The only thrill in the Principality of Monaco was driving my car from La Provençale (A8) down to a parking garage in the city centre at sea level, roughly 300 meters below the A8. It’s an engaging city plan. The 1.734 meter long tunnel Albert II is looping a whopping 360 degrees, which leaves you quite disorientated on exit.

Other than that there is not much to see in Monaco. The famous Hercule harbour is rather boring unless you’re really into expensive yachts. The Monte Carlo Casino is stuff of legends and the building is certainly beautiful. But unless you plan a heist I don’t see a reason to visit a casino. The casino features in two James Bond movies and the 1979 The Castle of Cagliostro co-written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

When the towns Menton and Roquebrune declared independence from Monaco in 1848 they refused to pay taxes on olive oil and fruit imposed by the Grimaldis. Princess consort of Monaco Caroline proposed opening a gambling casino to save the House of Grimaldi from bankruptcy.

Worst of all, it is forbidden in Monaco to walk barefoot by law of 4/VII/1940. What kind of place does that?

The main tourist attraction is the Rock of Monaco, the 62 meter monolith which has been the prize possession of each culture inhabiting the area including the House of Grimaldi.

Next stop: Liguria part 1.