There are many not-to-be-missed tourist attractions in Monaco - its compact size means that is possible to explore most of the principality on foot, with a series of lifts and escalators connecting the different street levels.

Top of the list for most tourists is the old town – Monaco-Ville – with its narrow alleys from the Middle Ages leading to the changing of the guard at the Place du Palais. It takes place at 11.55am every day in front of the Prince’s Palace. Nearby are the State Apartments, located on Monaco Rock and open to visitors to view the stunning Italian-style gallery and its 15^th century frescoes.

A short walk from the palace is the 135-year-old Roman-Byzantine-style cathedral; The Chapel of the Visitation – a former convent and military hospital – with its exhibition of religious art masterpieces; and the Oceanographic Museum which, until recently, was under the director of Commander Jacques Cousteau and now features a shark lagoon.

This year marks the centenary of the recently renovated museum, which houses 6000 specimens of fish in their natural environment.

Also a tourist favourite is the chance to follow in the footsteps of Monaco’s fairytale princess – Princess Grace – on a five kilometre walking trail that re-traces highlights of her life in the principality.

The trail was created in 2007 to lead to the ‘Grace Kelly Years’ Princess of Monaco’ exhibition that was being staged at the massive Grimaldi Forum at the time. Millions of visitors have since made the reflective journey through Monaco discovering the famous tourist icons and understanding how Princess Grace contributed to the principality over the years.

Along the way, the trail identifies 25 points of interest, with information plaques. These include the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the nursery she founded, her daughters’ homes and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier 111 married – and where their son, the new monarch - Prince Albert 11- will be marrying his fiancée Charlene Wittstock next July.

While Prince Rainer 111 enjoyed the thrills and spills of the F1 race around the Monaco circuit, classic cars of all ages were his were his pride and joy. His  remarkable vintage car collection, which brings together nearly 100 vehicles, including a 1903 De Dion Bouton, 1929 Bugatti and 1986 Lamborghini Countach, are on view at a public exhibition at Terraces de Fontvieille.

It’s a rare car collection that only a prince could afford.

More details on Monaco can be found at: www.visitmonaco.com

For a helicopter transfer between Nice Airport and Monaco or vice versa go to: www.heliairmonaco.com

Please go to Photo Gallery – Monaco – open the folder and click on the image to enlarge