Faites vos jeux

Day: 6
Miles: 1110/40
Coordinates: +43° 43' 51.88", +7° 25' 32.62" (Monaco)

After a hearty breakfast at Le Cavendish (another reason to stay there) we left Cannes for Monaco. We were growing soft from 2 days in Cannes and we were debating whether we would go straight to the Principality or make a stop to see more of the Cote d'Azur. In the end -and despite the horribly hot and humid weather- we remembered our grantouring theme and headed for Antibes.

Antibes is a very picturesque riviera town, full of character. With the exclusive Cap Jean Ferrat on one end and the imposing Fort Carre on the other, it is really the old town -in the middle- that you should go for. Picasso, Kazantzakis and many others made this town their home and it is easy to see why. Spellbinding Med views, beautiful pastel houses, small alleys full of bugainvillas, easy-going atmosphere..it is postcard-perfect. Uncomplicated and simple, it is as good as Vieulles villes at the Riviera go.

The sun and humidity were merciless, though, and we eventually escaped to the car to continue the short remaining drive to Monaco. We entered the Principality from the A8 (we save the Corniche routes for tomorrow), through tunnels and viaducts. The sight that welcomed us was dramatic -to say the least- but also very different from the Riviera we have gotten used to. A city-state rising from the rocks, belle epoque charm mixed with modern & functional architecture (high-rises, reclaimed sea-bed converted to land, elevators to transport people to the different city levels).

After a much-needed pit stop at our home for the next couple of nights (we again strongly recommend Columbus) we went for a drive around the city (3.6km from side to side) so we did a few circles, mainly tracing the F1 route and spotting the sights.

We then visited th old town -no cars are allowed unless they have Monaco or Alpes-Maritimes plates. Wow! It's like time stood still. Strong medieval character around the Palais, but also ornate 19th and early 20th century buildings giving a very different feel from the Riviera (and perhaps France in general). We were lucky to stumble upon the simply named faite du 18eme ciecle, where all the locals (there are only 7k true Monegascans) dress up in 18th century costumes and re-enact life as it was then. Blacksmiths stoke their fires, pirates walk about menacingly, chevaliers practice fencing, jesters juggle..Impressive, but also very fitting of the place.

We ended the night with a bit of culture. A dry run at Monte Carlo Casino. But more on this tomorrow.