Le Petit PRINCE

Surrounded by culture and history in Monaco, one solo traveller falls in love with the pristine country.

- CHANDREYEE RAY

In the country of Monaco, you’ll find the heart of a small town. Small it certainly is—with a total area of 2.1 square kilometres, Monaco is one of the smallest sovereign states in the world, second only after Vatican City. With over 36,000 inhabitants, the country also happens to be the most densely populated.

Yet, thanks to slick urban planning and a geographical landscape that allows it to build upwards (often directly into hills and cliffs) rather than outwards, rarely when walking down the serene streets do you get the sense that Monaco is crowded. Often, you feel alone in your own world.

When I arrived for my week-long stay in autumn last year, the weather was hovering around 16 degrees in the daytime. In the afternoon, it was pleasantly cool walking down the streets in a light jacket and unlined trousers, especially with the golden rays of sunshine gently warming my back.

As evening fell, the temperature would dip below six degrees. This was the time of day when the ladies of Monaco would be out in their best—Chanel tweed jackets and woollen Burberry coats were paired with smart blouses and silk skirts. On their feet, you’d see sheer stockings tucked into stylish stilettos.