Making the Most of Monaco

Success in Monaco comes from adjusting expectations. This isn't a place to live like a millionaire on a budget—it's an opportunity to observe one of the world's most unique societies while enjoying spectacular settings and excellent infrastructure.

The principality rewards curious visitors who venture beyond obvious tourist sites. Take the free buses to residential areas, eat where workers eat, and spend time in public spaces observing daily life. The contrast between extraordinary wealth and ordinary routines creates Monaco's unique tension.

Most importantly, don't let Monaco's reputation intimidate you. Yes, Ferraris outnumber Fiats, and restaurant bills can shock. But public spaces remain genuinely public, views cost nothing, and the spectacle itself provides entertainment value. Where else can you watch helicopters land like taxis while eating an affordable sandwich?

Monaco offers everyone something—whether that's gambling in the famous casino or simply walking the Grand Prix circuit. The free buses mean you can explore thoroughly without cost concerns. The elevators make everything accessible despite challenging terrain. The compact size allows you to see everything in a day while never feeling rushed.

Come with curiosity rather than cash, and Monaco reveals itself as more than a millionaire's playground. It's a fascinating experiment in architecture, wealth, and sovereignty—observable by all, even if purchasable by few. That accessibility, paradoxically, might be Monaco's most exclusive feature.# Chapter 6: Antibes - Art, History, and Local Life

Between glamorous Cannes and cosmopolitan Nice lies Antibes, a town that perfectly balances Riviera sophistication with authentic Provençal life. Here, one of Europe's finest Picasso collections shares the town with a morning market that's changed little in centuries. Mega-yachts fill one of the Mediterranean's largest marinas while local fishing boats still sell their catch on the quay. Sandy beaches stretch for kilometers, yet intimate rocky coves hide just around the headland.

This duality defines Antibes. It's simultaneously a living museum and a vibrant community, a yacht-spotting destination and a family beach resort, a place where artists found inspiration and where locals still live unhurried Mediterranean lives. Understanding both sides reveals why Antibes might offer the Riviera's most satisfying experience.