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Throughout its history, the tiny Principality of Monaco, situated on
the Côte d’Azur, has repeatedly managed to retain its independence
against extraordinary odds. Ever since François Grimaldi first
infiltrated the fortress of Monaco on the evening of 8 January 1297,
the ruling family has always fought to regain control of its
territory even when it has been forcibly taken from them.
Although a country with a strong heritage, Monaco has not been slow
to implement change where necessary. When in 1949 Prince Rainier III
ascended to the throne, he was determined to ensure that his tiny
state was competitive on the international stage, without
sacrificing its culture and traditions. This is evident from the
thriving nature of the state and its economy today.
Getting There
Access to the Principality is excellent. Three airlines fly from
London to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport; British Airways, BMI and Easyjet.
The fastest and most dynamic method of transfer from the Airport to
Monaco is by helicopter, a mere seven minutes in the air, with the
journey by road taking around 45 minutes. There are also convenient
train links from Monaco and Nice stations with the rest of France,
with the high-speed TGV departing from Nice to, amongst other
destinations, Lille, port of call for the Eurostar.
Hotels and Restaurants
There is a wide range of hotels to choose from in the Principality,
catering for business and leisure travellers alike. All the top
hotels are located close to the Grimaldi Forum, have swimming pools,
and are renowned for an exceptionally high standard of cuisine.
Several fall within the 4 star de luxe category, but it is also
possible to find accommodation in Monaco for a more restricted
budget.
Monaco benefits from an enormous variety of restaurants, which offer
everything from haute cuisine amidst Belle Epoque splendour to
Mediterranean cooking in small cosy bistros. A number of leading
restaurants in the Principality have been awarded stars by the Guide
Michelin.
Conferences and Incentives
The Principality is renowned as a stylish conference and incentive
destination. The state-of-the-art Grimaldi Forum, with its dramatic
location and modern design, is an exceptionally equipped venue for
meetings conferences and exhibitions. Many of the hotels have their
own conference facilities and the choice of exhibition and
conference venues continues to grow in the Principality.
Leisure Activities
For those who are at their leisure, there is plenty to see and do in
the Principality. Sporting activities include swimming at Larvotto
Beach or in the various pools situated around Monaco; a variety of
water sports such as parasailing, water-skiing and windsurfing; golf
at the Monte Carlo Golf Club; squash and tennis at the Monte Carlo
Country Club; and sailing. For the ultimate in pampering and
relaxation there is the Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo, a
thalassotherapy centre and spa offering a range of sea-water therapy
treatments and facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna, hammam,
fitness gym and dietetic restaurant.
Monaco is divided into districts, of which Monte Carlo is the best
known as the site of the world famous Casino with its elegant
Gardens. Its compact nature means that it is possible, and
enjoyable, to explore the Principality in its entirety on foot, with
a series of lifts and escalators connecting the different street
levels.
Another interesting area for visitors is the old town, Monaco Ville,
with the Prince’s Palace and State Apartments, the Cathedral, and
the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, which until recently was
under the direction of explorer Commander Jacques Cousteau and now
features a ‘Shark Lagoon’.
A recent addition to the Principality’s attractions is the
exhibition of HSH Prince Rainier’s Private Collection of Classic
Cars. Other attractions include the Exotic Garden and the
Observatory Caves, the tranquil Japanese Garden and the Princess
Grace Rose Garden.
New Developments
The search for improvement and innovation is a key factor in
Monaco’s development and the Grimaldi Forum, which opened in
September 2000, greatly enhances the Principality’s capacity for
major conventions and exhibitions. In addition, many of Monaco’s
hotels now offer state-of-the-art conference, meeting and banqueting
facilities.
Events
Monaco is a place that never sleeps. A series of sporting and
cultural events continues throughout the year, such as the Monte
Carlo Automobile Rally, the International Circus Festival, the
International Tennis Championships, and the famous Monaco Grand
Prix, plus a succession of artistic performances including concerts
in the Courtyard of the Prince’s Palace, Opera in the Salle Garnier,
and ballet performances on the Terraces of the Casino.
Interesting Facts
“The man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo” was called Charles
Wells.
Commander Jacques Cousteau was Director of the Monaco Oceanographic
Museum for several years.
The Principality of Monaco celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1997.
The Monte Carlo Opera House is a miniature replica of the Paris
Opera House, both designed by Charles Garnier.
To bring them luck before visiting the Casino, gamblers at the Hotel
de Paris traditionally touch the horse’s foreleg of the bronze
statue of Louis XIV which is located in the hotel’s lobby.
The Principality of Monaco is smaller than Hyde Park.
Monaco nationals are called Monégasques.
Monégasques are not allowed to gamble in the Casino.
31 hectares of Monaco’s total surface area is land reclaimed from
the sea.
Monaco has a population of 30,000.
The number of Monaco nationals (Monégasques) is less than the number
of non-Monégasque residents.
Less than 5% of state revenue is from gambling.
Alain Ducasse of the Louis XIV Restaurant was the youngest chef to
be awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide.
One of the musicians in the orchestra on board Titanic was
Monégasque.
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