The Prince’s Private Car Collection in Monaco

 

The Prince’s private car collection has found a new home in Monaco!

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Prince Albert ll and members of the Princely family were on hand to inaugurate the new Collection of the Prince of Monaco’s Automobiles.

Originally located in Fontvielle, the amazing array of cars can now be found at the new home at Port Hercules where it will open to the public on Friday, July 8, 2022.

At the inauguration, Valérie Closier, director of the Collection said, “This Collection should be open to all and interest a large public. We have to make it more lively so that even the locals come back regularly to discover new things.”

With Monaco known for having an extensive racing history, this new location for the Collection places it on the edge of the famous “piscine” section of the iconic Formula 1 circuit, where the new 3,500m2 facility will be home to 70 vehicles.

Even if you only have a slight interest in cars, the Collection does offer something for everyone.

There are Formula 1 cars that are mounted on the walls of the Collection, to more personal pieces including those in which Princely family weddings took place.

The goal of the Collection is for the experience to be more immersive so here you will see historic films broadcast on giant screens along with touchscreens that allow visitors to actively engage with the cars.

Not only is it possible to discover the characteristics of the cars, but it is also possible to digitally visit the interiors of some of these historic vehicles. “In this way, we in some way enter into the intimacy of the Princely family,” said Closier.

This new opportunity for the Prince’s Collection allows everyone to come and enjoy the myriad of cars both historic and new in a prime location.

Photos by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department

Camping La Paoute Drag Queen Show in Grasse

 

Here’s a new one in the region. A drag queen show at a camping site.

The super sexy owner of Camping de la Paoute in Grasse, with the help of an amazing array of local drag queens, is putting together a full-on drag show to take place at his campground later this month on July 28th.

This should be quite the extraordinary event and one that will be most memorable given its location, other than a nightclub or cabaret-style bar.

You’ll need to plan ahead for this one and get your tickets as soon as possible as it will most certainly sell out.

Promoted as the drag show of the summer. There will be nine drag queens performing a variety of songs next to the edge of the expansive swimming pool along with a DJ in attendance providing the dance beats for the evening. 

Word is getting out fast so it’s advised one purchase tickets in advance that include a meal (excluding drinks) at 25 EUR per ticket and a possibility of only attending the show and having drinks in the restricted areas. 

Given the location, it's best any time not to drink and drive so if you don't have a designated driver and have a desire to camp at the site, there are a number of options available besides pitching a tent, like an apartment rental and mobile homes on site but again, inquire and book early. 

Prison Life in Monaco

No, it’s not a title for gay porn but in actual fact a real place in Monaco.

The Remand Prison is not a big topic of conversation or really well known by those visiting the Principality on holiday but there have been plenty of urban myths about the place.

After all, those who come to Monaco are surrounded by excessive wealth whether it be by the ultra-expensive sports cars whizzing by, the abundance of luxury boutiques, breathtaking 5-star hotels, and of course the Prince’s Palace, along with royal history, just to name a few things.

All this and the fact that Monaco is known around the world as being one of the safest places to reside in with more police per capita than anywhere else in the world makes it feel untouchable by crime.

The Remand Prison in Monaco is remarkably well hidden yet also out in the open with a fortress-type wall that runs towards the sea along a cliff with a view of the Mediterranean next to the Oceanography Museum and in front of the open-air cinema.

Hanging out with locals, if the subject of the prison in Monaco comes up, people tend to roll their eyes and even laugh about the place because of the supposed reputation for it being like staying in a 5-star hotel. But those that have been placed there or have visited people there tend to say it’s the real deal.

The Remand Prison was founded at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1986, the Government of the Principality carried out renovations to expand the Remand Prison to three cell blocks. The rumored seaside views are very few and small and all but a myth. Only three cells in the prison have a seaside view and those are located in the women’s section and reserved for those serving long sentences. The views can only be seen through a small window with bars.

Just a short walk from the Prince’s Palace, the discreet property is located mostly underground, with small passageways, very little natural light, plenty of humidity, and minimal recreational spaces for inmates, and is far from anything fancy you’d have in mind being in Monaco.

