Monaco became the focus for the world’s media at the beginning of July 2011, on the occasion of the royal wedding between His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Miss Charlene Lynette Wittstock. The event has pushed Monaco back onto the world stage and acts as a reminder that there is much to see and do in the principality.
The new princess has learned French and Monegasque, the dialect similar to Genoese and spoken by the natives of Monaco. Yet less than 8,000 of the 30,539 inhabitants are Monegasque nationals. The vast majority of people living in Monaco are resident tax exiles, enjoying the principality’s temperate climate along with exemption from personal income tax, wealth tax, land tax, housing tax and television tax.
Monaco is the World's Second Smallest Nation
Renowned as a playground for millionaires, whose yachts are moored in the Port de Fontvieille and Port Hercule marinas, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (behind the Vatican).
It should come as no surprise, given the abundance of wealthy people, to hear that Monaco is not a cheap place to visit. Lunch on the terrace of the highly regarded Louis XV restaurant, which has three Michelin stars, within the Hotel de Paris, costs €140. The restaurant is a gourmand’s dream. The presentation of the cuisine within the chandeliered restaurant is exquisite. Reservations are essential. Alain Ducasse, the executive chef, oversaw the catering at the royal wedding.
Monaco and the Monte-Carlo Casino
The Hotel de Paris is located at the famous Place du Casino. This is one of the few places in the world that you can be pretty sure, should you see someone who looks like a film star passing through the foyer, that it probably is that star and not merely a lookalike. Both the hotel and belle époque style Monte-Carlo Casino date back to the 1860s and, over the past century-and-a-half, have built an unrivalled reputation for quality.
The casino has been used as the set of a James Bond film. It features in the 1995 film Goldeneye, starring Pierce Brosnan. A sensible dress policy must be conformed to in order to enter the marble pillared hall of the casino. That policy means holidaymakers wearing shorts and flip-flops are turned away. Guests need to show their passports and pay €10 entry fee. It may come as a surprise to learn that the Monegasque themselves are not allowed to gamble in the casino.
Monte Carlo is not Monaco
Incorrectly, many people incorrectly think that the terms Monaco and Monte Carlo are interchangeable. Monte Carlo is, in fact, just one of the principality’s districts. The casino and Monte Carlo Rally, which is this year celebrating its centenary, have helped spread its fame and allure. In comparison to the rally the Formula 1 Grand Prix - which was first held on the streets of Monaco in 1955 - is a mere youngster. The Automobile Club de Monaco’s shop is at 46 rue Grimaldi and ideal for motor racing related souvenirs.
Monaco and the Grimaldi Family
That particular street was named after Monaco’s ruling family, of which Prince Albert II is the current head. The Grimaldis have been closely associated with Monaco’s history since 1297 when Francois Grimaldi seized control of the fortress, having disguised himself as a monk to gain entry. The state apartments, within the royal palace, are open to visitors from April to October. A combination ticket for the apartments and Museum of Napoleon Souvenirs costs just €9.
Monaco may be a relatively expensive to visit but it has a refined charm and wandering the streets and historic lanes of Monaco-Ville is a rewarding experience. The sculpture trail is worth following and the Japanese Garden is a pleasant place to pause for views over the Mediterranean. On a sunny day it is easy to understand why this region is named the Cote D’Azur, meaning ‘blue coast’.
The local bus which offers a value for money route to and from Nice International Airport offers some great views of the Mediterranean and the dramatic coast.
Stuart Forster - Stuart Forster is a features writer and photographer based in north-east England. He speaks fluent German and enjoys travelling to ...
