Where beautiful people come in their summer break

Julie and I travelled by high speed train from Paris to the south of France, and along the Mediterranean coast.  We are part of a tour group that is staying in Monte Carlo, Monaco. 

Quiz Time. Did you know that Monaco: -

• Is the second smallest country in the world?  
• It is a city state: meaning the whole country is just one big city?
• Is the most densely populated country in the world?
• Has just 35,000 permanent residents crammed in a living space of only 2.0 km^2?
• Has the smallest military force: exactly 116 men (no women)? 
• Is surrounded by France on three sides, with the remaining side facing the Mediterranean Sea?  
• Has nearly 50,000 workers who commute from France and Italy each day.
• Boasts the world's highest GDP per capital?
• Has the most expensive real estate market?
• Is the home of the annual Monaco Grand Prix: the world’s most prestigious car race?
• Is just 13 km away from Italy?

Monaco is located on a very small rocky outcrop at the point where the French Alps plunge into the Mediterranean Sea.  Because there is a very limited supply of land and an increasing number of wealthy people that want to live here—attracted here because no one pays personal income tax—property is in very short supply.  Because of the topography and the price of land, developers are building over the transport network.  The rail system and train station is now completely located underground, below buildings, as are a number of key roads.  I’ve never seen so many tunnels within an urban area. 

Monaco only developed in the 19 century when a road was constructed along the coast connecting it to adjacent French cities: given the challenging topography, it took construction crews 1 year to construct each 1000m.  This road link, the attraction of Casinos and the wonderful sea views and warm weather were the catalyst needed for the wealthy to flock to Monaco.  No doubt, not having to pay personal income tax may also have been a factor.

Monte Carlo refers to one of several administrative area of Monaco.  Monte Carlo can best be described as a dream world.  None of it appears real: certainly not the world that we live in.  Monte Carlo has featured in numerous James Bond films Never Say Never Again (1983), and Golden Eye (1995). 

Monte Carlo continues to attract many wealthy guests—including their beautiful teenage daughters and sons wearing beautiful designer swim gear—who drive here in their parent’s cars to party, gamble and enjoy the sea and sun during their summer break.  Every second car is a Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, or Bentley.  Of course not everyone drives here in such cars.  Some arrive by private yacht—some equipped with helicopters.   Others arrive by private jet—the local airport has hundreds of them parked on the tarmac.

View of our Hotel from out Room.

A view of Monaco - Italy is in the background.

A view from our Hotel Room - A cruise ship arrives for the day.

Enjoying the Beach
The beach has pebbles and is quite steep.

View of Monte Carlo.

The Mediterranean is very warm this time of year.
It never gets below 12 degrees.

The multi-story building in the middle of this photo contains a number if villas
Each villa takes up two floors and has a garage for your car located on your level.
Yes you got it, you drive your car into a lift that takes you to your floor.

Views over the Mediterranean.

Everyone is expected to have fun in Monaco,
even if it cost you a lot of money to do so.

Made by Renault, an electric car for just one person -
a sign of things to come.

A view of Monaco from Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

Saint-Paul de Vence
Beautiful medieval fortified village

One of the numerous private yachts in the harbour.
Only worth having one if it comes equipped with a helicopter.

The Beach Party located on the 7th floor of our hotel.
Operating during the summer break, it attracts numerous beautiful young people.
All of them dressed in beautiful designer swim gear. 

The Beach Party extends into the evening.
 Guests are treated to a different DJ each day and night.

One of the beautiful young people at the pool.
Dressed in beautiful designer swim gear enjoying a cocktail.