IT’S VERY EASY to be distracted, or even blinded, by the bright lights of Monaco. Nowhere in the principality do they shine brighter than in Monte-Carlo, thanks to the scintillating jewels of Hotel de Paris, Hotel Hermitage, Casino de MonteCarlo, Opera de Monte-Carlo and the Yacht Club. The world’s eyes fixate upon Monaco for at least a weekend every year too, with the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix and its gathering of superstar fans and superyachts. And let’s not forget the fabled love story of Prince Rainier III and Hollywood star Grace Kelly, which might be the closest we’ve ever come to a reallife fairy tale.
However, there’s a lot more to the second smallest country in the world, if you make the effort to walk—or hop on a city bus ride—to the other three quarters in Monaco. After you’ve spent a day or two, as well as a small fortune, savouring the wonders of Monte-Carlo, you should also explore MonacoVille, Condamine and Fontvieille. It’s where and how you’ll peel back the glittering layers and then discover Monaco’s culture and history grounded