A friend of mine originally from the UK was once drunk at the port with friends and told me how he made the stupid decision to try and drive out of the Principality after a night out drinking while trying to outrun the police in his car when he was arrested at the border.

He was processed and ended up staying in the prison for a few days. The friend mentioned it wasn’t luxurious in the least but did give him time to think about his actions in what he felt was a safe environment. He was given three-course meals and an older prisoner taught him how to play chess. He mentioned he wouldn’t want to go through all that again but the experience did make him reflect on his life more. 

The prison director has recently expressed that the detainees’ only deprivation inside is their freedom.

Prisoners are protected from all forms of violence and fights are avoided by keeping certain inmates separated. The health of inmates is monitored with doctor’s exams 24 hours after their arrival. The medical office is made up of three nurses, a doctor comes three times a week, a dentist every two weeks, plus a psychologist visits twice a week, and a psychiatrist once a week.

There are five visiting rooms and no separation barriers between detainees and visitors. Most jail cells are equipped with a TV, fridge, and air conditioning. And inmates have the opportunity to be paid for odd jobs around the prison, including painting or small repairs.

So overall the Remand prison is known for being comfortable, but with a court system that favors maximum sentences for even the smallest of crimes, it’s probably better to behave oneself.

Plus, reputation is everything. Not only in Monaco but the surrounding region in France.

Carmela Restaurant in Vieux Nice

An Italian food lover's delight.

Situated at the end of the Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice (3 Place Charles Felix, 06300 Nice France), just steps away from the building where the artist Matisse once lived and worked and literally one minute from the beach is Carmela. A fabulous Italian restaurant that must be experienced on your next visit to Nice.

Now, in no way would I consider myself a foodie. But I do know what I like and it’s rare I write about a restaurant unless I love it and I think other people should know about it so that they can discover the establishment.

As anyone who knows the area, the Cours Saleya in historic Vieux Nice is filled with a variety of restaurant choices, each offering its take on food and cultures in general. There are so many places to choose from that it can be confusing as to where to go so that you are not in yet another tourist trap.

The Carmela restaurant stands out on its own, not in a pretentious way, just confident enough in knowing that the quality and service they provide will speak for itself and it certainly does, every time.

Since we are part of an international travel destination, a region where one has so many choices when it comes to pretty much everything, the general rule of thumb is, that when you get a recommendation by a local, you take note. 

My first visit to Carmela was on the recommendation of one of my business partners, where, easily and without reservations, we were quickly seated on the outdoor terrace during the height of the lunch hour and taken care of by the waiters as though we were family. 

The menu was filled with an amazing array of choices (yet not too many leaving one confused). In the end, we both opted for the plat du jour which was beef tagliata, and roasted potatoes, all lightly enhanced with not only their juices but a delicate, tasty sauce, and included a side salad, which we paired, oddly, with mojitos but it worked. 

On another visit, with another business partner, we were accommodated quickly and had the choice of sitting on the terrace with the buzz of everyone enjoying their meal or sitting inside. Since we had some business to discuss, we went to a more quiet corner inside the beautifully designed restaurant so that we could both eat and discuss a work project. 

My associate loved her enticing fish plate and grilled vegetables and I had Tagliatelle al Ragù di Manzo which tasted out of this world and very filling, and although I felt fully satisfied afterward, my first thoughts were that I couldn’t wait to have this meal again with its homemade flair. 

It should be noted, that again, we had the most wonderful, attentive service, by some of the best-looking staff around, who are friendly, speak various languages and with not a hint of attitude in the least. 

Time and again I find myself going back to this restaurant. The food, drinks, and service at Carmela are divine. It would just take too long to describe every meal and experience I have had there with others but I already feel like the place has become a favorite that cannot recommend it enough, and at very reasonable prices as well. This means, that if you are a visitor, you won’t feel taken advantage of, instead, you will be made to feel most welcome. 

At Carmela, a balance can be found between the sometimes bustling location that captures the energy of the nearby crowds yet has a separateness that makes for a better dining experience. Here, you can relax or entertain with family and friends while seemingly watching the world go by while deciding on an array of freshly made Italian food choices that are most memorable. 

As a local, I highly recommend, Carmela.

Photos credit: Carmela Restaurant