How To Spectate The Monaco Grand Prix

"Bill Caswell" (billcaswell) 04/08/2015 at 16:25 • Filed to: None

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It seems like a lot of you are headed to Monaco this year to watch the Grand Prix. I got a ton of questions on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! about where to find the Tip Top, or where the best place to watch is or how the trains work because of the original article about the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! And the number one question by far: Where is the parking garage that's under the circuit that you crashed in for 20 euros? Hopefully the parking garages don't read Jalopnik or Build Race Party...

So I put together a quick article on where the garage is and got carried away adding my favorite bars in Monaco, where some of the good parties are(the normal ones for non fancy people that anyone can go to) and some extra tips like where I use wifi. Let me know what else I should add as a lot is missing, but it's a good start with maps of Monaco and Nice and pictures of the parties/ bars so you know what to expect.

This video shows a lot of the madness as some of it can't explain with words. It does cover the whole road trip in the Fiesta ST that Ford loaned us but its loaded with Monaco stuff too.

So if you're going to Monaco, check out the the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I read Jalopnik everyday so I'll see any comments here and do my best to explain and answer questions if I'm missing anything.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 16:31

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I'll be there. We've got a table reserved at the Cafe Paris during the race. Friends have watched from there in years past and said good things.

Still weighing up whether to spend 1500 euros/person to go to a big party on a yacht Friday night. At this point signs point to no, but let me know whether you think those super yacht parties are worthwhile.

Bill Caswell > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 04/08/2015 at 16:35

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Smart move on Cafe Paris. I've heard thats a great way to go. Did they have a minimum table charge out of curiosity?

As for the boat, I would say no. Its an expensive price to pay for a photograph... I mean it could be fun but you could rent a ferrari and go rip the col di turini for that price...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 04/08/2015 at 16:42

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Awesome - have fun!

Brian, The Life of > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 17:08

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On a related note, will Chumpcar ever do another Ensenada race? 'Cause that's on my bucket list.

Kris > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 17:41

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I've got tickets this year, staying in Nice. This will be my 3rd Grand Prix and I'd like to think I'm very well versed in the world of finding your way around a circuit in a foreign country.

I remember Ted Kravitz on Sky Sports did this bit on how to do the Monaco Grand Prix on a budget. This became the basis for my trip. Mostly because, ya know, I don't have a 20 million dollar yacht...

alexotics > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 17:45

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Hey Bill,

Great write-up! I've been to the Monaco F1 twice without ever buying a ticket. Both times I stayed at a hostel in Nice close to the train station, where I'd hop on (for free, because no one checks), then walk down from the Monte-Carlo train station to one of two prime (and free!!!!!!) locations:

1) Just past the Casino curve, there's a pedestrian bridge overtop of the very narrow section. Next to this bridge there's a statue. Climb either the statue or the bridge (sit on the steps) and you'll be inches away from the F1 cars.

2) Walk down towards the Fairmont Hairpin and towards the tunnel. Right at the entrance of the tunnel there is a grand stand but since they don't fence the section between the tunnel and the water, you can actually squeeze in between and just watch the race, free of charge. Standing room only, however.

Here were some shots I was able to take. And for a cheap meal, hit up the McDonalds which is tucked between the tunnel and the Fairmont. Also, free wifi and a washroom.

the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:22

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I watched the Monaco Grand Prix from the ramparts up above the cars. (About where "Neuve" is printed on that JPG.) I was right next to the low wall with a fantastic view. If I left I would lose my spot, so me no budge. Before the race there was a slight shower. That meant I stood there wet (well, I dried finally) for seven hours to see the race.

It was completely worth it.

Bill Caswell > alexotics 04/08/2015 at 18:22

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now that is a comment! I'll add your tips to the article if that's ok? With credit of course. I forgot about the hostel! I stayed there 19 years ago! It was full when I checked it th week before the race.

Anonymy > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:26

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This is definitely on my to do list. If someone would be so kind to let me know the amount they have budgeted to make this trip from the US, I would truly be grateful. Also, if you used a company like grand prix tours to make reservations, etc.?

freds4hb > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:34

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Brain instantly said, "If Bill didn't write this, screw it, I'm not even paying attention and..... Oh, it's Bill."

#allisrightwiththeworld

Nigel the 968's pilot > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:35

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Unfor

BENK > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:36

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I did Monaco GP in 2011 with some friends. Wonderful time. I also did it on the cheap.

1) Stay in Nice, there are a few hostels right by the beach for very frugal price, you can even get ensuites with your own bathroom. These include breakfast and usually have a bar with cheap drinks/simple food.

2) La Rocher. It is the cheapest ticket, however keep in mind you can't do like Ted Kravits and just sit down. It is very steep and sketchy and so the good seats are up on the road, which fill up quick or have chairs bolted down 2 weeks before. We watched Qualifying and race from there and were squeezed out of our spots even though we brought chairs and showed up each morning at 6am. And don't even consider getting up to go use the bathrooms, you will lose your spot immediately.

