Monte Carlo - Places to eat & things to do

[Cruzin1616]

Our cruise will be stopping in Monte Carlo end of April.

What are some good cheap places to eat for lunch???? I am trying google and not getting far on good and cheap! 

Also anything you recommend we for sure check out?

We be on foot so would need to be in walking distance to the port.

We plan to walk to the Casino and look around it. 

[marazul]

MC is one of the most expensive places on earth.  There are some inexpensive places here and there and some street food sometimes around the port. Go to a supermarket (Casino,  a French supermarket chain, has some small ones around there) and get some takeout.

[Cruzin1616]

1 hour ago, marazul said:

MC is one of the most expensive places on earth.  

This is why I am struggling on where to eat. Don't want to blow our whole budget on lunch and not be able to do anything else! 

[marazul]

37 minutes ago, Cruzin1616 said:

This is why I am struggling on where to eat. Don't want to blow our whole budget on lunch and not be able to do anything else! 

Here is a map showing the Casino Supermarket right at the port.  They always have a great selection of cheese and cold cuts, pastries, fruit, and ready made food, etc.  Pick something up and a bottle of wine and you are all set.  Picnic somewhere along the port.  There are benches right across the road.

 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Casino+Supermarket/@43.7348133,7.4206379,16.37z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x12cdc28c3ababf93:0xcc3dcded52cf771e!8m2!3d43.7353046!4d7.4210558!16s%2Fg%2F1hhkp3jj9?hl=en&entry=ttu

 

Benches:

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.7357291,7.4212052,3a,75y,60.49h,111.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNKtScr3rpYpoh5EA-JY1Ig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

[Cruzin1616]

2 minutes ago, marazul said:

Here is a map showing the Casino Supermarket right at the port.  They always have a great selection of cheese and cold cuts, pastries, fruit, and ready made food, etc.  Pick something up and a bottle of wine and you are all set.  Picnic somewhere along the port.  There are benches right across the road.

 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Casino+Supermarket/@43.7348133,7.4206379,16.37z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x12cdc28c3ababf93:0xcc3dcded52cf771e!8m2!3d43.7353046!4d7.4210558!16s%2Fg%2F1hhkp3jj9?hl=en&entry=ttu

 

Benches:

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.7357291,7.4212052,3a,75y,60.49h,111.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNKtScr3rpYpoh5EA-JY1Ig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

Thank you that is very helpful. Sounds like a great plan to me.

Get something at supermarket and have a picnic! 

[marazul]

4 minutes ago, Cruzin1616 said:

Thank you that is very helpful. Sounds like a great plan to me.

Get something at supermarket and have a picnic! 

Good.  Here is a picture of the supermarket:

https://www.google.com/maps/@43.7355194,7.421202,3a,75y,186.51h,93.45t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sP8WmpmSuxqTatNOBSF7ZxQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu

[edinburgher]

18 hours ago, Cruzin1616 said:

Picnic somewhere along the port.  There are benches right across the road.

Also anything you recommend we for sure check out?

 

Monaco/Monte Carlo has some lovely gardens, any of which could be a pleasant spot for a picnic, unless there are any rules against that.

 

Our most recent visit was the day after the F1 races ended and the town was a total mess and very noisy due to all the large trucks removing steel barriers, stands etc, and with some road closures to facilitate their removals.  We had expected that and planned to avoid the mess and noise so did things differently on that occasion.

 

Our "peaceful day" was spent exploring areas we had not previously visited.  We walked the Fontvieille sculpture path which also passes through and/or alongside  a few public gardens,  including the Princess Grace Rose Garden and others we had not known existed.  Not on that route, we visited the Japanese Garden, wandered the tiny Old Town area near the Palace (which we thought a little underwhelming). Changing of the guard at the Palace daily around noon, I think, check.  Walked around the "rocher"  which was enjoyable, exiting it at the Cathedral where you can see the tombs of Princess Grace and her husband Prince Rainier.  This is also where they married.

 

The Oceanographic Museum is definitely worth a visit and close to the Cathedral.

 

And even should you have no interest in the "Jardin Exotique", take the bus up to the  terminus next to the terrace outside the entrance for fabulous views across the entire principlality lying below.

