Monaco and Eze could not be more different from each other if they tried. One destination is a tax-free principality covering an area of just two square kilometres with high-rise apartments, swanky hotels and luxury boutiques shadowing the streets and ports, and the other is comprised of a coastal area and a historical village with cobbled streets hiding jewellery workshops and artist studios.
It’s possible to visit both Monaco and Eze in one day, but Bespoke Yacht Charter recommend a slightly longer itinerary in conjunction with your yacht charter to really appreciate these two unique destinations.
Why visit Monaco & Eze
Monaco is more than just the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Café de Paris and the Palais Princier on the ‘Rock’. You’ll find two busy ports (Port de Fontvieille and Port Hercule), major annual events (Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, Monaco GP, Monte-Carlo Masters, Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival, Monaco Yacht Show) and high-end shopping boutiques, but you’ll also find tiny hole-in-the-wall food vendors making socca to order, quiet rose gardens with beautiful sculptures and some of the best gelato outside of Italy.
Eze is comprised of two distinct parts – Eze-sur-Mer on the seafront, and the perched village of Eze set high above the sea. The pebbly beach of Eze remains relatively calm even in peak season, and can offer a quiet respite from busier resorts. The village of Eze is dominated by ruins of the medieval castle, and many artists and craftspeople occupy basement ateliers on the narrow paved streets that lead up to the Jardin Exotique at the summit of the village. (The town of Eze forms part of the Canton de Beausoleil)
Monaco Highlights
Les Halles Gourmande at Marché de la Condamine, 15 place d’Armes
A lively nocturnal marketplace to stop by and discover traditional Monegasque dishes, pizzas, socca, sushi and pasta. Recommended for variety of food vendors and a convivial atmosphere.
Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo, 4 avenue de la Madone, MC 98007, Monaco. Telephone: +377 93 15 15 10
Located at the stunning Hôtel Métropole, Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon joins Christophe Cussac at the hotel’s main restaurant to offer menus that integrate Mediterranean produce with the excitement of an open kitchen. Bespoke Yacht Charter recommends the Discovery Menu and a reservation on the terrace with views over Monte Carlo.
metropole.com/fr/restaurant-montecarlo/chef-cussac/
Maya Bay, 24 avenue Princesse Grace, MC 98000, Monaco. Telephone: +377 97 70 74 67
We highly recommend Maya Bay if you’re looking for some Asian flair in your culinary journey. Choose between two restaurants, Thai or Japanese, both with exceptional service – Bespoke Yacht Charter particularly love the terrace in the Thai restaurant decorated with paper lanterns. The lunch menu is excellent value for Monaco. Reservations necessary.
Jimmy’z, 26 avenue Princesse Grace, MC 98000, Monaco. Telephone: +377 98 06 70 68
A legendary club in Monaco, charge up your credit card as the drinks are pricey but you’ll love the high-energy atmosphere and summer line-up of global DJ’s and parties that attract Formula 1 drivers and beautiful people. Best on a Friday or Saturday night, they offer car valet service and drivers to transport party-goers around the principality.
montecarlosbm.com/fr/bar-nightclub-monaco/jimmyz-monte-carlo
Palais Princier, Place du Palais, MC 98000, Monaco. Telephone: +377 93 25 18 31
One of the main attractions in Monaco, the Palais Princier is the private residence of the ruling Prince and his family. You can enjoy a beautiful view over Monaco and the harbours from the square in front of the Palace. The changing of the guard is held every day at 11.55am in the forecourt and is free to watch, or visit the State Apartments (admission applies) where you can view magnificent displays of frescoes, Venetian chandeliers and marble mosaics.
Jardin Japonais (Japanese Garden), avenue Princesse Grace, MC 98000, Monaco. Telephone: +377 93 15 22 77
Open year-round, this free entry garden is an unexpected oasis of calm amongst the concrete jungle. Combining stone statues, wooden bridges and water features head there for a moment of relaxation and Zen tranquillity.
visitmonaco.com/en/place/the-gardens/95/the-japanese-garden
Musée Océanographique de Monaco (Monaco Oceanarium), avenue Saint-Martin, MC 98000, Monaco. Telephone: +377 93 15 36 00
Situated in a beautiful building set on the cliff side of ‘Le Rocher’, this attraction is dedicated to the marine environment, history and maritime science. Founded by Prince Albert I of Monaco (1848-1922), collections include numerous aquariums, skeletons of marine mammals, a shark lagoon, touch tank, and turtle area. The rooftop has a playground and a terrace restaurant perfect for a bite to eat.
Eze Highlights
La Chèvre d’Or, rue du Barri, 06360 Eze. Telephone: +33 (0)4 92 10 66 61
One of the French Riviera’s most exclusive restaurants, double Michelin-starred La Chèvre d’Or is one of four restaurants at this luxury hotel and undoubtedly the best of the selection. With dazzling panoramic views, a lunch or dinner reservation is extra special where you can enjoy classic food matched with wines from a 15,000-bottle sommelier selection.
Cap Estel, 1312 avenue Raymond-Poincaré, 06360 Eze-Bord-de-Mer. Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 76 29 29
Located at a luxury hotel on the sea’s edge, chef Patrick Raingeard deserves his one Michelin star for well-crafted dishes making the most of local produce and seafood. Take a table on the terrace with glimpses to the sea, and don’t skip dessert.
Anjuna Beach, 28 avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Eze-Bord-de-Mer. Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 01 58 21
Sublime at sunset, this private beach restaurant is a little off-the-beaten track from the road so is best reached via your private yacht. With a relaxed atmosphere, décor swings from surf retro to Balinese chic but the welcome is warm, food is good and the staff are accommodating.
Jardin Exotique, rue du Château, 06360 Eze
Located at the foot of the castle ruins in Eze village, the Jardin Exotique is dotted with sculptures and plants including subtropical agaves, aloes and rare cacti. Even if you’re not partial to botany, we recommend a visit for the exceptional views over the French Riviera coastline.
Nietzsche’s Path, Chemin de Frédéric Nietzsche
Stretching between Eze village and the seafront, it’s possible to follow a scenic hillside walk named after philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who spent some time in Nice and Eze. Starting from outside Eze village, the path winds through olive trees and pines and is easiest on descent taking approximately one hour. We recommend sturdy footwear due to a rocky surface and avoiding the walk during the middle of the day when it is hottest.
Ferrari Driving Tour
If you have a need for speed, Eze is the perfect departure point for a Ferrari driving experience. Departing from the Fragonard perfume factory in Eze, take to the winding Corniche roads with wide reaching views over the coastal towns, mountains and sea. Different durations are available from 15-minutes to customised tours of varying durations.
livenupexperience.com/driving/
This article was written by Rebecca Whitlocke, who with over 10 years travel industry experience loves to share ‘must-do’ destination tips and hidden spots to discover in France and beyond.
To discuss a crewed luxury yacht charter in Monaco and other Côte d’Azur destinations, please contact:
Alexander Coles
