An Afternoon in Monaco

Strolls through the botanical garden, lunch on the harbor, and a glimpse into royal palace life made this a day out of my dreams.

Last Sunday I had an excursion into Monaco, the romping grounds of royals and international men of mystery alike. This wasn’t just any class field trip. Monaco was out of a dream, with pastel town homes, and gorgeous blooming flowers.

We bussed in with views of the alps, stunningly snow capped in the distance. Upon arriving we watched the regal changing of the guards outside the palace, and with a raised flag we knew for certain that Prince Albert was chilling at home that day.

We even had the chance to rub elbows with the locals of this posh sovereign state on the French Riviera. Called the Monegasque, the people of Monaco are as chic as they sound- it helps that they even have their own language which is an elegant blend of French and Italian.

We ate at La Maree, a Michelin star restaurant overlooking the harbor- and yes, it was the best artichoke ravioli in sage sauce that I have EVER had. It was one of those moments, in between fantasizing over which yacht we would own, that you look at the people you’re with and you just try to take in every sight, smell, and sound.

Happily filled with a delicious lunch, we wandered our way through the floral lined streets and longingly gazed at the designer shops. We stepped into the renown Monte Carlo Casino, and quickly stepped out before anyone got carried away. I felt so lucky to be there, but not enough to risk it all and single handedly keep Monaco’s government running with my losses. One in three residents is a millionaire- so I figure they’ve got it covered!

Monaco is a place of such lavishness I felt like I should be jumping into the cerulean waves wearing a flowing gown for a Dior commercial. Instead, we perused the exotic gardens and saw flowers of technicolor. Cacti hang over the cliffside and fountains trickle softly with a careless delight.

Soon enough we got back on the bus and headed to Grasse, home to one of the oldest perfumeries in the world, Fragonard. The perfumery is sumptuous, but having already been I opted to mozy into the medieval village of Eze that’s situated at the top of a hill overlooking Fragonard.

Mimosa trees and azaleas relentlessly bloomed through the alleyways even in February. Filled with hidden passageways, and a lovely cathedral, Eze was a charming village full of beautiful artisan stands and silver jewelry.

Getting back on the bus we felt truly satisfied that we most certainly got our steps in, and had a glimpse into the fairytale that was Grace Kelly's world.

Post-trip depression never settled in as the ‘reality’ I return to is far from mundane. My new ‘groove’ involves walking through the Tuesday and Thursday markets on my way to class. I stop to smell every flower, try every cheese, and converse with the vendors. Daily runs down the Cours Mirabeau have been my way to stay centered. Each night I go to bed grateful, and in permanent disbelief that I can call this my routine.

Spring doesn't play hard to get in Monaco.

The mediterranean sparkled in the midday sun.

This whimsical display was in the Monte Carlo Casino.

Above shows the winding medieval alleys of the village Eze.

There were beautiful restaurants tucked in like gems throughout the village.

Each door seems to beckon and ask what's behind it.