🇲🇨 Monaco: mini-guide to the principality of millionaires
Hollywood fans, racing fans and poker players are most familiar with this country. Yes, you read that right, we are talking about the Principality of Monaco. It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. Here you can spend a fun weekend or stay longer, choosing to leisurely explore this unique region of Europe. We have collected all the most important information about this country in one article. In any case, it will be very interesting!
Story
It is believed that the first settlements in Monaco were founded by the Phoenicians in the 10th century BC. e. But the beginning of the existence of the modern country is counted from 1215, when the Genoese Republic appeared. And already in 1297, the first representative of the princely family appeared here, which has ruled Monaco for more than 700 years. François Grim Aldi and his supporters conquered the country. After this, Monaco passed into the hands of France and the Kingdom of Sardinia several times until it gained independence in 1861.
However, the principality is still very closely connected with France through a customs union and other treaties. In 1956, American actress Grace Kelly became the wife of Prince Rainier III of Monaco – and then everyone started talking about this small country. By the way, the media covering the life of the royal family still brings significant funds to the treasury. Now the son of Rainier III, Prince Albert II, rules.
Monaco is a member of many international organizations: the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, Interpol, UNESCO, WHO, but is not a member of the European Union or NATO.
Location
Monaco occupies a very small territory in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur, 20 km from Nice. The climate here is Mediterranean: summers are warm and dry, winters are mild and rainy. The only land border connects the principality with France. Monaco is a dwarf state; the geographical boundaries of the city and the country coincide. Its area is only 2.02 km². According to this indicator, the principality ranks second from the bottom in the world – only the Vatican is smaller.
Visas
Most tourists visit Monaco as part of tourist groups, traveling through several European countries at once. In this case, you can enter the principality with a Schengen visa. If you are traveling only to Monaco, you will need a special visa.
Citizens of many countries are issued a visa at the nearest French embassy. The procedure is the same as for obtaining a visa to France, but the processing time for documents is shorter – three working days in standard cases.
And on the way to Monaco, stop by Paris. A guide to this city has been prepared here!
Transport
The principality has rail, road, sea and air transport. The length of the railway tracks is only 1.7 km, they are served by the French national railway company. They connect Monaco with France itself, as well as with Italy. The only station in the country is open in Monte Carlo. It, like most of the tracks, is underground.
The length of the roads is much longer – 50 km. There are seven bus routes within the principality, and there are flights to the port of Nice. In Monaco itself there are two ports: in the areas of La Condamine and Fontvieille. The first one operates water buses and taxis. The only air harbor in the country is the Monte Carlo heliport. It connects the principality with Nice.
By the way, we talk about cities with the best public transport systems here. Choose a city and go explore!
Housing
Monaco is divided into 10 districts, but due to the small area of the country, the distance from one point to another is always very short. All sites in one way or another have their own reputation and location: some are closer to the sea, others are more expensive, and others are full of attractions.
There are several dozen hotels on the territory of the principality. The most expensive ones are located in the Monte Carlo area. This is where celebrities and wealthy entrepreneurs from all over the world come to play in the casino, ride a yacht or walk along the shore, which is why the prices for accommodation are quite high.
So, a day in a Fairmont Monte Carlo room will cost about 300 euros. And options on the beach with sea views are even more expensive. One night at Le Méridien Beach Plaza costs about 500 euros. However, there are also cheaper options – apartments. So, a day at Apartments Monaco will cost an average of 100 euros.
Another option is to find a place to rent on airbnb. The cost of living in an apartment starts from 70 euros per day with an average price of about 100, but those who stay for a long time have an advantage.
Kitchen
In principle, there is no such thing as “national cuisine of Monaco”. The population of the principality combines the culinary traditions of France and Italy. Healthy eating is especially common here. Particularly popular are seafood dishes inherited from Mediterranean cuisine, in particular bouillabaisse soup. But there are options for those who don’t like fish: vegetable stews, gnocchi, salads and pates.
Monaco is known for its fine dining. Several establishments have Michelin stars. Louis XV Alain Ducasse has the most of them at the Hôtel de Paris – as many as 3. They offer modern, light dishes filled with the special energy of the Riviera.
