Monaco — Travelrags

National GeographicJul 30, 2026

These grand hotels have legendary cellars—and centuries of history

Underneath these world-class stays, the past lives on with rare spirits and vintages, hidden walls, and secret passages that survived wars and even volcanic eruptions.

11 things in this story

Hôtel de ParisHotelMonte Carlo, MonacoMonaco's largest hotel wine cellars span 16,000 square feet.
The StaffordHotelLondon, United KingdomCellar dates to 17th century, once connected to St. James' Palace.
Four Seasons Hotel George VHotelParis, FranceFamed cellar founded with the hotel in 1928, carved into rock.
Le CinqRestaurantParis, FranceOne of three Michelin-starred restaurants at Four Seasons Hotel George V.
L'OrangerieRestaurantParis, FranceOne of two Michelin-starred restaurants at Four Seasons Hotel George V.
Le GeorgeRestaurantParis, FranceA Michelin-starred restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel George V.
Il Borro ToscanaHotelSan Giustino Valdarno, ItalyLuxury resort rests atop a medieval estate and village.
The Apartment at Tour d’ArgentHotelParis, FranceOne-bedroom micro-hotel overlooking the Seine and Paris skyline.
Tour d'ArgentRestaurantParis, FranceOne of the world's most historical restaurants, opened in 1582.
The Retreat at Blue LagoonHotelReykjanes Peninsula, IcelandGeothermal cellar set in a lava cave formed by a volcano.
Moss restaurantRestaurantReykjanes Peninsula, IcelandMichelin-starred restaurant at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.

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Lonely PlanetJul 24

The 9 best Formula 1 circuits in the world

Check out these stalwarts of the Formula 1 circuit for the best race experiences.

9 things in this story

Circuit de MonacoPlaceMonte Carlo, MonacoPrestigious street circuit winding through Monte Carlo.
Albert ParkSightMelbourne, AustraliaCircuit surrounding Albert Park Lake in Melbourne.
Suzuka CircuitPlaceSuzuka, JapanDesigned in 1962 as a Honda test track, unique figure-8 shape.
Marina Bay Street CircuitPlaceSingaporeFirst night race in F1 history, street circuit in Asia.
Baku City CircuitPlaceBaku, Azerbaijan6km street course through Baku's medieval center and Caspian Sea shore.
Red Bull RingPlaceSpielburg, AustriaTrack nestled amid the Styrian alps outside Spielburg.
Silverstone CircuitHotelSilverstone, United KingdomOriginal Formula 1 track, hosted British Grand Prix since 1987.
InterlagosPlaceSão Paulo, BrazilDynamic and spirited race track outside São Paulo.
Circuit of the AmericasPlaceAustin, United StatesModern track outside Austin, built specifically for F1.

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Lonely PlanetJul 15

Things to know before visiting Nice, France

Read these top tips before you strut your stuff in Nice.

25 things in this story

Monaco Grand PrixAttractionWorld-famous affair in nearby town.
Elsewhere
Nice Jazz FestivalFestivalNice, FranceNice Jazz Fest, is an annual jazz festival first held in 1948 in Nice, on the French Riviera.
Promenade des AnglaisSightNice, FranceDon't move the blue chairs; watch for jellyfish.
Théâtre de VerdureTheatreNice, FranceOpen-air venue for live jazz beneath the stars.
FlaveurRestaurantNice, FranceBest modern Niçois gastronomy; Tourteaux brothers.
Carnaval de NiceFestivalNice, FranceRequires planning months in advance.
Fête du CitronFestivalMenton, FranceWorld-famous affair in Menton.
Opéra Nice Côte d’AzurIce cream shopNice, FranceSeason runs September to June; sell like hotcakes.
JanRestaurantNice, FranceDiscover Restaurant JAN in Nice, a Michelin-starred dining experience inspired by South African heritage, French…
Pass MuséesPlaceNice, FranceCovers admission to all municipal museums and galleries.
Musée MatisseMuseumNice, FranceSite officiel du Musée Matisse de Nice.
Musée Marc ChagallMuseumNice, FranceThe Marc Chagall National Museum is a French national museum dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall –…
French Riviera PassCaféNice, FranceAdmission to regional museums and monuments.
Villa Ephrussi de RothschildMuseumSaint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, FranceBelle Époque villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Cathédrale Ste-RéparatePlace of worshipNice, FranceOld-town church requiring modest dress.
Chapelle de la MiséricordePlace of worshipNice, FranceOld-town chapel requiring modest dress.
Cours SaleyaMarketNice, FranceOpen-air market in Vieux Nice.
Marché de la LibérationMarketNice, FranceJam-packed market for produce and goods.
EvrlstPlaceNice, FranceOn-trend concept and vinyl store on rue du Lycée.
Opéra NiceIce cream shopNice, France
Vieux NiceNeighborhoodNice, France
Carré d’OrQuarterNice, France
New TownNeighborhoodNice, France
L’AromateRestaurantNice, France
Musée National du SportMuseumNice, France

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The GuardianMay 24

The return of France’s train of marvels: from the Côte d’Azur to the Southern French Alps

The reopened Train de Merveilles route takes passengers from the glamour of Nice to a grandiose alpine landscape Nine-thirty on a sunny Tuesday morning, and the platforms at Nice-Ville station are buzzing. Office workers nudge their way past backpackers, passengers clamber on to trains heading east to Monaco and Italy, or west to Antibes and Cannes. My husband and I, however, are heading away f…

18 things in this story

AntibesNeighborhoodIt is located on the French Riviera between Cannes and Nice; it is the largest yachting harbour in Europe.
Train des MerveillesPlaceSpectacular train route linking Nice with Tende
TendeNeighborhoodTown where houses cling to the mountainside
Mercantour national parkSightNational park surrounded by soaring peaks
SospelNeighborhoodMedieval town with a 13th-century bridge
Pont-VieuxSight13th-century bridge straddling the Bévéra River
La BrigueNeighborhoodGateway to the Mercantour national park
Chapel of our Lady of FountainsSight13th-century church with 15th-century frescoes
Stella AlpinaRestaurantPart outdoor shop, part rustic eaterie
Musée des MerveillesMuseumIt opened in 1996.
Chateau LascarisSightRuins with views to the Marguareis massif
Beaulieu-sur-MerNeighborhoodTown with belle epoque glamour
AcchiardoRestaurantServes classic local dishes like daube Nicoise
Les Bar Des OiseauxRestaurantClassic bistro with art reproductions
Ter Zou!PlaceRegional rail day pass
Plage de la Petite AfriqueSight
Mama Shelter NiceHotel
Place NationaleNeighborhood

Read the full piece at The Guardian →