If you’re dreaming of luxury, spontaneity, and unforgettable experiences, a glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend might just be the trip you didn’t know you needed. I recently took a solo journey from Milan to the South of France, perfectly timed with the Monaco Grand Prix and the closing weekend of the Cannes Film Festival. From private beach lunches to spontaneous friendships and red-carpet energy, this was a trip that embodied the true spirit of Riviera glamour.
The Journey Begins: Milan to Nice in Style
I started my adventure on a Friday afternoon, catching the 17:00 train from Milan to Nice. While it was a longer ride—just under 7 hours—I traveled first class, which made all the difference. Spacious seats, a peaceful atmosphere, and gorgeous Alpine views made the journey feel indulgent rather than tedious. First-class tickets start around €59.50 if booked in advance through platforms like Trainline.
Arriving in Nice just before midnight, I checked into my hotel and prepped for an action-packed weekend.
Day 1: Monaco – Formula 1 Thrills and New Connections
I woke up early and caught a quick 21-minute train from Nice to Monaco, which costs approximately €5.90. While finding the right platform, I met a fellow solo traveler from New York who was also trying to navigate her way to Monaco. We instantly clicked, one of those serendipitous moments that reminds you why solo travel is so powerful. You may start your journey alone, but you rarely end it that way.
As we had different itineraries, she went about doing her own thing, and I did my own thing too, but we decided to meet later, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.
A Surprise Invite: VIP Red Bull Pool Party
As if the day couldn’t get any more surreal, shortly after arriving in Monte Carlo, I got invited to a VIP Red Bull pool party where I could partly see the race. Totally unplanned and completely spontaneous, just the kind of magic that seems to follow you in Monaco during Grand Prix weekend.
The vibe was unmatched: upbeat music, a bit of the view of the race, and an ultra-exclusive guest list. The pool shimmered under the Riviera sun, with beautiful people everywhere, and to top it off, unlimited food and drinks, all complimentary. Think gourmet finger food, flowing cocktails, and Red Bull (naturally) in every form. It was the kind of party you don’t plan for, you just find yourself in.
Moments like these are what define a glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend, where spontaneity and luxury collide in the best way possible.
Formula 1 from Café de Paris
Monaco was electric. Supercars roared past, helicopters hovered, and champagne corks popped from every balcony. I reconnected with my new friend at Café de Paris, where we got a spot upstairs with a perfect view of the Grand Prix circuit, then later went downstairs to enjoy our drinks. Watching Formula 1 from Café de Paris is an experience unlike any other, glamorous, thrilling, and unapologetically indulgent.
The energy was surreal. With the track just meters away, we could feel the rumble of engines beneath our feet. It was like watching history in motion, but with champagne in hand and surrounded by fashionably dressed spectators.
Dinner & Party at Buddha-Bar Monaco
That evening, we made our way to Buddha-Bar. If you’re planning a glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend, make sure this spot is on your list. Dinner here is a full experience. Asian fusion cuisine served in a stunning space filled with golden Buddha statues and candlelight.
But what makes Buddha-Bar special is what happens after dinner. As the lights dim, the DJ takes over and the space transforms into a luxe lounge party. With cocktails flowing and the crowd dancing, it’s the perfect way to end a high-octane day in Monaco.
Day 2: Cannes – Closing Day of the Film Festival
After grabbing a mimosa in Nice, I hopped on a train to Cannes. The ride took just over 30 minutes and cost about €9.40. Stepping into Cannes during the film festival is like walking into a dream. The entire city radiates elegance and excitement.
Red Carpets and Riviera Energy
The atmosphere alone was intoxicating. Paparazzi lined the red carpet, luxury yachts filled the harbor, and actors, models, and directors moved through the city like it was their personal runway. Just being there made you feel part of something iconic.
Lunch at La Môme Plage
For lunch, I headed to La Môme Plage, one of Cannes’ most stylish beach clubs. With white linen umbrellas, plush sunbeds, and a view that stretched across the glittering Mediterranean, it was peak Riviera living. I had sushi and civiche with Aperol Spritz and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon alone before meeting my new friend later for dinner.
Dinner at the Carlton Hotel’s Riviera Restaurant
For our final evening together, we dressed up for dinner at the iconic Carlton Hotel. Their Riviera Restaurant is an institution, luxury without pretension, elegance with edge. As we dined on fresh burrata and truffle risotto under twinkling lights, we couldn’t help but reflect on the serendipity of it all.
If you’re curating a glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend, ending the day here is a must.
Day 3: Nice – A Slower, Sun-Kissed Stroll
On my final day, I decided to slow things down and soak up the beauty of Nice solo. After two adrenaline-fueled days, a gentle stroll through the city’s pastel-painted streets was exactly what I needed.
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Next, I wandered into Vieux Nice. The contrast from Monaco and Cannes was refreshing, colorful markets, baroque architecture, the scent of fresh Socca and lavender. I grabbed a scoop of local gelato and admired the slower, more grounded side of the Riviera.
Lunch at Bocca Beach Club
To finish off my glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend, I had lunch at Bocca. This trendy beach club offers relaxed luxury at its best. The décor was boho-chic, the food fresh and flavorful, and the vibe unpretentious. It was the perfect full-circle moment, a gentle exhale after a whirlwind weekend.
Why You Should Travel Solo to the French Riviera
This entire trip reminded me of the magic of solo travel. Meeting someone at a train station and ending up at a DJ party in Monaco isn’t something you can plan. It’s something that happens when you leave room for the unexpected.
A glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend is more than an itinerary, it’s a portal into another kind of life. One where you say yes more, where you strike up conversations with strangers, and where every glass of wine tastes like possibility.
Train & Travel Tips
Milan to Nice: Approx. 7 hours, from €59.50 in first class. Book early via Trainline or Trenitalia.
Nice to Monaco: 21 minutes, €5.90.
Nice to Cannes: 34 minutes, €9.40.
Accommodation: Book in advance during high season. Nice is a great base.
Packing Tips: Bring smart casual outfits, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and one outfit for an upscale dinner or party.
Reservations: Essential for dining during major events like F1 and the Film Festival.
Want to explore beyond Monaco, Cannes, and Nice? Check out our Saint Tropez Travel Guide for tips on where to eat, stay, and sunbathe this summer.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a trip; it was a chapter, brief, intense, beautiful. If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Europe’s most glamorous coast at its peak, plan a glamorous 3-day getaway: Monaco, Cannes & Nice during Formula 1 weekend. And if you’re going solo? Even better. Some of the best stories start with a single ticket and an open heart.
PS: Save these two pins for later and come back anytime you are dreaming on the French Riviera.
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