On the French Riviera, gorgeous and glittering Monaco is a tiny royal principality. It is maybe the most glamorous little stretch of land on the planet, less than two square kilometres in size. The scenery, with its deep blue sea, elegant palm trees, and colourful flowers, has a seductive quality. The steep, rocky promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean, called “Le Rocher” (“The Rock”), which includes historic Monaco, also known as Monaco-Ville, is the most dramatic feature.
Monaco has the lush foliage and balmy weather of the Côte d’Azur and is a spot of exquisite natural beauty. It’s a short (30-minute) train ride away from Nice, but it feels like a different world. Considered to have Europe’s highest per capita income, as seen in the upscale hotels, designer boutiques, luxury yachts, and opulent restaurants, Monaco exudes an air of lavish wealth.
One must specifically visit these places while on a trip to Monaco:
Monte-Carlo
Indulge in Monaco’s lavish paradise, where decadence and luxury are a way of living. Monaco packs an immense amount of glitz, considering its small scale. In an area of breathtaking natural beauty, Monte Carlo is the district with the most glamorous atmosphere. Monte-Carlo lies to the north of the Port of Monaco on a rocky promontory. From the gorgeous terrace of Place du Casino, there are spectacular seaside views. As the wealthiest district of Monaco, Monte-Carlo attracts the wealthy and prominent. Monte-Carlo is a perfect place for visitors to view locals or to enjoy fine dining. Gourmands can choose from three restaurants with Michelin stars as well as other outstanding options. Two elegant boulevards cross Monte-Carlo, the Boulevard Princesse Charlotte to the west and the Boulevard des Moulins at its southwest end. There are plenty of trendy shopping avenues, including Avenue de la Costa
Palais du Prince
The Palais du Prince, in a rare location high above the sea on the picturesque peninsula of Le Rocher, is home to the world’s oldest monarchy. After they seized the land from the Republic of Genoa, the Genoese noble family of Grimaldi founded Monaco in 1297. The site was originally built as a Genoese fortress in the 13th century and provides panoramic views that were used for defensive purposes in the Middle Ages. Throughout the years, the fortress was restored and converted into a lavish palace in the Louis XIV style. The Palais du Prince State Apartments is a private residence, but it is open to the public at certain times of the year. Visitors will see the sumptuous Italian gallery decorated with frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries; the gilded “Blue Room” with a vivid blue and gold décor; the Mazarin Room with wood panels; and the Throne Room in the Empire style, which has an impressive Renaissance fireplace.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo (Salle Garnier)
The Monte-Carlo Opera House is situated in Monaco’s most glamorous district, on the Place du Casino, a lavish public square. This splendid square, lined with palm trees, features an impressive fountain and a terrace with superb views of the coastline. In this elegant scene, The Opera House fits right in. It was built in 1878 and designed by the architect of the Opera House in Paris, Charles Garnier. The “Salle Garnier” auditorium at the Opera House is completely painted in red and gold, with a profusion of intricate bas-reliefs, beautiful frescoes, and striking sculptures. In 1879, Sarah Bernhardt inaugurated the Salle Garnier. Opera and ballet have delighted audiences for more than a century here, and many world-class opera singers have been received by the Opera House. Most classic operas are performed at the Monte-Carlo Opera House, but other musical recitals, concerts, and ballet performances are also hosted.
Monaco Harbor
Monaco’s harbor at the foot of the cliff is a busy port scene, full of yachts. Between 1901 and 1926, the square-shaped harbor (Port de la Condamine) was designed to provide berths for large numbers of yachts. Many luxury yachts, including the Prince’s private vessel, are docked here. Monaco has a popular Yacht Club in front of the marina, as it should being a very popular yachting capital. The Yacht Club de Monaco on Quai Louis II brings together over 1,600 members from 66 different countries (private yacht owners). HSH Prince Sovereign Albert II, who founded the club in 1953, presides over the Yacht Club.
Monte Carlo Casino
Monte Carlo Casino was founded to save the Grimaldi family from bankruptcy in the 19th century. At the time, with little infrastructure to sustain tourism, Monaco was weak. The strategy succeeded. Today, the Monte Carlo Casino attracts gamblers with games of chance, including roulette, baccarat, craps, and slot machines; here, even James Bond tried his luck. The casino has a dress code and entrance fees; international visitors must display passports or other IDs, as residents of Monaco are not permitted inside.