 

I suggest you consider buying a day ticket for the buses to avoid steep streets. It could also be used on the bus boat/bateau bus at that time. Info on routes is easily found online, but you must buy your day  ticket from the bus driver with cash..

 

And if planning to look at the area around the casino, consider taking the "boat bus/Bateau bus" across the harbour from near the cruise ship docking area  past the super yachts one or both ways. Tickets were only 2 or 3 euros pp  each way but may have increased.

 

All of the above suggestions can be checked online, the usual Tripadvisor, YouTube, guidebooks etc, but we have found that the official Monaco/Monte Carlo Tourist Information website(visit monaco)  is an excellent starting point.

 

There is actually quite a lot to see and do there, you only need do your reading homework  to find which sights would suit your personal interests. And do use the free elevators when you can to avoid steep uphill walks.  Google is your best friend.😀

Edited February 20 by edinburgher

[edinburgher]

On 2/19/2024 at 5:17 PM, Cruzin1616 said:

 anything you recommend we for sure check out?

cruzin 1616 I had a senior moment when I posted the above thread and instead of "quoting" yourself, I Inadvertantly quoted a different member, which meant you would not receive a CC alert to a new post.  which you should now have😀.

[Cruzin1616]

32 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

cruzin 1616 I had a senior moment when I posted the above thread and instead of "quoting" yourself, I Inadvertantly quoted a different member, which meant you would not receive a CC alert to a new post.  which you should now have😀.

I understand totally!  I appreciate all the info! Knowing that you can get a day bus pass is good to know. I will have to check out the routes on that.   I have been googling alot for sure.  

Google is my best friend for sure, my co-workers tell eachother to ask me to google it for them! lol

[edinburgher]

11 minutes ago, Cruzin1616 said:

Knowing that you can get a day bus pass is good to know. I will have to check out the routes on that. 

We buy day passes almost everywhere we go as having one means not having to look for change or machines each time boarding whichever form of transport it is, and with a day ticket a single validation is usually all that is required when using for the first time.  Monaco buses are very easy to use and routes and numbers are available to view online. Do take the one which terminates up at the viewing area next to the Jardin Exotique if only for the views of the principality spread out below. and check if the boat bus/bateau Bus still accepts them as the short ride through the harbour is worth doing and is a fun little thing to do.

 

You will find that Monaco/MC is actually much hillier than you might have expected, and they are steep hills, not gradual inclines, hence the free elevators.  Again, Google to find them as you might want to use at least a couple of them on a first visit.

Edited February 21 by edinburgher

[Cruzin1616]

10 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

We buy day passes almost everywhere we go as having one means not having to look for change or machines each time boarding whichever form of transport it is, and with a day ticket a single validation is usually all that is required when using for the first time.  Monaco buses are very easy to use and routes and numbers are available to view online. Do take the one which terminates up at the viewing area next to the Jardin Exotique if only for the views of the principality spread out below. and check if the boat bus/bateau Bus still accepts them as the short ride through the harbour is worth doing and is a fun little thing to do.

 

You will find that Monaco/MC is actually much hillier than you might have expected, and they are steep hills, not gradual inclines, hence the free elevators.  Again, Google to find them as you might want to use at least a couple of them on a first visit.

Thanks again. We don't get to travel much. My husband won this trip at his work so we want to take every cheap advantage we can!  We did excursions at all the other stops this is the only one we didn't do an excursion on, figured it was small enough to do somethings on our own.  Its good to know thats its hilly before we get there and our legs are mad at us!  I will for sure look into the bus routes and elevators! I may have to start taking the stairs at work so get prepared! I got 2 months! 🙂 

[Cruzin1616]

37 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

We buy day passes almost everywhere we go as having one means not having to look for change or machines each time boarding whichever form of transport it is, and with a day ticket a single validation is usually all that is required when using for the first time.  Monaco buses are very easy to use and routes and numbers are available to view online.

I am looking at the website and it now says "Single tickets are available, along with passes valid for multiple journeys. They can be purchased from the C.A.M. website (See ticket and pass prices).  You can also pay on board buses with a debit or credit card.Single tickets are available, along with passes valid for multiple journeys. They can be purchased from the C.A.M. website   You can also pay on board buses with a debit or credit card."   

