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    Day Trip 5: By Train from Fréjus to Monaco

    A recommendation – also with children – is the train ride from Frejus to Monaco, a beautiful train journey that goes entirely along the coast. The station in Monaco is beautiful and located by the harbor. The ‘carte Isabelle’, the ticket you need for this, can be obtained at the counter at the Frejus station. You can park your car at the arena (free). It is then perhaps a 5-minute walk to the station. Go to the counter well in advance (preferably a day before) because the lady at the ticket counter takes plenty of time for everyone, which could cause you to miss the train. If you want to be sure of a seat, we recommend changing trains in Cannes (instead of Nice). 

    Discover the palace, the Monte Carlo Casino and the marina

    The highlights of Monaco include the Palace (partly open to visitors), the Monte Carlo Casino, and the marina where some of the world’s most expensive yachts are on display. Do keep an eye on prices when sitting down for a coffee or a glass of wine — on some terraces, you’ll pay a premium for a simple drink!

    The most affordable places to eat can be found in the city centre. Around the harbour in particular, you’ll find many casual eateries offering good-value meals. Here you can enjoy simple dishes such as pizza or salads.

    One of Monaco’s most famous dining spots is Café de Paris, located near the Monte Carlo Casino. Prices here are on the higher side. One of the most exclusive restaurants in the city is Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, which boasts three Michelin stars.

    Palace Princier de Monaco

    This magnificent palace was once a simple fortress, built in 1191. Today, it is the residence of the Head of State of Monaco and his family. After many inhabitants over the centuries, little remains of the original fortress, which has been transformed into this impressive palace.

    The palace is partly open to the public and also houses a museum where you can see unique items such as Napoleon’s sock and handkerchief. Another highlight well worth a visit is the changing of the guard in front of the palace. This takes place daily around noon and lasts a few minutes.

    Monaco-ville

    This medieval quarter of Monaco is located close to the palace on the same 60-metre-high rock. It is often considered the capital of the principality. With its very narrow streets, the area feels wonderfully cosy and has a distinctly village-like atmosphere.

    Monte Carlo Casino

    When visiting Monaco, it’s almost impossible to miss the casino. The magnificent building that houses the Monte Carlo Casino was designed by architect Charles Garnier and features a neo-Baroque style. The first stone was laid by Crown Prince Albert I in 1858.

    Since 1910, the casino complex has been expanded with a theatre and a terrace offering views stretching all the way to Italy. You’ll often find the most spectacular luxury cars parked right outside the entrance.

    The gardens of Monaco

    If you love nature, be sure to visit one of Monaco’s beautiful gardens. It is well known that Princess Grace was a great lover of flowers, and this is clearly reflected in the Princess Grace Rose Garden near Fontvieille Park. This heart-shaped garden features no fewer than 4,000 rose bushes representing 150 different varieties.

    Another highlight is the Jardin Exotique de Monaco in Fontvieille, famous for its wide variety of cacti growing in a botanical centre with seven greenhouses. The site also includes a cave with archaeological finds, as well as stalagmites and stalactites.

    Along the coast, you can admire a Japanese Garden, created at the request of Prince Rainier III. Covering 7,000 m², this garden is notable for its many bridges and waterfalls.