Walking the Circuit in Monaco

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Mario Andretti, when asked about it, stated that he's never
walked a course in his life.

--
My mirror continues its finite yet unbounded journey.

Martin Harran

2017-08-16 20:38:38 UTC

Post by .

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Mario Andretti, when asked about it, stated that he's never
walked a course in his life.

Funny enough, I've never driven a Grand Prix course in my life.

WeeBob

2017-08-16 18:29:39 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.

Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).

Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.

Cheers!

Martin Harran

2017-08-16 20:37:39 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.

We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!

Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)

Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Alan Baker

2017-08-16 20:42:13 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.
We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

One of the things you get out of walking (or driving) a track is a true
sense of the elevation changes. I knew the Corkscrew and Laguna Seca was
steep, but I didn't know how steep until I was actually out there on it.

Martin Harran

2017-08-16 20:44:26 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.
We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Yes and I'm thinking you can also do the Coulthard trick of hunkering
down to get the driver's view albeit from the adjoining footpath
rather than the actual track.

Alan Baker

2017-08-16 20:51:58 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.
We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Yes and I'm thinking you can also do the Coulthard trick of hunkering
down to get the driver's view albeit from the adjoining footpath
rather than the actual track.

Definitely. On the line is better, but you'll still see a lot.

Sir Tim

2017-08-16 21:32:41 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.
We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Same thing applies to Eau Rouge, it's a lot steeper than it looks on TV
(I've cycled up it!).

--
Sir Tim

News

2017-08-16 21:49:07 UTC

Post by Sir Tim

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

Yes, in ~1993 or 4. And I would do it again now if I had the chance.
Some areas were not exact as the track limits were in place (a few days
after the race).
Definitely worth it, and bear in mind that there's not a lot else to do
in Monaco unless you're prepared to shell out a lot of dosh.
Cheers!

Thanks.
We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes. There is
an excursion to Monaco but we were in South of France in early 80s and
did a day tour of Monaco so I'm not terribly interested in doing that
again. Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Same thing applies to Eau Rouge, it's a lot steeper than it looks on TV
(I've cycled up it!).

Try carrying a fire bottle up those slopes at a dead run, some time.

pltrgyst

2017-08-28 12:51:39 UTC

....I knew the Corkscrew and Laguna Seca was
steep, but I didn't know how steep until I was actually out there on it.

Pretty scary on a motorcycle, too. Or a bicycle, for that matter.

-- Larry

2017-08-28 13:05:26 UTC

Post by pltrgyst

....I knew the Corkscrew and Laguna Seca was steep, but I didn't know
how steep until I was actually out there on it.

Pretty scary on a motorcycle, too. Or a bicycle, for that matter.
-- Larry

Loading Image...

--
My mirror continues its finite yet unbounded journey.

Sir Tim

2017-08-28 22:50:28 UTC

Post by .

Post by pltrgyst

....I knew the Corkscrew and Laguna Seca was steep, but I didn't know
how steep until I was actually out there on it.

Pretty scary on a motorcycle, too. Or a bicycle, for that matter.
-- Larry

https://pix-media.priceonomics-media.com/blog/1022/Nob-Hill.jpg

A terrific picture. Interesting that this shot makes it look steeper than
it actually is whereas photos of Eau Rouge tend the other way.

--
Sir Tim

bra

2017-08-28 23:33:32 UTC

Post by Sir Tim

Post by .
https://pix-media.priceonomics-media.com/blog/1022/Nob-Hill.jpg

A terrific picture. Interesting that this shot makes it look steeper than
it actually is whereas photos of Eau Rouge tend the other way.
--
Sir Tim

Memories of the BULLITT movie and all its bloopers.

pltrgyst

2017-09-02 13:06:55 UTC

Post by .

Post by pltrgyst

....I knew the Corkscrew and Laguna Seca was steep, but I didn't know
how steep until I was actually out there on it.

Pretty scary on a motorcycle, too. Or a bicycle, for that matter.

https://pix-media.priceonomics-media.com/blog/1022/Nob-Hill.jpg

The view straight up California? It's even a nasty walk, that.

-- Larry

a425couple

2017-08-16 23:34:28 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes.

Yes. Ours was a Mediterranean cruise scheduled to stop
at Monaco. A strong breeze caused them to switch the
port call to Cannes. We walked to the train station,
and caught just a regular commuter train to Monaco
and got off underground near St. Devotte.

Post by Martin Harran
Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!

So it goes!

Post by Martin Harran
Thinking of doing an independent visit by train, think that the walk
of the Grand Prix would be more interesting than watching the
beautiful posers - oops, sorry, beautiful people in Cannes :)

I'd agree with you and think it will be good.

Post by Martin Harran
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Yes. As Alan said, the elevation changes are interesting.
You will see why the cars really go the the right
rather than stay left between the Casino and Mirabeau

Map at
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Monte_Carlo_Formula_1_track_map.svg

or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Monaco

Martin Harran

2017-08-17 07:53:59 UTC

On Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:34:28 -0700, a425couple

Post by a425couple

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

We're on a Mediterranean cruise stopping for a day at Cannes.

Post by Martin Harran
Funnily enough, that tour was a week before the Grand Prix with
preparations under way and the coach drove part of the circuit but I
wasn't into F1 in those days!

So it goes!

I'd agree with you and think it will be good.

Post by Martin Harran
Also thinking that it would add an edge to watching future Monaco
races.

