A Guide to Winning Monaco Grand Prix Weekend… Off Track
Since 1929, the world’s best drivers have descended upon Monaco to race through its streets. While the Monaco Grand Prix rarely decides the Driver’s Championship, it is – without a doubt – the most prestigious Formula 1 race, forming part of motorsports’ Triple Crown alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.
The narrow street circuit and difficult overtaking contribute to the excitement of race weekend in Monaco, but a large part of what makes it unlike any other race in the world is what happens outside the painted white lines and red and white rumble strips: the unrivalled Monegasque glamour set against the uniquely beautiful backdrop of the rocky Riviera. It’s a special combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
You don’t need a pit pass to feel the pulse of Monaco. Sometimes, the best stories from Grand Prix weekend aren’t told from the grandstands – they’re written in the quiet elegance of a wine cellar, the buzz of a roulette wheel or the switchbacks above the sea. Monaco isn’t just a race – it’s a ritual. One where speed meets style, legacy meets luxury and every corner turned off the track is another memory made. This is the kind of weekend you’ll remember forever, no matter who takes the checkered flag after 78 laps.
There are, of course, parties galore, like those hosted annually at the Amber Lounge and attended by drivers and celebrity guests alike. But the allure of Monaco mixed with the excitement of race weekend and the influx of people from around the world create a unique environment.
So, beyond the action packed between free practice and the checkered flag, what makes Monaco’s race weekend so enticing?
Play a Hand at the Monte Carlo Casino
If it’s good enough for James Bond (Sean Connery’s take, no less!), it’s good enough for the rest of us. Simple as. While there may be more well-known casinos in the world, there aren’t many more chic. Arguably Monte Carlo’s most famous attraction, the casino is worth a visit – enjoy a drink, play a few hands, stop by the roulette tables in the Salle Europe to take in the stunning architecture. In addition to its beauty, the casino is unique in that locals aren’t allowed to gamble within its halls, meaning your peers will hail from all over the world. Not into gaming? If cars are more your speed, grab a table on the terrace at Café de Paris (or try your luck in a different fashion and just show up), just across from the entrance to the Casino, overlooking the roundabout in front, which might boast the greatest concentration of supercars in the world.
Drive to Tête de Chien
Speaking of cars, the winding roads leading up to the Tête de Chien – a panoramic lookout above Monaco and the sprawling Mediterranean – make for a perfect playground for driving enthusiasts. While Tête de Chien can be accessed from both the east and west, the Route de la Turbie is the more popular and fun-to-drive route, where locals often take their cherished cars for a spin. What better way to celebrate motorsports heritage than by putting a powerful machine through its paces and artfully guiding it through the curves leading up to one of the most stunning views in Europe. With plenty of rental agencies in and around Monaco and Nice, you’ll have an entire fleet to choose from. And, on race weekend, you won’t be short of impressive company.
Enjoy Alain Ducasse’s World-Renowned Cuisine
In the pantheon of great culinary artists, few names carry more weight than Alain Ducasse. And, among Ducasse’s myriad restaurants, Le Louis XV (located in the Hôtel de Paris) is arguably the most special to try – not only has he been the head chef for nearly four decades, having assumed the position in 1986, but it’s also his “hometown” restaurant as he’s now a Monaco resident. While Ducasse entrusts the kitchen to Emmanuel Pilon, the menu is Ducasse’s doing, abd reflects local Mediterranean ingredients. The famed restaurant first won three Michelin stars in 1990 and has held the Guide’s highest honour without interruption since 2003. It also boasts one of the world’s foremost wine cellars. If you enjoy good food and great wine, Le Louis XV is a bucket list item.
Relax at Le Bar Américain
It may not be Monaco’s trendiest bar, but Le Bar Américain is something of a Monegasque institution. Much like the Casino, the Belle Époque interior of Le Bar Américain allows patrons to fully immerse themselves in the Monegasque vibe, with a jazzy soundtrack in the background. Over the years, it’s been a favourite haunt of Frank Sinatra (good luck snagging Table 34), Charlie Chaplin, Edith Piaf and Lady Gaga, not to mention those who do their best to fly under the radar while enjoying an excellent Old Fashioned or Negroni.
Hunt for Luxurious Vintage Gems
For those who enjoy the thrill of unearthing rare finds in the hidden corners of vintage shops, Monaco offers a unique opportunity. It’s one of the richest enclaves in the world – one where people value nice and well-made things, be it watches, furniture, clothing, art or cars. But, eventually, those things end up in the hands of dealers. For those who relish the hunt, it’s worth spending a day exploring the antiques shops, art galleries, dealerships and vintage stores of Monaco and the surrounding areas. At best, you’ll come home with a piece that tells a story. At worst, you’ll discover the Riviera’s quieter, more eclectic corners. So, whether you’re drawn by the roar of the engines, the elegance of Monte Carlo or the simple thrill of saying you were there, Monaco Grand Prix weekend delivers a sensory experience unlike any other. Come for the race – stay for everything else.
Feature image courtesy of Getty Images, Credit Ryan Pierse / Staff
