Monaco is a tiny enclave not just for the rich but the super wealthy— the .01 percenters. As such, it has become somewhat of a zoo. A zoo for masses of middle-class visitors from around the world who come to get a peek behind the curtain of an unbelievably exotic, out-of-reach lifestyle.
Most Monte Carlo elite are nocturnal animals. Spotting the beautiful rich during daylight is rare. Occasionally, you get lucky and glimpse one perfecting a tan on the deck of their obscenely grand yacht or climbing out of a Bentley convertible on the way into the exclusive Monte Carlo Yacht Club.
Fortunately, visitors to this zoo can get inside the natural environments of the jet set – just to look. During our visit, we explored the world-famous casino but were restricted to the ornate foyer. We watched the changing of the guard at the palace. We peered in the windows of Cartier, Chanel, and Barclays.
We sauntered by the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bugattis and Roll Royces parked conspicuously at the Yach Club entrance. We also passed a number of exclusive dance clubs knowing we would never make it past the rope line, assuming we could stay up until they open.
After a while we decided that visiting was just fine. Keeping up with jet-set life is just too exhausting. Plus the hours suck. So we move on, aboard our most excellent cruise ship, and leave the rich and famous to their elusive champagne dreams.
