Growing up, I was a HUGE James Bond fan (a man that is fluent in 4 languages….YES please!!!). My grandmother lived in an apartment building that wasn’t very child friendly and when I spent the night without my cousins, I had Bond films from her vintage video collection to hold my attention. Captivated by Bond’s gadgets and smooth style, I loved taking in the exotic locations, glitz and adventure with my nana. Synonymous with high living, I’ll never forget the first time that I saw 007 navigating his way through Monaco’s Casino de Monte-Carlo in “Never Say Never Again,” “Casino Royale” and “Golden Eye.”
Watching expert markswomen that were decked out in glamorous, era specific outfits that included sleeveless scalloped plunged necklines, sexy v-neck brocade dresses and beaded gowns left me fantasizing about what it would be like to travel to Monaco as part of the secret service.
Although I never became a secret agent, visiting Monaco’s sun-kissed coastal district along the French Riviera was a dream come true for me! Measuring less than 1 square mile (the size of Hoboken, NJ), 30 percent of Monaco’s residents are millionaires and Monte Carlo is the epicenter of it all.
Built in 1863, the Casino de Monte-Carlo was at the top of my “must-see” list when I touched down in the miniscule country that is still ruled by the same royal family who took over in 1297. Surrounded by clusters of crystal chandeliers, illuminated frescoes and vintage gold painted ceilings; stepping through the casino’s doors felt like I was exiting a time machine. Originally a poor agriculture country, Monaco raised money for development of the casino – including the construction of the casino – by selling 80% of its area to France. I am still intrigued with how Monaco was built on a “gamble” that continues to pay of in the income tax free country. The architecture of the glamorous Belle Epoque building and the Principality’s 4 neighborhoods are now known for being the epitome of luxury.
In between beach-bumming amongst the tiny pebbles at Monte-Carlo’s pristine Larvotto Beach and champagne-sipping while gazing through oversized windows overlooking the stunning sea, I strolled the charming Bentley and Rolls-Royce lined streets trying to imagine what the boulevards are like when they are transformed into a racetrack for the high octane racing of the annual Grand Prix.
More than race cars and a luxe casino, the district’s observation deck offered the perfect vantage point to admire the gleaming super yachts bobbing in the Port Hercules Marina and Monaco’s Old Town. Perched on a hill that is surrounded on 3 sides by the Mediterranean, I was able to get a glimpse of the Prince’s Palace (the lavish Monaco-Ville palace that is home to Monaco’s royal family) and the changing of the guards. It was with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo that signed Raven Wilkinson on to dance, leading to Wilkinson breaking the color barrier in ballet in the 1950’s.
A 20-minute train ride from Nice, France; Monaco is not only a place to go to see and be seen; but a country rich in tradition.
“And there is the most dangerous risk of all, the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet that you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” - Randy Komisar