Sundays in Monaco

[mason525]

Are shops open on Sundays in Monaco? How about in Cannes or Nice? Any help regarding hours would be helpful. Thank you.

Meg

[Nonna and Papa]

Several years ago, we stayed in Mougins, a small town about 15 minutes outside of Cannes, for three weeks, and spent much of our time in Cannes. Not everything is closed on Sundays. You will find a variety of stores open in the Marche (pedestrian shopping area), although not everything. Centrally located in town, not far from the train/bus station, and with walking distance from the Marche, was a department store called Monoprix. On the first level of this store one can purchase clothes, household items, etc. The second floor is a grocery/wine store. I believe the train/tram that takes you to the old city of La Suquet, which is situated on a hill, runs on Sunday. If you have a chance to take that tour, it has terrific views overlooking the city and the harbor. Walking along the Croisette esplanade is beautiful and lined with designer boutiques - these may not be open on Sunday. The majority of the beaches in Cannes are private, but for a fee you may be able to use them. These beaches are sandy and close to what we're used to in the US. Many of the beaches on the French Riviera are comprised of pebbles and not sand. The hotels have trucked in the sand so the beach area is more comfortable. And, of course Cannes is known for the Film Festival, which is going on now. You probably won't be able to enter the Festival Hall, but you'll be able to see it from the outside.

 

We actually did go to Monaco on a Sunday. The majority of our time was spent on Monaco Ville (the Rock), where the old city and the Palace is located. We were able to tour the Palace (and even stood at arm's length of Prince Albert when he drove out of the palace gates), and we found the shops and the Cathedral, where Princess Grace's and Prince Ranier's crypts are located. The narrow streets of the old city are lovely, and be sure not to miss the niches in the sides of the buildings, where religious statues are located. Also, from the palace courtyard there are wonderful views of the sea and the marina where the luxuriousness of the yachts will stun you - they are even more extravagant than in Cannes!

 

You will find some of the shops closed, but not all. Walking around is the best attraction in these two towns anyway. The area is simply beautiful. have a wonderful time.

 

Mary