The summer season is in full swing on the Côte d’Azur and the car park in front of Monte Carlo’s grand 19th-century casino is full of glistening Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys.
In one of the casino’s richly decorated baroque halls, a trio of young wannabe James Bonds in evening wear are playing blackjack. But the serious high rollers are outnumbered by tourists, and many of the tables are closed. Tonight, at least, the bank is in no danger of being broken.
