From its sparkling seafront location on the Côte d’Azur, to its luxury hospitality, chic dining and glamorous cultural calendar, Monaco is the first choice of celebrities and global jetsetters seeking life’s ‘crème de la crème’. Beloved for centuries as an exclusive and extraordinary destination, Monaco is also cherished as a European capital of romance.
Located between France and the Mediterranean Sea, just a few minutes from the Italian border, Monaco combines easy accessibility, high quality and sophisticated luxury. Ideal for celebrating a destination wedding, once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, special anniversary or an enchanting escape with a loved one, Monaco is an alluring centerpiece on a remarkable Riviera journey with romantic itineraries combining Provence, Monte Carlo and Italy’s Liguria.
A helicopter transfer from Nice, taking just seven minutes, is a seductive way to arrive in Monaco in style while enjoying the beautiful Riviera coastline and Southern Alps. Loving couples can experience the magical sites of Monte Carlo by day, such as the resplendent Princely Palace, the Monaco St Nicholas Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum, an architectural masterpiece which collections and exhibitions were once curated by world-famous oceanographer, conservationist & filmmaker Jacques Cousteau.
After a cocktail at the Hotel Metropole’s bar and a brasserie meal at the Café de Paris with an impeccable view over the famed Place du Casino, couples can cast off on a sunset yacht cruise along the magnificent French and Monegasque coasts. Guests will feel like movie stars as they cruise into Millionaires’ Bay, close to Cap Ferrat, one of the world’s most exclusive pieces of real estate, and the creeks of St Jean and Beaulieu ports lined with grandiose Victorian seaside mansions.
Indeed the countryside surrounding Monaco affords plentiful opportunities for romantic journeys, such as a night in a fairytale heritage chateau in Provence amidst centuries-old olive groves and vineyards. The charming hilltop village of Eze is just 10 minutes from Monaco via the Moyenne Corniche. Here lovebirds can explore the medieval ramparts and charming lanes, visit the sensual Jardin Botanique and even create their very own perfume at the renowned Parfumerie Fragonard factory.
Travellers can combine a Monaco visit with Paris, the city of lights. However, more bespoke side trips from Monaco to Provence and to Italy’s nearby Liguria province (which crown jewel is Portofino) have been recently on the buzz and their rate of approval has been very high.
Romantic options in Paris include a Seine River dinner cruise, lunch atop Tour Eiffel, tasting macarons at Ladurée (which also has a shop in Monaco) and a visit to Versailles. Provence is the French romantic and colorful back country of the Cote d’Azur. Secluded villages such as Moustiers or Les Baux de Provence (on which Monaco’s Prince still enjoys a nobility title) count amongst the must go places for lovers of all ages.
On the Italian side, the latter can savour ‘la dolce vita’ in the colourful Italian fishing village of Portofino, enjoy a tour of the 16th-Century Benedictine Abbey or join a cooking course in a former monastery.
Alternatively, they can simply stay in Monaco and enjoy the exquisite dining, hospitality, shopping, casinos and world-class entertainment of Europe’s most prestigious destination for romance.
“There are endless options for romance in Monaco and its beautiful surrounding countryside. The region has been an elite romantic getaway destination for more than 150 years and has now conquered the heart of many Asian travelers. We look forward to welcoming more of them with uniquely curated itineraries designed to deliver romantic experiences of a lifetime with their loved one,” says Mr. Benoit Badufle, Chief Asia Representative of the Monaco Government Tourist Bureau.
