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.
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.
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.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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.
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.
The Mercantour National Park is composed of six valleys, with peaks reaching over 3000 metres, glacial lakes, plenty of wild animals and flora unique to Europe.
The new national museum of Monaco is housed in two villas, the Villa Sauber and the Villa Paloma. The Villa Sauber is one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco and is dedicated to art and performance. The Villa Paloma was built in the early 20th century and is dedicated to art and territory.
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
The cathedral of Monaco is dedicated to the Virgin, although popularly known as Saint Nicholas because of the church that previously stood on its site. The current building was built in the 19th century.
Sovereign Prince, scholar and explorer, Albert I of Monaco, devoted his life to the Principality forces as well as scientific investigation. This museum showcases his passion.
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.
Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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.
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.
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
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.
Located in the Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, this restaurant is open only in the summer and serves Mediterranean cuisine on a pleasant terrace.
Yoshi Restaurant is located in Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo and holds one Michelin star.
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
In the heart of the spectacular Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this ultra-modern casino offers a choice of around 150 new generation slot machines which all work without tokens.
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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.
With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
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.
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Designed by CRN Ancona, this motor yacht boasts elegance as she cruises through the sea.
Thor, is a stunning and slick 22m Azimut motor yacht. She was built in 2013 but has undergone an extensive refit in 2019, ensuring she’s moving with the times and trends. Having being built by the expert Italian Azimut Shipyard, she is in great condition. Making her one of the most sought after yachts in her category. Spending her summer season in the beautiful old port of Cannes, she is the ideal 22 meter Azimut motor yacht for exploring the sunny South of France and West Mediterranean.
Lizard is a stunning 21.7-metre (72-foot) Sanlorenzo 72, built in 1998 and beautifully refitted in 2022. Making her debut on the charter market, she offers the perfect blend of style and comfort. Her spacious layout includes a flybridge sun deck, an open-plan main salon, and four ensuite cabins - ideal for a family getaway. With two dedicated crew members on board, guests can enjoy impeccable service and a truly effortless yachting experience.
Discover the wonders of a Mediterranean luxury yacht to charter with this slick Mangusta 108. JFF proudly boasts a jaw-dropping exterior, with her slick paint-job ensuring that she stands out from the crowd. Thanks to her 2015 refit, the interior is pristine and ultra modern, with dashing fittings and awesome lighting highlighting her dedication to finesse and luxury. A dream yacht for entertaining guests or exploring the waters with loved ones makes JFF as desirable as she is unique.
A4A Charter Yacht French Riviera, the luxury motor yacht built by Absolute S.P.A. is now available for charter! With its elegant design and luxurious features, A4A provides an unforgettable journey for discerning charter guests.
The 82m superyacht O’Mega is one of the largest yachts available for charter in the world. With a length of 82.5m (270’ 8”) and a beam of 11.6m (38’1”), O’Mega is an incredibly spacious yacht, exuding luxury, sophistication and fun.
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
Aqua Yoga sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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.
This historical club was created in 1951, a time when diving was made more popular thanks to Captain Cousteau and his famous red cap.
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
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.
Surrounded by cypress and myrrh trees, this typically Mediterranean holiday home, Villa Serra, overlooks the citadel of Calvi in Haute-Corse.
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.
Charming one bedroom apartment located in the Condamine area close to all Port restaurants and shops, with views over Place D'Armes.
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.
This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
Apartment in a residence with swimming pool, located in the Jardin Exotique area, benefiting from sea view.
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
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.
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Peacefully located on the top floor of a well-maintained residence, this beautiful 2-bedroom apartment has been fully renovated with high-quality materials.
This exceptional Belle Epoque jewel built in 1910 enjoys a panoramic view of Monaco, Cap Martin and the Mediterranean Sea, offering a splendid setting in a living area of 400M2 on three levels.
Charming house located in Èze Village, close to schools and public transport.
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