Senior Visitors Find Monaco Spectacular

Yes, Monaco is a spectacle for senior travelers to experience at least once in your lifetime. If you have not been to Monaco, put it on your “bucket list”. My travel hero Rick Steves takes us there in person. You’ll discover why I use the term “spectacular” as you read through this blog and view this video.

I’ve been to Monaco several times. I had a friend whose grandfather insured the Grand Prix of Monaco and Pierre invited me to visit him and his wife Barbara.  They had even been invited to the Palace by Princesse Grace and Prince Rainier. The palace is spectacular and the view from up high overlooks the port that is filled with pleasure craft and occasionally a warship or two.

The port is exceptionally deep. The Oceanographic Institute is unmatched in the world with Jacques-Yves Cousteau behind it. It, too, is spectacular. The Official Homepage has it all including the Top Sites you will want to consider seeing.

We were enjoying the beautiful gardens adjacent to the palace with our student group when Prince Albert II rolled up in his chocolate Rolls-Royce. When his father Prince Rainier died, Albert became Monaco’s 32nd ruler.

Monaco Is Thickly Settled

I recall living in the Boston area one summer, seeing a sign that read “Caution: Thickly Settled.”  I loved that sign.  Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world. Tiny as it be, it’s divided into four areas: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation), and Fontvieille (recreation and light industry).

The permanent inhabitants are called Monégasque and speak French.. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for businesses. I did manage to enter the Monte-Carlo Casino, won the first time I played, and quit so I could say that “I had won at the Monte-Carlo.”  My student group enjoyed walking around the parking lot viewing the Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini and other assorted world-class automobiles.

Top Things For Seniors to See and Do

Make up your own priority list and see and do what you can.  Plan on spending at least two days. If you are into “cars and poker” then you will need more than just a couple of days. It is home to the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, the European Poker Tour, and the Monte Carlo Rally.

Learn a little French before your arrival… it helps a lot. Well folks, that’ll keep you busy making vacation plans so when you are on the French Riviera, or as it’s also known as La Côte d’Azur spend some time in Monaco. And make plans to catch the Changing of the Guard.  jeb