Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival is ready to host the biggest jazz artists at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler

© Ali Shayler
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.
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival is ready to host the biggest jazz artists at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.
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.
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.
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€.
These well-manicured gardens contain a variety of beautiful plants, trees and flowers as well as being home to the wonderful Princess Grace rose garden.
The Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Historic Archives of the Palace houses a collection by Prince Louis II.
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.
Prince Rainier III was a huge car enthusiast and amassed a vast collection of vintage cars.
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
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.
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
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.
Eze-Sur-Mer has only one beach but it’s a lovely one; great for swimming as the water comes very high up the beach and it's in a calm bay.
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.
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.
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.
Considered by many to be the finest restaurant on the Riviera, this Alain Ducasse delight has an opulent and dazzling setting in the heart of the Hôtel de Paris and holds three Michelin stars.
Located in Hotel Metropole, this restaurant is lead by Executive Chef Christophe Cussac. It holds two Michelin stars.
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
Orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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.
The Hôtel 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.
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
In the heart of the port among the giant yachts is Stars N Bars, an American-style bar and diner that sprawls over three levels and a big outdoor terrace.
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.
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.
This two hour cruise departs from Monaco to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
This is a coastal trip departing from Monaco to explore the gems of the Cote d'Azur with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the glistening Mediterranean.
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
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.
Sit back and relax on this guided tour of the French Riviera.
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
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.
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.
One of the most varied of the Sentier Littoral routes, this starts at Plage Marquet right on the Monaco border and heads west to finish at Plage Mala going via volcanic rocks, blooming Mediterranean flowers, Belle Epoque villas and three fantastic beaches.
The town of Cap d’Ail 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.
A walk through the hills above Monaco to the mighty Augustus Monument built in La Turbine.
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.
Climbing up high above the coastline from the medieval village of Eze, this short but challenging hike takes you from beach to mountains and back again.
Aqua Yoga sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
This historical club was created in 1951, a time when diving was made more popular thanks to Captain Cousteau and his famous red cap.
Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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.
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.
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.
Set on a high floor of an exclusive residence with 24h security situated walking distance to the beach, this fantastic 4 bedroom apartment provides renovated interiors and a panoramic sea view. Casino Square is 10 minutes away.
This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
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.
Charming one bedroom apartment located in the Condamine area close to all Port restaurants and shops, with views over Place D'Armes.
There is a small selection of hotels, from budget to luxury, and all at competitive prices when compared to Monaco.
Elegant and exclusive hotel in the centre of Monaco, ideally located right in front of the casino.
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.
The Columbus hotel's style is Riviera chic, where beautifully glamorous and barefoot elegance sit easily side by side. The service is graceful, genuinely friendly and always attentive. The feeling is cool, exclusive and laid back. An excellent choice.
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
In 2004, the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo was refurbished to keep it in tune with its time, but has kept all its spiritual qualities to uphold its concept of luxury.
Access to Cap d’Ail from Nice is very easy, either take the train (direction Vintimille) or hop on the 100 bus.
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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.
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.
Brand new three bedroom apartment with garden in a secured residence.
Brand new four bedrooms apartment with sea view in a secured residence.
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