Monaco has no concept that boats get as small as Walkaway and, despite being met by Phil Topping, we were turned away from the marina. We then back-tracked to Port Cap D'Ail (France but a two minute walk from Monaco) where the staff could not have been nicer and we were warmly welcomed. Having negotiated a berth with the young lady in charge, Phil then stepped in and managed to get himself a berth for the winter - a highly productive venture.

The delightful lady in the office collects Euros from around the Euro Zone. She told us that the most prized possession is a Vatican Euro. If you can provide her one of those you are assured of her eternal gratitude!! and probably a berth for the season.

Phil and Connie Topping could not have been kinder to us. Here we are on the first of our two dinings with them, here in a local waterfront restaurant for lunch and later in a hill top restaurant in France commanding the most superb views overlooking Monacco.

Indeed it is remarkable transiting from France, with small pretty villages scattering the hills to Monaco where every square inch supports concrete.

Below Cafe de Paris from seaward and the inevitable heliport.