151 replies to this topic

[Macca]

It is quite possible that I might finally go there next year, so I would be most grateful for up-to-date tips on travel, accommodation, accessibility, viewing points and costs from experienced TNFers.

 

 

Paul M

[Ray Bell]

I'm also planning on going...

Information on details will certainly be welcome for me too.

[Sharman]

Unless you are very rich don't stay in Monaco, try Nice or Menton both of which are a very short (and cheap) rail trip from the centre of town.

Edited by Sharman, 06 December 2015 - 22:33.

[Barry Boor]

As far as I can tell, yet again the prices of the grandstands has not changed. This has been the case for about four Historiques in succession.

We pay 45 euros or thereabouts for two days. Saturday is in the Casino Square and Sunday in the big stand between Tabac and the swimming pool. If you get there early you can get up the very back where you can peer over the back of the stand and look down onto the front few rows of the grid.

There are several cheap and cheerful hotels near to Nice station. I have stayed there several times. Very handy for the journey into the Principality. However, last year and again next year I will be in Menton at the Royal Westminster hotel. Not cheap but then I will have my young lady with me this time so I have to aim a bit higher.

Finally, unless they change the system, entry to the paddock area is totally unrestricted and is possibly the best feature of the whole business.

[Cirrus]

I've stayed in Menton with several others in the Pierre et Vacances at Les Rivages du Parc - cheap and just a few minutes from the station. Train to Monaco is about 12 minutes. When you're in Monaco, take the time to go up to the old town (via the escalators from the Pecheurs car park) - but watch out for the car park barriers eh Barry?

[Ray Bell]

So we can look forward to finally meeting you, Barry?

I'll be looking to camping, as I will for all of my trip around Europe. I do understand that it will probably pay to go to Monaco by train rather than drive, but I think I can work that out.

€45? I guess I can cope with that.

When I went to Monaco in '81 I got to the top of the stand looking over the other side of the pool, around La Rascasse, which gave good viewing of the run from the Chicane, out of the swimming pool, and onto the start-finish straight. But the best place to watch, I think, is the run down from Casino Square over those humps in the road. But you wouldn't want to stand there all day.

[Librules]

A friend and I stayed at a nice campground/caravan park in Nice in 2014, Ray.  It was within walking distance of the station, but there is an uphill stroll on the return journey....  I can't remember it's name but Google is your friend.

[Roger Clark]

Finally, unless they change the system, entry to the paddock area is totally unrestricted and is possibly the best feature of the whole business.

I didn't go last year and things may have changed, but I thought that we could only get into the paddock on days when there was no activity on the track.

[Barry Boor]

That may be so, Roger. But I think paddock access is available after track sessions have ended.

Are you likely to go in 2016?

[Ray Bell]

I hope so, we can have a bit of time together...

How much does it cost to claw at the thorny runners to stabilise yourself up on the cliffs?

[Barry Boor]

Not sure, Ray, but my suspicion is, nothing.

[Barry Boor]

I just checked the booking page of the ACM and once again, a two-day ticket is indeed 45 euros.

[Barry Boor]

I just checked the booking page of the ACM and once again, a two-day ticket is indeed 45 euros.

[Barry Boor]

I just checked the booking page of the ACM and once again, a two-day ticket is indeed 45 euros.

[Barry Boor]

I just checked the booking page of the ACM and once again, a two-day ticket is indeed 45 euros.

[Ray Bell]

You're shouting for all of us, Barry?

Most generous of you!

[Alan Cox]

That may be so, Roger. But I think paddock access is available after track sessions have ended.

Are you sure, Barry? I thought that, in 2014, access was quite strictly policed.

 

However, I don't think that 45 euros can be considered too exorbitant for two-day access to a major historic meeting these days.

 

Sadly no pre-war race next year, so no celebration of the early days of the GP, but a one-make Ferrari race for post-1955 Sports and GT cars with front engine and drum brakes from 1955 - what has that got to do with Monaco GP history

[Sharman]

I can't remember the name of the restaurant in the paddock and having just moved house I can't find things at the moment, but if you book lunch there it allows access to the paddock (bit pricey but one has to eat somewhere)

[Roger Clark]

 

 

Sadly no pre-war race next year, so no celebration of the early days of the GP, but a one-make Ferrari race for post-1955 Sports and GT cars with front engine and drum brakes from 1955 - what has that got to do with Monaco GP history

There is I believe a demonstration of pre-war cars.  A poor substitute, I know.

