Monaco Grand Prix
Discussion
After watching this year's Monaco GP, my girlfriend and I were thinking that we'd try to attend next year. I think that you need to make arrangements early, so we're working on plans now. We're in the U.S., so we won't be driving my Aston there. 
Has anyone on the forum been to the Monaco GP? If so, any advice or recommendations? We've been to Monaco before and stayed in a hotel that we really like, so we think we have that part of the trip taken care of. Other than that though, we're not sure what to plan on (e.g., where to watch the race, what to do during the long weekend, what to avoid, etc.). Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Has anyone on the forum been to the Monaco GP? If so, any advice or recommendations? We've been to Monaco before and stayed in a hotel that we really like, so we think we have that part of the trip taken care of. Other than that though, we're not sure what to plan on (e.g., where to watch the race, what to do during the long weekend, what to avoid, etc.). Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I have been in Monaco a couple of times and whilst the race can be dull due to the lack of overtaking the atmosphere is great. I would recommend to stay outside Monaco because during the race week-end the whole place is fenced off (and it is not very big in the first place) so you cannot get around very well. Book a nice hotel in Villefranche or indeed Nice or Cannes and then simply take the train into Monaco on the Saturday and Sunday. This is much better and you get a bit of respite from the noise which is so loud that it is tiring after a couple of hours. The train ride is only 1 hour from Nice and 20 mins from Villefranche. Regarding tickets i would go for Piscine (around the pool)because you can see the cars for over a longer distance - which is a bit of a problem in Monaco otherwise.
Yes, we were thinking that it'd be exciting just to be in Monaco on race day. We are considering buying tickets for the grand stands. Any recommendations as to where to be on the course? Wondering about course visibility as well as other factors like crowds, comfort, the sun, etc. And anyone know about the night life during the race weekend? Wondering if it's all invitation only parties or something relatively accessible to all.
Rex Racer said:
Yes, we were thinking that it'd be exciting just to be in Monaco on race day. We are considering buying tickets for the grand stands. Any recommendations as to where to be on the course? Wondering about course visibility as well as other factors like crowds, comfort, the sun, etc. And anyone know about the night life during the race weekend? Wondering if it's all invitation only parties or something relatively accessible to all.
I sat in the C (I think anyway) grandstand which was just after the hairpin and on the right 90 degree turn into the tunnel. Was a good place to sit but not a right lot of overtaking going on (not that there is anywhere on the circuit really). I would definitely recommend a grandstand no matter what GP you go to. That way you can leave your seats inbetween races and return knowing that you still have a good view of the track. If you go general admission you have to get there really early to get a decent place to view from, and also if you move anywhere then someone takes your spot 
I've done it once, will never do it again. Grandstands are more expensive but definitely worth every penny 
Nightlife was pretty good but damn expensive! I only went out there one night and had a night out in Nice as well, that was pretty good too.
Hi,
I've been for the last two years.
We've had tickets at the front of Tribune (Stand) B bought through a member of the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM). €500 each for the race.
Tribune B is on the Casino Square and at the front you get very close and the sound is astonishing if you've never been close to a GP car before. B has a big screen opposite it and has a basic but audible commentary in English, French and German.
You can get face value tickets when the ACM release them early in the New Year from their website. People like Thomas Cook Sport sell packages which can be good value nearer the date of the race but are very pricey if you book early.
Flights and accommodation are obviously expensive that weekend. It is the biggest commercial event in the area all year but if you're already staying at a favourite hotel in Monaco, you know that.
We have dinner one night at the Colombe d'Or in St Paul de Vence, which has good food, served in a restaurant festooned with some of the greatest original art of the 20th century. I'm pretty sure that Friday night (no practice that day - just Thurs, Sat & Sun) is supposed to be big night in Monaco, but I've not been.
Lots of the boats in the harbour seem to be packed with noisy nobodies, all trying to be noticed.
Good luck
Simon.
I've been for the last two years.
We've had tickets at the front of Tribune (Stand) B bought through a member of the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM). €500 each for the race.
Tribune B is on the Casino Square and at the front you get very close and the sound is astonishing if you've never been close to a GP car before. B has a big screen opposite it and has a basic but audible commentary in English, French and German.