For breathtaking views while dining, head to Horizon Rooftop. The restaurant was opened on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel. Choose from French or Italian cuisine and enjoy them while admiring the sea.
And of course, check out the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, which has been in business for 150 years. This place is the real heart of Monaco and one of the legendary establishments of the principality. Celebrities and artists, residents and guests of the country gather here to drink coffee or try one of the luxurious desserts.
We talk about the cuisine of another dwarf country – Luxembourg – in this material. A list of the best restaurants that serve family-style cooking can be found here.
Attractions
Monte Carlo
Technically it is a separate area, widely known for its casinos. In addition to them, there is an opera house and the National Museum of Fine Arts. It is on this section of the principality that the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit takes place.
In the very center of the area is the Casino of Monte Carlo. This is a whole complex of entertainment establishments. In the first half of the day it functions as a tourist attraction, and from 14:00 it turns into the most famous gambling house. It is simply impossible to pass by the building – its size, architecture, and wealth of decorations are amazing. Monte Carlo is also the most glamorous port in the Mediterranean.
The casino will give even more impressions to those who go inside. It will be interesting even for people who are indifferent to gambling. So, in the first room they installed a bronze statue of Fortuna, the goddess of luck, and around it were 28 stone columns covered with marble plaster.
And of course, all kinds of game options. French and English roulette, thirty-forty, punto banco, blackjack and Texas Hold'em poker – both beginners and experienced players will find a place for themselves here. And for slot machine lovers, there are 480 state-of-the-art machines at the Café de Paris casino. Classic board and electronic games attract thousands of amateurs and professionals from all over the world. Anyone can try their luck and try to hit the jackpot in an atmosphere of incredible luxury.
Princely Palace
The official residence of the rulers of Monaco from the Grimaldi family was founded back in 1191, but then it was a Genoese fortress. Afterwards the building was rebuilt dozens of times. Since this is the only official residence of the rulers of the principality for 700 years, it reflects the entire history of the royal family. Demonstrates the financial and political position of the House of Grimaldi.
The luxurious beige building with turrets and arched windows is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes. This place is not just a landmark; it is in its offices that the fate of the country is decided. The State Apartments are open to guests throughout the summer, and the courtyard often hosts concerts and Christmas celebrations. And from the gallery of Hercules, located above him, the prince addresses his subjects on special occasions. The royal family itself lives here.
Princess Grace Rose Garden
This amazing place was opened by Prince Rainier III in 1984 in memory of his beloved wife Grace Kelly, who loved flowers very much. It’s worth visiting even for those who are not interested in flora. About 4 thousand rose bushes were planted on an area of 3,300 m². In total, there are 14 thousand plants in the garden.
In addition, there are several statues dedicated to the princess. New varieties and species are constantly appearing in the garden, creating an amazing atmosphere. You can also find a unique named variety, bred in honor of the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly – Grace de Monaco. It’s nice to stroll and relax here in any weather or season—the bushes bloom all year round.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
This Roman – Byzantine style cathedral was built in 1875 from white stone quarried in La Turbie. This is where the princes of Monaco are buried. Inside the building, next to the magnificent high altar and the bishop's chair made of white Carrara marble, an altar painting by the French artist Ludovico Brea from 1500 was installed.
Solemn liturgies are held here on the days of the main church holidays, as well as on the Day of Remembrance of St. Devot (January 27) and on National Day of Monaco (November 19). In addition, they organize sacred music concerts and perform masses.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
It was founded in 1889 by Prince Albert I of Monaco. By the way, the famous Jacques Yves Cousteau worked as the director of the museum for many years. Here they collected a unique collection of stuffed animals and skeletons of different types of marine fauna. There are also boats, sea tools, weapons – everything that relates to going out onto the big water.
The museum also has an aquarium, where visitors can get acquainted with 4,000 species of fish and about 200 species of invertebrates. Most of them represent the tropics and the Mediterranean Sea. We collected even more unusual museums around the world in our other selection.