Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

After Cannes , we got to Monaco after a killer traffic jam - now I was wondering just how smart I was for swapping train for car, oh well..
Finally arrived and of course roadwork blocked the road to our hotel and was the part cause for the traffic into Monaco. All fine and we ditched car and checked into Novotel which somehow got raving reviews from Trip advisor. We are on top floor with great mountain views . People forget that Monaco is not just famous for tax dodging and the Casino, it is drop dead gorgeous too.

I lived here for a period in 1982 and so our first walk was down to my old apartment block at blvd di Larvottotto opposite the man made Larvotto beach. I am sure then number of apartments has multiplied by 100 and the tourists many more as my memories were of a quaint town and not one of hoards of people. So, like Byron Bay and Bali, 30 years reaps plenty of change.

It is still very beautiful with the cliffs and grand buildings as well as quaint shops and amazing boats and cars.

Being tired we found Gourmet express and had really great pizza and pasta + wine in the hotel room.

In the moring we set of on my planned excursion to Saint Jean cap Ferrat. This really was a treat, Cap Ferrat being a peninsula filled with huge villas and fantastic coastline. Drive was great, no traffic and we found a good parking spot. A wander around the lovely port where we saw original Riva boats, regular fishing boats and of course the billionares mini ships dotted within the harbour.

We were quick to notice Russian voices and restaurant signs in Russion - this must be where the oligarchs hide their cash.

We found the start of the 8km perimeter track (thanks Barbie) and had a fantastic walk around the whole peninsular. The limestone (I think it is limestone) around the coast plus the deep blue water make you think you are in paradise (I think we are). Along route we could see the huge (ridiculously) mansions and villas with equally amazing gardens. I am thinking lots of funny money here. At the end we found a beach Plage passable - with cafe where Barbie had coffee and I swam out into the harbour opposite Ville Franche sur mer, another favourite place.

Finished the day with a look at the Rothchild estate which was built early last century - looks more like a palace than anything else. See pics