Monaco

The principality of Monaco and city of Monte Carlo lie on the southern Mediterranean Sea coast of France, near the border with Italy, in Southern Europe. It is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is almost entirely urban. With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for businesses. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican.

Though it has lost the title of world’s most densely populated city to Macau, it remains by far the world’s most densely populated independent country with second place Singapore lagging some 10,000 people per square kilometer behind.

History

Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality’s mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Access 

By plane

The nearest airport is the Nice Côte-d’Azur International, which is around 14 miles away from the city-centre in neighboring France. It operates daily flights to most of the world’s largest cities, such as London and Los Angeles. There are regular Rapide Cote D’Azur buses connecting Monte Carlo with both the terminals at Nice Cote-D’Azur airport, and taxis are always available outside the terminal buildings – although make sure a fee is agreed in advance or the meter is indeed switched on at the start of the journey, as French taxi drivers are notorious for charging tourists whatever they see fit.

 

By helicopter

Heli-Air Monaco also operates helicopter services between Nice and Monte Carlo, although this is very expensive and generally only for the very wealthy. After collecting your luggage at the Nice airport, you go to the helicopter service waiting area. The helicopter ground crew takes you and your luggage from the Nice airport to the Nice heliport, on the other side of the airport, by van. The flight along the coast is beautiful, and you land right at the water’s edge at the Monaco heliport, where a car service takes you directly to your hotel. Other than arriving by yacht, this is the best way for the international traveler to enter Monaco. Rates vary seasonally, in the range of €100-€300. They spike up to €700 or more, however, during the Cannes Film Festival, usually held in late May.

 

By train

The Monaco-Monte Carlo station has good service to most of neighboring France and Italy. There are 2-4 services per hour to Nice, Cannes, Menton and Ventimiglia (Italy). Most international trains will stop, such as the ‘Ligure’ which links Marseilles and Milan, the ‘train bleu’ which operates between Paris and Ventimiglia, and the famous high-speed TGV which runs between Nice and Paris. A TGV train between Paris and Monte Carlo takes around 6 and a half hours. The station also has some links to other towns in the principality. Be aware that there’s no left-luggage in the train station nor in the rest of Monaco. There’s a law in Monaco forbidding leaving bags etc. in any place and also tourist offices won’t help.

 

By car

<p>Monaco is easily accessed by its land borders from France or Italy by a network of highways, most commonly used of which is the A8 which runs west from Monte Carlo to Nice and Marseilles, and east towards the Italian border.

 

Between Nice and Monaco, there are also three more scenic roads: the Basse Corniche (Low Coast-Road – Highway 98), along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche (Middle Coast Road – Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the Grande Corniche (Great Coast Road), going through La Turbie and Col d’Eze (Eze Pass). All are pretty drives offering spectacular views over the Coast line. For an extra-special treat, rent a convertible sports car from the many airport rental services and take in the French Riviera in style.

Taxi trips to and from [Nice are also affordable.]

 

By bus

There is no bus station in Monte Carlo. Instead, international buses stop at various points throughout the city. Regular buses, run by Rapide Cote D’Azur, connect Monte Carlo with Nice and other French destinations. Services run regularly to many major French towns and cities. Route 100 leaves every 15 minutes from the central bus station (Gare Routière) in Nice and costs €1.00. An express shuttle, route 110, links the Nice Côte d’Azur Airoport and the principality. A bus leaves every hour and a single ticket costs €14.70 (2006).

 

By boat

Monaco’s two ports are no strangers to private yachts. <strong>Port Hercule is exceptionally beautiful and offers mooring and anchoring possibilities for up to five hundred vessels, some of which are extremely large and elegant (in fact, many tourists often take time out of their day to simply have a drink by the water and admire the fantastic super yachts). This port also serves as a regular starting point or terminus for many Mediteranean cruises, so cruise ships can often be spotted sailing in or out of the marina. The Port of Fontvieille, integrated into the new district, can receive as many as 60 vessels of at least 30 meters in length.</stron

At close proximity, the Port of Cap d’Ail is also a choice destination for pleasure-boats.

 

 

Transportation

By foot

Walking is by far the best way to get around Monaco; however, there are some areas, such as the Exotic Gardens, that require a large change in elevation and therefore make for rather strenuous hikes. There are also seven public escalators and elevators (all free) that help negotiate the steep slopes of the city.

 

By bus

If you don’t mind feeling like a member of the working class in Monaco’s bourgeois opulence, Monte Carlo operates a bus service, the Compagnie des Autobus Monaco , through the city’s five bus routes (somewhat confusingly labeled 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) which serves 143 stops. The service usually starts at around 6 in the morning and runs right through until about 9 o’clock at night. Tickets can be purchased on board the buses themselves or at many news vendors and shops throughout the city – often it will be advertised as to where you can do this. A daily pass specially designed for tourists allows you to use the buses all day for €3.50.