 

The link between Ferrari cars (of any type) and Monaco GP history is, no doubt, money.

[Peter Morley]

The link between Ferrari cars (of any type) and Monaco GP history is, no doubt, money.

And hype!

[Ray Bell]

It's funny about the Ferrari thing...

My good friend Bob Levett went to Monaco just once. And watched Niki Lauda win. I went once. And saw Villeneuve's determined victory.

[raceannouncer2003]

I've stayed in Menton with several others in the Pierre et Vacances at Les Rivages du Parc - cheap and just a few minutes from the station. Train to Monaco is about 12 minutes. When you're in Monaco, take the time to go up to the old town (via the escalators from the Pecheurs car park) - but watch out for the car park barriers eh Barry?

 

We've gone twice and stayed at the Pierre et Vacances at Cap d'Ail, "next door" to Monaco.  Longer-term, but reasonable.  From there, we would take the countless steps down to the coast road to catch the bus.  One Euro between Nice and Menton, and stops at least twice near the track.

 

Vince H.

[P.Dron]

There are several cheap hotels - and some excellent restaurants - in Villefranche, between Nice and Monaco. And it's a short train ride.

Edited by P.Dron, 10 December 2015 - 15:48.

[Macca]

OK, thanks all for the information here. So the basic 45 euros for two days gives access to all the stands, is that right? Would I need to book now to avoid disappointment? Do they post tickets or send e-tickets or what to un rosbif?

 

Is it possible to move around from stand to stand during the day? Are there also standing areas where there aren't stands?

 

Is the Old Town the high bit above the Gasworks Hairpin where the palace is?

 

I am thinking of train to Nice rather than plane, seems cheaper and still quite quick; then local train to Menton or Villefranche or Beaulieu to stay in.

 

 

Paul M

[Barry Boor]

No, Paul, you have to specify which grandstands you want.

The smaller stands require booking fairly early. The big one we go into on Sunday is never that close to full.

They send the tickets to you or you can buy them right there on the day but again, the smaller stands will probably be full by then.

Edited by Barry Boor, 13 December 2015 - 20:46.

[Macca]

​

Is the 'Tribunes' list against the main GP price list the grandstands (not just enclosures), and are they all the same for the historics?

 

Some are obvious corner names but some I don't know, such as the ones that start 'Piscine'; are those on the swimming-pool section? Also 'Halage', I haven't heard of that.

 

One place I definitely want to be on one day is Casino, is that a small stand?  Maybe also Ste Devote.

 

Sorry to ask so many questions, feel free to PM me anybody.

 

 

Paul M 

[Thundersports]

I bought mine here http://acm.mc/en/gra...aco-historique/

If you click on the stands it gives you an impression of the wiew you get. I had to contact them by phone and they spoke good English and were very helpful.

 

Any tips for getting lunch there without getting a new Mortgage?

[Barry Boor]

There are small booths selling filled baguettes at very sensible prices near all the grandstands.

[Macca]

I've booked my ticket for Saturday at Casino Square and Sunday at Quai Albert 1; 45 Euros, and is a 20 Euro booking fee usual? When do they send tickets out? Or does one print e-tickets?

 

I'm looking to fly from Southampton to Nice, bus into Nice town, stay somewhere cheap near the station and train to Monaco each day.

 

Anyway, look forward to meeting or bumping into those who are going. Just wish I'd gone when the cliff-face Scott Stoddard hit was not covered in apartments and before the yacht club was built....

 

 

Paul M

[Barry Boor]

They will send the tickets, Paul, but not for some time.

Look for me, I'll be with a lovely lady in the grandstand on Saturday.

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by Barry Boor
.....I'll be with a lovely lady in the grandstand on Saturday.

Maybe she'll enjoy talking with mine while we concentrate on more important issues?

[ozpata]

http://oscarplada.blogspot.com/

[Ray Bell]

Now that things are getting closer, how are plans firming up?

I'm booked to fly to Paris on May 7, so a quick look at Pau and Spain before I head to the Riviera...

