How to Easily Do a Nice to Monaco Day Trip + All to Know (2024)
Monaco is a tiny principality along the Mediterranean Sea just east of Nice, France. It’s famous for being one of the world’s most affluent countries, having beautiful harbors, and colorful buildings. And if you want to witness some of the opulence and stunning views and get a glimpse into life in the top 1%, a relaxing Nice to Monaco day trip is a must! In this post, I’ll explain the best ways to get from Nice to Monaco, places to visit, and how you can make the most of your limited time there!
Is It Worth It to Day Trip to Monaco From Nice? (2024)
As someone who has visited Monaco several times, a day trip to Monaco from Nice is 100% worth it. For starters, it’s an activity that can be done by anyone — whether you’re traveling with no budget, a mid-range budget, or a shoestring budget! How? Well, if you choose to travel independently, you can do a Nice to Monaco day trip for as little as $10 by paying only for the transportation costs!
Alternatively, if you’re a little unsure about navigating local transportation or want a more stress-free experience, you can join one of the hundreds of guided tours from Nice to Monaco. There are barebones ones that start at as low as $50 as well as more comprehensive private tours that go for $300+. So, it’s truly an activity that can fit any person’s travel style and budget.
Not to forget, for most of us, the luxurious Monaco lifestyle is an elusive dream. However, with a day trip to Monaco, you can immerse yourself in all the glitz and glamour, even if only for a few fleeting moments. And if you’re unfazed by the ultra-rich, you can at least appreciate the stunning views of the French Riviera, the gorgeous architecture, and the lovely weather.
Plus, you can essentially experience a completely new country for possibly the price of an expensive Starbucks coffee… I don’t think there are many places where you can say that! 😉 So, it’s for these reasons and my many positive experiences wandering around the streets of Monaco that I wholeheartedly believe it is worth it to day trip to Monaco from Nice!
How to Get From Nice to Monaco
The distance from Nice to Monaco is a little over 13 miles or about 21 km. Thus, with their proximity to one another, there are a couple of different ways of traveling from Nice to Monaco: with a private tour or via train.
🚌 NOTE: Technically, you can travel via bus. However, it takes 3x as long as taking the train, so it’s (in my opinion) not worth it.
Nice to Monaco Tours
The easiest and most hassle-free option is to go on a guided tour. With a guided tour, you won’t have to stress about navigating the public transportation system. Furthermore, perhaps the biggest benefit of taking a tour from Nice to Monaco is that you can explore the principality with a local. This means you’ll be able to gain an in-depth understanding of what you’re seeing.
And, I think connecting with tour guides is just awesome in general! It’s always such a bonus to have someone local who will tell you all the true hidden gem spots that most tourists don’t know about. So, if a guided tour seems like the way to go for you, then I highly recommend checking out these two Nice to Monaco tours below.
1. Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out 5 – taken by 760+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
The Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip includes:
- Direct Pick-up from hotels in Nice
- Guided tour of a famous perfumery in the medieval village of Eze
- Walking around Monte Carlo’s bustling Old Town
- Driving around the Formula 1 Circuit in Monaco
- Seeing the Prince’s Palace & famous Monte Carlo Casino
- Small group tour limited to 8 guests
With over 760+ tourists taking this tour, this is the most popular tour that allows you to comfortably day trip from Nice to both the medieval hilltop town of Eze and the glamorous country of Monaco! To start, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Nice in a comfortable minivan. From there, you’ll cruise along the scenic coastline to the historic hilltop village of Eze, where you’ll tour a long-standing perfume factory. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the day discovering beautiful Monaco.
Additionally, since this is a full-day tour, you’ll have ample time to explore the city on your own without feeling rushed! So, if you’re looking for a tour that provides you with easy transportation, guided aspects, as well as the freedom to discover places on your own, this small-group Monaco tour is for you!
✅ 🏎 Check availability for this popular tour to both Eze and Monaco!
Want to Only See Monaco?
