Trophee d'Auguste
A walk through the hills above Monaco to the mighty Augustus Monument built in La Turbine.
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Circuit Forna, La Turbie
Taking in the two peaks of La Forna (621m) and La Simboula (675m) this walk leads you through the fire scarred landscape with great views overlooking the coastline.ย
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Hiking from Eze to Mont Bastide
Climbing up high above the coastline from theย medieval village of Eze, this short but challenging hike takes you from beach to mountains and back again.
Yachts & Sailing in Monaco
Watersports in Monaco
Watersports in Monaco
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Club d'Exploration Sous Marine de Monaco Diving School
This historical club was created in 1951, a time when diving was made more popular thanks to Captain Cousteau and his famous red cap.
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Aviron Monaco - Rowing Club
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
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Centre de Sauvetage Aquatique de Monaco
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
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Yacht Club de Monaco
Many of the worldโs most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monacoโs burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
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Private Swimming Lessons
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
Nightlife in Monaco
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Crystal Bar & Terrace
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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Bar Americain
The Hรดtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Casino Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo
This casino is a real buzz for the senses with its funky lighting and starship enterprise style decor.
Villas in Monaco
Villas in Monaco
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
Holidays Rentals in Monaco
Holiday Rentals in Monaco
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Le Metropole Apartment
This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
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Les Abeilles Apartment
Modern apartment benefiting from magnificent sea view, superbly located, just minutes from the beach and Carrรฉ d'Or.
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Palazzo Leonardo Apartment
This most luxurious building makes up the Southern tip of the Principality. It sits directly on the waterfront, with over 180 degrees of sea view.
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Park Palace Apartment
At the heart of the ''Golden Square", set within one of the most prestigious building in the Principality with indoor pool, fitness, sauna and 24h security service, this 2 bedroom apartment enjoys pleasant views of the gardens and the city.
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Monaco Condamine Apartment
Charming one bedroom apartment located in the Condamine area close to all Port restaurants and shops, with views over Place D'Armes.
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
Hotels in Monaco
There is a small selection of hotels, from budget to luxury, and all at competitive prices when compared to Monaco.
Hotels in Monaco
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Chรขteau Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
Inย a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of aย legendary destination.
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Hermitage Hotel
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hรดtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury resort. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 602 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar and a new pool space on the roof which integrates a contemporary touch.
Price: โฌ8,885
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Port Palace Hotel
With urban elegance, chic interiors and just steps away from the casino, boutique shopping and the legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit, this hotel is a gem in the heart of Monaco.
How to get to Monaco
Access to Cap d’Ail from Nice is very easy, either take the train (direction Vintimille) or hop on the 100 bus.
Transfers for Monaco
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Cรดte dโAzur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in Monaco
Property for Sale in Monaco
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Apartment for Sale
Brand new three bedroom apartment with garden in a secured residence.
Price: โฌ1,531,000
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Apartment for Sale
Brand new four bedrooms apartment with sea view in a secured residence.
Price: โฌ1,774,000
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Villa for Sale
Situated in Cap d'Ail, in a quiet, privileged setting, this charming house dating from the early 20th century boasts an enchanting view over the Mediterranean and easy access on foot to the beaches and restaurants along the coast.ย
Price: โฌ8,250,000