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.
Sospel
Outdoor sports mecca with plenty of medieval charm
Sospel is a more of a mountain town than a quaint little village; as well as having its fair share of crooked back streets and ancient buildings, it also has quite a large population of residents and attracts lots of hikers and bikers, so it doesn't rely entirely on coachloads of sightseers to get by.
On leaving the train station it's a short walk cut through a charming little park to get to the Place des Platanes; a large square with benches, shaded promenades, flowerbeds and a boules club. There is a large market here every Thursday morning and you can still see some 15th century columns dotted about – they are all that remains of the old church of Saint Pierre.
Once you arrive at the River Bévéra look left for a wonderful view of the colourful houses with their trompe l'œil façades on the opposite bank and the old bridge with its fortified gate house. Le Pont Vieux was built as a toll bridge for travellers in the 12th century and was damaged in the Second World War, then rebuilt using the original stones.
Sospel has lots of faded charm in its chipped stones and peeling paintwork; the dark alleyways and hidden courtyards are cool even in the height of summer and far less frenetic than some of the more touristy villages.
Events in [locality]
Events in Monaco
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Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
History & Culture in [locality]
If you're a fan of military history then it may be worth making a short journey to the outskirts of Sospel to visit the three forts – Saint-Roch, Barbonnet and Agaisen – all of which are open to the public (although check opening times before you visit as they can be limited).
The famous Maginot Line runs past Sospel, just 3km from the town.
To get a sense of the full history of Sospel (and to have a peek at the locals' gardens), follow the signposts up to the “Ruines du Donjon Romaine et Remparts”, where you'll find the ruins of the Château de Sospel, home to the Counts of Provence. Not much more remains than a few crumbling walls but it's evocative nonetheless and gives you an insight into a different aspect of the town.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The magnificent Catédral de Saint Michel dominates the centre of “old” Sospel; its vivid colours glowing against the dark wood and sombre grey stonework of the neighbouring streets.
The cathedral soars higher than all the surrounding buildings and the square in front has been recobbled with white and grey stones that contrast beautifully with the warm yellow and red tones of the façade.
The 13th century Romanesque bell tower is the only original part of the building, the rest having been rebuilt in the Baroque style during the 17th century.
Sights in Monaco
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Eco Musee, Breil-sur-Roya
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
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Le Fort Antoine dans La Ville
This fort was built in the 18th century with a beautiful promontory position overlooking the bay.
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Collection des Voitures Anciennes (Vintage Cars Collection)
Prince Rainier III was a huge car enthusiast and amassed a vast collection of vintage cars.
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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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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Parc Princesse-Antoinette
Created in 1917 when Prince Albert I saved the area from industrialisation and created the park to protect the olive groves.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Monaco
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Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton
Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
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Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton
Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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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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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
Dining in [locality]
The old bridge leads to Place Saint Nicolas, a small but very charming square with an 18th century fountain, colourful buildings and Italian-style loggias. Here you'll find a typically French café with a pretty terrace and daily specials.
Alternatively, there is a small cluster of café-bars and brasseries beside the river at Place de Cabraïa, which is local dialect for “goat” and refers to the days when farmers would gather their herds here before leading them to the pastures. The fountain is split in two levels, the lower one for animals and the upper one for people.
Restaurants in Monaco
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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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Louis XV Restaurant
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.
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Yoshi Restaurant
Yoshi Restaurant is located in Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo and holds one Michelin star.
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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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Las Brisas Restaurant
Located in the Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, this restaurant is open only in the summer and serves Mediterranean cuisine on a pleasant terrace.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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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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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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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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Blue Gin Bar
With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
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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 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.
Things to do in [locality]
Sospel is a nature junkie's paradise with no less than five GR trails heading out from the town as well as various other hiking and mountain biking routes – you'll often see people checking tyres and brakes in Place des Platanes prior to a day out riding the cross-country trails.
It's also a popular destination for road bikers, with plenty of cols and long challenging itineraries within reach. Rock climbers can find limestone crags with bolted routes up to grade seven – check at the tourist office for information on where to find them.
Things To Do in Monaco
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Rehab Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Cycling in [locality]
Cycling Routes in Monaco
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
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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 [locality]
Walking Routes in Monaco
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Pointe Siricocca
Situated just half an hour from Monaco the Pointe Siricocca offers amazing panoramic views of the coastline and far inland to the north.
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Cime de Baudon
A moderate hike to the summit of Cime de Baudon 1264m where you are welcomed with magnificent views of the crashing blue waves of the Mediterranean to the south and the snow capped mountains to the north.
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Chateau de Sainte-Agnes
Perched high up on the rocks above Menton this lovely village offers great views and classic mediterranean architecture.
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Tour of Mont Gros
Mont Gros stands at 686m and towers above Menton and Monaco. It is a popular venue for paragliding.
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Circuit Bon Voyage
A scenic walk along the coast leading to a small chapel dating back to the late 1800's.
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Chateau de Roquebrune
The historical town of Roccabruna fell under control of the Grimaldi family of Monaco for five centuries during which time the castle was strengthened. It still stands today and is a must see on this short walk.
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Monaco
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Yacht Club de Monaco
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.
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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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Monte-Carlo Beach Club
Indulge in some energising or relaxing water activities for young and old alike to enjoy at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel.
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Private Swimming Lessons
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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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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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.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Monaco
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Serra Villa, Calvi
Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
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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 [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Monaco
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Serra Villa, Calvi
Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
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Chateau Perigord Residence Apartment
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.
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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.
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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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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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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.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Monaco
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Hermitage Hotel
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
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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.
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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.
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Cap-Ferrat Grand Hotel, Cap-Ferrat
Distinguished turn-of-the-century resort hotel with a sophisticated aura, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 14-acre park.
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
How to get to [locality]
Getting to Sospel is relatively easy on public transport; you can either take the Train des Merveilles from Nice or there is a bus that runs from Menton.
If you're driving you can take the A8 and the D2204 from Nice (40km), or the A8 then D2566 from Menton (15km).
Transfers for Monaco
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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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.
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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 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 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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Monaco
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Villa for Sale
Villa Marizzina, a jewel of the Belle-Époque period, stands proudly overlooking the Mediterranean in Cap d'Ail, a popular location for its proximity to Nice, Monaco and Italy.
Villa for Sale
€25,000,000 -
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