 

By motor scooter</ em>

You can easily rent a motor scooter in Nice and take a short trip east along the sea into Monaco. The views are beautiful and the ride is fun along the twisty seaside road. There are plenty of places to park for free. Theft is not a concern, as there are cameras throughout and police everywhere.

 

By bicycle

It is possible to hire a bicycle from the Auto-Moto-Garage on the Rue de Millo.

 

By car

Private cars are singularly useless for getting around Monaco, as you’ll spend more time trying to park than if you walked or took a taxi instead. Taxis can be hailed on the streets and there are two main taxi stands open around the clock at the Avenue de Monte Carlo and the railway station, although it is always best to agree a fee beforehand or make sure the meter is running. Most hotels will provide courtesy drivers to points of interest, such as the Palace and casino.

International car hire companies do have offices at the airport in Nice and also in Monte Carlo city. These include Avis, Gare Monte Carlo, Europcar and Hertz – drivers must have held a national driving license for at least one year and it is usually requested that the cost is paid for with the driver’s credit card. Driving in the city center can be intimidating in Monte Carlo with heavy traffic – however, it is often worth this to drive alongside the more expensive vehicles in the city!

 

Sightseeing and attractions

It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various “short cuts” are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee.

• Avenue Saint-Martin. An absolute “must-do” for new or old visitors alike is a walk along the coastal Avenue Saint-Martin, featuring some beautiful cliff-side gardens. On this road is the Monaco Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century, and was where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier married. It is also where Grace and many of the other Grimaldis are buried.

• The Palais Princier (Prince’s Palace) is located in old Monaco-Ville and is also a must see. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 11:55 am, so you might want to time your visit for then. There are guided tours of the palace each day and usually run around the clock. While you are there, be sure to take time to walk over and look at the harbors on either side of the palace – the view is marvelous! From the palace you will have a nice view over the port. The palace is guarded by “Carabiniers” and every day at 11.55AM they perform a special ceremony.

• Take a walk through Monaco-Ville,Mahme 13:43, 6 March 2008 (EST) the old citadel situated on the Rocher. Visit the Palace (see above), the Cathedral, the Musee Oceanographique and the many restaurants and small shops located within the citadel. Other buildings noteworthy are the Ministery, the City Hall, the Lycee Albert 1er (High School) and the Francois d’Assise Nicola Barre private school.

• While in the harbor, it is very easy to simply stop and marvel at the many super-yachts and cruise ships which usually adorn the docks in the marina. Sometimes, while having a drink at the shores, it is possible to glimpse one of the rich and famous simply relaxing aboard their own vessel.

• If you leave the harbor and walk to the east, you’ll soon encounter the Casino de Paris (The Grand Casino) in Place du Casino, easily the most beautiful part of Monte Carlo. Here, it is well worth a visit inside the casino itself, even if you plan not to gamble – the architecture, lavish marble and golden ornaments inside are simply stunning. The casino opens daily to guests from 2 o’clock and entry to the antechamber outside the casino itself is free, although you still must be 18 to enter. It is even possible to, amazingly, just simply stop outside and ‘people-watch’ the guests coming to and fro the very exclusive Hotel d’Paris, just a few yards from the door of the casino. If not, the men in the family might enjoy the huge range of very expensive and powerful cars parked outside!

• Entry into the <strong>Mo>naco Casino will cost you €10 for a day. There are also passes for a week, month, or even a year (which costs approx €50). As is usual for casinos, you are not allowed to take photos once inside the casino. It’s interesting to observe the games, if not participate for a bit. Watch how much money changes hands! Another attraction is the glass display showing the casino chips of higher value. You get to see the €500,000 chip, which is massive for a chip (in worth AND size). People younger than 18 years may not enter the casino. A jacket and tie are mandatory for men to wear in the casino.</stron

• The Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens) is a fascinating experience. Many rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora. Due to the rise in altitude, the microclimate of the area is mostly desert, so there are many examples of desert plants, including unusual cacti, to see. There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. The entry cost is a bit steep (€8) unless you’re under 16 or a student (€3.50)

• The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium on Avenue Saint-Martin is a world-renowned attraction, There are more than 4,000 different fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, featuring everything from strange sea growths to deadly piranhas and even the skeleton of a 66 foot whale, and is well worth a visit. To relax after seeing it all, the top floor of the museum is home to La Terrasse, a restaurant which features beautiful views over the Riviera. Admission charges are 12.50€ for an adult and 6€ for concessions (children under 6 go free).

The Grimaldi Forum is the Monaco convention center. Completed in July 2000, it hosts large exhibitions or shows. It is also the home of Monaco’s newest opera stage (situated below the sea). An incredible piece of architecture that one will either love or detest.</l

• The Japanese Garden right by the Grimaldi Forum. Entry is free. If visited when it is crowded, the chapter describing a visit to such a garden in Italo Calvino’s book Mr. Palomar (English translation) will become that much more real.

