September 26, 2023 • 20 mins
We chat with Sandrine Camila, Deputy Director at Visit Monaco, who shares recommendations on must-see attractions along the French Riviera. We talk of markets and museums in Nice, and an encounter with a young Michael Douglas at the Cannes Film Festival.
We ascend to the picturesque villages of Eze and St. Paul de Vence, which date back to the Middle Ages. You'll almost be able to smell the fragrant concoctions in the Fraganard perfume factory, and visualize gardens within ruins of original castle walls.
We then whisk you to Monaco, the second smallest independent state globally, where we uncover its best attractions.
This episode captures the historical, artistic, and natural splendor of the Cote d'Azure.
_____
Sandrine Camilla is Deputy Director at Visit Monaco.
_____
Podcast host Lea Lane blogs at forbes.com, has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books' of the year). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles.
Contact Lea- she loves hearing from you! @lealane on Twitter; PlacesIRememberLeaLane on Insta; Places I Remember with Lea Lane on Facebook; Website: placesirememberlealane.com.
New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you listen. Please consider sharing, following, rating and reviewing this award-winning travel podcast.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lea Lane (00:00):
The French Riviera, that ribbon of southern France
on the Mediterranean Sea, alsoknown as the Côte d'Azur, is the
craggy landscape of pineycliffs, chateaus, casinos and
yachts.
The air is pure, the beach ispebbly and the waters reflect
shades of jade and amethyst.
Until trains arrived on thisCôte d'Azur in 1866, travelers
(00:21):
had to arrive by sea, on foot oron muleback.
Early visitors came mostly fortheir health, and sunbathing did
not become fashionable untilthe 20th century on the beaches
of Antibes and Monte Carlo.
Saint-Tropé was only a humblefishing village until r and
painters made it famous.
On this episode, we'll betalking about the French Riviera
(00:43):
, especially Nice, cannes andsmall towns along the cliffs
above, but let's start with thecenter of the area, the
Principality of Monaco, anindependent and sovereign
country on the Mediterranean,surrounded on land by its
neighbor, France, with Italy'sborders just 10 miles away.
Our guest is Sandrine Camilla,Deputy Director at Visit Monaco.
(01:24):
Welcome, Sandrine.
Places I Remember.
Sandrine Camilla (01:27):
Hello, Lea, and thank you for inviting me.
Lea Lane (01:29):
Well, we welcome you.
Let's talk a bit about theFrench Riviera, which surrounds
Monaco on three sides, and,Sandrine, I'll ask you for your
comments as I go along here.
Nice sits on the Pebbly Shoresnearby.
Founded by the Greeks and latera retreat for 19th century
European elites, the city haslong-attracted artists Henry
(01:50):
Matisse, Chagall.
There are great museums therewhich feature their works, and
it's just charming, charmingtown.
What are some of your favoritethings to do in Nice, Sandrine?
Sandrine Camilla (02:03):
I love to go to the flower market.
It's right in the heart of theOld Town, it's very traditional,
you can meet l locals and it'svery colorful and you have all
the flowers and plants of theFrench Riviera.
It's what I like and I have oneof my favorite restaurants
nearby.
Lea Lane (02:23):
So I like to go there.
Which one, which one?
I'm not supposed to make thepromotion.
A place is not very good.
Well, that's personal, that'spersonal.
Yeah, there's no trouble.
Sandrine Camilla (02:32):
No, actually, you can definitely use Monaco as
a base, and this car r u anamazing region which has so much
to offer.
So, yes, definitely, myfavorite place is the.
Old Town, absolutely.
Lea Lane (02:44):
I just love the little shops.
They're so pretty with thecolorful flowers and the yellow
and the blue and the carouseland the cafes.
It's such a charming area andyou don't need that long.
I would say a day or two wouldgive you a good flavor of it.
It's just a lovely place towalk around and enjoy the
weather.
It's very, very often beautifulweather there as well.
(03:05):
Nearby is Cannes, on the FrenchRiviera.
It's famed for itsinternational film festival.
The influential Lord Braughamdiscovered Cannes in 1834 when a
cholera epidemic interruptedhis progress to Italy and he
built a villa there and foreignaristocrats followed.
So there are lavish villas andgrand hotels all around the
(03:27):
Cannes area, from Nice to CapMartin, all around there.
The Cannes Boulevard de laCroissat curves around the coast
and it's lined with sandybeaches and blue umbrellas and
upmarket boutiques and palatialhotels.
