Cheers to Europe: tips for drinking in Nice and Monaco

Posted by Shelley Pembroke on 14 June 2012

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like James Bond, there’s no better place to visit than Monaco. With some of the richest real estate in the world, not only on land but also on water, nowhere will make you want to put on your best cocktail dress or tux more. Unless you’re dating a sheikh, however, you’ll probably find yourself staying in the far more practical beauty of the French Riviera. As such, you’ll find yourself partaking in a few different types of drinking on this visit.

The streets of Nice

Even in winter, you’re going to want to walk along the streets of Nice. The sun will be shining and the markets will be in full swing seven days a week. Guys, expect to see gorgeous topless sunbathers in all their glory. Girls, expect to see old men in their underwear. The warm weather and unbelievably blue waters will entice even the laziest of holiday goers to do some walking. And herein lies our first fun fact: it’s completely legal to drink in the streets of France. All of the street vendors will offer you a range of beers, ciders and wines which you can happily pop open and enjoy while strolling along the promenade. I did this several times. Per hour. If you’re a a little tight on money, I have some wonderful news for you: in Nice, it is cheaper to drink cider than it is to drink coke. So rest assured that you’re doing your wallet a favour by ordering some crisp apple cider instead of your usual soft drink.

Nice street market

After a long day of relaxed exploring in Nice, it’s time to get glammed up for a night out in Monaco. Here, unfortunately, money holds some weighty importance. It’s worth your while to splurge out on one fantastic cocktail (a martini perhaps?) in Monte Carlo casino, to tick it off your bucket list. It soon becomes an expensive night out though, so here’s my advice. Guys, work on your card counting skills and win big at the tables. Girls, wear a low cut top and flirt with the guys who’ve worked on their card counting skills and are winning big at the tables.

The view from Castle Hill

Remember, after a night out experiencing the “high life” of Monaco, it’s worthwhile to experience the nightlife of Nice: a welcomed change from the opulence of Monte Carlo. There are a host of friendly and inviting pubs where you can grab a pint or a really good cocktail for a reasonable price. You’ll also likely get to experience some live music and table dancing. And will regret it once the photos start cropping up.

So there it is: have a drink in the streets, a cocktail at the tables and a pint on top of one.