Monaco Festivals

There are two Grand Prix in Monaco every year, despite what you have heard. The first is the granddaddy of all that is fast and expensive, known in the racing world as the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Flashy cars tear up the streets of Monaco during a three day weekend in May every year, as the country plays host to ridiculous yacht parties and mind-blowing hotel prices. Expect to shell out €600 for the good seats (€125 for nosebleed section) to watch Mercedes-McLauren or Ferrari battle it out for the title with their Formula 1 racers. Be aware that prices all the way to Cannes almost triple during this weekend, and transport becomes almost impossible by car. The best plan is to stay in France and commute to Monaco for raceday; to reduce the cost further, forego the finals on Sunday and attent the trials days on Friday or Saturday instead, when the cost it almost halved.

The second of these Grand Prix is the Historic Grand Prix, which occurs exactly 2 weeks before the Formula 1 Grand Prix. This race takes place on the same track and involves the same car manufacturers, but the rides themselves are all shout outs to years past. Cars made from the 1930's to the late 1980's that have ever particpated in the Grand Prix are bracketed and raced; unsurprisingly, tickets to this event are much more affordable. In 2011. the racing dates for the Formula 1 Grand Prix are May 26-29. The Historic Grand Prix is 2 weeks prior.

• Festival International du Cirque, at the end of Jan. Monaco kicks off the year with a circus exhibition.
• Monaco Flower-Arranging Competition, in Mar. Perhaps less of an adrenaline rush than the Grand Prix, but not without its dangers—think thorny stems.