Leaving Saint‑Tropez for Switzerland yesterday, I realized I hadn’t even had the chance to write about our short visit to Monaco. One of the days we spent in Saint‑Tropez, we all jumped in the car and drove like crazy almost the entire day, back and forth, just to see the tiny principality. Monaco, by the way, is a completely independent state, glued to the French Riviera but with no administrative connection to France.

And because the place is so small you feel like one sneeze could send you across the border, here are a few fun facts: it’s only 2 km², almost 40% of its residents are millionaires, there’s no income tax, and the Formula 1 circuit runs right on the streets you walk on as a tourist. The Grimaldi family has ruled the principality for over 700 years, the port is full of yachts that cost as much as an entire village in Provence, and the police presence is so strong you feel like you’re in the safest place on Earth.

Between Saint‑Tropez and Monaco there are about 130–140 km, but don’t let the numbers fool you: in theory it’s a 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min drive, but in practice — especially in summer — the Riviera traffic can turn it into a 4–5 hour odyssey. Which is exactly what happened to us. I honestly don’t understand how Europeans manage to turn short distances into full‑blown road epics. The roads are decent, just narrow, full of hairpin turns that test both your brakes and your patience. And of course, you always get that one driver who takes tight curves like they’re in a rally — but for the locals, it seems to be just another Tuesday.

Back to Monaco: yes, it’s beautiful. Small and expensive, just as you’d expect. But surprise — when it comes to food, prices are actually more reasonable than in Saint‑Tropez. An ice cream on the beach? €4.50. In Saint‑Tropez? €8, as if it were dipped in gold. A meal at the beachside restaurants? In Monaco, around €20. In Saint‑Tropez, you won’t get anything under €40. The magic probably comes from the fact that Monaco doesn’t charge income tax — otherwise I can’t explain it.

Since it was our first time in Monaco, we started by looking for a parking garage (6 euros per hour, 11 euros for two — just to give you an idea). We had barely stepped out of the car when George decided he had to jump into the sea. He has a thing for the beach and the water: if he sees the sea, that’s it, game over. So the next logical step for him was to dive straight into the waves. Said and done.

After this little intermezzo, we decided to look for a more normal beach, one where we wouldn’t risk breaking our ankles on rocks and stones. That’s how we ended up at Larvotto Beach in Monte Carlo. Very nice, just a bit small. Underground parking everywhere, and plenty of shops and restaurants right on the beach.

When we got back to our ancient, cave‑like apartment in Saint‑Tropez, I thought I’d check if there was anything remotely affordable in Monaco… just in case I ever end up in the area again. To my surprise, I actually found some options — and at relatively reasonable prices. Yes, in Monaco. Cheaper. Who would’ve thought…

Another dream location we discovered yesterday, on our way to Switzerland — thanks to Anna, who had seen it on Instagram and TikTok (sometimes it really pays to listen to the younger ones) — is Annecy, just 30 km from the Swiss border. I was so exhausted I didn’t even want to get out of the car. I told Anna: “You go, take the photos, and let me rot here.” 😫 But she insisted I come with her. … And oh my God, what a gorgeous lake and what a breathtaking view this town has — Annecy!

I honestly think this is the most beautiful town I’ve seen in France so far. And I’ve seen plenty of stunning places, but here I was left completely speechless. It looks like it was pulled straight out of a magazine.

I would absolutely come back here in September or October, when there aren’t so many tourists. Just to sit by the lake and hear my own thoughts — not everyone else’s.