If you fancy joining the jet set even just for a long weekend, Monaco, renowned as the playground of the rich and famous, is the place to go. It may be the smallest nation on earth after Vatican City, but Monaco packs a big jewel-encrusted punch for its glittering 0.8 square miles.

Renowned for its grand prix, breathtaking superyachts basking in the Med, casinos and gastronomic delights, the Principality oozes glamour and luxury at every corner. But the city state is not just about the high life, there are hidden gems to be discovered in its historic districts, the most well-known of which is Monte Carlo.

Collect your Avis hire car from our location in the heart of Monte Carlo and start your Monaco adventure.

You’ll find our friendly team at Avis Monaco on Avenue Ostende, right in the beating heart of Monte Carlo overlooking the quayside of Port Hercule. The natural deep seaport is a draw for super yachts and the venue for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show. This means when you collect your rental car, you’ll be setting off alongside one of the most photographed harbours in the world. As well as having a spectacular harbourside location, our Monaco agency also enjoys the privilege of a prime position on the route of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The drive from our Avis location in Monte Carlo to the majestic city of Monaco perched high on the rock looking out over the Mediterranean takes just 4min via Rue Grimaldi and Avenue Quarantaine. You can’t drive up onto the rock itself with its royal palace and administrative buildings but should park in the 500-space Parking des Pêcheurs below and take the escalator up to the centre of the city.

Take a look at a map of Monaco and you are spoilt for choice in terms of things to do in your time in the Principality. Each of the city’s 11 districts has its own distinct character and appeal. Start off in Monte Carlo - home to the world famous casino and the route of the Monaco Grand Prix.

Take a stroll around the palm-fringed waterfront stopping off at one of the many popular cafes and bars for a spot of people-watching. If you have come to Monaco to shop, head for one of the city’s luxurious shopping centres like the marble clad Metropole for haute couture, fine jewellery and perfumes. Enjoy exploring the city’s pristine parks and gardens with designs to please everyone from the stunning Japanese-inspired zen botanical masterpiece to the beautiful Princess Grace Rose Garden, created by Prince Rainier III in memory of his late wife.

Climb up to the old town high upon the Rock, where you can see the changing of the guard outside the Palace and then onto the terrace of the fortress for the best views across the city. While you are there, don’t miss one of Monaco’s architectural gems, the Oceanographic Museum, opened in 1910 and described as the temple of the sea.

When you have spent time in pacy, vibrant Monte Carlo and absorbed the atmosphere and charm of historic Monaco, you’ll be able to take to the road and drive further afield to explore the delights of the French Riviera. Head inland and you’ll reach Provence with its lavender fields, orchards and vineyards and beguiling hilltop villages.

Drive east along the coast from Monaco and within a short distance you cross the border into Italy. Take the iconic A8 autoroute also known as La Provençale and enjoy a bucket list drive along the Cote D’Azur to Italy’s Ligurian coast. The 42km drive to the coastal resort town of San Remo takes around 50min. Build in a detour into the Ligurian Hills to reach the picturesque riverside village of Dolceacqua with its castles and curved stone bridges.

The cities of Nice and Marselles are within easy reach to the west of Monaco but for something a little different away from the hustle and bustle, the peaceful peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an idyllic location for nature lovers. The 30min, 13km drive along the scenic M6098 coast road is unmissable.

While there is plenty to see over a few days in Monaco, this is the perfect base to enjoy a bucket-list drive around the Cote d’Azur. With your Avis hire car, you are free to explore this stunning location at your own pace stopping off in local towns and villages or even crossing borders with Italy and Switzerland within easy reach.

If you are driving in Monaco for the first time or haven’t travelled there recently, make sure you familiarise yourself with the local driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules observed by Monégasque motorists include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. The local speed limit is 50lm/hr. Be aware that low beam headlamps must always remain on and you can only use your horn in cases of immediate danger. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. It is forbidden to use headphones or earbuds. In built up areas be aware that bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, bicycles and taxis.

If you are planning to drive in France, check out the latest road rules in France before you travel.

The Principality of Monaco operates 40 underground car parks with free parking for the first hour. The newly opened Parking des Salines car park on the western side of the city offers 1,800 spaces over 15 levels, with half-day and full day rates. Be aware that vehicles parked illegally may be towed away and impounded.