The Daily Mail ran a very good article recently about what to do while in Monte Carlo.

Here’s an extract of what they had to say:

1. ARRIVE IN STYLE

The best way to reach Monaco is still in an Aston Martin DB5, twirling down the hairpin bends from the Alps. Alternatively, just buy the GoldenEye DVD and see how 007 does it. There is a more affordable grand entry – by helicopter from Nice airport.

A seven-minute ride costs upwards of €100 each (around £97). Failing that, the 100 bus from the airport takes 45 minutes.

If you are coming from anywhere on the Cote d’Azur, take a train on the Marseilles to Nice line. Arriving at Monte Carlo station’s sumptuous marble halls, you half expect the Monte Carlo Symphony Orchestra to strike up.

2. FULL MONTE 

You don’t need a gold-plated credit card to visit Monte Carlo and the famous streets where the Monaco Grand Prix takes place. Take a day-trip there and you’re free to walk around with the stars, the mega-rich and the zero-tax-paying citizens.

There’s lots to do for nothing, or at least next to nothing. There are five circular bus routes – tickets cost €1, or take the hop-on, hop-off Azur Express for €6 (£5.80).

The cathedral, where Princess Grace is buried, dominates the old town area, but there are many interesting little streets to delve down, all as neat as a pin. Alternatively, simply mill around outside the Opera House and the Casino (strict dress code if you want to play the tables).

Or why not window-shop? As a day-tripper, with a coffee and sandwich for lunch, you could still have change from £10

To read the full article, click through to the Daily Mail here

The Associated Press report that Prince Albert is to sue over claims of a sex scandal – click here to read the report.

Vogue ran an article recently praising the Metropole hotel – just one of the hotels in Monaco that are world class.

Here is what Vogue had to say:

If Monaco is one of the best places in the world to play a rich man’s game, the Hotel Metropole is the place to stay while you’re doing it. Far more romantic in the old-school, fresh flowers and ornamental furnishings sense than the other big name hotels nearby, it is a haven of sensuality amid all the citrus-coloured supercars and bling of the streets that surround it. Don’t miss the spa and the incredible poolside sun deck for some of the most decadent downtime imaginable – plus it is a stone’s throw from Casino Square so despite the illustrious privacy it offers, you’re never far from the real action.

To read the article at Vogue click here

Monaco property is still the most expensive in the world, according to wealth-bulletin.com

In a recent report they said:

Avenue Princesse Grace is the most expensive street in the world to buy property, where $120,000 (€84,985) will purchase just one square metre of prime real estate, according to a survey by Wealth Bulletin.

The addresses that are streets ahead

• Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco, $120,000 per sq/m

Still the most expensive street in the world, expect to pay at least $120,000 per sq/m on the iconic Avenue Princesse Grace for a modest apartment with one of the most spectacular views in the world.

To read the full article click here

There are six Monaco properties new to the market we can report on at the moment – to request full current availability visit monacoproperty.net

Fontvieille.  Studio apartment, 50m2 plus 8m2 terrace with Mediterranean views.  Parking space.  Storage area.  This Monaco property for sale is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  2,000,000  Euros

Fontvieille.  Two bedroom sixth floor 115m2 apartment with terrace, Mediterranean views, large living room, guest wc and parking space.  One of the Monaco properties for sale that is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  4,300,000 Euros

Fontvieille.  2 bedroom 2nd floor 120m2 apartment plus 20m2 terraces with first class Mediterranean views.  Parking space.  The apartment is in a really good condition.  The apartment is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  6,500,000 Euros   

Monte Carlo.  3 bedroom 176m2 apartment, situated on the 28th floor in a block of 30.  Excellent Mediterranean and Monte Carlo views. Walking distance from Casino Square.  2 parking spaces.  The apartment is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  7,850,000 Euros

Monaco, Boulevard de Belgique.  Duplex 2 bedroom apartment 153m2 + 148m2 of terrace.  Double living room, fully equipped kitchen, shower room, guest wc and parking space.  The apartment is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  7,850,000 Euros

Monte Carlo.  4 bedroom tenth floor 196m2 apartment with good Mediterranean views, in one of Monte Carlo’s best buildings.  Parking space plus independent 32m2 studio suitable for a home office or guests. Close to Casino Square.  The apartment is held by an offshore company (no notary fees).  11,000,000 Euros

The Times recently ran an article about the bars, shops and hotels in Monaco - to read it click here

The Guardian newspaper has publshed an interesting article about the Monaco Grand Prix – click here to see it.

Meanwhile, for those who prefer other sports, there’s a guide to sporting activities in Monaco here

Finally, there’s an interesting article by Suzy Gershman including the hotels in Monaco and the casino by clicking through to here

There’s an interesting article by The Times about how Monaco is trying to tempt the ultra rich to spend some time – and money – in Monaco. To read more click here

Meanwhile there’s a good article at the Hollywood Reporter about the Monte Carlo Film Festival. To read more click here

An interview with Prince Albert has appeared recently in the press.

Here is an extract:

Daily News: Have you seen evidence people are starting to understand their role in climate change?

Prince Albert II: Awareness of climate change is underway. Awareness of man’s responsibility in this phenomenon is slower but it is developing.

I see that young people are actually more aware than their elders, firstly because they are more responsive to the threats to our ecosystems, but also because they have more respect for nature, since they are closer to it. Unlike adults, I believe that young people are less imprisoned by unbridled and careless consumption habits, which they have not had the time to acquire.

For me, awareness of personal responsibility will be truly effective in our societies when, for example, the relationship with the car changes. Of course, it is not a question of banning it but favoring clean vehicles and encouraging the use of public transport. This personal responsibility can also be exercised in our choice of heating, resorting to more or less significant use of traditional air conditioning when solar energy air conditioners are starting to appear, notably in the southern countries.

Daily News: As water is increasingly considered a commodity and a trade resource, particularly in this region, how does it become harder for countries and corporations to view it as a global resource? What is bringing countries and corporations together to share water resources?

Prince Albert: You are completely right to highlight that water is increasingly perceived as a commodity and a trade resource. At the same time, awareness that it is a much less inexhaustible commodity than thought is growing. It therefore remains a means of enrichment, because it allows irrigation and farming and, conversely, is also a way of weakening neighbors for those who are able to monopolize access to it.

However, water is the source of life. And access to water and sanitation is above all a right. Only recognition of this fundamental right and the absolute necessity to respect it will lead to sustainable and fair management of this vital resource.

To read more of the interview click here