Destination Known | Monaco Grand Prix
Upon de-planing in Nice and successfully collecting 4 trunks of wedding supplies, I surprised he who does not like surprises with a one-night stay in Nice and tickets to the Grand Prix finals to kick off our wedding week.
Grand Prix Tickets | Senate Grand Prix: Deciding on a viewing spot was the result of sifting through hours of blog posts and videos. Not that I know any differently, but, I chose VERY successfully - the Fairmont Hairpin was perfect. Why? (1) Grandstands are located adjacent to the Fairmont pool (Nikki Beach for race week) which overlooks the ocean on one side and the track on the other. (2) Access to pool bar and bathrooms. (3) Buffet lunch and open bar included with tickets. (4) The tightest curve of the track is where cars go slowest so viewing is easier and longer than any other spot.
Stay | AC Marriot Nice: I booked two different AirBnBs in Monaco who both cancelled days before the race since presumably they better dealed and found someone who was staying for more than one night. PANIC. And honestly, I'm glad they did. Monaco is filled with scaffolding and fencing during the Grand Prix so it's far less scenic than usual and annoyingly difficult to navigate.
Drinks | La Terrasse: Enjoy sunset on this rooftop
Dinner | Le Sejour Café: Lovely, cozy, delicious dinner spot with French fair
Transportation | Nice - Monaco: For the morning, I hired a car through Senate Grand Prixe (150€) which made a stop at the train station to print subway tickets (purchased in advance via Trainline) and then dropped off within 10 minutes of our seats. After the race, walk 25 min to Monaco-Monte Carlo station and ride the train 20 minutes to Nice Ville.