Villefranche,
France Friday, April 3, 2015 Trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Sovereign docked out in Ferrat Bay at 7:30 am. We took
one of four tender boats to the shore of Villefrance around 9:00am. What a
sight! Situated on the coast known as the Cote d’ Azur; Villefrance is one of
the many pretty scenic villages on the French Riviera dating back to 1557.
We walked a mile to the end of the waterfront street lined with
restaurants and cafes where many sat taking in the absolutely gorgeous seaside
views.
Ahhhh....I love the European architecture!
Climbing the stairs we boarded a train with the intention of buying tickets from the train conductor, avoiding the long ticket line. Although we spoke with the conductor about the purchase, she never made her rounds so we had a free 15 minute ride to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world with one of the oldest ruling monarchies today.
Climbing the stairs we boarded a train with the intention of buying tickets from the train conductor, avoiding the long ticket line. Although we spoke with the conductor about the purchase, she never made her rounds so we had a free 15 minute ride to Monaco, the second smallest country in the world with one of the oldest ruling monarchies today.
Walking off the train, we were surprised at the extravagance
of the Monaco Train Station….very modern with stainless steel and marble….tall
escalators and spotless.
We walked out
of the station into the city of Monte Carlo….hundreds of high rise buildings
built on the steep mountainside. We walked up the steep hill to get a grand
view of the famous Rock of Monaco and the
many big yachts that were docked around the harbor.
This is definitely
an area of the rich and famous. The average yearly salary of the citizens is
$200,000. Masserates, Bentleys, and
Rolls Royces were easily spotted.
We passed by exclusive Prada, Gucci, and Channel Shops. At the top of the hill we arrived at the Monte Carlo Casino for a few photos. A dress code is strictly enforced to gain entrance. We were underdressed. Since the beginning of its existence, it is understood by the locals that only the posh wealthy are to enter.
We passed by exclusive Prada, Gucci, and Channel Shops. At the top of the hill we arrived at the Monte Carlo Casino for a few photos. A dress code is strictly enforced to gain entrance. We were underdressed. Since the beginning of its existence, it is understood by the locals that only the posh wealthy are to enter.
Monte Carlo Casino
From here we jumped on to a bus that allowed us to cover much more of the
hilly terrain.
My man took me to Monte Carlo, Monanco......what a dream!
Thousands of motorcycles lined the streets as we passed three tall viewing stands for the upcoming Grand Prix where cars race at speeds of 85 kilometers an hour through the city shifting gears more than 4000 times. The curves and hills that they race through in the middle of the city are unbelievable.
Thousands of motorcycles lined the streets as we passed three tall viewing stands for the upcoming Grand Prix where cars race at speeds of 85 kilometers an hour through the city shifting gears more than 4000 times. The curves and hills that they race through in the middle of the city are unbelievable.
We hoped off the bus at
the top of another steep hill to view
the Prince’s Palace and the changing of the guards.
Monaco Palace
Tremendous views were in every direction. We rode by a second harbor viewing the extravagant sailboats and yachts, passing by the Museum of Oceanography where Jacque Cousteau led his first expeditions and studies.
After a little lunch we traced our footsteps back to catch a returning train arriving back in Villefranches, France at 1:45pm to walk down the Rue Obscure or Dark Street high up on the bluff.
This street was lined by the row houses and has provided protection from the pirates since the Middle Ages. From there we enjoyed sweeping views of the sea while quaint old European style homes lined the street.
We caught the last tender boat back to the ship at 2:15.
Waiting in line to board the tender, Larry enjoy café-vino....HA!
Hillside view from the port.....ahh.... simply charming!
The Sovereign pulled anchor at 3:00pm as we watched the pretty village of Villefranches disappear in the distance. Life is good on the French Riviera; we must here return soon!
Sovernign waiting for us to tender back to.
Tremendous views were in every direction. We rode by a second harbor viewing the extravagant sailboats and yachts, passing by the Museum of Oceanography where Jacque Cousteau led his first expeditions and studies.
After a little lunch we traced our footsteps back to catch a returning train arriving back in Villefranches, France at 1:45pm to walk down the Rue Obscure or Dark Street high up on the bluff.
This street was lined by the row houses and has provided protection from the pirates since the Middle Ages. From there we enjoyed sweeping views of the sea while quaint old European style homes lined the street.
We caught the last tender boat back to the ship at 2:15.
The Sovereign pulled anchor at 3:00pm as we watched the pretty village of Villefranches disappear in the distance. Life is good on the French Riviera; we must here return soon!
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