Stroll around the walls of the Royal Palace or along the docks at the Port Hercule, then suddenly veer off into a quieter side street to discover its secrets. Drop into a typical shop or sit in the shade on a café terrace. Step into a tree-covered square just as the church bells start to ring. This is where the Principality’s heart beats. On the Rocher and around the Port, life is about taking your time to live the moment, enjoying life’s surprises and stopping to chat from time to time. Friendly residents speak Italian, English or "Munegascu", the ancient language that has forged the identity of the Principality’s oldest citizens and is still taught in local schools.
Jacqueline Curau
Aux Remparts du Vieux Monaco, 17 rue Basse
"Monaco-Ville is an historic neighbourhood up on the Rocher, the cradle of the Principality. With its narrow pedestrian streets, authentic boutiques and village atmosphere, it really is the most traditional area. The Palace, Cathedral and Oceanographic Museum attract a lot of visitors. My shop is in an 18th century building and sells valuable antiques and objets d'art, including pottery from Vallauris by the Clément & Delphin Massier brothers, very popular with American collectors."
