A practical guide for visiting Paris without spending a fortune.
On a Dime Destinations
Monaco Grand Prix
No, that’s not a typo. It is possible to have a Formula 1 experience in Monaco without spending a fortune. I know, because I've done it.
As soon as I knew I was moving to Paris I decided to see if there was any way I could see some Formula 1 in Monaco without breaking the bank. By planning in advance I was able to purchase round-trip 1st class train tickets from Paris to Nice for 80.00€ on the iDTGV. The cheapest tickets for this trip are 50€ in 2nd class.
Instead of booking a hotel, where prices can be inflated due to the race and the nearby Cannes Film Festival I decided to look for rooms available on Airbnb. I found a lovely room in house in the hills above Ventimiglia, Italy – a short distance from Monaco. I had a $50 credit at Airbnb so the total price of my room for 3 nights, including breakfast, was $60.00 (about 67.00€). But I would need a car to get there.
Breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean
Next I checked AutoEurope and surprisingly found a 3-day rental for $45.00 (about 50.00€). I choose to pick up and drop off the car at a city location to avoid paying the surcharge at an airport or train station location. I figured that I it was worth it to walk 15 minutes to save 40.00€.
After doing some research online I decided to wait until I was in Monaco to purchase tickets to see the Thursday practice, since there was little advantage to purchasing in advance. Ticket price 70.00€.
Sunset, looking towards Monaco
Here’s what I spent for my 3-night trip:
Round-trip train ticket from Paris 80.00€
Airbnb Room 67.00€
AutoEurope Car Rental 50.00€
American Express Insurance for Car 23.00€
Tolls/Gas 10.00€
Meals 60.00€
Miscellaneous 50.00€
Trip Total 340.00€
My room with a view
Resources:
Train – www.capitainetrain.com
Airbnb, Message in a Bottle - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3959703?s=tQL6
AutoEurope - http://www.autoeurope.com/
Via Michelin maps and driving directions - www.viamichelin.com
Monaco Motor Club, F1 ticket information - http://www.formula1monaco.com/