Have you been to the filmfestival, c?
Sandrine Camilla (03:46):
Yes, and to tell you the truth, before
working in Monaco, I worked inCannes.
I worked for a hotel, one ofthe deluxe properties in Cannes.
So, yes, I have been to thefilm festival during five
consecutive years and it's greatmemories.
(Actually, tell us about it alittle.
It's a very glamorous event.
You have all the stars comingand you know it's one of those
(04:11):
events that is changing the city.
The city is all about theevent, and that is what is quite
amazing, especially in thisregion.
That's the same for the FormulaOne Grand Prix.
All of a sudden, the city isall into the event taking place
and it's all about theparticipants that are coming.
(04:32):
And, of course, Cannes ishosting the most spectacular
film festival, with numerousiconic stars of Hollywood and
French cinemas and even frommany other countries.
So it's a very specialexperience, especially when you
are on hospitality, because youare hosting all those things
Well.
Lea Lane (04:51):
I'm sure you got to meet many of the stars.
Do you have a favorite?
Sandrine Camilla (04:54):
Yeah, I have to say that I have been very
impressed that they had towelcome Michael Douglas.
Michael Douglas, right, yeah,very special A gentleman and
very, very special nice person.
It's always extremelyimpressive to welcome him to the
hotel.
Lea Lane (05:11):
Was his beautiful wife along with him?
Sandrine Camilla (05:14):
Not yet actually they were not married
yet.
Lea Lane (05:17):
Oh, young Michael Douglas, very young Michael
Douglas.
Okay, even better, okay.
(That was 25 years ago that wasa long time.
Well, obviously these arecharming places to visit, but
let's also talk about a coupleof the villages perched above
the coast.
You get to them by driving upalong the Corniche, with
(05:38):
breathtaking views below, andyou can take a bus from Nice or
some of the other towns.
Two of my favorite places abovethe Riviera are a and Saint
Paul de Vence.
A dates back to the Middle Ages.
The local people have occupiedthe area since 220 BC.
It clings to the mountainsideand it has panoramic views,
(05:58):
ancient facades and isabsolutely lovely.
The first time I visited it, Iarrived by bus.
I didn't have to worry aboutparking, because parking can get
pretty bad.
You have to go early to get aspace, for sure, but you don't
want to miss the view when youget up there.
What do you especially enjoythere, Sandrine?
Sandrine Camilla (06:16):
S is a medieval village.
It's a very charming part ofthose villages, as you said, of
Côte d'Azur, which is so special.
It has a lot of historical.
It's an artist mecca.
In S.
you have also the Fraganardperfume factory where you could
create your very own fragrance.
That's another very specialfeature.
Lea Lane (06:36):
It's wonderful.
I created a fragrance manyyears ago.
I have kept it to this day.
I still use it very sparingly,but it was so much fun because,
of course, that area is where alot of the beautiful flowers
grow.
There's a beautiful garden atthe top of the village.
It's set in the ruins of theoriginal castle walls and you
just sit there among the plants,you can have a drink and just
(06:57):
look at the beautiful area belowyou.
I think walking around istonework.
there's wrought iron.
treet lamps, i pastel shutters.
You've got history everywhere.
It's just a great place to walk.
o be sure to wear comfortableshoes.
That would be the biggest tip Ican give, because it can be
steep, but you do want to checkout the views at different
(07:19):
places.
Each one is a little bitdifferent.
Any other comments on A beforewe go on?
Sandrine Camilla (07:24):
You do have A, you do have Saint-Paul-de-Vance
, you do have Grasse, which isthe town of the world perfume
capital, but you also havesmallest villages that are not
so well known, such asSaint-Agnès, which is the
highest coastal village inEurope, or Gourdon, which is
frequently named among France'smost stunning villages, which is
still, as is, on the little topof I.
(07:46):
So it's the proof that thisregion is extremely rich.
You can go from any sandy beachin Cannes to top perched
villages that are extremely richin history and also offers
those great panoramas we weretalking about.
So you have definitely a lot ofto do and a lot of discoveries.
Lea Lane (08:08):
Oh, it's just joyous, and I have to mention
Saint-Paul-de-Vance, as you didjust now.
I remember still to this dayfrom many years ago a lunch I
had at a place called Columbd'Or, which is very famous.