You can get face value tickets when the ACM release them early in the New Year from their website. People like Thomas Cook Sport sell packages which can be good value nearer the date of the race but are very pricey if you book early.
Flights and accommodation are obviously expensive that weekend. It is the biggest commercial event in the area all year but if you're already staying at a favourite hotel in Monaco, you know that.
We have dinner one night at the Colombe d'Or in St Paul de Vence, which has good food, served in a restaurant festooned with some of the greatest original art of the 20th century. I'm pretty sure that Friday night (no practice that day - just Thurs, Sat & Sun) is supposed to be big night in Monaco, but I've not been.
Lots of the boats in the harbour seem to be packed with noisy nobodies, all trying to be noticed.
Good luck
Simon.
As per MacPaul.
The Tribune B at Casino square is my favourite stand.
You are very close to the cars, there is a big screen just in front to keep up with the action and there is a big private garden just behind to relax in when the race isn't on. If you get down near the harbour/swimming pool you are pretty much stuck there once you take your seat.
Just google auto club de Monaco which is the official site and click through to the ticket sales-from memory they normally go on sale Jan/Feb.
Most people will stay in France as there are lots of hotels at all price points and the train is very efficient at getting you in and out on the days of the event.
If you are coming from the US then try and stay in Cannes as it normally clashes with the Film Festival which will add even more glamour to your trip.
Are there better places to watch a GP for the hardcore fans-definitely.
Is there anything else on earth quite the same as Monaco on GP weekend?-I don't think so
The Tribune B at Casino square is my favourite stand.
You are very close to the cars, there is a big screen just in front to keep up with the action and there is a big private garden just behind to relax in when the race isn't on. If you get down near the harbour/swimming pool you are pretty much stuck there once you take your seat.
Just google auto club de Monaco which is the official site and click through to the ticket sales-from memory they normally go on sale Jan/Feb.
Most people will stay in France as there are lots of hotels at all price points and the train is very efficient at getting you in and out on the days of the event.
If you are coming from the US then try and stay in Cannes as it normally clashes with the Film Festival which will add even more glamour to your trip.
Are there better places to watch a GP for the hardcore fans-definitely.
Is there anything else on earth quite the same as Monaco on GP weekend?-I don't think so
Thanks all. We were thinking about the grand stand in Casino Square. After showing my girlfriend pics of the view with the Casino, Hotel Paris, and the gardens in the background, it'll be hard to convince her that we should get seats somewhere else.
Regardless, we want to attend the race as much to experience the event as actually see the race. I have watched F1 a bit this year, but I am by no means a diehard fan. The race will be the finale of a week-long tour starting in Positano, Italy. The current plan is to fly to Naples, and then rent a car and stay in/near Positano. After a couple of days on the Amalfi Coast we'll visit Rome, Florence, Maranello (I'm a huge Ferrari fan), and then stay in a hotel in France just outside of Monaco. We'll have a few days in France/Monaco, so we'll probably visit Cannes, Nice, and Eze prior to race Sunday. The trip's a long way off, but I'm really excited about it.
Regardless, we want to attend the race as much to experience the event as actually see the race. I have watched F1 a bit this year, but I am by no means a diehard fan. The race will be the finale of a week-long tour starting in Positano, Italy. The current plan is to fly to Naples, and then rent a car and stay in/near Positano. After a couple of days on the Amalfi Coast we'll visit Rome, Florence, Maranello (I'm a huge Ferrari fan), and then stay in a hotel in France just outside of Monaco. We'll have a few days in France/Monaco, so we'll probably visit Cannes, Nice, and Eze prior to race Sunday. The trip's a long way off, but I'm really excited about it.
The point ack0 makes is a good one about the garden behind the stand. It's beautifully kept, never crowded and there's a Haagen Daas restaurant there and portaloos as well.
If you've not booked accommodation, I'd do it asap.
The SNCF coastal rail route runs from Antibes? to Ventimiglia in Italy and they lay on extra services over the weekend. It's cheap and traffic into Monaco is awful unless you're in there by 7am and stay late to get out.
