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Monaco - so much more than meets the eye (1)
2011-09-26 17:37
With an area of 2.2 Km2 and a 3,829m coastline, Monaco is the second smallest state in the world, but also one of the most cosmopolitan, with a population of 32,000 comprising 125 nationalities. Situated between the deep azure of the ocean and the southern French Alps, with Italy only a hop, skip and jump away, it's a perfect place to enjoy a weekend break or a more extended vacation.
Depending on the time of year you intend to visit, there's always a range of sparkling cultural events going on. The Monte Carlo Philharmonic and the Ballets de Monte Carlo are world-class artistic companies, and it's worth visiting for them alone, but there are also serious arts events such as the Printemps des Arts, the annual theatre festival, the TV festival and more, as a glance at the video below will soon show.
There are sixteen museums and monuments to visit and eight parks in which to relax, and even if you only have a day here, there's so much to see and do that you may feel spoilt for choice. To help you, this is our quick guide to the districts of Monaco and what you can find in each one.
Monaco Ville
The historic heart of the Principality, Monaco Ville is home to the Prince's Palace, and the Cathedral of Monaco. Make your way to the Rock of Monaco (le Rocher), which you will find rising up above one side of the main harbour. If you've arrived by boat you can take the steps up to Fort Antoine and then onwards to the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral, and finally the Palace. Alternatively, approaching from Fontvieille, find Place d'Armes and take an elevator to the 'Great Ramp' from which you approach the Palace and then move on to the above points of interest.
Prince's Palace and the Changing of the Guard.
Try to be there for 11.55am in order to catch the ceremony in the main
courtyard. Look out for 'Malizia' - a modern statue commemorating the
first Grimaldi
Cathedral of Monaco. Explore the place where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married in 1956, and visit the Grimaldi tombs.
Oceanographic museum. One of the oldest and best of its kind in the world, with Anna, one of the oldest fish in the world, among the many exhibits
La Condamine
Wander down to Place d'Armes with its bustling market before making your way to the distinctive main harbour, Port Hercule, extremely well known to lovers of yachting and also the Grand Prix circuit, part of which runs alongside the outdoor swimming pool. There are many excellent places to eat and drink along the harbourside. Why not pop into Stars'n'Bars for a quick aperitif?
Monte Carlo
After lunch at the Cafe de Paris, explore the Casino area with its beautiful gardens and fountains, or take an afternoon coffee in the Galerie du Metropole. And finally, make your way up to the botanical gardens, one of the most beautiful spots on earth, and certainly a fitting place from which to watch the entire story pan out far below you.
Lunch in the Café de Paris, one of the most popular meeting places on the Riviera - you never know who may be there as well!
Explore the Casino area and the Jardin des Boulingrins
Getting there/getting around
There are many car parks available, with the first hour free of charge. From here you can take a bus, the bateau-bus or an electric bike to explore all the different areas of the Principality and discover its delights. There are helpful maps and guides available from the tourist office and also online, so you can prepare before you go. Don't let the small size of the country deceive you - it has much more to it than you ever imagined!