Monte Carlo holidays

With a spot along the French Riviera, Monaco’s well positioned for exploring the south of France’s beach scene. Stay in Monte Carlo with a stint on Larvotto Beach, or head out on a daytrip to a nearby town for a change of scenery.

Larvotto Beach is Monaco’s main stretch – it’s an artificial number made up of smooth pebbles. The beach is split into private and public sections, so you can chill out in style at one of the beach clubs or lay down a towel by the sea.

If you’re happy to venture outside of Monaco, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the beach front. Plage de la petite Afrique’s a 30-minute train ride away in Beaulieu-sur-mer, so it’s a top choice for daytrippers. It’s a palm-dotted gravel stretch with a couple of restaurants in tow.

A stroll around La Condamine Market is a good way to see the authentic side of Monaco – locals gather here every morning. You won’t find clothes or jewellery on offer at the 20-or-so stalls here, but you can pick up fresh produce for a cheap and cheerful lunch.

Fontvielle shopping mall lines up around 30 stores selling everything from clothes to homewares – you’ll find it near the harbour just the other side of Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

For designer brands, look no further than the golden circle – an area made up of three streets near the casino. The area’s packed with high-end stores – the likes of Gucci, Cartier and Saint Laurent have all made the cut.

Laidback evenings are easy to come by in Monte Carlo – there are plenty of spots for dinner with a view. Unsurprisingly, French and Italian restaurants dominate the dining scene. And you’ll find a smattering of pubs for low-key after-dinner drinks, as well.

Monaco’s home to a few nightclubs catering for those that fancy a livelier evening out – and you’ll find them in the Monte Carlo district. You’ll want to dress smartly to get into the most exclusive spots, where resident DJs and live musicians keep the party going until the early hours.

A Monégasque must-try and the country’s national dish – Barbajuan is a puff pastry parcel stuffed with ricotta, Swiss chard, leeks, herbs and garlic. It’s normally served as an appetiser on Monaco’s national day.

A creamy combo of cherries, almonds and cantaloupe melon makes up the filling of this sweet French tart. And it’s all wrapped up in a pastry crust.

You’ll find Fougasse in most of Monaco’s bakeries. It’s a type of flatbread that’s shaped like an ear of wheat, flavoured with oranges and topped with a sprinkling of nuts, raisins and herbs.

Socca’s essentially a thin pancake made with chickpea flour and olive oil. You can pick up this tasty snack from street food stalls all over Monaco – it’s best eaten hot.

If you’re keen to try a local delicacy, opt for Stocafi – you’ll see it on the menus in some of the old town’s traditional restaurants. It’s a stew made of dried cod, tomato sauce, olives and vegetables.