• If your wallet permits it, try your luck in the Grand Casino and gamble alongside the world’s richest and often most famous. You’ll need your passport to enter, and the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to – often from 30€ right up into the hundreds The dress code inside is extremely strict – men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual or ‘tennispan>’ shoes are forbidden. The gaming rooms themselves are spectacular, with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere. There are two other more Americanized casinos in Monte Carlo. Neither of these has an admission fee, and the dress code is more casual.

• Formula One Grand Prix. It is possible to walk round the route of the circuit when the Grand Prix is not being held. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps, although aficionados will not need this! A good place to start is at Place Ste. Dévote. The route will require you to cross the road at several occasions, so please be wary of traffic (it is especi
  ally difficult to cross at Portier and Rascasse, and there is no path at all on the start/finish straight). Driving the circuit is sometimes possible although you may find your route blocked just after the tunnel. There is a route you can take that doesn’t deviate too much, however. Always remember to drive according to the speed limits and lines on the road! It is often possible to find an exclusive company at the marina-side that will let you take a trip round the famous steep climbs and hairpin corners of the Monaco course in a performance vehicle – often a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, however, this is costly.
• The opera house also known as the Salle Garnier was built by the famous architect Charles Garnier. The auditorium of n”>the opera house is decorated in red and gold and has frescoes and sculptures all around the auditorium. Looking up to the ceiling of the auditorium, the visitor will be blown away by the superb paintings. The opera house is flamboyant but at the same time very beautiful. There have been some of the most superior international performances of ballet, opera and concerts held in the opera house for more than a century; consider taking in a show during your visit… but expect to pay top dollar!

 

 

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Shopping 

Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe’s high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allees Lumieres, where Hermes, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewelers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don’t buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 9:00 to noon and 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

For a more cultured take on shopping in Monte Carlo, try the Condamine Market. The market, which can be found in the Place d’Armes, has been in existence since 1880 and is lively and attractive – many hours can be spent simply wandering around, bargaining for souvenirs from the many tiny shops, boutiques and friendly locals. If, however, you’re shopping tastes are more modern, just a short walk along the esplanade is the rue Princess Caroline pedestrian mall.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre is also a more “normal” shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket. The tourist office also issues a useful free shopping guide to the city.

 

Restaurants 

How to go wrong? Food in Monaco is universally excellent. There are many fine restaurants, beginning with the Cafe de Paris across the street from the casino, to the waterfront restaurants along the Port de Fontvieille. During the winter months, you will find the restaurants to be decently priced–for Monaco. Bouillabaisse is excellent here.

There are a huge variety of other restaurants and cafés in the city with a moderate price tag and excellent food. There are a few simple cafés along the marina-side, more like beach bars than anything else, that serve simple meals such as pizza, salads and hotdogs throughout the day. These can be excellent for simply sitting back during the hot midday with a cold beer or glass of wine, a snack to recharge your batteries from exploring the city, and the gentle lapping of the Mediterranean (and often the roar of supercars) in your ears. Most of these restaurants are equipped with water-misters in the ceilings that gently cool and refresh the clientele.

Somewhere in between these two dining experiences comes the world-famous Caf̩ de Paris, just outside the Casino. Tourists and locals alike can often be found during the afternoon and all through the night laughing, drinking, and eating some fabulous (but verging on expensive) meals. It is definitely a must-go during your stay in Monte Carlo, even if it is just for a snack in the afternoon Рit is well worth it. A new favorite in Monaco is Beefbar located in the Port of La Condamine, they serve excellent meat.

Dining in Monte Carlo can be a very sobering experience to whomever is paying the bill. Perhaps the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city are the Louis XV Restaurant and the Le Grill de L’Hotel de Paris, both centered on the very exclusive Hotel de Paris. You are more than likely to be seated next to a member of the rich and famous, and the gourmet food is simply out-of-this-world – however, these experiences come with a rather hefty price tag!

 

Nightlife 

Champagne has the status of a national beverage in Monaco. (A single glass can cost as much as €40 at a fashionable restaurant!)

 

Lodging 

see the listing of the Hotels in Monaco

If you’re on a budget, it’s highly recommended that you do not try to find a place to stay in Monaco. For example, a two star hotel without breakfast and bathroom will cost around €60 per person. A better option is to stay in one of the many towns outside of Monaco, for example Ventimiglia a sea-side town situated on the French-Italian border on the Italian side. Nice is only 1/2 hour away from Monaco and it’s very cheap to use the frequent trains. During the winter season, a very nice two star hotel will only cost you about 20 Euro a person, or US $28.

• <stn”>rong>;Novotel: Monaco’s newest hotel. The Novotel opened in Fall 2007. Very modern decor and very clean. The Novotel is located about 200 meters from the Place du Casino and about 50 meters away from the train station.</st

• Colombus Hotelg>: Situated in La Condamine, the Colombus Hotel belongs to Formula 1 racer David Coulthard. There is an excellent restaurant and the lobby is a great spot to relax on the comfortable sofas. Rooms are modern. The hotel is located just by the heliport, and about 200 </span>meters from the Stade Louis II.

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