I think a grandstand, apartment, or restaurant ticket is worth it, even if on a budget, splurge for that.

3) La Rascasse, Friday night you can walk in free(at least we did) and it is a killer party. Drinks are spendy but it's Monaco, I think Heineken was €8. Saw a few celebrities there as well.

I would like to do it again with my girlfriend, any tips on good deals for apartment or restaurant seats?

My Kids Have Four...Wheels (And Paws) > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:41

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Thanks for the write up! I am definitely going and am hoping to hit up the Stelvio pass on the next day (provided it's open). Jalop/Oppo get together, anyone?

Jeff Glucker > Brian, The Life of 04/08/2015 at 18:42

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They did a race in Ensenada?! That's awesome

BENK > Anonymy 04/08/2015 at 18:44

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In 2011, when the exchange rate was like 1.4 to the US dollar, I did it on about $2500 including flight and made a whole southern Europe vacation out of it.

Flew into Zurich, stayed in hostel for a night.

Train to Nice.

Nice for 3 days, stayed in hostel, train to the race.La Rocher for qual and race.

Train to Barcelona.

Watched MotoGP in Barcelona, stayed in hostel for 4 nights.

Train to Madrid

Madrid for 2 nights, then home.

Shopping at supermarkets and cooking at the hostel kept food on the cheap. Left more money for beer and splurging on a few things like a night of partying in Monaco.

Bill Caswell > My Kids Have Four...Wheels (And Paws) 04/08/2015 at 18:47

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Col di turini and the other monte carlo stages are way better than Stelvio and we found almost every mountain pass closed on the way so I assume Stelvio wouldn't be open either.

My Kids Have Four...Wheels (And Paws) > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:53

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Well...shit. I guess the alternative is the Prince's collection and then the Turin museum on Monday/Tuesday.

Brian, The Life of > Jeff Glucker 04/08/2015 at 18:56

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Yeah, it was a couple years ago. I really, really want it to become a regular thing. It's just like Monaco but, you know, more lemony.

TeamProBono > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 18:58

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Can't I just sit on my couch ($0) and stay in my apartment (about $XX/night), not spend $1500 on a party (really? it better be packed with A-listers and expensive food and alcohol, but, really? $1500?), go out to restaurants where I have to ask for water (it's So.Cal.) and I can leave a giant tip and it'll still be cheaper than the Monaco MickeeDees, not wear a suit or jacket and tie, go barefoot, record P2, Qualifying, and the race and be able to hit pause (and skip commercials) as long as needed (and not cause any engines to overheat)? Do I really have to spend about 12 hours in Cattle Class flying each way?

Fine, I won't actually be there but it's just not in my budget. Fine, TV is not a perfect substitute for being at a motorsports event. Fine, now I'm sad. I can't even make the MotoGP races at COTA this weekend. Fine, now I'm really sad. Go on, rich people! Laugh it up! Have your fun. No, really, laugh it up and have fun!

alexotics > Bill Caswell 04/08/2015 at 19:01

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Thanks, Bill! I'm a huge fan / follower of your lifestyle so I'm quite elated to have you chuck me a reply!

Hostel was called "Hostel Baccarat." It's literally a block from the train station, and only a 10 minute walk from the (rocky) Nice beach and promenade. Here's a link: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Hos…

By the way, I occasionally post to my blog, which you may enjoy. I write about fixing up E30s and road trips and what not. www.alexotics.ca And I post pictures of much of the same on Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexotics_

NeonBlaqk > BENK 04/08/2015 at 19:29

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"A night of partying in Monaco." Y'know, I've done some shit in my life, but that's not one I can lay claim to. Please enjoy my jealousy.

Mr. Blandings > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 00:28

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Monaco isn't in my cards for the near future, however I am attending my first GP in Montreal this year. Any thoughts on that race?

E_Fahlman > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 00:43

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Thanks for sharing Bill. I'm fulfilling a live long dream and going to the race this year along with my wife. Were turning it into a whole European Vacation for 12 days instead of just travelling for the Grand Prix; we dont tend to do things half assed. We've got La Roche for Qualifying and because we didn't make our travel plans till first week of January all the "cheap" Grandstand tickets were already sold. As a result I ponied up the nearly 1500$ CDN for 2 tickets to Grandstand K6 facing the harbour. I'm very excited but also very overwhelmed as neither my wife or have ever been to Europe nor has anyone in my circle of friends been to Monaco during race weekend. Much appreciation on all those small travel tibbits.

Dunnik > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 00:56

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Happy to say been there, done that.

All Oppos must have this on their bucket list. Be sure to go to the Grand Casino and check out the parking lot. You'll see more exotics and supercars than you can shake a stick at.

