Grace Kelly taking to the wheel.

I was named after Princess Grace and a visit to pay homage to a beautiful lady I’ve followed all my life.

Undoubtedly a yachting community exists in this fabulous city with the cruise ships a little further out in the harbour.

Cars of the elite being captured by the Paparazzi at the Casino. 10 Euro entry whether or not you part with any money to play.

The famous hair-pin bend in front of the Fairmont Hotel which also includes the salubrious Japanese Restaurant Nobu.

Sea-view rooms at The Fairmont have a dreamy blue theme …

And when you look out from the balcony, that’s exactly what you see – calmness and serenity.

Garden-view rooms have a crisp gold and blue trim to compliment clean white furnishings.

Plenty of space for entertaining and functions.

Couldn’t wait to slide into this pool.

A photo trail of Princess Grace showcasing her daily life can be followed around the main tourist precinct.

A classic fun park for the kids in the middle of Monte Carlo.

A stylised replica of the great outdoors, with its mountain, hill, waterfall, beach and brook, this surprising 7000 m2 park is an authentic work of art created by respecting the strictest principles of the Zen concept of compactness. It’s located on the Avenue Princess Grace.

Walking around enjoying Monaco Ville and surrounds.

Changing of the Guard 12:00 noon every day at the Palace.

Monaco Cathedral is near the Palace.

Princess Grace – laid to rest within the Cathedral.

And to end off on a sweet note and one for trivia buffs, Monte Carlo took its name from the famous European city – Monte Carlo as it’s one of Australia’s Arnott’s most famous cream biscuits. Created in 1926, it features two home-style honey and coconut biscuits and a layer of rich raspberry flavoured cream filling. A favourite of mine growing up.

Right side: Meet owner Fabrice who started his Rent a Classic Car five years ago and now enjoys his stable of cars of distinction and pedigree. Left side, my driver for the trip over is Anton.
See http://www.rentacarclassic.com/rent_a_classic_car_home.html

We’ve decided on the 6 cylinders Mercedes 250 SL which is extremely reliable and superb to look it. (It’s actually a 280 …) Very stylish and a head turner; no not me, the car …

Heading off …

Taking it easy along the Promennade des Anglais, Nice. Feeling a million dollars right now.

Purrs like a kitten.

Stopped for a quick view back over the French Riviera, Cote d’Azur

Specifications : White/cream “Mercedes 050” color, “Hellroth” red leather interior, 2 seater, 1360 kilos, 6 cylinders in line 2,8 l engine (7 main bearings), 170 Bhp, 4 speed manual gearbox, assisted disc brakes all round, maximum speed : 200 km/h, “Pagoda” hard-top available on request…

Not too far before we reach Eze and other locations where films such as ‘To Catch a Thief’ with Grace Kelly (my idol) and Carry Grant were made with the fantastic car chase sequence.

Worthy of a stop and look around the magnificent gardens and coastal view.

Eze, France

Coming into Monaco, there’s a few tunnels along the way as Mont Agel is a mountain located on the border between France and Monaco

Monaco, known for its Formula One car racing.

We went for a ‘spin’ (shh don’t tell Fabrice) around the famous hair-pin bend which is right in front of the Fairmont Hotel which has absolute prime viewing.