It's a place where the ownerused to get paid by the artist
with paintings, so of course hehas paintings by Picasso and
Braque and all these greatartists.
(08:29):
They paid for their lunches anddinners that way and I remember
sitting on the terrace withwhite doves flying all around,
and it was just something thatI could tell you.
it's a place I rememberedforever.
So, if you can get up there,it's just a beautiful village
with, you know, not that muchgoing on, except there is a
(08:49):
wonderful art foundation.
Sandrine Camilla (08:51):
Maught foundation.
Lea Lane (08:52):
Yes, yes, there you have some great sculptures and
great paintings, but just towalk around and just relax and
go into the little alleyways andit's just, it's just so
beautiful.
So I highly recommendSaint-Paul-de-Vance as well.
Sandrine Camilla (09:07):
How far is it for Monaco?
Something like 40 minutes drivefrom here.
Lea Lane (09:10):
If you're going to the area, try to include Monaco and
these villages if you can,because they are so close to
each other.
It gives you a complete feelingof beauty from the top to the
shores.
Monaco sounds fantastic.
Tell us a bit about theGrimaldi monarchy, which has
ruled over Monaco since 1297.
Sandrine Camilla (09:30):
Yes, exactly, it's the oldest monarchy in
Europe, and since then they haveprotected this country and
especially its residents.
Of course, the famous princethat has ruled the country are
Prince Charles III, who createdMonte , and then Ranier III, who
(09:51):
has been named t the BolderPrince.
He ruled the country as it istoday and his son accessed the
reign back in 2005 when RanierIII passed away, and since then,
he also has been extremelyinvolved in expanding the
country, protecting the model ofthis free and independent
(10:15):
country with unrivaled qualityof life, and he's also has been
extremely committed tosustainability and protection of
oceans.
Lea Lane (10:23):
Yes, I've read about his interest in the oceans.
I must say his mother is famousPrincess Grace, who came from
America, and many Americans, ofcourse, remember that was such
an exciting time when she becamethe princess.
I looked up some facts aboutMonaco.
Just pass them along.
The official language is French.
Yes, yes, 20% of the land isreclaimed from the sea.
(10:45):
Is that correct?
Sandrine Camilla (10:46):
It's correct and it will be actually growing
because we right now building anextension of six acres on the
sea named Mar et Terra.
It's a new little districtwhich will be probably completed
by early 2025.
Lea Lane (11:03):
Well, that's exciting.
Six acres is a big piece of thespace, especially when you're
only two square kilometers(Exactly.
Sandrine Camilla (11:10):
It's a big piece.
Lea Lane (11:11):
Right, I know there are more than 125 nationalities,
that Catholicism is theofficial religion, but religious
freedom is protected, which isimportant.
The literacy rate is almost100%.
Most people can read and write.
(Oh, yes, yes, absolutely yes,that's terrific.
) Okay, what would you say isnot to miss there?
What would be your favoritethings to do when you go to
(11:32):
Monaco?
Sandrine Camilla (11:33):
It's a difficult question because it
really depends what type ofexperience you're looking for.
So Monaco is a country whereyou could come as a couple, with
family or friends, and it hasso much to offer.
Sometimes people have theperception of Monaco under
certain cliches, that it's verysmall and it could be sometime
(11:58):
out of age, but it's a countrythat has been reinventing itself
all the time, while maintainingthe elements which makes it so
unique.
So if you look for a specialexperience in luxury hotels, for
example, we have a lot to offer.
We have the iconic Hotel deParis.
We have fabulous deluxeproperties that are either
(12:21):
belle-epoch style or boutiquestyle, also have three-star
rated properties.
Sometimes people think it'salmost the most exquisite and
most expensive hotels, but we dohave a variety of offer.
It's a country that alsoproposes a lot of sensational
food.
It's a gourmet destination.
So if you look for gourmetexperience, we also have a lot
(12:45):
to offer.
It comes from the most ratedtop Michelin restaurants to, for
example, an oyster and seafoodrestaurant serving the
Monaco-raised oysters.
This is something unusual.
We're a very cosmopolitancountry.
We have a large variety ofrestaurants Italian, French,
Japanese, Chinese, Mexican,Lebanese and I could go on and
(13:08):
on and on .
If you look for special events,we also have a lot to offer.
Of course, everybody knowsabout the Monaco Formula 1 Grand
Prix.
