Monaco

Where the alps meet the sea and Italy meets France, carved into the rock lies the pristine principauté of Monaco. In the warm months Monaco is the playground of the rich, but as the month of March limbos between colder and warmer days, my visit to Monaco was quiet.

The Jardin Exotique in the upper west corner of Monaco, is a multilevel sanctuary of succulents and other greenery with a 360 degree view of the teenie tiny country.

Even under the grey sky though the colors of all the exotic plants popped against the backdrop of Monaco’s luxury high-rises.

French-Kissed wearing some vintage Fendi glasses enjoying the view over the port from this picturesque terrace. I came to the South of France to get away from the grey of Paris but it seems to have followed me here as I am yet to see a day of sun. Unfortunately that means my pictures have been much more grey than I was looking forward to. Meanwhile back in Paris its been sunny everyday. How do you say, just my luck?

A view down the winding walkways of the jardin. One wrong step and you felt like you would be tumbling into luxury yachts in the harbor.

Had to throw in a pic of me just to prove I really am here.

In the center of Monte Carlo is the old Casino.

Inside the casino is the Opera of Monaco. I didn’t get to see it yesterday but they do have a spectacular miniature model illuminated in front so we can imagine what it must be like inside.

The famous Hotel de Paris on the same square as the casino.

Across the street from the Hotel is the famous Cafe de Paris where we lunched.

Fellow Californian Aimee joined us for the day trip and so kindly navigated the winding route along of the French Riviera with ease. The interior walls of the Cafe de Paris are lined with beautiful stained glass windows illustrating the zodiac signs.

For lunch, I ordered mussels baked in a white wine cream sauce, avec des frites biensur.

With all the money in Monaco, you can rest assured the shopping is good.

The Chanel boutique located on the same square as the casino and Hotel de Paris.

I loved the decor of the Blumarine store.

Loved the shoes and the adorable pink satin and silver pedastal they were placed upon in the window.

When I saw this glass legged table I instantly thought it was something The Paris Apartment would die for.

In the afternoon we stopped in at The Hotel Hermitage.

The tea area was decorated in pale greens and yellows.

Hot chocolate was served in tall cafe glasses, and the raspberry mille feuille was delicious.

Of course Hotel de Paris and The Hermitage are not the only fine hotels in Monaco.

The old buildings have so many fine little beautiful details.

This anything but humble or little abode was up high in the old ville of Monaco next to the cathedral and overlooked the ocean.

The old cathedral of Monaco is especially beautiful lit up at twilight. Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III in 1956 here receiving her eternal title of Princess Grace.

After a long day we watched the lights come on as the sky grew dark above the west marina of Monaco.