Monaco is arguably one of the most idyllic dream spots to vacation…
Monte Carlo, an exquisite emerald in a setting of craggy rocks rising from the azure-blue Mediterranean Sea, basks between enchanting French Medieval villages and the ski trails of the Alps. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures, it celebrates with passion the arts, culture, outstanding cuisine, restoration of mind and body, and high-adrenaline activities like the Formula One Grand Prix, casino gaming, land and water sports and exciting nightlife. The natural and man-made attributes of this fairy-tale land, home and host to royalty and the brightest luminaries of painting, stage, film, dance, music and the business world for nearly 150 years, make it a matchless place.
Monte Carlo is on the Riviera between Provence and Italy, close to the museums of Nice (Matisse, Chagall) and the glamorous shopping boulevards of Cannes. The Picasso Museum and world-famous Maeght Collection are nearby, as well. Trips to the medieval villages of St. Paul de Vence or Eze, the perfume factories of Grasse, Italy’s ski slopes and the boutiques and markets of nearby San Remo are memorable events, as are private parties at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St. Jean Cap Ferrat or La Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu.
Monte Carlo is certainly no budget shopping destination, but there are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chicest clothes shops are in the 'Golden Circle', framed by avenue Monte Carlo, avenue des Beaux-Arts and allees Lumieres, where Hermes, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around place du Casino is home to high end jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. For souvenirs, the tourist orientated shops that recline in the winding old streets of Monaco-Ville are the place to head. The Condamine area is home to around 200 shops, while the Fontvieille Shopping Centre is a more 'normal' shopping experience with 36 shops selling electronic goods, CDs, furniture, and clothes as well as a Carrefour supermarket. The tourist office also issue a useful free shopping guide to the city.
Monte Carlo Casino
It is hard to imagine that in the middle of the 19th century, this prestigious square - known all over the world - was nothing but overgrown wasteland under which, according to forebears, were seawater - filled caves. The visionary François Blanc, founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, transformed it completely within three years; he built the Casino and, a mere ten metres away, the Hôtel de Paris. Opposite the hotel, horses and their carriages were tucked away in the stables. Yet more changes were on the way... a fountain was constructed in the middle and palm trees were imported from Bordighera. The only thing missing was a really good café so, in 1868, the Café Divan was opened. The Place du Casino's design was now complete.
Getting there:
Location: The Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is located 13.7 miles (22km) from Monaco in Nice, France. Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)4 898 898 28. Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle bus connects the two terminals, which are also within walking distance. Transfer to the city: Taxis, helicopters, car services and buses link Nice Airport and Monaco. Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented.There are a number of restaurants, bars and shops, banks and foreign exchange offices in both terminals. Parking: Plenty of short and long-term parking is available at both terminals. Airport hotels: Departure tax: None. Website:www.nice.aeroport.fr
Exciting Arrivals
Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport is a 30-minute drive, or Heli Air Monte Carlo takes 10 minutes, cutting across the Mediterranean. Non-stop flights to Nice: 7 hours from New York, 10 from Tokyo, 2 from London; excellent connections through European gateways. Trains arrive at the new Monte Carlo station, blasted out of the mountain.
Language: The official language of Monaco is French, but English and Italian, as well as Mongasque and Occitan (local languages) are also spoken.