I'd hang around after the race and have a beer or whatever as access to the station (if you use it) is heavily marshalled by the police and the queues take a couple of hours to disperse.
You can walk quite a lot of the track soon after the race is over and watch the teams loading the kit onto their trucks on the main straight which also passes the time.
S
If you've not booked accommodation, I'd do it asap.
The SNCF coastal rail route runs from Antibes? to Ventimiglia in Italy and they lay on extra services over the weekend. It's cheap and traffic into Monaco is awful unless you're in there by 7am and stay late to get out.
I'd hang around after the race and have a beer or whatever as access to the station (if you use it) is heavily marshalled by the police and the queues take a couple of hours to disperse.
You can walk quite a lot of the track soon after the race is over and watch the teams loading the kit onto their trucks on the main straight which also passes the time.
S
Your comment about walking the course reminds me of something I read this weekend. I read that they open up the course to normal traffic at night (at least on Thursday night) so you can drive your car along the route the cars will drive during the race. Does anyone know if this is true? I was surprised to hear that anyone could have that kind of access prior to the race. Then again, the race course is the heart of Monte Carlo and it would be inconvenient to shut it down for 4 days.
Hi,I've been going to the Monaco Grand Prix for 20 years,best place is Casino Square for noise and atmosphere,Sainte Devote for good view along start/finish straight and the climb up hill to Virage Massenet.There are a number of average hotels within twenty minutes walk in Beausoleil.
Enjoy your trip.
Enjoy your trip.
Reading from my programme for this year:
Thursday: Track closed to traffic 07.00 reopens 20.00
Friday: Closes 06.00, opens 14.30
Saturday: Closes 06.00 opens 19.30
Sunday: Closes 07.00 opens 19.00
Outside these times you should be able to drive the track fine. Not sure about the exact line through the chicane tho.
Circuit is swept by mechanical sweepers anyway.
Thursday: Track closed to traffic 07.00 reopens 20.00
Friday: Closes 06.00, opens 14.30
Saturday: Closes 06.00 opens 19.30
Sunday: Closes 07.00 opens 19.00
Outside these times you should be able to drive the track fine. Not sure about the exact line through the chicane tho.
Circuit is swept by mechanical sweepers anyway.
macpaul said:
Reading from my programme for this year:
Thursday: Track closed to traffic 07.00 reopens 20.00
Friday: Closes 06.00, opens 14.30
Saturday: Closes 06.00 opens 19.30
Sunday: Closes 07.00 opens 19.00
Outside these times you should be able to drive the track fine. Not sure about the exact line through the chicane tho.
Spot on. Although you won't be going very fast on the bit between the start/finish straight and Casino Square as it's essentially a traffic jam (but the most incredible traffic jam you've ever seen!). Thursday: Track closed to traffic 07.00 reopens 20.00
Friday: Closes 06.00, opens 14.30
Saturday: Closes 06.00 opens 19.30
Sunday: Closes 07.00 opens 19.00
Outside these times you should be able to drive the track fine. Not sure about the exact line through the chicane tho.
Easier to walk the circuit, really, as we did twice this year.
As for the OP, we watched from a yacht moored just before Tabac (great view!) and stayed in the Meridien on the outskirts of town (where most of the teams and some drivers stay). Massive advantage is they have their own boats which can shuttle you to the harbour even when the circuit's closed.
This was organised by UK Aston (and others) dealer HR Owen, by the way ( http://www.hrowen.co.uk/monaco-grand-prix/ )
Hi Rex Racer
Here is some info which might help. There is also a lot of info on another forum I contribute to (F1Fanatic) as a hospitality professional for the Monaco GP where lots of questions about Monaco have been covered by other race fans as well as me.
The cheapest place to buy grandstand tickets (someone else mentioned this organisation in a previous post) is the ACM (Automobile Club de Monaco) at www dot acm dot mc OR www dot formula1monaco dot com. They are the race organisers for Monaco and on the website you can choose your seat, view photographs taken from each grandstand, see the race programme/schedule, etc. etc.
There are 4 days of race action in Monaco, unlike the other races on the calendar with Friday morning offering the opportunity to see some of the support series racing (Porsche Supercup, GP2 & GP3).
