Riviera Pebbles Blog: The Monte Carlo Tennis Masters

Posted on 27th Feb 2017 in Go & Do

Courtesy of Getty Images

The UK’s Wimbledon might hold the racket for the most famous tennis championship in the world, but the name Tennis is all French. It comes from the French verb tenez, to hold. The French language we all love is also responsible for Deuce which comes from à deux le jeu, meaning "to both is the game".
It’s even possible that Love for zero derives from "l'oeuf", the French word for "egg" which looks like a zero. Well, apparently…

If you’re a tennis fan, then you absolutely MUST come and enjoy the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006, is the first of three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments played on clay at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. The tournament is a player and fan favourite due to its magnificent location in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin just outside Monaco’s North-eastern border.

This sun-drenched event, played on a clay court, has now been established for more than 100 years and has welcomed a whole host of champions. Held each year around April, Tennis aces such as Sir Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have dominated the headlines in recent years as they battle ball and racket to secure the title.

There are a couple of recommended ways of getting to the event, held at the Monte Carlo Country Club. Public transport is advised, as traffic is likely to be extremely heavy, and parking very limited during the course of the event.

You can get to Monte Carlo Country Club from any of our central Nice apartments by bus or by train. You can catch bus #100 from the centre of the Port de Nice for just 1,50€. The journey is 45 minutes of scenic beauty, especially if you snag a seat on the right hand side. Buses run every 15 minutes on week days and every 20 minutes on French holidays and Sundays. There is also an express bus (Monaco Express 100X) which reduces journey time by 10 minutes but does skip the stunning scenery.

As well as by bus, you can also get there by train from Nice train station. Buy your ticket and get it stamped before you board. The ticket will cost you 4€ for a one way and takes just 22 minutes. The Nice train station is easily accessed from any of our central apartments with quick and easy transport via the tram. Get off at the ‘Gare Thiers’ stop.

From Monaco’s train station you can get to the court either by getting the train down to the “Monte Carlo Country Club” station (600m from the courts). From the bus stop, you can catch bus service 1, 4 or 6 to the “Monte Carlo Country Club”. Both stops have been added for the duration of the Masters.

For a cosy, relaxing evening restaurant “Au Grand Inquisiteur” is just 20 minutes from the Monte Carlo Country Club and serves delicious traditional French food in an intimate, friendly atmosphere. However, it is worth noting that they do not accept tables of more than 6 people due to its small size. Follow this link to visit the website for Au Grand Inquisiteur.

If you are looking for something a little more sociable, and luxurious, Elsa in Monaco offers access to Monaco beach club as well as a Michelin starred menu with unforgettable freshly made dishes just a stone’s throw from the Country Club. To visit Elsa’s website, follow this link.