With the previous tour, you can explore both the incredibly charming town of Eze as well as gorgeous Monaco, hence why the tour is a full-day tour! But, I know some people may be short on time or only want to see Monaco. If this sounds like you, then this is the tour I recommend taking instead.
2. Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 – 4 hours
The Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour includes:
- Friendly English-speaking guide
- Meeting your guide at the Nice Ville Train Station
- Train ticket to Monaco
- Visiting 11 different sites throughout Monaco
- Hearing the stories and history behind each attraction
- Small group tour limited to 15 people
This is the perfect tour if you looking to maximize your time in Monaco and cover a lot of ground! You will get to see and learn about Monaco’s most iconic attractions as well as the lesser-known places.
And considering everything that the tour includes, the tour is well worth its price! Plus, the guides are super awesome and knowledgeable. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and affordable walking tour of only Monaco, check out this tour!
✅ 🚶♂️ Check availability for this awesome walking tour of Monaco from Nice
🚨 NOTE: If you’re traveling with 4-6 people, I recommend booking a private tour since it’s about the same price, if not cheaper as a regular tour. Private tours are also better for those looking for a more intimate or personalized experience! This is the private tour I recommend as it has only received 5-star reviews and has been taken by over 125+ groups!
Nice to Monaco by Train
If you prefer to travel independently and don’t mind navigating the train stations on your own, then your second option is to travel from Nice to Monaco by train. The train ride is about 20 – 30 minutes and is operated by SNCF.
I recommend booking your ticket ahead of time with Omio, as that’s the platform that I’ve used and trusted for all inter-Europe travel since 2019. All you have to do is click the link, input your dates, and then you’ll able to view all the different train routes.
🚂 NOTE: Don’t forget to purchase round-trip tickets! I’ve forgotten to do that once and haha — it’s a rude awakening let me tell yah…😔
Oh! And the one thing I will say and warn you is that it can get extremely crowded and chaotic at the train stations. This is especially true if you leave on one of the early – mid-morning trains or the evening trains. My best piece of advice is that if you don’t like being pressed up against other people, and possibly shoved on accident a few times, then consider touring Monaco with a private tour that provides private transportation!
Train From Nice to Monaco Price
A train ride from Nice to Monaco costs a little over $4 USD. So round trip, you would spend about $8 USD.
✅ 🚂 Check rates and availability for Trains from Nice to Monaco
13 Things: What to Do in Monaco for a Day
Alrighty, now that you have the rundown of how to get to Monaco, let’s talk about what you can do in Monaco for a day! Oh! And just so you know… This itinerary was made with walking distance in mind. Thus, I’ve listed everything in the order I would recommend doing them to save you time and energy in walking because I hate having to crisscross all over cities. According to Google Maps, it takes about 1.5 hours to walk the entire route if you don’t stop.
🇲🇨 NOTE: I’ve created a Google Map with all the places I recommend visiting so you can follow along when you’re in Monaco! It’s at the end of this section, but you can jump to it here. 🤠
1. Place du Casino
The first place to check out is Casino Square, which is an 11-minute walk from the train station. It’s pretty much every bit of opulence as you would expect and maybe a little bit more! Outside, you’ll likely see an assortment of luxury cars parked, and the ultra-rich handing off their cars to the valets.
And, of course, you then have Monaco’s famous Monte-Carlo Casino! It was originally built in 1861 and certainly lives up to the hype and attention it gets. I mean, not that I’ve seen a lot of casinos, but the architecture gives world-class Opera Houses and other famous cathedrals and churches a run for their money. Tourists are allowed to walk around some parts of the casino free of charge, but you’ll need your passport to enter.
Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, Monte Carlo, Monaco is not the gambling capital of the world…Macau is!
For those interested in gambling, because I mean how many times can you say I gambled at the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, I recommend circling back at the end of the day. The reason is that there are not a lot of people inside the casino in the morning. Plus, it’ll leave you pressed for time to visit all the other places that close earlier in the day. Thus, I suggest taking pictures outside of the casino while the sun is out and the lighting is good. Then, return in the evening if you want to take part in some casino action!
💸 NOTE: I’ll tell you all the information you need to know about gambling and entering the Monte-Carlo Casino at the end of the itinerary.
