Menton, Monaco, Mmmmmm.....

Decided to go east from Nice to the town of Menton which is very close to the Italian border.  Was a nice sunny day but quite cool and windy by the time I reached Menton.

The water consists of the most incredible shades of blue.  I walked the promenade and had coffee at one of the many restaurants with their patios overlooking the sea.

Palm trees line the promenade.  The area is known to have a balmy, year round climate.  There were orange trees covered in oranges everywhere I looked.

This is the Basilique St. Michel which is located on the top of the hill in the Old Town.  This area is also known for it's amazing gardens so I will be returning a little later in the year to appreciate those when more is in bloom.

I hopped on the bus and ten minutes later I was in Monaco.  Oh the money!  Felt a little (no, a lot!) out of my element in this place.  Definitely the playground of the rich and famous.  This is part of the harbour.

Here is the Opera House.  Could just imagine what it would be like to attend something there!

Hotel de Paris - couldn't imagine trying to enter this hotel.  There is a fellow in full uniform guarding the entrance and I'm sure you would have to be oozing wealth to get past him.

And the famous Casino of Monte Carlo!  I actually decided to brave it and go inside.  Had a plastic bag with a bottle of water and a sandwich with me that they asked me to check with the girl at the counter!  How embarrassing....not like I had bags of expensive shopping to check!








So that was the end of my day in Menton and Monaco.  Caught the bus back to Nice where I transferred and got on my bus to Vence.  Ahhhh....home sweet home.  Long day, weary feet!