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Sport and Leisure Directory
2011-05-30 13:48
Monaco is made for sport. Its unique position between the Alps and the Mediterranean makes the principality the first port of call not just for high-class yachting, motoring or skiing events, but also more traditional pastimes. Whatever you're into, from watersports to hiking, you have an unrivalled opportunity here for fun, relaxation and competition.
Let's take a look at what's on offer, for participants and spectators alike:
• The Louis II Stadium, home to Monaco FC (finalists in the 2004 UEFA Champions League) hosts football matches for the French first division as well as international athletics meetings. Table tennis, squash, basketball, volleyball, boxing, martial arts and swimming are all available here.
• The open-air Rainier III Stadium on the Promenade du Port provides an Olympic-size swimming pool (50 x 25 m) complete with qualified instructors. And with its panoramic view of the mountains, the Rock of Monaco and the sea, there's no better place to practise your high diving! International Swimming takes place here each June.
• Each April, the 40 courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club host one of the most important tournaments on the professional tennis circuit, the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters. It's one of the most eagerly awaited events of the sporting year, as testified to by the many players and fans who reside in the Principality.
• The Plage du Larvotto and Monte Carlo Beach are the perfect places to come for all water sports: windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboard, ski bus, sea scooters, jet-ski, and even parachute rides over the sea (April to October)
• As well as organizing Classic Week and other sailing events, The Monaco Yacht Club provides professional training and supervision, while if it's below the surface you'd rather be, try underwater diving with the Club d'Exploration Sous-Marine de Monaco (Tel : 00 377 92 05 91 78).
• Athletics and jogging are well catered for with the free 1.4 km soft surface track (above Ave Princesse Grace) , the 2.5km health circuit and the 6000m2 physical exercise amenities near the Exotic Gardens.
• Hiking The long distance Via Alpina stretches all the way from Monaco to Trieste in Italy. If you're up for it, the 'Alpine Arc' crosses up to eight countries: France, Germany, Austria, Italy,Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Slovenia and the Principality of Monaco! The clearly signposted route starts in front of the Prince’s Palace, passes through the Saint-Martin Gardens and along Avenue de La Porte Neuve, crosses the Place d'Armes intothe Exotic Gardens, then continues into France towards La Turbie.
• Skiing Within two hours of Monaco you can choose from the French resorts of Peira Cava (57 km), Gréolières (68 km), La Colmiane (89 km), Valberg (103 km), Isola 2000 (110 km) or Auron (116 km), or the Italian resorts of Limone (82 km) or Monesi (123 km). Or take a helicopter there - it's cheaper than you think!
• Along with many other golf courses in the CityOut directory, Monte-Carlo Golf Club provides an 18-hole, 5km course - par 71 (Handicap : men : 24 – women : 28 – Fees : approx. 45.7 to 61 €) Situated at an altitude of 900m, you also get an unrivalled panoramic view of the Mediterranean between holes. This highly technical course offers a club (open to non-members), private and group tuition and hire of all equipment.
• Every May, for four thrilling days, the whole town of Monte Carlo becomes the track for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. In addition, every two years, the same track hosts the 'Historic Grand Prix' , with cars built from 1934 to 1979. The smell of paraffin, the leather helmets and shining chrome all contribute to this nostalgic event. And each January since 1911, the Automobile Club de Monaco has organized the annual Monte-Carlo Rally across the Alps.
• Finally, each spring sees Monte-Carlo’s International Show-Jumping event, bringing together some of the world's most accomplished riders.