So I am guessing that means we can now purchase a day pass with credit card on the bus?  I don't really want to create an account for one day online! 

 

 

Also, I don't even take the bus at home, so I am stuggling a bit reading the schedules. LOL I will get it figured out though!

Edited February 21 by Cruzin1616

[GreenFamily]

Another foodie option is for you to catch the train to Menton from Monte Carlo. It’s a gorgeous town 10km away. The train ticket will cost about 2 or 3 euros each way. Menton is on the Italian border so the food is Italian. Menton is famous for citrus fruits so you can treat yourself to a lemon gelato after lunch. Menton is also a little warmer and has more sunshine than the rest of the coastal towns, which might matter to you in April. You could spend the rest of your afternoon in Monte Carlo, Monaco which is overly developed and not charming. 

[edinburgher]

22 hours ago, Cruzin1616 said:

So I am guessing that means we can now purchase a day pass with credit card on the bus?  I don't really want to create an account for one day online! 

 

I am unsure about that, as it says on the website

Titres vendus en agence commerciale et par internet and day tickets are listed in that section. I do not know what they mean by "agence commercial", ie whether there are multiple locations(although "agence" is singular not plural)  where they can be bought or whether it is only the bus company office.

22 hours ago, Cruzin1616 said:

single tickets are available, along with passes valid for multiple journeys. They can be purchased from the C.A.M. website (See ticket and pass prices).  You can also pay on board buses with a debit or credit card.

The section indicated by

Plafond maximal journalier

1,50 € prélevé par validation à hauteur d'un montant de 5,50 € maximum sur une journée d'exploitation bus (6h00>4h00).

 

I THINK means that you can only have up to 3 single journeys on a day ticket, which can be paid for by bank card, which really doesn't make a lot of sense because a "day ticket" anywhere usually means unlimited use within the time period, normally that day or within eg 24 hours of first use.

 

Perhaps once you have confirmation, you would consider updating this thread with the info  as it would be helpful for others on future visits.

 

They have e-mail contact on their website.  For complete clarification why don't you e-mail and ask?  It will be easier that way as your reply should be in English, and would avoid any confusion when boarding a bus on the day when the driver may only have limited english language knowledge.

 

You only really need to know where you can buy a day ticket and how many journeys you  can you take with it, and how can you pay on the day without an account. 

 

Realistically, how many buses will you be likely to use, and if not that many and you can pay single tickets with cash on the bus  that may be the easier way to go.

 

Cash payments for many goods and services in multiple countries changed during lockdowns and in the months following, as more and more payments were only accepted using contactless methods or via online accounts.

 

Edited February 22 by edinburgher

[marazul]

45 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

Titres vendus en agence commerciale et par internet

It means "tickets sold by a commercial agency." It means a business, such as a newspaper kiosk, convenience store or shop, that is licensed to sell tickets. (Much like lottery tickets are sold in the US.)

49 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

The section indicated by

Plafond maximal journalier

1,50 € prélevé par validation à hauteur d'un montant de 5,50 € maximum sur une journée d'exploitation bus (6h00>4h00).

Note that the heading of that section is "Carte bancaire - Open Payment."  They give you a card that makes debit charges to your bank card for up to 5.5 €/day.  They allow 5.50€/day, 15 €/week or 22€/month. Notice that the regular ride is 2€ and this method gives you a discount.  The limitation is probably meant to prevent multiple users on one card. You don't want to sign up for that. 

 

All the above are meant for residents, not one-day tourists.

 

@Cruzin1616 is better off buying a day pass or "PASS 1 jour (24h)" on the internet.  It is good for unlimited trips in 24 hours.  Don't mess with anything else.  Or else, simply pay the bus driver 2€ for each trip.

 

And, yes, you do need to create an account to buy it on the website.  You use it only once.  It is simply the info you need to give any business you are paying with a credit card.  It is secure. If you get any subsequent emails from them, just "unsubscribe."  Buying on the internet is a lot easier than searching for a shop (agence commerciale) that sells them.  However, if you want to try, look for any newsagent or small shop near a bus stop.

