Monaco

Monaco is the first microstate I visited, first as a teenager in 2008 (the financial crisis was a great time to visit, discount yachts on sale), and since then, I’ve visited Monaco many many times. I’ve even walked into Monaco from France, and left Monaco on foot back to France. It’s a lovely little spot, forever associated in my mind with France, despite being Monegasque, and definitely not French. Even historically, it wasn’t French. Previously it had been owned by the Italian kingdom of Piedmont (who also controlled Nice), and by Genoan kings in the Middle Ages.

Fun facts about Monaco - no income tax for anyone working in Monaco, unless they’re French, then they have to pay French income tax. Uses the Euro, despite not being in the EU. The French took Roquebrune and Menton from Monaco forcefully, and later offered to pay for them to keep them. No love lost. The Grimaldi family have ruled Monaco since 1297. The Monaco Grand Prix is officially too short for Formula One’s races, but they don’t care. And you can rent a Ferrari and drive it yourself if you like. The AS Monaco Stadium can fit half the people of Monaco in it, seated (16,500 vs 38,000). You need your passport to gamble in Monte Carlo Casino. Prince Albert of Monaco has a lovely piercing named after him. The country hasn’t lost it’s lustre since the 50s, and is still well worth a day out from Nice.

But the best thing about Monaco isn’t the Grand Prix, or the Monte Carlo Casino, or the restaurants or palace or waterfront. It’s the largest difference between France and Monaco. A chasm. In Monaco, there is no dog shit on the street. Noticeable if you spent time walking around Paris, or Nice, or any French city. Extra noticeable if you walk in from France. No crotte. The clean up crews that keep Monaco sparkling do a good job. In fact, if it gets bad, it gets reported in the local newspaper, the Monaco Tribune. It’s something you have to admire, considering both France and Italy have serious issues with keeping their places clean. Sure, it’s a microstate, but still - look at Singapore, or Japan, it can be done.