Lea Lane (13:18):
I know you drive all around the country, righ, t
Sandrine Camilla (13:22):
Yeah, it's in the city and what makes it
unique is that the streets arevery narrow, so it's quite
spectacular.
It takes place every lastweekend of May and it's a
three-day race and the city isactually transformed as a
Formula 1 race track.
So that is so sensational ,even before the cars are running
(13:47):
on the track.
It creates a lot of activitiesand entertainment and you have
fabulous nightlife during GrandPrix.
It's a very special event.
We also have a lot of othersport competitions, such as the
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, atennis competition.
We have an international circusfestival, which is one of the
most acclaimed circus festivalsin the world.
(14:10):
It takes place every year inJanuary.
I created by Prince Rene IIIand Ranier now under the
presidency of his daughter,stephanie Princess.
Stephanie 1 Grand Prix is notthe only car event.
We also have Ipui, we also haveRaleigh and, last but not least
, we have the Monaco Yacht Show.
It's going to be taking placein Monaco at the end of
(14:30):
September and it's the largestexhibition of mega yachts in the
world.
Lea Lane (14:34):
I've been there and the yachts that you see are
beyond belief.
They are huge and glamorous and, oh my goodness, it's something
else, it really is.
What a parking lot you have onthe Mediterranean there.
Wow, the casino.
I mean, I went there just tolook at it.
You know, I went there the dayyou can take tours of it.
When was it built?
(14:54):
And I know it also holds theopera and the ballet there.
Tell us a little bit about it.
Sandrine Camilla (14:59):
So, as you know, it's the Grand Dame of
Monaco.
It's an iconic place.
It's a place where you couldgamble, of course, but it's also
a place that you could visit inthe morning and with kids.
Actually, you don't have accessto all the rooms, but you have
access to the main lobby, wherethere are, I would say, special
(15:19):
exhibitions, and you couldreally then discover the
historical building, because ithas been built back in 1863.
So it's, but it's also amake-up for gambling.
Yes, you have also the OperaHouse that has been built by
Garnier, the same that has builtthe Garnier Opera in Paris, but
(15:42):
in a much smaller size, andthis performance is all
throughout the year, from theballet of Monte Carlo, the
dancing ballet company, as wellas the Philharmonic Orchestra of
Monaco.
Lea Lane (15:55):
So it's a wonderful performance art center, not just
a gambling casino.
It's a great center for all ofthese things.
Tell me about the OceanographyMuseum.
Sandrine Camilla (16:05):
The Oceanographic Museum is also a
masterpiece that you need tovisit.
It has been built more than 100years ago under the leadership
of Prince Albert I, which is theGrand Grandfather of Prince
Albert II, and i has been thefirst prince to be extremely
(16:25):
involved also into protection ofocean sustainability as one of
the creators of Oceanography.
Actually, he was a greatscientist and explorer.
He learned a couple ofexplorations by boat throughout
the seas of this world, and thatwas early in the 20th century.
Today it's one of the mostvisited museums in the region
(16:51):
and right now, the texts theyhave used exhibition tracing
more than a century of life inArctic and Antarctica, named
Polar Mission.
This exhibition will run duringtwo years and what is special
about this exhibition is that itincludes a 6,500 square feet of
projection space to experiencethe beauty of the polar worlds,
(17:12):
and it's really an immersiveexhibition.
It's extremely interesting.
Inside of that, of course, youhave all the aquariums area
where you can discover manyspecies of fishes and as well as
turtles, there's a specialaquarium for turtles which has
been especially done forprotecting them.
Lea Lane (17:33):
Well, the name of the podcast is Places, I Remember.
So, Sandrine, would you pleaseshare a memory with us of this
magical part of the world.
Sandrine Camilla (17:41):
OK, I'm going to share with you a very
personal anecdote.
I was 16 years old and it wasthe first time I visited Monaco.
It was in the summer.
I was on holiday with my familyon the French Riviera.
I grew up in Paris, originallynot from Monaco.
We visited the country, we wentto the Oceanographic Museum, we
(18:01):
went to the casino.
We discovered that.
My parents told me that when wedrove back to Nice, where we
were staying, I said, oh, thisplace is amazing Really.
I loved it and maybe one day Iwill live there.
And my parents laughed, ofcourse.
And a couple of years later Imet my husband in the hotel when
(18:22):
I was working in Paris.
We got married, I moved thereand I've been living in Monaco
since 27 years now.
(So your dream came true.
