Your Monaco

Your Monaco is a useful site for visitors to Monaco, especially regarding transport and public amenities.

The site has interactive maps to help you find:

• Access points to the Monaco train station
• Public elevators
• Bus stops & bus ticket machines
• Electric bike stations & the Mobee electric vehicle stations
• Public carparks, including PMR parking
• On street parking
• Bike parking
• Taxis

There’s also information about public beaches, walking trails, where to walk your dog, children’s playgrounds, cultural attractions such as art galleries, traffic updates, the location of defibrillators in Monaco and information about recycling and energy.

The site is available in English, French and Italian.

Bookmark the Your Monaco website for your next visit to Monaco: https://yourmonaco.mc

Foodie Heaven this November on the French Riviera

One of the best reasons to visit the French Riviera is the number of food-themed fairs and festivals that you can attend here year round – who said autumn and winter are slow seasons?

This month, gastronomy takes centre stage across the region with some great food and wine events to keep gastronomes yearning for more.

Here are Access Riviera’s Top Picks for where to find Foodie Heaven this November:

Until 14 November:  The 25th Salon du Palais Gourmand, Hippodrome in Cagnes-sur-Mer

Head to the Hippodrome for a change from horse racing action – instead, you’ll find over 300 exhibitors showcasing products ranging from wines and liqueurs to seafood to cheeses and charcuterie goods.

From 17 November – Beaujolais Nouveau tasting on the French Riviera

Iconic and traditional, the third Thursday in November sees wine bars, bistros and restaurants open their doors to share the release of Beaujolais Nouveau.  I particularly like Georges Dubouef Beaujolais Villages and the bottle labels are really eye-catching, fun and fruity – much like Beaujolais!

Here are a few local events for the 2016 Beaujolais Nouveau release:

17 November – La Petite Cave de St Paul has tastings of the Jean Paul Brun Beaujolais Nouveau

17 November – Barbaroux Golf, Hotel & Spa in Brignoles is hosting a Beaujolais Day menu for €26

17 November – Cave Rivoli in Nice has tastings from 6pm-10pm

17 November – The Wine Pier in Villefranche-sur-Mer has tastings from 6.30pm

17 November – From 6.30pm, head along to Blue Gin at Monte Carlo Bay for a Beaujolais evening

17 November – A Beaujolais evening will be hosted at Hotel Villa La Tour in Nice from 7pm.  €15 gets you 3 glasses of wine, tapas and entry into a draw to win more wine. Reservations necessary via email (reservations@villa-la-tour.com) or phone direct +33 4 93 80 08 15

17 November – Vingt4 wine bar in Nice from 7pm

17 November – Casino Barriere de Ruhl in Nice at 7.30pm

19 November – Le Bistrot Provençal in Pegomas is hosting a menu for €38 including a bottle of Beaujolais for 2 people

Note: If you would like your Beaujolais event on the French Riviera included in this article, please send me an email with details to accessriviera06@gmail.com

18-20 November:  The 16th Salon Saveurs & Terroirs, Mandelieu La Napoule

Around 15,000 visitors descend on the town of Mandelieu La Napoule for the annual Salon Saveurs & Terroirs held at the Centre Expo Congrès.

With the show Patron being double Michelin star chef Stéphane Raimbault of L’Oasis, you can be certain of a high standard from the 100 exhibitors.

This year don’t miss:

• ‘Happy Hour’ from 6pm-9pm on 18 November where you can enjoy half-price tastings at participating stands
• Food Trucks
• Vincent Ferniot, a well known food journalist from culinary reviews screened on France 2 and 3 will be at the show on 19 November from 10am-5pm

19 November – Fête de la Châtaigne, Cagnes-sur-Mer

I remember the first time I came to France and went to a Chestnut Festival, the smell of roasting chestnuts on a crisp day combined with a glass of vin chaud was so appealing!

This festival celebrates the suppliers and traditions from the Haut-Pays towns of Isola, St-Etienne de Tinée, Roure and Valdeblore and they come down to Cagnes-sur-Mer for the day with their products and livestock!

Last year, I met some friendly suppliers and of course bought far too many goodies like mountain honey, cheese and jams homemade from autumn fruits.

As well as chestnut products of every type, they have mass cooking of polenta and daube which you can taste for around €4 a portion.

The Fête de la Châtaigne is family-friendly – with pony rides for kids, a sheep herding demonstration, mini farm and of course a free tasting of one tonne of chestnuts roasted in the town centre.

20 November – Fête de la Chataigne, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Organised by a local committee, Les Coqs Roquebrunois, this Chestnut Festival is held all day at Places Des Deux Frères and will have tastings of roasted chestnuts, vin chaud and Beaujolais.

