Nice is such a good jumping off point for this part of France, and so we’ve got a couple of day excursions planned. Our first is to Monaco to have a little look around as well as to go into one of the most famous casinos in the world, Monte Carlo Casino.

It’s another hot one and so we take a mid afternoon train from Nice to Monaco. It is a 39 minute first train that costs 7€90 each way.

When you leave the very flash looking train station – that has walls of mirrors (next time I’ll be quicker to organise a group selfie) there is quite the steep walk to the Casino. As I trudged up the hill, I lamented that I wasn’t the rich and famous princess I was destined to be – which would have meant a wonderful air conditioned ride in some swanky car. Alas, I am a tourist from Australia slowly making my way up the hill. Having said that, I’m sure that we would hardly have noticed the temperature it if it wasn’t 39 degrees. But today as well as missing my chauffeur I thought that it would have been awesome if there those little sprinklers near the footpath that sent a little mist your way – but thinking that through perhaps make up and couture would be damaged if sprayed .. something to think about. How did we combat the walk? We made a couple of stops on the way up.

The casino is so opulent, it rivals the Vatican for the amount of bling. You can get into the foyer paying through bag checks and metal detectors. To be completely honest my greatest concern when going through security was not external it was all about hoping that my face wasn’t really sweaty and my hair really flat from wearing my hat 🤣.

To get into the casino proper, you need to have your passport (drivers licence is not accepted), you must be 18 and not a Monaco citizen oh and be willing to hand over €18.

Interestingly, the law forbids locals from working and gambling in the casino. It dates back to the 19th century as a way to protect local citizens from financial ruin – saving them from themselves, I guess.

As part of your “entry fee” you are given a €10 ticket that can be used in the poker/slot machines. I was hoping it could go towards a nice drink but alas no… or so I was told I’ve just discovered in fact I could have spent my €10 ticket on a drink – rather than pooling our funds.. 🤔 🤣

We did get those drink(s), the boys had a hand at Black Jack and Roulette, while Hannah and I provided good vibes.

There are so many amazing cars parked just outside the casino and I didn’t manage to photograph one 😳.

I wonder would this casino have been as popular as it is, if not for the James Bond movies? It is beautiful and it radiates wealth and is in a fascinating country … haha perhaps I’ve answered my own question. We missed the night time crew who I am sure provide additional glitz and glamour to the whole experience.

So apart from the casino, what else? Well there is a Grand Prix here once a year, the course runs right through town – it’s amazing. And of course, there is a semi constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert the head of state.

Monaco is the second smallest sovereign state, behind Vatican City. There are just under 39,000 residents in this tiny place making it the most densely populated country.

Dinner in Monaco and then a train home, another great day.