2. Fairmont Hairpin Curve Formula 1
From there, move on to the Fairmont Hairpin Curve Formula 1, which is only about a 5-minute walk. There isn’t a ton to see for non-formula 1 fans as it’ll look like any ole’ road with cars traveling up and down. However, for anyone who loves Formula 1 as I do, you can see the dreaded Fairmont hairpin curve (previously Lowes hairpin) that is outside of the Fairmont Hotel.
It’s crazy to imagine racing at 200+ mph and then having to deftly decelerate to about 30 mph to avoid crashing into the walls of this winding piece of road. Super impressive when you think about it and the drivers don’t smash into one another… **cue the flashback to the 2000 Monaco GP with the 7 car pile-up** ah yes, what exciting times lol
If you want, you can technically follow the street circuit for a bit, but just be mindful of cars and traffic! Also in the area is a Starbucks and cafe if you want to grab a coffee, a quick bite to eat, or anything else to keep you energized until it’s time to eat lunch.
3. Princess Grace Japanese Garden
Another quick 5-minute walk away is the serene Princess Grace Japanese Garden! For those who don’t know, Princess Grace of Monaco is also known as Grace Kelly, the beloved American actress. She starred in several critically acclaimed films, including The Country Girl, High Noon, High Society, and a few Alfred Hitchcock thrillers.
When she married Prince Rainier III in the 1950s, she gave up acting and focused on her role as Princess of Monaco and the duties that came along with that. She later died at the age of 52 after sustaining injuries in a car crash. So, as you explore the city, you’ll likely see little homages to her, the Princess Grace Japanese Gardens being one of them.
Within the gardens, you’ll see a variety of plants, waterfalls, brooks, a Zen garden for meditation, and paths in perfect Japanese style. This makes it a nice place to find some peace and tranquility for a few moments in the middle of this busy metropolitan city!
Overall, the garden is quite small compared (0.7 hectares) to most gardens, such as the sprawling Botanical Gardens in Montreal, but I promise it’s still worth visiting! Plus, it’s free, which can’t be said of many things in Monaco lol 🙃
4. Yacht Club de Monaco
From the Princess Grace Japanese Gardens, head towards the Yacht Club de Monaco! I recommend walking through Tunnel Larvotto since it’s part of the Monaco Formula 1 circuit. As you walk through, imagine the amount of adrenaline coursing through the drivers’ bodies as they fly through the tunnel and then deal with the G-forces of the following chicanes…🤯
And if you’re a fellow Formula 1 interested in learning about the history of the Monaco circuit while walking the full course, I recommend signing up for this amazing F1 walking tour I did! It’s led by Tom, a local who has been working in the motorsport field for decades, and he tells you everything there is to know about the iconic street circuit and its long-standing history! Seriously, he is super funny, knowledgeable, and knows how to captivate even non-F1 fans!
✅ 🏎 Check availability and rates for this walking tour around the Formula 1 circuit 🏁
Once you’re on the other side of the tunnel, you’ll see all the yachts parked in Port Hercule and instantly experience what I like to call a “wealth check.” 🤑 This is especially true because you can’t enter the actual yacht club since it’s private. But, you can walk along the dock and take pictures…maybe use them for a vision board or something lol.
5. Rue Princesse Caroline
When you’re done envisioning your dream super yacht and admiring the view, make your way over to Rue Princesse Caroline. This street is gorgeous and lined with all kinds of souvenir shops and restaurants! You’ll even find some pretty unique and mesmerizing art installations.
I recommend grabbing lunch and ice cream here as you’ll have plenty of options. Plus, you’re going to want to make sure you’re fueled for the rest of what’s in store. And in case you’re wondering, I honestly thought the food and wine weren’t that expensive and there was a good selection, even some Niçoise specialties!