25-28 November – The 21st Monte-Carlo Gastronomie, Chapiteau Fontvieille

The press release states ‘An invitation to indulgence’ and you’ll find it suitably apt at this excellent food trade show held in the huge big top tent at Fontvieille.  It is the same colossal marquee that the annual Monte-Carlo Circus Festival is hosted in right between Cap d’Ail Port and Port Fontvieille, however you won’t find circus acts but around 100 high-quality food producers from France, Italy and other European countries.

 

(image: Monte-Carlo Gastronomie)

 

 

As well as delicious products to taste and try, there will be cooking demonstrations by international chefs and awards for exhibitors.  Pop along to sample truffles, cheeses, cured meats, organic conserves, premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (e.g. Champagne, Armagnac), seafood, foie gras, chocolates and sweet goods.

There will be some highly regarded chefs there including Emmanuel Lehrer from Le Mas de Pierre in St Paul de Vence, Antonio Fochi, Maître d’Hôtel of the Meridien Beach Plaza Monte-Carlo and Joel Garault from the Vistamar Hotel Hermitage in Monaco.

 

(image: Bertos)

 

Various associations will be in attendance such as the Association of Italian and French Maîtres d’Hôtel, the Monegasque Association of Sommeliers, the Monegasque Hotel Industry Association and the Slow Food Riviera Côte d’Azur Association.

I hope you get to attend one or many of these events – go with an empty belly and an open mind (and wallet!) to trying new flavours and products.

Bon Appetit!

 

Kids Arts and Crafts at Monaco Green Days

There is just one week left to get along to the Monaco Green Days at Stars n Bars beside Port Hercule in Monaco.

Following the creation of Monacology the last few years, Stars n Bars is continuing their involvement in the creation of the first Eco Hub in the principality whereby they facilitate a number of sustainable events.

Creative / Recycling workshops for kids

For the remaining week until 31 July, you can take your kids along each day between 6.30pm-9pm for free creative workshops lead by a facilitator who will teach kids how to make fun crafts out of recycled items such as bottle tops, plastic bottles, milk cartons.

I love these sort of workshops for kids using every day items to make creative objects and ignite a sense of awareness about reusing and recycling – my eldest son is always so proud of his creations….rocket ships made from cardboard rolls, aquariums crafted from cereal boxes etc – kid’s imaginations are really something and I feel there are so many children who rely too much on technology to entertain them (iPads, game consoles, television) that hands-on craft sessions are excellent for creative thinking and problem solving.

Kids will also receive a colouring book daily with environmental themes including endangered animals, renewable energy, respect for the planet

Bio garden

On the terrace where the workshops take place, the garden comprised of bio herbs and vegetables is then used in the restaurant menu as well as drinks at the bar, so at the same time as children are enjoying fun workshops they will learn about various plants and their seasonal uses.

All children’s workshops are free of charge and can be adapted for ages 3 through to 10 years of age.

Well done Stars n Bars for this initiative and proving that environmental education and play can work together!

Image credits: Stars n Bars Monaco

School holiday entertainment in Monaco – Foire Attractions

We are only 3 days into Toussaint school holidays and I’m already scratching my head for ideas and activities to entertain the little Monsieur.  Hooray then for Foire Attractions, that is being held in Monaco from Friday 24 October until Wednesday 19 November 2014.

The Foire Attractions is a big fairground area held at Port Hercule annually, and organised by the Mairie de Monaco.

There are over 80 attractions including carousels, dodgem cars, bouncy castles, water rides, mini rollercoasters and all sorts of ‘throw you up-spin you round’ thrill-seeking rides!  There are food vendors onsite that sell everything from crepes to candy floss.

(images: Foire Attractions / Azur Park)

Entrance to the fairground site is free, with admission to each ride at varying prices (most rides average €2-€3 per ride). There are some height restrictions on rides, but toddlers are still catered for with super slides, mini carousels and ride-on activities.

The venue is on flat ground so accessible to everyone, and there are toilets there.

What: Foire Attractions

Where: Port Hercule, Monaco

When: Friday 24 October – Wednesday 19 November 2014

Hours:  Monday to Thursday, Sundays, bank holidays open 10am-11pm

Fridays and Saturdays, open 10am-midnight

** Special offers **

McDonalds in Monaco Fontvielle and Larvotto have coupons for 50% reduction in prices for 05 November and 19 November only.  The special is for specified rides only.

Activities – MONACO (Monaco Grand Prix, 22May-25May 2014)

The last few weeks of May 2014 will be chaotic on the French Riviera – you have two major events (The Cannes Film Festival, and Monaco Grand Prix) as well as numerous other events such as the Historic Grand Prix and the Nice Matin Autoshow at the Cagnes-sur-mer Hippodrome.

Accommodation prices spike to coincide with the influx of visitors, and public transport is pushed to capacity.

However, while some residents despair about the month of May (and the craziness it brings to the region), I love it ! Both the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix are unrivalled for atmosphere, experience and thrills – and you don’t need a hefty credit card limit to enjoy them.

The Monaco Grand Prix is being held 22 May – 25 May in 2014.