Bill Caswell > Brian, The Life of 04/09/2015 at 01:38

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Wasn't it like two straightaways with a chicane and hairpins at either end? My friends ran one and it looked like a lame track to be honest. Sure its cool but we can go drink there next week and go wander off to the summit and goat trail in the morning and have way more fun then come back and race Chumpcar at Road America april 18. all in one week....

Bill Caswell > E_Fahlman 04/09/2015 at 01:41

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Oh wow! I wish we could message each other on Kinja... find me on Facebook. I spend a lot of time in Europe. And know that things are way different with a wife, no matter how cool she is. Maybe find me on Facebook or twitter and let me know the rest of your schedule and I'll do what I can to help.

Are you staying in Nice? There are some amazingly romantic places in old town that make home made pasta and little wine bars with candles everywhere and some other cool stuff I can dig up that didn't seem appropriate for a jalopnik to the monaco GP guide.

Bill Caswell > Mr. Blandings 04/09/2015 at 01:48

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Yeah! I did that the week after monaco in 2012! But....I was a guest of a team and not the team I partied with in Monaco. But they both found me and told me about the secret afterparty. I drank with Kimi finally and it was lame. I know. I was bummed. But the other drivers were awesome and the engineers (mechanics) were just like us - except they wrench on F1 cars instead of rusted out E30's. It was one of the best weekends of my life.

Anyway we had a driver that dropped us at the track and took us everywhere. My experience was unusual. Amazing almost. So my guide to montreal would look like a tour of the best restaurants in montreal. I know a bit about the night life there but others would be in a better position to share.

and yes I went from sleeping in my car at monaco to guest of a team and drinking with the drivers at the next race. The best was the pit walk when the entire crew of one of the teams I partied with at Monaco came out to the rope and my friend freaked out. I dont think we are supposed to be here. we must be doing something wrong.... then they were like CASWELL!!! what are you doing here??? And my friend was like how do you know the pit crew for.... long story I guess. But I got watch qualifying from the team garage on headphones will they made adjustments on the fly. If only I could really share everything I saw that weekend.

Brian, The Life of > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 01:50

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I don't know, TBH. But it's a street race with $500 beaters. Mexico is a crazy place but even there it'd be a stretch to have a highly technical track when the run off areas are people's living rooms and businesses. Besides, it's a street race in Mexico; the track doesn't matter because you've got no choice but have a metric shit ton of fun! ;)

Bill Caswell > TeamProBono 04/09/2015 at 03:00

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You can do whatever you want. Its your life. And I used to watch a lot of racing from my sofa. But there is nothing better than watching a race in person. you can see the recording when you get home....

And yes a ticket to Europe is expensive. But so are many things in life. Its a matter of trade off's. I dont even keep my own apartment anymore so Im more free to play with cars and go on adventures. Its not a great solution but I get to keep seeing races. As for trade off's? I once sold my dream car for once race...for one memory or experience.

Bill Caswell > alexotics 04/09/2015 at 03:09

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Thanks! That wasn't the hostel I stayed at and I would consider that a hotel compared to the place I was thinking of! Cool blog btw!!! This looks like a pretty cool day!

UncleWalty > Kris 04/09/2015 at 09:32

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I hate to break it to you, but a $20m yacht will barely get you access to the harbour in Monaco. $50m-$500m+ is more like it. Insanity.

Kris > UncleWalty 04/09/2015 at 10:38

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Sounds like playing a game like, "Guess how much this costs? Ok, take that number and double it, then double it again..."

It's difficult to compete with people who've been part of families who've accumulated wealth for centuries.

E_Fahlman > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 12:14

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Thanks for the reply man. I'll defenitly find you on facebook this evening and message you. Any other travel tips would be greatly appreciated.

homebrewED > BENK 04/09/2015 at 14:31

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Great info, especially about the exchange rate. People forget about that and the costs can vary by as much as 20% if you catch the exchange rate at the right/wrong time. When I did a big month long Euro trip a few years back, I monitored the exchange rate for about 3-4 months and exchanged my money at what I thought would be the best rate. So instead of buying say 5000 Euros for the trip, I was able to buy something like 5600 Euros for the same amount of Dollar$.

Gabor Vajda (@Gabor_V) > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 15:02

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I did the Monte Carlo rally earlier this year: http://gaborvajda.kinja.com/the-hills-are-…

TeamProBono > Bill Caswell 04/09/2015 at 15:51

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Oops, sorry. (No delete button?)

Deputy Kovacs > Bill Caswell 04/22/2015 at 18:45

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I understand how much you can’t say about all of this since it’s pretty exclusive, but what are your connections like to get in that spot and whose hand do you have shake (or blow) to get in there? Is it just a money thing, or can you meet the right people down the line?

Rassss > TeamProBono 04/26/2015 at 18:08

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You have Netflix! We do not!

TeamProBono > Rassss 04/27/2015 at 16:18

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No, I don’t. But I do have whichever CBSSN/NBCSN/FOXSN channel does broadcast it.