Yes. As Alan said, the elevation changes are interesting.
You will see why the cars really go the the right
rather than stay left between the Casino and Mirabeau

I think you have persuaded me though you were pushing at an open door
:)

Post by a425couple
Map at
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Monte_Carlo_Formula_1_track_map.svg

Nice printable map, thanks.

I also found this site which includes a link to a Google Maps
satellite view with the circuit on it.

http://flaneur.me.uk/05/how-to-walk-the-monaco-f1-circuit-a-guide-for-visitors/

Post by a425couple
or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_Monaco

a425couple

2017-08-16 23:21:39 UTC

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

We did that one day in 2004.
In my opinion, it is absolutely and totally worthwhile!!
Walking the track also gives on a decent look around the town.

Make sure you check out the statue/monument/sculpture
of Juan Fangio standing beside his 1954 Mercedes.
It is located 'inside' turn #18 / Anthony Noghes / the
right just after La Racasse and before start/finish straight.
It is full size, and the cockpit is carved out so guests
like you and I can sit in it.
I have the picture of me sitting in his car under Fangio's
gaze in my race car trailer. People very often comment on it!

Other full size car sculptures are at Sainte Devote
and near Portier.
(If you are arriving by train, you might likely exit
from underground at Sainte Devote, and start the circuit
from there.)
Lots of fancy cars all around. We watched a very expensive
Ferrari getting a parking ticket from a Monaco motorcycle
officer!
Neat tiny miniature gardens/parks.
Also lots of fancy boats & ships.
We did not go into the Casino nor fancy clothes or jewelry stores.
We did get some souvenirs from street venders.

larkim

2017-08-17 13:38:29 UTC

Post by a425couple

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

We did that one day in 2004.
In my opinion, it is absolutely and totally worthwhile!!
Walking the track also gives on a decent look around the town.
Make sure you check out the statue/monument/sculpture
of Juan Fangio standing beside his 1954 Mercedes.
It is located 'inside' turn #18 / Anthony Noghes / the
right just after La Racasse and before start/finish straight.
It is full size, and the cockpit is carved out so guests
like you and I can sit in it.
I have the picture of me sitting in his car under Fangio's
gaze in my race car trailer. People very often comment on it!
Other full size car sculptures are at Sainte Devote
and near Portier.
(If you are arriving by train, you might likely exit
from underground at Sainte Devote, and start the circuit
from there.)
Lots of fancy cars all around. We watched a very expensive
Ferrari getting a parking ticket from a Monaco motorcycle
officer!
Neat tiny miniature gardens/parks.
Also lots of fancy boats & ships.
We did not go into the Casino nor fancy clothes or jewelry stores.
We did get some souvenirs from street venders.

I was staying on a family holiday outside Nice in about 2005 and can still
remember the goosebumps I got driving the hire car into Monaco, and coming
down the road to a T-junction. As I pulled out I realised the t-junction
I was coming out of is the one that creates the big bump in the road just
after the Casino, and I grinned like a fool! Got to drive around most of
the circuit too later in the day as it was I think 2 weeks before the race
so most of the armco was up, but the roads still open.

As others have said, the elevation changes are surprising and the town
/ city / state makes for an interesting day out (though an expensive one
if you head into the wrong places!).

geoff

2017-08-17 20:09:47 UTC

Post by larkim

Post by a425couple

Post by Martin Harran
I have the opportunity of spending a half day or so in Monaco next
month and am toying with the idea of walking the circuit there.
Anyone done this and is it worthwhile?

We did that one day in 2004.
In my opinion, it is absolutely and totally worthwhile!!
Walking the track also gives on a decent look around the town.
Make sure you check out the statue/monument/sculpture
of Juan Fangio standing beside his 1954 Mercedes.
It is located 'inside' turn #18 / Anthony Noghes / the
right just after La Racasse and before start/finish straight.
It is full size, and the cockpit is carved out so guests
like you and I can sit in it.
I have the picture of me sitting in his car under Fangio's
gaze in my race car trailer. People very often comment on it!
Other full size car sculptures are at Sainte Devote
and near Portier.
(If you are arriving by train, you might likely exit
from underground at Sainte Devote, and start the circuit
from there.)
Lots of fancy cars all around. We watched a very expensive
Ferrari getting a parking ticket from a Monaco motorcycle
officer!
Neat tiny miniature gardens/parks.
Also lots of fancy boats & ships.
We did not go into the Casino nor fancy clothes or jewelry stores.
We did get some souvenirs from street venders.

I was staying on a family holiday outside Nice in about 2005 and can still
remember the goosebumps I got driving the hire car into Monaco, and coming
down the road to a T-junction. As I pulled out I realised the t-junction
I was coming out of is the one that creates the big bump in the road just
after the Casino, and I grinned like a fool! Got to drive around most of
the circuit too later in the day as it was I think 2 weeks before the race
so most of the armco was up, but the roads still open.
As others have said, the elevation changes are surprising and the town
/ city / state makes for an interesting day out (though an expensive one
if you head into the wrong places!).

I did bits of it at age 13, somewhere mid seventies on a Cooks coach
tour of Europe.

I profoundly remember the entrance to the tunnel section. I was inspired
at the time by the movie Grand Prix, and having had Piers Courage stay
at my parents' little private hotel where I lived, for the NZ Grand
Prix one year.

geoff

2017-08-17 16:41:25 UTC