Monte Carlo – Not As Expensive As You Might Think

Casinos, stars, yachts and supercars. Welcome to Monte Carlo with it’s beautiful marinas and luxurious lifestyle. At this point you may be thinking that this all sounds too expensive and hardly an affordable trip. You’d be wrong.

I opted to stay a little further inland, just outside of Nice in a small 2 floor house. Now it didn’t exactly have the class of the lavish Monacoian Villas, however the point here is to get the most out of your trip whilst saving as much money as you can. The peaceful and rural location of the house was perfect for a relaxing trip – no need for big spending!

The house came with a shared pool but with the ‘secret’ location as I like to call it, it remained empty for us throughout. Also provided were a BBQ and table tennis table – everything you need for some perfect summer relaxation! All in all this provided plenty to do if you somehow found yourself bored of the nearby Côte d’Azur.

“But surely you were nowhere near Monte Carlo if you stayed somewhere so much cheaper?”, you may be asking.

The answer is actually no. The house was an effortless half an hour drive from Monte Carlo, providing some stunning views if you were able to follow the coastline. You could see the boats parked out at sea as if to build your excitement for what was to follow.

Then, we arrived. Monte Carlo itself is…well, Monte Carlo. It’s not much like other places, with such class almost everywhere you look. The expensive sports cars parked as if standard and the Marina rammed full with some of the most lavish yachts I have ever seen. Made me rather jealous looking back at it.

Walking down from the iconic Casino to the Marina in the intense sun was great: perfect weather, amazing views and class you couldn’t hope to find at home! Ridiculous boats were on view the entire length of the Marina, allowing for the cheeky stare-in making you wonder how on earth you acquire such a thing. “If only I had the money”. After jealousy levels had risen and all the boats had been passed it was time for a cool down and drink. Several bars along the waterfront provided shade, fans and ice cold cokes. Perfect. What a way to relax and bring an end to the trip before heading back to a BBQ and a continuously empty pool.

There is no doubt that if you enjoy travel, experiencing new lifestyles, living in luxury and the odd Casino visit, then Monte Carlo is definitely somewhere you must visit! And now you know; it doesn’t have to be expensive. Just stay a short drive away and you’ll save enough for a few nights in the Casino…plus you’ll avoid the crowds and be left to relax. What more could you ask for whilst visiting one of the most iconic towns on the French Riviera?