Exploring Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Nice

4/21/2018

19-20 April 2018

After our first night in Nice, we grab a train and head to Monaco for a day trip.

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state, country, and microstate on the French Riviera. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco is less than 20 miles from the border with Italy. Monaco has an area of 0.780 sq mi, making it the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican.

View of turquoise waters from our train.

Cruise ships love to come here - the casino and shopping awaits the cruisers. The exciting street drivers - we passed on this opportunity leaving the car back in Nice safely tucked away.

Narrow streets - they pack allot of dwellings in this tiny country.

Preps were well underway for next month's Grand Prix. The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world and, with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, forms the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The circuit has been called "an exceptional location of glamour and prestige".

To the Prince's Palace - as usual, a healthy upwards climb/walk - in "Monaco City" a quarter or district within Monaco.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297.

Much greenery on the rooftops - amazing views from the heights of Monaco City.

The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco, where many of the Grimaldis were buried, including Princess Grace Kelly and—more recently—Prince Rainier III.

Princess Grace's tomb

Back down to the lower district, on the grounds of the Monaco Grand Prix center, we enjoy a brewery.

We return westward on the train to begin further exploration of Nice. Before getting back to Nice, we take a side detour to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a commune just to the East of Nice. It promises a fantastic marina, amazing villas, and a long hike around the outer peninsula.

This structure seems out of place, but it was indeed adjacent to the marina.

Where's Gerri? Checking out a menu, even though dinner is some hours away....hmmmm.

Little pink villas, along the sea shore....

A boat, both basic and elegant....and a whale tail bench.

We even find a MacGregor 26, similar to our previous sailboat, amongst all those expensive boats; and then the hike begins - a nicely maintained rustic path.

Antique boats afloat, both small and large, are out and about.

We arrived back at our lodging for the 2nd of 3 nights staying in Nice.

In the morning, a little white convertible, and an inspiring Byzantine church.

Marc Zakharovich Chagall born Moishe Zakharovich Shagal (6 July 1887 – 28 March 1985) was a Belarussian-French artist of Belarusian-Jewis horigin. An early modernist, he was associated with several major artistic styles and created works in virtually every artistic format, including painting, book illustrations, stained glass, stage sets, ceramic, tapestries and fine art prints. Art critics referred to Chagall as "the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century"
We were a bit confused on finding the front door, but we did.