In fact, I distinctly remember being surprised at how reasonable the prices were and how fair the portion sizes were. You would think that one of the world’s wealthiest countries would charge the most astronomical prices, but nope. Switzerland is intent on keeping that title. 😅
6. Gateway to Rock
After you’ve filled up and are ready to keep moving, walk about 8 minutes until you reach the Gateway to Rock. This is a ramp that leads back to the top part of Monaco, so you can expect a good amount of uphill walking. I know — walking uphill isn’t fun, but keep in mind that the best views are from above! So feel free to stop often to take in the incredible views. You can even do a mini photoshoot like my friends and I did if there’s no one around.
Also, you’ll get a strong sense of how compact and dense Monaco is. For example, you’ll notice that most of the buildings in Monaco are essentially skyscrapers, minus the ones in Monaco’s Old Town. This is because every square inch of space matters and is prime real estate.
In terms of size, Monaco is only 499 acres or 0.76mi² in terms of area! This makes it the second smallest country in Europe, second to Vatican City. Although, both make another tiny principality I’ve visited, Andorra, look humongous!
Moreover, because of Monaco’s petite size, there is nothing for them to export. They have no natural resources to offer other countries. As such, what drives their economy is tourism. This is part of the reason why it’s so easy to get in and out of Monaco, and there are large sporting events held here, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo tournament. They need to attract tourists!
7. Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Once you reach the top, there are a few different things to see. The first one is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, locally called the Le Palais des Princes de Monaco! It’s where Prince Albert II of Monaco and his family reside.
From the outside, the palace doesn’t look like much of a Palace if I’m being honest lol. It’s pretty sparse, asymmetrical due to its placement on top of the cliff, and just not that visually attractive. If you’re wondering why this might be, here’s a brief look at the history.
Originally, the Palace was a fortress, built in 1191 and used primarily for war purposes. However, by the end of the 13th century, the Grimaldi family took over and claimed it as their own. Pretty much since then, minus a brief approximately 20-year period where the French seized the Palace, the Grimaldi family has lived there and ruled over Monaco.
Another reason why this Palace is nothing like the other European palaces is because of Monaco’s lack of space. There’s no place or space to build a new palace, which means this one has been in use for over 700 years by the same family!
Meanwhile, other European powers were able to erect new palaces whenever they pretty much wanted to. Hence why other palaces in places like Stockholm or Oslo look much more impressive.
If you want to visit, the palace is seasonally open to the public from April until mid-October. Some of the places you’ll have access to include the State Apartments, several Italian Renaissance frescos, and my personal favorite, The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco for any car lovers and Formula 1 fans out there! You can book tickets on the official site.
8. Panoramic View of Monaco
Right next to the Prince’s Palace is one of two amazing viewpoints! This one is the first one you’ll technically encounter from the ramp and is on the left side when your back is to the Palace. Here, you’ll get an amazing view of the city, all the yachts packed in the harbor, as well as the Mediterranean Sea in all its glory! This is a great spot to take some really beautiful photos and just admire the beauty of Monaco.
9. Vue panoramique sur Fontvieille
Then, on the other side of the Palace, you’ll find another viewpoint. It’s the same kind of vibes haha, but still absolutely delightful to spend a few moments admiring. The only difference is that you’ll be overlooking a different harbor, which has a different set of yachts! Cause there’s never enough space for all the super yachts of the hyper-wealthy! Tough problems…I know!
10. Cathédrale de Monaco
Just a 5-minute walk away from the Palace and two previously mentioned viewpoints is the Cathédrale de Monaco or Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral dates back to 1875 and is constructed out of white stone from La Turbie, which is a nearby commune.
It’s the official cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco and features stunning Romanesque architecture, which in my brutally honest opinion, is more impressive than the Palace Additionally, several members of the Grimaldi family have been laid to rest here, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III.
Visitors are welcomed free of charge, but you do have to cover your shoulders. Inside there is a lot of artwork, sculptures, frescos, and a great altar! So, it’s worth spending a couple of minutes walking around inside, especially with its fantastic price tag — ✨free✨! 😉
11. Museé Océanographique de Monaco
Another spot you won’t want to miss out on visiting is the Museé Océanographique de Monaco, which is essentially a museum and an aquarium rolled into one! Inside, you’ll get to see a wide range of sea creatures, including lots of jellyfish, turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and even a few endangered species! There’s even a section that has a bunch of waste inside the aquarium. This is meant to show the impact of pollution and climate change on our environment, and a part I appreciate.
