The Cote d'Azur is possibly one of my favourite places on earth and even more spectacular when viewed from a helicopter. My weekend in Monaco started in true 'James Bond' style with a 7-minute flight, hugging the coast line. Almost within an hour of landing in Nice I was checking into the Fairmont Hotel, located on the famous hairpin bend of the Grand Prix circuit. If you happen to be a luxury car enthusiast, book one of their 'hairpin double' rooms and enjoy watching the steady stream of Bentley's, Maserati's and Aston Martin's from your private balcony. 'The Fairmont is perfectly positioned - a short stroll from Casino Square, a 10-minute walk from the beach and offers unobstructed views of the sea. For a real treat we booked the hotel's champagne jazz brunch on the 6th floor Horizon Deck restaurant. (No better place to spend a Sunday afternoon.) Request a table on the terrace overlooking Larvotto Bay from which you can do a little yacht-spotting whilst sipping on Taittinger. 'If you can't beat them, join them.' You can then spend the remainder of the afternoon snoozing around the heated rooftop pool.'Monte Carlo is perfect for a weekend break, offering beaches, gastronomy, exquisite hotels and history and is perfectly situated on the rail line between Ventimiglia - just across the Italian border - and Nice. Menton is just a 10-minute train journey away and is home to the striking new Jean Cocteau museum. The 'Isabelle Rail Pass' provides excellent value for money and allows unlimited travel on the rail network between Ventimiglia and Frejus and inland as far as Grasse. Prices vary according to the season.'Monaco also has a rich nautical heritage as can be seen by the number of spectacular super-yachts moored in Port Hercules - the main focal point of the Monaco Yacht Show, which was due to open as we left. Every Kirker booking also includes the 'Monaco Passport', which includes (among many other benefits) complimentary entrance to Villa Sauber (the New National Museum of Monaco) and the State Apartments of the Prince's Palace as well as his classic car collection.' Monaco also benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year and although likely to be cooler out of season, the skies are bright and blue most days. Travel between November and March and not only will you benefit from lower hotel rates but also complimentary return helicopter transfers - a truly unforgettable way to celebrate a birthday or special anniversary.