THE FACTS ABOUT MONTE CARLO, MONACO

France Monaco

Race date: May 25 2008 You won't find any occasion more glamorous than the Grand Prix in the Mediterranean's most prestigious city. Champagne flows and diamonds sparkle; a lot of money is spent celebrating the Monaco's fastest car race. The Monegasque capital is a good place for a spot of gambling and, if you want a flutter on the races, you should head here in May for big money and big prizes. You'll find beautiful people, expensive cars, vintage alcohols and exquisite food, and the city is fantastic if you want to stock up on a pre-summer tan, too. WHERE TO STAY Hôtel Hermitage, Square Beauchmarchais, Monte Carlo (00 377 98 06 48 12; www.montecarloresort.com). A luxurious and elegant hotel, the Hermitage has a winter garden designed by George Eiffel, a classic piano bar and direct access to Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo Spa. WHERE TO EAT Bar & Boeuf, Avenure Princesse Grace, Le Sporting, Monte Carlo (00 377 9806 7171; www.alain-ducasse.com). Alain Ducasse's dinner-only restaurant is open from May to September and offers fish and beef based on Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant overlooks the gardens of famous nightclub Jimmy's and the sea. WHERE TO DRINK Stars and Bars, 6 Quai Antoine 1er, Monte Carlo (00 377 9797 9595; www.starsnbars.com). A celebrity favourite, Stars and Bars is perhaps not the most stylish or classic of Monte Carlo's bars, but it's a good destination if you want some fun drinks and an opportunity to hang out with some F1 drivers. FIND OUT MORE IN OUR GUIDE TO MONACO