) ) The dream came true.
Lea Lane (18:33):
Wonderful.
I think even if a travelervisits, they can have a dream
too.
Well, thank you, SandrineCamilla, deputy Director of
Visit Monaco, for helping usfocus on an area of beauty and
peace, as well as glamour.
It's one of those places in theworld you can visit again and
again.
Sandrine Camilla (18:49):
Thanks so much , thank you so very much, Lea.
I hope next time I will havethe pleasure to welcoming you in
the French Riviera.
Lea Lane (18:57):
Merci beaucoup, merci Au revoir, au revoir.
The French Riviera, that ribbon of southern France
on the Mediterranean Sea, alsoknown as the Côte d'Azur, is the
craggy landscape of pineycliffs, chateaus, casinos and
yachts.
The air is pure, the beach ispebbly and the waters reflect
shades of jade and amethyst.
Until trains arrived on thisCôte d'Azur in 1866, travelers
(00:21):
had to arrive by sea, on foot oron muleback.
Early visitors came mostly fortheir health, and sunbathing did
not become fashionable untilthe 20th century on the beaches
of Antibes and Monte Carlo.
Saint-Tropé was only a humblefishing village until r and
painters made it famous.
On this episode, we'll betalking about the French Riviera
(00:43):
, especially Nice, cannes andsmall towns along the cliffs
above, but let's start with thecenter of the area, the
Principality of Monaco, anindependent and sovereign
country on the Mediterranean,surrounded on land by its
neighbor, France, with Italy'sborders just 10 miles away.
Our guest is Sandrine Camilla,Deputy Director at Visit Monaco.
(01:24):
Welcome, Sandrine.
Places I Remember.
Sandrine Camilla (01:27):
Hello, Lea, and thank you for inviting me.
Lea Lane (01:29):
Well, we welcome you.
Let's talk a bit about theFrench Riviera, which surrounds
Monaco on three sides, and,Sandrine, I'll ask you for your
comments as I go along here.
Nice sits on the Pebbly Shoresnearby.
Founded by the Greeks and latera retreat for 19th century
European elites, the city haslong-attracted artists Henry
(01:50):
Matisse, Chagall.
There are great museums therewhich feature their works, and
it's just charming, charmingtown.
What are some of your favoritethings to do in Nice, Sandrine?
Sandrine Camilla (02:03):
I love to go to the flower market.
It's right in the heart of theOld Town, it's very traditional,
you can meet l locals and it'svery colorful and you have all
the flowers and plants of theFrench Riviera.
It's what I like and I have oneof my favorite restaurants
nearby.
Lea Lane (02:23):
So I like to go there.
Which one, which one?
I'm not supposed to make thepromotion.
A place is not very good.
Well, that's personal, that'spersonal.
Yeah, there's no trouble.
Sandrine Camilla (02:32):
No, actually, you can definitely use Monaco as
a base, and this car r u anamazing region which has so much
to offer.
So, yes, definitely, myfavorite place is the.
Old Town, absolutely.
Lea Lane (02:44):
I just love the little shops.
They're so pretty with thecolorful flowers and the yellow
and the blue and the carouseland the cafes.
It's such a charming area andyou don't need that long.
I would say a day or two wouldgive you a good flavor of it.
It's just a lovely place towalk around and enjoy the
weather.
It's very, very often beautifulweather there as well.
(03:05):
Nearby is Cannes, on the FrenchRiviera.
It's famed for itsinternational film festival.
The influential Lord Braughamdiscovered Cannes in 1834 when a
cholera epidemic interruptedhis progress to Italy and he
built a villa there and foreignaristocrats followed.
So there are lavish villas andgrand hotels all around the
(03:27):
Cannes area, from Nice to CapMartin, all around there.
The Cannes Boulevard de laCroissat curves around the coast
and it's lined with sandybeaches and blue umbrellas and
upmarket boutiques and palatialhotels.
Have you been to the filmfestival, c?
Sandrine Camilla (03:46):
Yes, and to tell you the truth, before
working in Monaco, I worked inCannes.
I worked for a hotel, one ofthe deluxe properties in Cannes.
So, yes, I have been to thefilm festival during five
consecutive years and it's greatmemories.
(Actually, tell us about it alittle.
It's a very glamorous event.
You have all the stars comingand you know it's one of those
(04:11):
events that is changing the city.
The city is all about theevent, and that is what is quite
amazing, especially in thisregion.