 

 

[edinburgher]

22 hours ago, marazul said:

23 hours ago, edinburgher said:

Titres vendus en agence commerciale et par internet

It means "tickets sold by a commercial agency." It means a business, such as a newspaper kiosk, convenience store or shop, that is licensed to sell tickets. (Much like lottery tickets are sold in the US.)

And they are indeed sold in the same way in many European countries, usually from bars, cafes, newspaper/tobacco kiosks etc, but there is no mention of these possibilities on the MC Bus website, nor even a mention of availability to buy anywhere the logo is displayed and both these omissions are more unusual and a generic "agence commercial" isn't overly helpful.  This is why I recommended that cruizin 1616 contact the bus company to ask for clarification, and I also suggested that should  a day ticket prove to be too complicated, they have the option of purchasing  tickets individually.

 

22 hours ago, marazul said:

Note that the heading of that section is "Carte bancaire - Open Payment."  They give you a card that makes debit charges to your bank card for up to 5.5 €/day.  They allow 5.50€/day, 15 €/week or 22€/month. Notice that the regular ride is 2€ and this method gives you a discount.  The limitation is probably meant to prevent multiple users on one card. You don't want to sign up for that. 

Thaks for explaining that marazul as I am not familiar with that method and actually missed that on the website as I didn't explore every part of it, only some.  It used to be so simple" back in the old days" pre-Covid.  Board the bus, ask for a day pass, pay in cash. Job done!

 

Not everyone enjoys porting for a day in MC, but we have visited three times and always found ways to spend our day to suit our own interests. The last time was definitely the most challenging due to the noise created by the removal of all things F1 as these are mostly of steel construction, plus the several road closures in place that day and the multitude of large trucks to haul it all away.. Debated going to Nice but ended up in town with peaceful activities and sights which were mostly new to us so our plans worked well.

Edited February 23 by edinburgher

[marazul]

1 hour ago, edinburgher said:

And they are indeed sold in the same way in many European countries, usually from bars, cafes, newspaper/tobacco kiosks etc, but there is no mention of these possibilities on the MC Bus website, nor even a mention of availability to buy anywhere the logo is displayed and both these omissions are more unusual and a generic "agence commercial" isn't overly helpful. 

I think the problem is that this website is just bureaucracy for local consumption.  Everyone in MC will know what agence commercial means and where to buy the tickets.  It is not intended for the casual tourist who they probably assume will arrive in a mega yacht and have a Ferrari waiting at the pier.  It is MC after all. 🤑

[D&N]

Further to comments and discussion by @marazul and @edinburgher :

We normally go for a picnic in Monaco once each summer.

We take: a large blue IKEA shopping bag, two old supermarket cool bags, plastic cups, some kitchen roll or paper napkins, small waiters corkscrew, some old knives and forks.

We put a frozen 1.5 litre bottle of mineral water in one cool bag (might be difficult coming off a cruise ship). All that fits in a small lightweight backpack.

We get off the train and walk forward (east) up escalators, then lifts as high as you can go. When we emerge follow signs for Casino Gardens & Cafe de Paris. Wander down through the gardens past casino (gambling type!) and then down hill to Port. Lots of photo opportunities there.

If we get to Port about lunch time, go to Casino Supermarket and order fresh pizza. Someone waits outside and other goes in and buys a decent bottle of wine. If we spend €15 it might cost €80 in a restaurant! If it's a white or rosé buy from the fridges and it goes in the cool bag with the frozen water. If you don't have that frozen water you may find a 1kg bag of ice in the shop. They sell cool bags as well. If you can't find ice, buy a kilo of frozen peas to keep the wine cool and put them in a bin when no longer needed. If you prefer red you can miss out that bit. Buy some cakes for dessert. There is also a patisserie counter if you want something fancy but beware of buying anything that won't travel well.

Collect the pizza from counter outside shop. Put it flat in a cool bag to keep it hot! Place that flat in the IKEA bag which with it's long handles allows you to keep it flat.

Exit shop left, turn left, walk straight ahead on Rue Princess Antoinette (including pedestrian bit) until you reach Rue Grimaldi. Cross road to Place Ste Devote bus stop. Take a bus #1 or #2, we pay contactless with credit/debit card at onboard readers. I assume you need one each or NFC phone payment should be accepted as well. Take the bus to terminus at Monaco Ville. There are gardens facing out to sea (east) and part of Port Hercule or (south) and Port de Fontvieille. You should be able to find a wooden bench in shade, where you can dine al-fresco with much better views than most restaurants.

