Monaco during F1 Grand Prix has anyone been in MC at this time?

[Isklaar]

My cruise will be arriving in Monaco during the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

I have done a board search and noted this has been discussed a few times but I haven't found the answer to my specific questions.

 

I have visited Monaco previously, but never on a cruise, so I'm unfamiliar with procedures.

 

We may or may not purchase GP tickets. If we do, I'm assuming that it may be difficult to find a taxi/bus to take us down close to the Grandstand we will be sitting in. Is this correct? I am familiar with the track route, and am fully aware that it will be closed, but have been assuming that the remaining areas of the principality will be hectic busy but relatively accessible. Is this the case? Should I count on walking from where the tender drops us off to our GP seating area?

 

This then leads me to my other question. Should we choose not to buy GP tickets, if we wish to have a look around Monaco, again missing out the track area, on the Saturday, will we be able to do this or is it just not feasible?

As I said, we've visited previously but did not visit the Palace or Oceanography Museum. These are places I would like to visit this time if possible. I also would like to return to the Jardin Exotique. According to the JE website, it is open during GP. So I my main concern is actually how easy is transportation, or again, shall we just be prepared to walk from the port?

Or should we just forget all of that and go on a ships excursion to somewhere else?

[Isklaar]

So it would seem that the answer is 'no'!

I think the best plan is just to buy the F1 tickets and anything else that we can do or see during our stay will be a bonus.

I will take spare shoes in my bag for the walk from the tender dock to our location for viewing, and hope that it isnt unseasonably hot that day!

[BiggiB]

Bonjour, Isklaar - have not been on the message board for a while, so I saw your questions only today.

Yes, the Grand Prix is an extraordinary event and the Principality is very busy. But don't despair: the GP is an exiting time in Monaco and worthwhile a visit!

 

Any ship/yacht visiting for the GP and staying outside port, will tender into the second port of Fontvieille. From there, ALL visitors will walk for about 20 to 30 minutes to find the Grand Stands in and around Port Hercule and the city race track. This is part of the game.

 

Tickets are available at certain sales points throughout the town and where available even on the day of the races ... but that may change with the renewed interest in Formula 1. To be on the safe side and to get the Grand Stands you want, order tickets in advance via the Automobile Club‘s website: http://www.acm.mc. There, you will find the racing schedule, too, in due time.

 

Sightseeing during the weekend, with races starting Thursday until Sunday late afternoon, is a challenge. Monte-Carlo is „fenced-in“, since the race track leads right along the Casino(s) and other points of interested. However, the most interesting pasttime in Monaco that weekend is „people and car watching“ - at its best during early evening aperitif time around the Casino Square, which is then open to the public again.

 

To reach the Rocher with the Palace, the Cathedrale and the Musee Oceanographique, you will have to walk up from Place d‘Armes, since the whole side of the rock facing the port is closed off for ticket holders to watch the races. However, all those sights up on the „rock“ are worth a visit. For sightseeing, most of the gardens and museums are open during this weekend, though the main casino is open and accessible only at night time.

 

To watch the races without a ticket is almost impossible. It is a city course running between the Port and the highrise buildings - not much chance. But you can hear the sound of the engines all over town.

 

The closest Grand Stands to Fontvieille are those around the Port of Monaco... and they are the ones with the largest seating capacity, so you may be lucky enough to get a last minute ticket in this area, too.

 

There is limited public bus service, running from Fontvieille and/or Place d‘Armes up to the Exotic Garden and towards Sant Roman on the other side of town. Bus tickets are sold by the bus driver and are €1 per person/trip. They run frequently, however, don‘t expect a schedule during that weekend, since traffic is horrendous.

 

If the hustle and bustle of Monaco gets too much during the day, try a nice little walk along the coastal path from Fontvieille (starting in front of the Marriott Hotel) or take the bus over to the other side of town, for a coffee break along Larvotto Beach or a drink on the sunny terraces of either the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel or Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel --- for people and car watching, too.

 

One more thing: If you are in town on Friday, Grand Stand tickets for the morning training sessions are free of charge, but no Formula-1 cars will be on the track. Friday afternoon is „race-free“ and the best time to watch fabulous sports cars hitting the race track for a slow-motion-race :-D ... bumper to bumper traffic.

If your cruise calls on Thursday, you will find standing places along the Rocher with a nice view across the Port ... and the are f-o-c as well.

 

Hope, this information will help you to enjoy your stay in the Principality.

[aohkay]

BiggiB:

 

Thank you for such a wonderful, informative answer. I do hope the OP comes back to thread in order to see your answer. Thanks again,

 

Lisa

[Isklaar]

BiggiB:

 

Thank you for such a wonderful, informative answer. I do hope the OP comes back to thread in order to see your answer. Thanks again,

 

Lisa

 

Yes, I'm here, I've seen it!

 

BiggiB - thank you so much the info is so helpful and will definitely help me to plan better.

 

Our ship tenders us at Fontvielle on the Saturday morning of GP weekend and leaves late on Sunday evening.

 

We have decided to definitely get a ticket to see the race on Sunday.

 

I'll update when I have made some more plans, but thanks again Biggi B for taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I imagine that your reply will also be helpful to others who search for the same in future.

[BiggiB]

Perfect timing !

Saturday night in town is most exiting: Don't miss the Casino Square "car corso" and a glass of bubbly at the Café de Paris terrace.

If you want to experience glamour and ritz-glitz, attend a "private" event, such as the Amber Lounge or the Club Royal, both places are good for rubbing shoulders with the Who is Who in the racing world and social circles. You'll find them on the internet.

And your schedule will permit you to explore a little more of the beautiful Côte d'Azur as well, if it is Nice or Eze or Menton. Public transport is available throughout the weekend along the coast line.

For more information, check also http://www.visitmonaco.com - the official website of the Monaco tourism office.

ENJOY!

[Isklaar]

I just wanted to update and say a very big THANK YOU to you BiggiB for your excellent advice given on this thread.

 

We had the most wonderful weekend in Monaco for the GP. Silver Spirit was our home for the Saturday/Sunday. We were joined in Monaco Bay by Windstar/surf (cant recall exactly), Azamara, and on Sunday Star Clipper.

We got tickets in advance, for the roof terrace and garden at the Hotel de Paris. They were very expensive but worth it for the fantastic views etc and included a buffet lunch with an open bar.

The weather could not have been more perfect.

 

 

BiggiB, I printed out your reply and took it with me and it was very useful when we walked our route on Saturday as a practice for the Sunday.

 

It was a fabulous experience and one day I hope to repeat it!