Monaco Grand Prix (image Access Riviera)

The first thing you notice when you arrive and come out of the Monaco Monte Carlo train station is the noise – the reverberating sound of the Formula One car engines echoing off the mountains surrounding Monaco. For a racing enthusiast that sound is pure adrenaline. Monaco echoes with this sound all day !

Monaco Grand Prix (image Access Riviera)

The first time I visited the Monaco Grand Prix years ago, I thought it would be possible to take a train and maybe get a sneaky view of the track through the race barriers, without purchasing a ticket.  Wrong!   Grandstand security is tight, fencing is colossal and views are very restricted unless you have a ticket. I did manage to watch a snippet of the race for free from Le Rocher ramp up to the Palais, and the Porte Neuve/Fort Antoine gardens.

Although the Grandstand tickets are pricey, it is a fantastic experience and if your budget doesn’t stretch to the actual race on the Sunday, the qualifying sessions still allow racing enthusiasts to enjoy the atmosphere. Many companies offer package deals (including flights, accommodation, race tickets), or you can purchase stand-alone tickets from the Automobile Club of Monaco. There are also ticket booths on the race days, but be early.

Of course, there are VIP options including private balconies overlooking the circuit, and race-side berths on superyachts. The Monaco Heliport is a constant buzz of activity during the Grand Prix.

Geographically, Monaco is quite small so it’s walkable and they have a network of escalators and elevators to assist locals and visitors with the steep hills. The Grand Prix causes closure of many roads around Monaco and specifically the circuit so maintain realistic expectations (traffic jams, full carparks, road closures and detours) if you take a car.

Traditional race fans of Grand Prix may find the Monaco layout lacking – it is the slowest circuit of the Formula One championships. However, it is beyond exciting, and whilst there is rarely over-taking as the circuit width is narrow, the course has elevation shifts and tight bends and all of the driver’s skill is in negotiating the narrow and twisting roads. The proximity to the circuit for spectators is excellent.

Monaco Grand Prix circuit (layout courtesy of grand-prix-monaco)

Tips:

– Take the train as roads are blocked for both the Historic and F1 Grand Prix. No grandstand is more than 10-15 minutes walking from Monaco Monte Carlo train station.

– Use the toilet at the train station, or before you enter your Grandstand. Toilet facilities are sparse.

– There is tourist information at the train station, however if you require any maps or transport information source all this BEFORE you arrive in Monaco during Grand Prix time as the event is so busy that everything is congested and tourist offices are strained for resources. There are good websites for tourist information www.visitmonaco.com or www.monte-carlo.mc and other regional destinations have Tourist Offices (Nice train station or Promenade des Anglais offices are extensive). Here is a layout of the Monaco Monte Carlo train station which is handy for the location of elevators, travelators and toilets http://www.garedemonaco.com/plan-dacces 

– Prepare for all weather conditions. Monaco has it’s own micro-climate and the weather can change quickly. The Grandstands are not covered, so you must prepare for hot sunshine and/or rain.

– There are 3 free practice sessions at every Formula One Grand Prix to allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the circuit and for teams to set-up the cars for qualifying and the race. For Monaco 2014, the practice sessions are on 22 May – perfect for those spectators who want to experience some of the event, but not the full race day price tag. The cheapest race day tickets are on Le Rocher (Secteur Rocher) – the grassy steep hillside leading up to the Palace. There are big screens to cover the action if you can’t see properly. Wear comfy shoes, take a padded seat and snacks.

– Grandstand T is the perfect location for watching pit stop action.

– The stretch of bars along the port, including Stars ‘n’ Bars, are a hive of activity during the Grand Prix. Race drivers have their team trailers along this stretch, so you may get a photo opportunity.  I have seen Barichello, Alonso, Webber, Rosberg along this stretch (though it is fenced off).

Mark Webber at the Monaco Grand Prix (image copyright Access Riviera)

– The noise is immense and it echoes around the mountains surrounding Monaco. If you have children with you, protect their hearing with earmuffs.

– At the end of each day, the race officials open the track to the public so you can walk on the circuit (photo opportunities abound!)

Automobile Club of Monaco for tickets www.acm.mc

Monaco tourist information www.visitmonaco.com or www.monte-carlo.mc

**Specific information for wheelchair-bound spectators: There is a Monaco association that assists wheelchair-bound spectators specifically for Monaco-based events. They have a designated viewing platform on Le Rocher (rue Philibert Florence) for Grand Prix as the grandstands close to the circuit are inaccessible for persons who are wheelchair-bound.  Photos of the platform and more information is found on their website. Contact them at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival at the Grand Prix, there is an email link on their website home page, you must give evidence of your mobility to obtain free tickets. Here is their website address http://amhm.chez-alice.fr/Page/Nosevenements.htm   Also, Access Plus offer free assistance to passengers at Monaco train station with reduced mobility. You must give 48 hours notice, email them accessplus@sncf.fr or phone 0890 640 650 (local call when in France).