You can buy a pit lane tour for when the F1 action is on (i.e. Thursday, Saturday & Sunday) but with a weekend grandstand ticket you can get into the pits free on the Friday afternoon.
The majority of our guests like grandstand K1 upper which is located at Tabac corner so you have a good view of the run into Tabac, the harbour section and the harbour itself with all of the yachts etc. K1 sells out VERY quickly though so keep an eye on the ACM website and buy quick. K stands run all the way up to K8 and again on the ACM website you can see photographs from each to get the exact view so if you don't get K1 you can make an informed decision as to your preferred view. Some also like B in Casino Square and T upper as you can see into the pits (but the extent of track visible from T is not as extensive as K). You could have each day in a different grandstand so you get a different view each day.
Unlike a lot of other tracks and because of the nature of the circuit there are lots of other viewing options like restaurants, balconies, yachts, hotel terraces, etc. but they are more expensive than grandstands and tend to include varying levels and qualities of hospitality.
For grandstands take some extras with you to make the experience comfortable, ear defenders, a seat cushion, hat / rain poncho depending on the weather, some food and drinks, and I would always recommend a FanVision unit, this is a miniature TV tuned to the race where you can follow the stats, the sections of track you can't see from your seat, leaderboard, listen to commentary, etc. You can rent them for the weekend direct from FanVision or pick them up from pone of their kiosks.
Don't buy grandstand tickets from a tour operator / agent / hospitality company (like us) unless they are adding value for you with extras, convenience, FanVision, transfers, hospitality, etc.
Trains run very regularly to Monaco but there is occasionally industrial action which stops them running (it happened again this year for a short time over the GP weekend). If you are travelling by train I would recommend you buy your ticket in advance so you don't have to queue and be wary as there are prolific pickpockets who take advantage of the crowded trains, platforms and stairs etc. The travel time from Nice to Monaco is around 20 minutes by train and the last trains from Monaco are around 23.30 - 00.00.
The 'track' in Monaco closes very early each morning and opens again to foot traffic and vehicles in the evening over the GP weekend, this year the official close/open times were 07.00/20.00 Thursday, 06.00/14.30 Friday, 06.00/19.30 Saturday & 07.00/19.00 Sunday. However the reopen times don't always go to plan, the track generally opens to foot traffic quite a bit before vehicles but this year there was still support series racing after the schedule was supposed to have finished - so the timings can change at a moments notice.
You can get a passenger ride around the track in between race sessions whilst the track is closed (in a standard vehicle or in a Spyker race car with a pro driver) but you cannot drive the track yourself whilst it is closed (well you can if you have enough money but this is not for us average Joes, on of our clients from the US who races porsche there wanted to bring his own car and drive the track, we could arrange it but the price was well into six figures and that was before he paid to ship his car from the USA). Once it reopens however you can walk, run or drive it as much as you like.
There are lots of bars and restaurants, if you would like the restaurant list we send to our guests let me know and I'll email it to you, at least it is a starting point. You can also check out the Monaco Tourist Authority website or this one www dot restaurants-montecarlo dot com, they have some helpful info. La Rascasse is great on Friday with patrons spilling out onto the track itself and music blaring, although on Sunday it can get a little intimidating, I'm not sure why but for some reason I always find the atmosphere very different on the Sunday and that is the feedback from most of our guests too. There are the regular F1 parties like Amber Lounge etc where you are all but guaranteed to see some drivers on the Sunday, but they are expensive (circa 800€ pp for the Sunday including all drinks). There are also yacht parties in the harbour which are good fun and generally better value, etc.
The Casino is worth a visit and is only 10€ to get in but take your passport with you as you will need to show it for entry.
If there is anything else I can help with feel free to PM me or post here.
Have a great trip when it comes around.
Best wishes
Ed
Here is some info which might help. There is also a lot of info on another forum I contribute to (F1Fanatic) as a hospitality professional for the Monaco GP where lots of questions about Monaco have been covered by other race fans as well as me.