That's the same for the FormulaOne Grand Prix.
All of a sudden, the city isall into the event taking place
and it's all about theparticipants that are coming.
(04:32):
And, of course, Cannes ishosting the most spectacular
film festival, with numerousiconic stars of Hollywood and
French cinemas and even frommany other countries.
So it's a very specialexperience, especially when you
are on hospitality, because youare hosting all those things
Well.
Lea Lane (04:51):
I'm sure you got to meet many of the stars.
Do you have a favorite?
Sandrine Camilla (04:54):
Yeah, I have to say that I have been very
impressed that they had towelcome Michael Douglas.
Michael Douglas, right, yeah,very special A gentleman and
very, very special nice person.
It's always extremelyimpressive to welcome him to the
hotel.
Lea Lane (05:11):
Was his beautiful wife along with him?
Sandrine Camilla (05:14):
Not yet actually they were not married
yet.
Lea Lane (05:17):
Oh, young Michael Douglas, very young Michael
Douglas.
Okay, even better, okay.
(That was 25 years ago that wasa long time.
Well, obviously these arecharming places to visit, but
let's also talk about a coupleof the villages perched above
the coast.
You get to them by driving upalong the Corniche, with
(05:38):
breathtaking views below, andyou can take a bus from Nice or
some of the other towns.
Two of my favorite places abovethe Riviera are a and Saint
Paul de Vence.
A dates back to the Middle Ages.
The local people have occupiedthe area since 220 BC.
It clings to the mountainsideand it has panoramic views,
(05:58):
ancient facades and isabsolutely lovely.
The first time I visited it, Iarrived by bus.
I didn't have to worry aboutparking, because parking can get
pretty bad.
You have to go early to get aspace, for sure, but you don't
want to miss the view when youget up there.
What do you especially enjoythere, Sandrine?
Sandrine Camilla (06:16):
S is a medieval village.
It's a very charming part ofthose villages, as you said, of
Côte d'Azur, which is so special.
It has a lot of historical.
It's an artist mecca.
In S.
you have also the Fraganardperfume factory where you could
create your very own fragrance.
That's another very specialfeature.
Lea Lane (06:36):
It's wonderful.
I created a fragrance manyyears ago.
I have kept it to this day.
I still use it very sparingly,but it was so much fun because,
of course, that area is where alot of the beautiful flowers
grow.
There's a beautiful garden atthe top of the village.
It's set in the ruins of theoriginal castle walls and you
just sit there among the plants,you can have a drink and just
(06:57):
look at the beautiful area belowyou.
I think walking around istonework.
there's wrought iron.
treet lamps, i pastel shutters.
You've got history everywhere.
It's just a great place to walk.
o be sure to wear comfortableshoes.
That would be the biggest tip Ican give, because it can be
steep, but you do want to checkout the views at different
(07:19):
places.
Each one is a little bitdifferent.
Any other comments on A beforewe go on?
Sandrine Camilla (07:24):
You do have A, you do have Saint-Paul-de-Vance
, you do have Grasse, which isthe town of the world perfume
capital, but you also havesmallest villages that are not
so well known, such asSaint-Agnès, which is the
highest coastal village inEurope, or Gourdon, which is
frequently named among France'smost stunning villages, which is
still, as is, on the little topof I.
(07:46):
So it's the proof that thisregion is extremely rich.
You can go from any sandy beachin Cannes to top perched
villages that are extremely richin history and also offers
those great panoramas we weretalking about.
So you have definitely a lot ofto do and a lot of discoveries.
Lea Lane (08:08):
Oh, it's just joyous, and I have to mention
Saint-Paul-de-Vance, as you didjust now.
I remember still to this dayfrom many years ago a lunch I
had at a place called Columbd'Or, which is very famous.
It's a place where the ownerused to get paid by the artist
with paintings, so of course hehas paintings by Picasso and
Braque and all these greatartists.
(08:29):
They paid for their lunches anddinners that way and I remember
sitting on the terrace withwhite doves flying all around,
and it was just something thatI could tell you.
it's a place I rememberedforever.
So, if you can get up there,it's just a beautiful village
with, you know, not that muchgoing on, except there is a
(08:49):
wonderful art foundation.
Sandrine Camilla (08:51):
Maught foundation.
Lea Lane (08:52):
Yes, yes, there you have some great sculptures and
great paintings, but just towalk around and just relax and
go into the little alleyways andit's just, it's just so
beautiful.
