Bonnie Bee and Yond: Monaco and Nice

We cruised into port in Monte Carlo, Monaco just as the sun was rising.

The view of Monte Carlo from the ship was really lovely. I just couldn't stop taking pictures.

Yachts moored in the harbor.

This is the Backside of the famous casino.

Another private yacht

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. Only Vatican City is smaller. Monaco is about 3/4 mile long. You're pretty much looking at all of it in this picture.

More yachts

We had breakfast and loaded up on a tour bus and drove up the coastline, passing through Eze and Villefranche until we reached our destination of Nice on the French Riveria.

Needless to say, the coastline is beautiful and we were looking at some very expensive real estate.

The coast is also known as the Cote d'Azur.

This is some of the most expensive land anywhere. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Port de Beaulieu-sur-Mer

When we reached Nice we were greeted with this statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The bus dropped us off and we walked a few blocks to the famous flower market.

We found the first sidewalk cafe so Ricky could have a home base while I explored.

I did drink some espresso. That croissant was to die for it was so good.

I caught a glimpse of the cook at work. I wish I knew the magic of that flaky crust!

I left Ricky comfortable at the Cafe and walked on up the street to explore.

The Opera House

Henri Auer -Chocolatier and Confections since 1820.

Their goods looked very fancy! This place is across the street from the Opera House.

Playbill for the next performance.

Look at this cute pink Cafe!

I loved the flower market! There were flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese, pastries, and all sorts of souvenirs and sundries.

The market was lined with sidewalk cafes on both sides.

I found an opening in the buildings and crossed the famous Promenade des Anglais to look at the French Riveria. To my dismay, there is no sand. Only rocks. People were laying on rocks. OMG. What a shock.

Looking right, then left on the wide paved walkway between the Promenade and the beach.

Where's the shade?

Eglise Saint-Francois-de-Paule

This was a circular "square" named Massena Place

Large statue of Apollo showing off his physique. This is named Fontaine du Soleil.

Hotel de Ville

This sidewalk artist was painting at the flower market.

Nougat

There was a lot of soap for sale, along with lavender.

I thought of my sweet sister, Mary, when I spied these sunflowers.

Here I am, happy to be on the French Riveria!

La Petite Maison is a restaurant

Would you just look at that ice cream!

This hotel was launched in 1860 and has attracted European celebrities throughout its history.

Patisserie painted several canvasses during his stay here.

Promenade des Anglais

We drove past the museum of contemporary art which was still under construction. I guess this is a fitting lawn decoration.

We drove back up the coastline, retracing our steps. I was on the opposite side of the bus and tried to get pictures of the houses we passed on our drive.

The coast was on my right, and the land rose steeple on my left. We are at the foot of the Alps and some of the terrain was quite steep.

When we got back to the ship and had a bite of lunch, I decided to walk into Monte Carlo th explore.

Beautiful ferns at this outdoor cafe near the port.

Maybe I'll stop in and do some car shopping.

Winner winner chicken dinner! I cannot imagine what it must be like to hear the cars roaring when they race here.

A carousel in the port. There was a small carnival with amusement park like rides and attractions.

I thought I might stop in Herr and establish a line of credit on my way to the casino. 🤣

I saw lots of fancy cars and evidence of wealth everywhere. Monaco does not tax residents, so there is an advantage to establish residency.

Another winner

This is The Hermitage Hotel

As I got closer to the casino, I began to walk past "souvenir" stores. 😂

This is the side and back of the casino

Hotel de Paris is next door to the casino. Security guards were everywhere. This is where the rich and famous hang out.

The security guards, fancy cars buzzing by the hotel and casino, and large crowds of tourists like me made this a happening spot. It was buzzing with noise and excitement.

People drove by in a continous parade

Here is the famous casino

I'm looking for James Bond to show up. Several of his movies highlighted this establishment.

This is the cafe associated with the hotel and casino. A place to see and be seen.

The hotel, casino, and cafe form three sides of the Plaza. Cars continually buzz around all three.

I saw a lot of Mercedes Benz and Alfa Romeos.

This dude pulled off the drive thru and honked his way through the crowd of tourists. He parked right in front of the casino on the pedestrian walkway and got out. He started hugging all the security guards and a valet quickly moved his car.