Time to Wake Up!

Early morning in Fontvieille harbour.  These boats are tucked up against the rocks of 'le rocher' and about to wake up for the day.  Way up above them is the Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral.

Lines

 In the distance, the heliport and the luxury apartments that border Cap d'Ail.  Behind us is the lighthouse we saw yesterday and steps that lead down to the port of Fontvieille. You often see people fishing along here.

The 'Green' Lighthouse

It's probably not going to change your life to know that the lighthouse at the entrance to the port of Fontvieille is powered by solar energy but anyway here it is!

Many public vehicles in Monaco are electric - so this is all part of the 'green' environment that the Prince and Monaco advocate.

People Watching ...

I was on a boat watching her. She was on another boat watching someone else ...

It's what we love to do on the Côte d'Azur and Monaco - people watch!  But then doesn't everyone everywhere?

This was taken at Plage Mala, Cap d'Ail.

Port of Fontvieille

Fontvieille is the area of Monaco reclaimed from the sea - hence the relatively new buildings.  It's 08h.00 and the light is just right and with just enough movement in the water to make the reflections interesting. 

I love walking around this little port, so much more peaceful than the main harbour, Port Hercule.

Oceanographic Museum

The Oceanographic Museum is a building I never tire of photographing.  So beautiful the way it rises out of the rocks.  There's some sort of work going on from the sea - a crane, perhaps a dredger?

And note the large seagull sitting on the small boat, doubtless waiting for a fish.

Jetski

 We've left Plage Mala and are making our way back to Menton. This guy was having the best fun on his jetski in the seas off Monaco.

Plage Mala - Paddle Boarding

This looks such fun. I wonder how easy or difficult it is to balance.

The smaller photo shows a shot of Plage Mala in the background.

Plage Mala - Splash!

Here's what happens when you jump off a paddle board for a swim.  It stays attached ...

See yesterday's PHOTO.

Plage Mala - Walking on Water

The small beach at Plage Mala is surrounded by these beautiful rocks. Just the place to do some Stand Up Paddle Boarding which seems to be the rage at the moment.

We'll see how this works tomorrow ...

Plage Mala - Rounding Cap Mala

Let's go to another beach for a change. Today, we are just along the coast at Cap d'Ail. In fact Cap d'Ail adjoins Monaco so really it's no distance. 

We're on a boat and we've rounded the headland, Cap Mala. This leads into the beautiful bay of Plage Mala.  Looking at this photo, Monaco is off to our left.

There's a beautiful coastal footpath and you can see people walking on it.  You can also see someone hanging from a tree! And note those big fat pillars at the point of the headland.  This is part of a famous villa 'Les Roches' which we'll see another day.

Hope you've got your swimming gear with you ...

The Billionaire Club

The Billionaire Club is opposite the Grimaldi Forum, owned by former Formula One boss Flavio Briattore and run by Samy from Sass' Cafe.  The night before last, Madonna, who had just finished a sell-out concert in Nice, brought her entire company along - all 150 of them. 

La Note Bleue - in context

This photo puts La Note Bleue (see yesterday) in context.  To the left of the canvas that protects the diners, is the lifeguards' lookout.  In the far distance, Port Hercule.  And if you wonder what that strange structure is in port - it looks rather like a criss-crossed upside down 'V' - it is a beautiful masted training ship from Columbia.

La Note Bleue

Dining under canvas at La Note Bleue on Larvotto Beach.

Flower Power

You never know what you'll bump into in Monaco. 

How about a couple of giant flower pots, lit up like candle holders?  These are outside La Rose des Vents restaurant on Larvotto.

Larvotto's Levels

This is a small part of the promenade above Larvotto beach. Avenue Princesse Grace is above - that's where we were yesterday.  And if you walk to the lowest level, then you are on the beach with even more restaurants.

Sass' Cafe

Sass' Cafe on Avenue Princess Grace. We saw it from the outside yesterday.  It's always packed and if you are walking along the street you have to pass through this narrow passage and hope you don't crash into a waiter.

The small photo shows one of the long tables before service.

Red at Night

The Grimaldi Forum at night - and on the far side of Avenue Princesse Grace, you see Sass Cafe - a trendy restaurant, usually full of pretty girls from eastern Europe. I've never eaten here but hear the food and service is really good and certainly the place rocks as you walk past the tables at night. It's always packed.

The Pink Rolls Royce

Only in Monte Carlo! ... a pink Rolls Royce for sale in a showroom on Avenue Princesse Grace. 

The photo was taken through dirty windows - handprints galore on the glass. Lust for a pink Rolls perhaps?

Footballers' Feet

Here's the same promenade as yesterday but taken from the other direction. Today we are looking towards Italy - that's Cap Martin you see in the background. The large building is the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.

You can just about see plaques set into the pavement - below the lights,  These are footprints of famous footballers cast in bronze. Click on the link to see what I mean. Each year one international footballer is chosen in the Golden Foot Competition for this honour.