And of course, like most places in Monaco, the location of the museum features lovely views of the coast! Speaking of, you can catch a great view of Monaco’s cityscape on the top floor terrace when you’re done walking around the main museum and aquarium areas! The museum is open every day from 10 AM – 6 PM and is well worth a visit!
✅ 🐠 Purchase your ticket for the Museé Océanographique de Monaco!
12. Frame – Photo Point
Before you make your way back to the Casino or train station, I recommend walking another 5 minutes to the Frame! It’s a massive frame with a marvelous view of the French Rivera, which makes for a lovely place to take a couple of pictures. There are also some nice benches to rest on because I’m willing to bet your feet are ready for a break like mine were.
Also, this isn’t that important or anything but try and use the water faucets that are near one of the benches. 😂 Maybe my friends and I are just dumb or something (very possible), but for the life of us, we couldn’t figure out how to get a consistent stream of water! Do you just spin the handle consistently? Or is there a sweet spot you have to hit? I don’t know, but it was pretty amusing!
Oh! And if you wanna see something that’s kind of cool and mildly creepy, try to walk by the Manteau de la Conscience by Anna Chromy on your way over from the Museé Océanographique de Monaco! It’s just a small art piece that reminds me of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol.
13. Gamble at Monte Carlo Casino
By now, it’s probably early evening if not nighttime, making it the perfect time to have some fun! So, the last stop for this one-day in Monaco itinerary is the Monte Carlo Casino where you can try your hand at the slot machines, tables, or whatever your gambling pleasure may be!
To enter, you will have to be dressed appropriately, this means you have to look relatively well put together. For example, I discovered the hard way that flip-flops are not allowed inside…🙃
Additionally, there is an entrance fee to play casino games. When I went, it was €17, but that’s subject to change. I’d also like to point out that I think it’s a little funny that they make you start at a €17 deficit before you even hit the slot machines or tables… *bank account cries*. You can see the most up-to-date information on the rules for entering the casino here on the official site.
Fun Fact: Citizens of Monaco, also known as people who are Monegasque, are not allowed to gamble in the casinos! This is probably because they know that the ultra rich will no longer be the top 1% if they gamble away all their money!
Map of One Day in Monaco Itinerary
As promised, here is a map showing you the locations of all the places I just recommended above. You can use it to follow along the itinerary I created or use it to form your own walking route as you explore Monaco!
🇲🇨 NOTE: I know there are 14 numbers, but #4 is just there for navigational purposes. It’s only a tunnel that I recommend walking through on your way to the Yacht Club de Monaco from the Princess Grace Japanese Garden!
Best Time to Visit Monaco
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, the best time to visit Monaco is during May, June, September, and October. During these months, the average high temperature is in the 60’s to mid-70s °F so it’s quite pleasant. There are also fewer crowds since it’s technically shoulder season and you’ll hopefully avoid all the throngs of people that make their way over during the summer.
I visited Monaco in June and September, and both times it was delightful. The weather was perfect and everything was flourishing. Of course, though, Monaco is an incredibly beautiful place regardless of the weather, so no matter when you go, you’ll be sure to have a great time!
🇲🇨 NOTE: If you’re like me and want to splurge a little to spend a night or two in Monaco, here are the most opulent hotels in Monaco that will make your money and time worth it!
Tips for Visiting Monaco
To ensure you have the best possible experience while discovering Monaco, here are a few things to keep in mind!
- 🛂 Bring Your Passport: You are crossing country borders and while there isn’t a formal passport check at the train station or if you go on a private tour, you will be asked to show your passport if you want to see the inside of the Monte Carlo Casino. This includes if you want to see the free areas.