The cheapest place to buy grandstand tickets (someone else mentioned this organisation in a previous post) is the ACM (Automobile Club de Monaco) at www dot acm dot mc OR www dot formula1monaco dot com. They are the race organisers for Monaco and on the website you can choose your seat, view photographs taken from each grandstand, see the race programme/schedule, etc. etc.
There are 4 days of race action in Monaco, unlike the other races on the calendar with Friday morning offering the opportunity to see some of the support series racing (Porsche Supercup, GP2 & GP3).
You can buy a pit lane tour for when the F1 action is on (i.e. Thursday, Saturday & Sunday) but with a weekend grandstand ticket you can get into the pits free on the Friday afternoon.
The majority of our guests like grandstand K1 upper which is located at Tabac corner so you have a good view of the run into Tabac, the harbour section and the harbour itself with all of the yachts etc. K1 sells out VERY quickly though so keep an eye on the ACM website and buy quick. K stands run all the way up to K8 and again on the ACM website you can see photographs from each to get the exact view so if you don't get K1 you can make an informed decision as to your preferred view. Some also like B in Casino Square and T upper as you can see into the pits (but the extent of track visible from T is not as extensive as K). You could have each day in a different grandstand so you get a different view each day.
Unlike a lot of other tracks and because of the nature of the circuit there are lots of other viewing options like restaurants, balconies, yachts, hotel terraces, etc. but they are more expensive than grandstands and tend to include varying levels and qualities of hospitality.
For grandstands take some extras with you to make the experience comfortable, ear defenders, a seat cushion, hat / rain poncho depending on the weather, some food and drinks, and I would always recommend a FanVision unit, this is a miniature TV tuned to the race where you can follow the stats, the sections of track you can't see from your seat, leaderboard, listen to commentary, etc. You can rent them for the weekend direct from FanVision or pick them up from pone of their kiosks.
Don't buy grandstand tickets from a tour operator / agent / hospitality company (like us) unless they are adding value for you with extras, convenience, FanVision, transfers, hospitality, etc.
Trains run very regularly to Monaco but there is occasionally industrial action which stops them running (it happened again this year for a short time over the GP weekend). If you are travelling by train I would recommend you buy your ticket in advance so you don't have to queue and be wary as there are prolific pickpockets who take advantage of the crowded trains, platforms and stairs etc. The travel time from Nice to Monaco is around 20 minutes by train and the last trains from Monaco are around 23.30 - 00.00.
The 'track' in Monaco closes very early each morning and opens again to foot traffic and vehicles in the evening over the GP weekend, this year the official close/open times were 07.00/20.00 Thursday, 06.00/14.30 Friday, 06.00/19.30 Saturday & 07.00/19.00 Sunday. However the reopen times don't always go to plan, the track generally opens to foot traffic quite a bit before vehicles but this year there was still support series racing after the schedule was supposed to have finished - so the timings can change at a moments notice.
You can get a passenger ride around the track in between race sessions whilst the track is closed (in a standard vehicle or in a Spyker race car with a pro driver) but you cannot drive the track yourself whilst it is closed (well you can if you have enough money but this is not for us average Joes, on of our clients from the US who races porsche there wanted to bring his own car and drive the track, we could arrange it but the price was well into six figures and that was before he paid to ship his car from the USA). Once it reopens however you can walk, run or drive it as much as you like.
There are lots of bars and restaurants, if you would like the restaurant list we send to our guests let me know and I'll email it to you, at least it is a starting point. You can also check out the Monaco Tourist Authority website or this one www dot restaurants-montecarlo dot com, they have some helpful info. La Rascasse is great on Friday with patrons spilling out onto the track itself and music blaring, although on Sunday it can get a little intimidating, I'm not sure why but for some reason I always find the atmosphere very different on the Sunday and that is the feedback from most of our guests too. There are the regular F1 parties like Amber Lounge etc where you are all but guaranteed to see some drivers on the Sunday, but they are expensive (circa 800€ pp for the Sunday including all drinks). There are also yacht parties in the harbour which are good fun and generally better value, etc.
The Casino is worth a visit and is only 10€ to get in but take your passport with you as you will need to show it for entry.
If there is anything else I can help with feel free to PM me or post here.
Have a great trip when it comes around.
Best wishes
Ed
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