So I highly recommendSaint-Paul-de-Vance as well.
Sandrine Camilla (09:07):
How far is it for Monaco?
Something like 40 minutes drivefrom here.
Lea Lane (09:10):
If you're going to the area, try to include Monaco and
these villages if you can,because they are so close to
each other.
It gives you a complete feelingof beauty from the top to the
shores.
Monaco sounds fantastic.
Tell us a bit about theGrimaldi monarchy, which has
ruled over Monaco since 1297.
Sandrine Camilla (09:30):
Yes, exactly, it's the oldest monarchy in
Europe, and since then they haveprotected this country and
especially its residents.
Of course, the famous princethat has ruled the country are
Prince Charles III, who createdMonte , and then Ranier III, who
(09:51):
has been named t the BolderPrince.
He ruled the country as it istoday and his son accessed the
reign back in 2005 when RanierIII passed away, and since then,
he also has been extremelyinvolved in expanding the
country, protecting the model ofthis free and independent
(10:15):
country with unrivaled qualityof life, and he's also has been
extremely committed tosustainability and protection of
oceans.
Lea Lane (10:23):
Yes, I've read about his interest in the oceans.
I must say his mother is famousPrincess Grace, who came from
America, and many Americans, ofcourse, remember that was such
an exciting time when she becamethe princess.
I looked up some facts aboutMonaco.
Just pass them along.
The official language is French.
Yes, yes, 20% of the land isreclaimed from the sea.
(10:45):
Is that correct?
Sandrine Camilla (10:46):
It's correct and it will be actually growing
because we right now building anextension of six acres on the
sea named Mar et Terra.
It's a new little districtwhich will be probably completed
by early 2025.
Lea Lane (11:03):
Well, that's exciting.
Six acres is a big piece of thespace, especially when you're
only two square kilometers(Exactly.
Sandrine Camilla (11:10):
It's a big piece.
Lea Lane (11:11):
Right, I know there are more than 125 nationalities,
that Catholicism is theofficial religion, but religious
freedom is protected, which isimportant.
The literacy rate is almost100%.
Most people can read and write.
(Oh, yes, yes, absolutely yes,that's terrific.
) Okay, what would you say isnot to miss there?
What would be your favoritethings to do when you go to
(11:32):
Monaco?
Sandrine Camilla (11:33):
It's a difficult question because it
really depends what type ofexperience you're looking for.
So Monaco is a country whereyou could come as a couple, with
family or friends, and it hasso much to offer.
Sometimes people have theperception of Monaco under
certain cliches, that it's verysmall and it could be sometime
(11:58):
out of age, but it's a countrythat has been reinventing itself
all the time, while maintainingthe elements which makes it so
unique.
So if you look for a specialexperience in luxury hotels, for
example, we have a lot to offer.
We have the iconic Hotel deParis.
We have fabulous deluxeproperties that are either
(12:21):
belle-epoch style or boutiquestyle, also have three-star
rated properties.
Sometimes people think it'salmost the most exquisite and
most expensive hotels, but we dohave a variety of offer.
It's a country that alsoproposes a lot of sensational
food.
It's a gourmet destination.
So if you look for gourmetexperience, we also have a lot
(12:45):
to offer.
It comes from the most ratedtop Michelin restaurants to, for
example, an oyster and seafoodrestaurant serving the
Monaco-raised oysters.
This is something unusual.
We're a very cosmopolitancountry.
We have a large variety ofrestaurants Italian, French,
Japanese, Chinese, Mexican,Lebanese and I could go on and
(13:08):
on and on .
If you look for special events,we also have a lot to offer.
Of course, everybody knowsabout the Monaco Formula 1 Grand
Prix.
Lea Lane (13:18):
I know you drive all around the country, righ, t
Sandrine Camilla (13:22):
Yeah, it's in the city and what makes it
unique is that the streets arevery narrow, so it's quite
spectacular.
It takes place every lastweekend of May and it's a
three-day race and the city isactually transformed as a
Formula 1 race track.
So that is so sensational ,even before the cars are running
(13:47):
on the track.
It creates a lot of activitiesand entertainment and you have
fabulous nightlife during GrandPrix.
It's a very special event.
We also have a lot of othersport competitions, such as the
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, atennis competition.
We have an international circusfestival, which is one of the
most acclaimed circus festivalsin the world.
