French Riviera Traveller by Jeanne Oliver

A Monaco Travel Guide

French Riviera Map

Nice

Nice to Monaco

Monaco

Menton

Nice to Cannes

Cannes

Saint-Tropez

Mountains

About the Riviera

Practical Information

Top Sights

Transport

When to Go

 
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©FrenchRivieraTraveller 2008-2009

Monte Carlo
Glamorous Monte Carlo

There's no place like Monaco. Covering only 485 acres, tiny, glamorous Monaco is a fairyland of perfectly groomed streets, lush gardens, chic boutiques and one lavish casino. Monaco hotels and restaurants count among the world's finest, its cultural scene is superb, the nightlife sizzles and the annual Formula One Grand Prix is a ritual for high-rolling motoring fans.

Remember that Monaco is a country and it is composed of five principal areas: Monaco Ville (site of the royal palace), Monte Carlo (the casino plus shopping, restaurants and hotels), La Condamine (southwest of the Port), Fontvieille (the industrial area) and Moneghetti (the Exotic Gardens). See more practical information for visiting Monaco.

Monaco History

The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. That year, François Grimaldi, escaping political turmoil disguised himself as a monk in order to seize possession of the fortress on "the rock". It became a prosperous trading post passing under the protection of Spain and then France. During the French Revolution, France imprisoned the Monegasque royal family and annexed the country. The annexation only lasted until the 1814 Treaty of Paris which restored the Grimaldi family to the throne. France recognized Monaco's independence in 1860 when Monaco relinquished all claims over its former territories of Menton and Roquebrune. In 1863 Monaco launched itself into the gaming business with the establishment of the Casino of Monte Carlo. In 1949 Prince Ranier III ascended the throne and soon married the former Grace Kelly. Monaco attracted luminaries and celebrities from around the world, bathed in a haze of glamour that has never diminished. The constitutional monarchy that Prince Ranier founded continued after his death in 2005. The current head of state is Prince Albert II.

What to See & Do in Monaco

To get the full impact of Monaco right away, head first to Monte Carlo. The central plaza is bordered by two world-famous sights: the legendary Monte Carlo Casino and the opulent Hotel de Paris. You don't need to drive up in a legendary car but it helps if you want to see much of the interior. The other top sight of Monaco is the Oceanographic Institute with its remarkable aquarium. Part of the beauty of Monaco is enjoying its extraordinary gardens. The Casino Gardens and Terraces provides a stunning setting for the Monte Carlo casinos. Even more impressive is the Monaco Exotic Garden harbouring several thousand cactuses.

Accommodation in Monaco

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Getting to Monaco

Flights

Monaco does not have an international airport. The closest international airport is Nice airport.

Trains

There are numerous daily trains between Nice and Monaco. See the SNCF for schedules and fares.

Buses

Regular buses link Monaco with Nice's Gare Routière. There is no bus station in Monaco but the bus makes several stops in Monaco, including at the Monte Carlo Casino. Services are handled by RCA (Rapides Cote d'Azur)

Getting Around Monaco

CAM ( Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco) handles the internal bus network.

Tourist Information in Monaco

See the Monaco tourist office website at www.visitmonaco.com/

 

 


 

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