A Weekend in Monaco: Our Pre-Summer Escape Before Scott Joins the Fun

Thomas
Jul 16
5 min read

Each summer once school is out, we escape the heat of Texas and head over to Europe until the school bells call us back. I am from Ireland and so it serves as our base as we explore the best of Europe during the summer months. It’s become a bit of a tradition that I head over a few weeks early with the boys before Scott joins us, giving us time to explore a new destination together. This year, we chose Monaco.

These pre-summer getaways have become a treasured part of our family rhythm. It’s a chance for the boys to experience different countries and cultures firsthand, something we deeply value as part of their upbringing. Whether it's trying new foods, hearing different languages, or simply observing how people live in different parts of the world, each trip offers a window into a lifestyle they wouldn't get back home. We view these trips as a form of education too beyond books and classrooms. Every destination becomes an immersive lesson in geography, history, and humanity.

Why Monaco?

Tucked along the sparkling Côte d’Azur, Monaco is a place that blends glamour, history, and natural beauty. It’s one of the smallest countries in the world, second only to the Vatican, and yet it’s filled with so much character. Monaco is a sovereign city-state bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Despite its size, it’s home to some of the world's wealthiest individuals and is known for its royal family, luxury yachts, the Grand Prix, and a famously low tax rate.

Getting to Monaco from Nice is a breeze. We flew into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, and from there, it was about a 35-minute drive. A quick tip for fellow travelers: Ubers are allowed into Monaco from Nice, but once inside the principality, you can’t rebook an Uber to leave. For the return, you’ll need to arrange a pick up. Prebooked transportation and activities around Monaco can be found on Viator storefront.

Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, and Prince Albert II currently resides in the Prince’s Palace overlooking the city. The country has no income tax for individuals, making it an attractive home base for the ultra-wealthy, celebrities, and professional athletes. Its population is just under 40,000, but only about a quarter are actual Monegasque citizens. The rest are expats drawn in by the sunshine, security, and luxury lifestyle. Monaco also boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. French is the official language, but English and Italian are widely spoken. Despite being tiny in size, less than a square mile, Monaco is dense, clean, and immaculately maintained.

Where We Stayed: Le Méridien Beach Plaza

Choosing a hotel in Monaco can be a challenge, especially when traveling with kids. Many hotels in the area are boutique-style or cater primarily to couples and business travelers, and surprisingly, very few have beach access. That is one of the reasons we decided to stay at Le Méridien Beach Plaza.

Le Méridien is one of the few hotels in Monaco with a private beach. It also has a gorgeous pool area, ideal for relaxing after a morning of exploring. While we often book connecting rooms or a family suite, Monaco’s hotel options tend to be more compact. This time, the twin room worked perfectly for our party of three. We were especially happy with our sea view room that came with a balcony, it made for the perfect setting to enjoy a quiet coffee or watch the sun dip into the Mediterranean.

The room was thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage and just enough space to feel comfortable without feeling cramped. The beds were plush and the air conditioning worked like a dream, which we definitely appreciated during the warmer afternoons.

Things To Do in Monaco

Even though Monaco is small, it packs a punch when it comes to activities:

Changing of the Guard: Held daily at 11:55 AM outside the Prince’s Palace, it’s a fun and ceremonial moment that the kids enjoyed.
The Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique): A lush botanical space perched high above the city with panoramic views and a cave system below.
The Marina: A walk around Port Hercule is a must: superyachts, ice cream stops, and a vibe that’s pure Riviera.
Shopping: From high-end designer boutiques to charming local shops, there’s something for everyone.

One of our favorite meals was at Giacomo, a stunning Italian restaurant by the Big Mamma Group. The ambiance is playful yet refined, with bold interiors and generous portions that impressed all three of us. Their pastas were fresh, the seafood beautifully prepared, and the service had just the right mix of fun and polish. Another memorable dinner was at Le Relais de Venise, known for doing one thing exceptionally well: steak frites.

This Paris favorite is now a tradition for the boys, and the Monaco location did not disappoint. For something sweet, we stopped into Ladurée for a small box of macarons because no visit to the French Riviera is complete without them. And we couldn’t leave without cooling off with a cone from CREA, a favorite Italian gelato brand with flavors as beautiful as they are delicious. Every bite of food we had in Monaco added to the experience—memorable, indulgent, and fun for all ages.

A Side Trip to Eze

We also made time for a half-day trip to Èze, a medieval village tucked in the hills between Nice and Monaco. Dating back to the 12th century, Èze feels like something out of a storybook with its narrow stone streets, artisan shops, and breathtaking views over the sea.

We took the train from Monaco to Èze-sur-Mer and then grabbed an Uber up to the base of the village. It’s steep but manageable, and absolutely worth the effort. The village is compact and easy to explore, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon visit.

Time to say Au Revoir

Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to Nice Airport for our flight to Dublin - ready to reunite with Scott and begin the next chapter of our summer adventure.

Monaco might be tiny, but it offered a big experience: equal parts luxury, charm, and Riveria magic. It was the perfect prelude to another unforgettable summer in Europe.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to book or purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. As always, we only share places and products we genuinely love and recommend.