(14:10):
It takes place every year inJanuary.
I created by Prince Rene IIIand Ranier now under the
presidency of his daughter,stephanie Princess.
Stephanie 1 Grand Prix is notthe only car event.
We also have Ipui, we also haveRaleigh and, last but not least
, we have the Monaco Yacht Show.
It's going to be taking placein Monaco at the end of
(14:30):
September and it's the largestexhibition of mega yachts in the
world.
Lea Lane (14:34):
I've been there and the yachts that you see are
beyond belief.
They are huge and glamorous and, oh my goodness, it's something
else, it really is.
What a parking lot you have onthe Mediterranean there.
Wow, the casino.
I mean, I went there just tolook at it.
You know, I went there the dayyou can take tours of it.
When was it built?
(14:54):
And I know it also holds theopera and the ballet there.
Tell us a little bit about it.
Sandrine Camilla (14:59):
So, as you know, it's the Grand Dame of
Monaco.
It's an iconic place.
It's a place where you couldgamble, of course, but it's also
a place that you could visit inthe morning and with kids.
Actually, you don't have accessto all the rooms, but you have
access to the main lobby, wherethere are, I would say, special
(15:19):
exhibitions, and you couldreally then discover the
historical building, because ithas been built back in 1863.
So it's, but it's also amake-up for gambling.
Yes, you have also the OperaHouse that has been built by
Garnier, the same that has builtthe Garnier Opera in Paris, but
(15:42):
in a much smaller size, andthis performance is all
throughout the year, from theballet of Monte Carlo, the
dancing ballet company, as wellas the Philharmonic Orchestra of
Monaco.
Lea Lane (15:55):
So it's a wonderful performance art center, not just
a gambling casino.
It's a great center for all ofthese things.
Tell me about the OceanographyMuseum.
Sandrine Camilla (16:05):
The Oceanographic Museum is also a
masterpiece that you need tovisit.
It has been built more than 100years ago under the leadership
of Prince Albert I, which is theGrand Grandfather of Prince
Albert II, and i has been thefirst prince to be extremely
(16:25):
involved also into protection ofocean sustainability as one of
the creators of Oceanography.
Actually, he was a greatscientist and explorer.
He learned a couple ofexplorations by boat throughout
the seas of this world, and thatwas early in the 20th century.
Today it's one of the mostvisited museums in the region
(16:51):
and right now, the texts theyhave used exhibition tracing
more than a century of life inArctic and Antarctica, named
Polar Mission.
This exhibition will run duringtwo years and what is special
about this exhibition is that itincludes a 6,500 square feet of
projection space to experiencethe beauty of the polar worlds,
(17:12):
and it's really an immersiveexhibition.
It's extremely interesting.
Inside of that, of course, youhave all the aquariums area
where you can discover manyspecies of fishes and as well as
turtles, there's a specialaquarium for turtles which has
been especially done forprotecting them.
Lea Lane (17:33):
Well, the name of the podcast is Places, I Remember.
So, Sandrine, would you pleaseshare a memory with us of this
magical part of the world.
Sandrine Camilla (17:41):
OK, I'm going to share with you a very
personal anecdote.
I was 16 years old and it wasthe first time I visited Monaco.
It was in the summer.
I was on holiday with my familyon the French Riviera.
I grew up in Paris, originallynot from Monaco.
We visited the country, we wentto the Oceanographic Museum, we
(18:01):
went to the casino.
We discovered that.
My parents told me that when wedrove back to Nice, where we
were staying, I said, oh, thisplace is amazing Really.
I loved it and maybe one day Iwill live there.
And my parents laughed, ofcourse.
And a couple of years later Imet my husband in the hotel when
(18:22):
I was working in Paris.
We got married, I moved thereand I've been living in Monaco
since 27 years now.
(So your dream came true.
) ) The dream came true.
Lea Lane (18:33):
Wonderful.
I think even if a travelervisits, they can have a dream
too.
Well, thank you, SandrineCamilla, deputy Director of
Visit Monaco, for helping usfocus on an area of beauty and
peace, as well as glamour.
It's one of those places in theworld you can visit again and
again.
Sandrine Camilla (18:49):
Thanks so much , thank you so very much, Lea.
I hope next time I will havethe pleasure to welcoming you in
the French Riviera.
Lea Lane (18:57):
Merci beaucoup, merci Au revoir, au revoir.
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