Monte Carlo is an area in the Principality of Monaco on the French Riviera. Located between France to the west and Italy to the east, it has a glamorous reputation as the playground of the rich and famous. Certainly when your look at the luxury yachts in the marinas, it is easy to believe you are gazing at ocean-going liners as the opulence of some is extreme. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world being less than two miles long and a little over half a mile wide. It has the oldest royal family in the world having been ruled by the Grimaldi family for over seven hundred years. Monaco is a rich city state with tax laws that favour rich foreigners who make their primary residence there in order to avoid tax at home. Monte Carlo has been featured in several exciting box office hits which add to its allure. One of the main attractions is of course the casino, a spectacularly palatial building, where you can try your luck on the gaming tables and slot machines. Monte Carlo is perfect for a luxury mini-break where romance and glamour live side by side.
Monte Carlo, in the tiny City State of Monaco, is the location of the royal palace as well as the famous casino. It is an area that oozes opulence with luxury yachts moored in the harbour and top designer boutiques lining the streets. Apart from the casinos and clubs, Monaco’s cultural scene includes opera, ballet and classical concerts.
A Monte Carlo holiday appeals to those looking for a city break where pleasure and entertainment have top priority. It is not the place to choose if you are on a tight budget.
A Monte Carlo holiday can be taken at any time of year and it is the ideal destination for a city break. The principality enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Most precipitation occurs in the winter.
Monte Carlo, in Monaco on the eastern French Riviera, is a very cosmopolitan place where three quarters of its permanent residents are wealthy foreigners. Monaco is tiny, the smallest country in the world apart from Vatican City. With thirty thousand citizens in an area of barely two miles square, and boosted by holidaymakers, it is heavily populated. Bathed in almost year round sunshine this bustling city state offers luxury and glamour where people-watching is taken to a new level.
The name Monte Carlo is synonymous with casino and Le Grand Casino will not disappoint. It is an imposing building dating from the eighteen sixties which holds not only the casino but also the opera and ballet house. Set in formal gardens with fountains and stunning floral displays, it is top of everyone’s sightseeing list. If gambling is not your penchant, take a walk along to seafront to view the yachts. The marinas and the bays are unlike any other in Europe as they overflow with vessels resembling luxury cruisers. Forget the image of a small boat with a sail, in Monaco they are few and far between. Wherever you look you will see millions of pounds worth of floating holiday homes.
Monte Carlo has an excellent range of accommodation, many fine restaurants, superb shops and boutiques and a lively and sophisticated nightlife. Sightseeing includes the royal palace, some of which is open to the public, and the cathedral where grace Kelly and Prince Rainier were married and are now buried behind the altar. The Grand Prix is a very popular attraction. If you don’t enjoy crowds and roaring engines it is better to avoid this event.
There is a free beach at the end of the Princess Grace Avenue where you can relax in the sunshine. Water sports include wind surfing, sailing and diving. Golf and tennis are also available.
Monte Carlo makes an ideal city break at any time of year.
Monte Carlo nightlife is vibrant and offers a range of entertainment. The casino of course is usually top of everyone’s list, where dress is smart and fairly formal. No shorts and T-shirts are found here. If gambling is not for you, try a night at the opera or the ballet. Monte Carlo has numerous restaurants, bars and clubs where you can while away the hours of darkness, their diverse atmospheres catering for every mood.
Monte Carlo is renowned for the exclusivity of its retailers. Top designer boutiques, jewellers and antique shops compete for your custom. Even if the prices are too high, window shopping is fun.
Monte Carlo has many fine restaurants catering for all tastes though possibly not all budgets.