Beware; keep the pizza flat, before the IKEA bag idea I spilt a creamy pizza sauce on the bus floor!

At the picnic spot guard all your food from seagulls!

And there's an ongoing issue with Casino supermarkets. The owning group has been a financial basket case for over 10 years. They are in process of selling off about 300 of their biggest stores. I don't know at this stage where that leaves the Monaco store, it might even be a franchise? But there will be some sort of store there and I'd be shocked if the pizza section with it's ovens would be removed. Lots of workers, including construction, queue up there at lunchtime.

 

Here's a photo of a well fed and watered trio last August. My brother in law was visiting us.

I do have a photo of the pizza menu but can't find it just now.

 

And of course when you've finished the important feeding bit you can wander up to see the palace etc.

[D&N]

On restaurants: Rue Princesse Caroline has several, some of which are reasonably priced.

We have eaten at L'Escale beside the Casino Supermarket about 15 years ago and were happy with the food. The current menu seems reasonable for Monaco.

[marazul]

@D&N

That's a great day and fabulous picnic.

 

Too bad about Casino's financial problems.  The one in Villeneuve-Loubet was our "home" supermarket. The cheese selection was wonderful.  They used to carry some Bellet wines from the smaller vineyards that were outstanding. I hope the business survives.

 

[D&N]

43 minutes ago, marazul said:

@D&N

That's a great day and fabulous picnic.

 

Too bad about Casino's financial problems.  The one in Villeneuve-Loubet was our "home" supermarket. The cheese selection was wonderful.  They used to carry some Bellet wines from the smaller vineyards that were outstanding. I hope the business survives.

 

It is our local shop. Supposed to become Intermarche from April 30th. Remains to be seen how that affects prices and choice. We've done well over the years from their loyalty scheme and all the offers!

At least staff are expected to stay on.

[D&N]

@marazul

When were you last here?

[edinburgher]

19 hours ago, marazul said:

It is not intended for the casual tourist who they probably assume will arrive in a mega yacht and have a Ferrari waiting at the pier.  It is MC after all. 🤑😁

hilarious. Well of course that is the norm!!  Cruise pax also arrive by sea, but instead of sharing their luxury vessel with a handful of close friends or family, they share with between 1000 and 3000 of their closest friends.😀 and instead of getting into a waiting Ferrari, they go in search of the closest bus stop.😀

 

 

[edinburgher]

16 hours ago, D&N said:

There are gardens facing out to sea (east) and part of Port Hercule or (south) and Port de Fontvieille.

I think this is the cliff side walking route we followed on our "peaceful" third visit. I think it  is called something like Roche or le Rocher.  We left it for a short time at the Cathedral to visit the interior then rejoined it and walked further to the Port of Fontvieille where we finished.  This route gives nice views and isn't an overly demanding hike, more of a pleasant walk with some nice views including .a view of the Monaco Prison, perched above with views out to sea (not usually mentioned on Tourist Info websites!!!)

11 hours ago, D&N said:

The one in Villeneuve-Loubet was our "home" supermarket.

Small world indeed. Although more famous for being the birthplace of chef Auguste Escoffier, when living closer to Valbonne, friends kept two horses at the Equestrian Centre  at Villeneuve-Loubet.

[D&N]

7 minutes ago, edinburgher said:

for being the birthplace of chef Auguste Escoffier

Indeed, at many of the food festivals held in our town there are servings of Peach Melba available. I would probably not have heard of Nellie Melba without the story of it's creation. I'm well prepared now for the question coming up on Pointless. 🤣

 

We would normally just walk up to the palace area but for the sake of keeping the pizza hot take the bus. I think it's called Fisherman's Garden, which we find quieter than Jardins Saint-Martin.

I shouldn't really be posting that, it won't be quieter for long!

 

Le Rocher is sold as some of the cheapest areas to watch the Grand Prix. I think lots of folk are surprised they just have to find somewhere to sit/stand on a hillside.