The Principality of Monaco is surrounded in an aura of glamour and luxury, and is first and foremost a place of tradition and excellence. The musts are the Prince's Palace right in the heart of the medieval confines of the old town, and nearby the Oceanographic Museum; visit the exotic gardens with their lush vegetation; and to have a little fun, you may choose among art exhibitions, shows, and the casinos.
The history of the department exudes the smells and fragrances of flowers and plants that have been grown here for centuries. In Grasse, the perfume capital, famous names like fragonard or Molinard resound with their unique savoir-faire. Taking a magnificent drive through the Gorges du Loup (waterfalls), you will reach the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence that painters and artists have made famous throughout history.
At the water's edge in Beaulieu, visit the Villa Kérylos, a unique replica of an classical Greek villa, designed and built by the archaeologist Theodore Reinach, and on the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Rothschild Ephrussi foundation, a stunning villa with exceptional collections (18th furniture, paintings, sculptures...) with incredible themed gardens, are two jewels of the Riviera just a few minutes from Nice.
Saint-Tropez is still a must, but the visitors must not pass by the traditional villages along the coast, or the history-packed towns from fréjus to saint Maximin. The craggy landscape of the Estérel and the Maures ranges, vineyards stretching out to the horizon, and the area's protected heritage are all reasons to get to know this département.
