Anyway despite my new passion for speeding cars, I can also tell you about the incredible small country, Monaco. Right on the Mediterranean coast, it is totally enclosed by France but is its own country - officially the Principality of Monaco.
Well known for housing the rich & famous, you can wander the streets feeling glam & getting a glimpse of the lives of Brad & Angelina; P Diddy; or the Minogue sisters - I even dusted off my smartest tux in the hope I might bump into one of them. Having spent a fantastic day watching the most exciting grand prix - rain, tight corners & a narrow tunnel are all part of the course, making Monaco one of the most demanding tracks - I then headed to the bars, had a bit of a boogie at Jimmy's disco & then headed to the casino where I managed to lose quite a lot of cash - it was incredible - has 5 different rooms my favourite being the Salon de l'Europe where I fancied my chances at roulette. I then headed back to my luxurious hotel - the 5 star Fairmont Monte Carlo - located right on the grand prix track with spectacular sea views - I couldn't have been happier!
The hotel was fantastic - a great place to relax after the excitement of the grand prix action - with a roof top gym & luxurious spa - I also spent a lot of my time by the rooftop pool sipping cocktails - that was the life! (don't tell my employers - I was making the most of my stay & checking the facilities were good enough for our customers - honest!). The Fairmont Monte Carlo currently has a special free night offer - 4 nights for the price of 3 from £342 pp!
My next stop is Nice - not far from Monaco at all. I'm going to be staying at the 4 star Massena hotel Nice - very centrally located for my shopping addiction & all customers are promised a FREE upgrade to a privilege room when you book a tradition room - how good is that??!!!
My next stop is Nice - not far from Monaco at all. I'm going to be staying at the 4 star Massena hotel Nice - very centrally located for my shopping addiction & all customers are promised a FREE upgrade to a privilege room when you book a tradition room - how good is that??!!!
This is valid until 28 Dec 08 and even more dates in 2009 if you're that organised. Prices at the Massena hotel Nice start at £63 pppn. The hotel has been recently refurbished & the rooms look fabulous. I also spotted a great hotel - the 2 star Comte De Nice hotel offering fantastic value for money - from £26 pppn - includes breakfast & the hotel is centrally located!
So my next few days will be spent relaxing, wandering along the promenade des anglais, visiting the colourful markets & cosy squares of Old Nice, exploring the famous cathedrals and indulging in french cuisine - maybe a Bouillabaisse - which Nice is particularly famous for. Not a bad life I lead!