007 Vibes and Flaming Crêpes in Monaco & Menton

We set off for a sunny, stunning sail along the Riviera with glass-blue water, postcard-perfect coastline, and sailboats dotting the horizon. Unfortunately, the breeze didn’t do much at around 5 knots for most of the trip, so we motor-sailed most of the way into Menton. The glassy morning seas, however, did turn Kora’s deck into the perfect floating yoga studio for Buzz!

Must say we absolutely loved the marina in Menton! Wide berths, well protected, nestled against gorgeous mountains, just steps from groceries, two chandleries, and restaurants, and close to the train station for easy transport to nearby cities in France, Monaco, and Italy. Add affordable rates, and it’s easily a 5-star stop! Mental note: to return here if we ever pass by again.

We made a side trip to Monaco, where the harbor gleamed with superyachts. Walking along the water, we traced the path of the recent Formula One Grand Prix (held May 26 this year) – imagining the cars tearing down the hill and crossing the finish line just above the marina. 

We wandered up to the Monte Carlo Casino, only to discover you need your passport to enter the table and slot machine area (oops). But the bar welcomed us with open arms and velvet seats. Cocktails in that setting? A mix of James Bond, Gatsby, and a pinch of impostor syndrome. But we sipped our cocktails with just enough confidence to fake it convincingly.

Back in Menton, we strolled the charming streets and sat down to dinner with a view of the sea. Dinner was delicious from start to finish, but the desserts stole the show: a zesty lemon candied shell filled with white chocolate mousse and a fiery, liqueur-soaked crêpe flambée.

Strolling back toward the old town along the pebbled beach, we couldn’t help but note that the beach, while beautiful to look at, must be brutal underfoot. Pretty sure Ainsley, Em & Kaitlyn would take one step, turn around, and declare a hard NO to beach volleyball on that surface! 

We soaked in the magic of Menton as we walked back to the marina, even spotting some of the classic calçada portuguesa in the footpaths that we had come to know and love during our travels in Portugal last year .

With the winds looking nearly non-existent the next day, we happily decided to stay put and soak up more of this magical town. Besides, if we’d pushed on under power, we might have to rename the blog MotoringKora! … and that just doesn’t have the same ring to it!

Making the most of the extra day … Doug and Buzz kicked off the morning with a scenic 5-mile run – just your average jog across the border to Italy and back!

By early evening, we wandered up into Menton’s medieval Old Town, a maze of pastel façades and quiet alleys perched above the sea. At its heart stands the Basilique Saint-Michel, with its striking 18th-century bell tower rising over tiled rooftops. Once caught between Monaco and the Genoese Republic, Menton didn’t officially become part of France until the 1860s – its streets still carry a graceful blend of French charm and Italian soul.