- 👗 Wear Nicer Clothes: I recommend wearing nicer clothes. I mean aside from fitting in better and creating a more realistic illusion that you could live here, you won’t be turned away from fancy restaurants or the Monte-Carlo casino 🙂
- 👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes: Unless you plan on spending all your time at the casino or sitting down, make sure you wear very comfortable shoes. Monaco is mountainous and there’s lots of uphill walking. Remember, the goal is to leave with more money than you entered with, not with less money and blisters!
- 💧Bring Water: Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle! You’ll likely be walking around a fair bit, sweat a little, and want to avoid dehydration. As mentioned earlier, there are water faucets around the city.
- 🍎 Bring Snacks: Similarly to water, bring snacks! Monaco is known for its seafood and fine dining but it can get a bit pricy. I recommend packing some snacks like granola bars or fresh fruit from a grocery store in Nice and taking it with yah. You never know when hunger will strike.
Where to Stay in Nice
In case you haven’t booked your housing, I recommend checking out these places in Nice. They are based on my personal experience as well as my extensive outside research and diving deep into *guest reviews*. I know not everyone has time to go down the rabbit hole or spend hours researching, so hopefully, this makes it easier for you 🙂
Low-Cost Stays
- The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — lovely 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hotel Palais Saleya — amazing 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Le Negresco — iconic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
You can also use these buttons to go directly to your favorite booking platform and find housing yourself.
Alternatively, feel free to utilize the map below to scroll around. It shows you all kinds of housing options across various booking platforms with current prices and their exact location. For the most up-to-date prices, I suggest entering your travel dates 🙂
Nice to Monaco Day Trip: FAQ
Even though Nice and Monaco are quite comparable to one another, Monaco is well worth visiting! No place in the world does it like Monaco. And while this post outlines how to day trip, I would say it’s even worth splurging for a luxurious weekend getaway at one of their opulent hotels if you want to immerse yourself in the extravagant lifestyle of the hyper-rich! This is what I did and it was unforgettable in all the best ways!
As this post explains, you can easily day trip to Monaco from Nice by either going on a guided tour or riding the local train!
The distance from Nice to Monaco is about 13 miles or almost 21 km.
There isn’t a small boat that you can line up for to go from Nice to Monaco… But, you can ride a ferry from Nice to Monaco. Or, you can opt for a little boat tour along the French Riviera, such as this private tour that sails off the coast of Nice and Monaco. There are options yanno! 🤠
The train from Nice to Monaco is very scenic! With a window seat, you can admire the turquoise coastline and see the local houses dotting the mountainside.
Honestly, I didn’t think Monaco was that expensive. If anything, my friends and I thought it was cheaper than most large cities in Europe, such as Paris, Geneva, and Milan, which were worse. I only spent $14 on a salad bowl for lunch, just to give you an idea haha.
Wrap-Up: Nice to Monaco Day Trip (2024)
Monaco is famous for its stunning coastline, high-end fashion, obscenely rich residents, and, of course, the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. And if you’re staying in Nice, popping over to Monaco is an easy excursion you won’t want to miss out on! After all, wandering through the beautiful streets of this extravagant country was one of the highlights of my trip to Europe, and it’s something I often recommend to all my friends visiting Nice.
Not to mention, whether you’re traveling to Nice on a strict budget or desire a more stress-free visit, you have plenty of options for doing a Nice to Monaco day trip! Regardless of which way you decide to travel to Monaco, I hope this post has been insightful and wish you a wonderful time exploring the French Riviera!
Discover More About France
- 🏰 Toulouse: Staying in Toulouse and looking for fun activities to add to your itinerary? Travel to the historic city of Carcassonne. This UNESCO heritage site has the world’s most well-preserved medieval fortress and will transport you back hundreds of years!
- 🗼Paris: Thinking of heading to Paris but unsure if it’s right for you? Here’s what most blogs won’t warn you about and what to consider about the French Capital before you go! And if you need some recommendations, a couple of my favorite activities over the years include visiting Monet’s gardens, touring the Paris Opera House, and exploring this little museum!
- 🍷 Lyon: Are you a lover of wine headed to Lyon? Be sure to do a bit of wine tasting in the famed Beaujolais wine region!