After that we will be going down to the tip of Italy's boot, having a day on Sicily so I get to see at least parts of the Short Madonie course, places like Pescara, the Futa and Raticossa Passes should be traversed as we drive through Italy one way or the other.

I also want to look at Berne, Reims, Rouen, the Nurburgring and the old Spa circuits, so we've got some destinations there to help us as we drive around Europe for a couple more weeks after Monaco.

The ferry to Dover will be booked for about June 11, with our return to France on June 21. That enables us to meet up with Speedy and a few others (to be confirmed) in his neck of the woods about June 13 or 14 and we will be going to the Historic Juniors at Cadwell Park before returning to Dover.

Hmmm... after driving for seven or eight weeks on the wrong side of the road (in LHD cars, of course), it should be interesting to drive a LHD car on the proper side of the road for a week and a half!

[Barry Boor]

Have you booked your grandstand seats, Ray?

[Ray Bell]

No, Barry...

I don't think I'll be able to do that, I'll just have to arrive and pay. That is possible, isn't it?

[Barry Boor]

Absolutely, Ray, but maybe not every stand will be available. We will be in the Casino Square on the Saturday and that is usually sold out, I think, due to it being rather small. But stand K which runs from Tabac to the swimming pool has plenty of space.

[Ray Bell]

And the thorny vines up in the rocky places?

There'll be room there!

Will you have a phone there, Barry?

[Barry Boor]

Yes, but I'm not prepared to put the number on here!

I'll P.M. you.

[Alan Cox]

Provisional entry list here:
http://acm.mc/en/gra...h/engages-2016/

[charles r]

Thank you Alan. Some interesting car driver combinations, including Barilla/Pirro and Newey in his 49. Can't wait!

[delta]

My Mrs and Daughter have announced they are coming this year. I never know how many tickets i will get from the the drivers/owners. My question is do they have to pay to get into the paddock area.I just don't need them ringing me up saying we cant get in.Thanks in advance and see you all in Stars and Bars.

[E1pix]

Thank you Alan. Some interesting car driver combinations, including Barilla/Pirro and Newey in his 49. Can't wait!

Lucky boy, Charles!

We just departed from a lovely vintage race at Thunderhill Park in California. On Saturday, we ran into a driver I knew in the '70s named Bob Earl, who later drove an IMSA Spice I designed colors for in 1993. He asked if we'd attend on Sunday and when I asked why he said he'd be testing the 1974 Ferrari 312 that Niki Lauda ran in 1974, then rushing the car to the airport. I couldn't believe it, still cannot, and our ears are properly buzzing from it.

Perhaps it's from living in mostly nature for nearly three years, but I'd forgotten just how loud a proper 12 is. Good fortune found us there, and we'll never forget it!

Enjoy Monaco, all!

[Barry Boor]

Up to 2014 there has never been any restrictions or costs involved in getting into the paddock. It has been suggested that one day, this won't be the case but hopefully not.

It is possible to enter Stars and Bars from the road above, walk down the stairs and out into the paddock through the bar. But don't tell anyone I told you!

[Alan Cox]

Provisional entry list here:
http://acm.mc/en/gra...h/engages-2016/

There is also an additional race, called Ferrari 'Solo', and is for sports and GT Ferraris, with drum brakes, built after 1955. What on earth this has to do with Monaco and its Grand Prix history is a complete mystery to me. I suppose money talks.
I would certainly have preferred to see a race for pre-war cars, and I know a lot of other folk who feel the same.

[Mallory Dan]

Or modern F3 cars, Alan, even better!

[Barry Boor]

Can't agree there, Dan. We had loads of similar-looking F3s before. Give me front engined Formula Juniors any day.

[Ray Bell]

Oh, stop complaining...

It's got to be good, that's why I'm going!

Where's that PM, Barry?

[raceannouncer2003]

It would be nice if someone can visit Rosie in her shop up in Monaco-Ville.  I hope she's doing okay:

 

http://archives.mona...ir.2321039.html

 

Vince H.

[Mallory Dan]

Are we planning a meeting at Stars and Bars at some point? The beer there's not too bad at all as I recall

[Thundersports]

i'd be interested in meeting up for a Beer there.