There’s something about Monaco F1 that never gets old. I’ve done this week ten times now, and every year I refine it a little more, where to go, when to move, what to skip, and most importantly, how to experience it without the chaos a lot of people get caught in.
And one thing I’ve learned? Monaco F1 was never meant to be a weekend.
The people who do it best turn it into a full Riviera week, by yacht. This is exactly how I’d do it this year.
Thursday 4 June: Cannes You Really Start Anywhere Else?
We start in Cannes, because arriving straight into Monaco during race week is a mistake I learned early on (nothing really happens until the weekend, so it’s the perfect time to ease into the jet lag and actually enjoy the coast first).
Start the week with a bang with lunch at La Guérite, rude not to, it sets the tone. Long, sun-soaked, slightly chaotic in the best way. It’s where the week really begins.
If not too jet-lagged, dinner at Zuma Cannes.
Friday 5 June: Cap Ferrat Base, Monaco on Call
This is the day most people get wrong.
We anchor in Cap Ferrat, which is exactly the point, you’re not locked into Monaco, but you’re still only a short tender or drive away whenever you want to dip in.
I like to keep it flexible. Head into Monaco for a bit of shopping, wander the boutiques, and if you’re feeling it, grab lunch on a terrace to watch the early track action. The energy is starting to build, people are arriving, and you can feel the buzz coming to life.
Then we shift gears, back to Cap Ferrat for a coastal hike toward Èze Village, finishing with a sunset spritz at Château de La Chèvre d’Or before heading back onboard for dinner. One of the most underrated parts of the trip, and the perfect calm before the storm.
And if you’re still feeling it, Pawsa at Lilly’s Club in Monaco is definitely on my radar for Friday night.
Saturday 6 June: The Build-Up
Saturday is where it all starts to lift.
We’re on the water for the Trackside 49m Superyacht Experience with Ahoy Club, this is how you do qualifying properly. No crowds, no stress, Zone 1 access with space, service, and energy that builds throughout the day.
Then straight into the night, dinner at Coya followed by Fisher at Jimmy’z is on my Saturday night list.
Sunday 7 June: Race Day, Done Properly
Today Monaco completely transforms, the atmosphere is electric from the moment you wake up. The sound of the cars through the harbour, the crowds building, the anticipation… it’s like nowhere else.
Onboard our 49m Superyacht in Zone 1, it’s not just about watching the race, it’s the full experience. DJs playing throughout the day, an incredible crowd, champagne flowing, (a few surprises in true Ahoy style), and energy building right up to lights out.
It’s loud, fast, high energy and you’re right in the middle of it all.
Monday 8 June: Recovery Mode
No alarms, no pressure.
This is where doing the week, not just the weekend, really pays off.
We head to La Réserve Beach Club in Beaulieu-sur-Mer for a long, slow lunch. The energy shifts completely here, from high intensity to full Riviera mode.
Afternoon back onboard for swims and water toys, the perfect reset.
Tuesday 9 June: Saint-Tropez Arrival
Cruise into Saint-Tropez and spend your first night in port, which really sets the tone.
No traffic, no queues, no stress. Straight into the rhythm of the town whether that’s wandering the boutiques, a drink at Sénéquier, or keeping it slow onboard before the night begins.
Wednesday 10 June: Pampelonne Beach Day
Classic St Tropez day.
Anchor off Pampelonne Beach and head into one of the beach clubs. Long lunches, music, swimming, and that all-day energy that rolls into the evening.
Thursday 11 June: Nice & Goodbye
We finish in Nice.
Last swim, slow morning, disembark.
If time allows before the airport, I always try to squeeze in lunch at La Petite Maison in Nice town, the original, and still one of the best.
What 10 Years Has Taught Me
Every year I see the same thing, people trying to “do Monaco” from hotels, cars, and tight schedules. And every year, it looks stressful.
The reality is, Monaco F1 isn’t just about where you go, it’s how you move.
Stay on a yacht, at anchor
Move seamlessly into your trackside experiences
Have your own space to reset between events
Share across a group, often more cost-effective than premium hotels
Turn a Monaco weekend into a full Riviera week
No check-ins. No transfers. No friction.
It’s how Monaco F1 week is meant to be done!