Monaco, Côte d'Azur
Monaco, Côte d'Azur
By Melissa Carr — Personal Shopper, Monte Carlo
Monaco was only supposed to be temporary. Then after a little Miami phase, somehow 18 years passed, three kids later, and now Monaco is fully home. My life here is basically fashion, food, kids, travel, and trying to balance all of it beautifully. There is nowhere quite like it — and once you understand how it works, you never really want to leave.
Fashion, food, kids, travel — and trying to balance all of it beautifully.
I'm Melissa Carr, wife, mom of 3, living in Monaco. I'm a personal shopper in Monte Carlo and also help with our restaurant, The Niwaki.
Monaco was actually only supposed to be temporary. Then after a little Miami phase, somehow 18 years passed, 3 kids later, and now Monaco is fully home.
The buzz here runs April through to the end of September. It starts with Tennis Masters season, then in May you have Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, June through August is summer on the boats, beach clubs, long lunches — and then everything finishes beautifully with the Monaco Yacht Show. It's just the best energy.
Barretto — The One I Almost Didn't Share
Barretto. It's owned by the cutest couple — Italian husband, French wife — and they are just full of life and fun. You can start your day there with a proper French breakfast and somehow end up back there later for Italian wine and dinner... and somehow end up staying all day and night. That's the magic of it.
For a truly only-here experience: taking a boat for lunch in Saint-Tropez or to La Guérite, and still being back in Monaco for dinner. The South of France lifestyle is really its own world. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else.
A little corner of Monaco that feels effortlessly charming, from morning coffee to late-night wine. (Image source: barettomontecarlo.com)
"Taking a boat for lunch in Saint-Tropez and still being back in Monaco for dinner. The South of France lifestyle is really its own world."— Melissa Carr on Monaco
Where to Eat, Drink & Be Seen
Monaco does glamour without trying too hard — at least when you know where to go. These are the places I actually return to, not just the ones worth a visit.
Breakfast & Brunch
Café de Paris is always iconic, especially for people watching. I also love Mada One for something more relaxed and cute.
Coffee & Matcha
Right now, definitely The Matcha Club at the top of the Fairmont. They do every matcha possible, amazing coffees, collagen smoothies, energy drinks — all the wellness things.
Long Lazy Lunch
The Niwaki, of course. I might be biased, but it's honestly considered one of the best terraces in the world. Sea views, beautiful people, sunshine, yachts passing by. Very Monaco and very hard to leave once you sit down.
People Watching
The terrace at The Niwaki for locals. Café de Paris for tourists. Casino Square honestly feels like a movie set half the time.
Cocktails & Sundowners
The Hermitage pop-up cocktail bar every season always has such a beautiful view. Anywhere overlooking the port at sunset is perfect, honestly.
Best Dinner
The Niwaki or COYA, depending on the vibe you want. Both are consistently outstanding.
Date Night
Le Grill at Hôtel de Paris. For me it's still one of the most elegant places ever. So romantic and timeless.
Best Hotel
Splurge: Hôtel de Paris without question. Save: Novotel actually has amazing views if you get the right rooms, and it's only a few minutes walk from Casino Square.
Soft interiors, golden light, and that effortless Monaco calm. The Niwaki is the kind of place that feels chic before you even sit down. (Image source: theniwaki.com)
The Side of Monaco Most Visitors Never Find
Monaco hides culture really well behind all the glamour. The Oceanographic Museum is still number one for me — it's iconic, beautiful, and honestly one of the best views in Monaco too.
HSH Prince Albert also has his private car collection museum open to the public, which is actually amazing even if you're not obsessed with cars. And one thing I love that feels more local is the La Condamine market in the mornings — all the fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and little food stands with produce mostly coming from France and Italy. It gives you a very different side of Monaco.
For a rainy day — and honestly, it barely rains here — cozy lunch vibes are the best. I love Chez Pierre or sitting in the lobby at Hôtel Métropole for hours. And for pampering, Spa Métropole by Guerlain. Last time I was there I saw Karl Lagerfeld, which somehow tells you everything about the vibe there.
In Summer, Always Take a Boat
In summer, definitely take a boat either to Saint-Tropez or to La Guérite on the island. For me, Saint-Tropez in the summer is always a must — long lunches, music, beach clubs, seeing friends, and just that whole South of France energy that never gets old.
For shopping, MC Market is my favourite. A very cool mix of trendy and high-end designers. And the coastal walks toward France or Italy are beautiful too — or hike up to Tête de Chien for the craziest view over Monaco. A hard climb, but worth every step.
Saint-Tropez in summer: long lunches, sea views, and that golden South of France feeling.
The Pieces She'd Wear Here
Monaco demands jewellery that can go from a terrace lunch to a yacht in one movement. Melissa's picks — chosen for the way they feel, not just how they look.
Jewellery made for a life lived beautifully — from morning coffee overlooking the port to sundowners somewhere on the Côte d'Azur.
Explore the Collection