Take a day trip to Monaco

Soak up some Monégasque glamour
Noteworthy for: Packed into less than two square kilometres, this tax-free haven is the world's second-smallest nation, after Vatican City.

Word to the wise: If time permits, follow the shaded streets from the palace to the magnificent Cathedral Saint Nicolas where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III married in 1956.
Just 20 minutes by train from Nice-Ville, this sovereign state is so accessible it'd be mad not to pop in for a snoop. Alighting from the Gare de Monaco, follow signs to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Lack of a dress code in public rooms detract from the James Bond-esque glamour of the luxurious, belle époque jewel in the Côte d'Azur, but head on in and blow EUR 10 on the roulette table – you only live twice.

Big-time gamblers play in salons privés, but you can see their toys gleaming in the drive or shimmering in port - take the path or free elevator behind the casino to ogle at the multi-billion dollar fleet of superyachts docked shoulder-to-shoulder facing Boulevard Albert 1er, which doubles as a Formula One racetrack. Don't miss Prince Albert II's palace, perched on le Rocher "the Rock" above.

Bus 100 will also get you here. Drivers, take coastal highway 88.