Monaco

The principality of Monaco lies 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.

Regions

There are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier):

• Fontvieille
• La Condamine
• Monaco-Ville
• Monte-Carlo

Cities

• Monaco - Capital

Understand

Climate

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain

Hilly, rugged, rocky

Highest point

Mont Agel 140 m

History

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

1419 (beginning of the rule by the House of Grimaldi)

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.

Constitution

17 December 1962

Get in

By plane

Airports : none; linked to airport in Nice, France, by helicopter service (2001)

Heliports : 1 (shuttle service between the international airport at Nice, France, and Monaco's heliport at Fontvieille) (2002). Entering Monaco by helicopter is especially nice, and will doubtless impress your significant other. 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

You can enter Monaco by train, arriving at the Monte Carlo train station.

By car

Monaco may be entered by car, along the coast road; it's a pretty drive, and taxi trips to and from Nice are affordable.

By bus

By boat

The rich can afford to travel to Monaco by boat, preferably by private yacht. It's the way to visit Monaco if you can do so. The creme de la creme berth at the Port de Monaco; the primary alternative is the Port de Fontvieille.

Get around

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. For these, there is the efficient bus system, if you don't mind feeling like a member of the working class in Monaco's bourgeois opulence, or a taxi. 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. Most hotels will provide courtesy drivers to points of interest, such as the Palace and casino. Note that there is an elevator at the Place du Canton that connects the sidewalk to the palace grounds above, saving an uphill hike on the Avenue de la Porte Nueve.

By Bus

A daily pass specially designed for tourists allows you to use the buses all day for €3.50.

Talk

Languages

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Eat

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.

Sleep

If you're on a budget, it's highly recommended that you do not try and 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.

Another option is staying in Lyon, and taking the regular train to the city.

See

• 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 is one of the finest in the world.

• Entry into the Monaco 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).

• See the Formula One Grand Prix

Stay safe

Don't get run over by a F1 car!

External links

Monaco Tourism - Hotels booking and general information for tourists

Principality of Monaco - A lot of general information about the country

Helicopter Service - Helicopter flight booking with HeliAir Monaco

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